CHANEL Limited-Edition Collection — Blue Illusion de Chanel

Just got this in my inbox this morning — a limited-edition collection from the temptresses at Chanel.

I'm into this set! I like the rich denim blues; I think they're deep enough to steer clear of 1970s territory. Paired with creamy nudes, this blue looks so alluring. I don't think that this collection would complement my coloring, but I'm hoping one of my tawny blonde friends will try it out.

And as for Sky-Line... Oooh, la la! Slatey-baby-blue. Very unique! I can't tell if it has any shimmer or shine going on, but I can't wait til someone swatches this.

sacrebleu, Francesca

Spotted: The Ciaté Velvet Manicure

Remember Ciaté's Caviar Manicure? I know we all pinned it up on our Pinterest boards, but did any of you guys actually try it out? I was very tempted to splurge, but you may recall that I took issue with one of Ciaté's nail polish names, and I opted not to throw any cash money their way.

Since then, Ciaté changed the offensive lacquer moniker. (!) To err is human; I understand. It really means a lot to me that the company took responsibility for an error in judgement and rectified the situation.

And so, I hope you don't mind that I'm breaking the moratorium on Ciaté mentions. I saw the brand's Velvet Manicure Kit in Sephora and had to share it with you guys — if you haven't seen it already.

It's difficult for me to make a call on this. On the one hand, love the creativity with texture. On the other hand, aesthetics aside, how long does this last? And how does showering or hand washing affect the finish?

One tip for trying this look out — without breaking the bank — is to visit an arts 'n' crafts shop. The powder included with the kit is called "flocking powder," and you can buy it at most craft stores for the low low price of $4. I sense a Michael's trip in my future!

If anyone here has tried the patented Ciaté Velvet Manicure or has experimented with flocking powder on their own, please share your experience in the comments! If you want to read an account of what one brave blogger's experience was like, check out Blue Tape & Nail Tips.

I'll wrap this up with an awesome picture my friend Cleveland found for me that involves some particularly creative flocking.

berryvelvetifyouplease, Francesca

P.S. Oh, who am I kidding, I can't end this post without throwing in this hot track. Don't act surprised! You know the drill around here. I dedicate this video to Katia, who sang the best version of this song I've heard yet.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkXNEmtf9tk]

Spotted: Nails In Motion

Few things are worse than smudging a fresh manicure. A bird pooping on your car right after you've washed it, or the top scoop of an ice cream cone falling to the ground before you even get to taste it are a couple examples of similarly agonizing situations.

But wait! Every now and then, a genius idea comes along that solves a problem that you didn't even know you had, or never once thought you could eliminate.

Remember the days before the invention of The Slanket, The Original Blanket with Sleeves? If you were freezing on the couch but needed to grab the remote, or sip your glass or wine, or pet your cat, then you had to remove your vulnerable arm from the warm confines of your blanket and brave the subzero temperatures of your chilly family room. Those were dark days...

Well, thanks to the people at Nails In Motion, you may never have a ruined manicure again! Check this out!

And they sound really easy to use.

Have any of you guys tried this product? I am a sucker for anything Lucite... not to mention, I think these would really come in handy. Pun intended.

shallispend, Francesca

P.S.

P.P.S. My birthday's coming up...

Spotted: Essie's Very Own Nail Salon

It's genius, really. You know that feeling when you walk into a nail salon, only to find that the inventory is... lacking? Horror. Complete and utter disappointment. If a new nail place I'm scouting lacks premier brands like Essie or OPI, I do not walk away. I run away.

So, what if a salon opened up that carried only Essie? And... what if that salon was owned by Essie herself? Brilliant.

If I lived in New York, I would definitely trot on over — at least to take a peek. If any of my Polishment Pals in NY care to share their experience, please comment!

To get your nails done in the Lapiz of Luxury will cost a pretty penny, though; manis start at $32, and pedicures begin at a tear-inducing $65. ;_;

meowch, Francesca

Spotted — And You Thought $177.50 Essie SSN Was Cray...

If you read this blog on the reg, then you know that I like to chronicle the craziness that is Essie Starry Starry Night and eBay gouging. So first, some screenshots.

But why stop there?

If you're in the mood to drop tons of cash on nail paint, then look no further than Azature a.k.a. "Black Diamond King." The Hollywood-based jewelry maker's new black diamond-infused nail polish is a simple trade-off, really. You give him $250,000 and you'll get a one-of-a-kind bottle of polish that contains 267 carats of luxurious black diamonds. Done and done.

The black diamond is the ultimate fine jewel. Its combination of beauty, mystery and sophistication makes it a timeless luxury, says Azature.

Word on the street is that the enterprising Azature has developed a more affordable base-model for those who want to get in on the action, but are lacking a paltry quarter-mill. For a mere $25, you can get a less diamond-dripping version which still boasts a *black diamond* in each and every bottle.

It's allegedly being sold at Fred Segal...

allthatglittersindeed, Francesca