How-to Tuesday - Marc Jacobs Daisy Nails!

8.27.13.

Yesterday I posted a preview of a Marc Jacobs "Daisy" inspired nail design.

Here's how I did them...

via YouTuber elleandish

...& ta-da!

elleandish's tutorial was fabulous! The results were amazing & I loved this feminine & classy manicure! Very work appropriate :)

Do you have any favorite tutorials? Have you tried this one out?

I'd love to see your results or rendition!

xoxo

~carlykins

Still obsessing over MJ...Daisy Mani!

8.26.13.

Hello bloggettes!

I am still obsessing over the launch of the Marc Jacobs line at Sephora...

...so naturally the mani that I've been rocking for a few days is MJ inspired!

(I know terrible cuticles >.<)

Find the MJ "Daisy" perfume here!

Stay tuned to learn how/where I found this awesome how-to tomorrow! :)

xoxo

~carlykins

How-to Tuesday - Newlyweds Wedding Frame D.I.Y.

8.20.13.

It's wedding season, meaning time to start thinking about that special something that you are going to give your beautiful friends on their special day!!

1. Find a frame! Papyrus has gorgeous seasonal selections in all sizes! As the wedding I was attending was in the summer, I decided to purchase something fun, fresh & of course floral!

2. Decide how you would like to personalize your frame! I decided to craft my own frame insert with a wedding couple! I used a Cricut machine/Paper Doll Dress Up Cartridge to create these little paper people but if you have an artistic talent, use it! Be it just the frame as is, or creating your own frame insert, it's really the thought that counts! :)

3. Place your insert inside your frame! Make sure to measure & test out proportions prior to making your design elements permanent! If you decided not to create an insert, think of a creative way to wrap your unique frame! 

...& voila! A newlywed worthy frame to highlight your friends' special day!

It's your turn to c's the d.i.y.!

I'd love to see what you can create! Happy D.I.Y.-ing!!

xoxo

~carlykins

Pinky's up! Happy Birthday Besties!!

8.18.13.

I am dedicating a SPECIAL post to two of my besties...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVES!!

Sometimes I still think it's amazing how two of my best friends are only born a day apart...coincidence much??

While one of my bff's is far, far away, thankfully my other biffle is right here at home with me! As it is a very special birthday year, we celebrated in the best way that any classy lady could...with Tea Time!

Tucked away in Manoa Valley,  the Wai'oli Tea Room is where families, couples or girlfriend gatherings are a norm, especially on the weekends. As sophisticated ladies, we decided to celebrate our friend's birthday with tea & lovely tea foods!

Favorites were the Lilikoi Cream Puffs & the Chipotle Veggie Wraps!!

For more details visit their website (linked above).

Pinky's up!

xoxo,

~carlykins

Wednesday Wisdom - #ROAR

8.14.13.

Take some advice from the fabulous KP.

Don't let others hold you back from being the real you.

#ROAR

xoxo

~carlykins

How-to Tuesday - Shark (Week) Nails

8.13.13.

I know, I know, Shark Week was last week.

But I just had to share this fabulous mani that I am totally in LOVE with at the moment!

nom nom nom

Want to find out how I created this monster?

Check out this awesome tutorial by nail/makeup/fashion guru Miss Jen!

Have you done any nail art recently? Tried this shark inspired look?

Show me! I'd love to see your creativity!

xoxo

~carlykins

Manic Monday - Tony Moly!!

8.12.13.

Hello again! I know I've been MIA >.<

But while I've been away I have discovered some new inspiration for some blog posts--yay!

I have recently stumbled across THE cutest brand of cosmetics that I can easily get my hands on...

TONY MOLY!!

My bestie recently gave me a bunch of products from TM & I am totally in LOVE!!

Petite Bunny Gloss Bars (~$7)

This product is ADORABLE!! Easy to tote around in any bag & the product itself isn't so bad. Not as moisturizing as I would prefer, but the color pigmentation of the darker shades is good--lasts for most of the day! These are also (fruit?) scented & taste pretty good too :) In my opinion, packaging cuteness factor plays a major role in my decision to repurchase--I mean, how can you resist?!

Mini Bunny Hand Cream (~$12)

On the TonyMoly Hawaii site these two travel sized hand creams come as a set! I found that I personally like the pink, "Sweet Pink" hand cream was my favorite out of the two--smells deliciously floral & kind of reminds me of Philosophy's Love Sweet Love scented products. The "Warm Beige" has more of a gardenia flower-like scent, which I still like; I did find that the consistency of this hand cream seemed more viscous/liquid-y than the "Sweet Pink" hand cream...weird? I don't think this is as moisturizing as other hand creams I've tried (i.e., Soap & Glory's Hand Food) but what I did like about this was that it didn't leave my hands sticky and of course the scent was amazing to me! I would def repurchase this!

Pocket Bunny Mist (~$10)

Another amazingly CUTE product!! ...not quite "pocket-sized" but def worth throwing in a small purse! I am also not sure if this really works. It is refreshing to spray on midday but I don't think there is much other benefit. While I would like to repurchase (mainly for cuteness factor again), I don't think I would unless I was willing to treat myself to spend :)

**Just FYI, prices are approximate based on what I could find via Amazon/online; typically Amazon prices are more reasonable, but be prepared to pay a hefty shipping fee!**

If you haven't heard of TM, check them out! They have lots of other cute animal themed products!

Have you come across any other brands that you would recommend? I'd love to heard about them!

xoxo

~carlykins

July Wishlist

Wishlist Wednesday

A list that will probably be the most lust-worthy to date. *le sigh*

1. I'm ready to move out!...but honestly & realistically, I am in no financial state to do so. Boo. But a girl can dream about owning her own place... Development in downtown Honolulu has been booming especially in the Kaka'ako area & I wish I could say all in! This one looks particularly fabulous & would be insanely convenient for where I currently work...plus, no traffic worries!

A rendition of a potential view of Diamond Head off in the distance...but look at that price tag, yowza--what a life!

(Symphony Honolulu)

2. I have only come to realize how special every M.A.C. collection & collaboration is...or maybe that just shows how much of a "consumer" I really am haha. Circa 2005-2006 M.A.C. paired up with Disney and released a small collection of lip conditioners that some refer to as "tint toons". These were later followed by a collection of Villain-inspired products. I remember seeing this particular Miss Bunny lip conditioner listed in a magazine back in the day...but sadly it was too late for me to get my hands on this product :(

(PC: Flickr)

3. Rose gold (anything) is my newest obsession. So it was no surprise that the minute I saw these Frends headphones, I WANTED. While the price tag is comparable to other popular brands like Beats by Dre, I wonder if it matches in terms of quality & performance... this would def be a very fashionable & functional accessory, which may lead me to cave eventually. Perhaps I will save up & treat myself around the holidays ;)

(Taylor, Frends, $199.00)

4. I have been on the hunt for one of these olive, utility jackets for a while...I think my want for one of these arose as a result of Bella Swan's style in the Twilight movies (Something Clever: A Fashion Blog has a great summary of Twilight fashion here). However, the urge to buy this type of outwear laid dormant for a bit until I saw Holly Ann-Aeree's most recent outfit of the day post! So the Googling began & I stumbled across this gem of a blogger who has fabulous style, Tanfizzle! ...and so I fell in LOVE with this particular olive, utility jacket; who doesn't love pieces that are 2-in-1?! Sadly this is far outside of my price range so I'm looking for some cheaper alternatives...any ideas?

(PC: Tanfizzle)

PJK Patterson J. Kincaid x the man repeller Lost Boys Utility Jacket
(Revolve Clothing, $348.00)


5. ...and of course my wishlist would not be complete without a pair of shoes...& Chanel's espadrilles take the cake! One of the hottest trends of the summer & I WANT...I think I would go for the black/white combo since I don't think I can pull off these bold colors like blogger Aimee Song...too bad I can't have...

Chanel Canvas Espadrille Shoes
(As seen on Song of Style)

6. I decided to add one more wish to the list this month because I desperately want to travel & live in wanderlust! ...and of course to travel fashionably, you need a great suitcase!!

The Anna Sui for Tumi (Super leger international carry-on; $395) is the perfect carry-on for those wanderlust adventures--fun, flirty & feminine! Sadly, I can't find anywhere to purchase this from anymore :( ...& I really wish I could have the entire fabulous collection! haha :)
(Article by Seventeen Magazine)

As you can see, all are definite wishes. Would you purchase any of these?

What's on your wishlist?

...perhaps one of these days I can make one of them true :)



xoxo
~carlykins

Sneak Peek - D.I.Y. Summer Espadrille

7.11.13.

I am currently working a D.I.Y. project that I am very much excited to complete...& it's quite thrifty in my opinion :) I thought I was a genius for coming up with this idea (I know, how selfish of me haha), but there are lots of fabulous tutorials/blog posts out there that I received tips from...

Since it's still a matter of gathering materials & prep work I can only leave you with a teensy sneak peek of what I am attempting to create :)

**HINT: it has EVERYTHING to do with espadrille flats & my fav letter C**

*check out my labels/tags for more hints*

As this is one of the hottest trends of the summer, I purchased these, which are currently on sale at Target (prices vary; $19.99 online)

Any ideas as to how I might c's the d.i.y.? :)

How would you vamp up these espadrilles, or would you?

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek...I'd love to hear your ideas!

xoxo

~carlykins

P.S. - for those in America or wherever there are 7-11's...

don't forget to go & get your free slurpees! Perfect for these super hot summer days! :)

This Bunnie is back!

7.10.13.

This Bunnie is back after a short hibernation :) yay!

Here's a bit of Wednesday Wisdom that I whole-heartedly believe in.


Life is funny sometimes.

...things happen when you least expect them...

...often because they appear to be seemingly insignificant.

(Pinterest)

xoxo

~carlykins

Fashion Files: Hello Summer!

6.21.13.

Hello Summer!

Happy Summer Solstice!

Hey there Mr. Sun!

There's so many ways to say it but today is the official day when summer begins! Whooo! ...it is a little strange when you live in a place that feels like summer year round ;) Are you ready?

Some summer essentials:

1. Anything white!

White is the color of the season! The more white pieces in an outfit the better! I have to admit that I am totally buying into--figuratively & literally--this HOT trend. I plan to do a more extensive post on my obsession with this later :)

2. A rad bikini or one-piece. (Think fringe or details!)

I've been all about the home-grown brands like Mikoh (the OC) or L*Space (SoCal)...sadly I haven't been able to invest in suits made by local companies like these... 

3. OMBRE.

Whether it be your jeans, clothes or your hair, this trend is on point.

I've personally be dyinggg to try the ombre hair trend with Loreal's Feria Wild Ombre DIY kit.

4. Beach inspired jewelry.

Who wears jewelry to the beach? Well, magazines & local companies have been pushing this trend hard...& I'm hooked! Again, I like to support local, small businesses; check out local girl Misha Hawaii, she does amazing work & is one of the few gals who uses rose gold (beautifully)--my fav!!

5. A smile!

Yes, if anything be happy, smile & laugh your okole (butt) off! It's free & will give you that healthy glow that elude so many people ;)

xoxo

~carlykins

Thrifty Thursday - the head scarf trend!

6.20.13.

The head scarf is making a comeback this season & is the perfect accessory for an updo, especially on these hot summer nights!

Instead of going out and buying a piece, here's a cool thrifty way to create your own head scarf!

1. Find a scrap piece of fabric long enough to wrap around your head; (a wide strip about 5-10 inches is good!) An old scarf will do also.

2. Tie a knot in the middle of your fabric or follow Keiko Lynn's steps to creating a head scarf with an actual scarf... I tried the basic overhand know but use this diagram to try out different ones!

3. Take your knotted fabric and position it across your head like you would a headband. Place the knot in the middle, side, wherever you want!

4. Tie the side of the fabric behind the your head right below where your hair meets your neck! You can use a bow or tuck the extra fabric under the band you created!

5. Enjoy your new, free!, head scarf/head band/head turban look! You'll be the talk of the town ;)

See Marcela's lovely post about this raging trend here for more inspiration!

xoxo

~carlykins

Wednesday Wisdom - Karma is a b$%#&!

6.19.13.

I have been obsessed with infinity symbols for a long time...yes, even before the TV show Revenge debuted a season ago...

...and I have always been a firm believer in things happening for a reason; fate & karma. I guess I am superstitious haha.

I finally purchased a jewelry piece with this symbol from Imi Jewelry (at the Honolulu Night Market)...& I'm in love! And I want more, more, more!

Keeping this in mind will change the way you view the world, your surroundings & will influence your actions in ways that can make you a better person...at least this is what I've come to learn by remembering this piece of wisdom.

"...& in that moment we were infinite."

~The Perks of Being a Wallflower

xoxo

~carlykins

How-to Make Mochi

6.18.13.

How-to Tuesday: Mochi!

One of my fav desserts to make is mochi (sticky rice cake)!! I used this recipe all the time in college & my roomies loved it! So go ahead, try it yourself...you won't regret it :)

1lb box mochiko*
1-1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
dash salt
13.5 oz can coconut milk*
1-1/2 cup water
1 tsp vanilla
food coloring
katakuriko (potato starch)* for coating -- or -- cornstarch

Preheat oven 350 degrees
Grease 9x13 pan
Cover pan with foil
Bake 1 hour

Remove foil & cool
Sprinkle cooled mochi with katakuriko
Use plastic knife to cut mochi into strips; coat with katakuriko

Most of these items can be purchased at any grocery store. You may have to do a bit more hunting for the * items...but if you're near a Marukai or Asian food store, you can probably find these there!

Happy baking!

xoxo

~carlykins

Flame It Out!

6.17.13.

Recently Covergirl launched a new collection of items with vamped up packaging to appeal to the fun & sexier side of women...

A lot of talk has been focused on the Flamed Out mascara that was debuted. Covergirl's newest addition to it's fabulous mascaras is meant to help you achieve a bold look that makes a statement! "The unique wire brush coats your lashes for an instant volume boost...with winged lashes that curve up and out."

Flamed Out Mascara, Covergirl

Some things to note about this product:

• Gives a natural look; if you're looking for bold, I would suggest trying another in Covergirl's range of mascaras. (My personal fav is the LashBlast Volume Mascara). Application of additional coats is also an alternative for a bolder look.
• The unique brush applies the mascara fabulously--very little clumping if any!
• Longlasting & very appropriate for the 9-5 working ladies!
• Great packaging! ...& I love that P!NK is the Covergirl for this new collection!

I'm still trying to decide whether I would repurchase this product...I do like that it is a little more natural...but I do also love the boldness of the LashBlast :) I will try to update this post with a side by side comparison later!

xoxo

~carlykins

Birthday Week - 25 is the new 21

6.16.13.

Sadly all birthdays must come to an end...& a new chapter in life really begins...

...but being 25 doesn't feel much different from being 24 (and under)...

There are some things to look forward to though:

1. I can rent a car--who's ready for a road trip! Also car insurance discounts??
2. Prime age for the 7 year rule ;) ...still a Puma, not quite a cougar yet HAHA.
3. People think you are mature; don't let their judgements get too far into your thoughts though!
4. Others will value you more what's inside than what's on the outside.
5. The best of life is ahead--I hear the mid-twenties are awesome!

I am so fortunate to have such wonderful family & friends who made my 25th birthday fabulous! I can't say enough thank you's to everyone who helped make this birthday so special :)

Honolulu Night Market, Kaka'ako, HI

Also stumbled across this in the Thought Catalog--which i LOVE!--6 Rules for Turning 25.

I am also loving this; it reminds me to love MY life, because it is mine & it's OK to be 25 :)

xoxo

~carlykins

Also want to wish a Happy Father's Day to my Daddy (and all of the other father's out there!)--"you're the besssssssst"! :)

Birthday Week - Ichiriki

6.15.13.

I can't tell you how special I felt today with all of the lovely messages, posts & phone calls that I received from fam & friends... Birthdays always seem like the best time to catch up with old friends that you don't get to chat with much too.

While I had to stay at work later than I expected today, this lucky gal was really looking forward to the dinner plans for the night--Ichiriki (nabe)!! YUM!

Happy Birthday to meeee!

nom nom nom

xoxo

~carlykins