Monday Mani: #52WPNMC with Picture Polish Tail Feather, Girly Bits What the Deuce, and A England Saint George

Week 35 of the 52 Week Pick N Mix Challenge is "patchwork" or "bright & happy".  I went with bright and happy.  I always think of yellow when I think "happy" (as most people probably do), but my first mani for this challenge was an epic fail.  I also think of bright green when I think happy so I went for something I haven't tried before and did a faux ombre on a diagonal with green.  I got a little impatient with applying the top coat so I had to do a little patch job to attempt to correct the smearing, but other than that I am SO stoked with how this looks.

Featured on bottom is three thin coats of Tail Feather by Picture Polish, a lime green bijou holo that leans to the mint side and is a little sheer.  Application was easy and did a good job of self-leveling (which it needed).  The middle color is What the Deuce? by Girly Bits, a kelly green holo shimmer that is saturated with color.  GB is always great, and I'm loving this color.  The darkest green, and last layer, is Saint George by A-England, which is described as a teal, but I would argue is more of a forest green loaded with holo.  I put skinny white striping tape on the two fingers that feature all three colors.

I'm definitely loving this nail art look and am going to try for some more faux ombres with other colors!

Indirect sunlight on the patio, afternoon sun

In the shade under trees

Somewhat direct afternoon sun

Indirect lighting on the patio, afternoon sun

Complete and direct afternoon sunlight

Monday Mani is about showcasing beautiful indie polishes that I've purchased through lifestyle shots. So many swatches out there are captured under lighting and conditions that aren't common of every day. My intention is to show mani's under typical lighting and wearing conditions so you can decide if the beauty is right for you or not. Please note that although colors are accurate on my computer monitor (Macbook Pro), colors do vary among devices. Professionals blogger swatches are perfect - here's my life lessons from a handmade artisan.

Disclaimer: All reviews and opinions are my own. Products were purchased with my own money. No affiliation with Picture Polish, Girly Bits, or A England and their respective products.

An InLinkz Link-up

Monday Mani: #fightforlightandlive and Girly Bits

Yesterday afternoon I discovered the #fightforlightandlive and #depressionawareness mani movement on Facebook.  Being a mental health professional first and foremost, I didn't want to miss out on participating.  I figured better late than never!

I had just opened up my three Mystery Bags from an exclusive sample sale for group members that handmade indie polish maker Girly Bits ran earlier this month.  The bags contained OOAKs, Oops, Prototypes, Testers, Discontinueds, and the like.  Among them was a beautiful green/purple holo duochrome (if I'm guessing correctly) and I thought it perfect to try out since it was a newbie and green.

While I had some application and drying issues - an anticipated risk of mystery samples - that affected clean up and appearance, it is quite the lovely color.  If the application issues were worked out (which may be the reason it didn't make it into production), I think this prototype would turn into a huge hit!  Next time I think I will build with super thin coats as I think I was a little overzealous with my painting.  This is two semi-thick coats with Zoya's Anchor and Armor.

Sadly, my camera was NOT cooperating with capturing the purple side of it.  When I walk into full sun, it turns into a full blown muted purple shade and the holo lights up.  While the naked eye can clearly see it, my camera clearly cannot.  Which is SO unfortunate because I wish I could easily show you how dynamic a color this is!  Instead, I tried my best with different lighting and angles in hopes of highlighting its beauty.

Post in the comments below what you think of the color!  And, please, help fight stigma surrounding mental illness and become an advocate for changing society's perspective.  Visit your local community agency or NAMI chapter, and help educate yourself and others about mental illness disorders.  Together we can #stampoutstigma and be agents for change!

Shade lighting

Direct sun lighting

(aka when my camera should have captured the purple instead)

Indirect sun lighting

(trying to capture the purple at a new angle)

Indirect sun lighting

Indirect sun lighting

(can see the purple a little bit)

Disclaimer:  All products were purchased with my own money.  All reviews and opinions are my own. Not affiliated with Girly Bits.

NOTD Handmade: The Power of Love by Girly Bits

The Power of Love by Canadian indie maker Girly Bits: "The Power of Love is a lavender holo sprinkled with lavender, sea green and silver holo glitter, plus purple shimmer and sparks of silver holo."

I was actually surprised after rereading the description because it looks more like a lavender polish with gold glitter at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, I can see all the lovely elements. :)

This color is so stunning. I had some difficulty with the application - it was on the thick side - but I think that's due to it being jam packed with glitter (and who can complain about being jam packed with goodies?!). I think this is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine! I can't stop staring at my nails.

This photo was taken in indirect sunlight.  Let me know in the comments what you think!

Disclaimer: Products in this post were purchased by me for personal use.  No compensation was given for this review.  All opinions are my own.  Not affiliated with Girly Bits.

BKD Signature to Launch a Mini Preview of the Newly Added Polish Jewelry Colors

BKD Signature in Sacramento, CA, is pleased to announce the company’s expansion of its nail polish jewelry product line.

Sacramento, California - May 30, 2014

BKD Signature (www.bkdsignature.com) of Sacramento, CA, is excited to announce the company’s newest addition to its Glam & Glitz Collection that features more indie nail polish brands.

BKD Signature will be debuting new polish jewelry on May 30^th in their Etsy Shop.  Two launch times will occur, the first at 12 noon Pacific Time and the second at 6 pm Pacific Time, in hopes of accommodating most time zones.  Most pieces previewing are one-of-a-kind and will offer a glimpse at the polishes that will be added to the BKD Signature Glam & Glitz Collection at the launch of the grand reopening (tba).  Soon, BKD Signature jewelry will permanently feature Colors by Llarowe polish, NailNation 3000 polish, Superficially Colorful thermal lacquer, and Girly Bits Cosmetics polish; in addition to its product line that already features My Ten Friends polish and Darling Diva Polish indie brands.  BKD Signature is also previewing for consideration of permanency Picture Polish’s 2014 Limited Edition shifting colors. 

While it has been difficult to be without a dedicated studio, the company has persevered and managed to commandeer a tiny creative space in order to continue creating their signature exotic papers jewelry and famous nail polish jewelry.  Currently unable to fulfill new soy candle orders (please contact the company for ready-to-ship soy wax products), BKD Signature hopes to be back in full force soon.  A grand reopening will be announced when they are back in a dedicated studio space.

Pieces from the Glam & Glitz Collection range in price from $20 USD to $30 USD.  Every piece of BKD Signature polish jewelry is handcrafted using toxin free nail polish, handmade glass tiles, and handmade glazes.  BKD Signature continuously searches for more indie polish artisans to collaborate with for their jewelry.

BKD Signature products have been gifted to Rachael Ray, Kaley Cuoco, Genevieve Gorder, Alison Sweeney, Brandi Glanville, Renee Zellweger, Stephanie Drapeau, and Selena Gomez and her band as part of The Artisan Group collaborative gift bags. BKD Signature jewelry was selected for inclusion in a special The Artisan Group Mother’s Day 2013 Collaborative Gift Bag and BKD Signature soy candles were selected for inclusion in a special The Artisan Group Earth Day 2013 Collaborative Gift Bag.  BKD Signature’s famous Birthday Cake soy candle was gifted to the press for the GBK’s 2013 Primetime Emmys Celebrity Gift Lounge.  BKD Signature products have been seen on KCRA 13 News and featured on multiple prominent blogs.

To learn more about BKD Signature, visit www.bkdsignature.com or e-mail bkdsignature[at]gmail.com. Select designs are also carried at Home Ec in Chico, CA; Taylor’s Art & Soul in Sacramento, CA; 4 Elements Yoga in McMinnville, OR; and online at Femme Fatale Cosmetics, Overall Beauty, and Edgy Polish. You can also become a fan of BKD Signature on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and follow on Instagram (@BKDSignature).

About BKD Signature

BKD Signature (http://www.bkdsignature.com) provides the world with elegant artisanal products that includes its distinctive one-of-a-kind exotic papers glass tile jewelry, sophisticated high-quality nail polish jewelry, and premium eco-friendly soy candles. The company, located in Sacramento, California, was founded in February 2009. BKD Signature jewelry has been featured on “The Vampire Diaries” and seen on actress Stephanie Drapeau, and is in the hands of numerous celebrities and tv/movie stylists. BKD Signature is a proud member of The Artisan Group, as well as Unique Women in Business and California Crafters Club of Etsy.