Neither violet nor grey like the sky today

I've been putting together a 'colours of winter' feature for the magazine I edit, and while there are dozens of gorgeous nail colours to oogle this winter, most are rich shades of red or purple or navy that just don't feel right yet. 


It's like that snuggly grey scarf peeking at me from my wardrobe...tempting, but...not just yet...but then my happy little Huffer shorts don't feel right anymore either, nor does my Essie Mint Candy Apple mani. It's that strange seasonal-straddle that has me constantly layering up then unpeeling again when the sun comes out. Frustrating as heck when you're allowed 3 seconds flat to get ready in the morning...


So, I've been embracing the in-between-look; blazers thrown over breezy summer dresses, snuggly jumpers with little shorts, cardigans over camisoles...and this lilac-y-grey 'Muggins' by Butter London is the perfect accompaniment. Just don't extend it to your toes...unless you're moonlighting as an extra on CSI. 


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Embrace the lace trend

Image courtesy of CND nails

If you're like me and love the idea of lace but not the reality (I somehow look like a giant granny-kerchief no matter HOW expensive or chic the design) here's a way to embrace the trend without looking like a doily disaster.

This beautiful nail extension was created for the Joy Cioci show by CND nails (I promise I don't have shares in CND, I'm just loving all their Fashion Week coverage). You could easily recreate it at home by first painting your nails with base coat and laying a (carefully shaped) piece of fine lace over the nail and finishing with top coat, but if you want the exact look below are the professional instructions. Print this page off and take it to your local CND nail salon.


1. Sculpt clear tips with crystal clear Retention+ Liquid and Powder

2. Lay a piece of fine weaved lace over the nail

3. Apply a light layer of Shellac in Cream Puff, creating a random, deconstructed lacey pattern.

4. Cure and seal.


Email me photos when you do!

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The prettiest nails at fashion week

Image courtesy of CND 

I'm a beauty junkie, so technically I should be all over the current obsession for nails in every colour of the rainbow, and for awhile I was. I'm still looking forward to donning Bus Stop Crimson on my toes, and will be sporting crayola yellow nails for at least one summer wedding, but I have otherwise reached (colour) saturation point.

I blame my day job: scrolling through image after image of the various fashion weeks for a forthcoming nail feature left me craving a palette cleanser. When this image popped into my inbox from CND nails (taken back stage at Alexandre Herchovitch) it was the refreshing visual sorbet I needed. The 'Sugar Babe' manicure was created by first coating the nails with Air Dry Top Coat then sprinkling fine white sparkle on top and sealing with Brisa Gloss.

I haven't worn glitter on my nails since college, but this is just subtle enough to work for office and outings.

And how pretty is her eye shadow? If anyone can tell me how to recreate it I will love you dearly forever and ever.

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Hello Yellow

Image courtesy of CND nails

We have already established that I can't wear a yellow dress for wedding season (if you're new to Beaunz fill yourself in here)...but I've found the perfect compromise in this CND 'Bicycle Yellow' polish used on the Karen Walker models' nails at NYFW.

The KW collection was a gorgeous mash-up of prints and preppy with flashes of coral and blue (and as usual there are several pieces I have put in my 'to save for' file) but the thing that really stood out to me was the beautiful makeup and styling. I love the combination of flushed cheeks and coral lips, but it wouldn't be KW without a little wacky - hence the crayola yellow nails. I was going to write 'she nailed it' but that would be a cheesy, gratuitous pun for pun's sake.

I've got my styling sorted...now all I need is that darned dress...

Any ideas, lovely readers?

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Summer Toes

Bus Stop Crimson by Orly

During a break between shows at Fashion Week I had my nails done at the Magic Tan nail bar, in this gorgeous Orly shade Bus Stop Crimson.

 

It was the first time in years that I had worn red on my fingernails, as I usually opt for something light and neutral or no colour at all. My nails were short and 'squoval' at the time and I loved the way they looked. Unfortunately, they chipped and split and only lasted a couple of days before I had to take it all off again.

 

I love nail polish, but I'm too impatient to wait for it to dry properly so I usually end up with bumps and knocks instead of that glossy sheen some women seem to rock every day of the week. My toes are a different story because I love being barefoot, so drying time is never a problem. 

I am currently shopping around for my summer signature toe nail shade, and I'm thinking Bus Stop Crimson just might be it. Any suggestions lovely readers?

 

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