Literary Lacquers Alice in Lacquerland Collection Swatches and Reviews

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Hi guys! I'm gearing up for Christmas, so this is going to be a quick post tonight. Somehow pretty much all presents are here and they've been wrapped/shipped! YES, this year it finally happened! Literary Lacquers is releasing a brand new 6-piece collection on December 26th (12 PM MT) and it's inspired by Alice in Wonderland. If that wasn't enough, there's even a free gift with purchase opportunity when you spend $48+ between December 26-January 5 (more info and pictures below). I hope you saved a few bucks in your budget for these, because you won't want to miss out. Shall we get to the good stuff?

Celestial Cosmetics The Stars Collection 2017 Swatches and Review: Sunrise on Venus

Celestial Cosmetics Sunrise on Venus (2 coats)

Hi guys! I was planning on showing more polishes tonight, but I just found out that some of the others aren't for sale right now (but they might be back in mid-January). Celestial Cosmetics is a new brand to the blog, but they're an Australian indie brand that's been around a few years. If you don't live in Australia, don't fret, because they have an international website which ships from a warehouse in Florida. Hooray for cheaper shipping options! They often have some great sales, so check by their website often. 

Sunrise on Venus comes from The Stars Collection and is a bubblegum pink base with green shimmer, a scattering of holo, and tiny green microglitter. I love unique polishes like this! You know I have a rather large collection, and I don't think I have anything like it. The formula was really interesting here. Somehow it had a foamy feel upon application to the nail. It was thick in the best way possible. I really don't know how else to describe it. The microglitter made it have a bit of texture to the nail, so make sure to use a thicker topcoat to smooth everything out. It dried to a satin finish, but I still recommend it shiny. 

You can buy this one now for just $7, and you need to pick this one up. The international site is a little bare at the moment, but definitely stop back in mid-January for more polishes. You can find out more information about Celestial Cosmetics on their website, Facebook page, or Instagram. 

OPI Fall 2016 Washington DC Collection Swatches and Review: Never a Dulles Moment

OPI Never a Dulles Moment (3 coats)

Hi guys! Man, I did not expect to have that hiatus last week. I was completely slammed at work and had 10+ hour days with a 2 hour commute each day. Today was still crazy, but not quite as bad. Please bear with me while I get back to normal. Tonight I have another one from OPI, this time from the Washington DC collection. 

Never a Dulles Moment is a mustardy yellow creme. I've been to the Dulles Airport a few times in my day, but I don't have a ton of memories of it. I've mostly just gone there as a connection to another city. Like most yellow cremes, this one is a little on the streaky side. It evens out on the third  coat (or the second if you use thicker coats), but it it's not the best at self-leveling. This makes it sound like it didn't apply well, but that's not true. For a yellow, it applied well. I know this isn't a traditional color, but that makes me love it even more! 

OPI polishes retail for $10.50 and you can find them at your local Sally's Beauty Supply and Ulta stores. Find out more information about OPI on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.

OPI Fall 2017 Iceland Collection Swatches and Review: Check Out the Old Geysirs

OPI Check Out the Old Geysirs (2 coats)

Hi guys! Mondays are so busy around here. We're trying to finish up our Christmas shopping so we can get our packages shipped in time for the 25th. And in case you haven't noticed, USPS is being super slow right now. I mean, even slower than usual. How are you guys doing? 

Guess what, I'm finally reviewing an OPI polish! It seems like so long ago that they released a collection that I really needed. I mean, there's a pretty polish here and there, but nothing truly unique. One that recently caught my eye is from their newest collection which is inspired by Iceland. Check Out the Old Geysirs (oh, I've missed the punny OPI names) is a blue-grey with the most beautiful iridescent blue shimmer. The shimmer is subtle, but you can definitely see it. The formula was a bit thicker than I'd prefer, but it wasn't bad enough that I needed to bust out the thinner. Even with the thicker formula, it self-leveled well.

OPI polishes retail for $10.50 and you can find them at your local Sally's Beauty Supply and Ulta stores. Find out more information about OPI on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.

Quixotic Polish Swatch and Review: Polish Next Door

Quixotic Polish Polish Next Door (3 coats)

Hi guys! This is going to be a quick post tonight because I got home late (I got a haircut after work). I think the polish I have to show tonight is a stand-alone color that's not a part of a collection, so just posting one polish works. Good news, tonight's polish is still available and it's on sale for only $6.50! After stopping by the store tonight, I found out that I must have the Gemstones II collection in my life, stat. *grabby hands*

Polish Next Door is a black jelly base with lots of multi-colored ultrachrome flakes. It dried to a shiny finish, but I still used a topcoat for photos above. Seeing my long nails makes me super sad at the state of my nails today. I hope I've properly prepared everyone for the what's to come. I don't normally gravitate toward jellies, but it's a perfect base to showcase the beautiful flakes with added dimension. The formula was great, but it was a bit sheer, as expected. I ended up using 3 heavier coats for the swatches above. 

1. Go buy the Gemstones II collection because they look gorgeous.

2. Throw Polish Next Door in that cart because it's only $6.50 and you need it. 

3. Repeat with other polishes, as necessary.

Stop by the Quixotic Polish website, Facebook page, Facebook Group, or Instagram pages to find out more. 

Quixotic Polish The Vere Suo Trio Swatches and Reviews

Hi guys! I hope you had a great weekend. It was our local holiday parade and we were in it because Scraggles (our dog) was featured with her doggy daycare friends. Here's a pic of us right before the parade:

And no, her tongue isn't normally that long. She gets nervous in cars and was panting like crazy on the way. Tonight I have a gorgeous trio to show you from the indie brand Quixotic Polish. I've been lucky to feature Mary's polishes previously, and she has been rocking it in the Polish Pickup group. The Vere Suo trio was released awhile back, but it's still available, and on sale for $20! Hit that "Read More" button below to see the full reviews.

Turtle Tootsie Polishes 2017 Songs of the Season Collection Swatches and Reviews Part II

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Hi guys! I didn't mention it here, but I'm sad Frankie Muniz didn't win DWTS. I mean, I get why Jordan Fisher won, but I feel like he really had a leg up over the competition from the beginning. Speaking of terrible tv shows, we also started watching 90 Day Fiance. Whoa, that show is crazy. On the other end of the spectrum, over Thanksgiving weekend, we watched Alias Grace on Netflix and it was fantastic! I know the author took a lot of liberties since the story took place in the mid-1800s and there's a lot of missing pieces, but it was still really interesting. Please excuse my long digression...I know why you're really here.

Tonight I have the second half of the Turtle Tootsie Polishes Songs of the Season Collection which is a 6-piece set of linear holos and metallic glitters. These go on sale tomorrow at 8 PM EST in the Turtle Tootsie Polishes website. Individual polishes will retail for $10 (full)/$6 (mini), or just go ahead and treat yourself to the set $54 (full)/$30 (mini). By doing so, you'll save a dollar on each polish. The collection will be for sale while supplies last, and will not be restocked, so get your orders in early so you're not disappointed. There will be new cuticle oils and soaps released this Friday as well. Go ahead and click that "Read More" button to see these beauties.

Turtle Tootsie Polishes 2017 Songs of the Season Collection Swatches and Reviews Part I

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Hi guys! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I spent mine with my family in Knoxville, so we did just a little traveling this year. Lots of food and resting happened. You know what didn't happen? Blogging. Oh, and I should mention that I completely broke a nail down to a nubbin. Instead of trying to patch it up, I decided to cut them all down and start from scratch. This means that some polishes in the future will feature some short nails. At first I was super sad about it, but I've now come to grips with it and think my nails needed this. I didn't show it, but my middle finger nail perpetually had a tear in the corner that I had to patch up. I'm hopeful that the new start will help. 

Tonight I have the first half of a collection from Turtle Tootsie Polishes inspired by holiday songs. If you can remember back to my posts about the Indie Nail Shop, you'll probably remember some pictures and commentary on meeting the wonderful Chrissy. Of course I'm in the Turtle Tootsie Polishes Turtlettes Facebook Fan Group, and I was lucky enough to win a guest spot to review this collection (thanks, Chrissy!). Head on over there to get a warm welcome from everyone. This is a 6-piece collection of metallics and linear holos which will release this Friday, December 1st at 8 PM EST in the shop. You'll be able to buy the full collection for $54 (full)/$30 (mini) or individually for $10/$6. The collection will be for sale while supplies last, and will not be restocked, so get your orders in early so you're not disappointed. Chrissy features polishes, but also has other products like scrubs, cuticle oils, lip balms, and soaps. There will be new cuticle oils and soaps released this Friday as well. Without further ado, let's get to some swatches! 

Different Dimension Polish Con 2017 Exclusive Swatches and Review: Not in the Loop and Where You Bean?

Hi guys! It's Thanksgiving week! I'm not 100% sure what my posting schedule will be like later in the week, but I will be doing as much as possible. In other blog news, I got a new light box and new lighting! I have no idea how it's going affect my swatches, but I'm hoping they will only get better. I bet you thought I was done with the Different Dimension polishes, right? I'm not! Tonight I have 2 of Different Dimension's Polish Con exclusives which you can still purchase now! Shall we get a closer look? 

Polish Pickup December 2017 Mace Polish Swatches and Review: Light Bringer

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Hi guys! I know, I'm blogging on a Sunday which is a huge shocker. I know lots of you are into the new big thing in indie polish: Polish Pickup. Tonight I have a new brand on the blog, and it just so happens to be their first month being a part of Polish Pickup. The owner of Mace Polish is Stacy, and she was kind enough to let me swatch her first Polish Pickup color named Light Bringer. Next I need to explain how this super awesome new thing called the Polish Pick up works. First, definitely join the Polish Pickup Facebook Group. You don't necessarily need to actively participate in the group, but it will give you a look into the polishes coming that month. Do you hate it when a new indie box comes out with multiple brands and you only really love one of the colors? What do you do then? Destash the ones you don't want? Just suck it up and buy it and keep them all because you're too lazy to destash? Well, there's now a group and website called Polish Pickup that will open for suggestions for box themes for the upcoming month. Everyone votes, and the winner becomes the theme for a future box. Any indie brand can participate and has their own specific inspiration picture and polish for that month. All you need to do is go to the Polish Pickup site during the pre-order window (the first Friday-Monday of the month) to make all of your purchases of these exclusive polishes. There's no need to pay for multiple shipping charges; since this is a pre-order, all polishes get sent to Polish Pickup and they send you the polishes you ordered. Yup, it's that simple. Oh, and shipping is a flat-rate of $3 to the US and Canada. 

The December theme is Holidays Around the World and the store will open on December 1 and close on December 4th. Last month there were over 50 brands represented, so I'm guessing we'll have at least that many this month. Shall we see what Mace Polish has in store for us this coming month? This one has a cap at 70 bottles, so start your shopping early! 

Zoya Black Friday Sale Info 2017

Zoya is being super generous with their Black Friday sale this year. I plan on picking up some items like base coat and a few small gift sets. Will you be buying anything? 

ZOYA BLACK FRIDAY 2017

Pssst…we’re letting you in on a little secret before it’s officially announced…

On Friday November 24^th (Black Friday), Zoya is giving thanks to our fans by celebrating Black FRIYAY!

For one day only (11/24/17), fans can get 50% off ANY order on www.zoya.com PLUS Free Shipping! (This includes all Nail Polish, Holiday Kits, Lip Shades, Naked Manicure, Qtica,Smart Spa, and Treatments.)

Code: FRIYAY

Valid to US and Canada Consumers until 11:59pm ET on 11/24/17.

(International Shipping Fees Apply for Canadian customers).

Go on and share the news! We are grateful for each and everyone one of you.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Different Dimension Someday We'll All Be Memories Too Collection Swatches and Review: Dream Come True

Different Dimension Dream Come True (2 coats)

Hi guys! I can't believe it's Wednesday, and Thanksgiving is next week. It really feels like I was on summer vacation a few short weeks ago. What are your plans? Oh, and remember how I mentioned that I hope Frankie Muniz would win Dancing With the Stars? Well, he made it to the finals! My question is how Drew Scott is still in it? He is a pretty terrible dancer, so I don't get why people are voting for him. Anyway, Different Dimension released their fall collection back in September and I have Dream Come True to show you tonight. I've purchased from them on Black Friday for the past few years because they have the best Doorbuster polishes for $5 with other promotions throughout the day. Make sure to join the Portal to a Different Dimension Facebook Group for full details as they come out. 

Dream Come True is a multichrome teal that flashes to purple, blue, gold, and green depending on the angle. Honestly, my photos don't even do it justice. I included a video bottle shot that hopefully works here. It's hard to see the base color in the bottle because of all the shimmer, but check the edges of my nails to see the teal. I didn't get staining with this one, but this is the type of color that tends to stain, so make sure to use a good base coat. I also recommend downward strokes (instead of any circular movements) when you remove it so it doesn't stain your cuticles. I've never had a problem with applying any Different Dimension polish, and this was no exception. I ended up using 2 coats for the photos above

This one is still for sale in the Different Dimension site and it retails for $12. If you don't want to miss out on anything Different Dimension, make sure to follow them on their website, Facebook, or Instagram pages. Cheers!

Different Dimension Halloween 2017 Creepin' It Real Trio Swatches and Reviews

Hi guys! Happy Monday! I had a pretty relaxing weekend. We went to see the new Thor movie (it was great!) and did a little shopping at the the outlet mall. I got a super good deal on a new coat at Columbia, but that's pretty much it. I have some really exciting new collections I'll be posting in the coming weeks, so I hope you're able to stop back around soon. Tonight I have the 2017 Halloween trio from Different Dimension. Last year they featured a collection inspired by Edgar Alan Poe, and I remember I bought and reviewed a few of them (and loved them). Even though Halloween is over, these colors are still available for purchase, and are still perfect for fall and winter seasons.

Morgan Taylor Trick'r Treats Halloween Set Swatches and Reviews

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Hi guys! I have a few more polishes from Morgan Taylor to show you, but I was planning on showing these before Halloween. Yeah, then I got sick and none of it happened. Good thing these colors can be used for nail art any time of year, and this set is still available at Loxa Beauty for just $15. I've also reviewed all of these polishes a few years ago, but please don't look them up...they're basically terrible. 

L-R Glow Top Coat, All White Now, Little Black Dress, Orange Crush (3 coats of each)

Yes, you can see just how stained my nails really are when showing the Glow Top Coat. It has a bit of texture to it, but it doesn't really change the base color. All White Now is a stark white creme that looks like (and sort of applies like) white-out. Like all white polishes, the first coat was really streaky, but it evened out with the third. Little Black Dress is your typical black creme, but it really applied well. It needed just 2 coats for full coverage, but I went ahead and did a third for continuity since the others all needed 3. And finally, Orange Crush is a bright orange jelly polish. It was sheerer than I expected, but that's just because it has more of a jelly finish. Photos show 3 heavier coats, and you can still see some visible nail line. 

L-R Glow Top Coat, All White Now, Little Black Dress, Orange Crush (3 coats of each) with 1 coat of Glow Top Coat over each color

I went ahead and applied the Glow Top Coat on each of the colors to see if it affected the color, but alas, it didn't. Like I said above, it's more of a texture change than a color change. Do you like the picture of my glowing nails? Yeah, apparently I have no idea how to take pictures in the dark, so my apologies. That said, I think this photo shows something interesting: the Glow Top Coat shows up best by itself, or over white. Notice how there is a significant decrease in color over Little Black Dress and Orange Crush? 

This is a cute little set that is only available for a limited time, so get it while you still can!  Learn more about Morgan Taylor on their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Youtube sites.

*These polishes were provided by the company or PR representative. All reviews are based solely on my opinion. For more information, please see my full disclosure at the bottom of the site*

Morgan Taylor Fall 2017 Matadora Collection Swatches and Reviews Part II

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Hi guys! So...I've been gone a week. In that week I celebrated my 10 year anniversary, and was sick. I was mostly just sick. My dad caught something while visiting and he was so kind to give it to me. I usually do my nails every night, but I skipped it most days last week (which also put me behind on some upcoming collections). Remember when I started the Morgan Taylor Matadora Collection many days ago? Shall we see how the second half fares?

Morgan Taylor Fall 2017 Matadora Collection Swatches and Reviews Part I

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Hi guys! Sorry I've been a bit absent, but I took a few days off to visit with my parents. My dad came down with something on Saturday, so we spent all of Sunday on the couch watching Stranger Things 2. I could definitely think of worse things to do. Did you binge watch it this weekend? Tonight I have the Morgan Taylor Matadora collection to show you, and it features vampy colors inspired by Spain. To be honest, I think the killing of bulls for sport is disgusting, so I'm going to try and ignore the killing part, and focus on the culture. I'd love to hear what you think about this. That said, let's get to some swatches.

Pretty Woman Designer Nails Artificial Nail Kit Swatches and Reviews

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Hi guys! My family is in town, but I wanted to do a quick review of a product I've never shown on the blog - artificial/press-on nails! You know I'm terrible at nail art, so this is a quick and easy way to get nail art. I have 2 sets to show you today, but make sure to follow me on Instagram because I'll be giving away 3 sets of these to a lucky winner! Pretty Woman NYC has been around since 2000, and they have press-on nails in various shapes and lengths for all nails. My nails are really long right now so I was sent a set of round and stiletto nails to try out. Hit that "read more" button to see my thoughts. 

Returning Shades from Literary Lacquers for Oct. 2017

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Hi guys! It was yet another manic Monday here. I have family coming into town this week, and it's been far too long since I've seen them! We had a pretty good weekend where we went for a 5 mile hike, cleaned the house, and ran some errands. Tonight I have 3 of the 10 returning shades on sale now from Literary Lacquers. If you love holo finishes, you need to see these polishes! As always, all glitter and creme polishes are $10, while the holos are $12 each. 

Literary Lacquers Faulkner Duo 2017: A Rose for Emily and The Best You Have

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Hi guys! TGIF! Tonight I have a brand new duo from Literary Lacquers which inspired by William Faulkner's short story, "A Rose for Emily". If you want to read it, you can find it here. Faulkner isn't my favorite author, but I know my MIL did her Master's thesis on his work. The creme from the duo is named for Emily, while the glitter topper, The Best You Have, is named for what Emily asked the shopkeeper for when she was buying the poison. Very dark and appropriate for this time of year. These are available now for $10 each in the Literary Lacquers store. 

Lollipop Posse Lacquer Summer 2017 Mix Tape: Overdrive Edition: The Future is Coming On

Lollipop Posse Lacquer The Future is Coming On (3 coats)

Hi guys! Have you ever had one of those clumsy nights? I had one of those yesterday evening. I was burning a wax tart in my warmer when I reached over to turn it off before going to sleep. Well, my sleeve knocked the wax over and I tried to catch it before it got everywhere. I proceeded to get hot wax all over my hand, the wall, and the floor. It pretty much came off of the wall and floor, but it took more work than I wanted to do at 11 PM. *sigh* Anyway, remember when I posted about the 2 polishes I bought from the Summer Mix Tape collection from Lollipop Posse Lacquer a few weeks ago? I was so impressed with them I had to buy the other polish I was eyeing with my 20% off code. 

This one is named after one of my favorite songs of the 2000s, Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz. The Future is Coming On is described as a steel grey base with loads of red/green/gold shifting iridescent glitter and shimmer. Maybe it's the glitter, but this looks more greige than steel grey to my eye. Man, these iridescent glitter polishes are on point! I think the only way this polish could be any better is if she added a bit of multichrome flakes to the mix. It's really sheer, but built up to full opacity in 3 coats. The formula was great, but make sure to use thin coats. Removal was a pain, so use a peel-off base coat or the foil method.

The Future is Coming On is still available on their site and it retails for $11. You can find more information about Lollipop Posse Lacquer on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and Facebook Fan Group pages. 

Lollipop Posse Lacquer Polish Con 2017 Exclusives: Cotton Candy Chaos and Midway Madness

Hi guys! Anyone still watching Dancing with the Stars? My pick is still Frankie Muniz, but he almost went home last night! Can we get Nick Lachey gone? I have nothing against the guy, but he just isn't a good dancer. I had a great weekend just relaxing and enjoying the cooler weather here otherwise. Tonight I have 2 of the 3 Lollipop Posse Lacquer Polish Con exclusives to show you tonight. You  may be asking yourself, "Audrey, you didn't tell me you went to Polish Con!" Well, I didn't. I was lucky enough to go to the Indie Shop in Atlanta earlier this year, but I just can't justify flying to Chicago. That said, LPL has the overstock of exclusives on their website right now. Go ahead and press that Read More button for swatches and my thoughts.

KBShimmer Unicorn Pee Collection Swatches & Reviews: Let's Slang and You Dew You

Hi guys! TGIF! I've had a long week after my recent travels, so I'm planning on resting this weekend. Do you have any special plans? My 10-year wedding anniversary is coming up, so I should start thinking of some things we can do that weekend. Tonight I have 2 of the 4 KBShimmer polishes from the Unicorn Pee collection which features the shifty unicorn pee shimmer. What is that, you ask? Back in the day, Clarins made a special polish (Clarins 230) that was coveted by the nail community. The polish has long been discontinued, but there have been small batches of pigments that have made its way among indie brands. KBShimmer was able to get their hands on a bit of it, so Christy decided to release this 4-piece collection ($12 each) last month. Let's take a closer look at these warlocks.

Anchor & Heart Lacquer Through the Stone Collection Swatches and Review: I Was Born For You

Anchor & Heart I Was Born For You (3 coats)

Hi guys! I know, it's been awhile. I was in Denver for 4 days, but I think this should be the last weekend I will be traveling for work this year. As soon as I got home I had some in-laws at the house so I've been busy at the home front as well. Other than that, not much is going on with me. Tonight I have a new brand on the blog. I've been meaning to try Anchor & Heart for months, and after seeing bottle shots from the Through the Stone Collection, I knew I needed to bite the bullet and finally purchase. Multichrome polishes are still all the rage, but I've been trying to be a bit more selective on the polishes I buy because some are very similar. 

I Was Born For You is a blackened plum base with flashes of emerald and blue. It also has a sprinkling of iridescent holographic microglitter and a scattered holographic finish as seen in the last photo. It slightly reminds me Whooo Are Youuu from Vapid Lacquer, so if you weren't able to buy that one, you may want to purchase this one. It doesn't have the exact same shift, and Vapid's has the larger microflakes which isn't in Anchor & Heart. It applied perfectly in 3 coats. Depending on your application, you may be able to get away with just 2 coats. Even with the microglitter, not too much elbow grease was needed for removal. 

The Through the Stone Collection is currently not for sale, but good news, the pre-order starts on Oct. 13th and will continue through Oct. 16th. Each polish is $12 each, or you can purchase the whole collection for $77 (a saving of $1 per polish).  I've been really impressed with other polishes Taryn has released recently, so I will definitely be making another order. You can learn more about Anchor & Heart on their website, Instagram, Facebook, or Facebook Fan group page. 

Zoya Fall 2017 Sophisticates Collection Swatches and Reviews Part IV

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Hi guys! I was so saddened to wake up to the news of Las Vegas. I would love to live in a world where it surprises me again. On a much lighter note, we'll be finishing up the Zoya Sophisticates collection. Just today I received the press info for their winter Party Girl Collection:

I see some really interesting polishes if you ask me. Also, didn't Zoya used to have 6 polishes in their winter collections? I'm not complaining! Shall we finish this collection first? 

Zoya Fall 2017 Sophisticates Collection Swatches and Reviews Part III

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Hi guys! Sorry for the absence the last few days. I was fighting that allergic reaction for a few days, and last night I went and got the new iPhone 8 plus. I'm loving it so far! Tonight we're continuing the marathon that is the Zoya Sophisticates Collection. No more small talk, let's do this!