nail tutorial: dots + diagonals.

after a brief hiatus, it's back to the polishes.

i had to go sans-color for a jewelry photo shoot last week and [gasp] forgot to pretty my digits up afterwards! naked nails for me is about the equivalent of being in the nude, in public. it just [almost] never happens.

this "dots + diagonal" manicure is a layering act, so be prepared for some painting and dotting action. let's give this a go!

[base color: ballet slippers]

[diagonal color: dive bar]

[dots: mint candy apple] 

all of these polishes are essie. i love essie polishes because they're thin, smooth and the bomb-diggity for nail art layering.

let me know if you give this mani a whirl!

xoxo, blair.

party animals.

[from saturday] wore these comfy threads around town yesterday and out to the surprise birthday bash for fellow grand rapids blogger tieka! 

like the socialite that i am, i camped out at the punch and cracker bowl with my adorable date/partner in crime, kayley of sidewalk ready [but she prefers to go by just kayley]... 

after hours of discussing WWII, quotable movies and the definition of a hipster, we concluded that bloggers might possibly be some of the strangest people out there. 

we just appear "normal" on a computer screen. thoughts? ;)

fyi, i have a nail art tutorial for photo #4 in the que for you!

happy sunday to all my craaaazy blogging loves!

xoxo, blair. 

[denim top: zara // shorts: h&m // bag: asos // shoes: minnetonka moccasins]

jazzy.

  

i've begun to disregard seasonally appropriate clothing. [yes, i'm discussing the weather] but when it drops 30 degrees between the outdoors and an air conditioned office, i'm faced with no choice but to cast "normal" summer attire to the wind. 

indeed, it's 95+ degrees out and i'm covered in dark clothing.

 

fortunately this top provides some relief to my perspiring backside. it's sheer, airy and makes me feel like i'm superwoman.

[cue the theatrical music here] 

however, the highlight of wearing seasonally inappropriate clothing [or simply abnormal attire to that of conservative west michigan] are the witty remarks from onlookers. 

the gem this week was from a local barista who asked, "where do you work that they'd let you wear an outfit like that?" i laughed. perhaps this is a bit of a stretch for business casual!

but for this outfit the icing on the cake is certainly the wedges. not only are they jazzy, snazzy or however you'd describe them, but they elevate me to the commanding height of 6 ft 3 in. take that boys! ;)

xoxo, blair.

[reeba wedges: c/o mia shoes // top: love culture // bdg jeans: c/o urban outfitters // clutch: vintage]

weekend midriff.

after this shoot, i'll try to stop taking photos in front of reflective walls. but, you are getting a glimpse of downtown grand rapids! 

this 2nd photo makes me laugh - yes, that is a mural of faces next to my head. downtown grand rapids sports many decorative murals, compliments of artprize. artprize is an open art competition that runs for 3 weeks in the autumn. artists from all over the world participate and the downtown hub is literally covered in art. murals, sculptures, paintings, live music... you name it, we've got it!  

flaunting the midriff shirt. it gets pretty scandalous over here on the weekends! haha... love you guys!

xoxo, blair. 

[hat: pins and needles @ urban outfitters // top: forever 21 // skirt: love culture // sandals: me too]

chictopia: haircare for beach babes.

us pasty lovers finally made it to the beach this past weekend! it doesn't look like we saw the sun, but i promise... we were there! swimsuits and all. and sunscreen, floppy hats, an umbrella, water bottles. you get my drift ;)

i suppose my chictopia article on haircare tips for beach babes is slightly past due. but i'm blaming #sweatfest2012 as the reason it took me so long to get over to the lake. like i've said before, i melt easily.

be sure to click on the photo above to learn how how to avoid beach hair scraggles and those murky green pool tips! 

happy swimming!

xoxo, blair. 

biz casual 2.0

it's another "blair does business casual" day! 

just so you all know, i'm all about being thrifty [aka. practical] and reusing clothing pieces. you might remember some of these pieces from previous posts!

although it's a thrill to buy new wardrobe items, let's be real here... i'm a newly married 20-something post-postgrad from the midwest. i am that "budget friendly" shopper and proud of it! i love fashion, but with realistic expectations. i'd much rather be creative in reworking old pieces than breaking the bank to keep my content fresh. 

can i get an amen? ;)

now having said that, do any of you girls have thrifty shopping secrets you'd like to share? here's mine... buy basics. it makes mixing and matching a breeze!

[neon top: h&m // skirt: american apparel // shoes: steve madden // necklace h&m]

xoxo, blair. 

the mad scientist.

as promised, blair does business casual! haha, i suppose this is more of an interpretation of biz casual attire. if it wasn't so hot outside i'd totally be rocking my grandma pants and suspenders. the downfalls of [nasty] humid 95 degree weather... ugh... i melt. 

we shot these photos on our walk into the office yesterday morning. ross told me i looked like a mad scientist. i think that's code for "babe, you look ravishing in white!" lol 

you might also notice that i'm a bit blonder than before. i've decided [again] that blondes [at least this blonde] have more fun! i've laid off the bleach for long enough... back to the scraggly ends and lots of pureology conditioning treatments!

[top: forever 21 // tulip skirt: american apparel // jacket: h&m // earrings: target // shoes: mia shoes inc]

... celebrating america's birthday with a patriotic manicure. happy [almost] 4th of july! anyone have any fun plans for the holiday? we do... relax, relax and relax! ;)

xoxo, blair.