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

MANICURE MUSE: Ali Stephens for Flair April ‘12

Well, I’m back from a much needed vacation and tanner than ever. Mission accomplished! If you need a visual, you can refer to Miss Ali Stephens for Flair magazine. Meanwhile, I’ll pretend that the picture-perfect body and Burberry cropped parka are, in fact, mine. 

To emulate this look, I used Pretty Edgy by Essie, Brilliant White by CND and Baker Street by Nails Inc. 

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Paint your full nail green

2. Using your white and a thin nail art brush dab on sporadic small dots

3. Using a different nail art brush, apply 1 to 3 irregular squares and rectangles on your nail with dark blue

4. Clean up the edges of your squares with your white nail art brush

5. Outline the white edges with a black nail art pen applying just a thin line

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

(Photo: fashiongonerogue.com)

MANICURE MUSE: Prada Spring ‘12

Because you can never have enough Prada. 

To emulate, I used Cruising by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Too Too Hot by Essie, and Vinyl by Orly. 

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Paint your full nail gold

2. Paint a red line down the center of your nail

3. Once dry, apply tape horizontally covering the bottom portion of your nail

4. Paint exposed area black

5. Using a dotter tool, apply red dots on either side of your red line

6. Apply smaller black dots in between the red ones just made

7. Use a black nail art pen to apply tiny dots in the center of the red dots

8. Finish by drawing a very thin black line on either side of the red line

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

(Photo: elle.com)

MANICURE MUSE: Balmain AW’12

Olivier Rousteing may only be two seasons into his reign, but he’s certainly no stranger to the craftmanship inherent to Balmain. Apart from the iconic Balmain shapes and structures, Rousteing carried the rocking body-con minidresses into Fall, but this time dripping in crystals and pearls. I’ll take one of those, please! 

To recreate this look, I used Office by American Apparel, Case Study by Essie, and Got My Groove Back by Ginger+Liz.

(Photo: elle.com)

MANICURE MUSE: DSquared² AW’12

Need a date to the prom anyone? Better claim one of the DSquared² models quick, because these ladies are the definition of cool. Staged as a High School prom (complete with disco balls), the DSquared² show concluded Milan Fashion Week with an early 1960s vibe. The models donned bouffant hairdos, pointy-toed pumps and sunglasses that are heading straight to the top of my “must-have” list. This look in particular is the perfect mix of 60s edge with modern day flair. 

To recreate, I used Soul Mate by Essie, Papaya Punch by China Glaze and a white nail art brush. 

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Visually divide your nail into thirds- use tape if it helps

2. Paint the top third of your nail a dark maroon

3. Paint the middle portion of your nail marigold

4. Paint the bottom third of your nail the same dark maroon

5. Using a white nail art brush, paint a line of white where the colors intersect

6. Make another white line halfway through the middle of the marigold portion

7. Apply a white line at the very top of your nail following your cuticle curve

8. Fix any mess around the cuticle

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

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MANICURE MUSE: The Addison Story

To be on the cusp of spring, for me, means a tantalizing wait until music festival season. Luckily I keep myself busy by daydreaming about the perfect festival outfits. If you, too, are beginning your research, simply look to The Addison Story. This versatile maxi is perfect to throw on and get you from day to night. The spring collection hits stores in a couple of weeks, so be on the look out. 

I used: Cute as a Button by Essie, Lapis of Luxury by Essie and Summer Peach by American Apparel. 

To get these Ladyfingers:

1. Divide your nail into three sharp triangles… two down the center and one across the bottom of your nail

2. Paint peach in the triangle on the left side, blue on the right, and pink across the bottom. It’s ok if it get’s messy, we’ll go over the lines

3. Once all three colors are applied and dry, use a white nail art brush to paint a thick line over where the colors meet

4. Paint two black lines using a black nail art pen following the lines you made

5. Top it off with Seche Vite’s Fast Dry Top Coat

(Photo: The Addison Story)

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)