Heavy Metal

The past few days have been noticeably cooler! Fall is on it's way, and the trees are starting to show patches of golden leaves.

With all of the blustery weather, I started thinking about some great nail looks for  my favorite time of the year.

One of the transitional shades is a graphite from Spring. We'll still be seeing lots of grays,silvers,and deep greens this Autumn,along with plums, browns and retro patterns from the old glam days of Hollywood.

I had a bottle of Estee Lauder's Wild Storm on hand,($19) and decided to play. The color looks so intriguing in the bottle,a shimmery almost mercury like shade. I was a bit disappointed with the overall application of this shade. It took three coats to get this color on my nails. The first coat was thin and streaky,even with a good top coat. The results were a pretty satin gray shade,almost like the finish of a gift package ribbon.

However, the shade, just wasn't for me. It was flat, with no frost, not quite a cream, and just sat there. I really didn't think that it would last long;and so I reached for my crackle polish to amp up the finish a bit.

This actually wound up crackling in a very delightful way! What I was left with was an almost "python"finish to my nails that is cool, catches the light,and gave my plain-Jane polish just the right kick it needed to catch your eye!

Don't be afraid to play with color if it isn't the look you want! Try adding one of the new crackle polishes on top to give it a new dimension,or try adding a stencil or applique to make it interesting.

Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl


Photo Credits:

All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission. BellevueGrl Productions, 2011

Spice Things Up

Every year a "certain" well known coffee company teases us with it's premiere of their Pumpkin Spice coffee.

Somehow drinking anything fall related when it is still 83 degrees outside,and we are wearing flip-flops and shorts, and attempting to stay cool under the ceiling fan doesn't make much sense,but the temptation to have a little taste of that fall favorite got the better of me, and I decided to seek out one of my seasonal favorites.

 Stores are now getting in their pumpkin spice flavored coffees and creamers, so for those fans who don't want to wait for the $5 version of their favorite latte,you can venture to your nearby grocery store and pick up a bag of heavenly goodness before the second week of September.

 I actually enjoyed a wee bit too much and wound up having three cups of coffee yesterday morning.


Just gearing up for all of the great fall fashion that is about launch. It's hard to believe that September is almost here,and am looking forward to Fashion's Night Out on September 8th.

If you are out and about that evening come join me at The Bravern for a wonderful evening of fashion and fun. 


I think my "writers" muse has had a bit too much fun and is worn out.. Lol! It's a tough life, being a cat!

Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl



Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011

An Easy Look To "Fall" For

Tired of your go to shades of beige's and browns? Yesterday, I thought I would try a new shade of eyeshadow to see if I could come up with a great transitional multi-purpose shade.

I love LORAC and usually their shades have many uses. Their baked bronzers go on soft and look lovely on cheeks, but I also had heard that they can double for an eye color (without causing irritation)


What I found was a gorgeous shade of fall gold that would be perfect to use either night or day.

I first used a very light beige as my all over lid color,then simply swept on my LORAC Baked Bronzer in  TANtalize Me all over my lid and crease.

I then lined my eyes with a deep brown liner,and added plenty of mascara from  LORAC ( MultiPlex 3D Lashes) Collection. The shadow lasted all day,and did not smudge or wear even in 85 degree heat.


This shade can be worn with a beautiful green or plum liner added, as well as a colorful mascara that will be oh-so-popular this coming fall season.

I will cover more of the fall shades in an upcoming post.

What shades are you longing to try out this Autumn? Any favorites yet?

Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011

Orange "Creamsicle" Nails

Do you remember the old summertime favorite,the orange creamsicle? It always tasted so good on a hot summer day. Cool Orange sherbet, mixed with creamy vanilla ice cream all frozen straight from an icy cold freezer... Yum!

I've discovered a way to bring a touch of that cool, creaminess to your nails.

Here, I used Nars in "Orgasm", a beautiful peachy-orange shade. This hue is gorgeous on it's own. I love how the color applies. It is very smooth, goes on without streaking, and dries quickly to a soft finish. ($17)

Then, I applied a sheer coat of crackle finish nail color from Sally Hansen in Fractured Foil, a silvery, almost icing like effect was achieved.($6.99) The two shades went together perfectly to create my look.

The trick to making "Crackle" nail polish do it's magic is to make sure to use at least two coats of nail color, and make sure it is completely dry. That means waiting a few minutes between using the crackle color on top. Apply only a thin coat. Please note, sometimes these shades do have a tendency to thicken in the bottle if you let them sit awhile. It is perfectly okay to add just a drop or two of nail polish thinner to the bottle then shake to mix. You can find it at your local salon, or at Sally's Beauty Supply.Finish your look with a fast drying top coat to protect against chips.

As you can see, the finished result is a chilly orange with silver icing effect that is perfect for day or night.

Ice cream... anyone???

Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:

http://www.elementsbathandbody.com/Orange-Vanilla-Fragrance-pr-1227.html

All other photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011

Musing About Fall

Every year, right before the major magazines launch and fashion week frenzy begins, I predict which fashions and beauty items  will be a hit.


Most of the time, I've come pretty close to guessing the trends that will carry over from the cat walk to the streets.

So below, here are my picks for a fabulous fall.

Once more, we will see a return to color. This time with shades of deep green,bright blue, red,eggplant, and soft sable browns in outerwear. Coats will be the main staple for fashion this year,teamed with lady-like handbags and patterned or pleated totes in soft leather.

An example of whats to come ,can be seen in the upcoming designs of Coach.

I'm happy to see that they have brought back a more detailed look to their handbags and accessories.Please see : http://www.coach.com  for more details.

Trousers,will once again be seen, this time in soft, flowing fabrics,with a wider leg than what we are used to seeing. Think silk,chiffon,even a soft wool,but movement will be key. These will be paired with tailored jackets,and jewel toned blouses.

Leopard, and jungle prints will be back on the streets with sleek shoes,and boots,as will soft brown suede.

Even nails will look fierce with shades of cheetah,and zebra.



Jewelry will be bold. The cuff bracelet still taking center stage. We will also see a return of the retro brooch,and monogram (signet) rings and necklaces. This will mainly be due, in part, to the upcoming "Twilight" craze, a nod to Victorian style.  Hairclips,bracelets,and old fashioned style will see a comeback,especially during the holiday season.

Navy, will not replace black. Initially, we may see a brief show of navy in dresses paired with tan shoes, but black will stay the favored piece du jour.

I'll be back with my beauty picks. *Hint, Green is back!

Until next time~

Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl


Photo Credits:
Forever21.com (Suede Slingbacks)

All other photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011

Catch A Wave

I recently purchased this Kiss Nail Artist kit the other day at my local store.



I really love the stencils that came with it,and thought that it would be great for adding a cute whimsical touch to a manicure or pedicure.

The kits come with three bottles of nail art paint and 30 different stencils.

There is a variety of patterns to choose from, everything from flowers and butterflies, to stars and swirls.

I was going to do this pattern in gold, but wanted to test the overall consistency of the colors in this box.




I started with a beautiful sunny orange shade,then added the bright pink color for a playful sunburst.

The stencils are easy to apply,just peel and place over dry polish. Then, gently sweep on your accent color.

Test your brush first on paper to make sure color glides correctly.

Wait a moment or two, then remove the stencil,and voila`! To finish, top with a fast drying topcoat.

Overall, this was "okay" I was expecting a better design to come out, but I'm just learning, I haven't perfected my brushstroke yet. 

  The kits are $6.99 and available at most drugstores,and Kroger's, Fred Myers,etc.




Cute as can be, and you did it yourself!


Catch a wave (or sunburst!)

Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts

BellevueGrl



PS- Today, BellevueGrl is officially two years old! Thank you all for your support !

I will be trying this out on a manicure next,didnt't realize how tough it is to photograph toes!

Photo Credits:

All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011

"Mint Condition"

I just tried this look earlier today,and loved the cool ,frosty, mint green hue on my eyes. I added a pop of green to my inner corners to give it a modern,shimmering effect.

I basically just used shadows that I had on hand, so anything that matches will do.

First, I applied the light white-green shade from Maybelline New York in the Emerald Smokes compact (#08Q) all over my lids.

Then used Mac Enviably Fun a yellow-green to my lids,followed by the mid-green shade from Maybelline in crease, and the darker shade as liner for both upper and lower lashes.

After applying lots of black mascara, I then simply added a bright mint green to my inner corners of my eyes to light up the look.


This is a simple, and stunning look for a red head, and looks cool and classic on a hot summer day.

For evening, you can darken the effect by adding an emerald green eyeliner, or try a shocking turquoise to light up the night.



Smooth as a mint julep on a summer night!






Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:

All photos are property of the blog owner,and may not be used without permission
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011

Belated Birthdays

I love belated birthday gifts.. Especially the ones you get to buy for yourself!

I had been looking for a lovely padded case for my Blackberry for quite sometime, and found this online at the Coach website. I had even posted  a picture of it on my page as a bit of a joke for a *hint present a few weeks ago.

I had a great case a few years ago that was made by 9 West,and being that Coach no longer makes their classic leather cell phone cases, I was elated when they came out with these.

They come complete with a little strap, and an outside pocket. On the inside is another pocket,as well as a place for your credit cards. You can even strap this on your already fabulous Coach bag.


Another great thing, is that you can shop online, then choose a nearby store to pick up your purchase. They had it all ready to go when I walked through the door. Fast, and easy!

Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl






Photo Credits:

All photos are property of the blog owner,and may not be used without permission
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011

Congratulations Dear..It's A Dud!

Have you ever purchased an item because a "well known" beauty guru recommended it, only to find out that when you got home,and tried it out for yourself that it didn't work at all?

I have a few times,based upon the product. When I went to my local Target, there were only two cans left on the shelf,so I thought this had to be great if it was selling out so fast. Who wouldn't want to make their style look a bit more shiny? Sun kissed hair.. I'm all for that!

What did you do? Did you take the product back? Did you store it underneath the sink,or did you toss it? What was the product?

 Here is my "dud". This was supposed to make my hair shiny as I spritzed it on while styling. All I got was sticky hair. I kept looking at the directions to make sure that I was using it correctly, I was.. Ug! How frustrating.

Toss this one, and forget it. If you have tried this, let me know what your results was. I wasn't too impressed.

Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts

BellevueGrl 

Photo Credits:

All phots are property of the blog owner,and may not be used without permission 

BellevueGrl Productions, 2011