Sizzling Summer Nail Polish

This summer is all about finding your style through bright, eye-catching color. Some may choose to do this by embracing vibrant clothing pieces, vivid footwear or rich hues through jewelry or jewel-toned handbags. But for all others, incorporating color is at your fingertips...or rather, on them. Take a look at the latest roundup of popular eye-popping polishes that'll keep your nails in some of this summer's hottest shades.

NICE AND NEUTRAL

Try a neutral-toned polish when you want to maintain a manicure that won't compete - or clash - with your summer wardrobe's colorful attention to detail.

NARS Nail Polish in Écume; OPI Nail Polish in Skull & Glossbones

RED HOT

Red nails will always have a place in any season's manicure but choose a softer, lighter red than you would wear in the winter.

Lancome Le Vernis in Sarong; Essie Nail Polish in Too Too Hot

PLAY IN THE PINK

When your red fails to meet your bright expectations, take the vibrancy up a notch and go totally pink. Whether its bubble gum perfect or fuschia-infused, you can't go wrong.

Orly Nail Polish in Va Va Voom; OPI Nail Polish in I Lily Love You

CORAL RELIEF

The idea of sorbet colored nails is just one way to incorporate one of this summer's trendiest colors into your outfit if you're not quite ready to incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Girls Just Want to Have Fun; Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Purity

YIELD TO THE YELLOW

You want summer at your fingertips? Then you want a yellow manicure. It'll give your fingers quite the eye-catching effect and leave your nails looking, well, sun kissed.

Chanel Vernis in Mimosa; Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Yellow Brick Road

GO GREEN

Going green isn't just about preserving the environment - albeit as important as that is. Embrace a nail color sure to be the "envy" of all your friends and onlookers by going green. Whether kelly or grass, green is a definite "Go!" this summer for an exciting, and unexpected, pop of color.

Topshop Nail Polish in Hunting; Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Radium

BLUE-TIFUL

Feeling a little blue? Embrace it! Think of the various shades of the Caribbean sea, a summer day's sky with no clouds as far as the eye can see or the shade of blue bomb pops leave your lips. These colors have all been bottled up for you to recount these memories every time you look down at your hands.

Dior Vernis in Nirvana; Milani One Coat Glitter Nail Lacquer in Blue Flash

Any of these polish shades will surely make your summer that much more colorful. And in case you need a refresher on how to give yourself a profession DIY manicure, we got you coated.

Fashion's Latest Financial Fiascoes

Christian Louboutin vs. Yves Saint Laurent

Everyone knows Christian Louboutin for his impeccable shoes - excuse me, works of wearable art - and more specifically, those red lacquered soles. Louboutin has been in business since 1991 but really became a household name through notoriety of celebrities and artists alike singing the shoes' praises - sometimes literally - infinite red carpet and sidewalk sightings and of course, SJP as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City.

But just last month, Louboutin filed a law suit against Yves Saint Laurent in New York for trademark infringement. The company claims that YSL's spring 2011 shoe collection is misleading consumers by using red outer-soles, and is seeking $1 million in damages after asking YSL to cease selling their "copy" of their shoes.

Louboutin's legal team argues in court papers: "The defendants use of red footwear outsoles that are virtually identical to plaintiff's Red Sole Mark is likely to cause and is causing confusion, mistake and deception among the relevant purchasing public as to the origin of the infringing footwear."

(Side note: YSL's collection also features purple shoes with purple soles, navy with navy soles and green with green soles but only the red shoes with red soles are cited in the legal controversy.)

YSL responded by stating that they have been known to design shoes with red outer-soles since the 70’s, that it is part of the ornamental design feature in footwear and that there has been production of red-soled shoes since the 1600’s (King Louis XIV of France had several pairs!).

The courts have yet to rule in either fashion houses favor. Who do you think should win? Is Christian Louboutin the only designer that should be allowed to use signature red soles?

BCBG vs. its Vendors

Women’s Wear Daily recently published that BCBG is in serious financial debt with its vendors, for an estimated $230 million. The company has temporarily suspended all payments to its vendors while it refinances its debt agreements.

This is not the first time the company has had to be helped out from the bank. Former company employees have been known to leak every dirty detail the company keeps covered up, from verbal abuse to not having air-conditioning in their factories. They have also been known to rant about financial troubles with their vendors, whether its late payments or not receiving payment at all. Most of the vendors BCBG is in dealings with have not seen a dime since February of this year.

In short, it has been a tough year for the company. Failing to reach lower socio-economic shoppers with its brand with Miley Cyrus that was sold exclusively to Wal-Mart, a failed attempt at finding a partner and now, the label’s public relations representative resigned just last Thursday!

There's no official word from BCBG on when the vendors will be paid but its definitely a story to keep tabs on, just to see how the company will turn around its financial - and public - image.

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a 44-year old single mother of three girls who was blessed with a great post babies body. In fact, having kids gave me a great set of "twins" and a few more curves that I didn't have before. But as my children get older they are telling me I dress too sexy. I think at my age if you've survived a divorce and raised three girls if you still got it, flaunt it!

I like to wear low cut tops, tight dresses and stilettos because I feel sexy so I want to look sexy. Some of my friends have told me this is what's holding me back from a career in entertainment but again, I've met so many people in the industry - a lot of men especially - who I believe wouldn't have given me a second look if I didn't wear revealing clothing. So my question is who should I believe, my friends and family who think I dress too provocatively or just own it? And if they're right, what can I wear to appear less sexual but still look and feel sexy?

Signed,

Sexy Mom

------------

Dear S.M.,

Despite your sexiness, it sounds like your closet is unbalanced. There is a time and place for every outfit and without age-appropriate clothing the perception you're giving off is counterproductive, especially if you are legitimately trying to break into the entertainment industry. With that said, you could probably stand to have a makeunder.

Take a girlfriend and/or your daughters with you shopping with the intention of finding age-appropriate/business casual wear for your future dealings with your entertainment contacts. If you're really serious about breaking into the industry, then you'll have to rely on something other than your looks to get you past the velvet rope.

And toning it down doesn't mean you have to be completely covered up. Your clothing can still be body conscious but if the dress is low cut, then it should at least be knee length. If the dress is above the knee then try to cover up the "twins" for the sake of leaving something to the imagination. But again, these are the "time and place" pieces that should only be worn when you aren't trying to impress upon someone your desire to break into an industry that hundreds of women dressed similarly to you, who are using the same line as you, but only to finance their Mrs. degree.

As a single mother of three girls you most certainly don't want your daughters growing up to believe that they need to dress a certain way to get ahead in life. There's a certain je ne sais quoi about a woman who knows she's sexy and conveys that sex appeal through her actions and energy and doesn't rely on the obvious.

Dressing for success instead of, well, sex will get you further along than you think. And I'm sure your daughters will be proud of their mom for the change.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Coral: This Season’s New Orange

This summer, opt out of traditional orange and embrace the color coral. This spectacular color has shown up in many a wardrobes and on many a red carpets for years, but designers all over have taken it to another level.

What is great about it is that it looks good on every skin tone so you don’t have to worry about it washing you out or making your skin appear to have a reddish tint. It is a versatile enough color to wear so it’s showing up on just about everything from handbags to toenails.

Ladies, here are some great coral pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe:

Broken-in Skimmer pants, Gap

Tiered knit Maxi Dress, Banana Republic

Amory Floral Castaway Dress, J.Crew

Blooming Flowers Tank, Forever 21

Spring Shelter Cardigan, Anthropologie

Melie Bianco ‘Adele’ Faux Leather Clutch, Nordstrom

Ivanka Trump ‘Verena’ Thong Sandal, Nordstrom

Mango-get-em nail polish, L'Oreal

But fellas fear not. Because another fantastic facet to this color is that its not just for the ladies. It looks just as good on men as it does women. It is a splash of color for you to embrace just in time for the summer:

Linen/Cotton Shirt, Banana Republic

Chino Vintage Officer’s Short, Ralph Lauren

Men's Coral Tie, Shop Style

Coral Bow Tie, Tux Gear

And just remember: Coral gets mixed up sometimes with a light pink so to find a true coral, make sure that the item has a slight orange tint to it for it to be an actual coral color!

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Savage Style

Switzerland has a reputation for many things: the first that come to mind are cheese, chocolate and neutrality. The next should be Zürich, Switzerland's own, Pascal Grob. The fashion blogger and photographer neophyte created the site Fashion Bits and Bobs, taking candid shots of trendy pedestrians - sound familiar? - but also turns the lens on himself to chronicle his personal style - which he describes as "preppy casual" - and love of fashion.

T-Shirt: Weekday

Carrot Trousers: Topman

Coat & Shoes: Acne

Hat: Vintage

Leather Bag: Un-Ju

T-Shirt: Jil Sander

Trousers: American Apparel

Jacket and Shoes: Whyred

Straw Hat: ASOS

Bag: Vintage

Button-Down Shirt: A.P.C.

Trousers: H&M

Cardigan: COS

Shoes: TOMS

Button-Down Shirt & Trousers: H&M

Wool Cardigan: A.P.C.

Bag: FREITAG

Shoes: SWEAR

Shirt: American Apparel

Denim Trousers & Sweater: Acne

Hat: ASOS

Shoes: Vintage

Shirt: Acne

Chino Trousers: Topman

Sweatshirt: COS

Shoes: SWEAR

Fisherman Cap: Vintage

Oversized Shirt: Lanvin

Chino Trousers: Topman

Bag: Vintage

Shoes: SWEAR

Panama Hat: Vintage

His effortless style and stylish blog have been featured in Teen Vogue, GQ, Vogue, Elle and even H&M's style guide. In an interview, he says his ultimate goal is "being able to do what I want and live from it." Call it a hunch, but its safe to say that he's well on his way.

Think you've got enough style to be considered a shopping savage? E-mail your photos to dwaun@shoppingsavage.com with a breakdown of your outfit and your photo may be our feature of the week!

A (Beautiful) Look Back: Beyoncé Through the Years

Through the years Beyoncé has evolved from a young girl with a powerful voice into a woman and icon with the complete package: talent, beauty, brains and business savvy that is unmatched. And she's not even 30.

At the 2011 Billboard Awards, she was honored with the Artist of the Millennium Award, yet another notch in her belt of success. As I watched a clip of her highly technical performance, I was amazed at her growth as a performer and icon:

As a L’OREAL spokesperson, Beyoncé has become a reference for women globally for fashion and beauty. Let’s take a look at Beyoncé through the years:

2001

While this wasn't my favorite look, it was very influential and therefore deserves mention. She was young and still with Destiny’s Child, sporting long, crimped tresses and a fresh face. Very age-appropriate but definitely a look that she has outgrown.

2002

Well, what can I say? Beyoncé is a risk-taker and it was certainly a risk wearing this hairstyle while promoting her first movie, Austin Powers in Goldmember, in which she played Foxxy Cleopatra, a sexy, arse-kicking, bombshell. Her look evokes the 70’s: big, wild hair and lots of shimmer.

2003

This is when I started to truly appreciate Beyoncé’s beauty. Long, straight-as-6 o’clock hair, and soft color on her eyes, lips and cheeks allowed her natural beauty to shine through in a sweetly sleek way.

2004

Seen here at the CFDA Fashion Awards, Beyoncé turns up the old Hollywood glamour for the new millennium. Those fuchsia lips + flirty lashes = elegant sex appeal.

2007

After releasing and touring for B’Day, Beyoncé returned to her roots - literally, with really dark hair. The simplicity of her centered part and straight hair nicely complements her natural-looking makeup choice. Sheer beauty, without the dramatics.

2008

Before performing her duet with Tina Turner (those legs!), Beyoncé is seen here with voluminous hair and a return to highlights. I didn't love this look (the two-toned hair has never done much for me), but she still looks stunning, which is why she is the Queen Bey.

2010

By far my favorite time in Beyoncé’s career. What’s not to love here? Hair? Gorgeous. Face? Flawless. The approach is dramatic without going overboard and she walks the line perfectly.

Overall, I think it is fair to say that Beyoncé treads the fine line between glamorous and over-the-top beautifully. She has aged in the public eye gracefully. I look forward to continuing to follow her throughout her career, watching her innovate style and progress as a performer and as a trendsetter on the red carpet.

A few tips on trying to achieve Beyoncé’s look:

-She uses L’Oréal Paris HiP Studio Secrets Professional Crystal Shadow Duo in Precious “to define and brighten” her eyes.

-She uses Scott Barnes Body Bling bronzer on her legs. She says, “it gives a nice light-catching shimmer.”

-Want your face to appear just smooth as Beyoncé’s? Try using a primer, like L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base, because it “helps foundation go on super smoothly.”

-Beyoncé’s secret for tired eyes? “I don’t use eye cream,” she says. Instead, she rubs on Aquaphor Healing Ointment before bed. **This is also great for moisturizing lips!**

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