nail tutorial: minimalist dotted manicure

i've been going in spurts of nail art obsession versus loathing nail art. this week i'm obsessed. 

perhaps i've said this before, but i'll say it again... my secret to concocting the ultimate manicure design is at the bottom of a glass of moscato. not two glasses, but just one (for obvious reasons). if you're underage, well then... water will do! ;)

this "minimalist dotted manicure" (as i've dubbed it) was quite simple. all you need is a light base coat, two brightly-colored polishes, a fine-tipped brush and a top coat... oh and a steady hand!

easy peasy!!! follow the tutorial below...

nail polish colors are... 

base coat // "blanc" by essie

dots // "vermillionaire" by essie + "need sunglasses?" by OPI

top coat // essie

happy painting!

xoxo, blair

floral frocks + moccs

warning: put on your sunglasses before you read ANY further! 

i'd always known my skin was borderline translucent, but this is about as blinding as staring directly into the sun. or worse. it's a toss up. the 3rd photo looks like i'm wearing white nylons, but i promise... that's some genuine pastiness right there!

you've probably already guessed this, but i'm a die-hard sunscreen worshipper. not OCD [yet] but pretty darn close!

earlier this week i wrote a little diddy on chictopia's EIU blog entitled "3 summer makeup must-haves"... and one included tinted moisturizer with spf. i love mine! or simply cocktail sunscreen with your foundation for added sun protection! 

i'd rather be pasty now than crinkly later... :) 

... and i've decided that moccasins are all the rage this summer. ross tends to look at me curiously when i slip my moccasins on in 94 degree weather. yes, i'm obsessed! 

plus, all the grand rapids bloggers are wearing them. not that i cave into peer pressure or anything but... check out my friend tieka from selective potential in her cute slip-on moccasins! over here in the mitten we rock the moccs!  

[dress: blue rain from francesca's collections // shoes: courtesy of minnetonka moccasins // earrings: vintage]

xoxo, blair. 

decked in denim.

boy, waiting 2 weeks to start a new job is agonizing. let's just call it "employment purgatory". it's that awkward middle-ground where you're frantically wrapping up projects at the old job and anticipating life at the new one. 

questions of anticipation include:
"will i go by blair or my real name at the new gig?" [shhh... don't tell!]
"what does my intern look like?"

"can i wear leggings as pants?"

"do they brew pretentious coffee?"
but in all seriousness - I AM SO EXCITED. 

perhaps i should start some "blair goes to the office" posts complete with my oxfords, suspenders and the like. ooo... hmm... maybe, just maybe. 

so today's outfit isn't from the office, but from a (hot) date night last weekend. temperature hot, that is! ;) 

[denim dress: mango // gladiator sandals: c/o mia shoes // el paso bag: c/o minnetonka moccasin // accesories: h&m]

xoxo, blair. 

the sassy pant.

ch-ch-ch-changes. yep, that's right folks. change is in the air (once again) in blair-land. looks like the hubby and yours truly will be coworkers! and yes, we realize what we're getting ourselves into... and no, we won't kill each other :)

back in the autumn when we moved to downtown grand rapids (aka. metropolis of west michigan) it was my dream to find a job somewhere within walking distance of our apartment. my wish has been granted, and now i'm onto bigger things like FINDING A BIKE. or more like a cruiser. or as ross calls them - "fixies" (fixed gear bikes). can't you see me on a mint cruiser??

i'll be sure to report my bike findings. or if you live in grand rapids and have a suggestion - i'm all ears! until then i'll have to continue walking to work in monster platforms such as these (see above photo)... now i wonder if my new employer will let me wear these sassy-looking pants...

[top: forever 21 // cigarette pants: courtesy of urban outfitters // shoes: steve madden // bag: h&m]

psst... and ONE MORE DAY left of the minnetonka moccasin giveaway! get yourself entered!! 

xoxo, blair.

tassels [minnetonka moccasin giveaway]

[top: forever 21 // shorts: zara // shoes: minnetonka moccasins]

i'm [squeeeeeel] excited to be offering a giveaway on the 'ole blog today courtesy of minnetonka moccasins! the black tassel gems in these photos are the minnetonka tramper ankle hi boots... follow the instructions below to enter to win your very own pair!

to enter:

leave a comment on this post sharing your all-time favorite summer destination [and why!]... oh and don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you if you win!

for bonus entries:

- tweet "enter to win a pair of @minnetonkamocc tassel boots! @blairbadge bit.ly/hX3R32"

- like "love, blair" and "minnetonka moccasins" on facebook!

- follow @blairbadge and @minnetonkamocc on twitter!

make sure to leave an additional comment for each bonus entry!! may the best reader win! ;) the giveaway ends this friday, june 8th at 6pm EST.

xoxo, blair.