Nailing it!

Your hands are one of the first things that people notice when interacting with you. This is reason enough to make sure that your hands and nails are always presentable. Although people have always cared about manicures and pedicures, it seems that nails have now firmly taken their spot in fashion and serve not only as a matter of grooming, but also an expression of personal style. There are as many nail trends out there as there are fashion trends. Here is a quick guide to help you navigate:

Nail Shape: Square, rounded or oval
Square has been the prominent shape for quite some time now for both long and short nails. The shape has a bit of a masculine edge to it and structurally is the strongest shape for the nail.  This shape can be viewed as "neat and classic", but is merely a matter of opinion.  It is undeniably the most popular shape of nails at this time.

There is something very feminine about the rounded nail.  Whether long or short, it gives the illusion of an elongated nail bed and daintier fingers. This shape is certainly beginning to give the square shape competition and is in the midst of resurgence.  The oval, which is an exaggerated round is easier to adapt for the avant garde.    The long and pointy are called stiletto nails.  The look can take the vampy route when painted with darker colors or can be softened by lighter lacquer choices.

Nail Color:  From Nudes to Brights
Nude is simple and universal but most of all safe. Why not shake it up with a wide spectrum of color choices.  Whether it be the soft and trendy pastels to the bold and beautiful vibrant bright.  Live a little and be adventurous from time to time.

Prints and Designs

The old adage of less is more has now been converted to more is more....and better! Whether there it is vintage floral nail prints inspired by the Vivian Westwood models coming down the runway or eye popping 3-d designs jumping off the nails of pop stars,  there is no denying the impact that these designs have made.  It is not uncommon at all now to see these designs on the masses.  Many of these options are certainly not your most professional or practical of choices and certainly can be quite pricey.  However, if you are in a creative field, a younger girl or just determined and young at heart, this could be a fun option.

Check out my Pinterst board on "Nailing It!" and get inspired.

It's All In The Details: Crochet Tanks

It is quite ironic how everything "cool" these days can be found in grandma's closet. Who would have thought that what basically equates to a "doilie" attached to a jersey tank would take it from drab to fab?

This Summer's crochet tank trend is very Boho-chic and easy to wear. Since these tanks are usually cut very loose or blousy, I suggest that you pair it with a skinny jean or short that fits close to the body. Although the crochet accent can be added anywhere, my favorite variation of this is the racer or T-back. Showing a little extra skin is what summer wardrobes are about and I happen to think that if done tastefully, a woman's neck, shoulders and back can be pretty darn alluring. The only drawback is the peculiar tan line that you can end up with.



Style Lesson #1: If you are not a big fan of crochet, lace accents can give you virtually the same look, if not take it up a notch.

Style Lesson #2: The placement of the crochet/lace can expose your bra. If your intent is to hide the bra (and it should be), you could wear a tank of the same or contrasting color. The easiest fix is to invest in a good convertible bra that allows you to have the option of wearing it as a strapless that sits low on the back.