What I'm Shopping: Hairpins

Hairpins are finally coming out of the realm of pottery teachers and librarians. Or maybe dressing like a potter and a librarian is finally cool. Either way, I'm feeling these an an unexpected new way to wear jewelry. I have this one in by YS Park and I can say that it holds my thick wavy hair like nothing else.

First: Tiro Tiro, Second: Aesa (similar here), Third: YS Park, Fourth: Sylvain Le Hen

Manicure Mania for TeenVogue.com

Tom Ford, Giles, Burberry, Holly Fulton, Balmain

How to Create Kenzo-Inspired Nail Art on TeenVogue.com

Mark had a little fun with my latest nail art how-to! For the full run-down, visit TeenVogue.com.

Moschino Cheap and Chic Fall 2013 Nail Art on TeenVogue.com

I loved this punk-rock princess look from Moschino Cheap and Chic. For the full how-to, head to TeenVogue.com.

Photos by Mark Iantosca

Rodarte Fall 2013 Nail Art on TeenVogue.com

In case you missed it, I did the nail art version of on of my favorite collections from the fall runways, Rodarte.

For the full how-to, check out TeenVogue.com

Photos by Mark Iantosca

Erdem Fall 2013 Nail Art on TeenVogue.com

I really love how different this Erdem Fall 2013 look is. The florals are etherial and dark, but could also be garden party-appropriate. Visit TeenVogue.com to get the step-by-step instructions for how to get the look.

Via TeenVogue.com, photos by Mark Iantosca

Chanel Fall 2013 Nail Art on TeenVogue.com

Here's my updated take on a half-moon manicure inspired by the Chanel Fall 2013 collection. For the full how-to head to TeenVogue.com.

Via TeenVogue.com

Photos by Mark Iantosca

Prada Spring 2013 Nail Art DIY on TeenVogue.com

I must say that I am proud of my second nail art feature with TeenVogue.com. I had been dying to use this Prada Spring 2013 collection for nail inspiration and the features and photos just look insane. Mark did such an amazing job with these, I love how editorial they look. (p.s. he also just updated his website, so check it out!)

Full feature live on TeenVogue.com

Moveslightly in Lucky Mag March 2013!

If you get a chance, pick up next month's Lucky Magazine on newsstands now and flip to page 140. I am featured along with Grace and Eileen, two awesome bloggers (Eileen is one of my favorites to follow on Twitter), talking about our favorite beauty products. If you've never tried Fresh's Umbrian Clay mask, I really do highly recommend it.

Beauty to Try: 1.31.13

Now that it's the pits of winter I'm focused more than ever on keeping my skin in good shape. Changing weather tends to make me break out, but I gave Dr.Jart+'s Pore Clear Mask a try the other day and was made an instant believer. The formula is amazingly moisturizing and not only does it not clog pores, it helps minimize them. Aside from newly glowing skin, I like to keep it simple with subtle shimmery lids thanks to new formulas by Clinique and Physicians Formula and all-over body moisture.

Pore Clear Mask, Clinique Chubby Stick for Eyes, Physicians Formula Kohl Eyeliner, Goe Oil

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

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

Polished Nail Art

In case somehow you missed it, you should probably watch my new nail show on Look TV. I've gone ahead and pulled each look out separately so that you can choose between Dior, Altuzarra and Chanel.

Beauty to Try: 7.12.12

Over the past few months I've been overhauling my beauty routine, trying to find the best products for my needs. My Clarisonic has become an essential part of daily cleansing, I've learned that moisture is skin's best friend (even oily skin) and that mineral sunscreens are key to stress-free trips to the beach.

On my list to try next are a BB cream (I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued by these things), a beachy all-natural hair product, punchy new cheek colors and mascara that got the most glowing review from Jean Godfrey-June.

Dr. Jart+ BB Beauty Balm, Cold Spring Apothecary Sea Salt Spray, NARS Cheek Palette, Origins GinZing Mascara