Sparkling Nuvo is teaming up with successful female entrepreneurs to create one of a kind events for their fan base. So when creating a nail bar, who best to join forces with other than jewelry designer and nails did aficionado Melody Ehsani? Nobody! *Keith Sweat voice*
We were beyond ecstatic when Nuvo extended an invitation to us. I mean, who doesn’t want to get pampered with cocktails, desserts, and free nail art? They created a two-day event for their LA crowd, one catered to celebrities and press and another for the fans. They also plan to bring the whole experience to NY this weekend.
Custom nail wraps specifically designed for the event. Melody Ehsani was inspired by the celestial feel the Nuvo bottles gave off. She then of course added her signature bold linework and diamond imagery reminiscent of her cage diamond series to the wraps.
We caught up with Melody Ehsani to view her newest release of nail wraps with brand NCLA and discuss her upcoming projects. Melody gave us the inside scoop about her cut and sew line to be released this coming Fall as well as welcoming the ladies of Kleur to their nail bar with Candypaint in the upcoming months. Stay tuned for details.
Many thanks to Nuvo and Melody Ehsani for the invite and the amazing gift. Can’t wait to dress my nails up again with these nail wraps and sport my custom ring!
BAZAAAAR Pop Up Shop in Space15Twenty is the newest home to nail artists Kleur for the month of May. The 70′s Zamrock inspired shop and art show creates a street bazaar atmosphere featuring pieces and collections by African brands and artists such as Della, African Lookbook, Fashion Rising and Osei duro.
Everyone who knows me knows that I go crazy over bright colors and bold prints. So when I entered the shop, I was pretty much like a kid in a candy store. Except instead of jelly beans, I was drooling over amazing cut and sew clothing made out of bright kente and ankara fabrics, and instead of sour candies,I wanted to fill my bag with little trinkets and accessories like cellphone cases and fabric wrapped bracelets.
On opening night, they had a live dj set by Kilo Kish and performance by artist Theophilus London.
The shop will be open from May 3-27.
Space 15 Twenty
1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
If Nars wasn’t already serving you hot colors for the Summer, here comes another helping in the form of a collaboration with designer Pierre Hardy. Inspired by his Summer 2013 shoe collection, Hardy’s collection includes six color-forward nail polish pairings and two richly-hued blushes.
Extra cute points for nail polish duos housed in a small shoe-box with a dust bag (included in most shoe boxes, like Hardy’s), while the intense blush palettes feature a shimmering gold over-spray design mimicking the designer’s signature cubic print.
Here’s my loot (sent to me by the NARS PR department for my consideration):
I chose Vertebra: a mocha, dusty rose and pink coral. I decided to paint my nails with the dusty rose with the coral as my accent nail. Since I’ve been a bit traumatized by designer polishes, I have stayed away from NARS polishes. But because I have had great luck with Madness (the shade I reviewed from the new Summer 2013 collection two weeks ago) and this duo, I need to pick up a few more shades. I get about a good four days before I see some wear at the tips. I use the Seche Vite top coat because it dries glossy and super quick, it’s my favorite. It does cause some color shrinking at the tips, where the color starts to pull away from the tip of your nails. I think I’m really drawn to this color because the dusty rose is a lovely neutral mocha that reminds me of my all-time favorite nude, that’s sadly discontinued, Brown Sugar by Chanel without the shimmer. The coral is also gorgeous – it’s a bright coral that pulls more pink on my skin tone. I’m planning to do a full coral manicure next – with short, rounded tips of course!
Here it is and please pay no attention to my dry cuticle. Sadly, it takes a close-up of my nails to admit that I need to seriously moisturize my hands and fingers on a regular basis.
The blush I chose is Boys Don’t Cry – not sure if this is a nod to one of my favorite bands, The Cure or the heartbreaking film featuring Hillary Swank’s first academy award perfomance. Either way this shade makes me smile.
As you know, the gold is an over-spray but it doesn’t really bother me. Yes, it does give you an extra boost of shine but once you brush away the shimmer, this pink coral shade does give you a great glow. Do apply with caution – this packs a great pigment push. But if you are not shy with color then by all means, blush away! On my skin it looks more coral than pink – I have been running on my lunch break so I am currently more tan than usual. The tone of the color will differ among different skin tone but it was pigment power is intense regardless!
Another aspect I love about this blush – it matches the coral polish of the Vertebra duo nicely:
I was sent a sample of the new Pro-Prime Light Optimizing Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15. This lightweight primer is loaded with light-transforming properties making skin look luminescent, making it ideal for all skin types. Skin looks instantly fresh and awake as NARS exclusive light reflecting complex and red algae extract revitalize your complexion.
Notice the white cream turns into a lovely gold pearl shimmer. On my skin, I notice a very subtle luminous glow and it’s not a scary disco ball effect nor does it make my skin look oily. It keeps my foundation or tinted moisturizer intact even after a sweaty boot camp workout.
Vitamins A,C, E along with SPF 15 protect the skin from free radicals and harsh sun rays. This is dermatologist tested. Oil-free. Paraben-free. Alcohol-free. Synthetic-fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic.
Sadly, I broke out within two days of using. I think my skin is still getting use to this formula because my usual primer is oil and silicone free. Ugh, I’m torn.
I am very happy with this collaboration. The blush gives me a great summer glow and it goes well with my coral and peach glosses. Vertebra duo is wonderful – I found a nude mocha shade that is in my comfort zone but when I want a pop of fun, the coral saves the day. The primer is also nice, it adds a luminous freshness to my complexion.
This blush may cost more ($41/USD) but it is much larger than the regular blush ($29/USD) – 0.45oz vs. 0.16oz. Pretty good value if you ask me. The nail duos retail at $29/USD vs. $18/USD for one – another great buy.
Light Optimizing Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15 retails for $34/USD.
Primer and Pierre Hardy/NARS collaboration are both offered online and at stores that offer the NARS brand.
Earlier this year Samsung invited me to the Samsung Galaxy Studios to try out some of their new products and I was delighted to check out the Samsung Galaxy Note II and the Galaxy Camera. I was sent review copies of each and I haven’t been able to get much work done because I just want to play all day on these devices.
Samsung Galaxy Note II
Back when the first Galaxy Note dropped our tech writer Ron Simms wrote a review and based on his comments I couldn’t wait to try the second version out. The Galaxy Note II is a pretty amazing device that allows you to consolidate your gadgets. It’s a “Phablet” – that is a phone and a tablet – all in one. A little bit larger than your average smart phone, the Samsung Galaxy Note II give you all of the convenience of your phone with the comfort of using a tablet.
My favorite feature of the phone is the stylus and writing capability. Though I have my share of gadgets to keep track of things for me, at the end of the day I love making lists and taking note – on paper – with a pen. I know, that’s so last century of me. The great thing about the Galaxy Note II is that you can get your writing fix without having to carry around a pen and notebook. In fact, you can full on sketch, doodle and create impressive illustrations on the Galaxy Note II. If you are having a hard time giving up your pen and paper then the Samsung Galaxy Note II is the perfect tool for you. Not only are consolidating your technology but you can consolidate half the stuff taking up room in your bag!
Samsung Galaxy Camera
Where do I start with the Samsung Galaxy Camera. How about here: I LOVE THIS CAMERA. This camera is no joke. In much the same way that the Samsung Galaxy Note II consolidates gadgets the camera does the same. This camera not only takes amazing pictures, it does everything a smart phone does with the exception of making phone calls. The Samsung Galaxy Camera I tested was a carrier-based camera equipped with 4G so I could snap a picture at the Farmer’s Market and immediately upload it to Instagram – right in the middle of the street!
The Samsung Galaxy Camera comes with automatic and manual settings – and then there are “smart” settings. The automatic settings come equipped with filters that you can add to your photos and it doubles as a video camera as well! The manual settings are the coolest I’ve seen on a digital camera. When you select the Expert setting it allows you to control the Aperture and Shutter speed manually – but the interface looks like a lens so for all you cameraphiles you still get the feel of a traditional camera.
The most impressive by far the the “Smart” Settings. These settings allow you to take particular kinds of photos and feature modes like Rich Tone (three photos to choose from under-, over- and properly exposed), Panorama (sweep to take a wide angle photo), Waterall (intenionally blur the flow of water) and Sunset just to name a few. One of my favorites is “Best Face” – you know when you take a group photo and it’s hard to get everyone to look normal at once? Well with Best Face the camera takes five shots consecutively and you pick your favorite face from each photo for your final photo. Amazing. Another favorite is “Best Photo” and is an essential tool for anyone trying to photograph a child (you mama’s out there know what I’m talking about). Best Photo takes a eight photos in a few seconds and you choose the favorite from the bunch.
Not only is the Samsung Galaxy Camera an amazing tool, it looks awesome. Every single time I have whipped out this camera people flock around me to see what it is. It never fails to inspire oohs and ahhhs if you’re into that sort of thing. I love this camera so much and I haven’t had the chance to touch the surface of what it could do.
Here are some photos I took with the Galaxy Camera – no filters or Photoshop!
You can learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Note II and the Samsung Galaxy Camera on the Samsung Galaxy website.
And don’t forget, the Samsung Galaxy 4 just released so you can upgrade your phone too if you don’t want the “phabulousness” of a “phablet”.
I can’t stop listening to these two tracks! They are definitely going to be songs of the summer.
Robin Thicke gives breathes new life into “blue eyed soul” especially with his retro 70s funk infused “Blurred Lines” featuring T.I. and Pharrell. The sound is so authentic when I first heard it I thought it actually was from the 70s! I’m also liking the low-budget feel of the video – keepin’ it simple.
Next up is Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” also featuring Pharrell – am I seeing a trend here? This is the ultimate feel good song – the guitar riff in the back together with the contagious melody makes me want to play this on repeat – while I’m at a pool party drinking pina coladas.
