Spring's Hot Accessory

There are some trends that quickly evolve and become reminiscent to the maystorm of the Barney's Warehouse sale; you don’t know how you got there (in fact you never thought of it be so alluring in the first place) but because of sheer popularity and that age old excuse we used as children (whine- “but mom everyone else is doing it!”) you know that you should be there. Otherwise you risk your street status of being a connoisseur of all “in” things. Remember those low rise jeans a certain Ms. Spear's popularized that only flaunted your thong color, while giving new meaning to the visual of a "plumber's butt crack"? Let’s be honest not everyone was blessed with a Michelangelo sculpted taut stomach fit for Victoria Secret model. Instead we ended up revealing TMI about the curves and crevices of our bodies to make those low risers attractive. On the other hand there are other trends that are more reminiscent of the skinny jeans- classic, timelessly appropriate and mother approved.

Enter the new nail color for spring. Reviewed in our first post for 2010, this trend has become so hot that certain brands are wiped clean of inventories and predatory vultures are hawking the elusive polish on EBay for over $100 a pop. Let’s take a step back and visit to the original inspiration. Tastemaking Karl Lagerfield sends models with nails painted in a creamy mushroom inspired, chalky brown with a hint of steel gray polish down his Spring/Summer Chanel ’10 runway. (Remember the feeding frenzy this brand was responsible for with Black Satin or the ‘90s Vamp?). This fresh Chanel color, Particulière, (a welcome change from the tired dark black/purple) not only caused a minor anxiety attack with all the beauty editors as they scrambled to get one but sent a flurry of "me too" remakes. And with good reason. This subtle color takes a back seat to spring's pastel, candy-hued clothes, letting the outfit do the talking. Yet it is impactful and lingering enough that it pulls even the everpresent military jacket together. Is your heart racing yet because this is the new accessory for spring and you don't have it?! If you can't find pony up for the $100 Ebay original try some more pocket-friendly and equally alluring alternatives like OPI's You Don't Know Jacques, Essie's Chinchilly (I wish my job was to brainstorm nail polish names!) or Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Laquer in Commander in Chic. But hurry spring is right around the corner and you don't want to leave your nails envious and bare!

Usage tip: This color looks immaculate on shorter, square-shaped nails. Long and pointy/curvy only spells Jersey Shore (no offense to my NJ friends).

The result: Love at first sight (yes it's possible)....this color stopped hearts on the runway!