Well if you haven’t already heard me gushing about it, I officially finished a book! And because I love you most of all you’re getting a sneak peek today of the official cover reveal.
Oh and guess what? It releases on my birthday this year! This is quite honestly the best birthday gift ever but guess what? The Ultimate Book of Outfit Formulas A Stylish Solution to What Should I Wear? is available for preorder now! Here’s some incentive to order your copy now…the exclusive preorder bonuses are going to blow your mind. Stay tuned!
“Behind the scenes” has always fascinated me so for a little fun today I’m sharing some of the process of writing this book. It was truly one of the most soul bearing things I’ve done in my life. If you want to learn about all of your fears, insecurities and shortcomings, then I highly recommend opening a Word doc right now and starting your very own manuscript!
I kid, I kid…sort of.
But seriously SO much of the process has been an emotional one and I honestly wouldn’t trade it for the world.
All of our journeys are not about the end result but who we become along the way.
I thought it would be fun today to share some of that emotional process with you along with some of the nuts and bolts of the process of becoming a published author. But first let’s step into the way back machine…
Fall 1991, I was a freshman at Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s branch campus in Bedford, PA (aka the Bedford County Library). This is where my college years began. It was an experimental campus in the rural county where I grew up and most kids didn’t go to college. Our professors made the 90-minute drive from Indiana, PA to teach us. I often wondered what short end of the stick they drew to get that assignment but regardless, I’m eternally grateful they did. The branch campus didn’t last long and if it hadn’t been there, I’m not sure that I would’ve graduated from college. In my two years there before transferring to main campus those professors made some of the biggest impact on my college career.
One in particular was my first college English professor. I always loved writing in high school but this felt very different. We explored more creative writing and it didn’t feel like work. I breezed through her class and easily ended the semester with a high A. During a one-on-one discussion at the end of the semester she asked me if I’d considered being an English major. I answered I wasn’t sure but secretly I felt totally unqualified. She left me with some encouragement to keep writing and advice that I am so grateful I decided to follow and that’s my practice of daily journaling. Her acknowledgment that I had some talent as a writer has stuck with me to this day. (Side note: never underestimate the impact of words of encouragement).
Through the years I realized that I’ve always had a book in my heart. When I’ve done vision exercises to picture where I’d like to be in ten years I always saw myself in a white linen outfit (WHY?, I don’t even wear linen!) at a condo at the beach, writing my book as I watched the waves roll by.
Well, let me tell you this book writing process didn’t look anything like that. At one point early on I was in West Hollywood for a speaking engagement and booked a cute little bungalow in which I fully intended to do some serious work on the book. Guess how many words I wrote? Exactly zero. Most of this book was written while I was juggling ten other commitments, creating seasonal capsule wardrobes, struggling through one of the hardest years of my life with health issues (not to mention Covid!). To top things off we decided to throw in a major move the same week that my manuscript was due. Yes I was purposely trying to make myself crazy. I wrote in spurts and blocks all over the place but never anywhere remotely glamorous.
The most important part of writing was creating the space to do it both personally and professionally. It was a season of life where many things were less than perfect. I learned to prioritize what mattered and developed the essential skill of becoming a delegation ninja.
So no it wasn’t exactly the white linen outfit by the sea! But still I wouldn’t trade it for anything and here are some lessons I learned.
Lesson #1: Feel the doubt but just keep writing.
Throughout the journey I had this nagging feeling that I wasn’t equipped to write a book about style. Or to write a book period. I’m my own worst critic when it comes to the written word (fun fact: I’m sitting here thinking that every word of this blog post is total crap!) But seriously I’m keenly aware of my limitations. Creating a critically acclaimed literary work is probably not in the cards for me.
That’s why in the intro of my book the very first thing I get honest about is my self-doubt. If you’ve followed me for long you already know that I’m not an expert but someone who is just a few steps ahead on the journey. And that’s ok. Often times it’s much more relatable that way.
If you have a book in your heart know that you may never feel fully qualified or confident in your writing. Just sit down and do it anyway.
Lesson #2: Believe in yourself (even when it feels like no one else does).
So this is the opposite of self-doubt, amiright? Sometimes you have to ignore the negative voice in your head and go confidently in the direction of your dream. I saw the success of my two self-published books The Big Book of Outfit Formulas and Get Pretty, Kick Butt! and knew that my next book deserved to be traditionally published.
So I put on my big girl pants and boldly pursued my publisher with this idea. An e-mail later and the dialogue was opened and before I make this look like the easiest thing ever, it took almost a full year from that first email to signing my book deal with Harvest House. It was well worth every minute. It gave me the opportunity to flesh out so many details in advance. I had a working outline before I even signed on the dotted line. Speaking of signing my book deal, I didn’t have a literary agent but I did hire a really good attorney to review everything.
Lesson #3: Write YOUR truth.
At times the book felt like it was veering in a direction that wasn’t my vision. It felt more clinical and less heart-centered. Sure I understand that some aspects of it were for educational purposes but I also wanted it infused with the GYPO DNA and everything that makes it special.
Working with my amazing publishing team, we overcame this and created a style book that’s inclusive, truly for every body and budget. It’s approachable and not complicated or intimidating. I wanted women to feel empowered after reading it and most of all I wanted them to feel confident.
Ultimately this book is the DNA of GYPO all wrapped up in one neat little package. I wanted it to be more than just some great Outfit Formulas, but rather a true handbook to make getting dressed easy.
I knew I only got one opportunity to get it right and distill everything into this little dynamo.
Lesson #4: It takes a village!
And thankfully I had one. The book was supposed to be released by now but I got sick and all of my bandwidth got sucked up into that and other spaces. I wasn’t in the headspace to finish the book so my publisher graciously gave me some extra time. Those extra months were critical to creating the book I wanted.
It took a TEAM – my business manager Lauren (whose genius is on almost every single page), my editorial coordinator Jessica (who cleaned up my bad grammar and probably deleted about 900 unnecessary commas), my Brand Builders guide Hilary (who kept me true to the heart of my brand), everyone on the Harvest House team (especially Ruth Samsel) and my uber talented illustrator Lydia were all part of this journey.
The publisher helps the process A LOT. They helped me with the outline; they edited it and polished it and made it SO much better than I ever could have.
So I’ve talked a lot about what the process was like for ME but now it’s time to tell you what the book is about for YOU. Here’s just a smidge of what to expect.
Outfit Formulas, but of course! First and foremost it’s a compilation of my all time favorite easy and classic Outfit Formulas organized by season with seasonal shopping lists for each. There’s also a special section just for work wear formulas.
Body Shape Guide – We had to have a way to find your unique body shape and celebrate it with pieces that fit and flatter you best. There’s a whole chapter that’s a deep dive into this process.
YOUR Personal Style – Here’s something fun and new! I include a detailed framework for discovering your unique style and advice for cultivating it.
Masterclass Advice – There’s also a section devoted to upping your style to the masterclass level with simple tweaks and tricks.
And SO. MUCH. MORE. But I gotta save some for later 🙂
We’ll leave it at this little sampling but I’ll be sharing much more with you in the weeks and months ahead – including some sneak peeks inside.
For now I can’t thank you enough for making this journey possible. If not for the GYPO community I would certainly not have a book deal and be able to bring this into the world so thank YOU from the bottom of my heart! Oh and you know what’s really cool? You get to tell all of your friends you were part of this journey.
Tie-dye has been creeping around the last few seasons but now it’s in full bloom as we get closer to transitioning from winter to spring. If this trend has got you thinking ‘heck no’ don’t be so hasty in your decision. I will admit you’re not alone if just the phrase alone has you thinking of a kaleidoscope of bright and bold colors or homemade kits with rubber bands and squeeze bottles of colored dye, but tie-dye has upped its game. Yes, tie-dye can still be bold but it can also be monochromatic with muted tones and soft colors. It can be fun, versatile – sophisticated even and can look good on everyone. There are so many options out there that I think the hardest part may be picking just one.
For this month’s Pretty Fix I decided to tackle this trend and put what I’m calling a sophisticated spin on tie-dye. I’m pairing it with some classic closet staples and then adding in another pop of color for some extra fun. I styled this look to be crisp and slightly minimalist just to show that tie-dye can be simple. Don’t be afraid to try this fun trend whether this is your first time around or you’ve done tie-dye before, it really is something everyone can rock.
For those of you who are new, you’re probably wondering what the Pretty Fix is all about. First, welcome! We’re happy to have you here. Second, the Pretty Fix is where I pick out a fun trend or two that you can incorporate with some classic closet staples. It’s a fun way to keep your closet looking fresh without feeling like you have to buy a ton of new items. I’ll then give you an outfit formula that you can easily adapt to your climate and lifestyle. I also provide links to similar items just in case you have any additional gaps in your closet you want to fill. Now that you know what the Pretty Fix is, let’s check out this month’s tie-dye look!
Tie-dye is definitely having its moment and why not? It’s fun, it goes with almost everything and it can be colorful or more muted. There’s a little something for everyone and it’s perfect for going into spring. Think of tie-dye as just another print that you can mix and match into your outfits. For this look, I kept it simple and styled a navy and white tie-dye sweatshirt but with the neutral base, you could really pick any tie-dye top you like.
2. White Bottoms
While this look would style perfectly with a pair of medium wash jeans or even leggings, the white jeans just spoke to me plus they’re an awesome closet staple. I love the way they create a crisp look and they are perfect to finish off winter and head into spring. If it’s already warming up where you live, white shorts would go perfectly with this look too. White bottoms are timeless and once you find a pair you love, you’ll realize just how versatile they are year-round.
3. White Sneakers
Just because I’m giving this look a sophisticated spin does not mean I don’t want to be comfortable too and what’s more comfortable and cute than a pair of white sneakers? I’ve been wearing my white sneakers more and more and I love how versatile they are. If white sneakers just aren’t your thing you could also pair this up with a pair of taupe ankle boots or flats.
4. Colorful Handbag
Colorful handbags are super on-trend heading into spring and add the perfect pop of color. A bag of skittles provided the perfect inspiration and this orange handbag did not disappoint. The hardest part was picking just one color as I could see this look easily styled with one in Kelly green or perhaps a bright pink. Whatever color you choose to coordinate with your tie-dye, just have fun and opt for something that makes you smile.
5. Dangle Earrings
I usually keep earrings pretty simple and while hoops are classic, I wanted to pick something that had a little more to it since I wasn’t going to add a necklace. A fun dangle earring provides some extra visual interest without clashing with the tie-dye. There are so many great options out there or you may even have the perfect pair already in your jewelry box.
Bonus
If you’re still not sure about jumping headfirst into the tie-dye trend there are many other ways to more subtly incorporate it into your daily style. Below are some fun, but subtle tie-dye options!
Your turn! What item is your favorite? Will you be giving tie-dye a try?
Red lipstick can be an intimidating color but wearing the right red lipstick can be empowering! And with Valentine’s Day coming up, it’s the perfect finishing touch to any outfit! Before we dive into how to choose your perfect shade let’s go over a few ground rules for who can wear red lipstick….ANYONE can! That’s right, red lipstick is for everyone, every age, every style, every ‘type’ of woman out there.
You can reserve it for a special evening out or you can wear it every day. Maybe you felt like putting it on with no plans to leave the house because you just like the way it makes you feel. All of those are perfectly fine. There’s no right or wrong. It’s all about doing what makes you feel great and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Plus did you know red is a neutral?!?! It goes with everything and everyone. Now that you’ve dropped any preconceived notions that red lipstick just isn’t for you, let’s get started picking your perfect shade.
While it’s fair to say red is a neutral, all red lipsticks are not created equal. Just like red nail polish, there’s a reason cosmetic companies don’t stick to just one shade, they make many which also explains why picking one can feel like an overwhelming task. While I can’t pick the perfect red lipstick for you I can help make suggestions and explain why complexion and undertones play such a big role in this decision. Now if you’ve already got a good grasp on your complexion and undertone you can feel free to skip down to the Seeing Red section.
Complexion and Undertone
When you look at your skin there are two different forces at work. The first is your complexion which is your overall skin coloring. Are you fair? Tan? Olive? Or dark complected? Then the second is what is the undertone of your skin. This is the color that comes from underneath your skin.
Your undertone is usually categorized as being cool, warm, or neutral. A cool undertone is generally associated with skin that has hints of blue, pink, or a reddish complexion. A warm undertone is more peachy, golden, or yellow while a neutral undertone shows little signs of any other color other than your own natural skin complexion or it can be a combination of warm and cool. If you feel even more lost than when you started reading this it’s okay. The more I learn about color and complexion, warm vs cool the more fascinated I become yet confused at the same time. There’s just SO much to color! However since we’re only dealing with red lipstick, I can try and keep things simple.
What’s your complexion?
While complexion and undertone intertwine with each other we’re going to first start off by determining your complexion. This one is fairly easy and chances are, it’s something you already know. There are primarily six different complexion types. They are:
Type I: Light Skin – Always burns and never tans.
Type II: Fair Skin – Usually burns, then tans.
Type III: Medium Skin – May burn, but tans well.
Type IV: Olive Skin – Rarely burns and tans well.
Type V: Tan Brown Skin – Very rarely burns and tans well.
Type VI: Black Brown Skin – Never burns and tans very well.
What category do you fall into? There is a chance that you may fall in between two categories and that’s okay. Try to choose the one that fits you best. I’ve been told I have olive skin all my life but now that I’m older I’m finding that I tend to burn a little more making me more of a medium skin tone. Now that you’ve determined what your complexion is let’s move on to your undertone. Are you warm? Cool? Or neutral? This one can be a little more confusing and there are a few ways you can figure this one out.
Five Ways to determine your undertone
1. What color are your veins
This is where you look at your veins to determine their color. The wrist is an easy place to start but if you can see veins by your face that can give you an even more precise determination. If your veins look blue or purple you’re a cool undertone. If they appear green, you have a warm undertone and if it’s a mix of the two then you have a neutral undertone.
2. The White tee test
For this test put on a pure white tee or even hold up a piece of white paper to your face. Are you pink and rosy or do you look yellow? Are you glowing or do you look washed out? If you look yellow or washed out then chances are you’re a warm tone and chances are you also tend to gravitate towards off-white. But if you look rosy and glowing then you lead towards the cool tones. If you can rock both white and off-white without feeling washed out then you’re a neutral.
3. Your skin in the sun
Do you tan easily or do you burn? Maybe you burn then tan. How your skin reacts to the sun can also help you determine your undertone. If you tan easily you may be a warm but if you burn then chances are you’re a cool tone. If you burn then tan you’re probably a neutral.
4. Gold Vs. Silver Jewelry
What jewelry metal looks better against your skin? Gold or Silver? Gold jewelry tends to look more flattering on warm skin tones while silver jewelry tends to flatter cool tones. If both flatter your skin tone then chances are you’re a neutral.
5. Hair and eye color
Your undertone can also be determined by your natural hair and eye color. Cool tones tend to have blonde, black or brown hair with green, blue, or grey eyes. Warm tones tend to have red, brown, strawberry blonde or black hair with brown or hazel eyes.
Seeing Red
Okay, now that you’ve hopefully figured out what complexion and undertone category you fall into let’s get to the good stuff, what to look for in your perfect red lipstick. Red lipstick is not just red lipstick, just like your skin it’s not just about what you see on the surface, but what the undertone of the red is. Is it a blue base or an orange base? Then there’s what is called a universal red but we’ll get to those a little later. Below I’ve taken each skin complexion and broken down what to look for along with some examples.
1. Fair and light Complexions
Fair and light complexions tend to be on the cool side so stick with reds that have a blue or purple base like raspberry and cranberry hues. This will complement the natural pink tones of your skin. Don’t be afraid to try a bright red for a fun pop of color against your skin.
Medium complexions are pretty versatile when it comes to the shades of red that compliment their skin tone. They can opt for both cool reds with a blue base as well as warm reds with a yellow or orange base. However, since this skin type will tan quite easily it’s best to change out your red lipstick depending on the seasons. In summer, when skin is more likely to have a golden tan, opt for a red that is warm based, and in winter when the tan has faded some, opt for a red with a cool blue undertone. If you tend to lead towards a cool medium, steer clear of coral-based reds as they will make your complexion look dull.
Olive skin complexions look best in yellow and orange based reds like corals and poppy and more earthy reds like rust and brick. Avoid cooler reds with blue bases as they will dull your complexion.
While a tan brown skin tone tends to have a yellow undertone versus a black brown complexion, both skin tones make it easy to play with darker pigments. Try opting for a true red to warm up your complexion and create a brighter look. Darker complexions can easily handle a variety of deep shades of red. Try wines, berries, and dark cherry as well as candy apple reds to make your skin glow!
A universal red lipstick is one that has equal parts blue and orange undertone making it look great on pretty much any complexion and undertone. It’s what’s called a true red and tends to be a little brighter and bolder making it a perfect choice for your upcoming Valentine’s Day.
Yes, I know that was a lot but remember to also be patient. I only barely scratched the surface on the many shades of red available. If you find a shade you like but you’re not sure if it will work, check out the color description. Many lipsticks will have a description sharing if they are more of a blue or orange undertone or if they lend themselves to being warm, cool, or even a pure red. If you can’t find the details you’re looking for don’t be afraid to reach out to the manufacturer.
Armed with this hopefully beneficial knowledge you may be able to find your perfect shade on the first try or it could take you a few tries. Don’t give up! You will find a shade you love! But in an effort to not waste money on lipsticks you’ll never wear, double-check the retailer’s return policy. Many retailers will allow you to return lipstick colors that weren’t a heck yes! Lastly, if you have a perfect shade of red and you love the way it looks but it doesn’t necessarily follow the suggestions above, go with your gut and stick with what you love. In the end, it’s all about how you feel when you wear it and I want every Pretty to feel fabulous!
Your turn! Are you a red lipstick pro or a newbie? Did your favorite shade make the list? If not let us know what your go-to shade is in the comments!
Yay! We made it to February! I don’t know about you but I swear January is the longest month of the year! Maybe it’s because I’m still in recovery mode from the holidays but either way, I’m gladly welcoming this month with open arms. I’m looking forward to all things February and yes that even includes Valentine’s Day. I know in years past I’ve discussed that while I love celebrating with Craig, we don’t necessarily go out and celebrate on the actual date. That’s just what works for us and something we’ve done for many years now.
This year however looks a little different for us as I’m sure it does for many others because we won’t be going to our favorite restaurant before or after Valentine’s Day. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss going out to dinner. Getting dressed up, enjoying some amazing food, and the energy of just being out somewhere is something I’m craving which is why for this V-day I decided to bring the restaurant vibe to us. Just because we aren’t going out doesn’t mean we can’t feel like we are right?
This year Craig and I decided that we’re going to treat ourselves to a fancy dinner in. We’re going to order takeout from our favorite restaurant, set the table, and even get dressed up. We want to make it feel as special as we can because why not? So whatever your Valentine’s Day holds, if it’s a dressy night in or a casual one out, below are three outfit formulas® that you can personalize to easily make your own!
Formula #1
Graphic Sweater + Medium Wash Jeans + White Sneakers + Red Handbag
I went a little literal on my picks for this first formula. This is a comfy, casual look but you can easily switch it up by swapping out the graphic sweater for a graphic tee and neutral cardigan like I did below. I also love the playful heart-shaped hoops and having a red handbag is a great closet staple.
Formula #2
Tunic Sweater + Black Leggings + Snake Print Shoes
I had some fun with this look! What I love most is that this can be easily dressed down by opting for some casual snake print slip-ons but swap in some heels and some faux leather leggings and it’s instantly dressed up! (If you aren’t into snake print, just swap in some metallic or black shoes of your choice!) I decided to take the dress-up option a bit further and opted for an off the shoulder sweater.
Finally, for the last outfit formulas® for Valentine’s day, I decided to go full-on fancy. I styled my black moto jacket, my favorite little black dress (LBD), and some bright heels! I went with red heels below but styled it above with some fun pink heels and finished it off with a simple clutch. This is a complete departure from the joggers and yoga pants I have admittedly been wearing but that’s what I wanted. I wanted to really feel put together. Although it may be over the top for a night in, I wanted to add something extra for our date night. If you feel like keeping it more casual you can style a simple swing dress, swap in a cardigan, and opt for flats. That’s why I love using the outfit formulas® so much! They are a great guide but still give total freedom to fit your style!
Your turn! Which is your favorite Outfit Formulas® for Valentine’s Day? DO you plan on dressing up or staying casual this Valentine’s Day? Comment below!
I said it before but there’s just something about having my nails manicured and painted that makes me feel so put together. Not saying that I always have my nails done but when I do I can’t help but look at them and smile. Sometimes it’s the little things that can have the most impact. With that said, current situations have forced many of us to work on perfecting our at-home nail skills. I know many of us are at a loss not being able to drop into our favorite nail salons and treat ourselves to a little mani/pedi. It’s one of the many things we miss. Or those of us who had to try and figure out how to get our gel and acrylic nails off without professional help, it’s also been a struggle. But as time goes on and uncertainty still lingering, I’ve been working on perfecting my at-home mani/pedi for two reasons, I can’t always get into a salon and I believe self-care is important now more than ever. Below are a few things I’ve learned and some tools that have helped make it a little easier.
Tools of the Trade
If you’ve ever had your nails done your nail tech uses a variety of tools to achieve the perfect nails and while you don’t need to have them all in your at-home arsenal, it’s not a bad idea to have a few tools of the trade to help you perfect your DIY nails.
1. Coarse and Fine Nail Files
It’s helpful to have both types of nail files on hand and more often than not a single nail file will have a coarser side for heavy shaping and filing and the other side will be of a finer grit (220 grit) for fine-tuning and removing any rough nail edges left behind. Also if you have gel or acrylic nails you’ll use an even coarser grit (100/180 grit) to help grind them down for removal which I’ll talk more about later.
When getting your nails ready for polish it’s important to push back your cuticles from your nail bed to create a nice, smooth surface. Using a cuticle pusher like this one by Tweezerman will help push back your cuticles as well as scrap off what is left on the nail bed. It’s not recommended that you cut your cuticles however if you have a piece that’s sticking up or already breaking away you can easily trim that away with a cuticle nipper.
I know nail clippers are a pretty obvious tool but when cutting my nails I like to use toenail clippers for both my fingernails and toenails. I like doing this for two reasons, the toenail clippers are bigger and therefore give me a bit more leverage when cutting plus I just like using the larger size when cutting my fingernails. I use the Revlon Toenail Clippers and they have been my go-to clippers for years.
Nobody is perfect and even the professionals can get nail color outside the lines which is why it’s a good idea to have a nail corrector pen like this one from OPI. After you’ve done all your polish coats plus topcoat, you can go back with this little tool and remove any polish that didn’t make it to your nail.
Whether you use a scrub or a pumice stone exfoliating your hands and feet will help get rid of dead skin cells and keep your skin looking fresh. Since the skin on your feet is a little tougher you can exfoliate 3-4 times and week while you should only exfoliate your hands once or twice a week.
Before applying your nail polish, shake it up to evenly mix up the polish contents. Some may say it’s better to roll your polish but it won’t properly mix up your polish and you’ll be left with a streaky finish so shake, shake, shake!
2. Wash Hands and Get Rid of Excess Oils
Now that you’ve cut, trimmed, and filed your nails it’s time to wash them again before you paint them to get rid of any debris or excess oils your nails may have produced. If you want to take it a step further, you can apply some rubbing alcohol with a clean paper towel to ensure no residue is left behind that will keep you from a flawless polish.
3. Use the Two Minute Rule
Allow nails to dry for two minutes between each coat to ensure that you won’t smudge your previous polish coat or even strip it away.
4. Don’t Skip Base or Top Coats
One of the reasons your nail tech is able to get your polish to last longer is because they start with a base coat. Not only will this help keep darker colors from staining your nail it will also help keep the polish on your nail and help fill in any imperfections before applying your polish. Then once your color coats are done, follow up with a top coat to help seal everything in. This will also extend the life of your color.
Okay so this was news to me because I really do enjoy the soaking of my feet and hands when I get my nails done but soaking your nails will actually cause your nails to swell. Painting your nails when they are swollen can lead to cracking once your nails contract back especially if you’re using regular nail polish. However soaking your nails is good for pushing your cuticles back so what’s a girl to do? I never have the patience or time to really give myself a full mani/pedi in one sitting so I typically break it down into two parts. I remove my polish at night right before my shower and while in the shower use my pumice stone. Once out of the shower I clip my nails and push back my cuticle. Then the next day I will do the pretty stuff and add the polish thereby skipping the immediate soak and making my polish last longer.
6. Dry Nails Faster
It feels like it takes forever for nail polish to dry and I don’t know about you but I have a hard time giving my nail the required time and but I also hate messing them up within the first hour. Luckily there are a few products that can help speed up the drying process. One is a quick-drying topcoat by Seche. Another is these flash dry drops by Orly. Just a few drops of this product will help speed things up and lessen the chance of smudges.
If your favorite nail polish is looking thick add some specially designed nail polish thinner like OPI’s Nail Lacquer Thinner, to help make your thick polish more spreadable. Adding just a drop or two then shaking it up will help extend the life of your polish. Just be sure to use a product made for this. Nail polish remover has additional oils and additives that if added to your polish will ruin it.
There are so many different tutorials online that can help you take your nail designs and nail art up a notch. Using simple things you may even have at home or budget-friendly nail art kits like this one from Vaga, you can create some fun and easy designs. I have this kit and started off small by doing some tiny hearts on my daughter’s nails and she loved them! I’m excited to play around with them a little more and see what else I can create.
When applying any type of glitter to your nails whether you’re doing them all or just adding an accent you must dab on the polish. If you swipe it on like you would your base color you’ll end up with very little sparkle. By dabbing it on you’ll be able to control the amount of glitter you want to use and you’ll be able to achieve a more uniform look. You can also use a makeup sponge to achieve this look but I like using the brush already in the bottle.
9. Thin Layers
Apply your polish using thin layers starting from the middle and working your way down and out. This will allow for buildable color and less chance of streaking or clumping than if you went with heavy layers. Also, once you have the polish down, especially the first coat, don’t play with it too much. If it’s not as dark as you want, just add another coat, some polishes may require up to three coats. By not putting your polish on too thick will also allow for quicker drying time.
10. Practice Makes Perfect
Remember, your mani/pedi may not look perfect the first time or even the first few times especially when you’re getting used to painting your dominant hand with your less dominant hand. Don’t be discouraged! It takes practice and patience. And remember light colors can be hard to work and dark colors may require more cleanup if you get it outside of your nail so if you’re just starting, maybe opt for a color in the middle and then branch out from there. With practice and the right tools you’ll soon be showing off a rainbow of colors you did yourself!
Polish Options
1. Nail Lacquer
When doing your nails at home there are SO many color options to choose from. I know not all polishes are created equal, some stain more than others, some don’t last long at all and some can really dry out your nails. Does that mean good nail polish has to cost a fortune? No, it doesn’t. Personally, OPI, Essie, and Revlon are my go-to brands but that’s truly just the tip of the iceberg. What nail polishes are your favorite? Please share in the comments below! For my at-home manicure, I decided to go with Chinchilly by Essie and use Queen of Beauty by Sinful Colors over it on my ring finger creating an accent nail.
In addition to your run of the mill nail polish, there are also gel nail options available. Recently Alison tried the Beetles Gel Nail Starter Kit which came complete with nail tools, UV light, and polish options. Below she is wearing Deep Burgundy color 251 from their fall color kit. This was her first time doing her own gel nails and I have to say they look amazing!
Another polish option that I recently discovered was the world of stick-on nail polish or nail wraps. I decided to try the ColorStreet brand because I had heard really good things about it. I have to say I’m impressed with its ease of application and durability. Each kit had everything I needed to apply the ‘polish’ including two strips each containing eight nails worth of color. It took me about 25 minutes to apply and I can get both hands done using only one of the strips since I keep my nails on the shorter side. For the holidays I went for a shimmery snowflake pattern with a deep blue background and I was very pleased with how they turned out. Plus the best part for an impatient person like me, no drying time needed! I’ve also heard really good things about Dashing Diva Nail Strips and Lily and Fox as a clean nail wrap option.
Now that it’s been a few weeks you might be ready for a polish change or maybe you just want to give your nails a break. Either way, it’s important to remove your color safely and do as little damage to your nails as possible. Don’t pick off your color no matter what type of nail polish options you choose. This will damage your nails! If you’re removing regular nail polish you can use just your basic nail polish remover like Sally Hansen Nail Polish Remover. Also, I recently tried Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover which in addition to being vegan-friendly, packs a punch that can even remove glitter polish yet is gentle on my nails and skin. I also love its dispensing mechanism where I can push down to dispense the nail polish remover and I don’t have to worry about accidentally knocking over the bottle and spilling the remover everywhere.
If you’re needing something a little stronger, these nail polish removal packets came highly recommended by our very own Lauren to help remover gel polish. An important step when removing a gel polish is to first use a coarse nail file to file off the top coat so the remover will have a chance to work its way through the polish.
When it comes to removing acrylic nails there really isn’t a totally gentle way to do it but when it comes to doing the least amount of damage as well as doing it fairly quickly there’s one go-to remover choice and that’s 100% Acetone. In addition, the process of a DYI acrylic nail removal requires coarse grit nail files and cuticle oil like Essie’s Apricot Cuticle Oil. Before soaking your nails you’ll need to use the nail files to file down about 75% of your acrylic nail, then apply the cuticle oil and massage all around your nail bed. This will help lower the drying effects of the acetone. Since I’m not a professional I’ll leave the details of the rest of this process to them. Click here to view a more in-depth video from nail professional Julie Kandalec on how to safely remove your acrylic nails.
No matter what kind of nail polish you choose, regular, gel, or nail wrap, it’s important to know when it’s time to give your nails a break. If you’re noticing peeling, ridges and splits, discoloration, and dehydrated cuticles you may want to skip the polish and give your nails some hydrated TLC with some hand lotion like Eucerin’s Advanced Repair hand cream and this cuticle oil from OPI. If this is the case it’s recommended that you let your nails grow out completely to reveal a brand new, fresh nail which usually takes about six months.
Do you struggle to put outfits together? Are you stuck in a yoga pants rut? Not sure if you can make the latest trends work for you? You’re in the right place!
I’m Alison, a mom of three and recovering yoga pants addict on a mission to make getting dressed and feeling pretty the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more about my story HERE.
I am so glad I was part of the Fall 2019 Style Challenge. It gave me confidence and so many great outfitt ideas. The ladies in the group were very supportive and I will defintetly be doing another challenge in the future.
Betty Weyandt December 20, 2019
I’ve been participating in the GYPO Style Challenges for three years now and I’ve loved it. I’ve always loved clothes, but I didn’t know how to put outfits together. My closet is now full of mix-and-match outfits, I have learned how to dress myself, and there is no more stress in figuring out to wear. The private FB group is full of wonderful ladies that build each other up. It’s so fun and is seriously the best group on FB.
Kirstin Rasmussen November 20, 2019
Get Your Pretty On has changed my life, seriously. I have always chased what is trendy but found from season to season, that things go out of style and I was wasting money on items that I would only end up wearing a few times. GYPO has enabled me to simplify my closet, helps me make smarter purchasing decisions, and I feel so put together and confident using the outfit formulas that are provided. This program is a GAME CHANGER. I've been following GYPO for a few years now and my only regret is not jumping on board sooner.
Michelle Kline November 20, 2019
Great community of ladies, helping each other look stylish, without breaking the bank, and using much of what you already own.
Chosen Faith November 19, 2019
GYPO challenges have been one of the best things I have done! It had taught me so much more than just creating a closet of clothes that I love but also to have confidence in myself, how to pick and choose colors that work for me instead of against, and had given a wonderful community of Pretties who are so special.
Maraline Freeman October 16, 2019
I love GYPO!!! I finally feel put together and stylish! The shopping lists and outfit combinations make shopping and getting dressed effortless.
Krista Probst October 16, 2019
SHOP THE ACCESSORY LINE
SHOP THE LOOKS
A NOTE TO READERS
Please know that Get Your Pretty On uses affiliate links in some of our posts. This means that clicking on or purchasing through a link may help me earn a small commission, which helps make this blog possible. Thank you for your support! For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
