jilliandanica

Real vs Steal

2012-05-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

When I bought my DV by Dolce Vita Janna wedges I didn't know they were a dead ringer for the Chloé Leather Wedges. Talk about Real vs Steal!

I bought the Janna's in the orange and LOVE them. The design is simple and they were comfortable right out of the box. I've been wearing them to work and have lasted all day in them. If you're in search for a great wedge for summer I highly recommend these ones. They're pretty perfect!

Transmission LA: AV Club

2012-05-20T16:06:00.002-07:00

A few weeks ago some friends and I checked out Transmission LA: AV Club at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. In case you didn't get to check it out for yourself, here are some pics from the exhibit:

Benjamin Jones: Light tunnels and a never-ending race...I kept calling this installation the Tron room.

Sage Vaughn: His AV installation wasn't too exciting to me but his walled art were my favorite pieces.

Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupé: One of the more engaging installations. You listen to music on the headphones and face the car. The flashing lights go with the music and act as the equalizer. Makes you just wanna drive that sexy beast HARD.

Ara Peterson & Jim Drain: Pinwheels.

After the exhibit, we waited for Diplo to perform his set, drank some beer and noshed on some Kogi. Can you believe this was all free!? (Well minus the food and beer, but still!)

Thanks LA for a fun night!

GNO at Black Market Liquor Bar

2012-05-10T11:55:00.002-07:00

Black Market Liquor Bar has been on my "To Try" list since it opened last year. So when the girls wanted to get together somewhere close to all of us, this was one of my suggestions!

Vieux Carre - rye, cognac, vermouth, peychauds, angostura, benedictine

Ricotta gnudi in browned butter and topped w/ pistachios

Crispy collard greens in cheese grits topped w/ Benton's ham and a fried egg

Soft Shell Crab Po' Boy w/ sriracha and Thai basil

BBQ Short Rib on brioche w/ raisin, fennel, arugula, and confit tomato

Oxtail ragu w/ perciatelli pasta and pecorino cheese

Deep fried fluffer-nutter (peanut butter & marshmallow fluff) w/ fresh bananas

The dishes were served up tapas style and each was excellent! My favorites were the Ricotta Gnudi, the Soft Shell Crab Po' Boy and the fluffer-nutter.

Throughout the night I sipped on their Classic Cocktail of the Week - the Vieux Carré. The list of spirits looked intimidating, but at first sip I knew it was a winner. If you're a fan of classics like Old-Fashioneds, this will be right up your alley.

I'm so glad to have finally checked this place off my list! Food and drinks were a bit pricey, but worth it. I hope to be back again soon to see what new dishes are dreamt up by Top Chef Antonia Lofaso.

Zoya Giveaway c/o Verve 360 Hair Salons in Pittsburgh (CLOSED)

2012-05-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Update: Giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone that entered! The winner of the giveaway is Lannet and her fave Zoya polish is Kelly. Be sure to check out her blog and youtube channel for some great makeup tips and tutorials.

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Happy Friday Everyone! Just wanted to kick start the weekend with an awesome Zoya giveaway courtesy of Verve 360 hair salons in Pittsburgh.

The prize includes 2 nail polishes from Zoya's Spring Collection, Skylar and Lotus.

Skylar is described as a medium steel blue with a softened, dusty look and speckled by visible gold and silver shimmer flecks. While Lotus is a very soft, dusty blue-toned amethyst purple with colorful shimmer that reflects pink, red and gold.

To enter all you've gotta do is be a follower of my blog, be 18+ (or have your parents' permission), and leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite Zoya nail polish is! Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Giveaway ends Sunday, May 6th!

Giveaway is open to continental US only (Sorry Hawaii & Alaska readers).

One (1) winner will be chosen at random.

FTC Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post. Giveaway prize will be shipped directly by Verve 360

#31DayUntrieds #Nails

2012-04-17T21:27:00.002-07:00

Last month I participated in an Instagram nail challenge: 31 days of untried polishes!

In case you don't have it or follow me here's what I posted...

Polishes used (Left to Right)
1. Zoya Cynthia + Revlon Facets of Fuchsia (renamed Scandalous)
2. American Apparel Neon Yellow + Essie Luxeffects A Cut Above
3. Zoya Dove + China Glaze White Cap
4. Essie Miss Matched + Essie Kisses & Bises
5. Essie Miss Matched + Essie Kisses & Bises + OPI Crown Me Already
6. OPI Guy Meets Gal-veston + Milani Jewel FX Gems
7. Orly Mineral FX Rock Solid
8. China Glaze Innocence + China Glaze Shower Together + OPI Alpine Snow + Revlon Blue Mosaic (renamed Radiant)
9. Essie Braziliant + Essie Knockout Pout + Orly Foil Fx Rage
10. Orly Cosmic FX Space Cadet
11. Essie Mint Candy Apple + China Glaze Happy Go Lucky + OPI Save Me
12. Sephora by OPI Leotard Optional + OPI Teenage Dream + Essie Mink Muffs + Essie Haute As Hello
13. Essie Pretty Edgy + Essie Luxeffects As Gold As It Gets
14. American Apparel Office + American Apparel Summer Peach
15. Essie Bobbing For Baubles + OPI I Juggle Men
16. Zoya Jem
17. Orly Cosmic FX Out Of This World
18. Zoya Dannii + Zoya Marley + Zoya Caitlin
19. Zoya Jules + American Apparel Hunter + OPI Stranger Tides
20. Nubar Lime Green + Nubar Silver Spark
21. China Glaze Faultline Crackle + Nubar Lime Green + Nubar Silver Spark
22. American Apparel Mount Royal + China Glaze Some Like It Haute

Pumped Up Kicks

2012-03-16T15:13:00.001-07:00

The Isabel Marant Bobby's were so not in my budget, but these Aldo Netz's were perfecto - similar style, better even, and more affordable! They give me a bit of height with their concealed wedge and they're comfy too. I've been wearing them with skinny jeans and leggings, and when I'm brave enough, I think they'd be cute with shorts, skirts and dresses for a more urban casual look.

Are you into the sneaker wedges?

NOTW: Matte Flakies

2012-02-27T06:47:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. It was hectic at work for the last month so blogging was the last thing on my mind. Things have settled so I can finally update.

For starters, typing away at work was brutal on my nails so I chopped them down. I'm still on my no nail polish buy so these colors are not new but still pretty.

Essie Luxeffects Pure Pearlflection + OCC Flatline Topcoat + Essie Watermelon

BTW, I LOVE the Essie Luxeffects line. If you haven't gotten your hands on them yet, if you see them BUY THEM ALL!

Happy Monday!

Shop Shop Shop

2012-02-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week my friend invited me to be her +1 to the Shop MAC, Cook MAC preview event.

It was pure madness in there.We could barely move, let alone take pictures of everything so if you want collection details, check out Temptalia.

We played with the entire collection, but the standouts for us were the lip products.


Top (L-R): Quick Sizzle, Runaway Red & So Vain Bottom: Woo Me

I love bold lips so I was instantly attracted to Quick Sizzle and Runaway Red lipsticks. My friend gravitated towards the more wearable colors and picked out Dish It Up lipstick (not swatched but it's a pretty shimmer-free plum-pink) and Woo Me Kissable Lipcolour.

I was good and only left with the two lipsticks. I wanted a #222 brush as well, but found out it was discontinued - SAD FACE.

Here are better swatches of my haul:

Quick Sizzle

Runaway Red

Gave in, got NAKED!

2012-02-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

Under the Sun

Natural Light

Just like the first NAKED, I told myself I didn't need it. Who was I kidding?! Can't wait to play with NAKED 2!

NOTW: Rumple's Wiggin'

2012-02-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

My makeup bff, Kat, LOVES this shade. She even bought a back up but gifted it to me instead since I missed out! Thanks Kat! xo

OPI Rumple's Wiggin' + Essie Luxeffects Set In Stone

Nite Owl

2012-01-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

After seeing Giang's Nailside inspired post on cloud tips I had to try it because it looked so cute and easy to do.

I used Orly Nite Owl (one of the prettiest nudes EVER) as a base, and then I thought of owl feathers! So for the clouds I used ManGlaze The Death Tar (their OG black matte) and Orly Luxe.

This was really super easy so I plan on doing this with other color combos.

NOTW: Feel the beet

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to work through my nail stash and picked out this color I got as a gift from Javy. I've had it for awhile but it's my first time wearing it. I actually don't wear such "normal" shades since I'm rather enamored by neutrals, holos, brights and glitter, but this was surprisingly pretty when on. If you've ever had beets, the color is pretty true to the juice stain they leave behind. In real life the color is a bit deeper but I think it's because my Seche Vite top coat darkens the shade. Oh well, Happy Monday!

OPI Miami Beet + Milani Gems

NOTW: Barbie Pink

2012-01-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

Borrowed this HOT Barbie Pink from Kat and now I totally want a bottle for myself.

Orly Fancy Fuchsia

I'm actually wearing this color sans glitter, but I'm itching to add some sparkle. It's a Barbie pink...isn't glitter mandatory!? Also, in real life the color seems much brighter, even fluorescent. LOVE it.

Weekend Preview

2012-01-13T14:57:00.000-08:00

I have a busy weekend ahead of me so here's a preview...

Tonight Paul and I are flying to San Francisco to watch the 49ers play the Saints in the playoffs.

To be festive, I'll be wearing a 49ers shirt and jazzed up nails in Niner colors.

Ring Finger (super sloppy): Orly Luxe + Nubar Red Glitter + Sephora by OPI Only Gold For Me

All other fingers: Zoya Sooki + Essie Luxeffects As Gold As It Gets + Sephora by OPI Only Gold For Me

We'll be in The Bay for a little over 24 hours then we're back to LA on Sunday to make it for a friend's wedding in Malibu. Here's the dress I plan on wearing.

I'm going to attempt a big bun hairstyle but if that doesn't work I'll default to my usual curls.

I still need to finalize shoes and accessories, but I'm thinking of wearing my Casadei shoes and Zara clutch. What do you think?

And I still need to get a card for the wedding. Typing all of this up just reconfirms that I do NOT have enough time...

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

NOTW: As Gold As It Gets

2012-01-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

Essie Luxeffects As Gold As It Gets + Turquoise & Caicos

This is what I imagine mermaid fins would look like glimmering under the sun. It also reminds me of a MAC's eyeshadow released ages ago.

2012: Happy

2012-01-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

I make resolutions and more often than not, suck at keeping them. This year, I'm only making one...to be HAPPY.

Inspiration to keep me going (source):

12 Things Happy People Do Differently

Express gratitude. – When you appreciate what you have, what you have appreciates in value. Kinda cool right? So basically, being grateful for the goodness that is already evident in your life will bring you a deeper sense of happiness. And that’s without having to go out and buy anything. It makes sense. We’re gonna have a hard time ever being happy if we aren’t thankful for what we already have.
Cultivate optimism. – Winners have the ability to manufacture their own optimism. No matter what the situation, the successful diva is the chick who will always find a way to put an optimistic spin on it. She knows failure only as an opportunity to grow and learn a new lesson from life. People who think optimistically see the world as a place packed with endless opportunities, especially in trying times.
Avoid over-thinking and social comparison. – Comparing yourself to someone else can be poisonous. If we’re somehow ‘better’ than the person that we’re comparing ourselves to, it gives us an unhealthy sense of superiority. Our ego inflates – KABOOM – our inner Kanye West comes out! If we’re ‘worse’ than the person that we’re comparing ourselves to, we usually discredit the hard work that we’ve done and dismiss all the progress that we’ve made. What I’ve found is that the majority of the time this type of social comparison doesn’t stem from a healthy place. If you feel called to compare yourself to something, compare yourself to an earlier version of yourself.
Practice acts of kindness. – Performing an act of kindness releases serotonin in your brain. (Serotonin is a substance that has TREMENDOUS health benefits, including making us feel more blissful.) Selflessly helping someone is a super powerful way to feel good inside. What’s even cooler about this kindness kick is that not only will you feel better, but so will people watching the act of kindness. How extraordinary is that? Bystanders will be blessed with a release of serotonin just by watching what’s going on. A side note is that the job of most anti-depressants is to release more serotonin. Move over Pfizer, kindness is kicking ass and taking names.
Nurture social relationships. – The happiest people on the planet are the ones who have deep, meaningful relationships. Did you know studies show that people’s mortality rates are DOUBLED when they’re lonely? WHOA! There’s a warm fuzzy feeling that comes from having an active circle of good friends who you can share your experiences with. We feel connected and a part of something more meaningful than our lonesome existence.
Develop strategies for coping. – How you respond to the ‘craptastic’ moments is what shapes your character. Sometimes crap happens – it’s inevitable. Forrest Gump knows the deal. It can be hard to come up with creative solutions in the moment when manure is making its way up toward the fan. It helps to have healthy strategies for coping pre-rehearsed, on-call, and in your arsenal at your disposal.
Learn to forgive. – Harboring feelings of hatred is horrible for your well-being. You see, your mind doesn’t know the difference between past and present emotion. When you ‘hate’ someone, and you’re continuously thinking about it, those negative emotions are eating away at your immune system. You put yourself in a state of suckerism (technical term) and it stays with you throughout your day.
Increase flow experiences. – Flow is a state in which it feels like time stands still. It’s when you’re so focused on what you’re doing that you become one with the task. Action and awareness are merged. You’re not hungry, sleepy, or emotional. You’re just completely engaged in the activity that you’re doing. Nothing is distracting you or competing for your focus.
Savor life’s joys. – Deep happiness cannot exist without slowing down to enjoy the joy. It’s easy in a world of wild stimuli and omnipresent movement to forget to embrace life’s enjoyable experiences. When we neglect to appreciate, we rob the moment of its magic. It’s the simple things in life that can be the most rewarding if we remember to fully experience them.
Commit to your goals. – Being wholeheartedly dedicated to doing something comes fully-equipped with an ineffable force. Magical things start happening when we commit ourselves to doing whatever it takes to get somewhere. When you’re fully committed to doing something, you have no choice but to do that thing. Counter-intuitively, having no option – where you can’t change your mind – subconsciously makes humans happier because they know part of their purpose.
Practice spirituality. – When we practice spirituality or religion, we recognize that life is bigger than us. We surrender the silly idea that we are the mightiest thing ever. It enables us to connect to the source of all creation and embrace a connectedness with everything that exists. Some of the most accomplished people I know feel that they’re here doing work they’re “called to do.”
Take care of your body. – Taking care of your body is crucial to being the happiest person you can be. If you don’t have your physical energy in good shape, then your mental energy (your focus), your emotional energy (your feelings), and your spiritual energy (your purpose) will all be negatively affected. Did you know that studies conducted on people who were clinically depressed showed that consistent exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft? Not only that, but here’s the double whammy… Six months later, the people who participated in exercise were less likely to relapse because they had a higher sense of self-accomplishment and self-worth.

I hope your 2012 is off to a GREAT start and most of all that you're happy!

NOTW: Mesmerize

2012-01-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

I went on a nail polish binge before the end of the year and picked up all of the Essie Luxeffects and a few others I had my eye on for awhile.

My polish collection has grown exponentially since last year and I'm pretty sure I haven't worn all of them yet. So this year, I'm putting myself on a no-polish-buy until I've worn (and posted) all the colors I own. This is going to be tough. I sure hope there aren't too many spectacular releases this year!

Anyway, to kick this off, here are my nails for the weekend...

Essie Mesmerize + Essie Luxeffects Pure Pearlflection + OPI Save Me

The pretty colors of the bar glitter in Save Me are hard to see with this combination so I'll have to try it with something else. Anywhos, Happy Friday!

Redhead Rebel

2011-12-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

It's the day after Christmas and instead of going to the mall I'm at home vegging out, cleaning, catching up on blogs and twitter, watching Breaking Bad and playing with makeup.

Here's my cleaning house half-assed FOTD haha

Face:
Cantaloupe Blush
Redhead MSF

Eyes:
L'Oreal Lineur Intense e/l

Lips:
Rebel l/s
Magenta + Currant l/p

Hope all of you had a great Christmas!

NOTW: Metro Chic

2011-12-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

Loved Susy's nails in this post so I just had to try it out. I don't think I'll ever tire of glittery nails!

Metro Chic

Traffic Stopper Copper

Only Gold For Me

Dragon

2011-12-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

Chanel's Dragon Rouge Allure Laque really is the bee's knees!

My [Im]possible Wishlist

2011-12-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas or not, these are things I'm lemming for...

I need to win the lotto or get myself a pimp! We'll see what Santa delivers...

If I could only get one thing, I'd really want that Breville Juicer!

NOTW: Stormy Weather

2011-12-12T08:16:00.001-08:00

Ironic because it's actually storming.

Stormy Weather

I Love The Nightlife

Finally received the Deborah Lippmann polished I ordered during the Apothica F&F sale. Both colors are prettier than I hoped they would be! Inspired by ...love Maegan, I did just a stripe of glitter on the outer side of each nail. I love how it turned out!

Happy Monday! Stay dry and drive safe :)

NOTW: Green Flashes

2011-12-07T10:21:00.001-08:00

I haven't done my nails in over a month! No color, not even treatments! I blame it on my hellish month at work and, well, laziness. My nails are SUPER short and the dry, cold weather has done a number on their condition. I'm hoping they'll get better soon so I can jazz them up for Christmas and New Years!

Americal Apparel Hassid + Zoya Rina

Gastronomic Weekend

2011-12-05T11:55:00.001-08:00

Last weekend was beyond delicious...

Healthy Juices, Muffin and Omelet from True Food Kitchen, Santa Monica

Salmon Stack from Aroma Coffee & Tea, Studio City

Ramen at Koraku and Bread Pudding at Crave Cafe, Sherman Oaks

Port & Stilton, Tater Tots and Drinks at Umami Burger, Studio City

Pickles, Fries, Knuckle Sandwich, Charred Baby Octopus and Chu-Don't-Know-Mang at A-Frame, Culver City

Tortoise & Goose

2011-12-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

Been wearing my MK Tortoise Watch and JewelMint Golden Goose bracelet everyday for the last couple of weeks. It's a simple combination considering the trendy bracelet stacks that I've been seeing. I just think stacking too much would detract from the beauty of this watch. What do you think?