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Shake your Glitter
One of my favorite parts about the advent of the holiday season (in addition to copious amounts of Nat King Cole “Christmas” music, eggnog, present wrapping, and reruns of “Elf,”) is the release of festive nail polish collections. What other time of the year can you get away with wearing virtual disco balls on your fingertips? Since these colors aren’t always “office-appropriate,” (hey, unless you work at a graphic design office or for a fashion magazine), why not don one for a New Year’s soiree, or perhaps that holiday ball or Dirty Santa cocktail party you’re going to in a few days?
Deborah Lippmann’s holiday collection is bright, girly, and bold; I love how she uses teal and magenta instead of traditional red and green.
Deborah Lippmann “Dance Music” Holiday Mini Trio, $29
If you prefer to exercise a little more restraint with your polish choices, stick with a classic, simple gold or deep red. I love this “Butter by London” collection because the shimmer is subtle and minimal – understated, yet sophisticated.
Butter London Holiday Glitter Trio, $36
Since I’m a pink girl at heart, I’m drooling over Essie’s “A Cut Above” (middle, clear pink). It can be layered over a pale, opaque pink, or worn alone as a transparent glitter finish, whichever you prefer.
Essie Luxe Effects Collection, Holiday 2011
Spruce up your nails and get in the holiday spirit – and bring on the glitter parade!
Stay chic,
Annie
Fall 2011: Posh Polish
Since the toes are in hibernation for the next five to six months, I regularly change up my nail polish color during the cold, winter months (let’s be honest, I change it weekly until it chips all year long). I’ve long been a fan of OPI’s “You don’t know Jacques!” and “Over the Taupe,” as I know many of my friends, clients, and readers are. Fortunately, the panoply of trendy neutrals we all loved last fall and winter are still popular choices this season. If you’re like me, however, and looking for a refreshing change of pace while still hovering in neutral territory, why not try another shade of gray, brown, or even navy? These beauties are worth the change.
Essie’s winter 2011-2012 collection, “Cocktail Bling” has some gorgeous shades I’m drooling over.
Essie’s “Cocktail Bling”- A warm, blueish gray. Photo courtesy here
A rich navy – Essie’s “Bobbing for Baubles”. Photo courtesy here
Can’t. stop. painting. my. nails. this. color. Metallic brown? Why, yes! OPI’s “Expresso your Style.” Photo courtesy here.
Do you like to change it up? What do you think of this season’s color palette? I’m going to continue rockin’ the metallic brown. For more fall nail polish color ideas, check out this post.
Stay chic,
Annie
Shades of Gray
I’m not sure if it’s my current obsession with OPI’s “Skull & Glossbones,” (the perfect manicure shade for summer), or the soothing effect of Benjamin Moore’s “Cliffside Gray” (thanks, Katie Lee), but I can’t seem to get enough of gray. I even styled my bedroom after Miss Lee’s house, which is replete with this color. From rich purple grays to understated blue and white-grays, this color palette is both soothing and current. Chevron pillows, statement cocktail rings, and washes of bedroom color all look cool and effortless in a shade of gray.
Some favie gray pieces and inspiration for you:
Top row, from left: Madeline Weinrib Organic Gray Chevron Pillow; Jolie B. Ray Moonstone Cocktail Ring, $2,400; Maison Scotch Leather Shopper, $178
Middle row, from left: Katie Lee (Joel)’s guest bedroom (image via Google) – color on walls is Benjamin Moore’s Cliffside Gray – this is the color on my bedroom walls!; OPI “Skull & Glossbones,”; Essie “Great Expectations“
Third row, from left: Soft Joie Redmond Long Skirt, $118; Marc by Marc Jacobs Faceted Ring, $68; Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent Jaden Sandals, $245
Can anyone guess the bottom right picture?
Another reason to wear gray? It’s timeless, versatile, and acts as an instant neutral: wear anything gray against a pop of vibrant, summer color to balance your look. Tired of your basic black and white pieces? Take the modern route and go gray. I’m in love!
Stay chic,
Annie
Springy Nails
J’adore la ligne de printemps 2011 d’Essie de couleurs de vernis à ongles.
What, you may say? Let me introduce you to Essie’s Spring 2011 line of nail polish, entitled “French Affair” and inspired by 1960’s glamour and the French Riviera. 
Each polish has been dubbed with a flirtatious and exotic name, and the cheerful, feminine and sweet pastel palette flatters a variety of skin tones. What I love so much about these colors is that they’re thick and opaque, as opposed to sheer. Just a couple of coats and your nails are color-concentrated and ready for Easter!
“I think every woman has a little Brigitte Bardot in her, and this palette coaxes her out,” says Essie Weingarten, founder of the eponymously-named brand.
Essie “French Affair” Collection nail polishes Nice Is Nice, Coat Azure and French Affair. Courtesy of Essie
Essie “French Affair” Collection nail polishes Topless & Barefoot, Sand Tropez and Kisses And Bises. Courtesy of Essie
‘Topless & Barefoot’ and ‘Sand Tropez’ work as simple neutrals, while ‘Nice is Nice’ and ‘French Affair’ will compliment a sun-kissed complexion with their bubble-gum tones. I bought French Affair last week, wore it when I went out Saturday night, and literally received a multitude of compliments on this pepto-bismol shade of pink.
One pair of espadrilles, a pair of over-sized sunglasses, a vintage Chanel scarf, and a plane ticket to Nice, please. Dreaming of the French Riviera…
Stay chic,
Annie
Deep & Dark: Winter Nails
If you’ve been searching for the perfect wash of Holiday color for your nails, look no further. This winter, deep wine, merlot, and burgundy shades are making their debut, and as Essie puts it, “Intriguing color is the new sexy.” Sophisticated, mysterious, and warm, this color palette is just in time for Christmas.
With just an ounce of sparkle (for festive cheer), OPI’s “Tease-y Does it” is easily one of my favorites to try. It’s from their new “Burlesque” line of colors which came out in November. It’s a deep, purple-y red with shimmer.
Another color to try is Essie’s “Masquerade Belle,” ($8) a deep wine wash from their Winter 2010 collection.
Essie’s Luxedo, $8 (Winter 2010)
One thing to keep in mind when applying dark colors: keep your nails filed fairly short (to medium) and square. If they are too long, you will look vampy (say no to Elvira nails)!
Stay chic,
Annie
obsessed: gray nails
Back yet once again, this neutral color is the perfect transitional tone for summer to fall. Soft and subtle, yet an excellent alternative to the bright neons and corals of summer.
photo via here
Try:
Dashing Diva “Astor Place,” $8
Opi “You don’t know Jacques!” (Looks like a coppery-brown, but it turns out to be a pretty heather gray on)
Essie, “Chinchilly,” $8
I’m loving gray for early fall – so chic & versatile!