Mani Monday: A Midnight Nail Affair

Posted on August 6, 2012 by dcshopgirl

Is it fall yet? I have a habit of coating my nails in darker colors before summer is even over. I guess you could say I became seasonally impatient, especially when my favorite beauty emporiums and drugstores begin showcasing fall 2012 beauty collections. So it’s no shocker what my latest nail obsession is.

1. Butter London in Royal Navy ($14). I consider this polish to be a classic navy with a bit of shine.
2. OPI in Russian Navy ($12.50). Navy blue simplified. The matte version.
3. Nails Inc. in The Serpentine Navy Slate ($9). For neutral fans, this subtle hue of blue is easy to wear.
4. Deborah Lippmann in Ray of Light ($18). I love this polish for it’s indigo hue and specks of glitter for a modern edgy look.
5. Essie in Midnight Cami ($8). A deep twilight blue with just the right amount of shine, it’s perfect for a night on the town.

Under the Sea: Aqua Nail Lacquers

Posted on July 30, 2012 by dcshopgirl

I’m trying to soak up as much summer as I possibly can. From sun-kissed skin to beach wavy hair, nothing says summer than sea-inspired nail polish. My latest obsession: Deborah Lippmann in Mermaid’s Dream ($18). It looks like I’ve got the ocean right at my fingertips with its sparkly flecks of ocean blue.

On a budget? Get the look with any of these alternative drugstore picks, all under $10:

1. Essie Polish in Turquoise & Caicos ($8)
2. Revlon Scented Nail Enamel in Ocean Breeze ($5)
3. China Glaze in Turned Up Turquoise ($6)

Mani Monday: The Emerald Door

Posted on July 23, 2012 by dcshopgirl

Usually when I treat myself to a mani and pedi, my trip to the salon becomes just another errand I have to check off my to-do list. The customer service is quick but my mediocre salon rushes me in and out without feeling like I ever really treated myself. Needless to say, it’s as if my trip to the salon is just another errand I have to check off my to-do list.

After attending a beauty blogger event The Emerald Door, my standards on nail care changed. The Emerald Door is a luxe nail spa that boasts all eco-friendly nail, skin and waxing services, not to mention sells a bevy of eco-chic nail, skin and hair products that you can take home. I indulged in some much-needed nail therapy as they introduced me to their products and services, complete with sips of champagne and bites. Boasting a luxe nail bar, lounge and six comfy pedicure chairs, Emerald Door is the ultimate eco-chic nail haven in the suburbs.

Tatiana, my aesthetician, gave me a gorgeous mani and pedi using one of my favorite nail polish lines, Deborah Lippmann in Mermaid’s Dream and On The Beach. I sat in a large comfy chair while soaking my feet in a fluffy gelatin filled foot tub, experiencing my first ever Japanese Jelly Pedicure (60 minutes, $60). This ultra-smooth concoction is a treat for your feet and provides relief for stress and aching muscles; the perfect pre-soak for a pedicure.

If you’ve never experienced an Emerald Door Spa Mani/Pedi or Facial, I highly suggest you schedule a little “me time.” And here’s some incentive: Book a spa mani/pedi or facial and get 20 percent off your purchase. Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail and I’ll send you the coupon to print and bring to your first appointment, and tell them I sent you!

The Emerald Door, 8311 Grubb Rd., Silver Spring, 301-587-5800; emeralddoorspa.com

Follow The Emerald Door on Twitter: @emeralddoor
Like The Emerald Door on Facebook here.

Mani Monday: Red, White & Blue Nails

Posted on July 2, 2012 by dcshopgirl

Holy power outages! If you live in the District or the Maryland or Virginia ‘burbs, then you know just how difficult it’s been getting gas, ice cubes and coffee. Which is why I made sure no matter the weather, I had internet access (thanks to my boyfriend) so that when your power eventually comes back on, you can oogle at the latest nail porn on Politics of Pretty.

Check out five of my favorite patriotic-inspired manicures that you can rock (or just look at) and an easy 4th of July mani how-to from The Beauty Department..

Above, the star-spangled mani.

Stars and stripes, courtesy of Holy Manicures.

A red, white and blue splattered DIY, courtesy of PrettyGossip.com

I’m not sure this is even possible to re-create unless you’re a professional.

For all you DIY-ers, an easy how-to from Lauren Conrad.

Have a cool red, white and blue mani? Tweet me your pics @dcshopgirl!

Nailstagram with Meredith Fineman

Posted on June 25, 2012 by dcshopgirl

While I’m relaxing on the Ft. Lauderdale beach (covered in SPF 100 of course), this week’s posts on PoP are brought to you by some of my favorite DC bloggers. Who better to write today’s Mani Monday series than Meredith Fineman? The CEO of FinePoint Digital PR, Writer and Founder/Editor of Girls Aren’t Funny & TheFFJD, talks about her nailspiration and a glimpse into DIY manis.

“Nails for me are a great creative outlet. I got my first manicure with my grandmother and mother, and I got neon green. Not a lot has changed, apparently. I think your hands are a great way to express yourself. For me - I’m always writing and using my hands, so I prefer that they look fun. I’m lucky in that being an entrepreneur allows me to have anchors and tuxedos and such - although I think that the idea of “professional” nails is pretty silly and outdated. It’s sort of a stigma in certain industries, like a tattoo. Changing the world, one ring-finger at a time!

I usually paint my own nails and love DIY. I love Mimosa Salon in DC and splurge for gel manicures, which I can’t do myself. I’ll use pull up pictures of designs I want on my phone and show it to the manicurist, who looks at me with a combination of confusion and judgment. I love that.”

Swearing like a sailor.

White House Correspondents Dinner Black Tie

Toka Salon Green

Some DIY