The base color is Zoya Song, which in itself is a beautiful blue color. The sparkle and dazzle, however, is from Orly. It’s called Be Brave, and it’s from their Pretty in Pink collection, which supports breast cancer research.

It’s a pink and blue holo bar glitter, but when light hits it, it’s all sorts of beautiful colors. It’s a little tougher to remove, but if you drench a cotton ball in remover and leave it on the nail for a minute or two, it comes off pretty easily. Plus, there’s very little tip wear; it will last a long time.

I’m really excited about the happenings over at Bedeck, so come visit me over at BedeckMe.Wordpress.com!

I’m finally starting to get a handle on my thesis and paper writing, so I have been toying with the idea of coming back to blogging. I’ve decided, though, that I’m ready for a new project.

I have enjoyed Furnished Souls so much, but I realize that I’ve been all over the shop on this blog. Fashion, interior design, beauty, hair, travel–I’ve covered it all. I am ready to narrow my focus, so I’ve started an accessories blog! Please come and visit me at my new blog, Bedeck! I’m excited about this change, and hope you’ll visit me over there, as I’ll still be finding some great style options for your wardrobe.

Come on over and check me out at BedeckMe.wordpress.com!

The polishes are Ray, Song, Monica, Toni, Noot, Paloma, Katherine, Harley and Yara. Obviously fall and winter are on the way, based on my color choices.

My friends say I have an addiction. I guess there are worse addictions to have…

Right now, I should be writing, but I’m shopping on ASOS instead. I know I’ll have to winnow down my cart, but just now this is what I’m contemplating. Sharp flats for work (I’m on my feet all day), and some winter accessories, and a maxi just because.

Catch the ASOS Last Chance sale HERE.

The Beauxbatons Academy of Magic is REAL! They went to the Olympics in 1976!

Amazing! Where is Madame Maxine?

Mind…BLOWN.

First up: Sweden.

As someone in my Twitter feed said last night “The Swedish Olympic Team: Sponsored by IKEA.”

Now, when you’re as good looking as a Swede, tall and blonde and athletic, you should be able to pull off anything. And they look as good as they possibly could. But rugby shirts with horizontal stripes and shorts? Really? Plus, they have a flag that is NOT red, white and blue. They could use those colors in such fun, creative ways, and instead they go with sloppy rugby shirts.

Next up: Czech Republic. They tried a spin on dressing for Britain’s famed rainy days, but their wellies and shorts and umbrellas were kind of silly. Plus, the bicycle shorts on the women? The sloppy blazers? No.

I decided instead to give them blazers with a take on the classic trenchcoat and a fantastic Marni print top. The royal blue works to stand out from the crowd, so we hang on to that.

I think everybody had to shake their heads and wonder what was happening with the Spanish team. They had a Russian designer, and to be honest, I haven’t seen much great fashion coming out of Russia. Their outfits were a dowdy ketchup-and-mustard-and-print extravaganza. And the fan-shaped bags? Really? They are, without a doubt, my least favorite outfits.

I decided a more sporty, modern look would be a refreshing change for the Spanish team. I am quite in love with this top, a dip-dyed use of yellow and red that is not overwhelming, especially on the crisp white. Very sexy-sporty-Spain.

And then there was Mexico. I just…I can’t…I don’t…

There are no words. And I can offer no help here.

The great thing, regardless of fashion, was to see the looks on the athletes faces as they paraded in. Even the worst outfit is helped along by shining faces and excitement.

BONUS: the most kickass “team” at the Opening Ceremonies were the Independent Olympic Athletes. I think they were having the most fun of anyone there.

The US outfits have been controversial this year because Ralph Lauren, the designer, had them made in China. Whoopsie. I think that they’re an embarrassment just because we look like we’re A. French or B. Martha’s Vineyard-style twats.

Historically thinking, it’s not our worst look. After all, we did rock a stetson and a sheepskin once upon a time.

We also, way back when, looked like we were coming in to take over the place by force.

However, I have to say, not my favorite look. Here’s what I would have done for the Olympians.

For the men, a piped blazer, navy pants, a subtle blue and red tie, and awesome details in the oxford shoes with red laces and the red white and blue cuff links.

For the ladies, a simple sheath dress (which looks good on athletic women’s bodies), and a great striped jacket with a nipped in waist. I gave them a wedge in bright red, because heels are too dangerous for these ladies. Sorry, ladies, I love ya. No athletic injuries needed while walking in, though.

Can’t wait to watch the games! GO USA!

A little lace boot is cool, but a little lace boot with a heel in the shape of a key? Definitely not for everyone.

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for this. A little bit steampunk, a little bit crazy, a little bit staid Victorian. A close-up of the heel:

I would wear these. The only thing I don’t like about it, to be quite honest, is the top. Seems very run-of-the-mill. Even some piping might not go amiss.

What do you think? Wear or beware?

Yes, it smells like peaches.

I am not brand loyal. I choose what works for me on a case-by-case basis. The only exception, it seems is Zoya nail polish, where I feel like I am the brand ambassador. It is a great product overall, but I feel disloyal when I look at other nail polishes. Which is precisely why I can’t say I’ll use one product exclusively. It becomes too much of a moral dilemma to “cheat” on that product.

So…

Are you beauty brand loyal? If so, what brand? If not, do you have “go-to” brands where you look first?

(This is one of those posts where I really want you to comment! So please…TO THE COMMENTS!)

My ears have never been pierced.

It’s a long story, but due to motherly disapproval in my early years and lack of interest in my early independent years, I’ve never had them done. But recently I have been feeling like I may be missing out. I admire earrings on other people, and have been considering piercing. The joke among friends is that if I get straight A’s on my report card, I can get my ears pierced.

As I waffle, I’m beginning to look at some of the pretties available. I find myself drawn to anything that dangles a bit. I created a collection of my ideal earring starter wardrobe.

So, weight in. Should I pierce my ears, or should I remain unpierced?