Photography by Stuart Gibson

These awesome photos by Stuart Gibson take me on a mini vacay each time I look at them. See more of his amazing stills that capture the spirit of Summer here.

Cool Finds: Designer Lollipops

Take a gander at these photos by Massimo Gammacurta featuring designer label lollipops. Sweet and fashionable! 

[Images via Yatzer.com]

We're on Instagram!

Attention fellow iPhone users! We're on Instagram! It's a fantastic app. we recently discovered that allows people to edit, rate and share photos. It's fun, easy to use and, best of all, it's free! If you've purchased any of our fabulous shoes, please post them! Find us using our username: PlumBlossomBeauty

Tutorial/Review: OPI Shatter Nailpolish (Black)

I was lucky enough to receive the OPI Shatter nailpolish in Black from a friend as a gift.  It is unlike anything I've tried before in the nailpolish realm and I really like it alot.  Perhaps not for everyone, this kind of effect is very edgy and fun.  Personally, it is something I really like as the latest addition to my nailpolish collection.

Want to start off more subtle?  Try doing a shatter French tip look.  This is also a great option for Spring if you want just a little black with a pop of bright color!

French Tip Style

Here is what I used:

Base coat, Base color, OPI Shatter (Black), Seche Vite Top Coat, Cuticle Oil

First start with your base coat.  I am using Sally Hansen's Maximum Growth Plus Top and Base Coat.  I prefer this as a base coat only.  I apply one coat.  Much like an eyeshadow primer helps eyeshadow color adhere to your eyelid, a base coat keeps nail color on the surface of your nail.  I find it makes a huge difference and do not paint my nails without it.  Allow to dry.

Then you want to apply your base color.  I used one of my favorite colors, Twisted Pink by Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails Line.  I got mine at Target, but you kind find it in almost any drugstore or online.  Any color will do.  I usually apply two coats of my base color to prevent early chipping.  Allow to dry.

Now the fun part!  I take my OPI Shatter in black and just paint the top.  Simply sweep your brush horizontally using a light hand.  You can apply as thick of a line as you want.  The wider the tip, the more shatter effect you will see.  The consistency of this polish is quite thick, so only one coat is necessary.  In fact, if you add more than one coat, you risk covering up part of the base color that was coming through after the first coat.  You want to give this polish more time to dry due to its viscous texture.

Once your Shatter polish has dried, you should see that shatter effect happening.  Bits of your base color should peek through in random bits.  It's pretty cool!

Now, apply your top coat.  I use Seche Vite.  This will help seal all your work and keep your nails looking good for awhile.  One coat will do and I find my nails are shinier and chip less when I use this amazing product. What I love most about this product is that it makes your nails dry very quickly, which allows me to get on with my other day's activities.  It is the only top coat I'll ever use.  You can get yours at Sally's Beauty Supply stores or online.

Finally, you can apply your cuticle oil.  This step is optional.  I hardly ever do this step, but if your cuticles need extra moisture, you may want to implement cuticle oil into your regimen.  The one I purchased can be found at Sally's Beauty Supply.

All in all, I give it a thumb's up!  You can apply the Shatter polish over any color, so you can always change things up.  You can do just the tips or paint the entire nail.  So you have options.  Check out OPI's website for more colors.  I also love the "Try This Color" feature where you can simulate your skin tone and nail length and virtually try on different OPI colors, like Shatter in Black and other colors.

Have you tried OPI's Shatter collection?  What are your thoughts?

It's All About Perspective!

We're simply mesmerized by the awe and beauty of nature captured by Clark Little, athlete turned artist.  As a former surfer, Little had the ultimate perspective being inside a wave as he rode it.  Now, as a photographer who believes in following his passion, he has given us that same point-of-view, even if we can't "hang ten" ourselves.  Check out his website and Facebook page for more gorgeous photos.

[Image via Clark Little Photography]

It's All About Perspective!

I just discovered the amazing work of Alex S. MacLean- pilot, aerial photographer, architect, artist, and innovator. His work is really different and most certainly offers a fresh bird's-eye-view illustrating the fascinating dynamic between people and our natural world, our technological environment, and each other. Check out his Facebook page and website for more awe-inspiring images sure to change the way you see things!


[Image via AlexMacLean.com]