While I love summer's bright, fun nail colors, I'm always happy when fall comes around and it's time to introduce deep, dark colors back into my nail routine. Now, thanks to Jan Arnold, CND's co-founder and style director, I'll be able to do so in style. CND polish was a staple in the Fall Fashion Week runways (the company worked with 22 designers this time around), and here are some of the hottest trends the company's color experts noticed for Fall/Winter 2011.- CROWN JEWELS: Eccentric, old world charm takes center stage this season with eminent dark jewel toned nails that accessorize bold satin and chiffon, off-kilter tweeds, wild jacquards, and sumptuous velvet fabrics. Prince William and Kate Middleton aren’t the only royal marriage in the future—runway manicures unite lavish eggplant purple with decadent gilded gold. For opulent nails, use CND’s limited edition The Look: Fall 2011, comprised of Midnight Sapphire deep cobalt blue crème, Dark Amethyst velvet aubergine crème, and Sheer 24K Sparkle gold lamé effect. These brand new polishes were seen on the runway at Sachin & Babi, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jen Kao, and Monique Lhuillier.
- RUGGED & RAW: Manicures delve into the past...faded, traditional, and textured in soft sandstone washes of color. A literal return to the roots. Nature takes back the urban landscape with earthen shades of muted brown, green, and patina peach. Pair this grounded look with rugged leather, sediment shaded woven wear, tough denim and weathered knits. For the inky spectator nails from 3.1 Phillip Lim, use warm opaque Desert Suede and half circles of Midnight Sapphire. To get Monique Lhuillier’s “Shady Lady” manicure, try Silver Chrome topped with Desert Suede, and iced with Dark Amethyst.
- COZY & CALM: Worn-in clothes evoke softness and worn-out colors, and provide an element of comfort and timelessness. Manicures are faded with muted iridescence blushing in vintage gold, peach, icy blue, and green. Worn best with softened sateen sweaters, heirloom jacquards, Victorian buttons and pearls, and smoky sheers. Custom blended minty sage nails were sported at Costello Tagliapietra, and a hazy purple was mixed for Malandrino. For the blushing taupe nails from Jenni Kayne, use Desert Suede, layered with Copper Shimmer Effect, washed out with a coat of semi-sheer Rose Water and topped with Super Matte Top Coat. Achieve waistline-approved toffee brown nails from Isaac Mizrahi using Chocolate Milk mixed with 5 drops of Asphalt.
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