Guest Blogger: Try This Trend: Ombré Nails

While I am gone on my trip I'll have several guest bloggers writing for Bedazzles After Dark. I love reading their blogs and I wanted to introduce them to my readers! Next up is Nicole. Nicole blogs on her personal page & on The GLOSSary with Katy (you met her earlier!) - A full blown site dedicated to the obsession of nail polish. She also loves fashion and margaritas (what gal doesn't?!) I know that I can always look to her for a new color polish to try. This time she's got a very interesting take on a new kind of nail trend.....

The Ombré trend has been around for some time now. First, it was with flowing dresses and then the ever popular ombré hair. From blondes like Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port to brunettes like Rachel Bilson, the ombré hair trend doesn't seem to be going anywhere. But it doesn't just stop with hair. Now, we're experimenting with the ombre nails.

There are two different ways to try out this lacquer trend. The first is to grab five nail polishes in the same color family such as pink or blue. Arrange the colors from light to dark and make sure the shades don't contrast too much. For example, start with a dusty rose all the way to a bright fuchsia.

One of my favorite bloggers, I Am Style-ish tried out the trend in purple hues and put her own spin on it. PS, how fab is her YSL ring?

The second, more literal take on the ombre trend takes a little bit more work.

Apply your choice of base color like a saturated blue. Then find a dark color to use for the tips. To get the perfect ombre fade, pour the dark polish onto a hard surface and pat on the dark polish with a cosmetic sponge. Finish off with a topcoat to blend the colors together. You're left with a perfectly ombre'd nail even Gaga would envy.

Let us know if you try [and love!] this chic nail trend. May I suggest glittery hues for you bedazzled lovers?

Keep on glossing!
xo,
Nicole

You can read more about Nicole's nail choices here and tweet at her here [@heynicoleleigh].

1st image via The Beauty Department; 2nd image via I Am Style-ish; 3rd image via Refinery 29

Guest Blogger: Put A Spring In Your Step - Spring Shoe Options

While I am gone on my trip I'll have several guest bloggers writing for Bedazzles After Dark. I love reading their blogs and I wanted to introduce them to my readers! Here is Ashley. Now if you thought you were a shoe lover, let me tell you, you have nothing on Ash. Writing for her blog Pursuit Of Shoes, Ashley is my go to gal when it comes to knowledge of footwear. She loves high end designer pieces (Louboutins, Manolos, Brian Atwoods) as well as affordable options too! (J. Crew, Dolce Vita, Steve Madden) It's fun to see what shoes she wears next (I swear she has a never ending closet - look at this pic!) So here are some of her favorite styles for the Spring/Summer with a few cash friendly options thrown in there too.....


Spring is finally here and I can’t get enough of the SS ‘11 shoe choices. With so many options, it may be hard to nail down the new shoes that will make it into your shoe closet but Pursuit’s got the right picks for any fashionista. Here are 3 perfect styles to grab for a smooth spring to summer transition:

Sky High Espadrille Wedges

Wedges are great way to add height without a teetering stiletto! I love the espadrille look because it’s so beachy but can be dressed up for evening. {Charlotte Olympia, Top Shop, Pour La Victoire}


Simple Sandals with Unexpected Details

A fabulous pair of basic sandals is a must for any shoe lover’s summer closet. Spice it up this year with unexpected details such as animal prints or tassels. {DV by Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman, Dolce Vita}


Ballet Flats that Pop

Color! Color is taking over my SS ’11 wardrobe and I love it. Don’t forget about the shoes! Bold flats will carry you comfortably from spring through summer and you’ll look oh-so stylish. {Tory Burch, J. Crew, Bloch}

Thanks Nikki and BAD reader’s for having me guest post. It’s always so fun to work with stylish friends and bloggers!! Keep Pursuing Shoes – Ash


You can view more of Ashley's pursuit of footwear on her blog Pursuit Of Shoes or Tweet her here [@PursuitOfShoes]

Guest Blogger: Double Coat Mochachino with Room for Glitter

While I am gone on my trip I'll have several guest bloggers writing for Bedazzles After Dark. I love reading their blogs and I wanted to introduce them to my readers! Meet Katy. She is co-contributor of  The GLOSSary (with Nicole) A full blown site dedicated to the obsession of nail polish. Katy loves her "neutral wardrobe" but never misses a chance to add a pop of color with her nails. I love seeing her wear Black on Black and a flash of green or blue when carrying her Starbucks cup in hand. I knew she would write something fabulous seeing as she has more bottles of polish than me (who knew?!) So let's see what Katy has in store for you lovelies.....


When Nikki asked me to be a guest blogger for Bedazzles After Dark while she enjoys her much needed Italian vacation, I started to rack my brain for a way to connect The GLOSSary (my nail polish blog with Nicole) and the glitz and glitter that Nikki brings to all of you. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best – so glitter nail polish it is.  And even though it is great to glitter after dark, I also enjoy a healthy dose of daytime dazzle. Enter Essie's Mochachino, which I bought weeks ago, but have yet to try because of all the bright and bold lacquer shades for spring. Mochachino is a break from the "notice me" hues I've been sporting, but amazing nonetheless.

Channeling Nikki's Italian Vacation and my next coffee break with Mochachino

Here's what I am loving about it… First, the name. Even though I don't drink Mochachinos (I'm more of a Venti Americano type of girl), I am a full-blown caffeine addict, so I am clearly in support of all coffee, coffee-related substances and coffee-inspired names. Second, choosing this Essie hue is an homage to Nikki's Italian vacay (Italian espresso is epic… yum!) and her love for glitz. Third, I love a neutral, goes-with-everything polish and Mochachino adds the perfect touch of sparkle to this taupe color.  I have to note, though, that this shade is on the greige side of taupe, rather than the brown side –not exactly what you would expect from the name, but delightful, dazzling and decadent just the same. With a balance of simple shimmer and subtle color, Mochachino has an everyday and every-occasion-appropriate finish, which is sure to give it a much-loved position in my polish collection (numbered at 60 right now… yes, I just counted!)

Bright and bold Essie shades Clambake and Coat Azure have graced my nails in previous weeks.  Continue to mix it up from week to week with vibrant and subtle shades.

Are you going bright and bold or neutral for spring? Hope it's a little bit of both! Happy glossing! - km

You can read more about Katy's bold nail choices on The GLOSSary or tweet at her here [@MiniMissMason]