Catskills Weekend

A few weekends ago, Mark and I drove up to Phoenicia in the Catskills to stay at The Graham & Co and soak up some nature. The hotel was so charming and unbelievably relaxing. I really cannot wait to go back. A cute weekend away is best accompanied by cute accessories, so I brought along my new preppy-perfect tote from Kate Spade.

All 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

Girls Nail Art Stickers: Hannah

I picked up these nail art stickers by Incoco for free at Urban Outfitters and was super impressed by the designs (faux bois is super cool) and the great formula. Have you been watching the new season?

Ring by Catbird

Photos by Mark Iantosca

Photo Diary: Thanksgiving in Atlanta

Just a few snapshots of my Thanksgiving weekend in Atlanta including the Delta Skylounge (Atlanta is brought to you by Coke), raking more leaves than I've ever seen before with Mark, browsing old photos of my mom, visiting the High Museum and seeing holiday lights at the Botanic Gardens. I'm so lucky to have a family that always gets together even though we are scattered across the US.

All photos from my Instagram (@ebmonson) and Mark's (@markiantosca)

P.s. Walking through those ferns was like living J.Lo's "Waiting For Tonight"

Moveslightly Shop Update!

Check it out! There are several new styles in the Moveslightly shop--including a few limited editions.

Get shopping: http://www.etsy.com/shop/moveSlightly

Brimfield Find: Vintage Sterling Silver Collar Tips

With a little nudge by my friend Naomi, I pulled together a spontaneous trip to Brimfield for their annual spring antique show. Along with Mark and Tanya we piled into a Zipcar for our very own three hour tour to Massachusetts. My buying impulse didn't kick in early enough and thus I only came home with one item, but thankfully I am obsessed with that one item. I scored these amazing vintage sterling silver and brass collar tips by the Mexican artist Ricardo. The lady who sold them to me (also wearing collar tips) told me that if I polished them, the brass would shine like gold. Naturally my first reaction more along the lines of how very Balenciaga they could be. Alas, they will remain tarnished for now riding the line between my newfound love for authentic Western style and my longstanding love for high-fashion with a sense of humor.

Photos by Mark Iantosca

Proenza Schouler Spring 2011 Campaign Nails

My latest nail project was inspired by Proenza Schouler's Spring 2011 Campaign staring Melissa Tammerijn and Julia Nobis and shot by Willy Vanderperre. I love how textural this image is, but since that doesn't play well in nail polish, I tried to capture the milky quality instead. For the base I used one coat of Essie Haute as Hello, then to mute the color, I used a thin layer of Knockout's Powder on top.

New York Aquarium

Someone got a little artsy at the New York Aquarium at Coney Island...