Thursday, December 15, 2011

Polished Style: Black & Gold


Up until several months ago, I never really cared to paint my nails. It took too much time, and I felt that the results didn't last long enough to warrant the effort. If I ever did do it, it was in classic shades like reds and pale pinks, and I would never consider designs. Fast forward a few months (and becoming closer with a friend who loves her nail polish!) and I'm happy to say that I'm becoming slightly more adventurous (black! dark green! navy!). I'm also now willing to do an accent nail in a more simple design.

{Sonia Rykiel top, YSL sunglasses, Forever 21 cuff, Kate Spade earrings, YSL shoes, Topshop dress}
I like the idea of being inspired by fashion for manicures. Clothes, shoes and jewelry are often expensive, so this a fun and cost effective way to integrate a little something extra into a look. It's also a great method to subtly test drive colour or a trend! That's why I'm so excited to introduce this new segment, Polished Style, on the blog; Carmen and I will create manicures that even the most averse nail polish wearers can try out!

This week we were inspired by black and gold, one of my favourite colour combinations of all time; these colours can be dressed up to look elegant or edgy depending on how you wear it. I've always enjoyed garments with subtle gold embellishments and this was the inspiration behind our first look!

{OPI Black Onyx, Martha Stewart Metallic Microbeads in Florentine Gold, Borghese Brilliante base/top coat, tweezers}
Hop on over to The Art of Nails to see how you can easily re-create this look yourself!
Stay tuned for more, and feel free to leave suggestions of what you'd like to see in the comments section!

28 comments:

  1. LOVE! Your friend really needs to teach me how to pick a nice classic red polish, I've been on the hunt for the longest time and I can't seem to find any.

    P.S. Your nails look amaaaazing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful combo. Gold is everywhere this season.

    http://www.thegirlieblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Those studs look amazing, what a fantastic idea! I am definitely experimenting more with nail polish, so I am looking forward to see more posts on this.

    December Sunshine

    ReplyDelete
  4. LOVE this new segments of yours! Can't wait to see the manicures you girls come up with.

    http://www.style-rhapsody.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love it! Very excited for the new segment :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. As a nail polish addict, I can already tell I'm going to love this series!

    xo, alison*elle

    ReplyDelete
  7. Chic in VancityDecember 15, 2011 2:29 PM

    Awesome nails! That is such a great and unique idea! :)
    Happy Holidays!!
    Bella xox
    http://www.chicinvancity.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great idea! I think I'll try this, but with gold paint instead of the little beads.

    http://xjole.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. that clutch...ur nails...<333!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ooooh looking forward to seeing what else is in store (:

    ReplyDelete
  11. Closet FashionistaDecember 15, 2011 4:50 PM

    Loving the manicure! So cool!! :D
    And that coat is amazing
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jen this is so amazing! I think this new feature is going to be awesome, and so needed for polish-novices like me! Absolutely love what you've done here, such a stylish yet wearable way of bringing some fun to your mani, and the black and gold is so perfect for the holidays too. Absolutely love it!

    Alex xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fifth N Sixth ClosetDecember 15, 2011 5:44 PM

    You look great.. Love the maniure.. Great inspiration!
    www.fifthnsixthcloset.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love this idea! Black and gold is my fav color combo as well and I'll definetly be trying out this great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great options. My favorite is the manicure.

    7eventh Letter
    http://www.whatsmoreimportantthanfashion.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. soooo cutee!! (:

    -Tina.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kaitlin MattinglyDecember 15, 2011 11:15 PM

    i want those black nails.
    they are so classy but totally edgy in the same way!!!
    darling

    xoxo katlin
    kaitgirl

    ReplyDelete
  18. HAUTEMESSinHOLLYWOODDecember 15, 2011 11:24 PM

    Love the topshop dress!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh I can't believe that mani, is adorable! I'm so going to try it!

    Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

    ReplyDelete
  20. That nail design is SO chic, I love it! And how festive would it look with green or red nail polish substituted for the black? Not as classy, perhaps, but totally appropriate for the holidays. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love your nail design, it reminds me of my favorite H&M Versace dress that I never got to buy - have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love nail polish, so I'm glad to see you're getting more into it! Looks great. And those YSL heels in that set look so amazing.


    www.shannonsometimes.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Beautiful nails! I don't bother with my nails too much because they always chip at work. Great black and gold studded compilation!

    ReplyDelete
  24. black and gold is my signature. i love the outfit!

    http://thesparkle.net

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh I have to try that! I usually wear dark polish, which gets tiring after a while. I like that they aren't too showy or flashy-something I could still wear to work but rock on the weekend. Hopefully my shaky hands don't make a big mess though!

    Http://etceteraism.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Stunning, love what you did with your nail polish!

    ReplyDelete
  27. May I ask where the bag is from? :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love how black and gold look together, and this manicure looks fabulous! I might just have to try it!

    ReplyDelete

Please say hello! No annoying word verification required. I try my best to reply to all comments, but if you would like a guaranteed response please e-mail me at: [email protected]