Romantic Flirtation is the Name of the Game

For this Spring ladies, you can say goodbye to your leather and studs, and keep your shorts and body hugging outfits on standby, because the big trend to hit the runways - and soon the pavement - are long, flowy hemlines on skirts and maxi dresses.

For skirts, the hemlines being ushered in seem to hover between mid-calf or floor length. Take a look at Kate Bosworth in a skirt and tee combination that is not only super chic and flirty, but a great look for Spring that would be easy to add - and recreate - within your own wardrobe.

The new length of these pieces display the carefree, light, and airy feeling which we all would love to experience with the oncoming of Spring. This trend definitely plays on the more romantic looking collections we saw this year from such design houses such as Elie Saab and Valentino (my two personal favorites). This amazing trend is also playing along with the softer palettes of pinks and greens, and of course, the neutrals.

Here are some examples straight from the runway:

Valentino Couture Spring/Summer 2011

Elie Saab Couture Spring/Summer 2011

Here are some looks for less that show a more “ready-to-wear” point of view:

Frilled Hummingbird Long Dress, Odylyne

Macrame Long Dress, A.L.C.

Micro Pleat Gown, Rebecca Taylor

July Layered Maxi Skirt, Alice+Olivia

Wild One Maxi Dress, Thayer

So, here’s to going back to feeling like a (slightly whimsical) woman, after seasons and seasons of dressing like your boyfriend and drowning in layers of material. This is personally one of my favorite trends this season and I feel as if it will be here to stay for seasons to come.

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Spring Into Color!

Spring is around the corner, somewhere, and that means it’s time to revamp our color palettes! The change in temperature means color trends shift in beauty just as they do on the runway. While winter is the ideal time for dark nail colors such as Black Onyx by O.P.I. and Navy Baby by Sally Hansen, spring finds us moving into lighter, more playful hues with a touch of sophistication.

A Mean Case of the Blues

Light blues are everywhere now and the reason is clear: it’s simply stunning. In shades ranging from a Tiffany’s box to a robin’s egg, these colors will leave you feeling all but blue.

From left: Nicholas K Spring 2011; Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Barracuda; Priti NYC in Forget Me Not

In the Nude

Using a nude varnish gives any look a bit of sophistication. While the color itself is understated, it makes for a bold look! The idea is to get as close to your skin tone as possible. And unless you want your fingers to look like those of a mannequin, I recommend using a varnish with a high-gloss finish or using Seche Vite top coat - a personal favorite - to add sheen to the neutral color.

Samoan Sand by O.P.I.

Eva Mendez rocks a perfectly nude nail.

Life’s Peachy

Your nails will be ripe for the picking in these hues! This color palette reminds me of easy-breezy days on the veranda sipping a glass of sweet tea – or catching up with girlfriends alfresco over Sunday brunch!

From left: Dior Nail Vernis in Pink Boa; Priti NYC Nail Polish in September Charm; Behnaz Sarafpour Spring 2011.

Purple Reign

Not just a song by his Purple Majesty, Prince, anymore, purple reigns supreme this spring in soft, pastel hues. Now's your chance to rule with an iron fist, with nails in various shades of the grapes of wrath.

Done Out in Deco, by O.P.I.

A Grape Fit, by O.P.I.

Do You Lilac It?, by O.P.I.

Steel the Show

The future is now for those bold enough to brave the latest varnish frontier! These colors give a futuristic feel to nails in bold colors. Perfect for those of us who love a dark nail all year long!

Steel-ing The Scene by Essie

Freja by Zoya

Black Pearl by Chanel

Cracking the Whip

“Cracked” nail polish is the look that everyone has been trying to get their hands on and it’s clear why. This polish gives a “cracked” look to any color polish. Simply use one color as a base - the display below shows black as the base color - then paint over it with the Cracked color of your choice.

The China Glaze Crackle Glaze display.

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