3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2013 Runway Nails

This here is a little tribute to New York inspired by 3.1 Phillip Lim's Spring 2013 collection. His recent collections have been just fabulous, including the recent Pre-Fall line. I can't wait to see what comes down the runway this February.

Photos by Mark Iantosca and Vogue.com

Moveslightly Gift Guide

I wanted to pull together a gift guide and there really isn't anything to tie these items together other than I've tried and tested nearly all of them and can verify their awesomeness. A lot of these items are also super high quality without having to break the bank.

Clockwise from top left:
Feed 5: A cute ornament that gives back
A bracelet made by yours truly for Wittmore
Crazy tasty "wholesome" cookies
The softest lounge pants with a print to show off
Rahua's heavenly shampoo and conditioner
The most comfortable grandpa-style slippers
A gorgeous ring by Asha that is 100% guaranteed to draw compliments
Perfectly dainty earrings
A fun bag in just the right size

Holiday Nail Art with Look TV

The holidays are here and I'm celebrating with festive nail art inspired by Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen. Enjoy!

Zara Plaid Lady Suit

Add thermal socks and this would be my look from now until March. Plaid on plaid on plaid.

Via Zara.com

Need: Proenza Schouler Pearls

I knew there was a reason I keep a tab open for www.ProenzaSchouler.com open on my computer at all times. This, my latest discovery is Proenza Schouler's new line of pearl jewelry in time for the holidays. The industrial look created with beautiful pearls is just right. I really an't wait for the designers to experiment with more product lines as well!

Weekend 12.3.12

I've been lucky to be out of town for the past few weekends while on vacation in California, but I'm happy to be back in NYC especially with the holidays in full force. I took my new Pamela Love earrings from Moda Operandi out for a swing and finally got the Anastasia Brow Serum that I've been dying to try. One of the best parts about the city during the holidays are all of the amazing shopping opportunities. This weekend we stopped by The Pop Up Flea to see our Moveslightly Bracelets at Wittmore's station and later the Brooklyn Night Bazaar. Sunday was left for cooking up a delicious family recipe and trimming a very cute, but very small tree.

For more photos, head to Instagram's new(ish) web destination. Instagram.com/ebmonson

Need: Updated Varsity Jackets

I have my Nike Destroyer jacket and wear it like crazy, but that doesn't change the fact that varsity jackets don't flatter my figure (I have a waist, they don't). The good news is that designers have been creating more tailored, refined versions for girls like me.

Katherine Hooker Baseball Jacket, Liberty Night Rider Jacket, Sella McCartney Nathalie Jacket

Proenza Schouler Cruise 2013 Handbags

I pretty much have a spidey sense for new Proenza Schouler bags online. These are from the Cruise 2013 collection that Net-a-Porter previewed on their site today. Not sure yet if the top new shape is the rumored PS13 or not, but I sure like what I'm seeing.

Curl Power!

Over the past few months I've been sharing my Curl Confessions, now it's time for you to share yours. And guess what, the images you share will be screened in New York and LA on November 15. And, you'll get the chance to test Paul Mitchell's great Curls line if you share.

Here's what you do:

1. Head to Paul Mitchell's Facebook Page
2. Upload your favorite curl (or non-curl) photo
3. Share how you like to wear your curls

You can also upload using the hashtag #curlconfession on Twitter or Instagram. Be sure you're following me on Twitter so you know where to watch the live event if you're in NY or LA!

Into Now: Woven Wall Hangings

Woven wall hangings like these have been popping up more and more frequently across my favorite sources of web inspiration. Big pieces can end up being pretty expensive, so I'm looking into local weaving classes to try to DIY one of these. Right now I've been looking at Coursehorse, Lion Brand Yarn Studio and Loop of the Loom. If you know of any nearby, please share the links!

Images from: The Brick House, Brook & Lyn, LA in Bloom, Totokaelo

Derek Lam Fall 2012 Runway Inspired Nails

Derek Lam's florals are a major fall favorite and to get the runway-inspired look on my nails I went with different sized variations of the flower pattern. I used a black or white base and painted flowers on top using my paint pens. Since the zoomed out view doesn't offer a lot of detail on its own, I wanted to capture some of the finer aspects of the actual flowers.

Photos via Mark Iantosca and Vogue.com

Rings by Catbird

Check out all of my nail posts here!

Into Now: 10.22.12

I've been a little busy lately and less time means less creative inspiration. Thankfully with the internet one never has to search too far. Moda Operandi picked up on one of my favorite trends with their Lulu Frost trunkshow, Revlon has some amazing new polish formulations, Olay sent me a fantastic new day serum that I highly recommend and I have some news that I can finally share. We partnered with a very cool new ecommerce site called Wittmore on an exclusive run of Moveslightly bracelets. The colors are perfect for fall, so enjoy!

Lulu Frost Icon Pin, Revlon Moon Candy, Olay Day Serum, Moveslightly X Wittmore Bracelet

Polished Episode 3: Halloween Nail Art

Spooky! Nails inspired by Charlotte Olympia, Markus Lupfer and Versace for Halloween.

10.14.12 Weekend Wear

This past weekend was pretty lazy. All I could really muster was rolling out of bed and throwing on my favorite T by Alexander Wang top and cat-eye sunglasses. Thankfully my new Paul Mitchell Curls routine gave me some wild waves to boot.

Into Now: Metallics

Some of my favorite pieces from fall

Jacket, Pants, Skirt

Fashion Week Jewelry Inspiration

My street style game is lagging because I don't know who this girl is. What I do know is that she has some amazing jewelry. Two completely different looks, but both are inspired.

See more of my favorite jewels here!

Beauty: Wash & Go

About a month ago I changed my gym routine so that I am working out in the mornings before work and showering at the gym. Now that every minute really counts, I've pared down my already simple beauty routine to just the essentials that I know I can rely on. My biggest concern was losing sleep, but Dr. Bronner's peppermint scent and Aesop's Rind Body Balm are both great eye-openers in the morning. My second biggest concern was my hair. I don't blow it dry, so I needed a product that would style quickly and last all day. After getting to try all of Paul Mitchell's new Curls line, I found my solution. The Twirl Around cream gel gives my hair a little extra body and I swear it air dries faster than before, leaving just enough time to grab a necessary cup of green tea on the way to the subway.

Dr. Bronner soap, Paul Mitchell Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers, Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm, Baggu bags

*This post was sponsored by Paul Mitchell, but I also use Twirl Around every day. I'm just glad the bottle is generously sized!

Moveslightly Custom Minx Nails

A few weeks ago I had the incredible opportunity to design Minx nails for the celebration of the launch of Lucky's Ultimate Style Guide sponsored by TRESemme. My two designs were inspired by baroque embellishments and chunky crystal detailing. The talented Minx team applied the nail wraps at the event which also featured Grace Atwood DIY-ing bracelets and a TRESemme styling bar. Thanks to Lucky and TRESemme for the wonderful time!

Trend: Tough Pearls

I'm not one to be overly prim or proper, but lately I've been attracted to pearls especially when they have something edgy to balance out the classic look. Here are my current favorites.

Fallon long pearl necklace, Saskia Diez pearl ring, Joomi Lim spike choker, Nektar De Stangi necklace

Polished Nail Art Episode 2: Prabal Gurung, DVF and Jason Wu

Check out episode 2 of my show Polished! This one takes on my favorite looks NYFW including Prabal Gurung's crazy blood nails, DVF and Jason Wu.

Let me know your thoughts!

Everlane Fall Preview

A few weeks ago I got to take a look at Everlane's upcoming offerings for fall. I had heard amazing things about their simplified basics, but never seen or felt them in person. It didn't take long to convince me that the Everlane team knows what they're doing, though. Their upcoming collection of silk button-downs could rival Equipment's and the cashmere sweaters feel very luxe for landing at about $100. I've been wearing my new Ryan Tank like crazy and can't wait to get my hands on the new offerings starting next month.

Need: The Gentlewoman Issue No 6

Jessica Fletcher herself on the cover of the gentlewoman. I need this cover yesterday.

Via Fashion Copious

Party Hair Made Easy: Top Knots and Pony Tails

I firmly believe that the best way to enjoy a party is to be comfortable--less time for fussing, means more time to have fun. For me, that starts with my hair and it means pulling my hair up rather than letting it down.

Here’s how I get the look:

I wash my hair pretty much every day with a low sulfate product like TRESemmé Naturals Moisture Shampoo. If I don’t shampoo, I use a dry shampoo like TRESemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo because my hair does get oily. This formula is great even though it is designed for fine hair because it builds texture. I tend to go to a lot of events after work, so I often need to freshen up my look and that’s where Fresh Start Refreshing Mist has become my best friend. The spray is weightless while providing that extra oomph of shine, smoothness and citrus scent that I need at the end of the day.

For my ponytail I like to brush my hair smooth on the sides and leave the top with a little volume. For my topknot, I am a little more free form. I aim to have it land somewhere between tippy top and basic bun. Both are comfortable and easy when there are more important fun matters at hand.

Head to tresstylestudio.com to get more inspiration on how to style your hair 24/7 and be on the lookout for Lucky’s Ultimate Style Guide sponsored by TRESemmé, on-sale 9/25!

Photos by Mark Iantosca

Wearing a Denim & Supply dress and Moveslightly bracelet

Post Sponsored by TRESemmé

Into Now: 9.11.12

When it comes to fall or pre-fall shopping I'm focusing on using basics that I already have (the denim jacket), injecting a bit of structure (the Wang skirt that I'm pretending is Alaia-esque), investing in pieces I will actually wear (fun flats) and not taking it too seriously (hot dog bracelet).

Proenza Schouler denim jacket, T by Alexander Wang skirt, Opening Ceremony Tango Flats, Vanessa Arizaga bracelet

Beauty to Try: Love Hate Relationships

As part of the research behind Paul Mitchell's new line Curls the discovered one common thread; that people with curls often have a love/hate relationship with their hair. For me, that feeling happens when I want more curls. Until college I had the most stick-straight hair you could imagine, then all of a sudden I had a healthy wave. Now I want as much curl as I can get out of my hair and on a straight day (what most girls crave) I get a little anxious that I've lost my curl.

In the spirit of embracing features that cause the same love/hate reaction I've included a few other products in that same vein. The latest shade of OCC's Lip Tar is a collaboration with Nylon Magazine and perfect for highlighting for my small-ish mouth. My fair skin requires that I be a slave to SPF, but Kiehl's new sunscreen formula is perfect for preserving my freckles. Make Up For Ever's eyebrow pencil is perfect for adding definition to my bold, but unruly brows.

Paul Mitchell Curls (coming in October, to be reviewed soon courtesy of Paul Mitchell), Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar, Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector, Make Up For Ever Eyebrow Pencil

Balmain Fall 2012 Campaign

Balmain's Fall campaign has been out for a while, but it is still one of my favorites of the season. The more pared down ads are definitely starting to have an impact in the face of excessive accessories-focused spreads.

Via Blame it on Fashion

Summer in the City

Just a few snaps from an unreasonably hot weekend day spent in the city wearing a vintage-inspired surf shirt and my new favorite glitter Miu Miu shades.

Photo by Mark Iantosca

Mirte Maas for Exit Magazine

Via Rackk and Ruin

Proenza Schouler Fall 2012 Nail Art

When I first saw OPI's new Pure Lacquer nail polish strips a lightbulb went off. The metallic scale print  of the "Reptile" strips has a lot in common with the beautiful Far-Eastern patterns from Proenza Schouler's Fall 2012 collection--all they needed was a few angular black lines. To round out the full look, I painted Lady Amherst Pheasats (thank you Vogue.com for identifying the birds) on two fingers on each hand.

Photos by Mark Iantosca and Vogue.com