Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Brown

More autumn nail art, in a very appropriate autumn color...

Brown

I must admit that I got in a little over my head with this one. As I sat there staring at my browns, I couldn't decide what to do. I created a brown tribal print last November, if I did leaves they'd look dead, I was searching for any fall inspiration that might be brown. Then I somehow landed on turkey feathers. Strange, I know. So this was my attempt at a brown turkey feather manicure.

Polishes used: Zoya Louise, Nyssa, Godiva, and Jacqueline

Take a look at the other fabulous brown manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448833

A Tell Tale Manicure

It's no secret that Halloween is not my favorite holiday. I have never enjoyed being scared and I have always been on the squeamish side. However, I have always loved the creepy, insanity and darkness of some classic literature. I have shown this in some of my past Halloween inspired manicures including Jabberwocky and The Raven. This time I bring you another Edgar Allan Poe classic, The Tell Tale Heart. It's a short story about a character who is rather insane and paranoid after committing a crime. If you have never read it, here it is in its glory.

I included EKG lines to show the beating heart, blood spatter and smear, the words "like the sound a watch makes," and a heart of course. I apologize for the smearing that occurred when I added my topcoat :-(

Polishes used: Zoya Jacqueline, Livingston, Pepper, Claire, Harley, and Dot

Here are some other Halloween inspired manicures (& enter your own while you're at it leave a comment and I will vote for you!):
http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/halloween-nail-art-challenge/

Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Red

I was invited to join the "Blogger Bragger Autumn Nail Art Challenge" (via a facebook group). I enjoy participating in challenges as they encourage me to think outside of the box while providing some sort of inspiration or theme for a manicure. This is perfect timing as I have been in a bit of a nail art rut lately. The challenges are once a week for the next twelve weeks. They all have an autumn theme and incorporate one particular polish color. This week the challenge is...

RED

I love red polish. I know that many people do not. I was excited to try to incorporate some of my favorite red polishes into one cohesive nail look. I decided to hand paint a maple leaf to add an element of fall into the look.

Polishes used: Zoya Oswin, Jacqueline, Livingston, Pepper, Edyta

I also love looking at all of the great work that comes out of challenges. Take a look at the other fabulous autumn manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448814 

Feel free to join the group on facebook and join the challenge!

Playing with Polish--Contemporary Color Block Edition

Yesterday Zoya announced a new feature on their website, a trend guide. I was very excited since it also boasts of tutorials for each trend. The trends are inspired by none other than the runways of New York Fashion Week. While perusing this new feature I was intrigued by the "Contemporary Color Block" manicure mentioned. I began conjuring up other fabulous trios to try. Below you will see three other ideas (along with the original color suggestion). I came up with a red, mint/sage, and ivory/neutral version. I haven't decided which one to wear for a full manicure yet. I might just have to try something new! I could have created so many other pairings, I might have to have a sequel to this post sometime!

Polishes used: (base, moon, stripe)
Index: Neely, Bevin, Vespa
Middle: (original) Genevieve, Ryan, Dahlia
Ring: Jacqueline, Jules, Bar (Godiva or Tomoko would also look gorgeous with this. I had trouble deciding)
Pinkie: Livingston, Pepper, Oswin

I do realize that I forgot to make the "moon" portion curved, maybe next time:)
What other combinations would you like to see? What do you think of this trend?

Check out Zoya's new Trend Guide for Fall 2014!
Also check out their new promotion/sweepstakes #MyNameMonday

Thanksgiving Manicure--Tribal

The holidays are that time of year when we see family more and want to look our best. Whether your upcoming holiday festivities are casual or formal, I have a few nail art ideas to help you plan that Thanksgiving Manicure!

Today I have a simple tribal inspired manicure. The design on my accent nails was inspired by traditional Wampanoag dress. I chose to keep this manicure rather neutral to continue to emulate the design.

 This rather simple design is casual yet classy. It works with that neutral cable knit sweater for dinner and with your jersey for the game.

Polishes used: Zoya Flynn, Jacqueline, and Louise

Fall Favorites: Not Quite White

We all know that white nails were resurrected this past spring/summer. Many people raved about the clean, stark appearance of a beautiful white manicure. If you are looking for the perfect white, here is a post on my favorite white.

Since it is fall, and therefore after Labor Day, many fashion police shun those who don lovely white ensembles. If you are someone who just cannot look past the "no white after Labor Day" tradition, look no further. You can still wear a pale shade that is more of a "winter white" or an ivory than a stark, pure white.

Zoya Jacqueline, a magnolia nude cream, is the perfect autumn alternative to white. It still leaves your nails looking elegant and clean, without looking too harsh against the beautiful hues of autumn. This beauty applied flawlessly in 2 buttery smooth coats. I highly recommend Jacqueline, she is a lovely color to wear year-round. (Another "not quite white" favorite, but this time on the sheer side, is in this post)

Do you have a perfect alternative to white polish?

Zoya nail polish is available for purchase through their website. Polishes retail for $8.00 each.  Sign up for a Zoya account today and receive points that can be redeemed for promotions and discounts.

Playing with Polish-- Playing with Patterns

Occasionally I decide to pick out a few polishes, browse my pinterest boards, and become inspired. I usually have one of two intentions: try something new I might like and practice the muscle control of doing nail art. This rendition of "Playing with Polish" is no different. I don't really recall what inspired me other than a variety of runway pictures including monochromatic ensembles in various patterns. I did not want to use black and white, so I chose two more subtle shades that still give a nod to the trend.

A lot of imrprovement can be made, and practice is necessary to gain better control. But it's always fun to try:)

Polishes used: Zoya Jacqueline and Natty

Do you every play with your polish just to hone your skills and try something new?