My Top Ten \ Number Eight: Essie — Splash of Grenadine

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When I was browsing though my Stash to pick my Top Ten and I came across this bottle, I have to admit that my reaction wasn't "Cawwwww! Yesss! You're amazing!!" It was more like, "Hey you. Can't believe it's taken me this long to realize but... shitdamn, you're one of my favorite colors when it comes down to it."

Essie Splash of Grenadine is not a lemming. It's not a color I lusted after. In fact, I think it was a polish I just sort of grabbed on impulse. But look at us now! Years later and still going strong.

Splash of Grenadine came out in Essie's Spring 2010 Resort Collection. Looking back, it was to be a legendary release, bringing us not just the soft and sweet Splash of Grenadine, but the ubiquitous aqua Turquoise and Caicos and one of my other treasured shades, the blurple Lapis of Luxury.

Splash of Grenadine is kind of an odd name for this color because it doesn't resemble a Shirley Temple or Rose's Grenadine Syrup at all.

It does, however, remind me of different vacation staple: orchids.

Splash of Grenadine is another color that really changes, depending on the lighting. Stephanie at Short 'n Chic posted some really great swatches, so I shall direct you to her site to check them out.

xxo, Francesca

P.S. Missed the first few? No prob.

There Ain't No Party Like a Nail Polish Party

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The Polishment Polish Party this past Friday was a blast! My friend Kim, aka "FancyPants" really outdid herself with the decor.

The point of the polish party was technically to try out some new Texture Coats I've been meaning to experiment with, but we got a little sidetracked.

It was a little nerve-wracking to paint other people's hands, I have to admit! I do a lot of my own painting by feel, so to work on someone else's fingers was tough for me! I also didn't get to drink much wine, since I needed steady hands, lol.

I would love to do another Polishment Polish Party again, so if I get any new victims, I'll be sure to share.

In other news, I'm working on this week's nails even as I type this. I'll give you a clue: "Sweet Pea."

getreadyforsomeglitter, Francesca

The Paige Pastel Manicure (& Happy Easter!)

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Spring is here, and with it: a rainbow of color. In addition to ubiquitous (but welcome!) pastels, we're seeing neon accents popping up in unexpected places — nails! jewelry! totes! t-shirts! — and color being infused into what are typically uninspired wardrobe staples... like your favorite jeans.

Forget the simple spectrum of pale boyfriend jeans to crisp, dark denim. Now you're faced with mint green... or kelly green? Nantucket red, or candy apple red? Decisions, decisions!

When I saw this email from Paige Denim in my inbox, it wasn't just the jeans that caught my eye. It was, simply put, a beautiful array of color. So inspiring, in fact, that I made it my manicure.

This manicure was as simple as can be; the hardest part was rounding up the colors! It was well-received by my pals at the office, and even has a bit of holiday flair. If you're looking for a cheerful way to usher in spring, or a subtle nod to Easter without drawing actual eggs on your nails, then maybe you'll give this a whirl.

xxo, GLOSS

[And here are some pictures of a few Easter eggs to get y'all in the mood!]