Bay Area Fashionista


The “IT” list is in for summer 2011 nail color

Nail polish trends have been swinging back and forth from very light to very dark over the past few seasons. As Fashionistas move into summer and begin to pare down their spring wardrobe in preparation for steamy temperatures, everyone is beginning to see their black shaded finger-tips as a bit, well, shall we say, so last season!

While Black Pearl from Chanel and similar shades from designers and beauty companies across the globe have graced the fingertips of the fashion-savvy since December 2010, fingertips have rebelled for summer and are going pale beige or bright pink.

Instead of one dominant color for nails this summer, the “IT” fingertips shade is either beige or bright pink while the “IT” toe color is either bright pink or sunshine yellow; Mimosa by Chanel to be exact. While black polish still has its place in nail color royalty for the summer, the shade has been relegated to the toes and paired with beige fingertips.

Wondering what exact shades to look for this summer? Mimosa by Chanel is the ultimate yellow for your toes. Morning Rose is the “IT” shade of pink for all of your nails and Beige Petale is the neutral beige for your fingertips. The one nail color rule this summer is that bright colors, other than pink, belong on your toes. Fingers are to be kept neutral in either beige or spring’s black.

The reasoning behind this “nail polish color rule” is that bright and bold colors in apparel and accessories are HOT for summer and Fashionistas need to be able to wear any shade they please, without having to worry about their fingertips clashing with their ensembles. 

summer2011nails

Chanel Summer nail color from left: Beige Petale, Mimosa and Morning Rose.
Photo by Bay Area Fashionista ©2011


Kate Middleton wears one-of-a-kind diamond earrings for her wedding

Princess and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton wore one-of-a-kind, hand crafted diamond earrings for her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, by Robinson Pelham Jewellers. The earrings were commissioned by Princess Kate Middleton’s parents, Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton. Her parents gave the earrings to her a wedding gift.

The beautiful and stunning diamond earrings are sure to start a trend in earring design. Kate Middleton’s earrings feature diamonds set on an oak leaf design with a pear shaped diamond that drops in the middle of the earring; adding movement and sparkle with every turn.

Carole and Michael Middleton were inspired by their family’s new coat of arms which features oak leaves as well as acorns. Kate Middleton’s parents also designed the earrings to blend together with her tiara.

Since the styles from Princess Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles lasted an entire decade, it is safe to assume that many fashion trends have been launched from Kate Middleton’s wedding to Prince William. This mean we are sure to see many oak leaves and diamonds in seasons to come; not just in earrings but perhaps in pendants, brooches . . .and more!

 


Olivia + Joy handbag designer Blanca Lesser

Olivia + Joy is a hot handbag design brand created by Blanca Lesser. The line of handbags is animal-friendly and incorporates on-trend designs without the logo and the high price. I had the honor of interviewing Blanca Lesser on Monday April 18, 2011 and I instantly found her passion for bringing high style and quality to the consumer at an affordable price to be inspirational.

Blanca Lesser strives to create on-trend designs that will withstand the test of time in both style and quality. The best part? All of her handbag designs are under $100! Her amazing designs such as the Perfection Satchel for $88 and the Bella Zip Cross Body for $68 incorporate all of the handbag runway trends while making the styles practical for everyday use.

To learn more about Olivia + Joy, please visit Blanca Lesser’s website at oliviaandjoy.com.

To read my full interview published on Examiner.com, please click here.

*Special Thank You to Blanca Lesser for taking the time out of her busy schedule to speak with me. Her designs are amazing and her passion for creating “The Look for Less” is inspirational.

OJ44107_000_CNDNATURALLEOPARD