No I did not take inspiration from Pirates of the Caribbean now that the movie is out (though I am in love with OPI’s limited edition for the film and probably will keep praising it again and again). Instead, since jewel tones were huge last season and still stick around for this current one, why not? Also, metallics are a huge trend right now. If you don’t believe me, check out Lanvin’s Resort 2012 and see for yourself. And since I have probably driven you crazy by now with my pastels and my brights, it’s time for me to sober up. At least with my nails. So here you are, as if hidden under the ocean in a wooden chest, five nail polish hues so precious that will make you want to take a dive!

RUBY OVER DIAMONDS

• Illamasqua’s Untold, $22.50
• MAC Vintage Vamp, $14.95
• Deborah Lippman’s Razzle Dazzle, $16.00
• OPI’s Chick-Flick Cherry, $8.00

• Deborah Lippman’s Lady Sings the Blues, $16.00
• OPI’s Yoga-ta Get ThisBlue,$8.00
• Illamasqua Phallic,$22.50
• Essie’s Aruba Blue, $8.00

TAKE ME TO THE EMERALD CITY

• Essie’s Pretty Edgy, $8.00
• Revlon’s Emerald City, $5.99
• NARS Zulu, $22.00
• OPI’s Don’t mess with, $8.00

SHE SMOKES LIKE AN AMETHYST

• Deborah Lippman’s Wicked Game, $16.00
• Essie’s Sexy Divide, $8.00
• Pupa 501, $7.50
• OPI’s Plugged in Plum, $8.00

GOLD TO ME

• Illamasqua’s Spartan,$22.50
• Deborah Lippman’s Nefertiti,$16.00
• OPI’s Spark de Triomphe, $8.00
• YSL La Laque 139-OR, $20.00

SILVER STAR

• YSL La Laque 141 OR-BLANC, $20.00
• OPI’s DS Radiance, $8.00
• Deborah Lippman’s StardustSilver, $16.00
• OPI fo Sephora in MashUp, $9.50

Gemstones are a girl’s best friend, and while we wait for the real ones, we can have them on our nails!

Sweet kisses…

Cover illustration by Ana Sofia Alanis, background source unknown

Hello sweet readers, as I told you in my previous post, this is the second part of my Summer Getaways series of posts. As you should know by now (if not click HERE to read my previous post), this is Anita, otherwise known as Countess Winston. A girl who is all about allowing herself to get blinded by big city lights. Her favorite vacation spot, the great city of New York. No, on her itinerary there’s no visitng the Statue of Liberty, nor the Met or Times Square. Instead she loves to wander the streets in the search of that perfect cup of coffee, that vintage shop filled with treasures disguised as bargains. Under a Central Park tree is the perfect place to find inspiration, she’s a writer. She loves nothing more than Sunday brunch,flea markets and old bookshops. And when it gets darker, drinks are in order, followed by some dinner and dinner followed by more drinks!

So here for you, two looks, one for day, one for a night out in the gorgeous NYC!

DAY LOOK

Wether you are taking a stroll, a long walk in the park, visiting Moma or just having some brunch, this outfit is perfect for a casual and hot day in the Big Apple. I chose an emerald green chiffon playsuit. Short and flirty, perfect for the Summer. And in my very personal opinion, this green is going to be huge this coming season, so start greening your closet. To refresh the look, a blush kimono with a butterfly print from TOPSHOP. The kimono is also a key piece that every girl should have in her wardrobe, it has te power of giving your outfit a twist. As for shoes, I would love to be able to wander around the city in sky-high heels, but since bleeding feet are not attractive at all, flats are the way to go. This cute and pointy ballerina from ASOS seems to fall perfectly into place with the whole ensemble.

For accessories, this Gucci Lattice leather tote in taupe, a metallic owl vintage looking bangle, Isabel Marant’s “For the Queen” opal ring and for your paws, Essie’s Master Plan.

NIGHT LOOK

A night out in a big cosmopolitan city calls for a big cosmopolitan outfit! New York is a one of the world’s nightlife meccas. So that’s the time to put your chic on. I chose a skin-tight, high waisted python print skirt from ASOS. Remember, python is the new leopard. I paired it up with a long sleeved blouse with a twisted hem, also from TOPSHOP. To give it a touch of colorful fun, a pair of platform courts in Teal.

For accessories, Alexander McQueen’s military skull leather box clutch in black. A pair of gold stone tassel drop earrings and a claw with a black stone ring, both form River Island. For your manicure, Illamasqua’s nail polish in Load. For beauty, go for an updo. With the dangling earrings, you don’t want a whole bunch of hair hanging around your face. Give the earrings the importance they deserve.

 So there you have it, two very summery and very New York outfits for your getaway! I hoped you like it. Next up, Summer Getaways: ST. TROPEZ

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Postcard image: source unknown

In a previous post, I have already introduced you to Army, my little brother. In large families like mine, being the smallest of them all always comes with another trait, being spoiled. And he is no stranger to this, since he is also the only male son, born after three girls. Translation: Daddy’s boy. It’s only natural that among his favorite vacation spots are the glamour beaches, specially that southern french paradise commonly known as St. Tropez. Oh the good life! Spending the day on a yacht, working on the perfect tan, then hitting hard the clubs by night. And in between, shopping and splurging trips, fine dining with a view and lots of bubbly. Crowded with ridiculously good-looking people, St. Tropez is a place where champagne showers are more common than those with water.

And since St. Tropez is THE place to be seen, here I give you two looks to make it happen.

DAY LOOK

The perfect look for a stroll in the old town and the coastline. Casual and comfortable, but chic with the glitz and glamour that is St. Tropez. I chose a sequin & nude tank from ASOS. One would imagine this is a going out top, but the result of pairing it with a pair of white crisp running shorts was an absolute hit. For the shoes, I found this fabulous vintage looking, two-tone keds. They fall right into place with the outfit, plus they allow you to walk long distances without discomfort.

For accessories, a silver bangle with rhinestones  and MARC Marc Jacobs Love Edge double wrap bracelet from my-wardrobe.com to glam it up even more. For the purse, a tote is the perfect. This Paul’s Boutique striped one is a bold choice, but it works! Pair the look with your favorite sunnies, a high ponytail or a bun and some shimmery, neutral lip gloss for a natural look.

NIGHT LOOK

One of St. Tropez attractions is its nightlife. So wether you are heading to Les Caves du Roy or the VIP Room after dinner and drinks, you need to look your best. It’s your looks and the way you carry yourself that will allow you to have access. I chose, in a very Ecclestone sisters kind of fashion, a bodycon dress in blush with a mesh panel from TOPSHOP. I paired it up with this fab sandals from River Island. They are dramatic and the fact that they have many colors allows you to play with the accessories.

Add a statement necklace to the dress, I went for a light blue with gold one. A rope cuff with rhinestones and an Alexander McQueen’s nude box clutch to complete your ensemble. Sport perfectly manicured nails, I recommend Illamasqua’s Purity.

So there you have it, are you ready to cruise St. Tropez?

Sweet kisses…

With only one post waiting in the oven about PFW, a non-runway one is just what the doctor ordered! It’s been a while since I gave you some nail files, I hope it is as fun to read for you as it is for me to prepare it. Since my color obsession du jour is red (all shades of red) and those “Frutti di Bosco” hues look smashing with all fall clothes and tonalities, it’s all about the berry nail polishes. 5 wild fruit inspired categories, one crust inspired one (when thinking about berries you can’t help but think about pastry) and 24 different nail polish shades from the top nail companies: Deborah Lippmann, Essie, OPI, Nails INC and more! Let’s start!

RASPBERRY SCONES

• Rouge Carat (Winter Collection), Chanel
• Do you think I’m texy, OPI
• Sweet Pea, Estee Lauder’s Pure Color
• Size Matters, Essie

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

• Animal-istic (Muppets Collection), OPI
• 5th Avenue, Essie
• Timeless Parisian Red, Deborah Lippmann
• Ruthless, Illamasqua

SWEET CHERRY PIE

• Wocka Wocka (Muppets Collection), OPI
• Aspen, Nails INC
• Lady is a Tramp, Deborah Lippmann
• A-list, Essie

BLACKBERRY MUFFIN

• Good Girl Gone Bad, Deborah Lippmann
• Carry-on, Essie
• Lincoln Park Minight, OPI
• Endless Night, NARS

BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

• Bobbing for Baubles, ESSIE
• Blue Denim, Dior Vernis
• 44 La Laque, YSL
• I know what boys like, Deborah Lippmann

CRUNCHY CRUST

• Quiet Time, MAC
• Satin Doll, Deborah Lippmann
• Case Study, Essie
• Cadogan Square, Nails INC

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Photos: Internet

All texts are written by me, PLAGIARISM is not cool

Well hello, hello my sweet readers! Fashion Week has been driving me (and you) crazy with excitement, new trends, runways and more, up to the point were I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed right now. What better way loosen up a bit than with a beauty break. The nail files are back with a splash! That’s right, one of the biggest trends on the Spring 2012 runways was the underwater world (Versace, Lanvin, Stella just to name a few). Naturally, our nails have to get trendy as well. Here today, a sea inspired, nail polish post! Enjoy!

Right this way smiles a mermaid…

• Mermaid’s Dream, Deborah Lippmann
• Turquoise & Caicos, Essie
• Teal Topaz, Estée Lauder
• Go on Green, OPI

In labyrinths of coral caves…

• Girls just want to have fun, Deborah Lippmann
• Tart Deco, Essie
• Distraction, Chanel Le Vernis
• Flamingo Coral, TOPSHOP

All the more a pair of underwater pearls…

• Birthday Babe, OPI
• Pearly Queen, Butter London
• White Gold, YSL La Laque
• Pure Pearlfection, Essie

I believe in the sand beneath my toes…

• Believe, Deborah Lippmann
• Did you ear about Van Gogh?, OPI
• Sand Tropez, Essie
• Iced Frappe, Ciaté

Across the water, across the deep blue ocean…

• On the Beach, Deborah Lippmann
• Muse, Illamasqua
• Fly, OPI
• Go Overboard, Essie

I’d like to be under the sea, in an octopus’s garden…

• Forget-me-not, Dior Vernis
• Poker Face, NARS
• Playdate, Essie
• Violette Coquette, Lancome

I’m dying to try out each and every one of this beachy shades. What’s your favorite one?

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofía Alanis

Photos: Google

All texts are written by me, PLAGIARISM is not cool…

Happy and relaxing Sunday, my sweet readers! Today we are taking a break from our Shopping Guide because we are focusing on beauty trends. Our always fun and themed Nail Files are back and this time looking lovelier and tastier than ever. Who doesn’t love macarons? Even looking at them is always pleasant and since the fashion world is going crazy with pastel hues, a macaron inspired, nail polish post is all we need! Ready for a strong dose of sugar and a taste of sweet?

LAVANDE-BLUET

• Lilac, Dolce & Gabbana Bouquet
• L Esprit, American Apparel
• Parma Violet, TOPSHOP
• Lilacism, Essie

PETÁLE DE ROSE

• Pink Crush, Tom Ford
• Muchi Muchi, Essie
• Pink-ing of you, OPI
• Rose, Dolce & Gabbana Bouquet

VANILLE

• Butter, American Apparel
• Lemon, Dolce & Gabbana Bouquet
• Load, Illamasqua
• LA Confidential, Ciaté

MUGUET

• Office, American Apparel
• Nudge, Illamasqua
• Jaded, Revlon
• OSM, USLU Airlines x Bernard Whillhelm

FLEUR D’ORANGER

• June, Chanel Le Vernis
• Sugared Almonds, Ciaté
• A crewed interest, Essie
• Peach Sherbet, Models Own

CHOCOLAT AMER

• Smokin’ Hot, Essie
• Chocolately Brown, YSL La Laque
• Chocolate, Dolce & Gabbana Intense
• Unnatural, Illamasqua

CRÉME DE MENTHE

• ZRH Headman, USLU Airlines
• Caress, Illamasqua
• Forget me not, TOPSHOP
• Blooboo, Models Own

What’s your favorite macaron flavor? I’m a sucker for Laduree’s Vanilla one!

Have a lovely Sunday, sweet kisses…

Illustration: Ana Sofia Alanis (minus the sofa, anyupholstery.com)

All texts and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post them without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site.

Finally Friday, my sweet readers! Since the weekend relaxation is just starting, I wanted to whip up a cute and relaxing post. It’s that time of the month, Nail Files time! Spring has finally sprung on us, that is why flowers are the perfect inspiration for today’s nail polish session. Are you ready to color your nails with some floral inspiration? Let’s begin!

ROSES ARE RED

• Scarlet Chinois, TOM FORD
• Red Alert, MODELS OWN
• Rouge Pop Art, YSL
• So hot it berns, OPI

PEONIES ARE PINK

• Lights, ESSIE
• Elephantastic Pink, OPI
• Walton Place, NAILS INC
• Anardana, THAKOON FOR NARS

LISIANTHUS ARE PURPLE

• Talent Scout, CIATÉ
• Call me irresponsible, DEBORAH LIPPMANN
• Sexy Divide, ESSIE
• Black Purple, YSL

SUNFLOWERS ARE YELLOW

• Rare, ILLAMASQUA
• Anchoor, THAKOON FOR NARS
• Yellow Brick Road, DEBORAH LIPPMANN
• Cheeky Chops, BUTTER LONDON

MAGNOLIAS ARE WHITE

• Alpine Snow, OPI
• Blanc Symboliste, YSL
• Scorch, ILLAMASQUA
• T-shirt, AMERICAN APPAREL

HYDRANGEAS ARE BLUE

• Cameo Blue, AMERICAN APPAREL
• Lapis of Luxury, ESSIE
• I don’t give a Rotterdam, OPI
• Regatta, CIATÉ

FOLIAGE IS GREEN

• British Racing Green, BUTTER LONDON
• Kink, ILLAMASQUA
• Hunter, AMERICAN APPAREL
• Wild Green, DOLCE & GABBANA

Which floral color is your favorite? I am definitely a Peony and Magnolia girl.

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

All texts and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post them without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site.

Hello, hello my sweet readers! It’s Thursday, which means that most of the week has gone by and Friday is just one day away. For you today, it’s that time of the month, NAIL FILES TIME! And since we are feeling a little bit thirsty here (sunny, warm days call for cute and icy cocktails), I was completely inspired by booze. On Spring or Summer, sipping drinks with friends on a terrace is my all-time favorite activity. I’m definitely a Mojito kind of gal, but since calorie counting is my curse, I usually settle for Vodka Soda (I must confess I had my Dry Martini phase… It ended one night, after four of those babies, when I spilled my fifth all over my cleavage thinking I was actually drinking it). Anyway, no more embarassing stories for now.  Here is my monthly nail polish selection, cocktail edition! At the end you can find my Top Coat selection, all four of them are highly recommended.

CREAMY BRANDY ALEXANDER

1. Perfection, Dolce & Gabbana
2. Sand Tropez, Essie
3. Beige, Chanel Le Vernis
4. Jolis Matins, Lancome Vernis in Love

SWEET APPLETINI

1. Navigate her, Essie
2. Is it payday yet?, Sephora by OPI
3. Green Almond, Lancome
4. Apple and Custard, Ciaté

SASSY COSMOPOLITAN

1. Touville, NARS
2. Nude Attitude, Estee Lauder
3. Pink Boa, Dior Vernis
4. P.Y.T, Deborah Lippmann

SPICY BLOODY MARY

1. Geranium, Essie
2. Kid Orange, MAC
3. Whack, Illamasqua
4. Red Royalty, Dior Vernis

BUBBLY BELLINI

• Gold Haze, Tom Ford
• Glitzerland, OPI
• Nefertiti, Deborah Lippmann
• Adelita, NARS

CUBA LIBRE

1. Bitter Bitch, Tom Ford
2. Decadent Dish, Essie
3. Chocolate, Dolce & Gabbana
4. Molten Lava, Estee Lauder

DRY MARTINI… SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED

1. Good to go, Essie
2. Top Coat, Rescue Beauty Lounge
3. Top Coat, Dior Vernis
4. Top Coat, Seche a Vite

What’s your favorite Happy Hour drink? And your favorite cocktail inspired nail polish shade?

Sweet kisses…

llustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis 

Nail polish bottles: Illamasqua, Harrods, Selfridges, Chanel, Essie

Collage items from Google

All texts and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site.

It’s Sunday and after a long week of work and a weekend full of party, all we really need is a couch, a movie and our comfiest pair of PJs . That is why today, no dressing up, no look of the day and no Summer 2012 trends. As you already know (if you don’t, click HERE), every month I publish a themed nail polish selection, depending on the season, the month and my mood. Sweet’n’Raw’s NAIL FILES have given you X-mas inspired nail enamel, floral, fruity, sugary and even boozy. Today I went with the obvious: rainbow nails. For Summer, bright fingers and toes are just the thing to add that certain twist to your ensembles and your killer tan (sunscreen at all times, please). So if you are sitting on your sofa, watching the soccer match (my Italian boys are playing today against England) or waiting for that certain Viking Vampire to rock our Sunday TV time (I’m also a sucker for True Blood), grab your brightest shade and give yourself  a manicure, RAINBOW STYLE!

MAGICAL MAGENTA

1. Stance, ILLAMASQUA
2. Sure Shot, ESSIE
3. 14 Violine Surrealiste, YSL
4. Magenta Divine, MODELS OWN

VIOLET TORNADO

1. In Late Show, TOPSHOP
2. Talent Scout, CIATÉ
3. Poke, ILLAMASQUA
4. Ray of Light, DEBORAH LIPPMANN

DOROTHY BLUES

1. Blued Turquoise, USLU AIRLINES
2. Koliary, THAKOON FOR NARS
3. Rich Riviera Blue, DEBORAH LIPPMANN
4. Loch Ness Mystery, SCOTCH NATURALS

WICKED GREEN

1. Hyde Park Gate, NAILS INC.
2. Go on Green, OPI
3. Nomad, ILLAMASQUA
4. Mojito Madness, ESSIE

ORANGE FIELDS

1. Lara’s Theme, DEBORAH LIPPMANN
2. Fear or Desire, ESSIE
3. Gamma, ILLAMASQUA
4. Porchester Place, NAILS INC.

RUBY RED SLIPPERS

1. Pure Red, ESTEE LAUDER
2. 4 Coral Colisee, YSL
3. Indian Pink, TOM FORD
4. Stiletto, SCOTCH NATURALS

YELLOW BRICK ROAD

1. Yellow Brick Road, DEBORAH LIPPMANN
2. Rare, ILLAMASQUA
3. Anchoor, THAKOON FOR NARS
4. Lemon Highlander, SCOTCH NATURALS

Rainbows are happy and happy is just Summer’s best accessory, so put on your best smile and your brightest nail polish. Happy Sunday!

Sweet’n’Raw’s Summer holidays are just 6 days away!

Sweet kisses…

PS: I make all my images and collages for you, my lovely readers. It thrills me when you like them enough o use them or re-post them on your sites. All I ask is for you to let me know, credit the source and link the image back to the site. Behind one image, there’s a lot of work and one must always give credit to who deserves it.

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources: Selfridges, Harrods, Essie, OPI, Illamasqua,  Topshop, Deborah Lippmann, Yellow brick road green meadow by Leebea

All texts, illustrations and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site

Good morning, my sweet readers! It’s been a while since our last Nail Files post so it’s only fair to publish one right now. I’ve had this sitting in the oven for some time. Right now I am leaving for a mountain holiday with my bf’s family, I have my posts armed and ready, so I won’t leave you without reading material (I promise). For all you nail enamel addicts, here it is, wild and fun: THE JUNGLE BOOK!

SEEING SPOTS

• Nude Beige, Models Own
• Cosmopolitan Khaki, Lancome
• Fade to Black, Deborah Lippmann
• Particuliere, Chanel Le Vernis
• Sand Tropez, Essie

WILD STRIPES

• Scorn, Illamasqua
• Feathered, OCC
• Black Satin, Chanel Le Vernis
• Aha! Moment, Sephora by OPI
• 27 Noir Primitif, YSL

PRETTY PYTHON

• 011 Lady, Dior Vernis
• 23 Gris Deco, YSL
• Lil Boa Peep, Essie
• Porchester Square, Nails Inc.
• Pearl Drop, Chanel Le Vernis

SEE YA LATER, ALLIGATOR!

• Rampage, Illamasqua
• Crocadilly, Essie
• Explosif, Estee Lauder
• Designer Fig Leaf, Sephora by OPI
• Emerald City, Models Own

THE SCARLET MACAW

• 18 Bleu Majorelle, YSL
• Lemon Highlander, Scotch
• Suspicious, Chanel Le Vernis
• Blow, Illamasqua
• Butles Please, Essie

POSH PANTHER

• What’s a Tire Jack, Sephora by OPI
• Creator, Illamasqua
• Diva, Dior Vernis
• The Black Knight, Butter London
• Back Room, Nars

GEOFFREY THE GIRAFFE

• Very Structured, Essie
• Toasted Sugar, Tom Ford
• Bengale, Dior Vernis
• 27, Paul & Joe
• Gamma, Illamasqua

Sweet kisses…