Tue Jul 08, 2008

Great Nail Polish Finds That Won’t Break The Bank

In this day of exploding gas prices and struggling investments, you might not have the inclination to blow $20 on that bottle of Chanel Rose Tourbillion (although it is completely stunning). However, this doesn’t mean that your nails have to be anything less than amazing. And if you’re a classic red-and-pink lover, there’s a huge range of choices.

E.L.F., a.k.a. “That Brand Where Everything Costs a Dollar,” has a line of polish that includes two standout shades: Light Pink, a gold-shimmer-infused petal pink, and Light Red, a true, blue-based red. These colors take a bit of work to get opaque – the pink took three coats, while the red took four, and it didn’t take to every basecoat (although Orly Bonder worked really well). Wear is average. (Side note: E.L.F.'s offering a code until July 15th—10% off purchases of $20 or more with code EGANNIVDS.) 

If you’re looking for something from a line you’re more familiar with, check out Essie’s Who’s She Red (a retro lipstick red) and Sugar Daddy (a clear, cool pink). And at $8 a pop, neither of them will break the bank.

Get both Essie colors at amazon.com for just $4.75. Or online beauty supply store Head 2 Toe Beauty offers Essie for $3.50. It's reliable and ships quickly – making these offers ones you might not be able to refuse.

Global Trendsetters: Which One Will You Be Taking Back To The States?

We've had a ball the past week scouring the globe - or at least our sources around the globe - for the latest fashion trends beyond the states. After all, it's often elsewhere (meaning not the U.S.) where the edgiest trends begin. Below is a round-up of what we found in our virtual travels. Which one would you bring back to your hometown?

You'll rarely see such a fashionable people as the residents of Buenos Aires. So what's taking Argentina by storm right now? Converse sneakers.

French Vogue has declared those 80’s denim stand-by styles-- acid-washed and ripped jeans—to be back. Who knew Motley Crue and White Snake would ever be in vogue again?

According to our sources in Cape Town and Durban, South Africa's trendy chicks are keen on mid-calf leggings topped with flowing, knee-length cotton dresses. 

Break out your BeDazzlers  - jewels are back among Japanese women who are adorning themselves with sparkling bags, belts, bracelets, and the like. 

This Week In A-Cups: Pasties For Non-Stripper Civilians

What: Bristols 6 Nippies ($10 for two pair)

Why: I am not a pasties kind of gal. Truth be told, I wear a lot of pastel sundresses. But when you have the (lack of) goods to wear these sorts of things, why not? After wearing them for a full day of work and play, I can attest that, quite simply, Nippies rock.

The crème-colored lace x’s were totally undercover with a cotton halter dress. A crazier pink-and-metallic pair was undetectable underneath a black strapless number, but made me feel kind of badass anyway. And no, they don’t hurt when you pull them off, thanks to a circular cotton pad that keeps your actual nipple from having to touch the sticky stuff. My only complaint is that you can’t re-use them.

Get Yours: Bristols6.com

Taste Test: Which White Dress Is The Brighter Buy?

These two form-fitting dresses are striking and sleek, with shiny black belts to add contrast and emphasize an hourglass figure. One is on sale for 60% off, and still costs more than the other. Can you tell which one’s which? Click on the images to see what they really cost.

Test your Fashion IQ with other Taste Tests.

There’s Money Sitting In Your Closet--Find Out How Much Thanks To Ztail

What: Ztail.com

Why: Remember the Sex and the City episode where Carrie realizes that her shoe collection is worth $40,000--the exact amount she needs to put a down payment on her apartment? While Ms. Bradshaw's shopping addiction may be more severe--and pricier--than yours, I'm sure all of you SheFinds readers have at one point speculated about the same thing. How much, exactly, have you spent on clothing and accessories over the past few years? What's your closet worth? Perhaps, in these tough economic times, the pack rats among us have glanced at their stuffed wardrobes and wondered: what could I buy if I sold all this?

Well, SheFinds has good news for you. Ztail.com has compiled a huge database of pricing information for new and used clothing, accessories, shoes, and anything else you might have sitting around at home. Ztail hopes to become the source for assessing the worth of everything in your closet. The site also links through to eBay, so you can sell your Manolos when you need to make rent. Or if you discover that your old jeans are priceless (literally), you can also donate those Luckys to some lucky kid.

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