MANICURE MUSE: Free People Lookbook August ‘12

Although I hate to admit it, I’m a teensy bit excited for Fall… (ok, so maybe REALLY excited.) The weather drops, the leaves change, White Chocolate Mochas are once again socially acceptable, and best of all, it’s time to replenish the closet. My favorite items to shop for? Jackets. And Free People’s August Lookbook has no shortage of them. This brushed jacket with the stripes is so cozy and perfect for the transition.

Click here for nail colors and step-by-step instructions!

Graphite:

Now Playing: Graphite, Chanel $25

Peridot:

Now Playing: Peridot, Le Vernis Chanel ($25) LIMITED EDITION

Well here it is: the most buzzed about fall color… Chanel Peridot. Let me tell you, it sure lives up to the hype. This duo-chrome color is unlike any I’ve seen. Peridot is a warm gold with hints of copper and in different lighting green and turquoise radiate and add dimension. Two coats are all I needed to make it completely opaque. I keep wanting to describe this color as an underwater sea creature or a snake eye of sorts. Either way this polish is sexy and exotic. If you’re smart, you’ll run out and get this color before it’s gone for good (see below).

Many thanks to all 8 employees at the Macy’s Chanel counter who not only dealt with me whining about it being sold out, but called every department store in the city to track it down… oh, and for letting me manicure myself with the tester bottle in my moment of desperation.

Mr. Ladyfinger models @NARSissist :

The perfect Sunday is frolicking about NYC with your gay best friend. On a mad hunt for fall polishes, Scott and I found ourselves in Lord & Taylor counter-hopping. An hour and a half and 5 polishes later… Mr. Ladyfinger models the best of NARS’ fall collection (along with some classic favorites). Clockwise: Koh Lanta, Galion, Night Flight, Night Breed, Night Rider, Ecume (holding).

Shout out to our new friend and L&T’s awesome NARS make-up artist Marco Donadio!

Fast Ride:

Now Playing: Power Clutch, Essie

So you’re nearing your last few Summer Fridays, plotting your last big white ensemble, and carving out time to whip out your fall chunky knits… it’s transition time.

The most painless answer to ease into fall polish (while you reluctantly slide your yellows and neons to the back of the cue) is Essie’s Power Clutch from their Brand New Bag collection. It’s a cement gray with a hint of green… very rich and complex. For those of you, like myself, who aren’t ready to entirely abandon summer— this is for you. 

Follow the Leaders:

Essie’s “Brand New Bag” collection and Deborah Lippmann’s (inspired by her favorite songs) carry us through fall with effortless hues that make a twist-on-classic statement.

Don’t think I’ll be able to wear Single Ladies (featured here) AND keep my left hand still… Click through to check them all out on beautyhigh.com.

Night Shades:

Here’s a peek at the new NARS Night Series collection. Accompanying a six-color eyeshadow palette are four alluring nail lacquers including Night Rider (plum with silver shimmer), Night Porter (black with green pearl), Night Breed (black with silver shimmer), and Night Flight (black with cobalt pearls)

Take your pick ladies, because these night shades are available for purchase as a set or separately for $17 at narscosmetics.com or at Sephora stores.

Smoke & Mirrors:

Check out Zoya’s Fall ‘11 collection Smoke & Mirrors. Super sultry. Marina and Yara are at the top of my list. Which will you buy?

Fall Must Haves:

Fall must haves from Allure’s August issue:

Chanel Peridot? Check.

Dior Vernis Tuxedo? Check. 

Orly Seagurl? Check.

Essie Carry On? Check.

…and there you have it. Lust away.