MANICURE MUSE: Chanel Cruise ‘13

Let them have ladyfingers! On Monday, King Karl took reign over Versailles to present Chanel’s 2013 Cruise collection. His re-imagined Marie Antoinette was the ultimate mash-up of “Ghetto Royale” (which actually played as the soundtrack to the show) mixing opulence with rocker chic. Formal eighteenth century silhouettes like pantaloons, stacks of ruffles, and circle skirts translate to modern day with denim and punky flat forms. The best part? Similar to their historical counterparts, models sported candy-colored wigs and signature Chanel logos for beauty marks. 

To emulate this look, I used I Will! by L’Oreal, and Neon Pink and Red Color Club duo. 

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Paint your full nail white

2. Using a red nail art brush or pen, draw swirls to create a “W” half way up your nail

3. Fill in the bottom portion leaving some white space

4. Once dry layer pink swirls on top 

5. Top it off with top coat

MANICURE MUSE: Altuzarra AW’12

No need to board a plane to take a trip to North Africa. Let Joseph Altuzarra take you there with his dizzying trip of a Fall ‘12 collection. One of my favorites this season is Altuzarra’s collection that fuzed Moroccan carpet patterns and ethnic pom poms/coin embellishment (who needs jewelry when you can wear it?) with military-inspired jackets and French-style skirts. The stand-out was the outerwear featuring cropped sailor pea coats, shearling lined toggle coats, velvet blazers, and this black and white ikat beauty donned with a massive fur white collar. 

To emulate this look, I used I Will by L’Oreal, Vinyl by Orly, and black and white by Color Club Duo. 

MANICURE MUSE: Celine AW’12

Celine’s Fall collection is much like her highly coveted shopper tote: sculptural, elegant and stripped to the basic elements of design. Strong geometric elements with rounded shoulder lines, ankle cropped pants and soft leather detailing spoke in unison with the stark setting of the show. My favorite piece is this round-shouldered chic geometric overcoat.

To emulate, I used Cadogan Square by Nails Inc and Red, Royal Blue, Black and White Nail Art Duos by Color Club.

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Start with a full nude nail

2. Divide your nail in half with a black nail art brush

3. Paint a thin red line towards the top of your nail reaching the black line

4. Repeat by painting a blue line beneath the red

5. Fill in the black square on the bottom left portion of your nail

6. Paint a white thin triangle with the point reaching the center of the nail

7. Outline the other side of your white triangle with your black

8. Fill in the portion next to the white triangle with black filling in the top right portion of your nail

9. Top it off with top coat!

MANICURE MUSE: Prada AW’12

After a Spring collection to remember, Prada was one of my highly anticipated shows and Miuccia never disappoints. However, if you wanted an explanation for the fabulous clashing prints, floor length vests, or 3D embroideries, you’ll have to lean back and simply enjoy the ride. When asked about her take on the collection, Miuccia explained “everyone has a theory about their collections these days, but I’m sick of theories. This collection is about the pleasure of fashion.” Amen. 

(Also noteworthy: Pat McGrath’s kohl-coated eyes and contrasting extensions. Yes, please.)

To recreate my favorite look from the collection, I used Sew Psyched by Essie and Black/White nail art brushed by Color Club’s Duo collection. 

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Start with a full green nail

2. Using a thin nail art brush, draw 3 black diagonal lines

3. Repeat crossing over the other direction

4. Draw straight lines across, bisecting where the two diagonals meet

5. Fill in the top triangles with black

6. Using a white nail art brush, draw smaller diamonds within the existing ones

7. Top it off with top coat

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Manicure Muse: Addison AW’12

When it comes to translating fashion into nail art, I’m always drawn to graphic prints. The bolder, the better [my motto]. With that said, this Addison dress makes for the perfect muse. 

To emulate, I used Baker Street by Nails Inc. and Color Club’s black nail art brush.

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Paint your full nail blue

2. Using a black nail art brush draw a line just above a French tip

3. Outline a triangle with the tip facing the right side of your nail

4. Fill in accordingly and seal with top coat

(Photo: Addison)

MANICURE MUSE: Custo Barcelona AW’12

“It’s a fusion of colors, graphics and materials,” said Custo Dalmau of his eclectic Fall collection. There was no shortage of everything under the sun. The collection included fringe, fur, sequins, prints, lame and leather (say that three times fast), but somehow it all worked. Eye-popping color radiated off the models, who were an after-thought to the clothes. Shown here is my favorite look from the show. 

To recreate, I used Case Study by Essie, Royal by Love & Beauty, Blingtastic Gem Crush by Sally Hansen, and White and Black by Color Club.

To get these Ladyfingers:

1. Start with a taupe colored base

2. Apply a line of metallic blue down the center of your nail

3. Once dry, layer blue glitter on top of the blue line

4. Using a white nail art brush, draw two lines on either side of your nail 

5. Using a black nail art brush, apply two small diagonal lines on either side of the blue connecting to the white vertical lines

6. Fill in a small amount of black at the very top on either side of the blue

7. Top it off with Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat 

(Photo: elle.com)

MANICURE MUSE: Peter Som AW’12

We’re in the heart of NYFW and, so far, there’s little to be disappointed about. Paisley is on the rise and white is definitely the new black. Peter Som’s shows are typically filled with colors and prints, but this year, he threw off the crowd with a very different collection. A slew of white and ivories kicked off the show, followed by two breathtaking full fur looks inspired by old Hollywood muses Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich. The luscious, vibrant colors add to the extravagance and seriousness associated with fur, though the seemingly random pattern makes it fun and flirty. Not to mention the acidic oranges and reds clearly already on my radar for Spring. 

To emulate, I used Brilliant White by CND, Viola by Julep Nail Vernis, Choco-Latte by Sally Hansen, Orange Creamsicle by Avon, and Goin’ Back to Cali by Ginger+Liz.

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Start with a fully white nail

2. Using your dark brown, paint two brush strokes at the bottom of your nail creating a loose “V”

3. Layer taupe on either side of the brown you just made, let them layer if possible

4. Using your pink, paint a reverse “V” with the tip towards the top of your nail

5. Layer orange on either side of the pink you just made allowing it to overlap with the brown if possible

6. Top it off with Color Club’s Zero to 60 fast dry top coat