White Like Porcelain

Remember when you were a teen and you were bored in class. You took some white-out and started painting your nails. It was all streaky and matte, but you didn't really care. This is that but way better. Hello white nails! We're used to seeing pink, red, or even black nails. That's all fine and dandy, but I'm telling you white is where it's at. White nails look clean and crisp like a freshly starched dress shirt. It's so good. And the color will instantly draw attention to your perfect manicure. I'm declaring it... White nails are the new neutral.

All whites are not created equal. Years ago I tried a few white polishes that just looked cheap and awful on my nails. You don't want a product that looks like a kid used marker on your fingertips. Also, picking the right white is crucial. I chose this particular color at a party just last night. Other ladies steered clear of it thinking it wouldn't look right with their complexions. Oh please. This OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls is bright and pure white enough to work for any skin tone. If you're worried about the white making you look pale, go for a glossy color. You can also experiment with different shades like a pearly finish or something iridescent and sparkly. If you have darker skin, white will make your mani really pop. What compliments a fabulous cocktail ring better than killer nails?

If you're a DIY girl, here are a few tips to get your white nails perfect. Make sure your nails are clean and free of any oils. This may seem super basic, but a clean slate makes a world of difference. As always, start with a prep coat like OPI's Chip Skip. This will make sure that your polish doesn't peel off. Then go for a base coat like Essie's First Base. It's like a primer for your nails so that you get the true hue of the polish and the color won't stain your nails. Now it's time for the polish. The first coat won't be perfect, and that's ok. The second coat should be much smoother and more even. If it's not, a really thin third layer is fine. Seal the deal with your favorite top coat. I love Ciate's Speed Coat because it dries super quickly. If you're like me and you still get paranoid about messing up your fresh mani or you're in a rush to get moving, try Zoya Fast Drops. You'll be done with your mani in 20 minutes flat and ready to run to your next audition. Even the casting director will notice your white hot nails. Get it!

xoxo

Nail It (The Holiday Edition)

Bring out the decoration. Deck the halls. Trim the tree. String up the lights. December is the month when you can really pull out the bells and whistles for your nail game. Snowflakes on your fingers, little elves on your toes, reindeer on your pinky. Do it up! If you put jingle bells and all that stuff on your nails, I won't be mad you. It totally makes sense. Why not be festive. Want to get in the holiday spirit without spending too much money at the nail salon? I've got just the right things for you...

Keep up the tradition in red. It's definitely the color of the season and you can't go wrong with it. Red works for any holiday event whether it's an office party or a big dinner. By no means is red a boring color. Butter London has a sexy Come to Bed Red for the classy girl. It's one of the top contenders for the Stylelist Contributor Beauty Awards, and I can see why. Ooo la la. Then there's OPI that makes a gorgeous Red-y To Help that has a satiny shine to it. And if you're looking for something with even more sparkle, try e.l.f. 's Cranberry. Speaking of glitter...

These colors are like a party on your hands. Just look at all that glitter. Talk about spirit fingers. For those who enjoy big chunky glimmer, try Essie's Jazzy Jubilant. I think of it as birthday cake icing with hints of teal, purple, and silver flavors. If you're going for even more funfetti, there is Ciate's Its Haute In Here. The color reminds me of a chocolate peppermint milkshake. Oh so delicious. Last but not least, get the Midas touch with Milani's Jewel FX Gold glitter. The great thing about this one is that you can wear it over your favorite color or it can stand alone. Gold is always so versatile.

Ok, let's say you're horrible at painting your own nails. When you do it yourself, your fingers look like your 3 year-old niece got a hold of your nail polish and went crazy with it. No need to fret. That's why God created nail wraps. Dashing Diva's Glitz N'Glam is super easy to apply. I like this particular one because it looks like a winter wonderland. It even comes with french manicure tips. If you're already thinking ahead to New Year's Eve, try Nail Rock 3D. It's called Doodad Colour but I call it Disco Bubble Bath because that's exactly what it looks like. Nail wraps can last for 7 to 10 days through all your holiday festivities.

Reds, glitters, and wraps. All of these options are both naughty and nice. Spice things up this season by having a little fun with your nails. Enjoy!

The Nail Game: NYFW Edition

If you're going to make an appearance at the fiercest fashion shows in the world, you'd better come correct. From head to toe, you've got to look on point including your nails. I'm not just talking a basic manicure. I'm talking stilettos, nail wraps, nail art, half moon manicures, jewels... the works. On the runway, designers like Mara Hoffman, Maki Oh, and Cushnie Et Ochs got in on the trend by incorporating nail art designs to match their collections. On the streets of New York, the fashionista took the nail game to a whole other level.

Imagine arriving at fashion week sans manicure. Between all the packing and last minute errands, I honestly didn't have time to squeeze in a mani-pedi. I just kept hoping that one of the gifting suites or beauty lounges would include manicures in their free services. For days I hid my nails from the world, until one evening at event for Amika hair products. Hallelujah there's a nail bar!

Amika decided to collaborate with Dashing Diva and create nail wraps to match the packaging for the new collection. Genius! I opted for the black with gold dots. Look at they compliment my freckles and this cute Oh by Joy Gryson wallet. Spots on spots on spots. These nail wraps became an instant hit for the street fashion lovers. Taye and I even made a cameo in this great nail trend video by Glam.com.

Ooo these girls got style. See how their nails amped up their outfits. Boom! It must have been kismet, because my nail wraps conveniently matched all my outfits at NYFW from my striped Stella & Jamie vest to my leopard print sweater. The other great thing about these Dashing Diva nail wraps, if you just add gel on top, they'll last for weeks. Genius!

Chime in ladies: What's your favorite nail trend from New York Fashion Week?