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Manicure Monday: Black and White Nail Tutorial

LuLu*s — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:59:50 +0000

Inspired by the Lucca Couture Feeling Fine Ivory Print Dress, this trendy black and white mani is ultra-versatile and goes with just about any outfit. Try it with different hues for a bright pop of color.

The Look:

What you’ll need:

- Your favorite black and white nail polish
- Striping Tape
- Detail nail art brush

Before you begin, cut segments of your striping tape into 1/2 inch segments. Stick them to the lid of a nail polish you’re not using or the edge of a table for easy access.

Step 1 – Base Color

Paint your nails with the white polish you’ve chosen. Wait until your nails are completely dry before you begin taping. I like to use a fast dry top coat to help speed things up.

Step 2 – Taping

Place two segments of tape near the tip of your nail, leaving a slight gap between them. Add another strip of tape near your cuticle. When we remove this tape later it will create the empty white space between the black shapes.

Step 3 – Triangles

Using your black polish and detail brush, paint tiny triangles along the edge of the tape near the tip of your nail.

Step 4 – Arrows

Add arrows between the middle and top piece of tape. Keep them going the same direction on all your nails, or change direction on each nail to add some extra interest.

Step 5 – Lines

Finally, paint thick vertical lines above the tape near your cuticle. Match the lines up with the edge of the arrows your created in Step 4. Carefully remove the striping tape to reveal the final look.

Wait several minutes before adding a top coat to avoid smearing your polish. And that’s it! You’ll have a funky and fun look that will keep you staring.

xoxo, Lindsey @ Wondrously Polished

The post Manicure Monday: Black and White Nail Tutorial appeared first on Lulus.com Fashion Blog.

Manicure Monday: Lace Nail Tutorial

LuLu*s — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:10:21 +0000

This lace nail tutorial is inspired by the new lookbook: Sunny Side! This mint lace romper caught my eye and I couldn’t resist creating a matching tutorial. Get the look below!

The Look:

What you’ll need:

Materials:
- 2 different colored polishes
- A detail brush
- Optional: dotting tool

Step 1 – Base Color:

Paint a bright and fun base color. I used Julep’s Robin and applied a fast dry top coat to create a smooth canvas.

Step 2 – Scallops:

Paint tiny scallops in a straight line along your cuticle. The size of your nail will determine how many you’ll be able to fit. I used OPI’s My Vampire is Buff.

Step 3 – Triangles:

Add tiny triangles along the scallops you created. The point of the triangles should be centered over the join line of each scallop.

Step 4 – Dots:

Using your brush or a dotting tool, add 2-3 dots extending off the tip of the triangle. Add more dots along the edge of the triangles to fill in your look.

**Note** Don’t worry if your nail art polish is thick/textured on your nail – adding a top coat when you’re done will create a smooth nail surface.

You can also mix things up a bit by flipping the design – have the scallops start along the tip of your nail instead! Add your favorite top coat and that’s it! You’ll have a bright and unique manicure that is sure to turn heads.

xoxo, Lindsey @ Wondrously Polished

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One Top Three Ways with The Penelope Times

LuLu*s — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:54:24 +0000

One of my favorite things to do is give myself the challenge of styling a specific item multiple ways to see how different I can make it look. I was really excited to style this rad top from LuLu*s 3 ways because it’s so versatile and can be dressed up or toned down.

For the first look I chose floral pants to show that this otherwise edgy top can be brought to a girly level too. The braid, heels and tying the top on the side gave it a softer, more versatile look.

The second look is exactly how I would personally style this top. I love encouraging the edgy feel of the top with edgy elements like a beanie, ripped jean shorts, knee highs and creepers (go big or go home right?). This is a great daytime outfit that you could wear out shopping or to a fun lunch in the city.

The last look is to demonstrate how to wear this top at night whether it’s out clubbing with your girls or to a nice dinner date. I love the shape, drape and details of the top and by making it the main focus of the outfit; the skirt, boots and accessories take the backseat. Perfect for a night out!

Overall the Cuts and Bolts Neon Yellow Top is a great buy and can be worn any way your little imagination creates for it. Hope you all enjoyed my looks!

For more outfit inspiration check out The Penelope Times

xoxo

Chanelle

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Manicure Monday: Floral Nail Tutorial

LuLu*s — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:58:19 +0000

Today I’ll be showing you how to create a fresh, floral look for your nails! All you’ll need are a few supplies and a steady hand.

The Look:

What you’ll need:

Materials:
- 4 different colored polishes in colors of your choosing
- A striping/detail brush
- Dotting tool

Step 1 – Base Color:

Begin by paining your nails a solid base color. I chose Zoya’s Caitlin. Wait for this to completely dry, or add a quick dry top coat if you don’t want to wait.

Step 2 – Flower Petals:

Using your dotting tool or detail brush, add 2-3 small dots of your lightest polish – I used Lime Crime’s Milky Ways – in the upper part up your nail, near your cuticle. Be sure to leave enough room for your petals.

Use your detail brush to add the petals – paint short, thin lines in a semi-circle around the lower half of the dots you previously created.

Step 3 – Flower Center:

With your darkest polish and detail/striping brush, paint semi circles around the dots you created in Step 1. Add tiny dots above the semi-circle to create the center of your flower. Using a striping or detail brush, add thin lines down the center of each petal.

Step 4 – Flower Stems:

Create your flower stems with a bright green polish and a striping brush.

**Tip** Hold your striping brush stationary over your nail and roll your nail underneath the brush to create straight lines every time.

And that’s it! Wait a few minutes and add your favorite top coat to ensure your manicure lasts.

xoxo, Lindsey @ Wondrously Polished

The post Manicure Monday: Floral Nail Tutorial appeared first on Lulus.com Fashion Blog.

Manicure Monday: Chevron Nail Tutorial

LuLu*s — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:59:20 +0000

Chevron and mint are everywhere this spring and I love creating a mani that matches my outfits. This is a great nail DIY to try with any bright colors that you love. I was inspired by the Line by Line dress and chose mint and black for this version.
Here’s the look we’ll be creating:

Before you begin any nail art, make sure you have the necessary supplies and tools on hand. For this look, you’ll need the following:

Materials:
- 3 different colored polishes (white, black and mint for this look)
- Striping Tape

Helpful Items:
- Fast Dry top coat
- Detail brush
- Tweezers
-Angled brush for cleanup
- Dish for acetone (to clean your brushes)

Begin by painting your nails a solid base color. I chose OPI’s My Boyfriend Scales Walls. Wait for the polish to dry completely. **Important** If your nails are not completely dry, the tape will pull up your polish and you will have to start over! Go have dinner or catch up on a TV show before you begin your taping to ensure your polish is completely dry.

Next, cut short segments of your striping tape. Stick them to the edge of your workspace for easy access. Using tweezers or your fingers, create a ‘V’ at the end and middle of your nail with the striping tape. Repeat this process over your entire nail, stopping once you have created a triangle near your cuticle.

Before you begin the next step, make sure that the tape is pushed down completely to your nail, especially around your cuticles and the edge of your nail. This will minimize polish bleeding under the tape.

Using either the nail polish brush or a detail brush for more precision, paint all the ‘Vs’ with your black polish.

Then, carefully paint the triangle with your mint polish. You can use your detail brush or the polish brush. I used Sephora by OPI’s Read My Palm.
Slowly remove the striping tape with your tweezers or fingers. Use a q-tip or an angled brush dipped in acetone to clean up around your cuticles.

Finally, apply your favorite top coat to protect your hard work. Wait at least 10-15 minutes (or longer) before adding your top coat! You don’t want your hard work to smear.

**Pro tip** Use a fast dry top coat between your base color and your striping nail art. This will provide a protective layer between the two that allows you to fix minor errors that may occur during your taping. If the black polish bleeds under the tape, take a small brush dipped in acetone to carefully remove the polish that has bled. The top coat you previously added will protect your white base coat, but allow you to remove any errors.

For more nail art and tutorials, visit Wondrously Polished!

xoxo, Lindsey

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DIY Studded Dress with Erica of FashionLushxx

LuLu*s — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:19:37 +0000

Studs are all the rage these days, but buying a garment or accessory that comes pre-studded also seems to often come with a much higher price tag. If you are looking to save a few bucks without sacrificing style, this easy studded DIY will be right up your alley.

Studded Dress

Supplies: LuLu*s Exclusive Fair Play Washed Dress, Studs (found here), and flat nose pliers (optional).

Step 1: This dress was a great option for studding as the back panel made for the perfect spot to add some edgy flair. I started with outlining where I wanted my studs to be, and closed them off with flat nose pliers.

Tip: These studs are pretty lightweight, so you could use your fingers to close them off as well, but if you have a fresh manicure- I don’t recommend it!

Step 2: Continue filling in your area with studs, trying to keep them as straight and in line as possible.

Enjoy & be sure to check out Fashionlushxx for more fun & simple DIY projects!!

xx, Erica

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Mani Monday: Angled French Nails by Katy of Nailed It

LuLu*s — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:50:52 +0000

This week’s gorgeous edition of Mani Monday is inspired by the ever-so-popular French manicure. This angled French manicure is an updated version of the classic that uses black and gold to give your nails a hint of sophistication and shine. The best part about this mani is that it goes with just about any outfit, and will leave your nails looking pretty and polished from day to date.

More tutorials and nail art are available on my blog, Nailed It. You can also follow my posts on Twitter and Facebook!

xoxo, Katy @ Nailed It

Want to try this look? Shop the nude and black Butter London polishes on Lulus.com!

The post Mani Monday: Angled French Nails by Katy of Nailed It appeared first on Lulus.com Fashion Blog.

Manicure Monday: Lace Nails with Katy of Nailed It

LuLu*s — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:42:01 +0000

What is it about lace that makes it so feminine, but also so sexy? Maybe it’s the colors that decide which interpretation to take on, but then what would we call this simple black and white lace design? Simply put, I think it’s just lovely…lovely Lulu*s lace!

There are so many pretty lace pieces right now at Lulus.com like these black lace trimmed matador pants. Whether you love your lace in peplums or pleats, lace looks gorgeous and simple on your nails!

More tutorials and nail art are available on my blog, Nailed It. You can also follow my posts on Twitter and Facebook!

xoxo, Katy @ Nailed It

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DALiiA Kohl Eye Liner Tutorial by Shyema of Beauty and the Feast

LuLu*s — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:26:18 +0000

Kohl was a staple in Cleopatra’s beauty kit, so why not yours? I’m obsessed with DALiiA’s eyestick liners ($28 each) for not only its intense color payoff, but the fact that it’s a 100% natural formula (no parabens, no silicone or preservatives) so I feel comfortable lining it in the inner rims of my eyes for an intense smokey look. Here’s an eye makeup look I did this morning (and proceeded to get many compliments on at the office later). The kohls are so easy to use and completely versatile. I used it below as a liner and shadows as you’ll see. You can totally get away with this easy look for day to evening, and even layer up more black for a sexy nighttime look that will be hard to ignore.

1. Use DALiiA’s Persian Gold on the lid in a wind-wiper motion, applying from lid to crease.

2. Use the tip of the liner to get into the tear duct area, and roll around to just the inner-bottom corner of the lid.

3. Using an eyeshadow brush, grab a brown-bronze color like this one (this one is from a Tarte palette I had).

4. Apply to the outer crease area of your eye. This will give it subtle depth.

5. I used DALiiA’s Starlight Silver to the center and inner areas of my crease to just give the look a little more dimension.

6. Use a highlighter pencil to add a little glow right under your brows. I used Benefit High Brow.

7. Now take DALiiA’s Cleopatra Black to line your upper and lower waterline. I start from the tear duct area and close my eye slightly around the stick and slide through to thoroughly cover the inner rims. I go over it twice to make it really intense.

8. Line the upper lid like you would normal liner with the Black eyestick. You can drag the line out a little to give it a slightly winged look.

9. Now using a flat brush, grab a dark brown shadow like this one and line your lower lashline. I love how this gives it a nice, smoked out look (option: you can do this with your black eye stick if you want it even more intense).

10. Curl your lashes using an eyelash curler.

11. Add a couple swipes of your favorite black mascara (I used Lancome Hypnose Star – in love with this one right now!)

Want to see more by guest blogger Shyema Azam? Check out her blog Beauty and the Feast!

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Manicure Monday: Ikat Nails with Katy of Nailed It

LuLu*s — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:19:37 +0000

If you’re looking for a fashion-forward way to add some flair to your nails, but don’t feel confident drawing designs yet, then this Ikat mani may be perfect for you!

This simple tutorial was inspired by these Laundry Room Aztec Cutoffs. I matched these cheeky colors with the colors on the shorts, but any variation on bright colors would work well too. Dig through your collection to find some complimentary colors, then go nuts! This is one of the easiest designs to recreate yourself.

More tutorials and nail art are available on my blog, Nailed It. You can also follow my posts on Twitter and Facebook!

xoxo, Katy @ Nailed It

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