Brielle's Notions

Spiderman Inspired Nailpolish.....oh yes.

Greetings!

I was rather happy about the new OPI collection nailpolish.

This summer it is inspired by the most recent remake of Spiderman.

At first I was kind of leery of yet another spiderman movie. However, this one appears to be really cool! I am looking forward to seeing it.

With me being the only girl growing up with my brothers I became rather saturated with superhero fun. So Spiderman toys and comic book tales are rather familar to me. (as well as Batman, X-men...and all other assorted awesomeness) 

Thus the reason for my superhero love I am sure. 

Anyway....

...While wondering around Ulta I spotted the "Spiderman" display in the corner.

So, what was a girl to do? Why purchase 2 colors of course!

To be honest I was really dissapointed there was not a "Spidey" red. I mean, come on. It is a Spiderman Collection and no bright red! I am ashamed of you OPI!

However, they did (almost) make up for it with a great shade of bright blue and lizard green that I purchased.

Here is what the nail colors look like....

 

Some close up shots........ Yes, I used both colors.

Why not? I was feeling wild.

I even wore it to see Avengers....for the 3rd time. shhh...

The blue color is very much a brilliant blue color. Super pretty in the sunlight. I also really liked the green color because it has so many golden tones to it.

Most of my nail polish are very dark vampy hues so these are perfect for summer.

Do you have a favorite nail color for summer?

 

Thanks for reading and don't forget....

"With great power comes great responsibility". 

Have an awesome day!

 

Snap Shots of a Vampire....

Greetings,

We had a more professional indoor photo shoot planned in a studio, but due to technical difficulties it didn't end up happening. However, I didn't want to waste my makeup and dress....

So I figured why not a snap a few shots in the yard?

Might as well make the most of if it before the rain hit again. 

To see more shots and information about the dress click this little link...

However, once with weather turned dark I decided to snap a few shots of my fangs in the house.

hahaha. Yeah.......so there ya go.

That's right. No sparkles in site. I prefer classic vampires.

You might want to put some garlic and vervain at your window tonight....

Have a great day.

Lincoln Lee: Cool vs Geeky

Greetings,

This is really random, but it 'twas a fleeting image I was pondering upon while watching Fringe last week.

So I thought why not share it with you my fellow costume obsessed readers?

I really do appreciate each and everyone of you who visit the blog and/or leave comments. Totally makes my day! Thank you.

 

Ok, back to the topic. Lincoln's Morph-Ability in Fringe.

The Costume Designer Jenni Gullett (from x-files!) did a great job with the wardrobe.  As well as the makeup artists...they used very subtle changes with his makeup/hair, but just enough to create a new look.

In the Alternate Universe Lincoln is rocking a cool slightly "sci-fi action hero look" complete with military inspired jacket, combat boots, spiked hair and that awesome cuff/earbud thing.

In our Universe Lincoln shows up a bit later in the show. He completes his look in a bit more geeky way with a classic fitted gray suit, those glasses and more polished hair.

I just find it interesting that with just a few changes you can completely alter someones look. Or your own style for that matter.

Makes me want to go buy a new outfit of some kind...rock some "alternate universe" Olivia fashion..hmm....

The Power of Clothes is pretty cool....(and hair gel apparently) 

So what Agent Lee do you prefer?

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*Spoiler Alert* if you watch Fringe and aren't caught up....well, then. opps! Erase your memory from this point on.

I was kind of shocked with the last Fringe Episode, totally didn't see that coming! How could Lincoln die????? Anyway......it is Fringe so anything could happen.

...but maybe, just maybe...it will all work out for everyone.....

Have an awesome day!

But you have heard of me.........

Just one of those kinds of days.

I was feeling pirate-y today....

....so why not paint my nails with a mermaid color?

This is one of my favorite nail colors. It is "stranger tides" from OPI's Pirates Mermaid collection that came out last year. It makes my skin look...almost translucent? VERY mermaid like I think.

The color doesn't show up the best in these photos, but you get the idea. It is a murky pale green color with a white undertone.

It reminds me of summer... even though it is snowing outside.

You can see my "mermaid's tears" color in  this post I wrote in May 2011 or to see more mermaid posts click here . Or if you like pirates. Feel free to browse the blog. I kind of have a thing for pirates.....

 

 Back to the sewing room I go....

.....I think it is due time for a Pirates of the Caribbean Marathon.

 

 Drink up me hearties yo ho!

*don't know the source of the above edited POTC photos to credit them, sorry! The nail pics are mine. 

Cat Woman Style...

Greetings,

Batman is my favorite Super Hero. So I am very much looking forward to the 3rd installment in Christopher Nolan's epic batman trilogy. Not to mention the costumes are always spot on perfect.

View the movie trailer here....

If you want to catch my first "Cat Woman" post, please visit it here.

"I love the costume because everything has a purpose, nothing is in place for fantasy’s sake, and that’s the case with everything in Christopher Nolan’s Gotham City." 

- Anne Hathaway, Talks Catwoman Interview

The costumes were designed by Lindy Hemming.

You may have seen her amazing work in movies such as Casino Royale, Clash of the Titans, Tomb Raider: Lara Croft (1&2), etc...

She also did the costumes for Batman Begins and the Dark Knight of course. Might as well do the whole trilogy if you can.

Selina Kyle/Cat Woman Fashion

Her "under cover" look appears to be very elegant and almost Audrey Hepburn inspired. With a modern edge..not quite 60's, but definitely a retro feel.

The black leather gloves are hot and those shoes are awesome. Wonder what designer did those. hmmm....

I am lovin' her lace mask and red lips look. This combination isn't exactly unique, but that is ok. It works very nicely with her whole style and color scheme.

Classic pearl earrings and red nails complete the look. I do like the shape of the mask...rather pretty. I would have expected the "cat eye" pointed lace mask, but I like this too.

The Cat Suit!

ok, I have noticed lots of hate and lots of love for her cat suit on the blog world.

I personally really like it. It actually looks practical. (well other than those shoes...but hey, she has to have heels...it is Catwoman) The over all design is sleek and elegant.

The design of the suit plays with elements from the classic "cat woman look" but still keeps her covered enough to fly about roof tops at night without being seen.

I do like that she has long hair. That looks great with the contrast of the all black costume.

Are those ears I see as well? She had to have some kind of cat accent. 

It appears that the heels on her boots are steel. Nice touch. Maybe they are sharp...that would be super cool. Knife blade heels?

Oh, here is a shot of the gown she is most likely wearing with that lace mask. At least that is my guess. Sort of goes with the rest of the outfit. Maybe?

So what are your thoughts?

Yay or Nay on the New Catwoman look?

I am working on a cat woman mask/makeup look so keep an eye out for that if you like that kind of thing.....

 

Thanks for reading!

How to turn into a Vampire...well, kind of.

Greetings!

*Stop reading right now if you don't like vampires..ok...you have been warned. *

I recently received this comment....

Hey there Brielle,

I really like reading your blog. Do you know of a good place to get vampire fangs? I wanted to be a vampire for prom! wouldn't that be so cool?

Could you post pics, pretty please? Thanx for your help. 

- Miss Jessica

Thanks for your comment Jessica. So happens...yeah, I do know of a good place.

I purchased a couple sets through vampfangs.com.

The first pair I bought...back in, 2009? I needed them for a college level special effects makeup class. I bought the other pair about a year later...so I could have a pair for getting bloody and a pair for staying clean. Ahem.... Because blood does actually stain these, so I suggest getting 2 pairs if you want to get messy.

I prefer these styles of fangs they look a bit more natural and the color is pretty close to my real tooth color. You can't beat the price either. They come in their own little coffin too. lol. I keep mine in a little black circle box though..more elegant.

Ok,...there is no pretty or lady like way for me to show you my fangs.

So here ya go. Before and after.

 

Good thing I don't take myself too seriously, right?

The only thing with mine is that my real fangs are too pointy to wear the fake fangs upon. Ironic isn't it?...thought it was funny.

So I had to move them over to my other teeth. Yeah, so if you don't have super pointy real fangs you should be able to wear these right over your natural fangy teeth...er. Something like that.

Besides, if you were really going to bite someone this would be a better placement anyway....but, I shall stop there. Digressing...

I am not a sparkly vampire fan...sorry Twilight.

Just a side note...You could totally wear red lipstick with these fangs as well. I am not really a lipstick type girl and didn't feel like getting all done up for these shots. Thus the "natural" vampire look.I figured there are some vampire who like the natural look...right?

Warning: Fangs also give you a bit of a lisp...lol. So be warned. You might not sound very cool when talking with fangs...in fact it can be down right funny. Looking a like a creepy vampire and then having a lisp...so keep the talking short.

Oh, if you are makeup fan...I highly recommend the UrbanDecay Naked2 set. It is perfect for pale cool based skintones. I never bought the first UrbanDecayNaked color set because the colors were too warm for me.

So if you are a pale creature, I suggest investing in this....really awesome eye colors. It is the only eyecolor set I think I shall ever need. You can achieve all kinds of looks with these selection of colors. I just went for a natural look today.

 

This is what the fangs look like in the little box. I just have them sitting on a diary that looked kind of 1860's to me. Or some such thing.

Do you want to see more of these "cosmetic/special effects" style posts?

It is kind of side hobby of mine...I think it would be an amazing job to be a make up artist. So many things...so little time.

I REALLY want to purchase a pair of these Retractable Fangs. How awesome are those??? So at some point I will have to add those to my collection as well. I shall do a review on those if I buy a pair.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

*A little disclaimer. I am not at all by any means getting paid for this review/post. I am simply wanting to share my review with anyone that might be interested. All pictures are my own.

Mermaid Hair Care Routine

Greetings Lords and Ladies,

This has been a highly requested post.

*Disclaimer, I do not think my hair is perfect. lol. far from it, but I hope to help answer a few of the hair care questions I often get. :) Also, I am not paid by Lush or Organix in anyway to advertise their products.

 For my hair care I like to keep things simple. Nothing special really.

I don't use heat styling or a blow dryer. Simply because it seems to dry my hair type out too much. 

My hair doesn't like to curl at all, but  I can easily achieve a natural wave effect by leaving my hair to dry in a braid. So that works when I am in the mood for a wavy look.

But the Mermaid Haircare Secret...is this shampoo bar! 

 

My current favorite hair shampoo is a "shampoo bar" I bought from Lush called Seanik Shampoo Bar. It smells like the ocean, is a pretty shade of blue formulated with sea salt and seaweed..and reminds me of mermaids!

I have been testing this shampoo bar out for 3 months now. I didn't want to do a review on it until I had used it for enough time to actually say if it works.  However, after using it for 3 months I can say my hair is in much better condition and it is "bouncier".

Even after using the bar for that long... I still have more than half of the product left. so I should be good for at least another 3 months time.

Lush is a cool company.  The shampoo I use is a 100% Vegan, however it does have a small trace amount of "un-natural" foaming agents in it. Everything is made with fresh (mostly natural)  ingredients and by hand.

What I like most about shampoo bars is the fact I can replace my regular shampoo/conditioner bottles for a little tin of soap...and my hair feels amazingly soft!

How I use the shampoo bar and hair washing method: 

I only wash my hair every 2 to 3 days. I have a more dry hair type, I do get it wet every time I am in the shower, but I usually only wash it with the shampoo bar every 3 days.

- To use the shampoo bar, simply apply onto your scalp and massage in. Rinse with warm water and then rinse with cold water to make your hair shine.

- Do NOT apply the shampoo all the way down your hair. Simply on your scalp. Otherwise it could dry out lovely locks.

- For conditioner I usually use a bottle of organix. I do not use conditioner every time I wash my hair. (I know sounds crazy) I use it every other time I wash my hair. Reason being I have found with the shampoo bar I don't need to.

 

*in case anyone asks, my hair cut "style" according to the lady at ulta is called "long disconnected layers"...... not sure what that means, but there ya go.

I suggest that if you want to try out a lush shampoo bar to read through all of them to find what might suit your hair type.

Another shampoo bar I really like is this gentle one. If you aren't sure what your hair would like, I would say give this one a try.

So my 5 tips for longer hair care...

• Reduce or eliminate heat styling. (or save it for special occasions)

• Love the hair texture you were given. Whether you are a curly haired maiden or a straight haired mermaid...embrace the hair texture you have and don't force it to be something its not. All hair textures are pretty.

• If you are growing it out remember to still get a trim every now and then. You will be happier with it in the long run and this way you can help prevent slit ends.

• Less products the better!

• Rinse your hair in cold water. (I know this is hard...I don't like getting cold!) however, a quick blast of cold water does wonders for making your hair shine. :) 

 

If you have any other hair care questions just leave them in the comments and I shall do my best to reply.

Thanks for reading!

 P.S.

My other "hair" posts are here and here

 

 

Sci-Fi Princess Makeup....and other looks

Greetings! 

Today I wanted to share something that has nothing to do with sewing, but I suppose could carry over into the costume realm...or everyday life.

I have recently been on a hunt to find some high quality mineral eye shadow that were natural and vegan. However, I was also looking for a good color selection.

Well my journey took me to Etsy and I happened upon the store Madison Street Beauty.

The colors I received are just perfect and exactly what I was looking for. She also included some sample colors that I have added to a couple of the looks below. How fun!

I did not do tutorials for these looks, just simple pictures so you can get ideas of what these eye colors can do. I am not a lipstick girl, so I always do my makeup with focus on the eyes and a nude lip gloss or light pink balm.

** All makeup pictures are un-touched and NOT photo shopped. You are seeing exactly how the makeup looks and my natural lashes and skin color.  **

 

Sci-Fi Princess Smokey Makeup.

For this look, I wanted to play with a more dark green color palette and have a bit of fun. Plus, I have a love for sci-fi stuff anyway and the color names reminded me of that....so why not?

 

Colors used: Black Orchid, Fern, Stardust, Galaxy

 
Description: angled smokey eye in a galaxy sky inspired color selection. Lots of mascara and a bit of liquid liner completes the look.

 

Bronze Pirate Eye Makeup.

 

This look was actually inspired by Keira Knightley's Bronze Makeup look she often wears at premiers, events...etc. However I was able to achieve it with natural products! I toned down the look just a little bit for everyday wear...being I am not going to a red carpet event at the moment.

 
Colors Used: Antique Rose, Cacao and Champagne.

 

Description: bronze smokey eye with lighter golden highlights and lots of mascara, focusing more on the outer corner lashes. This look could easily be worn with pirate costumes too!

 

Natural Mermaid Eye Makeup.

 

Here is a look I have done just for everday wear. Simple, clean looking with a touch of mermaid shimmer.

 
Colors Used: Bronze Sand, Seafoam

 
 

Description: Natural looking lid color with a touch of shimmer on the inner corner. A bit of mascara and you are good to go!

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Other products used in the looks above: physicians formula organic wear mascara and physicians formula eye booster serum eyeliner in dark black. Brushes are a random selection from my kit.

On a side note, these looks are all super fast! I did the Bronze Pirate Eye in about 6 minutes.

So if you are looking for makeup that works well and stays on for a very long time I highly recommend MadisonStreetBeauty. Also I bought all the products myself, I am not being paid to advertise, just wanted to share a great makeup find. :)

So what do you think? Do you have a favorite look?

Thanks for reading!

P.S. If you "Like" Madison Street Beauty on Facebook you can get a coupon code for placing an order. Visit the page here and get 25% off! :)

Mermaid Nails

So I was able to get my hands on the Mermaid Tears color, by OPI.

 It is from the Pirates of the Caribbean Color Collection released in May.

* sorry about the shawdows there in the above picture.

  

 It seems to be a perfect summery mermaid color. I also have "Stranger Tides" color that I think is more of a real mermaid color, so I shall be posting pictures of that soon.

You can view the whole collection here at the OPI website.