MANICURE MUSE: Chloe Resort ‘13

Take a deep breath, because it’s easy to imagine the fresh country air from the meadow that sets the stage for the Chloe Resort ’13 collection. You can always count on Chloe for a sophisticated collection with a laidback femininity. For Resort, Claire Waight Keller– Chloe’s creative director, brings us a soft romantic collection featuring a range of simple and relaxed silhouettes. Loose-fitting pants, tops and dresses are all impeccably draped with exquisite detail. One of the many stand-out looks (it’s so hard for me to choose a favorite) is this scarf print dress with its nod towards the late 70s. The color combination is the perfect transition into Fall. Ugh, Chloe… you get me every time.

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

MANICURE MUSE: Peter Pilotto Resort ‘13

As many of you well know, I love a good music festival. Between the music, the fashion, and the food, it’s like my very own Candyland. This past weekend was Lollapalooza, and being a Chicago-native, I’d never miss out on an excuse to go home and frolic around Grant Park grooving to headliners like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kaskade. While the average concert-goer might agonize over the perfect “effortless” festival outfit, the perfect Ladyfinger manicure always tops my list. Luckily, Peter Pilotto came to my rescue with a very loud and bright Resort ‘13 collection. The collection features a multitude of trippy kaleidoscope prints that will be sure to dazzle you. Needless to say, the weekend (and the Pilotto Ladyfingers) was a huge success. Aside from a weather-related evacuation hiccup, I saw some of my favorite musicians (The Black Keys were unreal!), ran into old and new friends—including Jena of ChiCityFashion, and even accidentally got to catch day three and close out the amazing weekend under the stars with the rest of Chicago.

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

MANICURE MUSE: Suno ‘13

I’m a big fan of any designer that can make easy, comfortable pieces look socially acceptable to wear anywhere outside my bedroom. I’m sure I’m not alone on this one, so let’s give a very big round of applause to Suno for creating a Resort ’13 collection that embraces both “casual” and “comfort” as buzzwords. Geometric lines are paired with sweet pink florals, so while the silhouettes are oversized and easy, the prints do the talking. Simply slap on a pair of heels and strut with ease.

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

MANICURE MUSE: Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort ‘13

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MANICURE MUSE: Altuzarra Resort ‘13

It’s always a trip with Joseph Altuzarra, who is known to have a knack for multicultural fusion. His Resort ’13 collection combines safari and gypsy. Tailored safari outerwear is mixed with peasant tops and dresses in an eye-catching ikat print. The newness is how the print is worked back to career separates with handcrafted details. I love how the top is styled with this textured skirt. If you squint, you can see the gold hardware that amps it up to a dressier place. These nails were particularly fun to do. I’ve always been eager to try an ikat print, and it was way easier than I thought! See below to learn how and be sure to post your results to the MLF Facebook page!

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

MANICURE MUSE: Josh Goot ‘13

When it’s winter in New York, it’s tough to envision a world with color. But lucky for us, Australian-born Josh Goot’s “winter” inspiration is anything but muted. Inspired by the Great Barrier Reef, the Aussie designer delivers a bright and bold Resort ‘13 collection focusing on minimal looks true to the Goot aesthetic. The silhouettes are strong with tons of volume and structure, and the prints are fierce. This abstract sheath demands attention and the Ladyfingers are sure to do the same. Plus, great minds think alike! The Josh Goot Resort ‘13 collection is now available this week on Moda Operandi… Get at it, ladies.

For nail colors and instructions for these ladyfingers, visit the BRAND NEW http://missladyfinger.com !!!

Hope you love it.

xx,

MLF

MANICURE MUSE: Peter Som Resort ‘13

For those of you who fancy lace, you’ll love Peter Som’s Resort ‘13 collection. For me, it’s always been a tricky fabric to wrap my head around. Somehow I gravitate towards the bold and graphic, and steer clear of vintage frill. With that said, Peter Som has made me a believer. The collection as a whole is a wanderlust trip to Morocco, described by Som as “nomad-chic.” The shades of blue in Moroccan-inspired prints are a trip themselves, but it’s how he translates them into his signature tailoring that keeps the collection grounded and new. Demure Chantilly lace makes a breathtaking statement because of it’s fine craftsmanship, but its the bold-colored lace that makes the Ladyfinger statement. 

To emulate this look, I used Trout Pout by Butter London, Baby Blue Color Club Nail Art Duo, and a black Sally Hansen nail art pen. 

To get these ladyfingers: 

1. Start with a full light pink nail

2. With a light blue nail art pen or brush, draw an “X” in squiggles and loops

3. Using your black nail art pen, draw squiggles and loops in a triangle shape with the point facing towards the center

4. Repeat on the other side

5. Top it off with top coat

(Photo: Vogue.com c/o Peter Som)

MANICURE MUSE: Oscar de la Renta Resort ‘13

Oscar de la Renta’s efforts to lure in a younger consumer is not going unnoticed. Aside from the huge social media presence (courtesy of the super chic Erika Bearman of the @OscarPRGirl). ODLR extended the effort in his Resort ‘13 collection. Youthful touches are infused by way of a sequined baseball tee (styled with a gingham skirt) and streaks of neon in the models’ hair, something we’ve rarely seen from him. But as the saying goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” True to the Oscar form is the array of ladylike party frocks with a plethora of embellishment and appliqué. It’s an Oscar staple for sure, but in this collection there’s a youthful twist. Have fun translating this look into chic ladyfingers with the same controlled chaos of black and white embellishment.

To emulate this look, I used Onyx Rush by Maybelline’s Color Show, Floral Street by Nails Inc, a nail art brush, and a dotter tool.

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Paint your full nail black

2. Using a nail art brush, paint white connecting half circles to create the scallops slightly above the tip of the nail

3. Create large dots with your dotter tool (or bobby pin)

4. Play around with dotting black within the circles— make smaller dots with a tooth pick

5. Using a slight amount of polish on your nail art brush, jot little lines of white

6. Top it off with Seche Vite’s Fast Dry Top Coat

(Photo: Greyest Ghost for Oscar de la Renta)

MANICURE MUSE: Prabal Gurung Resort ‘13

One might look at Prabal Gurung’s Resort ‘13 collation and wonder how, aside from the eye-catching electric aqua and tomato red colors, it might translate into nail art. As one of my all-time favorite shows of the Resort season, I was determined to take on the challenge. Because the collection was inspired by Canadian sculptor Aaron Moran’s wood-blocking sculptures, I could easily capture the iconic bold striking lines and sharp tailoring. This dress in particular sums up the youthful vibe of this bold collection with the mixing of graphic elements with a hint of floral.

To emulate this look, I used Brilliant White by CND, Chiffon Chic and Onyx Rush by Maybelline’s Color Show, Dove by Zoya, Too Too Hot by Essie, a paper plate and a paper towel.

To get these ladyfingers:

1. Start with a full white nail

2. Drop a dollop of light pink polish onto your paper plate

3. Dab your paper towel in the polish and blot it to make sure you have just a subtle amount

4. Dab the polish lightly on your nail

5. Repeat steps 3/4 using light gray polish

6. Once dry, paint a red line along the left side of your nail

7. Paint a white line along the right side

8. Using a nail art pen as a guide, draw lines indicating the inside boxes for your black

9. Use a nail art brush to fill in the black boxes

10. Top it off with top coat

(Photo: Fashionologie.com)