Nail Polish in the News

I'm pretty sure all of America has heard about the J. Crew nail polish "scandal" by now.  I think it is beyond absurd that this would even make trashy news, let alone CNN and the Today show.  Here is the image that has sparked so much controversy:

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The caption run under this ad portraying J.Crew president and creative director Jenna Lyons and her son Beckett read "Lucky for me I ended up with a boy whose favorite color is pink.  Toenail painting is way more fun in neon."

Why is this news???!!!  Because some conservative freaks have turned this adorable moment captured between mother and child into a major gender-bending crisis.  I'll spare you specific details, but come on, do you really think that a child wearing (or not wearing) toenail polish will have any effect on their sexuality later on?  No.  I cannot tell you how many times I've told my precious 4 year old students "colors are for everyone, not only boys or only girls."  There is a constant conversation on pink being a girls color and blue being a boys color.  I'm not a fan of the song, but in the words of Lady Gaga, we were born this way.  Gay, straight, tomboy, whatever let's find something a little more serious to put on the news than this (and this is coming from a nail polish addict).  

In lighter yet still related news, I am wearing this SAME COLOR on my toenails right now!  It's called Pink Parka by Essie.  I highly recommend, it, looking at my bright toes instantly lifts my mood.  Beckett must have been on to something...

Update: Marble Madness (literally)

I researched the technique online and it sounded simple enough.  It was not:

1.  Paint your nails with a base coat (optional)

2.  Cover skin surrounding nail in cuticle oil (also optional, but it sounded much easier than trying to remove polish from all over your fingers)

3.  Drop one color of nail polish into room temp. water.  Immediately drop second color on top of first.  Swirl with toothpick.

4.  Quickly dip and hold nail in swirled polish.

5.  Remove nail, repeat on next finger.


Ummm...I consider myself to be pretty crafty when it comes to nail polish and inventive nail techniques.  However, I think I would have had more success performing open heart surgery today.  I did two nails and became so incredibly frustrated (and also spilled cuticle oil everywhere) so I called it quits.  I feel that I may have been taking out my frustration of watching the Masters all day onto this delicate nail technique.  I'd be willing to give it another try with fewer distractions and maybe some assistance.

*I refuse to even put up any of the pictures I took of the process because my blog would lose all credibility and you might begin to wonder if I was totally drunk or in the middle of a seizure while manicuring myself today.

Marble Madness

I have been seeing some amazing marble nail designs as of late.  I can mostly credit these looks to images tweeted by Wah Nails, the uber-chic British nail salon chain.  I know I've bitched blogged before about missing the opportunity to hit up Wah Nails while in Dublin, but now that I see their summer marble look I am really kicking myself.  Here is the image that started it all:

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I am dying for everything about this look.  LOVE the mango/periwinkle combo - very fresh and summery.  I am definitely going to research salons that can manage this technique in NYC.  I have a feeling this will not be a DIY kind of project.  

40 Days and 40 Nights...

Disclaimer: Though this posting may be of a religious nature, please let it be known I am an equal opportunity blogger and nail enthusiast.

Now that Lent is about half-way over, I feel that I can let out a little Catholic steam.  When it came time to think of what to "give up" this year, many a friend suggested I give up painting my nails.  I just didn't see the point.  I did however, want to give up something challenging (last year, it was booze, I know I'm crazy).  I have decided to dedicate this posting to what me and my nails have been without for the past 20 (and future 20) days:

1.  WINE

What I wouldn't give to see my manicured hand wrapped around a glass of the good stuff.  It's not like I drink wine daily I don't, I swear!  It's just totally my "gateway drink" and laying off of it has not been easy.

2.  CHEESE

Sad but true, I haven't laid a finger on cheese in almost a month.  I can assure you all that after I march myself to church on Easter Sunday I will not pass go or collect $200 until I am seated at some sort of adorable outdoor table with a glass (bottle) of wine and cheese plate in front of me.

I realize that I haven't given a single nail "tip" today, but the issue at "hand" is this - these bubblegum pink nails are ready to be showcased with a chilled New Zealand Sauvingnon Blanc and an assortment of fromage!

In the meantime, I have kept myself busy drinking vodka-sodas  with some more Sally Hansen Salon Effects. This look, All Laced Up, received mixed reviews.  I think that it was a little darker and more wintry than I had anticipated.  

Mint Condition

I decided to re-run one of my favorite "last season" colors over the weekend.  I jazzed up my fingers with Minted by Revlon while accessorizing my ring fingers with Sally Hansen's Gold Chrome ColorQuick Nail Pen. My roommate came home, took one look at my nails (which I painted in bed Saturday morning while watching a self-imposed My So-Called Life Marathon on netflix) and deemed them to be "missing something."   I don't have it captured on camera, but I did add coat of gold glitter (so old the label is worn off so I have no idea what brand it even is) to all of my nails to tie the look together.

I'd like to think this look is Jordan Catalano approved.  

Summer is coming, right?

According to the calendar, we are a week into spring - not that you'd know it.  I am so tired of wearing boots, scarves, sweaters, etc.  I am itching for sandals, maxi dresses, and shorts (oh my!).

Aidan Mattox Strapless Metallic Weave Gown

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Splendid Rugby Stripe Maxi Dress

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Sam Edelman "Gigi"

(I'm having a major leopard moment right now)

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Free People Shorts

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Charlie Jade "Amy" Print Silk Romper

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 I just picked up some super fun bright orange nail polish to get in the mood for summer.  Now when I tap the weather icon on my phone (to see SNOW predicted this week, ugh) I am reminded of all things bright, sunny, and tropical.

Wet N Wild Wild Shine Polish in Sunny Side Up

only $0.99!!!!

Choosing this tangerine shade while dreaming of summer shouldn't come as a surprise.  Remember my posting about spring and summer's hot new shade from January?  

I Can't...

Apparently there is some sort of growing trend in 3-dimensional nail art.  The only reason I am posting this is because the girl who rang up my groceries at Pathmark tonight was sporting 3-D bows and gems on her nails that looked so intense I know her fingers must be exhausted by the end of her shift.  I mean, I am all for fun nail colors, sparkles, designs, and even patterns but this is just too much for me and my tips.  

Exhibit A

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Exhibit B (Josie from Married to Rock)

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I'll say it again, I draw the line at glitter or an occasional gem.  Please see my post about Hello Kitty nail polish when you feel the urge to glue a 3-D Hello Kitty to your ring finger.  Your nails will thank you later.

Freebie!

Who doesn't love a good giveaway?  The peeps at one of my must reads, Refinery29, are giving away O.P.I.'s new SoftShades collection!  Visit their site for more details, but basically you just need to comment on their article with a photo of your current nails (make sure they're polished, don't embarrass yourself) and you just might be gifted with the full Femme de Circque set.  You really should be reading this site daily anyways...