NOTD: dipped into gold

A few days ago, during a boring afternoon, I decided to do my manicure.

I opted for a very dark nail polish, I choose an intense plum from the First Lady line, it's the number 24 and it isn't in the Italian market yet. So, yes it's a sneak peek!

I applied two thin coats, once dried, I applied a golden glittery top coat with 1mm hexagonal and small round glitters, the  Avon Color Trend "Gold Flecked", from the tip of the nail to half lenght. 

Again I let the nail polish to air dry and then I applied two coats of a super cheap glitter top coat I have in my nail polish stash, somewhere.
It's an anonymous top coat, slighly pink-ish in the bottle, with some round small colourful glitters and fine powder. 
These last glitters are so sparse that I can't notice them at a first sight!

Outdoor/natural light afternoon

Recipe: First Lady nail polish n°24 + Color Trend Gold Flecked + glitter top coat

I love very much how it came, it was easy to do and, above all, very sparkly. The First Lady nail polish looks black indoor (see picture below) and the Color Trend glitter top coat shines like gold foils!
I think it's a winning combination.

Indoor/artificial light

Enjoy and don't forget to shine!

Valens

Indie creations: Lion Studio

In today’s spotlights there’s a new independent creative I want to introduce you. Welcome to Lei Sihan, the mind behind Lion Studio.
Lei Sihan is a graduated with an MA from the School of Jewellery at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design who, after exploring traditional headwear, contemporary narrative art and fashion designs, has found her way to convey her passion for design and show her point of view about aesthetic with a jewellery line called Lion Studio.
The goal of Lion Studio is “bringing beauty to the challenge of daily life” and the primary concept of the first collection, which is composed by the two series “Heavy fly” and “My Direction”, is “Be Outstanding”.
This collection is based on the Buddhist philosophy  and it’s characterized by sharp triangles, representing strength and direction, and cogs that demonstrate the endless reoccurrence of life. Each pieces shows the “beauty born of struggle” and inspires perseverance and courage because “worries will come full circle to solutions”.
All Lion Studio jewels are made up of crystals, customized agate and nickel free, hypo-allergenic double plated brass and are produced by skilful craftsman.  “Lion Studio jewellery is made with you in mind and hopes to compliment your strong character and sense of humour. Wear, enjoy and above all - be outstanding.” Continue with the reading to see a selection of these jewels (and some of my favourite) and to read a little interview with Lei Sihan.
I’m sure the power and charming beauty of this brand new line will conquer you!

My Direction - necklace
with pink/light brown Swarovski and double plated brass

My Direction - necklace
with pink/light brown Swarovski and double plated brass

Heavy fly - necklace
with customised white transparent agate, pink/light brown Swarovski and double plated brass

My Direction - necklace
with emerald/light turquoise Swarovski and double handmade plated brass

Heavy fly - necklace
with customised agate, emerald/light turquoise Swarovski and double plated brass

My Direction - necklace
with emeald/light turquoise Swarovski and double plated brass

My Direction - long necklace
with customised black agate, pink/light brown Swarovski and double plated brass

Heavy fly - earrings
with double plated brass available in gun metal/ light gold/ with steel

When have you met the passion for fashion and design?
Since I arrived in London. But before I moved in London, I studied and worked on jewellery design 6 years already. 

Could you tell us something about your background? Where are you from? 
I came from south of China. I was focused on traditional Chinese art and beauty when I studied BA (Jewellery design) in Beijing. I used lot of time to research and design Chinese traditional jewellery such as hair wear. When I realised I need fresh idea, I applied MA (Contemporary art jewellery) at School of Jewellery, Birmingham. When I started my internship for a fashion brand in London, immediately I realised fashion design is my passion.

What inspire you most? 
People, old classic movies and books. 

Do you have an "inspiring" place (where you sketch or create you accessories)?

V&A Museum, Coffee shop, Tube, my Sofa, anywhere. 

How do you imagine a girl wearing one of your creation?

When you choose my jewellery to wear, I know you are very clear what you want, you are confident, independent and charming.   

Do you have a project for the near future? 
Yes, next collection will be done beginning of September 2013. 

Where people can buy your creations? 
2013 fall winter collection can be ordered by email to info@lionstudio.co.uk.

Buying from store information will be shown online soon. 
Lion Studio jewellery retail price is around 20~400 pounds (30~470 EUR).
Lion Studio was spotted during London Fashion week as you can see online in the Elle Uk and in the WMagazine.

Picture by Adam Katz Sinding via Wmagazine

Do you want to know more? You can visit Lion Studio website and the related Facebook page.

You can also take part at the Lion Studio Facebook event “Vote&Wear”, visit the event page to know rules and prizes.

Let's support indies!
Valens

Fuchsia eyeliner? Why not!

By focusing the make-up on your eyes, all attentions go to them. When I'm in a hurry I opt for a simple winged eyeliner but I'm tired of black so I choose a pop of colour. I increasingly often use a bright fuchsia in my make-up looks. The one I'm using at the moment is a baked eyeshadow from the Beauty Group's new line called First Lady. 

It isn't sold outside Italy but if you're curious you can find the full review with more pictures here (Italian article).

It's the n°8 (Skinkifra) and can be worn both wet or dry. To create my eyeliner, I take a bit of the powder and I simply mix it with few drops of water. I apply the paste with a thin angled brush, then I set it with the same dry eyeshadow and voilà! It lasts for hours and hours...

First Lady - wet and dry backed eyeshadow n°8

It's an amazing shade and looks perfect with hazel, brown and green eyes.

See how it makes the green portion of my iris pop!

Valens