Essie nail polishes are my favorite! I love that the brand is now “big 3 free” (which means their nail polishes are not formulated with toluene,  formaldehyde, or DBP). The polishes in the image above, from left to right are: fiji, e-nuf is e-nuf, turqoise and caicos, topless and barefoot, and big spender.

Fiji: Looks best with a tan. I like to put on 3 light coats of the polish. It is a beautiful, opaque pink.

E-nuf is e-nuf: Perfect coral! It goes with everything. In terms of application, 2 coats is all you need.

Turquoise and caicos: Fabulous for feet. Like fiji, it looks awesome with a tan.

Topless and barefoot: Opaque, neutral & amazing. It is the perfect nude. Use 3 light coats.

Big spender: This color is great for both a manicure & pedicure. It is my favorite Essie polish!

On my shopping list: Too Too Hot

x0,

Katie

Nail polish is one of my favorite things. I love wearing it, putting it on, and looking at it (both on me and on others!). I love it on my fingers but also on my toes and I think it looks so pretty in the bottle. It is easy to travel with, can make an outfit pop, and is a reflection of personality.

I was really disappointed when I discovered how harmful conventional nail polish brands are (on the cosmetic database – http://organicmakeupgirl.com/cosmetic-consumers-read-me/). Some of my favorite brands that I have been wearing for years (like Essie) suddenly seemed off-limits and dangerous. Nail polish lost its appeal to me because I felt so guilty wearing it.

A little bit of research led me to Zoya. This brand really enables me to enjoy nail polish again! Zoya nail polish is free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl pthalate and camphor. The polish is also vegan-friendly. I like the fact that my nails can look pretty without compromising my health. :)

Zoya has an incredible range of colors to select from – each shade has an intensity rating (of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most opaque). In addition, each color has a color description, and information on the color family it belongs to, the finish (cream, frost or metallic), and tone (warm or cool). Zoya makes it really easy to find colors that work well with your skin (check out this youtube video on how to find the right color for your skin tone:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHPecpNYehc).

Right now, I am loving Zoya Elodie and Zoya Erin. I recently purchased Zoya Audrina, Zoya Sabrina and Zoya Kali (I am waiting for them to come in the mail!).

I get my Zoya nail polish at zoya.com, where each bottle is $7 (+shipping and handling). This is an awesome brand and I highly recommend purchasing their nail polish! :)

x0 Katie

Some fun trends this spring include: pastel paint for nails, tights (VS has them in every color) and tunics, nautical pieces & accessories (which I adore!), and floral prints – especially on sundresses and high-waisted miniskirts. Have I indulged in any of these trends? Of course.

Nail polish I am  loving right now (that do not cost a lot of $) – Pink Flamingo by Brucci; Intrigue by Brucci and Delia’s Lilac Purple Polish

Both Victoria’s Secret and Charlotte Russe have a plethora of tights and longer tanks and tunics. This style is adorable, wearable and versatile. Long tanks create the illusion of a longer torso and midsection which is slimming and suitable for everyone! :)

Nautical pieces & accessories – Urban Outfitters, Forever21, H&M, & Charlotte Russe are stocked with those shades of navy, red, and white/cream that scream summer! I purchased anchor earrings at Urban, a cute nautical bracelet at Charlotte Russe, and a bag with navy stripes at H&M. I love the nautical look! Rock you nautical wear with a touch of red lipstick to give your look a retro feel.

Floral prints – Florals are characteristic of spring but can truly be worn throughout both spring and summer. I have purchased several summer dresses and skirts at Charlotte Russe. On spring days when it is a bit too chilly to wear a skirt or dress, wear a matching pair of tights and a lightweight cardigan.

Favorite spring trends? Comment below!