It seems that not all nail polish is created equal!
We recently found a lovely polish by NUBAR, that is free of formaldehyde, Tluene and other toxic chemicals.
It’s all part of their new vineyard collection, that was inspired by touring through Italy, with the rolling vineyards, and countless fields to wild flowers and appropriately named after their famous wines (Merlot, Corvina, Pinot and Muscato) Yes, we women over 40 look gorgeous in these rich colors! It’s like they took several different bottles of deep colored wines, and attached a nail polish brush to them!
We think this healthy alternative to beautiful nails is long over due and moreover they wear well too!
Dear Deb and JJ,
Recently I had my toes done before I went on vacation to my friends lake house and the guy did a little flower on each big toe. Then, I was at a craft show and found a really cute ankle bracelet for myself and thought it would be a fun step toward updating me, so I splurged and got it.
Now, visiting another friend she fell in love with the ankle bracelet and said here! and slipped a toe ring on me. So now I have one toe ring, one ankle bracelet, and two flowers on my toes (color is subtle) My question is that too much for one set of feet???
Sincerely,
Dressed From the Knees Down
Dear Knees Down,
Well, this is very interesting!! We think your intentions are very good… we love that you have splurged on something that you want. However there is one problem.. the truth is ankle bracelets and toe rings went out of style years ago and are not in style right now. You want to look hip, we’ve got some suggestions below.
Also, little drawings on your manicure or pedicure are fun for teenagers. They are not age appropriate for us ladies. This being said, we feel like we have burst a balloon and taken the fun out of life. However, we promise you we are not snobby, stodgy old ladies, that don’t want you to shine your individuality. NO, we want you to be YOU, but do it with some hip flair, some Oh, la la.. Don’t worry, we have a solution for your fun loving soul! Put your toe and ankle bracelet away or wear it at night with nothing else! Then try these tips to update your look and TWEAK YOUR CHIC!
1. Do it with a great FUN watch!!! Start a watch collection. Cheapo is fine. Find one that speaks to you. Collect them and switch them up. The first time I bought an inexpensive watch I thought I would never wear it much. It’s my favorite one now! Once it starts to look worn, I will toss it and not feel guilty.
2. Buy a jeweled flip flop or one with beads on it. Your shoes should be where you put your bling; not your ankle. For examples, visit our past blog posts on shoes!
3. Try some metallic nail polish in bronze for some subtle shine!
4. How about a colorful purse. Your purse should be FUN. Buy one in a bright color that you LOVE.
5. Totes can say “wow” too. See if you can find a flashy beach bag that says your personality. These are all much better ways to show your “cool” factor!
A few months ago we read that that showing your dark roots was in Vogue.
Now some crazy fashionistas are saying that chipped nail polish is the new sign of “Professional Fabulousness”????
Not in our books or in writer Verena Von Pfetten’s! Check out Verena’s great rant about this new beauty trend in The Huffington Post.
Your nails “Tips” you won’t find in fashion magazines
I don’t know why, but fashion magazines don’t talk about how long or what color nails should be!
That being said, who needs an article when all you have to do is look at the celebrities being featured. For example, while your in line at the grocery store, check out Jennifer Lopez’s nails on the cover of the Feb. Bazaar magazine.
Here are a few more…
Can you see these, nice short red nails on Nicole Ritchie? That is “IN”, so go for it!
Avril Lavigne and Mischa Barton know that rich dark colors are still “IN” and fun to try. Good news is that they are still age appropriate for us! If you don’t want to do your nails, try it on your toes!
TIP for those in the corporate world: This is a “fashion” look, so you might save this color for your off hours.
Here are some photos and common faux pas that we’ve been seeing out there in the real world.
Take our nail test to see if you are up to speed on the nail scene!
1. I love the convenience of tips. I go every two weeks and don’t have to think about my nails. In or Out?
Glam Gals say: OUT! Tips are NOT in style. If you must wear them, they should be short and painted a soft neutral color. If you have been wearing them for a long time, its perfect timing to give yourself a break and try having your own. You will save money and have new found freedom!
2. I have long natural nails and are proud of them. Are these, In or Out?
Glam Gals say: Out! Sorry, this is not a good look. Try shortening them up, especially if your not going to polish them.
3. I have this one favorite color that I have worn for years… I don’t care if it is In or Out, or should I?
Glam Gals say: This shiny pink says you are still back in the 80′s. Get OUT of the time warp and try something new! You just might like it!
4. I can’t help it, I think this snowflake is fun! Is this IN or OUT?
Glam Gals say: If your over 40, this might say “sassy” but it does not say, “I’m classy.” OUT!
5. How about this, short french manicure?
Glam Gals say: “IN!” ..Now this is what says, “I’m GLAM!”
JoJami-Was in the drug store the other day and saw a big display of a new “dry” nail polish, that you just peel and stick on. I thought, now that sounds too good to be true, but thought what the heck and grabbed a package.
Dry Nail Applique
It’s called Incoco, Dry Nail Applique. Available at your local Walgreen ($5.99)
I took it home and it sat on my counter for a few weeks, since I was hesitate to have to figure it out how to put the darn things on. However, last night I had a dinner to go to and didn’t want to fight the crowds to get a manicure, so I sat down with the package and dove in.
To me, it was like coloring your hair for the first time, with one of those home coloring kits. You read all the directions 10 times and then just do it. To make it easier, you can view the virtual demonstration here, but I didn’t bother.
I used the color “French Manicure” which, isn’t really a french manicure at all since the white part is not there, but just a very light pink color that goes on solid.
I found them relatively easy to apply (you literally just peel and stick the color on) and the result was really fantastic! It really does go on dry and so you can’t mess them up afterward.
They claim that they last up to 2 weeks, so I have a another 12 days to go for the final results. But I’m definitely impressed so far!
Its about time, somebody came up with a better way to paint your nails!
Looking fashionable and being comfortable don’t always go hand in hand. But this Spring it’s different. Just take a pair of comfy khaki shorts and add some drop dead accessories for the latest look from down under. We love this cool white pairing by Belfstaff. Prowling around in this Crocodile Dundee inspired outfit with flat boots and aviator sunglasses, is pure Safari Chic.
You’ll find dozens of versions of the classic Safari jacket out there, in neutral shades from taupe to stone, army green to khaki and black.
Most are cotton or linen but we found a knit one from Diesel that’s a sharp little sweater jacket.
So, what nail color will you wear with this look? This just in… OPI has announced their newest shades of nail and lip color, inspired by Down Under. 
G’day, Mate!………………
