Darlin’ from Summer Twins on Vimeo.

YOU GUYS I am such a huge fan of the band Summer Twins, the supercute sisterduo of Chelsea and Justine Brown who make the dreamiest tunes right here in So Cal, so I am really excited to premiere the video for their song, “Darlin’” which is off their new EP, Forget Me.

From Chelsea:  “This video is a documentation of a 10 day tour we did last year in Japan. For years, it’s been a dream of ours to go out there, so the whole thing felt unreal and we were lucky to arrive while the cherry blossoms were blooming!

 

Our good friend/go-to-photographer, Joy Newell, came along with us to film and she also edited all the footage. We fell in love with Japan and made some great friends out there. We can’t wait to go back!”

 

This song makes me miss Japan!!! (and my LDR boyfriend too :* )

 

Make sure to pick up the EP here!

 

♥

Happy Valentine’s Day my sweet angels of the Internets! Hope you are spending today treating yourself with heart-shaped pizzas, flowing champagne, human and/or animal snuggz, and with lots of love exploding from every orifice. WELL…I have a present for you too and it’s not just the fact that I’m blogging regularly again!

I LOVE me a personalized name necklace and have worn my gold “Marie” one for years. I consider them a classic piece of jewelry, and not some fad from ye ol’ Carrie Bradshaw. oNecklace makes a ton of nameplate necklace, ranging from ~la fancy styles~ to simple, yet super cute!  My witch en espanol necklace has been decorating my neck almost every day and loved it so much, I ended up buying one for my friend Sam for Xmas. So why don’t you celebrate this special day of Love with some personalized jewelz and treat yo’self babys! Use discount code: agentlover to get 10% off your purchase! Imagine the possibilities…your name, your boo’s name, your pup’s name, your secret nickname, my name (JK that might be a TAD creepy but I would STILL blush…)

♥Outfit deetz: On me, that lesser known Built by Wendy for Target dress from a couple of years ago, Modcloth tights, Macy’s booties, that beaut Erin Fetherston x Target heart purse from 2008. On Sam, vintage dress and shoes, Modcloth tights ♥

♥Photos by Margaret!♥

AHHHHH I’m totally in love with this ruffled sleeve dress from Kate Spade Saturday. I have fantasies of styling it in all three colors, three different ways.  SO CUTE. I haven’t gotten anything from the line yet but I been droolin’ ova here!

Have you ever heard the sweet sound that is leather rubbing against… pleather? That sensual, aural combo was today’s soundtrack as I drove all over the city getting my taxes done, eating tacos, and being a first-time visitor to the magical weave store where my friend Lenora bought me a single fake braid (can’t wait ’til that makes an appearance on here.) In tow was my most prized accessory as of late, an iPhone case from Bandolier, AKA, something I have dreamed about my whole (iPhone) life.

Bandolier makes beautiful leather cases that attach to a decorative, cross-body length strap, so you can wear your iPhone like a purse. There are two slots on the backside of the case that holds cash and cards, perfect for the low-maintenance type of occasion where you wouldn’t want to carry a regular bag, like grabbing a Slurpee at 7-Eleven or going to see a show. Bandolier has gold and silver chains, as well as leather straps of various colors. They make them for both the 5 and 4 series, in case you are like me and running on the even number iPhone cycle! When does 6 come out anyway? Hoping that version will finally have a built in flat iron…

Outfit deetz: Misfits tee by Iron Fist Clothing, skirt c/o of Coconinno, shoes from Macys, vintage jacket,  Anna Gold iPhone case c/o Bandolier.

LAWD MY LEGS ARE SO WHITE!!!!!!!!! Take me to Kokomo so I can tan these alabaster gams. Somebody! Anybody! Anyway, here I am. I had some good thrifting luck recently and came across this super cute polyester blouse. Do you likes? UGH how’s everyone’s new year been so far? Super horny I hope. You know mine is. I recently moved into my own ‘lil apartment. Yes, the bathroom is pink. I’ll post pictures once I get more of my kitsch on the walls and it doesn’t look like the messy ass bachelorette pad as it does right now. You guys, I haven’t even unpacked my makeup yet. Life changes, y’allz.

I can’t wait for my hair to grow. I don’t regret the great Chop Off of Summer 2013, but let’s face it World, this girl was BORN 4 LONG LUXURIOUS LOX. I definitely will tread more carefully in the future and won’t let my hair get too long to where it starts to catch on fire and strangle me like in the past.

Thrifted vintage blouse, H&M Skirt, We Love Colors socks, Modcloth shoes.

I did a fun interview with Mouthy recently and I also wrote some special ‘tings for Rookie’s Vision theme last month that my fellow brujitas and brujitos might enjoy. Once is about making your own magick happen and the other is a guide to crystals. Read if you dare. Now I shall make some tea and watch Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead. UNTIL NEXT TIME MON CHI CHIS…

Great news my boos! Laurel and Hector  is throwing a special Valentine’s Day-themed contest on their Instagram! They are uploading a new themed image everyday (@laurelandhector) up until Valentine’s Day and all you have to do is post a photo that matches their theme of the day on your Instagram while tagging @laurelandhector and using the hashtag #LHVALENTINES !

So, what can you win???

The three coolest and most creative posts will each win an Electric Banana Shimmy Top!

Laurel and Hector has been a huge favorite of mine for a while now. When I first featured Kee Kee, the boss lady behind L&H, they were primarily a vintage shop, selling the cutest mod dresses (including this one named after moi!) and now Kee Kee displays just how incredible her design talents are with the collections she releases, like “Lip Service ” which has this mind-blowing Clueless-inspired set!

I want everything!

You know what time it is!!! Get your nail files out and your thinkin’ caps on because I’ve got a NAIL QUIZ FOR YA BEAUTIFUL BETCHES…Ever since I did my first Nails on Film Quiz in 2009, followed by last year’s sequel, I’ve kept a watchful eye on movie scenes that have a nails did situation going on. I still haven’t found anything showing the level of abundance of gorgeous nails as our favorite Jeff Goldblum sexy alien movie, Earth Girls Are Easy, unfortunately.

For any of you newbies, all you have to do is correctly identify the movie from which the screencap is taken. Don’t worry, I’m not a total asshole and  will have clues posted for you underneath each image. The first person to comment with all films will win the following…

1. All polish colors from Floss Gloss’ Princess of the Night Collection. If you haven’t had the magnificent pleasure of trying any of Floss Gloss’ luxurious coats, you and your fingertips are in for a treat. Floss Gloss is a true gift bestowed upon us from the nail gods slash two of the raddest chicks from The Bay, Janine Lee and Aretha Sack. You guys, they also have a SELENAS nail color! Just imagine my reaction after seeing that. Fainting, screaming, bidi bidi bom’in. I LOVE THEM.

2. These supercute Puppy Kitty Snack Pack nail decals from Pygmy Hippo Shoppe! Finally, you can wear a cheeseburger and a pug on your nails at the same time!

3. A ‘lil something special from me. ::looks around room, sees a dirty pair of pizza-printed socks and three packages of Plan B contraception:: Hmm, don’t worry, I will find something to throw in. Good luck!

1. We are creatures of the spring, you and I.

2. Imagine getting totally stoned with Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin.

3. This is from one of my favorite 80s horror movies about a prom queen coming back from the dead to seek revenge against her classmates.

4. Try to do the Bend and Snap without ruining your freshly-painted nails.

5.  After hanging out with the dudes from Whitesnake,  playing the Ouija by yourself ain’t not thang.

Claire Beaudreault aka Clara Biznass is my favorite type of ladycrush. As a professional nail artist, rapper in the band Hand Job Academy, and writer at XO Vain, Claire is no doubt one of the most badass babes there is! SHE DOIN’ TINGS. ALL KINDS OF TINGS. Obviously I wanted to stalk/get to know her better, and especially, talk to her about… NAILS! Take a lurk at the interview below!

What are your top five mani essentials?

1. Duri Rejuvacote basecoat. Scandalous choice because it totally contains formaldehyde, but nothing else repairs my nails! I guess if it can keep a dead body preserved…

2. CND Solar Oil, it smells like almonds and cherries, keeps your mani fresh, and (shhh) hides imperfections in Instagram photos!

3. Butter London Nail Foundation, it dries really fast, does *not* contain formaldehyde, and looks good by itself.

4. Everyone probably says Seche Vite topcoat, right?

5. I love reppin’ polish lines that I have a personal relationship with! The Floss Gloss ladies are the baddest broads and I love their business approach, plus their colors are so hot. I keyed a show at NYFW SS14 for Maki Oh and worked with Londontown; the coverage and richness of the formula is on point. And I’m working with MINE, a lacquer made with REAL PRECIOUS METALS. You can have real silver and gold on your nails! It comes in an Austrian crystal bottle and is redefining luxury. 

What’s your pick for a good holiday nail?

I don’t really do holiday nails unless it’s Halloween! I did a lump of coal manicure when I first started doing nails that was pretty funny. Bah humbug, lolz.

What would be on your Mani Mixtape?

The first song that comes to mind is “Hands” by The Raconteurs. Weird, I’m not really crazy about that song. Oh, “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame because when you have your nails done, everything is no hands! And because Waka is the greatest. Kid Sister “Pro Nails” of course, and Gangsta Boo because she has a color with Floss Gloss now, “Nasty Trick” is so perfect. My friends Ratchet by Nature have a song called “Candy Nails and Glitter” that actually shouts me out, hella flattered.  Katy Perry did an amazing discontinued color with OPI named after the song “Teenage Dream” so that song because there is no such thing as a guilty pleasure. And NIN “Closer” because, Nine Inch NAILS. I am really showing my goth side in this interview.

Favorite nail trend right now? Any you hate?

Kinda basic but all of a sudden the moonicure/half moon/reverse French/1930s/Dita Von Teese/Imelda Marcos manicure looks really fresh to me. And I LOVE that cool girls are now doing a full on, possibly ironic, porny pink & white acrylic French manicure. I don’t think I hate any nail trend! Y’all do y’all. Wait–water marbling is a pain in the ass and I don’t think it looks that cool.

What are your wardrobe staples?

Most of my clothes are from Uniqlo. They know how to make half-Asian butts look big! And Heattech has made my winters so much more bearable. Black skinny jeans, ankle boots, black leather jacket, Vera Meat hand necklace and vampire teeth ring. Gold earrings because I mix gold and silver, screw the rules! Or Timbs and jeans and this grey sweater of my boyfriend’s that has a million holes in it and looks like it was expensive once.

Who are some females that you admire?

Oh gosh. My bandmates for always inspiring me and being so damn good at what they do. My mom for being an artist, encouraging me to be an artist, and being really expressive in her dress. My sister because she passed the bar exam and runs marathons like ringing a bell. Gina Edwards and the other amazing celebrity manicurists I’ve had the opportunity to work with who have taken me under their wing and taught me the tricks of the trade. Anaïs Nin, Frida Kahlo, Marina Abramovic, my Tommy Boy “labelmate” Queen Latifah, Margaret Cho, Loretta-fuckin-Lynn. I just saw “The Punk Singer” about Kathleen Hanna and she is super inspiring and admirable.

photo credit: Laura June Kirsch

How would you describe your personal style?

I try to dress like a French woman who long ago ran out of fucks to give. Like, I don’t do anything to my hair, I don’t wear a ton of makeup on regular days, I actually wear pretty boring clothes. If you have tattoos and good jewelry and accessories, you don’t have to wear flashy clothes. I can’t find the exact quote but I think Tina Knowles said something along the lines of “If you have a good bag and good shoes, the rest of your outfit doesn’t matter as much.”? Probably saying that totally wrong. Then again, I think hot pink, gold, and leopard print are neutrals. When I’m performing or making a video it’s like dorky hip-hop Rockabilly. Our mutual friend Matthew once told me I looked like the lovechild of Patty Hearst and Sacajawea and that was an awesome compliment.

If you weren’t doing nails and Hand Job Academy, what would you be doing instead?

Probably acting and writing. Which I do anyway, just less often because I’m busy with the band and the nail game. Playing the drums in a garage band. Flirting with the idea of getting a Master’s in performance art or creative writing.

photo credit: Gabrielle Meit.

Any upcoming projects or anything you can tell us about?

Hand Job Academy is working on an EP for early Spring. More videos, more shows. We definitely want to tour in 2014. Travel is huge for me, I’d love to travel for nail jobs too! Maybe with my unofficial business partner Shirley aka Scotch Tape and Rhinestones, together we are “1.5 Asians.”

Follow me on Twitter @ClaraBiznass and Instagram @fngrblstr!

♥ ♥

That’s right my friends. I have been waiting YEARS. YEARS!!! to talk about my favorite Halle Berry vehicle, the award-winning B.A.P.S., and the time has arrived. When I say “award-winning,” I’m referring to the V. RARE zero star rating that was bestowed by film critic Roger Ebert, who also described the movie as “jaw-droppingly bad.” Much respect to Rog, but DAAAAAYUM must we get THAT dramatic?!?!  I know I am not alone in my love for B.A.P.S.

B.A.P.S., which stands for Black American Princesses, is about two waitresses named Nisi (Halle Berry) and Mickey (Natalie Desselle-Reid) who dream about opening the world’s first combination beauty salon and soul food restaurant. First of all, I admire their creative entrepreneurial spirit. It reminds me of my lifetime goal of opening up a psychic nail salon (previously called “Happy Panda Nail” changed to “Crystal Balls and Diamond Tips.”)  B.A.P.S. was released in 1997, which was the same I year I lost my virginity and three years before she became Storm in the X-Men film series. All great buffers for Monster’s Ball, IMHO.

The girls are having a normal day, until they hear on the radio and read in a magazine that MTV is auditioning dancers to tour with Heavy D. The synchronicities are enough to convince the girls that they should make the trek to LA and that the audition could be their lucky break.

Their earrings are so good.

To prepare for their Hollywood debut, the girls get their hair and nailz did and read up on some Beverly Hills etiquette.

“Do you think we overdid it with our hair?”

Once they land in L.A., they run into none other than LL Cool J and freak the fuck out. I mean, there are only a few celebs I’d freak out over and LL is one of them, even though I unfollowed his Twitter years ago because I got mad at his improper use of “your.” I’M SAWRE I’M SAWRE I still love you.

One of my favorite scenes is when they are standing in line for the audition and Mickey supports Nisi’s wild dancing by screaming “YEAHH DAT’S MY GURL” then models her BOO YOW! hairdo to the crowd. I seriously scream the same thing any one of my friends successfully parallel parks. No joke. (I hate parallel parking)

Then the girls meet some shadester who convinces them to pose as the granddaughter of a maid that his rich father was in love with back in the day. At first, the girls don’t realize that he’s just trying to scam his father’s fortune and play along. HIJINKS ENSUE

The girls are living the life. MAXIN N’ RELAXIN. Look at that dream floatie. I want a pool chair where I could put a carved fruit basket and some chips n’ dips.

The rich dude is played by none other than Martin Landau, who you might remember from his recent role as J.Howard Marshall in the Anna Nicole Lifetime movie.

I love how every time there is a scene between Nisi and her man, “Forever” by Damage comes on.

Sorry Roger Ebert, I know you hated this film but at least we have this scene of Martin Landau and Halle Berry gettin’ freaky in da club…

Legit nails are not just for the ladies, and Florida-based artist Danny Brito proves that by always sporting cool manis on his Instagram. Aside from making the cutest art and selling cute vintage goodies with his shop, City Song Vintage, he runs a nail blog for all called Man-I-Cute!

Today he will be showing us how to do a manicure inspired by Kenzo’s AW13 collection with all dem spooky eyes! This is what he used:

♥ Sally Hansen Black, Sinful Colors Blue, and OPI Cajun Shrimp Red
♥ White acrylic paint
♥ Dotting Tool
♥ Seche Vite fast drying top coat

1. Choose your base colors, I tried to stick to a color scheme that goes with the Kenzo AW13 look. Let the base colors dry completely before moving on to the next steps.

2. With a dotting tool, or something similar in shape like a bobby pin or a tooth pick, create some black almond shapes on the nails that are not black. This is going to be the base for the eyes on those nails.

3. While the black shape you just created are drying, lets work on the eyes for the other nails. Creating a Kenzo like eye is fairly simple, I used white acrylic paint because it’s easier to work with than polish and is very opaque. What you’re going to want to do is create two triangles to form the whites of the eyes, and then a small dot a bit off centered to finish off the look.