I ♥ NY

Just got back from New York City, where I did a whirlwind tour of beauty editors, giving them the inside scoop on the latest to come from OPI.  And while I was there, I couldn't help but notice the styles on women here -- arguably some of the best-dressed fashionistas in the world.  New York is a city where black is the dominant shade in almost every woman's closet; this season, I'm seeing black set off with splashes of bold color -- in a scarf, a bag, tights, jewelry.  Also big in the Big Apple -- classic, belted coats; menswear trousers; pencil skirts; buckles on boots; studded biker jackets; beaded clutches; classic black pumps.  And on nails -- everything from darks to brights.  Some editor faves -- Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees (rich charcoal blue), Here Today ... Aragon Tomorrow (darkest emerald), and Manicurist of Seville (this season's passionate red), all from Coleccion de Espana by OPI.  Also hot:  Russian Navy Matte (deepest indigo) and You Don't Know Jacques! Suede (chic taupe), with finishes that perfectly accessorize fall's fabrics.  Try it all on at opi.com. 

Something New for Something Blue

Here's a new idea of the "something blue" lots of brides like to carry or wear on their wedding day.  Tradition says that blue is the color of loyalty, certainly something any marrying couple would wish for.  Brides have worn blue garters, carried blue handkerchiefs, even woven a blue ribbon in their bouquet or into the slip of their gown.  The Bride's Guide, a blog from the editors of Martha Stewart Weddings, suggests dark blue nails as both your "something blue" and a sophisticated touch, especially if dark blue is part of your wedding palette.  The Guide recommends OPI Nail Lacquer in Light My Sapphire as an "especially elegant" choice.  Try it on at opi.com.

Photo courtesy of marthastewartweddings.com

What Matte-rs to Rachel

Actress Rachel Bilson (The OC, Jumper) is Lucky magazine's October cover girl and one of young Hollywood's style setters.  When it comes to her nails, Rachel loves Matte by OPI in You Don't Know Jacques! (a trendy taupe).  "I recently had this polish on for a shoot, and it's so much fun.  It goes on like normal but dries completely matte."  As a matte-r of fact, we agree.

Photo courtesy of Lucky

Diamonds on demand

 
We all know about the "right hand ring" -- a fabulous diamond ring we buy for ourselves instead of waiting for the person of our dreams to slip it onto our left hand.  Now you can wear diamonds at your fingertips, in the two newest shades of Designer Series Nail Lacquer by OPI. 

Each shade of DS lacquer is infused with actual diamond dust, to reflect light in an explosion of brilliance  for ultra-rich, glimmering, dimensional color.

DS glow, rose gold lit with brilliance, and DS mystery, an alluring dark violet diamond shimmer, combine two of the season’s richest fashion shades with the unmatched glamour only diamonds can give you.  Now you can look like a rich girl even if you're not.  Try it on at opi.com

Southern Style Gets the OK!

When we think cutting-edge fashion and hot new beauty trends, we tend to think of  New York Fashion Week and the LA celeb scene.  But that's not where we all live -- so what about taking it from runway to real way? 

 

Sarah Ivens, editor at large of OK! magazine, lives in Louisville, Kentucky.  Here she gives us a taste of what southern style looks like.

 

"Down here in Bluegrass country, we're all about mixing easy with glam. Call it Southern Comfort! We love jeans and cowboy boots with bright pink nails (try OPI Nail Lacquer in Pink Flamenco, Koala Bear-y, or La Paz-itively Hot).  We also love to dress up in the evening and go a little bit dark -- black and navy nails are what all the Southern Belles are going for as fall pushes into winter (check out Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees, OPI Ink., Give Me Moor!).  Another big trend right now is to match lip and nail color, like Southern sweetie Taylor Swift.

Here in Kentucky, we're even getting more experimental with nail art -- especially with Halloween coming up. A few of my gorgeous girlfriends are mixing up black, orange and yellow in truly outrageous, fun designs. Its all going on!"  (Hint to the ghouls -- OPI's Tattoo Taboo mini pack of Halloween nail lacquers, rub-on tattoos, and nail art iinstructions also includes the best nail art designs!). 

 

 

 

Ellen Nails Laughs with OPI Names

I love Ellen DeGeneres.  And in the monologue for her October 13 show, the lovable comic and talk show host talked about getting a manicure, and how overwhelmed she was by the choice of colors.  She called out OPI shades, including I Only Drink Champagne, I’m Not Really a Waitress, and My Chiuhuahua Bites!, and then recited a poem she’d written using OPI Lacquer names.  Very funny.  Very clever.  Very OPI. 

Ellen’s Ode to OPI

Roses are Pretty & Privileged

Violets are Escape to Bahama

Blue is Got a Date To-Knight

Perfect for my mama.

The grass is Uncommitted

The sun is Goldilocks Rocks!

My toes are Clubbing Til Sunrise 

Though I go to bed at eight o’clock.

The moon is All Lacquered Up

The stars are Tickle My France-y

Now that you’ve learned all these colors

It’s time for me to dance-y!

 Watch all the fun here!

Ellen photo courtesy of ellenwarnerbros.com

We're Blushing

Once again the editors of Allure magazine have lavished OPI with Best of Beauty Awards -- and we're excited!  OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath was named Best Pale Pink -- "because pale pink doesn't look any cleaner (or creamier, or shinier) than this."  Best Red went to OPI Big Apple Red -- "a fire-engine red with all the bells and whistles; flattering orange undertones, a dazzling shine, and a mirror-like finish."  And OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go was chosen Best Cuticle Cream for its "superhydrating formula and penlike applicator," and for making "ragged cuticles -- and messy, oily spills -- things of the past."  Knowing that beauty mag editors and their readers love OPI makes my job especially rewarding.  In fact, it's the best

InStyle Goes In-Salon

The October issue of InStyle magazine includes a 25-city "Ultimate Black Book," with the mag's choice of the best salons and services from coast to coast.  When it comes to nail salons, ROB|B -- the first-ever OPI Concept Salon -- located in Los Angeles, was applauded for "pampering your nails and the planet."  In addition to its luxurious amenities (a rooftop patio, a flat-screen TV at every station, private VIP treatment rooms), ROB|B is a LEED-certfied green salon.  And LA ladies, take note:  for a limited time, ROB|B is offering  a complimentary bottle of OPI Nail Lacquer when you come in for a nail service (bring the October issue of InStyle with you).   InStyle also gives a shout-out to OPI

Lincoln Park After Dark

as the most popular shade in Chicago and My Private Jet as Seattle's go-to color.

Match Your Nails to Your Emails!

Yesterday saw me in NY for the unveiling of -- ta da! -- OPI's collaboration with Dell to offer select Dell laptops in your favorite OPI shades!  Beginning November 2, you can order your laptop in one of six OPI shades -- I'm Not Really a Waitress, Princesses Rule!, Russian Navy, Louvre Me Louvre Me Not, and new-for-the-holidays Dear Santa and Holiday Glow.  More shades to follow! We all know that we can't live without our computers -- now you can turn yours into the hottest fashion accessory out there!  Visit dell.com for all the details and opi.com to check out the shades. Talk about fashion meets function.

One color. For all women.

Of all the colors of October -- red and gold leaves, sapphire blue skies, orange pumpkins -- probably the most important is pink.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the time to remember to schedule your annual mammogram appointment (speak with your doctor about setting up a mammogram schedule that's right for you), and to show your support for those who are fighting this disease.   One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  Until we can bring those numbers down to zero, please join us in supporting the search for a cure -- wear OPI Pink of Hearts 2009 Edition Nail Lacquer, a pretty, empowering light pink meant to inspire and uplift.  In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in 2009 OPI will make a donation of $2,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and a donation of $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada.  Be part of the power of pink.