InstaLovin [toddler edition]

Awhile back I shared a few of my loves of Instagram.

Well, with Instagram being one of my main connections to the outside world these days, I've come across yet another insta-crush. Or more so, a mommy-crush [because crushing on a 5 year old would be weird].

If you don't already know him... allow me to introduce to you, Alonso Mateo.

As I enjoy fashion posts of all sorts, infant/toddler fashion takes the cake!! I can't get enough. I began following fashion stylist, Luisa Espinosa [@ luisafere] when her son, Alonso, continuously popped up on fashion blogs. He's just too adorable! I find myself anxious to style my son in some of these trendy getups once he gets older [not wishing his precious newborn years away just yet, though].

Stop. I can't...

An InstaLOVE Life

I love instagram for the simple pleasure of stalking viewing purposes. There's something intriguing about viewing the adventures through another's eyes, or lense for that matter. Whether it be fashion, travels, makeup, or nonsense, I could be on it for hours. Especially being that Facebook is mostly drama, Keek seems to be flooded by all Kardashians, and I have yet got into the hype of Twitter.

With that said, I thought I'd share a few of the people I vicariously live through in the lovable Instagram world.

Negin [if that's your name] I want your hair.

Ms. anniep, I'll take one of everything. Please and thank you.

Hey garypeppergirl, can we become besties and take me on some of these excursions?

Wendy, I want your wardrobe.

And for whatever real reason, I just love her.

Shade of the Week

Since it's been some time now, I decided to allow my inner nail technician to take over and get a little crazy with some new colors. I say crazy, but all I mean is jumping into a fad I never thought I'd be part of. I've never tried to get into too many fads, given sometimes they are just that and the world will soon be moving on to something new. Remember the feather extensions?

Are people still wearing these? I'm not a fashion expert, so I can't really say if it's here or gone. All I know is that I don't see it too often anymore. Which is my point. A fad.

So where am I going with this. I'm leading into the nail polish fad that's exploded in the fashion industry. Although, nail art isn't really something new. I remember some pretty tacky designs back when I was in high school. However, the nail fad these past couple years have been to polish all nails one color while painting one or two others a different shade. And NOW, it seems to be all about the design of said different-shaded-finger. They are so creative, you never know what people will think of next.

So again, getting to the point. I have decided to dip into this newish nail fad, and see what it's all about. I have always had a creative bone in me, but it's not something that just comes out naturally. I have to be inspired. Well folks, yesterday I was inspired. By who you may ask? My best friend, Jess. Ha! Not that that's funny, but to no surprise we were thinking about doing this new nail trend at the same time. It just took  a short conversation of "I think I might do this..." "oh yea, I was thinking of doing it too!". And that was it.

So here we are.

The products I used for my nail fad trial experience, was none other than my good ol friend, Sally Hansen. 

For my ringer finger (right), I used Complete Salon Manicure Earl Gray 320 and the design was made with Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear White On 300. 

For all other nails (left), I used Complete Salon Manicure Commander In Chic 290.

Being that I'm right handed, I was easily able to polish my left hand with no hassle. So I decided to paint one hand, and share it with you! But please, bare with me. Have you ever taken a hand picture before? Unless you're obsessively marveled at your own hand, I doubt you have. It's awkward. Do I hold the nail polish bottle? Do I just lay them flat on the table? Bad angle/good angle. This is the best I could do.

Amateur, I know. But hey it was fun.

Now go link up with one of my newest faves.

Plum's The Word

Short post today, but continuing with all things FALL. Anyone who knows me would agree that I'm about as obsessed with the upkeep of my nails than anything else. It's one of my most favorite accessory staples of any season. Rolling into fall/winter, I'm excited to dig out all of my favorite polish shades! I'm open to any and all brands, yet I seem to always gravitate towards Sally Hansen. My second favorite would most likely be Essie. Although with my experience, the color in the bottle doesn't hold true to the color on the actual nail. Nonetheless, I've purchased a few shades that I'm very pleased with, so ... to each their own.

For now, the color I've chosen for this week - yes, it often changes weekly - is Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Plum's The Word 280. Fingers and toes acceptable! I'm absolutely loving it. I say I'm a weekly changer, but this color may find it's stay a little longer.

Now, if you're a third-nail-color advocate, I'd pair my current color with Raisin The Bar 270. It's just enough difference in shade, but close enough to be very complimentary to one another. I've yet converted to the third nail fad, but believe me I've still eyeballed combining shades if I ever came down to it.

More lovable fall colors I'm eager to display this season are Mudslide 250 and Earl Gray 320; both from Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure line. But if you're looking for other simple purples or plums, I know someone who can vouch for yet another great color! Check out Ms. Katie's fall selection over at BlueDaisy In The BlueGrass.