#prettly

I am completely and utterly obsessed with getting my nails done and I am utterly converted to gel polish. I’m very fussy when it comes to my nails but this is because I believe that if you’re paying money to have them done, then you want them to look better than they would if you were to do them yourself.  I don’t think that it’s hard to achieve a really clean, polished and classy look. I have been to many salons and have not been impressed with their nail technique. Sometimes I come away feeling very disappointed and sometimes even complain. I don’t feel it is fair to charge a lot of money for nails unless you receive a really thorough job! Places in London I would recommend are: Coco Nail Bar - Portobello; they are quite pricy but they do a good job. They offer nail design, which I have had for my birthday, with which you can design your own nails and this really gives an added edge to your nails. Perfect for special occasions!

Another salon that I would recommend is a mobile salon called Prettly. Lately I’ve really been enjoying having my nails done in the comfort of my own home. It’s roughly the same price and you can just chill out on your sofa and not make the treck to the salon. Perfect for when you’ve got home chores to do and don’t need to venture out. I have been really impressed with the therapists. They are really friendly and are very good. I would thoroughly recommend this company and I think I’ve now been converted. There’s nothing like that feeling after you’ve had your nails done, that I never seem to feel when I’ve done them myself.  

The brand that I think is the best is Shellac. They DO NOT damage your nails at all and I can vouch for this as I get mine done on a regular basis! They also make your nails look so lovely, with their gloss and shine. I have tried Gelish, OneStep Gel, Artistic nails and other brands but I can say hands down that Shellac is the best brand.

The only downside to Shellac is the colour choice. You don't get the same choice as some of the other brands and when they bring out a new collection it tends to be quite similar to the other colours. However, I will not be converting anytime soon. I’m so obsessed with the brand that I’ve decided to do a shellac course so I can paint my friends’ nails and my own. 

I have been to many salons. Don’t be fooled when they tell you that all gel brands are the same. They are not! Gelish is a much thicker polish and even requires a different technique to take off. I didn't find Artistic Nail Design lasted on my nails at all. So, when they say they are all the same, please believe me they are NOT ! 

I would recommend getting yourself the CND Shellac Nail Rescue treatment. You can put this on twice a day over your shellac or on bare nails. It really helps strengthen your nails and stops them from drying out. It is a little pricy, but it last for months and it’s very good quality. 

This week Team Prettly spoke with NoéMie Schwaller of DASH Magazine, a cutting edge publication at the intersection of fashion, art and design. She tells us about what inspired her to start this one-of-a-kind publication, her life as an editor in London and, in true Prettly fashion, what the look she’s sporting on her nails right now!

 1.      Tell us a little about DASH

DASH Magazine is a biannual fashion print with a fresh concept of visual language and fashion imagery specialising in illustration, particularly in fashion art. The primary aim is to provide a unique aesthetic experience for visually aware and fashion-conscious people and to showcase international emerging talent. With many collaborators per issue, DASH pursues the social purpose of establishing a community of creation. DASH is a platform to showcase fashion art.

 2.      What is your typical working day like?

I arrive at the office between 8 and 8.30am and enjoy some quiet before everyone else arrives. At 10am we have a team meeting discussing who is working on what and tasks that have to be done, or any questions that may be raised. If the schedule allows, I head to the gym over lunch three times a week, which helps me a lot to find harmony and get rid off stress or anger that might have built up. Depending on the workload I leave the office between 7 and 8pm to cook something at home, but often there is some event or launch to go to after work. Reality though is that there is no such thing as a typical working day. I travel a lot and run back and forth to and from meetings, shows or social gatherings. When travelling, I sometimes only get to read my emails after midnight. I definitely do not have a ‘typical’ 9 to 5 office job and wouldn’t want that either.

 3.     How would you explain your own personal style?

Pretty relaxed, but varied. Having to dress up for a lot of social obligations or for example during fashion weeks, I tone it down on days spent at the office and at weekends and reduce the use of make-up, too. When going out the important thing for me is to wear shoes I will last in all night, or take a spare pair with me to change. Nothing ruins a nice evening more than aching feet. And no, I’m not the one dancing or walking home barefoot. As I cycle to work, you would never see me in a pencil skirt or maxi dress, but often a mix and match of designer items and basic wear.

 4.     Who are some of your biggest inspirations? 

Anyone who’s widely interested and interesting; people with knowledge and a good sense of social notions. That, I find inspiring, if not sexy. My godmother is someone I have always admired: her first own film, a documentary on dancing youths in a South African township, will launch in cinemas this March. When I was younger, during my BA, I looked up to Danielle Gurtner from the fashion department of the Swiss women’s lifestyle magazine annablle. She, too, has a large knowledge and interest beyond her primary tasks.

 5.      What has been one of your favourite ‘moments’ with your DASH Magazine journey to date? 

I’m proud when our launch parties are a success; I’m touched when people thank me for my work and my product. I’m relieved when we’ve settled a monetary deal; I’m happy when my team and contributors are too. Someone I look up to telling me I’m an inspiration for them – that’s a feeling making you whole.

 6.      What's the best beauty or fashion advice you ever received? 

Take as much time to take off your make-up as you need to put it on.

 7.      What are the future plans for DASH Magazine?

I’d love to interview and work with Swedish illustrator Mats Gustafson someday – his work is of high subtlety and truly intriguing. But he’s hard to get. At the moment we are in the midst of organising the next event where we will be launching our Spring / Summer 2015 issue as well as co-host the International Fashion Showcase London together with the Embassy of Switzerland in the UK, the British Fashion Council and the British Council. It’s the third year we are part of it and I hope to see you all down there mid-February.

 8.      What’s your favourite part about living and working in London?

Culturally, London has a lot to offer: Every day there is an opening, an exhibition, a show one could go to. The downside is it usually takes forever to get there and back, making you think twice whether it’s worth it. Furthermore, there are all kinds of amazing restaurants and cuisines to discover, something I enjoy with my loved ones.

 9.      What do you do to relax? 

Depends on the urge. Sport and sauna is a good way to feel relaxed – afterwards, that is – as is a hot bath or good sex. Cooking and sharing a bottle of wine with friends I find a way to relax too. In order to sleep I do need harder stuff though.

 10.    What nail varnish colour/brand/look are you sporting on your nails right now?

I’m quite varied when it comes to varnish colours – at the moment I’m wearing a dark, metallic blue. As I get them done, I can choose from the whole colour range, making it easier to try new shades. Real nails are a must – all those plastic and gel fingertips really are quite slutty I find, and I also prefer when toes and fingers colour-match. The rainbow days are over.

Exciting news! Prettly was recently featured in Belgravia Residents' Journal! See the article below - Belgravia says Prettly is upping the local beauty stakes.

Come check us out at www.prettly.com and book your at home manicure/pedicure !

This week LDNFashion.com interviewed our founder Rhea Papanicolaou-Frangista in one of their regular features "My London"!

Rhea talks about some of her favourite things about London, from places that she goes for inspiration, to her favourite brunch, and of course, her favourite place for nails, manicure and pedicure treatments. ;) Check it out here! 

Back in November, we were thrilled to be in a party recommendations story in one of our favourite mags, Time Out London!

A direct quote: "Not just a pretty name...clever new site...guaranteed good service." Couldn't be happier that they enjoyed our new manicure and pedicure service for Londoners! Our first pick for a #ThrowbackThursday to 2014 :) 

Prettly tip: If you haven't signed up with us or booked yet, you can do so here! 

Here at Prettly we LOVE Instagram, so this week we've rounded up some of our favourite Instagram accounts (other than our own of course!). These are the makeup, beauty, nails and fashion brands that are our personal cream of the crop, and inspire to get creative not only for our at-home manicures and pedicures, but in life in general!

Of course there are only a few of the ones we love, and we'll have a round two of this list soon. Check them out below and click the links to follow.

For Nails: Essie

Essie's Instagram account has something for literally any kind of nail lover - from quirky nail art, to glam glitter varnish, to simple and classic shades. For your next manicure, rest assured that they'll be something here to inspire you. 

For Makeup: Benefit Cosmetics

We're not always the girliest of the beauty brands out there, but we love our fix once in a while. And there's really nowhere better to get it than Benefit's instagram, which is seriously making pink cool again, one lipstick at a time. 

For Fashion: Topshop

Glitz, glam and London. Topshop's instagram account in three words. (And clothes, and great fashion tips, and models, and Cara Delevigne :)...)

For Inspiration: Birchbox

The ultimate in beauty discovery, Birchbox's Instagram doesn't disappoint either. Check it out for beauty tips and sneak peeks at their addictive boxes!

For Local London: Astrid + Miyu

This jewelry brand is our hidden gem of this post - literally! Their account features their beautifully delicate line of jewelry, inspiring quotes and a dose of excitement as it showcases its growing press and fan following, which includes famous Londoners like Rochelle Humes and Lucy Watson.    

Last week we were so excited to be featured in the weekly "Hot List" in Harper's Bazaar UK! 

The publication described Prettly's "chic website" as "easy to use" and with a "clever payment system", delivering a "perfect Shellac manicure in record time". Check out the article here, and big thank you to harpersbazaar for the lovely review! A happy Christmas treat for us!