Now, in the last few months I've joyfully succumbed to the love that is getting my nails done at a Japanese-style salon! This happened because I decided that for my birthday back in February that I wanted some cute, girly Gal nails done. I hopped on Google, rolled onto Yelp and found a lovely nail salon called Kawaii Nails. And I'm soooo happy I did!
Kawaii Nails is a cute little salon nestled in a small shopping center in Tustin, California.I made my first appointment about 15 minutes before they closed the day before, but they took me for the next day at around 2pm, if I'm remembering correctly (wow, the memory's going, I must be getting old, lol).
My nailist at Kawaii Nails is Ayumi, who is awesome. I told her that it was my first time doing Japanese style gel nails and that I wanted something pretty for my birthday. She was totally in agreement and we talked a little bit about how I was planning to celebrate my birthday (sushi with friends, yum!).
I went in inspired by these nails that Miss Mitsu had done a few years back (I hope you don't mind!). I had bought a new dress at Charlotte Russe to wear to go out to sushi with my friends the weekend of my birthday, and I really wanted something to match my dress (which you'll see later ^ ^).
I remembered Mitsu's pretty Alpaca nails and thought the cute pink flowers would go well with my black printed with pink flowers dress. I brought the photo in and this is what Ayumi and I came up with based on that:
Didn't they come out really well??? I was SO super-happy when I left, and I couldn't stop staring at my nails, they were so pretty and perfect, just what I was looking for! Ayumi painted the flowers by hand, and consulted me about everything, including the base color, the colors for the flowers, and even the placement of the stones. I also chose to try something new and have my natural nails shaped into an "almond" shape that was slightly pointy at the ends.
Since that first magical nail set, I've gone back to Kawaii Nails to get 2 more sets, including my current nails:
My second set, done about a month after the first set. I chose a nude peach color with soft gold glitter accent nails. I had a blunt, square shape and a shorter length for these nails, which was a nice change. ^ ^ I realized after I got them done that they matched my new Charlotte Russe dress I wore to my friend's going-away party at the end of March. ^ ^;;
And my current nails! After waiting 2.5 months (never do that, my growth was ridiculous and lifted gel is not like flaking polish >_<), I went with this fresh heather blue and white curved stripe design with silver glitter and small round stones. Did a round shape and a shorter length to even out my nails since I broke both index fingernails trying to peel the lifted gel off from my last set, silly me~
I love Kawaii Nails; I will try to take photos of the interior for you next time I go in to do my nails, which will probably sometime next month. Definitely recommend!
Also, I'm attending Anime Expo 2013 next week! And I'm really excited! Why? Because the band PORNO GRAFFITI is a Guest of Honor and will be having a concert on Saturday at Club Nokia (still need to buy my ticket, d'oh!), and....
That's right, Gal brands MA*RS, Liz Lisa, Gold's Infinity, Glavil by Tutuha, Liz Lisa Doll, and Tralala will be officially for sale for the first time overseas at AX! There's a fashion show and pop up stores for each brand, so if you're in the area, don't miss out! More info can be found Anime Expo's page.
So many exciting things; I have a costume to review, and I'm excited to post about the con... totally can't wait for next week! Now, if only I can get Friday off. XD
Until next time~
