LeahTacklesBeauty

Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit with U V Light | Review

May 10, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hadn’t gotten a manicure in probably close to two years. I got sick of painting my nails with a base coat, two coats of polish, and then a top coat only to have them chip after a day or two. I got gel manicures before special events, but when times changed in March of 2020, I started seeing more and more folks doing gel manicures at home. I asked for a gel manicure kit from Amazon, and it has been a GAME CHANGER.

Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit with U V Light | Review

The kit comes with the UV lamp, 6 gel polishes, a base coat, a matte top coat, a glossy top coat, cuticle oil, toe separators, a buffing tool, and several other cuticle and manicure tools.

This kit did take a bit of trial and error. My first attempt I struggled to get the edges of my nails to work well, but I realized that I needed to be careful to not let any excess polish go onto the skin next to my nails because once the polish is cured, any polish on the edges also hardens and then my nails don’t have a nice shape. I did also notice that a couple of the polishes didn’t cure as well as others, but overall this kit is a WINNER.

Hate waiting for polish to dry? Or nicking your polish or smudging them? ME TOO. My FAVORITE part about this kit is that the polish cures so quickly. It takes me about 45 minutes to do my nails, which is similar to the time you’d spend in a salon, and the cost of this kit is less than the cost of one gel manicure. I also purchased extra Beetles Gel Nail Polishes so I would have more options.

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My final thoughts are this kit is SO WORTH IT! I have bought gel polishes before, but the light is what really makes it a gel kit. Have you ever tried a UV Light gel manicure at-home kit?

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How-To Find Selvedge Denim | Redline Vintage Levi’s

April 26, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday! And, most importantly, HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY to my sweet, sweet Hailey!

I now own selvedge denim that is older than both of us ; ) A couple of years ago I switched to a neutral wardrobe, and I’ve never once looked back. A capsule wardrobe is a game-changer, if you haven’t tried it I *highly* suggest it. Now that I’m committed to neutrals, I’ve begun to make a real effort to purchase less fast fashion and buy more sustainable fashion.

I have several pairs of higher-end denim, but a few weekends ago when my husband was forced to spend some time on the couch relaxing (how sad is it that we crave illness or injury as we age for a forced break?) was researching men’s sustainable style and asked me about selvedge denim. I hadn’t heard of it but after a quick Google search, I knew I had to own a pair.

What is selvedge denim?

First called “self-edge” selvedge is the narrow , tightly woven band on both edges of the denim fabric. Selvedge prevents the edge of the jean from unravelling and shows a clean, finished look. Selvedge is done on old shuttle looms. The slower pace of shuttle looms puts less tension on the yarn. And it’s a fact that shuttle looms tolerate more slubs in the yarn, which add character to the denim fabric.

How-To Avoid Fake Selvedge Denim

I began looking on Poshmark, eBay, and Googling Selvedge denim and quickly learned that there is a lot of misinformation out there, and also a lot of fakes. Some companies even sew something into the jean that mimics the look of a selvedge denim. I knew that I didn’t want to risk getting a fake pair, so I began researching places to buy new or authentic selvedge. I decided that I wanted to order Levi’s specifically because I loved the idea of having a pair of the OGs. I found JEANSLOVESHOP on Etsy and Lindsey, the owner, gave me a huge education on vintage Levi’s and I’m thrilled to be able to share her knowledge and passion with you!

Vintage Levi’s Selvedge 501’s

Lindsey, the owner at JEANSLOVESHOP on Etsy is INCREDIBLE. Her shop boasts all 5 Star reviews, and she made the experience special and easy! On her shop, she shares her story of a life-long love of vintage Levi’s, and that comes through in her exceptional attention to detail and incredible knowledge. Instead of guessing a praying that a pair would fit, based solely on my typical size (which we all know can be a crapshoot), Lindsey helped me to measure a pair of jeans I already owned and with several back-and-forth messages, she was able to send me the options in her shop that she thought would be a great fit for me. The result? A pair of jeans older than I am that fit like they were made for me!

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THE BEST AMAZON RUNNING GEAR

April 19, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I buy running gear from a variety of places, but isn’t nice to sometimes just know what you can easily access on Amazon Prime? I think so! Today I want to share my favorite running finds on Amazon (and trust me, I’ve tried many). If you enjoy this, let me know and perhaps I’ll make a series or do a part 2.

Running Apparel

Running Accessories

Running Nutrition

What are your FAVORITE Amazon finds? Let me know in the comments! Just for fun, what was the last thing you purchased on Amazon?

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The $15 Amazon Find You Need! | The best belts, ever.

April 12, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Last year I found myself wearing lots of dresses that were the flowier, t-shirt, and baby doll style and I needed a belt that would give me a little shape. I love a nice quality leather belt for daily wear, but none of the belts I had fit at my real waist, so I headed to Amazon and ended up with what has become one of my favorite Amazon purchases of all time [as good as Tinkle Razors!]

Waist Belt For Dresses

I was worried that these would look incredibly cheap, but they work perfectly and add a classy look that completes the outfit. I believe in adding a “third piece” as of mentioned on here several times, to complete an outfit, and this works perfectly for that.

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Do you have an Amazon favorite that you can’t get enough of? Please, share it in a comment!

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Citizens of Humanity Liya Jeans Review

April 5, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and a joyous Easter, if you celebrate!

As a kid I had a terrible time finding jeans. I was tall and thin and jeans that fit in the waist were usually too short. I’ll never forget wanting a pair of Limited Too rhinestone jeans, but they didn’t come in “slim fit” so I headed home with plain ‘ole denim jeans. I don’t know why in the 90’s and early 2000’s kids pants didn’t come with adjustable waists, but I digress. In high school I was shopping with my mom (our favorite thing to do together, and when we got along the best ; ) )and I tried on designer jeans. They fit. So, while the price point was WAY more than they’d ever spent on jeans for me, I rocked Seven For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, Paige…fast forward to college and more stores were offering more sizing options, and I began wearing most of my jeans from more affordable places again. For the past decade or so, most of my jeans have come from Express, Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M, and Express. Recently I bought a pair of Citizens of Humanity Liya (pronounced Leah) and I want to share my thoughts.

Citizen’s of Humanity Liya

A friend of my, a true denim goddess, was able to get me a steal of a deal (I’m talking 70+% off) on these jeans, which is what pushed me to take the plunge back into designer denim. These jeans are a thick, stiff denim and are fitted through the hip and thigh, but then straight down (similar to the Wedgie Fit Levi or Levi 501). When I first put these on they were perfect in the waist, bum, and thigh, but tight in the calf (runner probz) but after a day or so of wear, they were perfect. I haven’t worn Citizens in so long, but immediately remembered how they keep their shape as opposed to cheaper denim which can stretch out over time and result in a diaper butt.

Why I’m Investing in Sustainable vs. Fast Fashion

Over the past couple of years, I have transitioned my wardrobe to be a capsule wardrobe that consists of all neutrals (read about that here) and now that I’ve done that, I am working to buy higher-quality (often this means designer or more expensive) sustainable clothing and accessories vs. fast fashion. I will still buy my beloved Target and H&M for anything “trendy” or that I won’t be wearing repeatedly (think a wedding guest dress or a trend that will not be evergreen).

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Citizens of Humanity Liya Jeans

*I bought my true size, but next time would potentially even size down because the calves were initially tight, but the rest of the jean stretched quickly. I do love that designer denim begins to form to your body. It feels special and luxurious.

My Favorite “Mom” Jeans

Levi Wedgie Jean

My Next Denim Purchase

Levi’s 501 Selvedge Jeans

Do you own designer jeans? Are you a fast-fashion shopper? Do you buy sustainable items? I would love to know!

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Nadine West | Affordable Clothing Haul

March 29, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Have you ever wondered how a clothing subscription box works? Nadine West offers an affordable style subscription service.

I have shared my outfits from Nadine West for three years now on my blog (read the posts here). Nadine West sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does Nadine West Work?

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts On Nadine West

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Nadine West Coupon Code

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

Nadine West Unboxing

I typically DO NOT like tops that have a faux knot, however, this one hits beautifully and looks super cute with high and mid waist jeans. I also have many pairs of cubic zirconia studs, but none with cold like this. I am currently wearing my favorite Made By Mary gold-filled “live in” hoops (seriously, if you don’t have these WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I sleep, shower, run…live in them!)

Nadine West Final Thoughts

I very, very rarely like the pants that I get sent. I like the tops quite often, and have found some closet staples. I would much prefer to recieve less pieces of higher quality.

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! Thank you for reading! xx

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The Best Amazon Pajamas | Blush Pink Satin Pajama Set

March 15, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! I celebrated my birthday on Friday, and I spent most of the day in my mind in pajamas. It. Was. Glorious. And I had several folks message me on my Instagram asking where the pajamas I was wearing were from.

These pajamas look like a pair from Victoria’s Secret or Slip Into Soft, but instead of a $75 or $150 price tag, the pair from Serenedelicacy sold on Amazon retails for about $25, but I’ve seen them as low as $22.

I love these pajamas so much that I’ve purchased a short sleeve and shorts version, also. They come in other great prints and colors as well, including an adorable blush pink leopard, and the ever classic navy with white piping. I launder my pajamas in the washing machine in a garment bag, and I hang them to dry.

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Do you have a pair of pajamas, or athleisure that you have found on Amazon? If so, let us know in the comments!

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How-To Wear a Bucket Hat in 2021 | The Bucket Hat is Back!

March 8, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Yes, the bucket hat is back. And, it isn’t just for Gen-Z! If you’re a millennial like me, you can rock it again, and do it better than you did in 1998. I remember thinking that my brown Adidas bucket hat was the coolest accessory, ever (it likely wasn’t, but I owned it and that is half the battle). I should ask my mom if she has pictures of this…goodness knows I wore it enough. If she finds them should I share them or burn them?… But, the bucket hat is back in a big way. Hats are one of my favorite accessories, and today I want to share with you my favorite way to incorporate the bucket hat in a wearable, classy way.

Let’s be real, not much was cuter than Britney in a bucket hat in Crossroads. I still love that movie. #FreeBritney

How-To Wear a Bucket Hat in 2021

I found a wool bucket hat by the brand A New Day from Target. This hat is pale, blush pink, and features a grosgrain ribbon and a small gold detail. I loved it, so much, and when I wore it for a picture on my Instagram, everyone else loved it too. I found several similar styles on Amazon that are also fantastic.

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Target A New Day Hat Shown

Have you tried this trend? Did you have a bucket hat growing up?

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What is a Shacket? And How-To Wear One…

March 1, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

It’s been quite the month for Millennials vs. Gen Z when it comes to fashion. I am a millennial, and while my part isn’t dead center, I am with Gen Z for jeans…I prefer mom jeans, kick flares, and straight legs these days. And, a “new” item this spring is giving me all of the Friends and Clueless vibes, is the “shacket” which essentially is a large, thicker button-up top; think a flannel top or a corduroy.

Affordable Shacket

I really loved the look of the oversized shirt worn over a fitted tee tucked into jeans, but I didn’t want to invest in anything too expensive. I found this oversized button-down “shirt jacket”, a.k.a shacket, on Amazon and the price was right. I love the neutral color, and it’s a great piece to transition into spring. I wore it with a shirt that was the same color and loved the monochrome look.

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Have you tried this look? What do you think about the return to this 90’s style?

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Maybelline Lifter Gloss + Hyaluronic Acid

February 22, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Has anyone else bought fewer lip products this year than any other year since middle school? Me too. Mask lyfe. But, I do like to pop a little lip on for Zoom meetings, and today I want to share with you the Maybelline Lifer Gloss.

Maybelline Lifer Gloss + Hyaluronic Acid

About Maybelline Lifer Gloss

Delivers hydration, shine and fuller-looking lips; formula with hyaluronic acid
A moisturizing lip gloss formula visibly smooths the lip’s surface and enhances lip contour with high shine for fuller-looking lips
XL Wand to enhance lip contour with shine and transform lips in one swipe

Why I Love Maybelline Lifer Gloss

The packaging is a bit large, but looks sleek and high end, and I like that the wand is shorter but the doe foot applicator is large and makes it easy to apply quickly. I can use a bit in the center of my lips to plump, or I can apply alone as my only lip product. I purchased the shade Reef, which is a pinky-nude without shimmer. I haven’t tried the Fenty glosses, but many are saying this is a look-for-less option. I will definitely continue to purchase this, and can’t wait to try other colors. The next shade on my list? Moon!