Merry Christmas!

Wear your ugly sweaters, and wear them with pride!

Bisous,
Irene

Nailed It.

Checkerboard Nails.

I love this design, and I almost consider it my signature!

What you need (from left to right):
Contrast color polish, top coat, base color polish, base coat, dotter (or a toothpick)

Base coat!! Always!!

Then put on a base color. It is best to use a lighter color, since you will be painting on top.

Make a square as the first checker in your checkerboard.

Fill in that square and create/fill in more squares diagonal to the original. I first start with making squares, but honestly after the second one I just blob some nail polish and shape it like a square.

When you do your other fingers, try to alternate where the blocks are on the nails.

Top coat it for a scintillating shine!

Wear it well, my dears.

Bisous,
Irene

Here's a Tip!

Save your nails!

It's no secret that nail polish can damage your nails and nail beds. Even wearing a base coat will not completely shield your nails. So, once you remove your nail polish try one of these treatments:

SOAK.
Soak your nails in olive oil for at least one minute. There are many olive oil treatments available, but the real thing is void of any chemicals!

COAT.
This is my favorite. My nails get really dry and brittle, so I coat my bare nails with petroleum jelly (Vaseline). After leaving it on for a few hours, my nails actually are so dry that they suck up the Vaseline and I am left with healthy nails!

Repeat these as desired and try not to wear nail polish every second of your life. It is gorgeous and admittedly addicting, but your nails need the break! Once in a while, take a few weeks off and let them heal on their own.

Stay healthy!
Bisous,
Irene

You Need...

Graphic Sweaters.

One of the best parts of the Cosby show was Bill Cosby's sweaters, and they're back on runways now!

Try simple geometry

Or an oversize and fair-isle-eque pullover

Flowers can be super Fall/Winter as long as you pay attention to colors and styling

Comic book/pop art sweaters are super high fashion now (especially with a faux hawk!)

Go cozy with metallic hints. Bonus points if there are designs on the arms!

Start your winter warm! Get a graphic sweater.

Bisous,
Irene

Here's a Tip!

Match your accessories by color family, not exact color

Sometimes we love to make sure our belts, shoes, bags and hats are all the exact color, but by keeping them in the same color family instead of the same color will save you time and money, and look even better!

Kelly Patent Leather Belt (ASOS)

Leather Bag (H&M)

An easy way to start is with brown leathers. There are so many different shades that are so readily available.

Hi Boot Brown

Then, move on to different colors!
However, this does not give mean black belts and brown shoes are okay. Please avoid this!

Bisous,
Irene

What's the word?

d'Orsay Pump

These are super flattering shoes with a low front and cut-outs on the side. They show the arch of your foot and are traditionally stilettos. (Note: the side of the shoe is actually called the "vamp" of the shoe!)

Zya d'Orsay Pumps (Anne Klein)

The origin: Count Alfred d'Orsay created these shoes in the 19th century for men. The cut-outs were meant to accommodate wider feet. Fun fact: d'Orsay was a dandy and good friend of Lord Byron!

Ava d'Orsay Pumps (3.1 Phillip Lim)

Logan Glitter d'Orsay Pump (Jimmy Choo)

How fab are these??

Bisous,

Irene

You Need...

Oversize Sweaters

Approximately 90% of all my sweaters are oversize and it feels great! Just remember to wear tight pants or skinny jeans to balance the volume on top.

Try a hand-knit pompom sweater:

Or try a grandma-chic weaved sweater. The chain on the top gives it a bit of edge, no?

Praise the fashion gods for making a trend so comfortable!

Bisous,
Irene