If you’re considering a career as an executive pet assistant, learn from my mistakes. Read your employment contract carefully before you sign (and maybe even enlist the help of an attorney); otherwise, you just might find yourself at the mercy of a demanding diva.
Apparently, my lawyer and I missed the clause in my contract that grants Tabs final wardrobe, nail color and accessories approval. Honestly, if I’d known all of the bullsh*t baggage that would come with this gig beforehand, I probably would’ve just gone to law school instead…
Today’s dilemma has to do with kitty coats and complementary colors. Specifically, Tabs and his stylist have been planning my wardrobe for the next two weeks, and they’ve chosen a theme based on classic fall shades designed to complement his fur — colors like the ones in the new Essie Brand New Bag Collection. 🙂
Essie Brand New Bag colors from the left: Very Structured, Case Study and Glamour Purse; Not pictured: Carry On (a mulberry merlot), Power Clutch (a dark green) and Lady Like (a demure pink)
Available now at beauty stores, salons, spas and drugstores, the six-piece collection features polishes with creamy finishes in autumnal hues of pink, beige, green, wine and brown — colors that Essies says were inspired by the structured handbags and ladylike glamour of the 1940s and ’50s.
Tabs and his stylist have narrowed down their decision to three of the six colors, claiming that Case Study (a cool beige with a hint of gray), Glamour Purse (a purplish taupe) and Very Structured (a cinnamon stick red) should “sing” beside his gray, brown and rust colored tabby coat, and they insisted that I swatch the three shades immediately.
Swatches from the left: Case Study, Glamour Purse and Very Structured
Swatches from the left: Very Structured, Glamour Purse and Case Study
I’m still pretty salty about not being allowed to pick my own nail polishes, but I have to admit — the cat has impeccable taste. 🙂 Not only do these colors match his fur, but all three go really well with the faux snakeskin clutch Tabs picked out for me (vintage Banana Republic, circa 2005).
Even though these polishes take forever and a day to dry, they deliver full coverage color and breathtaking shine in just a single coat (although I used two coats in these pics, per Tabs’ explicit instructions).
PRICE: $8 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at beauty supply stores, drugstores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Fresh faces in pet modeling…
You heard it here first, folks! The next two up-and-coming superstars in the world of pet modeling are named Bucky and Colby, and here they are posing with their tubes of MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass.
Bucky hails from Milwaukee, where he lives with his assistant, Julia. His specialty? — his hypnotic eyes.
Colby, who lives with Alka and her daughter, has a stone cold stare that’s making waves on runways worldwide. Expect big things from Colby this year.
The early buzz is that both of these cuties are set to make a big splash on runways this fall.
Keep your eyes peeled! 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
NeutraKris says
August 16th, 2011 at 6:04 pmWasn’t “Power Clutch” in this collection, too? I thought I saw photos of this collection online with “Power Clutch”, though that’s a permanent color.
NeutraKris recently posted … NEW: BH Cosmetics Products
Karen says
August 16th, 2011 at 6:07 pmYup, it is! These are three of the six colors. 🙂
Jessi says
August 16th, 2011 at 6:08 pmI’m not sure I need any of these colors, but they really look great on you! Especially next to Tabs’ fur!
Jessi recently posted … Lip Layering Swatch Spam!
Karen says
August 16th, 2011 at 6:09 pmI’ll let Tabs and his stylist know that you think they hit it out of the park. 😉
Kelly says
August 16th, 2011 at 6:13 pmglamour purse looks amazing. 😀
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:53 amYes it does!
Jen W says
August 16th, 2011 at 6:28 pmI like Power Clutch and Lady like- both so chic and universally flattering. Not so sure about Very Structured though- a little too ’90s for me I think 🙂
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:52 amHi Jen,
Both are great shades! 🙂 Hope you’re having a nice day!
Heidi says
August 16th, 2011 at 6:51 pmDemanding divo he may be, but the cat knows his colors. I want all three!
Speaking of cats, I picked up this book today and I have to say, it’s the funniest thing I’ve read in forever! A must read for CCL’s!
http://www.selfhelpforcats.com/
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:51 amHi Heidi,
This cracked me up: “Filled with quizzes, exercises and insider tips, this indispensable guide empowers cats to make the twenty minutes they’re awake each day the best twenty minutes of their lives. ” HAHA!
Here’s a book that my friend and fellow CCL, Yadi, told me about that I want to read: CLEO: The Cat Who Mended a Family. I read an excerpt and it nearly brought me to tears: The Clever Kitten Who Healed Our Family’s Heartache.
Alaina says
August 16th, 2011 at 7:01 pmOoh, I like the look of Very Structured. It’s a fall color for sure.
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:44 amHi Alaina,
Definitely! I think it would look super cute with a chocolate brown jacket and a scarf. 🙂
Stacey says
August 16th, 2011 at 7:20 pmthose 3 colours look very pretty, definitely says autumn….they also match really well with Tabs fur, the cat has good taste!!! loving the clutch choice too!
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:43 amHi Stacey,
He picked out the clutch, too! Gotta love a diva cat who knows his accessories. 🙂
Do you have any pets at home?
Taffy says
August 16th, 2011 at 7:38 pmI just got the minis from this collection and I just love Very Structured. I know that colour is not for everyone but it’s definately for me!
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:43 amHi Taffy,
Nice! What other colors do you like from the collection?
Taffy says
August 17th, 2011 at 4:53 pmI really like Lady Like (because it is) but Power Clutch is a sweet medium grey that I’m really into. I’m so glad that Essie branched out from neutrals & pinks…more colour choices is great!
Alyse says
August 16th, 2011 at 7:51 pmI have just ordered lady like, Glamour purse and case study – yah. even thought were 2 weeks away from spring here.
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:42 amHi Alyse,
Oh, nice! I think that even though the colors are very fall you can still easily wear them into spring. You won’t be disappointed.
Lunachat says
August 16th, 2011 at 7:53 pmTabs asked that I point out your clerical error. He wishes to state that your contract does not have a clause. It has CLAWS. These are pretty, a bit reminiscent of Butter London’s Tramp Stamp, Fash Pack and Yummy Mummy.
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:42 amHAHA! Of course… CLAWS! 😀
How’s your day going, Lunachat? Good, I hope!
Alyse says
August 16th, 2011 at 7:54 pmp.s are you going to be swatching the Becca Lost weekend Collection? I always look to your blog for becca swatches 🙂
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:41 amHi Alyse,
Let me see what I can do. 😉
Megan says
August 16th, 2011 at 7:57 pmI may have just found the one red polish I’ve ever liked in Very Structured. Ow OW. My half-tabby half-tortie also approves, of course.
(Pepper sends love and kisses, Tabs!)
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:41 amHi Megan,
Imagine Very Structured on toes… TOO CUTE!
Tabs sends Pepper kitty hugs back, btw. 🙂
Shannon says
August 16th, 2011 at 8:07 pmI like the theme of this collection. Very Structured looks like a great fall color. I haven’t picked up any of these yet, but might get that one. 🙂 Glamour Purse is also nice (love the name), but I think I already have something similar. The pet models are adorable 🙂
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:40 amHi Shannon,
Me too. It’s very solid — one of Essie’s best yet!
As for the pet models, they sure know how to work it. 🙂 Do you live with any fur friends? Here it’s just me and Tabs. I want another cat, but he’s very territorial and will NOT have it.
dani@callitbeauty says
August 16th, 2011 at 8:49 pmLOVE glamour purse!
oh, and bucky & colby are ADORABLE!
dani@callitbeauty recently posted … Effective & Inexpensive Makeup Removers, FTW!
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:39 amHi Dani,
I like that one too. 🙂
How have you been? Are you having a good week?
Sarah says
August 16th, 2011 at 9:11 pmI adore this collection – I think Essie was spot-on for their fall choices and I feel like I will be getting a lot of wear out of all 6 of these colors as the weather cools. I wore a case study mani for the last few days and I’m thinking about wearing a carry on pedi with a lady like mani next week for my first day back to work (I’m a high school teacher).
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:38 amHi Sarah,
Oh cool. There are a couple of teachers here on MBB (you should chat with Hyzenthlay… she teaches science). What subjects/grades do you teach?
Sarah says
August 17th, 2011 at 10:27 amI teach all senior electives – AP psychology, general psychology, and sociology. It’s a great job, but I’m not ready to go back! Summer vacation flies by faster every year – sometimes I feel like I drag my heels about going back to school more than the kids.
Sarah says
August 17th, 2011 at 11:03 amOn another note, I just caved and painted my toes with Carry On while my son is napping! It’s dark burgundy/purple takes me back to the days when these colors first became popular. I remember I was in 7th grade when Chanel’s Vamp hit the shelves and my mom bought me the Revlon equivalent, which was called Vixen. I thought I was so hot!
Jenn says
August 16th, 2011 at 11:22 pmI’m so glad Essie makes their colors perm! 🙂
Jenn recently posted … Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick: 587 Dior Kiss, 554 It Pink
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:37 amHi Jenn,
I take it you’re an Essie fan. What are your favorite colors?
peach_ says
August 17th, 2011 at 12:16 amI’m not exactly sure why, but the photo of your nails above Tab’s head cracked me up! All three colors look great on you. Tabs does indeed have great taste!
peach_ recently posted … Chanel Le Vernis Lilac Sky 210
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:37 amHi Peach,
LOL, he wanted to be sure that the colors photographed well against his fur. 😉
Hope you’re having a great week so far!
Kim says
August 17th, 2011 at 4:56 amThese colors look spot-on for fall. Very nice! The downside will definitely be the drying time, though.
Karen says
August 17th, 2011 at 7:36 amHi Kim,
They take FOREVER to dry, even with drying drops! I think the colors are worth it, though.
What are you wearing on your nails these days?
Kim says
August 18th, 2011 at 6:15 amUg, I hate that! I always end up with a divot or some pattern pressed into at least one nail! Mine are currently naked but my toes are sporting OPI/Sephora’s I’m With Brad. My nails tend to get a bit dried out when I wear polish so I’ll generally only do it for special occasions. I’ve been better about remembering the cuticle oil lately, so they’re looking pretty healthy. 🙂
No Drama Momma says
August 17th, 2011 at 8:16 amHmmm, I’m not sure any of these are going to look good with my skin tone. I hope you review the other three, especially Carry On!
Julia says
August 17th, 2011 at 9:38 amOMG Karen, thanks for putting Bucky up!! I’m like a stage mom right now :-p
Tekoa says
August 17th, 2011 at 9:53 amAt least you only have one executive pet assistant. Keeping up with the demands of three live in mammals is impossible. They keep giving me incompatible instructions. One demands I buy her a new toy, the second uses my tummy as a sleeping location and the third announces (loudly) that the new fall IT colour is navy blue. Not bitter green like it was 10 min ago, but navy blue and I’d better get my human butt in gear changing the press release. All at the same time!
On the up side I like Case Study 🙂
Nina says
August 17th, 2011 at 10:08 amim totally digging glamour purse! <3
Ms.VanCartier says
August 17th, 2011 at 12:23 pmDoes anyone else think that glamour purse looks somewhat like mink muffs?! either way I love Essie! I’ll probably buy them all!
Patty says
August 17th, 2011 at 2:03 pmKaren,
One of the best “cat” books I’ve ever read: “All My Patients Are Under The Bed: Memoirs of a Cat Doctor” by Dr. Louis Camuti, a New York City vet who specialized in making house calls to sick cats, wrote this delightful memoir about his years in practice.
The Description:
Dr. Camuti was a character, even a bit of a curmudgeon. This is not your typical “cat stories” book, all treacley and preachy and maudlin. This is a straightforward guy telling straightforward “no kidding, there I was” -style war stories, and sounding just like a prototypical NYC veterinarian should. For many years, Doctor Louis Camuti tended an amazing variety of cats in New York City, owned by a more amazing variety of famous artists, authors, Broadway and motion picture stars, producers, and executives. His insight into the owners is sometimes jucier than his insight into their cats (which is considerable). Although he specialized in cats, he also treated “any animal that was suffering”, including a pigeon, marmosets, honeybears, and ocelots.
amy says
August 17th, 2011 at 4:22 pmI like Glamour Purse the best out of the three. Overall, these colours look very chic.
Alka says
August 18th, 2011 at 6:15 amLoving this entire Essie collection! I will probably pick up the mini’s of these for sure. 🙂 Thanks for putting up the pic of Colby, my daughter will be over the moon excited when she sees it!
Karen says
August 18th, 2011 at 9:27 amYou’re welcome! I hope she gets a kick out of seeing her kitty hit the big time. 😉