MFW: Giorgio Armani

I have to say how crazy I am about tailored suits. I love wearing my own, because there's just something so sexy about being able to pull off something considered to be "masculine." Which is probably why I'm so drawn to this collection.

I have to hand it to Giorgio Armani for his Easy Chic collection at MFW. His tailored suits looked great, but so did the entire collection. There was a fine line between masculinity and femininity that was just executed so well. I love the mix of black and gray with eye-popping colours of orange and magenta, and the different types of fabrics used together. And don't you just love those hats? I go crazy for them too! Those hats seem to take me to a different place and time. Perhaps the 20s?

This Armani collection has got to be one of my favourites for the season. Despite winter still present, I'm already excited for this year's Autumn season!

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Tiffany's pick from Sheree's Make up kit

Exhibit A Blush by Nars Cosmetics was rightfully named the "Best Blush for Dark Skin" 2010 by InStyle's "Best Beauty Buys". As a make up artist who specializes in working with women of colour, I have yet to come across another blush that is able to define, brighten and enliven deeper complexions.

When clients are first shown the colour, many of them are started by this vivid red hue, however, they are convinced and in love after just the slightest hint of product is applied to the apples of their cheeks, and then blended upwards into the hairline. This high-intense colour creates a natural looking flush to the face. Dark skinned women usually struggle to achieve this look because the majority of blushes on the market simply do not have the depth required to brighten deeper complexions, and when applied on the skin may look unnatural or ashen.

Tiffany from Kandi Apple is obsessed with this colour, it is her trademark blush, she requests it for every photo shoot, and has tried several times to swipe it from my kit, without success. If you are a woman with a deep complexion and are still hesitant to try this blush, she will gladly give you a testimonial next time you visit her at the salon. Watch closely at the way her eyes light up, and listen to the animation and passion in her voice, you will forget she is only talking about blush.

While I do have several star products in my kit, this shade is Iconic in it's own right.

Exhibit A Blush by Nars Cosmetics $32


To purchase or for a complete listing of products, please visit:
http://www.narscosmetics.ca

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CND Shellac and Harmony Gelish are a must have on my Nails

If you don’t know, Kandi Apple is the place to be to get your shellac done. I came across a brand called Harmony Gelish, that I love as much as CND Shellac.

A couple of things that CND shellac and Harmony Gelish have in common

1. 14 days of super smooth and shiny wear.

2. On the spot cured after the end.

3. Will help preserve your own fingernails.

4. A Variety Of colours to select from.

5. It Helps Make fingernail artwork so easy to do & re-do.

6. The UV nail polish will not ruin the fingernails or toenails

I carry both of these lines in my salon. My Fav colours for  CND Shellac are

Tropix

Cocoa

Tutti Frutti

Purple Purple

My fav colours, that I actually had to have first, for Harmony Gelish are




Tiger Blossum-Must have

Coco Cabana Banana

Diva

            Now you've seen my favourite colours for CND shellac and Harmony Gelish. I want to leave you with this video of this tutorial on sponging with harmony gelish that I think you would absolutely love and tutorial on how to put on shellac for you new users who want to try it out.

http://www.nailsmag.com/video/91866/Hand-and-Nail-Harmony-Gelish-Sponge-Technique

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_uRE-_E0zk

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Drinking and Driving is NOT cool

This Saturday are very own Sheree Morris was in a crazy car accident. She was hit by a drunk driver. Not only was her car totalled, she had to have a 4 hour surgery for her leg that broke into 2 places. The doctors had to add a rod and pins to her leg.

What bothers me is that this DRUNK DRIVER now on his 2nd offence and is going to say not guilty in court will probably get to drive again...

This is the video of me at the hospital with sheree making her laugh.

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Velvet Nails? I think so!

As we all know, NYFW for Fall 2012 has just wrapped up, which means the internet will be filled with concluding reports regarding accessories, nails and the best trends spotted. Truth be told, I think I’ve found just about the most amazing nail trend for classy women, that is VELVET NAILS. Yes, I said velvet. This textured nail design was done by MAC. One thing I can say about this well emerged cosmetic brand is that they are always on point when it comes to having products that are relevant for the season. This nail trend is one of the best i've seen on the runways for the season, as we all identify velvet with the fall. Its luxurious effect compliments this season remarkably, as we all know in the fall fashion becomes far more upscale. I believe their next step should be to release velvet nail stickers, ensuring that we can all experience this high end, beautifully textured look. I am now officially on the hunt for these, fingers crossed!

xoxo

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Betsey on the Runway for Fall 2012

For all of you ladies that like to play, here's a little Betsey to brighten your day! 

Her models always appear so carefree and at ease, not uptight, as they walk down the runway. They strike the most unique poses, and look as though they are actually enjoying themselves. This is a true reflection of Betsey and her brand, as she usually ends her shows by surprising her audience by splits or a cartwheel. She doesn't keep it ordinary like majority of other designers, which is something I absolutely love about her! She stands out, and she does it so well. Hat's off to you Betsey! 

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A Simple Way to Perfect Colour-Blocking

Benetton Spring 2012 Ad Campaign

Many times, it is assumed that colour blocking is a trend that is only for women. WRONG! This trend works both ways and truth be told, I find it looks just as good on men! It’s a fun way to experiment with colour, without giving the impression that you are “mismatched.” An alternative, if you don’t favour wearing multiple colours, is to wear one colour in different shades. This gives great visual appeal and in most cases appears rather classy. You can use the colour wheel as a reference if you are unsure which colours work best together. Whatever your preference, this is a great look for just about any occasion, whether it’s a dinner with friends or a night out on the town. Just add vibrancy to your look, and no matter where you go you are guaranteed to stand out!

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Nail Trends, Inspired by the Spring 2012 Runways

This Spring don’t be scared to go all out with your nails. Some emerging trends involve a great deal of colours, patterns and bedazzling. What girl wouldn’t want to add some shine to her nails! Here’s a brief breakdown of these fabulous trends.

NEW NEUTRALS

Minimalist look

Creamy shades of grey, white, pale pink, soft beige

Keep in mind that a rounded shape helps to elongate your nails

This trend was spotted on the runway at Philip Lim (a transparent pink) and Christopher Kane.

           

LADY-LIKE COLOURS

Reds, Rich Burgundy, Demure Pastels, Smart Chartreuse 

This trend was spotted at Christian Dior, in which he used a Cherry Red. It was also spotted at Donna Karan, as she used an fabulous deep burgundy that complimented her line well. Chanel used a beautiful rose pink that worked very nicely with the pale skin tones of the models. This trend was clearly evident at the "big" runway shows for the season, which is probably why they are the most favoured. One point I would like to note, and an important one at that, don’t be scared to match your nail colour with your lip colour. It classy and totally on trend!

PATTERNED DESIGNS

Bedazzled

Sequin Tips

Chrome

Pearly Finishes

Moody Ombre Effect

Jock Stripes

Tribal V-Shape 

Checkered

Don’t be hesitant to go all out with your patterns. You can simply play them up with a mixture of colour or even mix and match the designs. Experiment and have fun with it! 

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Photo of the Week

Every week at Kandi Apple is a blast! So we're going to start taking pictures of all the wonderful things that go on here at Kandi.

This week, we recorded a Shellac Mani tutorial with Tiffany and Camila.

Our first photo of the week is of the beautful Tiffany DeCoito, just before filming started. Despite some camera problems, we made it through! And Camila's shellac mani looked good!




Here's a preview of our shellac mani tutorial:

Stay tuned for the tutorial video!

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Sexy YSL Lipstick Hybrid!

Vernis a Levres Liquid Lipstick

Ladies, you better sit down for this! On January 30th, Yves Saint Laurent released the latest innovation in lipstick. Do you have a boyfriend who hates kissing sticky lipstick? Is one of your pet peeves having to continuously reapply your lipstick throughout the day? Do you hate the marker look of cheapy lipstains? Well put those days behind you because this lipstick hybrid is a gloss, stain and stick all in one. The applicator is amazing and it doesn't feel sticky at all. The title is a mouthful, Vernis a Levres liquid lipstick, but it is rapidly becoming the most sought after product on the beauty market. Not long after launching in the US and on Sephora online, it completely sold out of most shades. This sexy lipstick is not due to release nation wide until April, so if you want to be the first in Canada to have a sexy pout, you gotta go to sephora.com to get it. 

Happy hunting!
Nessa <3

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Essie for Breast Cancer Awareness

For all of you nail polish addicts, I’ve got some great news for you. Essie has brought out a Pretty Pink polish, which might I say is the perfect shade for Spring 2012. They have decided that a portion of the profits from this nail polish will go towards Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which is a foundation that helps to empower women who have been affected by Breast Cancer and help them live the best quality of live possible. This is a win-win situation for all of you who love nail polish, as you are helping others and also gaining a super chic pink polish. I encourage you all to support them in their efforts to help raise awareness and funds for this cause. 

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Trend Alert: Magnetic Nail Polish

Trafalgar Square
                                     

Houses of Parliament

Whitehall Teal

Who said science couldn't be fashionable? Currently, the biggest hype in the nail industry is the perfect blend of these two elements. Behold Magnetic Nail Polish, a polish with metallic particles that uses a magnetic force to create designs. You apply a generous amount of the magnetic polish on your nail and then hold the magnet, which is provided in the cap, over the nail. It's as easy as that! It offers you a professional look with a very simple application process. So what are you waiting for? Head out to a Sephora and purchase this product now!

xoxo

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We All Love A Man In A Tailored Suit

Dolce & Gabbana displays some of the best menswear for Fall 2012, with fine velvet detailing (one of my weak points), and exceptional tailoring. Kudos to all of the men out there that show an interest in fashion, this post is for you!

xoxo

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The Roaring Twenties Influence on Makeup

Ladies and Gents, get ready to be inspired by the roaring twenties this spring/summer season. From clothing to makeup, this decade is overtaking 2012. If any of you recall rose petal blush and twinkly eyes were all over the runways, especially for Ralph Lauren. This look can work for all purposes, whether it be going to the office, a night out, or even just a casual gathering. 

Start simple with the eyes, using a matte white eye shadow on the eyelids and extending slightly up towards to brow bone. This will create a simple and natural look around the eye, while also opening them up. Stila’s Chinois eyeshadow can help you achieve this. It can be purchased at Sephora. 

Your next step is to now achieve long eyelashes, which can be done with the aid of Falsies by Maybelline. I use this mascara personally and I get multiple comments daily on my lashes. It lengthens and separates the lashes well and the best part is there’s no clump! You can’t go wrong there. This budget friendly product can be found at Wal-mart.

You will now fill in your eyebrows, however not too dark as you still want it to look somewhat natural. To finish of this look sweep a nice rose-toned blush over the apples of your cheeks, adding emphasis to the area. NARS Mata Hari is the perfect blush for achieving this look; it can be purchased at Sephora.

I would say simple makeup allows not only for your clothing and accessories to be the focal point but it also allows your natural beauty to shine through. It enhances your unique features, allowing the image you project to be one that is all your own! 

xoxo

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Just a fun blog where fellow nail artists & nail-addicts can come and get news on all the latest industry advances and trends, share their nail art and nail experiences, and participate in fun topics, contests, etc. 

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