Accessories

Seeing Green

June 15, 2013 By Moe 1 Comment

Last night I applied two of the colors from my first Mystery Box from Julep. I was feeling in a Kermity mood so choose the two greens they sent: Fiona (top) and Sofia (bottom). The colors do not look like they would coordinate well by looking at the colors in the bottles but I figured Sofia would be sheer enough that it would not matter. And I think I was right.

Fiona and Sofia green nail polishes from Julep.

Fiona is a very thick bright green (they describe it as “electric lime neon green”) that reminds me of Fiona’s, from the Shrek movie, skin tone. I found this polish to be really goopy to put on. Even after a second coat I was not thrilled with the application — oh, and Fiona has no sheen. I had originally planned to only put Sofia on as an accent color on the ring finger but ended up putting it on all nails.

Fiona-and-Sofia-Polish

Sofia is a sheer looking polish with a light green tint with fine sparkles. This polish went on with no problems at all, a really nice formulation.

Sofia-Sparkle

Now here is the best part of Sofia — she glows in the dark! It was a totally awesome surprise when I went to bed. I reached down to pull up the sheets and ten glowing fingers surprised me. It reminds me of the traditional color of glow-sticks but you definitely could not light your way in the dark with these. There is just enough for a fun glow to your tips.

Fiona-and-Sofia-Nails

When I checked the website site they described this polish as a “top coat” but in my opinion it does not offer enough sheen for a top coat so I added an additional layer.

The luminescence lasts about 15 minutes but a few seconds in some light had it recharged again. I tried taking a picture but did not have any luck. But trust me, it is super cool. Of the two I would definitely recommend the Sofia — I am looking forward to testing it out with other colors.

You can find both polishes on the Julep website for $14. $11.20 if you become a Julep Maven.

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Moe

Maureen (Moe) Wood has been writing for the Large and Lovely site at BellaOnline for over nine years. Her plus size shopping blog, My Favorite Things, will celebrate its sixth anniversary this summer. Read more about Moe on her about page or follow her through her social network links below.

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New Feedora Sarongs

May 29, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

Feedora is a traditional sarong shop in Hawai’i. They have been providing hand-painted Batik style sarongs for as long as I have been online (actually, longer than that, like twenty-five years). Their sarongs measure 45″ x 75″ and are about $50 and includes a simple how-to on how to tie your new sarong in many ways. They sent me an email recently to let me know they have a few new prints. I am partial to these three:

This cherry blossom sarong is from Feedora.

This blue dragonfly sarong is from Feedora.

This brightly colored turtle sarong is from Feedora.

While I love the new stuff, my all time favorite is still the deep blue background with Hibiscus flowers:

This Feedora original sarong has a bright blue background and traditional hibiscus flower print.

And these other original florals are a close second:

This blue themed sarong has a lovely floral print.

There are many other floral and landscape scenes to choose from, all vibrant and beautiful waiting to be wrapped around some bodacious curves!

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Moe

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Filed Under: Accessories, Swimwear Tagged With: hawaiian sarrong, plus size sarong

London Fog Green

May 29, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

I am really falling for all sorts of green this year; including this trapeze style (it is a only a slight trapeze style but I like it anyway) London Fog handbag. This leather-look Mallard Crocodile handbag is regularly $175 and on sale for $80. If you like the style but not the print it also comes in a solid red.

Green crocodile leather-like handbag from London Fog.

What kinds of greens do you like this season?

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* Get your green trapeze handbag from London Fog

Moe

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Tagua Art Jewelry

May 23, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

I was first turned on to Tagua Nut Jewelry via Kab’s excellent lens on eco-friendly bracelets at Squidoo. Kab refers to this unique bead as the “ivory nut”. This comparison goes way beyond the fact that it can be died many colors as you will see below. Kab says, it can be used for many things that Elephant ivory can be used for — a huge plus for elephants, yes? I do not know about you but I would rather see an elephant in the wild than have it killed for its tusks to make be something as trivial as a bracelet or desk ornament. The Tagua nut is a renewable resource so there is no reason not to use it as a substitute. And look how pretty it is!

Tagua Nut bracelets from Amazon.com

Tagua can be used for necklaces and earrings but I especially like the look of it for bracelets. Here are a few of my favorites which I found on Amazon. Beautiful colors and all under $30. There are many more options that range in price above and below this.

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* Get yoru Tagua bracelets from Amazon
* Read Kab’s detailed explaination of Tagua Nut Bracelets

Moe

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eBay Dotting Tools

May 20, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago I purchased a package of five dotting tools on eBay. For the most part I have been using toothpicks and bobbypins which both work surprisingly well in a pinch. I did not want to fork out a ton of money on dotting tools if the whole nail art infatuation wore off so eBay was my best bet.

Five double ended dotting tools for nail art.

I wish I had purchased these dotting tools sooner, but perhaps I would not have appreciated them so much. This set comes with double pointed ends in three sizes, two, two, and one. Having the two sets of the same size makes it easier to create multi-colored dots without having to fumble around cleaning the tool before adding the next color.

Nail art dots made with dotting tools.

The picture above shows the dots with the smallest and the largest tool (Julep in Myrtle for the base and Coco for dots). Using the dotting tool definitely makes it easier to control the polish and symmetry of the dots. I am looking forward to experimenting more with them.

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* Get your dotting tools from eBay
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Moe

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Give a Girl Wingz

May 17, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

White Wingz sleeves for layering under sleeveless tops and dresses.

Give a girl wingz and you give her the freedom to wear whatever she wants and the ability to transform every sleeveless top or dress into a new look. I love the concept of the Wingz and if you have ever worn a shrug you will too. This UK company has the cutest alternatives to shrugs, instead of going over your lovely dresses and tops it goes under.

There are quite a few Wingsz that I like. From the bridal section there is the White Chiffon Volume (shown under a white tank top) and Stretch Lace Full Sleeve. From the chiffon section there is the Silver Snake Chiffon Flare (shown under a black dress) and the Purple Chiffon Flare. From the day section there is the White Stretch Cotton Fold Up (shown under a red sheath dress) and the Tall Black Fitted Stretch.

My favorite styles of Wingz fashion accessories.

And there are many more to choose from. They are incredibly affordable with most at £14.99 to £18.99 and available in sizes 12 to 28. They do ship to the U.S. and Canada with “UK rates of postage, even though the shipping costs to Canada or the US are more”. For one set it costs £1.96 and two sets £2.48. Very affordable.

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* Get your own plus size Wingz

Moe

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Au Natural but with Polish

May 11, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

When I was in college self-expression via your nails was pretty much discouraged but I liked to have a more polished look then just clean cut nails. For me, a French Manicure was still too bold and every time I looked down at my nails I thought they looked like little white beacons.

One day I discovered, quite accidentally, the natural manicure which is basically a French Manicure with a sheer white instead of an opaque white. It produces an au natural finish with a polished look — if your tips and nail beds are not defined it will give a brighter appearance without being extreme. Over the years I have come back to this look again and again.

Do not be scared off by the term “French Manicure” this option is easier and more forgiving.

Sheer French Manicure How To by Moe

Here is a five minute video I recently created sharing the products I use and how I do it.

It does not make a considerable difference but it does make a noticeable difference, if that makes any sense. I hope you will give it a try.

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* Check out some of my favorite polish colors, tools, art, etc.

Moe

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Henri Lou Bracelets

May 3, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

The Henri Lou bracelet has been featured on the celebrity wrists of starlets like Julia Roberts, Terri Hatcher, and Kristen Bell as well as music artists like Taylor Swift, Jessica Simpson, and Miley Cyrus. Regardless of which celebrity is sporting what, I love the simplicity of this cute little bracelet designed by Reagan Rowland. There are many variations available but my favorite is the original Henri, $70, which is available in over twenty colors or variations in leather. Here are my favorite colors beginning with brown:

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Moe

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Black Wrap Peplum Belt Giveaway

May 1, 2013 By Moe 41 Comments

Peplum is so hot this year but not every top fits the plus size frame — we have so much variety. What if you could turn any top you wear into a peplum outfit? You can! One lucky reader this month will win a black Perfect Peplum belt by S.Benson. If you have not heard of S. Benson:

“By S. Benson Clothing and Accessories” was launched because she knew that there were women like herself, who were not shaped like an hour glass. Each item is handcrafted by S. Benson, and adjusts to a woman’s curves no matter where they may lie. Let’s stop conforming to what we are not, and do the best with what we have. S. Benson aims to create those go-to pieces that will expand and provide comfort to your wardrobe.

How to Wrap a Perfect Peplum Belt

Prize Details:

One reader will get one of S. Benson’s Black Perfect Peplum Belts
Available in sizes 2 to 26
Value, $35

How to Enter:

For this giveaway there is the option of one to ten entries plus a daily tweet bonus entry per person! To get all entries you must follow the directions for the Rafflecopter widget below, the first entry is the most important so read closely. If you have any problems using the Rafflecopter please email me via the contact form on this blog (or Tweet me) so I can check on it.

This giveaway closes on May 30th, 2013 at midnight. The lucky winners will be chosen from the entries at random, using Rafflecopter within three days of closing date. There will be 1 winner. This giveaway is sponsored by S. Benson and I will be confirming the email and mailing address of the winners (so make sure you enter the right email). This giveaway is open worldwide to persons 18 years and older. Void where prohibited by law. The winners will have ONE week to claim the prize; after which time it will be rewarded to someone else.

[Read more...]

Moe

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Ally Blue Nail Polish

April 25, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

These lovely blue nails are from Julep's Ally nail polish.

My add-on polish for my April Julep package is called Ally. And I simply adore her. Seriously, I was constantly looking at my nails and thinking, “I LOVE THIS COLOR”. I know blue is my top favorite color but I really enjoyed this one.

It is similar to the Blue Iris form Jin Soon I was coveting and finally purchased from Sephora but different. It has a very fine sparkle to it.

I applied two thin coats of the Ally nail polish over two coats of base color because you never know with blues (or reds) if they will leave a residue (it did not). I applied Julep’s Freedom Polymer top coat (quickly becoming my fave) but it was super shiny beforehand.

The polish lasted about five days before I chipped it doing yard work. Bear in mind that I have been heavily conditioning my cuticles and nails (I find this produces early chipping) and file them every day to keep me from picking at them.

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* Shop polish at Julep or become a Julep Maven

Moe

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Revlon Lash Potion Review

April 24, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

Revlon sent me a tube of their new Lash Potion by Grow Luscious. It is a volume and length mascara that offers “spell-binding volume and length”. With a name like “potion” it has to be magical right? Let’s see.

The shade of mascara they sent is 001 Blackest Black. Normally I wear a brown black because I am sort of blonde and it looks more natural to me but I recently went bold dark brown so this color actually works for me.

According to the Revlon packaging this mascara formula has “strengthening proteins, amino acids and essential vitamins that revitalizes lashes”. It goes on to say that the “Illusionist Wand” will drench lashes for dramatic volume and comb through my lashes for a clump free length. This is not my favorite kind of wand. It is very fluffy and I feel it pushes my lashes more than it combs through them but as you will see it gets the mascara on the lashes.

There was nothing on the package saying it was OK for sensitive eyes or contact wearers but I wore it anyway and surprising to myself, no irritation whatsoever. Here are my lashes without mascara — you can tell they are there but they are pretty much invisible.

Obviously, because I do not normally wear black I noticed that first. But after I got over the color one of the first thing I noticed was the lift this mascara gave my lashes. I am not an eye lash curler kind of girl — a mishap in high-school swore me off them forever so my lashes kind of do their own thing; but I definitely noticed a lift upwards.

Here are my lashes with one coat of Revlon’s Lash Potion. I would be perfectly happy with one coat. It provides enough definition to make my eye stand out.

And here is my eye with two coats of Revlon’s Lash Potion. For some reason I decided to put it on my bottom lashes. I never put mascara on my lower lashes as I tend to touch that area a lot (to put in eye drops, itch or whatever). But for some reason I did. A few hours later specs of mascara from me touching it were on the under eye instead of the lashes.

The formula is not waterproof or even moisture proof (it does not claim to be). I suffer from dry eyes from past eye surgery so being able to apply eye drops throughout the day is a must. Earlier today I actually forgot that I had this mascara on and wiped my eyes after drops, not thinking, and had smudged mascara everywhere. Eye drop tragedy aside when I cleaned up my eye area I was impressed to see I still had enough color on my lashes to look made up.

And just to prove I do have more than one eyeball with lashes, here are both of them.

If you can keep your fingers and moisture off your eyes Lash Potion produces a great looking lash with nice color, length, and added lift. I have only worn it a few times so I cannot comment on whether my lashes feel less brittle because of the “conditioning formula” but I will add an update in a few weeks.

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* Learn more about Revlon costmetics
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Moe

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Pink Cover Girl Nails

April 18, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

I have been pretty in pink this week with Cover Girl’s Outlast Stay Brilliant nail gloss. At first I did not think they had color names as there was a big 140 on the bottle but in very, very, small print it says it is called Pink-finity. I have had quite a few compliments on it. One person asked me if it was one of the gel polishes which I thought was funny because I do not even have a top coat on it yet.

In the bottle it looks like pink with a tint of purple. It is just a coincidence that it matches my iPod cover. Coincidence I tell you!

The polish is in a stubby bottle so it has a shorter brush and a wider cap than I am used to. It took a few minutes to get used to it but I do not think it hampered my painting abilities, such as they are. It started off as a thin consistency but as I kept working it felt thicker. One coat coat comes out splotchy with thick and thin areas so two coats is a must. The polish dried much faster than I thought it was going to.

I am enjoying the soft pink after a few weeks of dark and brights.

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Moe

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Lip Trends

April 18, 2013 By Moe Leave a Comment

The latest every day lipstick trends from Julep Maven.

Lipstick is a great way to play with color trends without committing to the cost of a new wardrobe. In this new video Leigh Dawson, Beauty Coach from Julep talks about their hottest lipstick for spring and how to play with it.

I am kind of excited about the Matte Classic Red lipstick. It was hinted in an recent email that it might be in the May Maven box. It will not be for sale online until April 25th and quantities will be limited. Have you tried Julep lipstick?

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