Peeks-a-boo and Hugga-bear

swatchcat C's latest antics involve playing peeks-a-boo in the curtains:

swatchcat D loves giving big ol' bear hugs (please excuse the hair, I'd just woken up and he really needed some love):

OPI Fall 2010 Swiss Collection

OPI's latest collection is inspired by Switzerland.  This collection is full of a lot of great colors, many of which I wanted to take home with me.  But, in the interest of being less of a hoarder thrifty, I picked my three favorites:  Glitzerland, Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous, and William Tell Me About OPI.

Glitzerland is a sparkly champagne gold.  You can see the different colors of shimmer.  So sparkly!!  Be warned, though, in direct sunlight, you will momentarily blind yourself if you stare right at your nails...I may or may not have first-hand knowledge of that.

Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous is a sparkly charcoal.  Like Glitzerland, you can see the light and dark shimmers.  The inner magpie in me is drooling over how sparkly!  (That pink reflection...that's my shirt!)

William Tell Me About OPI is a deep, dark raisin-y eggplant.  Very fall and vampy.  I love these blackened colors for fall.  Brings out my inner goth.


If I had to pick a fourth, I'd have gotten Ski Teal We Drop, which is a gorgeous dark teal cream.


While these colors are pretty, I think there may be some dupes in my stash (or at least from a couple other fall collections).  Keep checking back as I will be doing comparison swatches for this collection to see if I can save you guys some dough!


The OPI Swiss Collection is available now at beauty retailers for $8.50 each.

NOTD Ruffian-inspired Moon Manicure

I've been super excited to try out the "Moon Manicure", eclipse version, ever since its debut at Ruffian's Fall 2010 NYFW Show.

(Source:  style.com)


I know I technically didn't have to wait until fall to do this mani, but I love the dark nails with the metallic, and that doesn't exactly read "summer" to me.  I know it's not yet fall...but I'm antsy and it's close enough.  My first attempt didn't pan out so well because I used nail guides...big mistake.  It left my manicure all lumpy and the lines weren't really straight.  This time, I freehanded it, and I think my results were much better.  Check out my mani after the jump!

Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara: Review

I'm always on the lookout for the best mascara.  I want it all - curl, length, volume, with no smudging or flaking.  Who doesn't?!  I'm not opposed to playing guinea pig and buying various mascaras to try out, but if I can test for free, why not?


Recently, one of Sephora's weekly deals was an offer for a free sample of the new Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara.  And, that offer *luckily* coincided with an order I *needed* to make...that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!  Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum has an hourglass-shaped brush that gives volume, length, lift and separation.  Plus the formula has an "intense concentration of ProVitamin B5" for a "reflective, jet-black sheen for dramatic impact".

Sounds promising.  Does it deliver?  Keep reading to find out!

Sephora by OPI Rocker Chic Collection

I haven't seen a ton reviews or swatches of OPI's line of polishes for Sephora, like there are for China Glaze, the regular OPI line, etc.  Frankly, I think the colors OPI does for Sephora are wayyyyy better than those in its own regular line.  I'll gladly pay the full $9 pricetag for these polishes, whereas I'm loathe to do so for OPI.  I find that there are a lot of unique colors in the Sephora line, and the formula is pretty much the same as the regular OPI, minus the pro-wide brush...which is fine by me since I have little fingers and nails.  Go figure, I'm five-nine, but with the hands of someone six inches shorter.  That must be why I never became a concert pianist.  Or, maybe because I couldn't sit still to practice for hours on end.  We'll just blame it on the hands and move on...


I only picked up four out of the nine (I think) polishes in this collection:  Just a Little Dangerous, Rock His World, Dating the Drummer, and Studs & Stilettos.


Swatches after the jump!

Barbecue Chicken Pizza

It occurred to me that I haven't posted what is arguably one of the tastiest pizzas from the Twi-tini Party I hosted a couple of months ago.  Mr. swatchcat loooooves this pizza.  And who wouldn't?  It has chicken, barbecue sauce, cheese...yep, that covers all the food groups except chocolate!


Mmmm, gaze upon the deliciousness:

1 Refrigerated Pizza Crust (thin-style)
1 lb. Chicken Breasts
1 c. Barbecue Sauce (super looove the Target Archer Farms Kansas City-Style)
1/2 Sweet Vidalia Onion (for caramelizing)
1 tbsp. Chopped Garlic (fresh or jarred, either works)
6 oz. Baby Spinach
8 oz. Shredded Mozzarella
4 tbsp. Canola Oil
Salt


Prepare refrigerated crust as instructed.  Cube the chicken breasts into approximately 1/2" cubes, and in a skillet, sauté with 2 tbsp. Canola Oil and the chopped garlic, until thoroughly cooked.  Set aside in a small dish.  Cut the onion so that they are in 1/2 rings, and cut the larger pieces in to smaller strips, if desired.  In the same skillet as the chicken was prepared, heat the oil over high heat, and when the oil begins to ripple, add the onions and stir.  Add a pinch of salt and continue to stir the onions.  It's okay if they stick to the bottom, just scrape them up and keep stirring until the onions reach the darkness and texture desired.  I prefer mine a deep golden brown and on the softer side.


Now that the toppings are prepared, spread the barbecue sauce over the pizza crust, then top with the cubed chicken, caramelized onions, baby spinach (make sure it's washed!), and finally the shredded mozzarella.  Bake for approximately 8 minutes, then coax the pizza off the baking sheet directly onto the rack, and finish baking until the crust is a golden brown, and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.  Total baking time should be between 12 and 14 minutes.  Let it cool for 5 minutes, slice and enjoy!


If you are averse to veggies, this pizza is just as tasty sans onions and spinach.  But I like adding them veggies just to keep it on the healthy side.

swatchcat's Seasonal Selections - Fall 2010

With all the polish companies putting out their own palettes of must-have fall colors (most of which are limited edition), I thought I'd dig through my stash and come up with some polish picks of my own.  All of the polishes featured are readily available and ones you might already own!  They also range from spendy boutique brands to cheapie drugstore finds.


I put the polishes together in mani/pedi combos that I thought would be great together, but of course my vision doesn't have to be yours.  I also plan to feature my Seasonal Selections for each season as a way to rediscover the hidden gems within my own collection and to inspire you to do the same!  Without further ado, the inaugural edition of swatchcat's Seasonal Selections - Fall 2010.

See my pairings after the jump!

Flowers + cat = Happy Anniversary!

Mr. swatchcat and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on Saturday.  We went to a wedding on Saturday for a friend of mine from graduate school, so we celebrated on Friday night, instead.  We went a little nostalgic, celebrating by getting some food from the restaurant that catered our reception - pizza, lasagna and breadsticks!!  Yummmm!!


This post is just a little late, but I wanted to get a picture of my flowers all opened up!  Whenever Mr. swatchcat gets me flowers, the kitties are always a little curious.  Fortunately, they're pretty good, and the novelty wears off quickly. :)


swatchcat C ignoring the flowers.

swatchcat C caught "admiring" the flowers.

Pretty flowers all opened up!

Urban Decay Naked Palette: Review and Swatches

I soooo lucked in to nabbing this on Sephora.  I did a refresh, and there it was, so I instantly purchased it.  I checked back once I received the in-stock notification e-mail, and sure enough, it was gone already.  For a palette that is permanent, this sucker sure is hard to come by.


Now on to the details.  This palette is a steal at $44 for 12 nearly full-size eye shadows, plus a double-ended liner, PLUS a mini Primer Potion (not pictured).  It is freaking huuuuge!!  See how big it is compared to my Sephora Beauty Insiders Card (it's the same size as a standard credit card).

Never before has an Urban Decay palette been so appealing to me.  Most of their palettes have teeny-tiny shadows in über-bright colors.  I love my brights, but I already have enough to start my own clown-army.  Neutrals are one color-category I never tire of.  The shadows are housed in a slim, brown velvet case emblazoned with "NAKED" on the front.  It's so...seductive, at least as much as an eye shadow palette can be.  Although anything that screams "NAKED" is hardly a wallflower, and demands instant attention, including this palette.

More of my incessant natter, pictures and swatches after the jump!

At least some people around here are getting a good nap...

swatchcat D is really sacked out...or maybe he's stuck that way.

Paw over the face is swatchcat C's "Do Not Disturb" sign.

Sunday Dose of Cute

Posting cat pictures is easy.  I think I'll make it a weekly occurrence.


swatchcat D napping with his mouse.

Bathtime for swatchcat C, followed by naptime.

Happy Sunday! :)

Neutral Smokey Eyes

I did this look for an evening out to celebrate my bestie, Meggie-poo's birthday.  I always seem to do just straight smokey eyes, so I thought I'd mix it up a bit and do something a little softer.  I paired the eyes with a more rosy pink lip, rather than the standard nude that I always seem to do with smokey eyes.  I quite like how this turned out.  I'll probably do a tutorial when I get the chance because it is such an easy look to do, and much more wearable for those who just aren't used to wearing a lot of makeup.

More pictures and what I used to create this look after the jump!

Yes, this is a dress

I saw this gorgeous purple print dress on style blogger Orchid Grey and immediately knew I had to have it.  Freaking adorable on her, right?  I located it online and purchased it.  Behold this "dress" on me:

Pretty Pattern!

Not exactly a frock I can wear out in public as it's given designation.  According to the sizing chart, the dress should've hit me mid-thigh.  A little shorter than I usually wear, but fun for a sultry evening out.  The "dress" I received, as you can see, barely covers my lady parts.  I suspected that a lofting breeze would blow the skirt all about.  I found that out first-hand when I went for groceries later that day.  Had I not been wearing shorts, the world would've no longer had to wonder what exactly is Victoria's Secret.


Unfortunately, there just isn't enough hem to lengthen it to a public-appropriate dress.  I suspect this would be totally cute on my more petite pals, particularly my sister-in-law.  I'm keeping the "dress", which shall now be relegated to a tunic in my wardrobe, because the print is just too pretty and is very "me".  I can't wait to wear it this fall with a belted cardigan and a pair of skinny jeans.  The message here:  height matters and is difficult to discern on others online, and never underestimate the power of a pair of spankies.


Dress:  BB Dakota (on sale at Urban Outfitters)
Linen Shorts:  Free People
Crop Sweater:  Merona (Target)

Another Awesome and Cute Find

Initially I saw these Cynthia Vincent for Target sandals and didn't really think anything of them.  But then I saw them on a friend of mine, and was surprised at how cute they were!  I, of course, rushed out to find them.  I didn't set out to get the exact color my friend had, but the marigold yellow was just too cute.  Plus, I didn't own anything in yellow.


See how cute?!

Plus, the leather straps are just so soft and supple, which equals extremely comfortable.  And the marigold yellow color goes with everything, a pseudo-neutral, as it's called.  swatchcat C approves of these adorable sandals!

All that, and I got 'em for under $7!  Gotta love Target sales!  I'm pretty sure the whole CV for Target line is on sale right now, and there were a couple of other cute styles and pretty colors (like pink and white) available.  For the price and quality, I highly recommend snagging a pair (or two!), if you can.


Polish:  Zoya Dakota

Zoya Wicked and Wonderful Collections

Zoya is back with two new collections for fall, the Wicked and Wonderful Collections, and they are fabulous.  Would you expect anything less from Zoya, though?  I purchased the entire Wicked Collection (it's cheaper to purchase the set) and two of the colors from the Wonderful Collection.  I wish I could've bought them all, but with limited funds, and lots of pretty stuff for fall, I had to be choosy.

Details of my choices and lots of pictures after the jump!

Chanel Paradoxal Le Vernis Nail Colour

I know, I know.  I'm late to the game.  But, ya know, when it's 98° outside and the heat index is like 114°, it's really hard to get into the fall mindset.  Nevertheless, I promised pictures, and so I shall deliver.


Paradoxal is really quite a descriptive name for this color.  In some lighting it's taupe, others it's dirty grey, and still, others it's a deep, dusty, vintage violet (my favorite color in the whole wide world).  On the nails, it appears to be a cream finish, but in the sunlight, the subtle shimmer shows through.  Definitely not the color that is in the bottle, but still utterly gorgeous.

More pictures after the jump.

Zoya Sparkle Collection

Zoya's Sparkle Collection.  I just can't say enough about how pretty this collection is.  It's so pretty and, well sparkley!  The polishes look like they have shiny foil bits embedded, almost metallic, very summery.  I couldn't stop staring at my nails, which can be quite hazardous when you're driving.  This collection is seriously drool-worthy.  Lot's of pictures ahead, so get your bib ready.


Alegra is a beautiful magenta with sparkles that flash red, lilac, pink and gold.  It absolutely glows on the nails.  Even though it's bright and sparkley, it's really wearable, and work-friendly, unless you're in a super-conservative office.

See the rest of the collection after the jump.

Chanel Joues Contraste Swatches

I only have a few Joues Contrastes, so I swatched them while I swatched the fall collection.  Take a gander.

L to R:  Narcisse, Pink Explosion, Rose Temptation, Rose Petale

I really love the soft feel and pigmentation of Chanel's Joues Contrastes.  It's really hard to choose a favorite!  If you're sensitive to scents, these to have a rather pronounced rose scent (as do most Chanel products), but the scent does dissipate once the blush is put on, and if you leave the compact open for a little while, it will also dissapear.


I have a few more on my wishlist that I plan to add to my collection slowly.  How many Chanel Joues Contrastes do you own?

Chanel Taupe Grisé comparisons

If my initial swatches of Chanel Taupe Grisé didn't convince you to run out and get it, these will.   I've compared Taupe Grisé to a few of my MAC taupes, and there really is no comparison.  I love my MAC, I always will, but Taupe Grisé is just something special.

L to R:  Clue, Smoke & Diamonds, Taupe Grisé, Moth Brown, Night Manoeuvers, Hard to Please (Tempt Me Quad).

See!  It really is so pretty, soft and pigmented.  That swatch is from just one light swipe off the shadow.  I'm seriously considering getting another.  You'd better get yours or I will!

Chanel Fall 2010 Collection: Review and Swatches

I've had my stuff for nearly two weeks and I'm just now getting around to swatching.  I thought I would have time while on vacation, but it was cloudy and rainy when I did have down time.  I know pretty much everyone in the U.S. has their goodies already, so this old news, but better late than never.  Plus, I know our friends to the north are still awaiting this collection with baited breath, so for them, this relevant.

I picked up all four Glossimers (Pink Teaser, Rose Dilemma, Petit Pêche, and Coral Love), Chintz Rouge Allure, Taupe Grisé Soft Touch Eye Shadow, Pink Explosion and Rose Temptation Joues Contrastes, and Paradoxal Le Vernis.  I will post separate swatches for Paradoxal, so check back for those.  I passed on Enigma Quad because it's permanent, but I will get it sometime in the future.  Just need to free up some funds, first.

I found this collection to be full of gorgeous colors, and one of the better ones that has Chanel released.  It was hard not to purchase this entire collection.

Product pictures, descriptions, and swatches after the jump!