Monday, November 30, 2015

Literary Lacquers: 2015 Community Collection

Press Sample

Good afternoon, dear readers and happy Monday! For those of you that celebrated it, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving last week! My in-laws were visiting us for the week, and we were crazy-busy with projects around the house. We did have a delicious turkey-day meal, and there are still leftovers in the refrigerator. I'm sure I'm going to start gobbling soon!

For today's blog post, I have the new Literary Lacquers 2015 Community Collection to share with you. I have formed friendships with many people in the nail polish community, and I always look forward to seeing what my non-maker friends have up their sleeves. I have worked with Amy in the past myself a few times; it is always a delight! She has a gift at just knowing what you have in mind and brings it to life so beautifully. I could go on a long spiel here, but I know you just want to see the polish; let's get to it!
This year's Community Collection is made up of eight stunning nail lacquers. The ninth polish included in this photo is a gift with purchase, and I'll get to that at the end of this post. I hope you're ready for this! Let's do this!

A Sensible Rabbit
Taupey neutral shimmering holo with black microglitter designed with Cassandra Pio of Fierce Hearts Wildlife Rehabilitation and inspired by Watership Down by Richard Adams

Watership Down is a story of brains over brawn, the power of the underdog, compassion, and most importantly: rabbits. A Sensible Rabbit is inspired by Hyzenthlay, whose name is translated in the book as “fur that shines like dew.” She’s a no-nonsense doe who rises to the occasion when it’s her time to shine. The book might focus on the boys, but it’s a lady of a rabbit who really saves the day. I wanted a polish that mimicked a rabbit’s surprisingly complex fur, with enough sparkle to get me through a slog of a day, and of course Amy delivered. It’s a testament to my character that I love the same books I did when I was 11 as well as work in a field my childhood self would think is pretty awesome. I’m blown away by the support that Amy and the indie polish community have offered me as I get Fierce Hearts Wildlife Rehabilitation off the ground. You can follow my exploits, rabbit related and otherwise, on my facebook page.

I don't know if I can even find the words to describe just how much I love this polish. I sometimes feel overwhelmed with holographic polishes, but Amy and Cassandra have a way to add a little lagniappe- a little extra- to make an already pretty neutral holo polish into something amazing. The formula is fantastic, and I used two coats plus topcoat for these photos. The glitters do add a little bit of texture so top coat is definitely needed for a smooth finish.

Burning Slowly From the Inside Out

Orange-red linear holo with white and orange red flakies designed with Destany Pingle of Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom inspired by The Selection series by Keira Cass


My inspiration was my current literary obsession - The Selection novel series by Kiera Cass. The covers are just so amazing, and I've dreamed about the fiery red-orange of the cover of The Elite. Let me just say this - I'm not much of a romance reader. These books are fairly high in the romance department, but the dystopian drama fills it up, too. This series is kind of like The Hunger Games meets the Bachelor. The country has been torn apart by war, and from the ashes it has risen as a caste system, complete with a ruling monarch. When the ruling monarch's child is "of age," there's a competition of sorts. Girls from all over the land are chosen to compete to be the prince's wife. Let's just say I found myself wanting a Prince Maxon in my life! But the true star is the cover of these books. They are fabulous studies in gorgeous colors! My favorite is the cover of The Elite, which features a beautiful fiery red-orange gown (on our heroine) with a background of shimmery white holo-y goodness. And as for the name? It comes from this quote... “It wasn’t like I made his world better. It was like I was his world. It wasn’t some explosion; it wasn’t fireworks. It was a fire, burning slowly from the inside out.” - Kiera Cass, The Elite

I am admittedly not familiar with the inspiration for this polish, but I am blown away by how much this makes me think of fire! The flakes really make Burning Slowly From the Inside Out spectacular! The flakes do require just a little extra patience for application so you don't have them sticking off the nails. I didn't mind it at all, but it is something to keep in mind when applying this beauty. I used three coats plus top coat for these photos. The flakes add some texture so top coat is needed with this one as well.

Free to Fly
Delicate lavender linear holo with blue iridescent flakies and green glass fleck, designed with Jennifer Zakroff and inspired by Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

"Too much tail. All that jewelry weighs it down. Like vanity. Can't nobody fly with all that shit. Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down." - Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison

Wow! Just wow! While the base shade isn't quite my style, the blue flakes add a little something that makes me swoon over this polish. My camera had a difficult time capturing the flashes of blue, and it is more obvious than in these pictures. This is going to be the perfect polish for this spring! I used three easy coats plus top coat for these photos.

Leaves of Grass
Emerald green mega glitter linear holo designed with Alex Bacon-Leslie, longtime friend and Admin Extraordinaire of the Literary (&) Lacquers facebook group inspired by Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Leaves of Grass is one of the great, iconic American poetry collections. Walt Whitman wrote about nature and exalted the material world, sensual pleasures and the human body. Each edition of the collection was different. When it was first published it only included 12 poems, but by the end of Whitman’s life it contained more than 400. Such an iconic work felt appropriate to lend its’ name to this gorgeous green polish. Leaves of Grass is a work that demonstrates the human condition, which resonated with me from the first time I picked up a copy. This iteration of the idea of “Leaves of Grass” is a sun-drenched meadow in a bottle.

I love this green polish! This is such a fabulous shade because it is perfect for the holidays but not too "Christmasy" that is can't be worn throughout the year. I also adore the inspiration for this polish, and I love the interpretation! I have no trouble with the formula to report, and I used three coats plus top coat for these photos.

My Favorite Day
Golden amber metallic linear holo designed with Jody Morris Feldman and inspired by Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne

Jody writes: It's one of my favorite quotes from Winnie the Pooh, which the father of my grandson had me read to him over and over again when he was a little boy. Winnie asks Piglet what day it is and Piglet answers 'it's today' to which Winnie says 'my favorite day '. I told my son, every time I read it to him, that every day with him was my favorite day, so now I know that every day with his son is his favorite day. Mushy, I know, but that's what grandparenthood has done to me.

Oh my, what a bronze beauty! This polish glows on the nails so beautifully! It makes me feel all warm and cozy inside, and it is a perfect interpretation of the quote! I love Winnie the Pooh and am a little sad my toddler isn't a fan. The formula of the polish was superb; I used two coats plus top coat for these photos.

Phizzwizard
Soft sea green linear holo designed with Traci Hatling of Newsie NailNovice, inspired by The BFG by Roald Dahl

 “Sophie peered into the jar and there, sure enough, she saw the faint, translucent outline of something about the size of a hen’s egg. There was just a touch of colour in it, a pale sea-green, soft and shimmering and very beautiful. There it lay, this small oblong sea-green jellyfish thing, at the bottom of the jar, quite peaceful, but pulsing gently, the whole of it moving in and out ever so slightly, as though it were breathing.”

Just the name of this polish makes me smile! I've not thought about The BFG in such a long time! I definitely need to pick up this and other Dahl books to read to my kiddos. Phizzwizard is a pretty shade; it definitely makes me eager for spring to arrive! The formula is fantastic, and I used three coats plus top coat for these photos.

Stinky Little Truck
Bright metallic silver scattered holo

Inspired by the Veronika Layne Hot Off the Press mysteries by Julia Park Tracey. This collaboration [Duo of Stinky Little Truck and Veronika, shown below] was the brainchild of blogger Michelle Chouinard of Lacquer or Leave Her who asked Literary Lacquers to create these colors in collaboration with Julia.

Michelle writes: In the Hot Off the Press books, Veronica Layne drives a biodiesel truck that runs off of vegetable oil; it’s an excellent alternative fuel, but can make your car smell like a vat of French fries. But really, that’s a small price to pay to keep the earth healthy, especially if you can look like this while you’re doing it. I love metallics and bling during the holidays, but have had difficulty finding a silver polish that has an elegant, sophisticated feel while still making my fingers sparkle and shine. The subtle linear holo and flecked finish in this polish satisfy my need for something that’s glamorous and special, without going way over the top.

How do you make silver polish more awesome? By adding more silver, of course! I love that there is plenty of sparkle to make this polish dazzling while holding back just enough that it still looks classy. This is the perfect shade to wear with your little black dress for your holiday celebrations! I have no issues to report with the formula, and I used two fabulous coats plus top coat for these photos.

Veronika
Violet linear holo with a smattering of tiny holo flakies

Inspired by the Veronika Layne Hot Off the Press mysteries by Julia Park Tracey. This collaboration [Duo of Veronika and Stinky Little Truck, shown above] was the brainchild of blogger Michelle Chouinard of Lacquer or Leave Her who asked Literary Lacquers to create these colors in collaboration with Julia.


Julia writes: I see this as the perfect choice for the character of Veronika Layne, who is a kind of goth-hippie. She’s a tree-hugger and an eco-warrior, who has tattoos, body piercings and loves her sexy lingerie and her black and white cat. Purple nails? Yes, please!

What a gorgeous purple! The base shade alone is stunning, but when the light hits your nails just right, you see extra flashes of purple from the purple microflakes. It truly is a glorious combination; I am in love! In true Literary Lacquers fashion, the formula was fantastic, and I used two flawless coats plus top coat for these photos.

I love every single shade in this collection; these ladies did good! Each polish has a little something that makes them spectacular, and wallets will be crying out after this collection launches! You can certainly pick up gifts for your favorite lacquerista this holiday season from this collection alone. Just don't forget to include yourself!

Speaking of gifts, Amy is offering a gift with purchase!

Give My Heart
Gift with purchase Inspired by In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

While this polish is gorgeous in the bottle, I was not prepared for how much it blew me away when on the nails. It just came to life on the nail, and the rosy coral glow just took my breath away. This polish needs to be renamed to Take My Heart because it certainly did just that! The formula was fantastic, and I used two coats plus top coat for these photos.

The 2015 Community Collection launches at the Literary Lacquers Etsy shop here December 1st at noon mountain time. That's tomorrow!

Gift With Purchase Terms and Other Holiday Promotions

Give My Heart is only available as a free gift with purchase. Purchases of $24 minimum will receive a free 5 mL mini bottle. Purchases of $48 and up will include a free 15 mL full size bottle.

For orders over $75, use code 2015HOLIDAY for free domestic shipping or 2015INTERNATIONAL for $7 off international shipping.

All promotions are good from 12/1/15 at noon mountain time through New Year's Day.


What colours do you have your eye on?

Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful day!
XO!


16 comments

  1. Give my heart has certainly taken my heart also!

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  2. I love the whole inspiration for this collection!

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    1. I do as well! I love seeing what inspires everyone!

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  3. Phizzwizard and A Sensible Rabbit need to be mine! I haven't tried this brand yet.

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    1. I've been wearing LL polishes for a few years now and have almost all of them. I LOVE them!

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  4. Oh wow it's hard to even pick a favorite here they are all so pretty. I havent tried this brand yet so I'm thinking this'll be the one that makes me cave in.

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    1. They are gorgeous, and they each have something that makes them special. I definitely recommend the brand!

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  5. I loved reading all the inspiration stories and "quotes" for these polishes. Its hard to pick a favorite but I have to go with A sensible Rabbit. I just love the combination of base color and glitters.

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  6. What a beautiful collection. Free to fly has to be my favourite.

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