As New York Fashion Week draws near I wanted to share with you the nail looks from my favorite show from the Spring 2010 season, Diego Binetti.  As CND’s Jan Arnold told me, Diego gets nails and really understands the importance of incorporating them into the overall look.

Now in season’s past, the CND team has used a lot of custom blends but with the launch of Colour & Effects they challenged themselves to use layering as much as possible to create the exact shade each designer wanted.  For Diego Binetti, they took on the task of translating his Thailand inspiration onto the models’ nails using various combinations of CND Copper Chrome, Electric Orange, Brilliant White, Buff, Inkwell, Ice Blue Shimmer and Gold Pearl with some very intricate nail art.

I spoke with CND Education Ambassador Roxanne Valinoti backstage about the two sides of Binetti’s collection and how the nails worked into that theme. There were two very distinct stories happening on the Binetti runway; Thai Day and Thai Night.  Inspired by the land, the people, the fabrics, etc. the CND team played with the idea of sunrise and sunset for Thai Day while incorporating jewels, beading and an electrified sapphire into the look for Thai Night. For Thai Day each model wore nails that corresponded with different points in the sun’s rise and fall using Brilliant White, Electric Orange, Buff and Copper Chrome Colours and Gold Pearl Effect.  The models were even “inked” on their wrists with the time of day they represented. Thai Night was all about luxury and opulence.  Beads, crystals and foils were intertwined with a layering combination of Inkwell and Ice Blue Shimmer to bring a sense of mystery and fantasy.

Thai Day

The sun in the Thai Day nails was created using Electric Orange as a base.  Part of the CND secondary shades, Electric Orange is a very pure reflection of the color wheel.  It’s vivid without being neon and as I would expect from CND, it’s well pigmented and smooth.

To tone down the boldness of Electric Orange, a layer of the creamy, sheer Buff results in a soft melon hue.

Since I have no business picking up a nail art brush, especially compared to the genius work above, I opted for the easy way out; a simple modified french to represent the sunrise.  CND used a base of Brilliant White under their suns as did I, though I have to say this is the first polish from the collection that doesn’t score a 10 in application.  I needed three coats to avoid streaks.  After applying a line of Electric Orange to my tip, I used a wash of Buff to mellow out the look.

To represent the sunset, the CND team started with a base of Copper Chrome.  Copper Chrome is an extremely pigmented metallic that applies very smooth though a bit brush stroke-y.  Nowhere near as bad as some metallics I’ve used but you can still see the lines.

They then added a layer of CND’s Super Matte to take off the shine.  To me, Super Matte is not the most accurate name for this top coat since it leaves a more satin finish than other matte top coats I’ve tried but if you don’t want an uber-flat finish this is a great option.

The sunset nails that include hand painted suns have an added layer of Gold Pearl to give an iced cappuccino effect.  It reminds me of the old CND duo-chrome Make A Wish.

Thai Night

I was honestly amazed when I saw this beam of vibrant blue staring up at me.  I couldn’t believe it wasn’t some sort of mix though I hadn’t yet tried the Shimmers from the Effects line.  Sure I was wowed by Sapphire Sparkle after my trip to Cosmoprof but I didn’t know the transformative powers of the Shimmers.  I couldn’t wait to get home and try this new-to-me combo of Inkwell and Ice Blue Shimmer.  As you can see below, it’s simply stunning.

You can find CND Colour & Effects at salons nationwide and online at our fave e-tailers (see sidebar). Colours retail for $9/ea and Effects retail for $11/ea.

What do you think of these looks Fanatics?  Which one is your fave?  Have you tried layering CND Colours without Effects?  What is your favorite combo?

Disclosure: A product sample was furnished to me by CND. For further information view my Disclosure Policy.

February 2007

I took on the MUA Nail Board’s “dare week” by wearing sheer polishes (so NOT me) and finally discovered a sheer I love; Zoya Bailey.

I flipped for the matching berry lips & tips at the Diane Von Furstenberg runway show during New York Fashion Week.

February 2008

I fell in love with OPI all over again thanks to the incredible new formula in the India collection.

I took you backstage with me at my very first New York Fashion Week show and it was a doozy;  Kimora Lee Simmons Baby Phat collection.

February 2009

We took a look at the Zoya Twist Collection which included standout shades, Jo (cornflower blue) and Harley (shimmering gray).

Thanks to ALU Mom & Dad I was able to share with you my favorite hand cream from Aruba Aloe.

It’s the first week of February and even though that stupid groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter, I’m choosing to ignore him. It’s a sunny day in the Cleveburg and the days are finally starting to feel longer. So despite what that rodent says, I’m feeling optimistic about an early spring.

Today is Superbowl Sunday and this year the boyfriend and I are staying home. We’re stocked up on plenty of good beer and junk food and at some point he’s going to shovel his way to the grill (what a man!). I’m leaving for Fashion Week early Friday morning so I wasn’t really up for a party anyway. Plus, I’d really love to hear the commercials for once. It’s the only reason I watch the stupid game.

What are your plans for the evening? Did you do anything fun over the weekend? What’s on your nails at the moment? Mine are a skittles of holos and metallics (all things you’ll see soon!).

Regardless, a collection based on a big, GREEN ogre is so up my alley.  It’s guaranteed to have some fun and funky shades.  None of those boring reds like the 90210 polishes and Off With Her Red!.  As first reported by Chic Profile the collection includes:

Funky Donkey, What’s With the Cattitude?, Rumple’s Wiggin, Who the Shrek Are You?, Ogre-the-Top Blue, Fiercely Fiona

Please, please, please let Fiercely Fiona be a soft yellow that is pigmented AND applies well!!!

There is no release information at the moment and I’m not sure if this will be their Brights entry for the summer or just a special edition release.  If you have details to add, please share with the group.  In the meantime, are you in love with the idea of this collection or what????

Allie is Wired takes a look at Snooki’s tasteful makeover courtesy of Inside Edition.

Bag Bliss is fascinated with Alexander Wang’s Darla Pyramid Clutch!

Bag Snob’s new obsession – ring lizard!

Every facet of one’s daily beauty regimen is included in this M.A.C assortment at Beauty Snob.

Coquette is still crazy for stripes, especially these nautical stripes with a twist from Anthropologie.

eye4style reviews the new Balenciaga Paris fragrance.

Tell Fashion Pulse Daily about what you’re wearing for National Wear Red Day, and you’ll have the chance to win a $25 Macy’s gift card!

I’m Not Obsessed shows you how to get Fergie’s Grammy dess and the look for less.

Are you looking for some new tunes? Designer Tarina Taranino tells The Jet Set Girls what’s on her Jet Set playlist.

Kristopher Dukes got a coat to match her pinkie ring: Louis Vuitton Mackintosh.

Second City Style is addicted to Twitter and if you are too we are giving away a personalized Twittabling nameplate necklace.

SheFinds curated 9 awesome dresses to hide your tummy–plus, how to wear one dress four ways, like Michelle Obama.

Shopping and Info loves the Frye boots Elin Nordegren wears around town.

Stiletto Jungle explores Olympics fashion with Ralph Lauren.

StyleBakery is loving Lindsay Price’s ribbon necklace and found 4 affordable ways to steal her style

Stylehive is obsessed with these not-so-typical nail colors for spring… and can’t choose just one!

The Beauty Stop has a few things to say about Beyonce’s Grammys makeup.

The Shoe Goddess loved Beyonce’s choice of these sexy Ruthie Davis Platform Sandals for her Grammys look!

ps Twitter peeps.  Check out the TwittaBling post on Second City Style and tell me what you think.  I first read about them on StyleItOnline.com and for some odd reason, I’m tempted.  Should I?  Keep me from making an impulse buy!

However, I’ve received quite a few emails and tweets about Rihanna’s nails at the Grammys.  Someone wondered if she was wearing some crazy CalGel design, traditional nail art or Minx.  Those of you who guessed Minx were dead on the money (no pun intended) and  thanks to the people at Minx and Celebrity Manicurists like Kimmie Kyees, I’ve got the scoop! Rihanna, Beyonce and Keri Hilson all rocked Minx on the Grammy red carpet, check out the detailed pics after the jump!

Celebrity Manicurist, and friend of ALU, Kimmie Kyees Minx’d Rihanna on Saturday for Clive Davis’ Grammy Party using a custom Money Minx.  It looks like a $100 bill has been stretched across her nails.  Very unique! Then for the big show, Kimmie added some extra bling attaching colored crystals along the detail lines of the bill.  For an event like the Grammys you have to go all out and Rihanna certainly did that. Did any of you catch Fashion Police on E! Monday night?  There was quite a debate about Rihanna’s dress.  What do you think?  Thumbs up or down on this look?

New York-based Celebrity Manicurist Lisa Logan flew to California to add some holographic style to Beyonce’s Grammy look. The multiple Grammy Award Winner word Golden Hologram Minx that gave off a rainbow effect in the light.  At first I thought she was wearing the same Golden Lightening Minx I tried last year and I was just seeing the reflection of the lights.  But knowing they have holo Minx now… so cool!

New to the Minx lineup of patterns and designs is the Tease Me line.  Tease Me Minx are like duo-chrome polishes in that they flash different colors (red & gold, blue & silver, green & gold).  To complete her Grammy ensemble Keri Hilson wore Tease Me White Minx that flash both white & silver. Houston-based manicurist Athena Elliott applied Keri’s Minx for the night.

Did you watch the Grammys this year? Personally, I was disappointed in the MJ Tribute. I didn’t know about the 3-D aspect so it just looked fuzzy. And where was Diana Ross? I did love the performances by Pink, Lady Gaga & Elton John and Beyonce but the rest left me saying “meh” I mean Stevie Nicks and Taylor Swift? Are you kidding me with that? How she won Album of the Year is beyond me. She’s adorable and all and I don’t hate her music but let’s get a tiny bit real people. Was the teenage population voting? Anywhoodle, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the show, the fashion, the nails. Anyone stand out to you?

To get Minx’d in your hometown, check the Minx website for salon locations near you!

image credit: Kimmie Kyees, Celebutopia and Adam Orchon.

ps. I’ll post the rest of the OPI Hong Kong polishes in the next couple days!

Of course I’ve been geeked over the idea of a new OPI green so Jade Is The New Black has been on my mind for months and it did NOT disappoint.  I dare say it may take down Rainforest as my all-time fave OPI.  That’s a huge statement people!

I’ve got the first half of the collection for you today so check out Jade Is The New Black, Suzi Says Feng Shui, Meet Me On The Star Ferry, Bling Dynasty and Pearl of Wisdom after the jump!

OPI’s formula continues to please me.  The cremes just apply so perfectly smooth and my wide nail beds love the brush.  Though it’s like I forget how good the polish is because when I put these on I was like, “DAMN, why can’t all brand be this good?”  You all know how much I love me some China Glaze but their formula just hasn’t been as great as of late whereas OPI just seems to be getting better.  All the polishes shown below applied flawlessly in two coats.

Jade Is The New Black is an understatement.  Jade is the new JADE and I’m talking about Chanel Jade.  I still love the mint polishes but this is the hotness!  Like a lot of gemstones, Jade comes in a range of hues and Jade Is The New Black is on the opposite side of the spectrum from Chanel Jade.  Slightly muted yet vibrant with a blue undertone, it’s one stellar color and a total MUST HAVE!

I know the color comparison requests will come piling in but I truly do NOT have a polish that dupes JITB so I thought I’d show it next to a bunch of other mid-tone greens so you can see how it stands out.

Suzi Says Feng Shui is bright cobalt creme.  Barry M’s Cobalt looks similar in the bottle but on the nail they couldn’t be more different.  This color is lighter and brighter.  FYI, Cleveland’s weather has caused me to rely on my indoor lighting equipment so the rest of these shots (with one exception) are in artificial light.

Again, I thought a bottle lineup would be useful as I have no exact dupe in my stash.  I pitted SSFS up against, OPI No Room For The Blues, Orly Calypso Breeze, Color Club Gossip Color, Barielle A Bouquet for Ava and Illamasqua Muse.  As you can see, it doesn’t have the teal undertones of the shades on the right and it falls somewhere between the two on the left.

When I saw Meet Me On The Star Ferry, I thought, “what is this color doing here?”  It seemed out of place and not that exciting.  On the nail it wowed!   Packed with golden micro-glitter this rosey mauve is extremely eye-catching.  I really have nothing to compare it to.  I thought perhaps Zoya Flowie (too gold) or Rhea ( too purple/cool) and I pulled my bottle of  OPI My Big Break that doesn’t have this type of sparkle.  It’s a winner!  Oh and I had a few seconds of light so I could show it to you in natural and artificial light.

Bling Dynasty is a burnished old gold with metallic shimmer and micro-glitter.  It’s definitely got an aged feel to it like if you dug up some ancient queen that wore real gold nails, this is how they’d look now.  Morbid but that’s where my mind went.

Bling Dynasty is deeper than the other golds in my collection.  As you can see compared to Duri Golden Nugget, Sally Hansen Salon Tassel, OPI Curry Up Don’t Be Late and Orly Gold Rush, BD is darker and richer.

Pearl of Wisdom is a sheer iridescent white with pink-ish pearlized micro-glitter.  This is not a buildable sheer so I’ve shown it with two coats.  I’m not a sheer girl, for obvious reasons (hello short nail beds!) so this one is a pass for me.

The OPI Hong Kong Collection officially launches in February though I’ve seen it for sale online already. OPI is available in salons nationwide including chains like JCPenney, ULTA, Trade Secret, Beauty Express and Regis.

Disclosure: A product sample was furnished to me by OPI. For further information view my Disclosure Policy.

First, many of you have emailed me asking about this line and if I will be reviewing it.  As you know, the polish has been back-ordered on the site so it wasn’t easy for me to obtain.  I did receive a few sample bottles from their PR reps and have been testing the formula for review since I don’t like to write about new brands without some kind of wear test.  So that’s why you haven’t seen mention of the line on ALU yet.

Second, I think it’s irresponsible of Jezebel to title their post in such a way.  Yes, it gets eyeballs but considering that most people just skim nowadays, it can potentially be harmful to the brand and scary to the public.  Here’s what you need to know…

* There is an issue with the “quality” of the bottles and from what I’ve heard, some people have received broken bottles in the mail.  Then again, that’s happened to me with non-American Apparel polish.

* All nail polish is deemed a “hazardous material” by the USPS which is why it is required to be shipped ground.  They even reference needing special measures for disposal but that is true for all nail polish.  I’m assuming American Apparel was using an air method for shipping their packages which is why they can’t ship that way anymore.  Heck with FedEx, I have to sign for nail polish packages because polish is so “dangerous.”

ps. I know plenty of you swappers/e-tailers out there use non-ground methods but you do so at your own risk.  Say it with me Fanatics, “Does this parcel contain anything fragile, liquid, perishable, or potentially hazardous?”

* American Apparel polish is being pulled from the shelves but not being recalled. So you don’t have to pitch your bottle for fear of using a lethal product. The bottle is obviously weak so I wouldn’t suggest playing catch with it.

Here’s what’s going to happen. According to the document obtained by Jezebel, American Apparel is working with their supplier to improve the quality of the bottles and will restock in the next week or so.  So those of you still dying to get your hands on these new colors, the wait won’t be that long.

In the meantime, look for my review of the formula and colors I received soon!

Today’s Spring/Summer Couture runway was no different.  And what do I see?  Silver chrome, mirror-finish manicures to compliment the heavy metallic accessories, shoes and garment details.  I love the look but it seems so NOT Chanel to use products other than their own. So what does this mean?

A. Chanel has given into the Minx trend and gone foil on us.

B. They had extra bottles of Kaleidoscope on hand for the show (Remember, lighting changes how polish looks so it could be Kaleidoscope).

C. We’ll be seeing a new super metallic silver from Chanel Le Vernis come Fall.

What do you think? Nail polish or foil? In your Chanel metallic dream world would you rather see Kaleidoscope come back or a brand new foil-like Chanel silver polish?

image credit: Vogue UK

The Mannequin Hands series continues on.  Today the Polish Hoarder shows off OPI Sand In My Suit and here’s what she has to say about it,

“I don’t know what made me buy this polish. I’m drawn more to bright, unique colors. I think I got it because it was like nothing I already owned. I’m so happy I did! It’s such a pretty nude color. How can a skin-toned color be pretty? It has tiny shimmers! In the summer, when my hands are much more tan, this color makes my nails pop from my fingertips! The shimmer reflects light like a string of pearls. It’s just gorgeous!”

Who else uses Sand In My Suit for the Mannequin Hands look? I hope the Polish Hoarder will let us know what her skintone is so you can possibly find your hand twin.

Since that time Fanatics have emailed asking about CalGel and the other brands of soak-off polish on the market, including OPI’s new Axxium product so I’m giving you the 411 on the whole soak-off phenomenon after the jump.

What is Soak-off Gel Polish?
Unlike a traditional nail polish, soak-off gel polish is painted on with a brush and each layer is “cured” under a UV light to dry. Soak-off Gels come in a wide array of colors and finishes and like our “frankenpolishes” they can be mixed to create new colors. The purple on my tips (above) was a custom blended shade.

What are the benefits?
Dry time – The UV light dries the polish within minutes which means no dry time, no smudging, no dents. Talk about the perfect winter pedicure choice
Long lasting – Soak-off Gel lasts from 2-3 weeks with no chipping.
Less damaging – Unlike traditional enhancements you don’t have to fear the drills or filing down of your nails.
Works on natural nails – While you can add length if you choose, Soak-off Gel Polish can be used over a natural nail like traditional polish.
You can layer polish on top – If you want to change your color mid-manicure, you can. Paint right over Soak-Off Gel with regular nail polish and remove it with non-acetone remover.

What are the negatives?
Cost – Soak-off Gel Polish can only be applied by a professional and the service is more costly than a traditional manicure. If you are really skilled, you can buy a UV light and gel polish online but it’s not a cheap set-up.
Removal – While Sakura offers fill-ins, if you want to change your color, you must completely remove the polish every time. You can either pay to have the polish professionally removed or do the soak-off process (or to the MUA nail board “foil method”) at home. Soak a piece of cotton in acetone and then wrap the nail with aluminum foil. For me, even after soaking, I still had to file some of it off.
Nail growth shows – One of the reason’s my pal Heather tends to wear CalGel designs with a clear base is because it makes nail growth less obvious. If you choose a dark, solid color, by week two, growth will be very apparent.
Time – Getting a Soak-off Gel manicure can take longer than a traditional manicure. Especially if you are getting a gradation, nail art or using a dark color. I’ve heard with the darker shades, you need quite a few coats to get it the right color.

Brands
Several brands make a soak-off product with a wide array of colors. The most talked about brands include Akzentz, Bio Sculpture Color Gel, CalGel, Dashing Diva Gelife, IBD, and OPI Axxium.  Akzentz, Bio Sculpture, CalGel and IBD come in a range of colors and finishes including glitter. Gelife is currently offering sheer, natural shades to enhance the nail’s natural beauty but I hear they intend to offer additional colors.  Axxium comes in 26 colors based on existing OPI polish shades including You Don’t Know Jacques, Russian Navy, I’m Not Really A Waitress, Lincoln Park After Dark and Bubble Bath.

Where can I get a Soak-off Gel Manicure?
I suggest contacting the companies to locate a salon near year using their products but make sure you investigate the salon and ask how long they’ve been using the product.  If you are interested in nail art or gradations, ask about their experience doing those as well and inquire about a website or online gallery of their work.

I emailed CalGel and found a salon on the west side of Cleveland and my salon John Robert’s Salon & Spa just started offering OPI Axxium.  The last time I was there all the stylists I talked to who were wearing it, were really pleased.

And if you’re in Rhode Island, I suggest you check out the Nail Gallery from Gel Essentialz and book an appointment with Gina Silvestro ASAP. My friend, Celebrity Manicurist Elle, told me about Gina and she creates some sick designs.

So how many of you are curious about Soak-off Gel Polish?  Have you tried it?  Tell us about your experience, including which brand you used, in the comments!