So Gel-ous

I have decided that my gel manicure was not up to par.  It was totally destroyed in exactly 7 days.  I know that I "helped" it along by peeling and biting (ugh, I know I know, so many told me not to!), but I am still disappointed.  I was hoping for a solid two week manicure.  That being said, two of my girlfriends have just had some recent luck with gel manicures of their own.  My friend Cary got a Shellac manicure at the same salon I had mine done. She just sent me a pic and her nails are going strong.  Beyond jealous.  

On to the next friend.  Erin sent me a picture last night of her Gelish manicure.  Her color is "Go Girl" and her ring fingers are "Grand Jewels."  I am loving every little thing about this picture.  The only thing that would make it better would be if you could see her major wedding bling on her ring finger (Happy 1 Year Anniversary!) 

I would be willing to go for a Gelish manicure.  According to Erin, Gelish is not as thick looking as Shellac or OPI gels.  Either way, I love that I have friends who send me nail pics (and I especially love Cary's glass of wine in the background.)

'Cause All I See Are Stilettos

(I guess I never got the memo....) Okay, all Miley Cyrus references aside, Stiletto nails are happening.  Love 'em or hate 'em, they are fashion so let's discuss.  Stiletto nails are basically intensely filed pointy oval talons (how did you like that description???)  You have seen them on the likes of Rihanna, Fergie, and most recently, GaGa in the Judas video.  

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In my humble nail-blogger opinion, these nails are best when they are totally over-the-top.  Since the shape is already exaggerated, I like them loud, bright, and bold.  Beyonce's gold and Rihanna's neon pink and orange are MUCH better than Fergie's neutral polish.  What do you think???

Anchors Aweigh!

I finally did it - my first gel manicure.  I've been dying to get one forever, so while visiting my mom in Annapolis for the weekend, we went together.  Here are my pros and cons:

Pros:

 - Easy process - about 45 minutes total

 - Super shiny nails (I can't stop looking at them)

 - Manicurist swears they'll last 3 weeks

 - Nail art can be done (and it was, rest assured)

Cons:

 - Very limited color choices (I honestly cannot remember the exact "brand" this was, I know it wasn't Shellac or Opi)

 - I already peeled polish off of one thumb and two other nails are dangerously close to being chipped away unless I sit on my hands...

 - It looks sort of thick (not as thick as acrylics look, but thick)

This bright coral was pretty much the best color American Nails in Annapolis, MD had.  I am still willing to give this whole gel thing another whirl.  Nine of my nails are still going pretty strong (I got crafy at home and blended colors to fix my thumb), and I think now that I'm back in NYC I can find a salon that uses a different gel polish brand (better colors).  Also, I think the reason why I had an issue with a thumb is because my manicurist was a little distracted and rushing - a very loud woman kept asking how much longer it would be for her acrylic fill ON HER TOES.

Coming Up Roses

I know I am not the only lady out there who has a mild obsession with rose gold right now.  One of my girlfriends just gifted me with a rose gold cocktail ring that is to die for.  There are quite a few rose gold baubles  out there that would look a lot better in my jewelry drawer than they would in stores.  Lucky for me, Nylon Magazine is reporting that the major rose gold trend has carried over to, you guessed it, nail polish.

left to right: Estee Lauder in Satin Gold, YSL in 140 Pink Gold, Chanel in Django, Nars in Adelita

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This gold tinted pink will look great on every skin tone.  It's great for the girls who have a hard time stepping away from subtle pinks and neutrals - the gold gives this shade just the right amount of edge without trying too hard.  

Posh Polish

Last Royal Wedding post (I swear!)  First of all...that dress.  A-ma-zing.  Kate was the picture of a princess (as if we had a doubt) and I swear I started bawling when she stepped out of the car.  Second, Kate's nails were perfection.  She wore barely-there polish, reportedly a blend (gasp!) of Essie's Allure and Bourjois Paris' Rose Lounge.  I have to say, I approve.  Anything more would have detracted from her understated elegance.  Not to mention, when you are wearing Diana's sapphire and diamond bauble on your finger, who needs nail polish.  I am almost disappointed that the wedding is over now.  I literally loved every minute of it - here's to hoping Pippa and Harry hook up next?!

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Now to the good stuff.  Can we please talk about Katy Perry's Royal Wedding tribute nails???  She tweeted this festive photo.  I knew we were nail soul mates.

Katy is clearly a Minx queen.  This must be a custom look courtesy of the brand.  Completely over the top?  Yes.  A little tacky? Yes.  I can't help but love them.  I could get used to seeing those Brits on my nails all day long.  

Princess Polish

Two Royal Wedding posts in a row - sorry!  Told you I was a little obsessed.  Since I have immersed myself in all things R.W., I am being inundated with images and ideas of ways to make your nails picture-perfect for the occasion.  

Exhibit A: Wah-Nails tweeted a few to-die-for images.  I WISH my nails were done up like this for the weekend's festivities!

Exhibit B: British Nail Polish Company Nails Inc. has come up with a few limited edition bottles of Royal Wedding inspired nail polish.  The bottles themselves scream "glamour!" (spelled the Brit way intentionally.)

  

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This Royal Collection includes Will - red lacquer in a crystal Union Jack bottle, and Kate - nude polish in a sapphire crystal bottle (symbolic of the bride's Lady Di ring.)  

Who is tuning in in the wee hours tomorrow?  What polish will you be wearing?

I've got the fever...

...Royal Wedding Fever!  Yes, it's true, I am totally and hopelessly addicted to all things Royal Wedding.  I've started following BBC Royal Wedding updates on Twitter.  I've bought numerous magazine emblazoned with Will and Kate on the cover.  I am even helping one of my friends host a Royal Wedding Party and Bar Crawl (travelling reception) this Saturday.  

 In the interest of keeping this post nail-polish related, I bring you Butter London's limited edition nail polish, No More Waity, Katie: 

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This glittery gray shade is obviously a play on the Princess-to-be's unfortunate nickname.  Lucky for her, her wait is up tomorrow.  Lucky for us, this elegant shade is still available!  Visit Butter London's website for more info on this lacquer, as well as some of their other pretty shades.  

***Bonus***

Butter London has also come up with a No More Waity, Katie Lippy!  Sure to help you snag your very own prince, this sheer lavender gloss flecked with lilac glitter is meant to make your lips look shiny and fuller-perfect for snogging.  

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It's Electric!

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When I read Refinery29's tweet about American Apparel's limited edition neon nail polish today, I freaked!  I realize what a ridiculous sentence that was, but it's true.  I'm addicted to A.A.'s decadent polish (I swear you only need one coat!) and neon is a fun summer trend again this year.  While I would love to say I am brave enough to embrace neon like these runway looks, I don't think full-on neon is in my color wheel.

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I know that head to toe neon is beyond difficult to pull off, but showcasing summer's brights and your nails and toes makes this trend totally wearable.  Hurry into your local American Apparel though, word is they will sell out fast - only 2000 bottles per color were made!  

Until next time...

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