Ladies Who Lacquer

Nothing perks me up more than seeing the rainbow of nail polishes that herald the approach of spring. I've been sporting dark shades all winter and I am so ready for a change. Blacks and murky purples have been fun, but I'm starting to feel distinctly Vampira like with my pallid winter complexion.

The cheerful hues that cosmetic lines introduced this season are a good counterpoint to our morbid economy. I may cut back on somethings; like groceries or good vodka, but I'm hardly going to miss my mani/pedi appointment. You know it's bad out there if I ever start sporting the ubiquitous "French" or "American" manicure that every suburban soccer thinks is so comme il faut. Why bother? I've never pondered nail polish selections and thought "oh goodness, I think I'll just have them painted to look like real nails with clear polish. That will match everything!"

They're tired and just scream low maintenance.

Live a little! Obviously you build your polish wardrobe around your seasonal one. You know what colors are dominant in your wardrobe; so plan your nail look around those colors and themes.....

If nothing else go with metallics like gold, platinum, or copper. They're neutral enough to go with most things. There are some beautiful neutral off white and buff shades too; look at Essie's "Ballet Slippers". A classic......too pretty.

However the fashion hand will be wearing brights this spring. Many of the large companies are pushing pink and it's loud mouthed cousin, fuchsia.

Estee Lauder and MAC have jumped on the fuchsia train with brilliant tones that pop. I don't care for this color, but you know I can't help but like it when I see MAC's "Hello Kitty" collection.

I must admit I'm a closet Kitty person. Since I'm not four I try to keep my secret to myself, but I can't wait to get my paws on these goodies. Look:

I think the packaging is adorable and I love the bright colors. Maybe I can find some preschoolers and play dress up with them. Here's another look:

Estee Lauder's interpretation is much softer. Their target audience of WASPS will buy it because it reminds them of the color of a cashmere sweater that mummy had. It's bright without being garish. Daring without being cheap. They'll look exactly as they have looked every season. I heard a rumor that small town Junior Leagues were putting the collection on their "must have" list, right behind the perfect ivory shade for their French manicure. But who listens to cheap gossip? I do know that the "Fuchsia" nail polish from the collection is sold out in many places, so maybe there is hope for the bland nail crowd.

Lancome is trying to flirt with being daring and fun with it's "Pink Irreverence" collection. They also attract a very mainstream audience, so now I know that black nail polish is on it's way out. They have one that is very pretty, but about two seasons too late.

See, it has sparklies...it's called Phia Black.


What the hell is a Phia? I keep googling it and nothing comes up. Let me know if you should find anything.




Now Dior has two new fabulous shades in it's spring collection. They release in February in the U.S., but I hear earlier overseas. I have tried to Ebay them via the Philippines, but no one has one for sale yet. That just makes it more desirable as far as I'm concerned. Nude Chic, a delicate pale beige and Porcelaine, a whisper of pink with shimmer. Pretty, pretty!

Chanel also has a pretty pale pink, Django. It's part of the Bohemian Fantasy collection that the venerable house of fashion has graced us with, and I do mean graced. This is their prettiest collection in years to me, and that's saying a lot. I am loving Vendetta, a moody blue violet.



Look at that? Don't you want to snatch it off the page and run to the manicurist?


I loved their shade, Kaleidoscope, this winter and wore it in between bouts with darker shades. I think I will love it this spring too, it's such a unique color. Not quite platinum with a chrome green undertone. You have to see it in person to appreciate it, it sounds ghoulish when I try to describe it.



Zoya and OPI both have cutesy, bright collections this spring comprised of pastels on speed. OPI has a fun color called Done Out In Deco, a funtastic frosted lilac in their South Beach Collection


I think this would look cute this summer. Maybe I can carry it in My Hello Kitty makeup case.




Zoya's collection, Twist, is composed of candy hued shades also. I will try these too.



The colors all have perky little names too. Except for the inexplicably named Jo.



Deborah Lippmann has a pretty collection too, but when doesn't she? I love the two pinks, Status Symbol and Flawless. Both are bright flamingo shades of pink that are completely flattering to every skin tone.

I normally get my nails done weekly. Tuesdays are touch-up if necessary, plus pedicure. Saturday are polish change days. I should have plenty of time to try most of these and find some favorites. I am putting money on Vendetta and Nude Chic to be my favorites. I'll have to post a picture when I get one of them. I'm currently wearing "Varicose Vein Violet" from MAC's Dame Edna collection and it's just pretty in a sort of vapid way. No one has grabbed my hand and screamed "I want that polish!"

Now run along ladies and help support your local nail artists. I am loving Miss Kim at Blazer nails on Ashley Street. I've been going to her for about four months now; which means a long term relationship as far as I'm concerned. I'm hell on nail people usually. I like my nail exactly at finger tip length and curved to the shape of my finger. I don't want long, square nails, they went out about the same time Sunny Von Bulow went into her coma. If you insist on long nails, then go absolutely berserk and have them curved with little designs on them. Never do anything half way, if you're going trailer park then do it loud and large!

XXXX,

Cult Diva