MANICURE MUSE: Sportmax AW’12

It seems that designers all over the world are looking East for inspiration. Much like the Proenza Schouler AW’12 collection here in New York, Sportmax also showcased martial arts and Asian influences by way of short sleeved jackets and quilted belts in Milan. This is one of my favorite looks from the collection. The boxy shift dress works double duty with curvy paneling keeping the look feminine. The best part, however, is the double-tiered structured cap-sleeves. 

To emulate this look, I used Devonshire Row, Holland Park and Chelsea by Nails Inc. 

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Paint your full nail black

2. Paint a lighter purple-colored symmetrical rounded shape within the black part of your nail

3. Follow the inside of the shape by painting a smaller one with a darker colored purple

4. Using a nail art pen, draw hashed lines to create the quilting effect

5. Top it off with top coat

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!

**SPONSORED POST**

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)

**SPONSORED POST**

Manicure Muse: Boushie Sandal by Nine West

It’s always my pleasure to bring runway fashion directly to your ladyfingers, but let’s be real— there’s only so many splurges a fashionista can make. That’s why I’m excited to present a look that won’t break the bank, but will still keep you on trend. The Boushie sandal from the #flashingourbrights collection is bright and perfect for summer. Get the Boushie sandal here.

To emulate, I used Mitzi by Zoya, Notting Hill by Nails Inc, L’Orange by L’Oreal, Carnaby Street by Nails Inc, True Blue by Orly Instant Artist and Blue Collar by Orly. 

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: Balenciaga AW’12

Prepare those resumes, ladies. At Balenciaga, Inc. intergalactic sweatshirts are the required uniform- at least for the IT girls (as in Information Technology)- and it seems there is something for us all. “It’s an idea I’ve had for a few years, about corporate clothes, and business-dressing. I wanted to play with it. So I imagined a company, Balenciaga, Inc., and what all the different women would wear to work there,” explained Nicolas Ghesquière. I’m torn between the “Join a Weird Trip” sweatshirt and the liquid shine animal print 80s pullover, but in this world it all comes down to the ladyfinger at hand. 

To emulate this look, I used Bruton Street by Nails Inc. and Royal by Love & Beauty. 

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Paint your full nail a dusty pale pink

2. Using a small paint brush, paint on a high-shine blue replicating an animal print

3. Seal it with Seche Vite’s Fast Dry Top Coat

(Photo: elle.com)

MANICURE MUSE: Givenchy Pre-Fall ‘12

It’s tough to think about next Fall when we’re all still scratching our heads wondering what season we’re currently in, but Fashion Week is just around the corner. The energy is building and, with Pre-Fall collections giving us a glimpse in to the seemingly far-away future, there’s a lot to be excited about. To start us off, Givenchy showed amazing structural outwear. I love the double layer that gives this particular jacket a cool edge. 

To emulate this look, I used “Taupe” by Love&Beauty, “Sew Psyched” by Essie (olive green) and “Chelsea” by Nails Inc (almost black). 

1. Paint your full nail with olive green 

2. Paint a single black line down the center

3. Carefully paint a taupe triangle from the right side of your nail with the tip facing the center (use tape to make guidelines if you need to)

4. Repeat on left side

5. Using a thin nail art brush, paint another black line down the center being sure to overlay the triangle tips of the taupe color

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

(Photo: Elle.com)

evachen212:

@NailsInc, an uber-popular nail brand from London, is coming stateside to @sephora in September. here’s a sneak peek at their super glittery topcoats. love!