Six Perfect Summer Polish Pairings

Six Perfect Summer Polish Pairings

Did you know that the easiest way to update your mani/pedi for summer is to STOP matching your fingers and toes? It’s true – the fresher, more modern approach is a coordinating manicure and pedicure that features different colors.

But how do you know what colors work best together? Which one is for the fingers? What goes on the toes?

A general rule of thumb is to choose the cooler tone for your feet and warmer tones for your hands although you can definitely play around with it.

Try out one of these fresh polish combos to update your mani/pedi this summer.

Perfect Summer Polish Pairings

silver + light blue

Why it Works: While many summer shades are warm tones, shimmery silver plus light blue are a cool pairing.

Try it:  Butter London Glazen Nail Lacquer in Silver Glitter + OPI Classic Nail Lacquer in It’s a Boy

 

light purple + dark purple

Why it Works: Keeping colors in the same family creates an ombre like effect on tips and toes. Tip: you can also try this with light and dark pink, blue or any other color!

Try it: OPI Infinite Shine 2 in Frenchie Likes to Kiss (lavender) + Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Exotic Acai

turquoise + coral

Why it Works: This combo of cool and warm tones complements every complexion.

Try it: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Big Teal + Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Pretty Piggy

gray + bright pink

Why it Works: Bright pink is a summer staple, adding neutral gray makes it feel more modern.

Try it: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Heavy Metal + OPI Infinite Shine 2 in You’re the Shade That I Want (hot magenta)

white + bright blue

Why it Works: This color combo evokes a nautical feel – so perfectly summery!

Try it: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Get Mod + OPI Infinite Shine 2 in Chills are Multiplying! (icy blue)

mermaid sparkle + purple

Why it Works: This mermaid sparkle pairs perfectly with shades of purple, blue/green or teal.

Try it: Butter London Glazen Nail Lacquer in Mermaid (sparkling cool sage glitter) + OPI Nail Lacquer in Show us Your Tips! (periwinkle shimmer)

It’s Your Turn: What’s your favorite manicure/pedicure color combo? Tell us in the comments!

I decided to ditch my bottom eyeliner, here’s what happened

I decided to ditch my bottom eyeliner, here’s what happened

Note from Alison: If you’re already familiar with this post where I decide between eyeliner on bottom lid or not and just want to see the update, scroll all the way down!

As with many great ideas, this one was born from an episode of the Golden Girls. I was flipping through the channels last week when a close up of Rose Nylund (played by Betty White) flashed on the screen. I was slightly appalled to realize that she and I had similar eye makeup on. Even worse, we were wearing it nearly 30 years apart.

I get that all trends come back around again and in this case, I’m hoping that was it, but it did bring to light something that’s been bothering me lately. I haven’t changed up my eye makeup routine in years. Since GYPO has always been about getting out our collective comfort zones and trying new trends, I figured it’s about time for a dose of my own medicine.

BTW, I have a challenge for YOU too, keep reading for details on the #gypoeyelinerchallenge!

Fast forward a few days and this picture of a stunning model wearing eyeliner on just her upper eye pops up on Facebook. Naturally, I shared it with all of you and asked your thoughts.

What do you think? Should you were eyeliner on bottom lid or not? I took the challenge to answer the question for myself....

Photo Credit: Jentry Kelley

The general consensus was that many of you have also ditched bottom eyeliner and never looked back. So I decided to conduct a little #gypoeyelinerchallenge experiment of my own.

Here’s what happened when I ditched my bottom eyeliner.

1. No Bottom Eyeliner

Here’s my look in all it’s glory. It’s not really helpful to see it without something to compare it to, so let’s move on, shall we?

What do you think? Should you were eyeliner on bottom lid or not? I took the challenge to answer the question for myself....


2. Waterline Only (Eye on Left Side of Pic)

I usually apply eyeliner to my waterline so for this example, I used it on just one eye.

What do you think? Should you were eyeliner on bottom lid or not? I took the challenge to answer the question for myself....

3. Waterline Plus Bottom Shadow Liner (Eye on Left Side of Pic)

I dipped a skinny brush in black eyeshadow and applied it under my lower lash line.

What do you think? Should you were eyeliner on bottom lid or not? I took the challenge to answer the question for myself....

4. Waterline Plus Bottom Shadow Liner – Both Eyes

This is my typical everyday eye makeup look. My top liner is always black or navy and I use a coordinating shadow for my bottom liner.

What do you think? Should you were eyeliner on bottom lid or not? I took the challenge to answer the question for myself....

My Verdict: Maybe it was just too much of an adjustment for me but I felt like a naked mole rat without my bottom eyeliner. Skipping my lower liner made me look tired. Plus I discovered that lining my eyes on top and bottom brings out the black rim around my iris more. Scroll up and you’ll see what I mean. My bottom eyeliner won’t be going anywhere soon, and hey, maybe I’ll get asked to star in a reboot of Golden Girls in a few years? UPDATE: Scroll down to see what happened when I decided to ditch it longer term!

Conclusion: This isn’t as cut and dried as it seems. How you line your eyes is NOT a one size fits all thing. Deciding to wear eyeliner on the bottom lid or not has to be a personal decision. While this might look amazing on one person, it doesn’t on another. The shape and size of your eyes also plays a big role in it.

#gypoeyelinerchallenge

It’s Your Turn: Let’s get out of our makeup comfort zones and try something different!

I want you to join me for the #gypoeyelinerchallenge. It’s easy, just try something different with YOUR eyeliner and then post it on social media. If you don’t wear eyeliner at all, try doing one eye with it, one without. If you do wear it, try top only or top and bottom or line your waterline. The key is to do each eye’s makeup differently and then see which one you like best or ask your friends to vote! Maybe you’ll stick with your current makeup routine but maybe you’ll go with something else. It doesn’t matter, what matters is getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new! Share this post with your friends so they can try the challenge too.

Most importantly, use the hashtag #gypoeyelinerchallenge on social media so we can ALL can see your results!

You be the judge: Which one is your favorite? Eyeliner on bottom lid or not?

What do you think? Should you were eyeliner on bottom lid or not? I took the challenge to answer the question for myself....

Products Used for Eye Makeup:

On Lids: Julep Eyeshadow 101 Creme to Powder Eyeshadow Stick in Champagne Shimmer

On Lashes: IT Cosmetics SuperHero Mascara

Upper Eyeliner and Waterline:  IT Cosmetics No Tug Gel Eyeliner in Black

Bottom Eyeliner Shadow:  IT Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Noir applied with IT Cosmetics Fully Angled Liner Brush

On Brows: IT Cosmetics Brow Power Pencil

UPDATE!

After an outcry on social media (apparently I am NOT the best judge of what works on me), I decided to ditch my bottom eyeliner longer term and see how I felt. The first few days were hard, I desperately wanted to put it on, but then a few things happened.

#1 – it started to really grow on me and #2 – random people started telling me I looked younger. WHAT?!?

It’s been over a month now and I mostly go without my bottom liner on a daily basis (BONUS – it makes my eye makeup routine a lot faster!) Once in awhile I put a light amount of liner on my waterline for date night or special occasions. But I don’t miss it. Turns out you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

What do you think? Should you were eyeliner on bottom lid or not? I took the challenge to answer the question for myself....

Bottom lid liner free and LOVING it!

It’s Your Turn: Did you take the #gypoeyelinerchallenge? If so, what were your results? Tell me in the comments!

One Summer Outfit Styled Five Ways

One Summer Outfit Styled Five Ways

Hey pretties! I’m switching up the format of GYPO a bit for the next several weeks of summer. I’ll still be posting some of my outfits but instead of my typical SAHMonday post, I’ll also be featuring our stylish community members from Style Challenges by Get Your Pretty On.

I’m still making the most of my summer capsule wardrobe but now with a little help from my friends!

First up, we’re styling a white top, printed bottoms and bright sandals. This was our outfit prompt for day one of the Summer 2018 Capsule Wardrobe.

 

Here’s my version of this outfit.

[Pom Pom Top/Gingham Shorts/Tassel Earrings/Bow Sandals]

Now for our beautiful models from the Summer 2018 Style Challenge!

Meet Nancy and her daughters Sarah and Hannah. Their individual styling of this outfit is as unique as their personalities. I love how they’ve each selected different details on their white tops. Nancy went with pom pom trim (like mine), Sarah opted for a peplum with zig zag trim and embroidery and Hannah went with a peplum tee. Their shorts are all gingham but they each chose a different pattern size. They also expressed their unique personalities through their adorable accessories and shoe colors.

Jennifer decided to do the gingham midi skirt version of this outfit. She said she felt like a “French housewife” while out running errands and got tons of compliments. I can see why – ooh, la, la!

[Gingham Midi Skirt]

Here are two of my other outfits styled during week one of the Summer 2018 Style Challenge. This one is an oldie but goodie but still one of my easy favorites for summer. I got these white denim shorts last summer and they’ve been my favorite pair ever.

[Gray Tee/White Shorts/Bright Sandals]

Considering my obsession with kimonos, you knew there would be one in this summer’s challenge! See how this one instantly transforms a simple tee and jean shorts into a real outfit?

[Kimono/Bright Tee/Denim Shorts/Gold Sandals]

I’d love to see how YOU style these outfits! Tag me on Instagram @_getyourprettyon or better yet, join me for the Style Challenges Summer 2018 Capsule Wardrobe. We just got started styling our summer outfits so there’s still time for you to get in on this fun way to update your wardrobe. Learn more and sign up HERE!

Rebuild Your Wardrobe: All the Summer Closet Staples You Need

Rebuild Your Wardrobe: All the Summer Closet Staples You Need

If you’re in need of refreshing your closet staples for summer, then you might want to pin this post! Earlier this year I released my first ever year-round capsule wardrobe builder, the Closet Staples Casual Capsule Wardrobe Builder.  It’s been one of the best selling and reviewed Style Challenges® capsule wardrobes to date!

The shopping list for this year-round wardrobe builder is my free gift if you sign up for the GYPO newsletter. You also get four free outfit ideas that span all four seasons. (if you don’t have it yet, you can sign up HERE)

This list is a great place to start if you’re rebuilding your wardrobe from scratch. You can also slowly build your wardrobe over the course of a year (or more) to spread out the expense and curate your closet with pieces you love. You know what I always say, when you’re shopping, if it’s not a heck yes, it’s a no!

You can see that almost every piece on this list is used across multiple seasons so you get the most bang for your buck.

Today we’re going to focus on the 21 summer pieces!

Summer Closet Staples Shopping List

Each piece on this list is one of my closet staples that I pull out every summer, year after year. These are classic basics that won’t be going out of style anytime soon.  The best part?  You can create a multitude of mix and match outfit ideas from them!

I’ve linked up similar items to shop online below, but if you sign up for the full list you’ll get access to an entire catalog of recommended items.

Tops:

  1. Gray Tee
  2. Chambray Button Down
  3. White Tank Top
  4. Floral Top
  5. White Tee
  6. Navy Tee
  7. Striped Tee

Bottoms:

  1. Olive Shorts
  2. White Shorts
  3. Denim Shorts

Dresses:

  1. Solid Dress

Jackets:

  1. Denim Jacket (Optional)

Shoes:

  1. Gold Sandals and/or Sneakers
  2. Leopard Sneakers
  3. Neutral Wedges
  4. Bright Sandals

Accessories:

  1. Bright Purse
  2. Short Necklaces
  3. Stud Earrings
  4. Tassel or Pendant Necklace
  5. Cognac Tote
  6. Hoop Earrings

 

You get four free outfit ideas for signing up for the list, but here’s a BONUS summer outfit formula not included.  Try this one out with pieces from your closet!

Striped Tee + Denim Shorts + Bright Purse + Short Necklace + Leopard Sneakers

It’s Your Turn:  What are some of YOUR favorite summer closet staples?  Did they make this list?

I FEEL PRETTY

It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments.

There are just a few simple rules:

1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, FacebookInstagram or Pinterest)
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to GYPO.
4. Visit other pretties!



Try the Trend: Palazzo Pants

Try the Trend: Palazzo Pants

Have you discovered the magic of palazzo pants yet? They’re super comfy like pajama pants but add a pair of heels and they’re instantly chic and dressy. Put on flip flops or sandals, and you’re totally beach or pool ready. Magical, I tell ya!

I got a pair a few weeks ago and have worn them in so many ways already – for schlepping around the house, as a cover up for my swimsuit and even out for a date night!

Here’s my date night look and honestly my favorite way to wear them. This outfit can be instantly transformed just by replacing the heels with a pair of sandals.

Tank Top + Palazzo Pants + Block Heel Sandals

Because I wasn’t sure if I’d love this trend, I bought my pair of palazzo pants at Ross for just $8.99. Best $9 I ever spent! This pair is similar and also a great deal.

A simple tank top is all you need to wear with these, the fitted top helps balance out the more voluminous pants. Finish this look out with a pair of black fringe tassel earrings, a gold tassel necklace and a simple cuff bracelet.

Shop the Look

More Options

It’s Your Turn: Have you tried the palazzo pants trend yet?