Dots and Hard Hats and Chains, Oh My!

Hanging out on Pinterest yesterday, I stumbled across this awesome image of a hard-hatted nail among chic polka-dotted friends. Wow! Sometimes you think you’ve seen all the nail innovations they could possibly invent, but then you see something like this and realize that the world of manicures is ever-evolving. Happy girl front and center!

I haven’t yet found this cool device for purchase, but the moment I do, it’s mine! In the meantime, did you know that polka dotted nails are actually super-easy? I’ve done them myself multiple times and received scores of compliments. One favorite is to paint your nails with two coats of a matte polish, let it dry, and then dab glossy top coat sporadically to create a textured polka-dot look.

If you want to get really fancy, you can invest in a nail art pen. Many are around $10 at drug stores. These allow you to be very precise with your dots. I’d start with white (which looks great against pastels, neons, and dark tones) and then branch out once you’ve proven to yourself that you’ll actually use the thing. Feeling more adventurous? Try pale pink with blue dots or bold green with orange dots. The options are limitless. Have fun!

I mean, why not?

Try Something New: Rounded Nails

For years I have adhered firmly to the square shape when getting manicures. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always had it engrained in my mind that this is a more refined look. Recently, while paging through the summer books, I found that a lot of the celebs have been opting for round. Why not give it a try?

Due to the new day job, I need to be careful not to have too much fun with my nails; neon and crazy patterns are out. So is nail art. No problem here… there are so many pretty, classy colors to try this season. I treated myself to a pale pink mani this afternoon and, on a whim, went for a round shape.

My nails definitely look dainty and ladylike. Further, the rounded edge makes them appear longer than they are (Typing kills your length. Know that). Here is a photo of my fun new nail adventure. Hope you like it… and give it a try.

Easy tip: a fresh, fun manicure

Monday will henceforth belong to “easy tips,” cool little ideas and how-to’s in the fashion or beauty departments. This week, we plan your best at-home manicure to date.

My constantly-growing collection of nail lacquers found a home in the bathroom vanity

I am a total nail polish junkie and my vast collection spans the entire color spectrum–and price range, for that matter. Every girl loves to treat herself to a manicure, but these days I find great satisfaction and doing it at home. Prepping and painting your own nails is not only cheap, it’s easy. You only need a few solid tools and the rest is up to your creativity! I have a six-way nail buffer I picked up at Duane Reade for about $3. Follow the instructions on your buffer, file nails to a short, square shape, and always remember base and top coats.

This week, I jumped on the trend train, painting eight of my nails a punchy reddish coral and my two middle finger nails a pale, shimmering peach. In addition to looking funky and seasonal, this tactic tricks the eye so nails appear to be professionally done. I did this home-manicure six days ago and it’s still hanging on. Have fun combining different colors for a fun change of pace.