BRIDAL SERIES: Marchesa SP’13

Happy Bridal Season ladies! Every girl dreams of their big day, but it’s always seemed so far away… until a slew of engagements show up on your mini-feed to remind you that it’s closer than you think. It’s time to start planning every last detail, most importantly—in world of Miss Ladyfinger— The Manicure. I have had a lot of requests recently on what I’d suggest for a soon-to-be-bride who wants to stand out even more. Inspired by this breath-taking Marchesa gown from the SP’13 Bridal collection, you can keep the color traditional while still adding a touch of sophisticated flare. Marchesa proves that a dress doesn’t have to be ordinary with its cobweb-like detailing and crystal encrusted sleeves. It’s about time someone stepped in and changed up the French manicure.

To emulate this look, I used I Will! and Satin Sheets by L’Oreal, and Tuck Me In by Ginger+Liz.

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Tape the top portion of your nail

2. Paint the rest of the nail stark white

3. Add a layer of shimmery ivory on top

4. Once dry, remove the tape quickly

5. Using a dotter tool, dot three tiny rows of silver dots

6. With a nail art brush, connect the dots creating a diamond shape

7. Top it off with top coat and enjoy your big day!

A big congratulations to all who are recently engaged. <3

(Photo: WeddingInspirasi.com)

MANICURE MUSE: Carey Mulligan at the Met Gala ‘12

Glimmering in Prada, the new Mrs. Mumford was the first to arrive at the Met Gala tonight… and, boy, did she leave an impression. Since being showered in sequins, Carey kept the rest simple and chic with satin pumps and minimal jewelry. Tonight’s event honors the new “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute. The exhibit runs from May 10- August 19, 2012 and is a guaranteed must see. 

To emulate this look, I used Gold Coin by Revlon, Tuck Me In by Ginger+Liz, and Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous by OPI.

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Using a generous amount of polish, paint a thick layer of gold at the top of your nail

2. With your silver, paint the center portion of your nail grabbing the gold polish as you paint downwards

3. Repeat using a dark pewter grabbing onto your silver

4. Top it off with top coat

(Photo: Getty)

MANICURE MUSE: Acne AW’12

If uttering the words “supersize me” is ever encouraged without judgement, it would be for Acne’s Fall ‘12 collection. Distorted silhouettes and proportion play were the key elements to the collection that featured oversized jean jackets, sweatshirts, parkas and trouser pants. These printed cameo trousers do make a statement with room for digestion, which is important if you’re a foodie like me. 

To emulate this look, I used Dusty Miller by Priti NYC, Beige by H&M and Got My Groove Back by Ginger+Liz. 

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Paint your full nail sea foam green

2. Draw irregular shapes using beige

3. Once dry continue to paint gold irregular shapes slightly overlapping the beige

4. Top it off with top coat

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: 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

MANICURE MUSE: Chanel Couture Fall ‘11

Holiday nails are a big commitment. They need to make a statement without stealing the show. It is, after all, my sequined dress’s big day. While Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall ‘11 star motif was a close runner up, for me, Chanel Haute Couture Fall ‘11 makes for the perfect holiday nail. This look is one of my favorites with the structure on top into the floaty bottom. Not to mention the sultry mesh veils… DIY project, anyone? Pictured here: “Got My Groove Back” by Ginger+Liz and Liquid Vinyl by Orly. 

(Photo: Elle.com)

MANICURE MUSE: Balmain SP’12

Balmain simply wouldn’t be Balmain without some lavish jackets and barely-there minis. I’m loving the gold and white embellishment, so with the holidays coming up, this might mean sprinting to the nearest Balmain store. One-way ticket to Paris, please! For this look I used “Got My Groove Back” by Ginger+Liz and a white by Color Club. 

(Photo: Ostentology.com)