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Even in Chicago, the weather is finally warm enough to have me thinking seriously about my spring wardrobe. And yet, here in Chicago, there is always a possibility that another snowstorm will hit. So savvy fashionistas think about ways to freshen up their winter clothes, because around here at least, we're going to be wearing them for the next month. The simplest, cheapest, and fastest update? A new bottle of nail polish.
Let's face it: some nail colors have started to look a little tired. The French manicure became popular because it was ladylike, flattering, and safe. But it's been around forever. At least 10 years. Can we finally say goodbye? Please? After all, if the argument started raging on beauty blogs in 2006, at this point, I'd say it's moot.
Another trend I'm willing to put on mothballs until next fall is very dark shades of polish. I love shades like OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark, but it's more of a Fall/Winter color.
The hottest polish color at the moment is Chanel's Particuliere, which has been blowing out of stores since January. It's a taupe color that is surprisingly flattering and chic.
Of course, it's also $22 a bottle. OPI's You Don't Know Jacques is a perfectly good substitute. For a lot less money.
But the absolute latest look for Spring, 2010 is shades of pale gray and lilac, like 
Essie's Looking for Love.
The best thing about experimenting with nail polish colors is that they're so easy to change. It's just nail polish, after all. It's not hair dye. And with Sally Hansen and Wet 'n' Wild making excellent quality polishes at drug store prices, they're no need to spend a lot of money.
Think of it: for $5.00 your hands can shout "Spring 2010" even if your jeans are whispering "Fall 2009." (Or, in my case, "Fall 2008.")
For more on the subject of nail polish, see my post about nail polish for aging hands. You can also explore the wonderful world of nail polish blogs, which i find as addictive (and colorful) as Jelly Bellies. All Lacquered Up is a great place to start. Scrangie shows off every crazy color out there. And Dr. Frankenpolish showcases her home-made colors.
Poppy practices what she preaches and is currently wearing Sally Hansen's HD polish in Hi-Def--a holographic green--for St. Patrick's Day. Poppy hands out unsolicited beauty and style advice at The Beauty Boomer when she isn't making fun of celebrities on Mamarazzi.
