Wedding Sparkle - Encrusted Glitter Manicure

I created the encrusted glitter manicure late last year, it stemmed from my love of glitter, sparkles, pretty nails and feminine looks. I always like things to have a twist, to take the traditional and change an aspect of it somehow - to make it my own.

I had originally set out to recreate a nail look that I had found on Pinterest originally from instagram user Frijolita and shown to my best friend Adina as a possibility for her wedding. Adina likes the unique as well, so I set out to find a polish that wasn't just gold. The one I found had a bronze quality to it with some light purple glitter in it.

Here is the shot I used for inspiration:

 

 

Here is the look I created:

 





I used three polishes to complete this look, these are:
* Revlon Colourstay clear topcoat to provide a smooth base and as a top coat to seal the manicure
* Revlon Colourstay Longwear Nail Enamel in Pale Cashmere for the base colour (use 2-3 coats for a good block of colour. I used 2 coats for the look above so that the glitter tips stood out)
* Sally Hansen Gem Crush nail polish called Big Money to create the amazing sparkled tips!

Create the Glitter Encrusted Manicure with these quick and easy steps:
1. Make sure any old nail polish is wiped off using a remover, then moisturise, buff and file nails. I love a square tipped nail with rounded sides
2. Apply a base coat - I used the revlon topcoat because it provides a good, even surface to paint over
3. Apply two coats of your chosen base colour and allow to dry. If the colour is too opaque add another coat, allowing to dry and set.
4. Apply topcoat to create a shine for your base colour
5. Apply the Gem Crush polish to your tips, you can use tape but I did these tips (plus another bridesmaid's and the bride's) freehand, I followed the natural curve of my nails and made the tips a good thick size. This made the glitter stand out.
6. I applied a couple of coats to create an embellished and full look, if you want subtle you can apply one or two coats. It is really nail dependant as to how many coats - this is because the glitter will apply differently for each nail.
7. Once you have achieved the tips you are looking for, apply two coats of top coat, paying extra attention to the tips.

Optional but reccommended tips:
* Apply some basecoat over and under the tip of your nail to ensure longer life out of the manicure - helps to prevent chipping.
* This look can last for 1-2 weeks depending on how you spend your time. Lengthen this by applying more topcoat after about four days, this style also makes it easy to just add more glitter to your tips!

These nails worked perfectly with our beautiful dresses and the style of Adina's wedding day

 

This look is fantastic for a wedding, you can tailor the colour and polishes chosen to suit your own style or colour palette. Nails like this add a touch of glamour drawing attention to your hands which is perfect for showing off accessories including a lovely wedding band and bouquets of flowers...


Would love to read your thoughts on this look, also let me know if you try it and upload a picture!
I have previously written a post, much-loved by readers of For the Style Seeking Girl, about Revlon Colourstay Longwear Nail Enamel, called Revlon Nail Enamel Trial which has some more information and a review on this product...

 

Inspire Me Monday...

Hi lovely readers! I love sharing this post of all the things inspiring me at the start of a week.
Sometimes you need something to make Monday not so blue.
Here are five things that have grabbed my interest and are sparking the start of my week....

WANDERLUST- let's go on a journey...

People have always told me that once you go overseas, the travel bug gets you. I already have it... All I can think of are ways to get out of here and go explore another land. And so it is....

Only as old as you feel...

I love this picture below, the two elderly people going about their day, their spirits inside are young, dancing, joyful. Though we get older with time passing on, we can still have a free, fun seeking spirit.

Sparkle* up the Ordinary...

I love some sparkle, and especially if you can add it to a piece from everyday life.

Team Tartan

Ever since I was a little girl with my tartan dress I have loved the pattern. These days I have a much beloved vintage jacket that is tartan and would love to master these nails one day....

A Blast from the Past

Lately I have started to re-watch Veronica Mars, I used to love it when I was a teenager and it first aired. Her quick wit and super sleuthing powers, all mastered whilst in school. Plus the main character's own mystery which drives most waking hours had me hooked.

What is inspiring your week? Kooklah Xx

New Trend Alert #1- Embellished Stockings

I love this trend... It has began to pop up again after Lady Gaga rocked an amazing white embellished pair at a New Years Eve Party last year. It allows functionality and warmth whilst adding some sparkle and glamour. It is a complete step forward from patterened tights. There are many kinds from subtle diamontes/studs, woollen tights with detail, pattenered (such as lace) with detail and over the top- show stopping pairs.

In 2009 designers used embellished stockings on the runway to add some glitz to their already amazing clothing. Zac Posen and Mui Mui are two of these designers:

Zac Posen Red Embellished Stockings 2009

Mui Mui Thick Embellished Tights

Zac Posen

Mui Mui also created embellished socks, I love the idea of a cosy winter holiday with friends or a lover, curled up near a fire, feet on the footstool with my embellished socks on show!!

 Last year this trend was popular with Caroline D'Amore, Katy Perry, Kourtney Kardashian, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga to name a few. Jean Paul Gaultier also featured this trend during his ready to wear Spring/Summer fashion shows

Lady Gaga- NYE 2011

Caroline D'Amore

Below I have included some pics of the types of embellished stockings/tights/leggings available

Studded Tights

Polyvore/Bebaroque embellished stockings

Cocorsa Embellished Tights- these ones are beaded

Bebaroque front embellished stockings. How amazing are these??? I so want a pair! I will endeavour this year to buy and wear (AND ROCK) a pair of embellished stockings... With a cocktail dress and jacket for winter, peeping out of a trenchcoat as I wander down New York's time square in September or teamed with a dress and leather jacket for an edgy-glam look.

Send me a pic or comment if you also like/try this trend!

Kooklah Xx

Protect the Sparkle*

One of the most common complaints I have heard from friends is when an embellished item loses one of the gems/jewels/sparkle/diamontes. If you can't find a jewel to replace and therefore fix the item, you may as well kiss it goodbye. I don't like to wear the items once they are broken (if irreparable), because even if no one else notices, I know. That said, rings and even some earrings will be easy to conceal the missing stone but other items -especially necklaces, shoes or bags.

Jimmy Choo- Quinze Embellished Sandals

So to fix this problem, a girl must have some tricks up her sleeve. I have tried hairspray, clear drying glue and clear nail polish/hardener. The hairspray doesn't work (it may set your makeup but not your glitz), the glue works but you have to be careful that you don't get use too much glue as it can clump and then won't dry clear. The nail hardener is the one that I use, and I think the most effective. Here are my reasons why:

• Quick drying time- most Nail polish/hardeners dry in 30-60 seconds, which means it can be applied quickly if you forget to do it earlier and are in a hurry.
• Dry clear- keeps the embellished item looking the way it did when you bought it (although may add extra shine!)
• Cost effective- You don't need to spend alot of money, can be found in supermarkets/chemists/retail shops starting around $2.00
• Can be reapplied easily- couple of strokes and you are done,

Tips
 #1- Have a separate nail hardener for your nails to what you use for your embellished items. Not only will you not have to replace it constantly but you may spread infection if you don't separate the two. Label them or store them separatley.
#2- If you notice any stones starting to become loose, act quickly and coat them in the polish- two or three coats may be needed for some items.
#3- For items used frequently I would reapply nail hardener every couple of wears, especially on shoes, rings or clutches.
#4- If you forget to apply (or it has worn off) and something comes loose, see if you can salvage it (if you can find it) and glue/fasten it back on OR see if you can buy something to replace it with. For example discount stores often have little crystal/diamonte type stones for sale that people use for craft purposes, see if these suit your needs

Kooklah Xx

Sparkle, Sparkle, SPARKLE...

I love to have abit of sparkle.

 In makeup, hair, clothing, shoes or accessories. It reminds me of the saying, "every girl deserves to be a princess". It can brighten dull days, make people notice you and give a burst of confidence.

Glorious sequins and sparkles

A small bit of sparkle can be added to an outfit for just a hint of glamour without been too obvious (especially for those who are not sure if sparkles, sequins, glitter, jewels are something they want to add to their style or wardrobe) or for a more solem/serious occasion.

Once you get used to the colour, sparkle, attention, you can add more-like a whole outfit! Or maybe, like I did, jump straight in? Below are some beautiful sparkly clothes...

Shoes or accessories to pair with a sparkly outfit for extra punch, or to add to another outfit that requires some bling such as dark clothing, to work, brunch with the girls...



 Makeup looks that add sparkle! From subtle glimmer to eye catching sparkle glamour....

I love using sparkle to add a special something to an outfit, I feel pretty, sexy and special. I'll take the crown to go! haha. Thought I'd finish up with some sparkly celebrity looks! Whose style do you like the most?