Subtlety is the Best Way to Make a Statement

Fall and Winter are arguably the best season to show off your style. With all the different looks that are possible by mixing and matching accessories (scarves, jewelry, accessories, handbags) with various outfit combinations (from leggings and a cute, to skirts and patterned tights), the possibilities are endless. However,one detail that can make or break your look is your nails.

It may seem like a minor detail that you might only pay attention to if you have an upcoming event, but in all actuality, your nails makes an impression. Especially, during the holiday season - when yo might meet an unexpected cutie at a holiday/New Year's party ;) - don't be caught with your guard down. Before we even get to color, the most important part is simple maintenance. Of course, not every girl is a certified professional manicurist, but you don't have to be. And learning how to maintain your own nails will (A) save you money in the long run and (B) give you control over your look instead of having to be dependent on a professional. No matter what maintaining a clean and neat look is key.

• Start by clipping the ends of your nails, but not too much because you can manipulate the shape (squared or oval) and length with a file.

• Clean your nails - Even with polish, dirt under the nails may be visible and we all grown enough to handle that.


• File and shape - It's important to only file in one direction in order to avoid splitting the nail. Pay attention to the natural shape of your nails because that is probably the most flattering shape. Keep checking your progress though because one you file/cut it off, it's gone.

Check out any local beauty supply store or drug store like CVS, Rite Aid to manicure/pedicure kits. Also try these cute and inexpensive nail kits:

• Bath & Body Works: Manicure/Pedicure Envelope [comes in hot pink, lime green, red, blue] - $18($10 online!)


• Target: Tweezerman Pedicure Kit ($14.99); Ms. Pedicure Toe Riffic Tools ($9)


• Wal-mart: Ms. Manicure Tips and Toes Manicure/Pedicure Set ($8.48)

Now it’s time to pick the color. Last season was all about looking edgy with EXTRA dark hues of black, navy, chocolates, and deep reds. For the most part, we are still in that trend, but in a revamped way. Instead of a basic shiny nail, the “in-thing” is matte nails or on the opposite side of the spectrum, metallic nails, like chrome, graphite, and bronze. Harsh blacks may be too much this season, but if you really have the urge for a dark color, I'd suggest these instead:

• Gray - a better choice because it isn't as harsh as black, but is still dramatic enough


• Navy - a litte different (in a good way), and again, not as harsh as black


• Chocolate - you can never go wrong with dark brown shades because it compliments any skin color, especially all our ours :)


• Red - bright red is a no-no, but deeper hues closer to burgundy or a deep wine makes a sophisticated statement


• Skin tone (nude, taupe, chocolate) - always a classy choice and always in style because it's understated, yet fresh and noticeable

Some brands that are known for their attention to style trends include various collections by OPI, Zoya, Revlon, and Essie.

The key is to pick rich, deep, solid colors. Frosty versions can be cute too, but be careful because you’ll notice that these are quite different from metallic tones. If you’ve never worn some of these colors, you might feel like it looks too different, but work it honey! The way you carry yourself despite what you’re wearing on your nails, head, feet, and body is what people will ALWAYS pay attention to. Let your style speak for itself!

--Brittany Allen
Brownstone Intern

Brittany is a sophomore communications major at USC, where she also writes for Helen, USC's first women's magazine.