Pumpkin Spiced Mani

I know that it seems like just yesterday that I riddled your brain with sorbet colored finger and toe options, but the seasons are a changing quickly, regardless of whether it feels more like spring than fall.  While the seasons are changing, we must not forget to transition our polish shades with our wardrobes.  Nail polish is one of my favorite fashion statements for a variety of reasons.  First of all, it’s inexpensive for the most part.  While you may find yourself splurging occasionally on a really fantastic Chanel shade that no one else could possibly make, there are typically tons of options for cheaper varieties of other shades.  Next, it can make or break an outfit.  If you’re like me, and nearly always caught in black throughout the fall and winter, the easiest way to spice up your look is through your polish. Finally, treat it as if it were an accessory.  These days, nails can be bedazzled, metallic, and adorned as if they were a piece of jewelry themselves.  Even if you are running out the door ten minutes behind schedule, your polish can make you feel pulled together regardless of whether you remembered your beloved jewels. 

This season, it’s all about elegance, from metallic hues, to muted, milky shades, to brazen, spicy jewel tones.

1.  Pumpkin Spice: Since I’m pretty monotonous about my obsession with all things pumpkin flavored (including the amazing pumpkin flavored milk shakes currently located at Independence Honda on Rt 11), I think it’s safe to say that I also love pumpkin colored nail polish.  It’s actually more of a rust color than a pumpkin shade that I’m digging, but for the purpose of their resemblance in my mind to tasty fall treats I will continue to call this shade pumpkin spice.  Try Essie Nail Polish in Very Structured, $8 at essie.com or Peachy Parrot by Orly (check out all of Orly’s Birds of a Feather line for fall).
2.  Military Greens:  Pastel and neon greens were all the rage this spring, and fall keeps the trend alive, just a bit darker and more mysterious.  Try Chanel Nail Colour in Peridot, $25.  For a cheaper alternative, I’m digging Rags To Riches by Rimmel, $3.99 in drugstores. 
3.  Navy Seal:  I love blue nail polish almost as much as I love pumpkin pie.  Contrary to popular belief, you can wear navy polish with all black if you do it right.  Try it out with some gold accessories and a navy scarf to match, and I guarantee you’ll have a change of heart.  My favorite is OPI’s Russian Navy, $8.50.  Also try Emerald City Revlon Nail Enamel, $5.99 (more of a blue-green), available at CVS, and Big Smoke, by Butter London, $14 at Ulta Beauty.
4.  Red Siren:  There are a few red trends for fall, from full blown ruby red, to a more subdued, shimmery berry version, to some with hints of orange.  I love a daring red polish such as Scarlett O’Hara by Essie, $8.  Essie also makes a fantastic classic red shade called Really Red, available at drugstores.
5.  Posh Plum: Another alternative to the black polish that we’ve seen season after season, purple shades are a great way to add a little color to your all black wardrobe.  For some shimmer, I swipe on China Glaze’s CG in the City, $7 at Sally Beauty Supply.  A solid matte plum shade to try is Solemate by Essie.  It’s creamy and rich, making it the perfect date for your fingers.
6. Industrial Revolution:  Browns and grays are yet another solid choice instead of boring black polish.  These shades create a polished manicure, and are much less severe than their darker compadres.  MAC’s Coco Clay is a warm chocolate shade that will transform your cuticles into milky chocolatey goodness, $15, www.maccosmetics.com.  Espresso by Revlon Nail Enamel is a great deep shade of brown, $5.99 at CVS.  For a lighter gray-brown shade, try Mochacino by Essie, $8.00 at CVS. 
7. Bling Ring:  Last but not least, swipe on some hot metallics this season for an instant glamourous look.  Butter London’s The Old Bill is a great bronze shade that I can’t wait to try.  Versailles by NARS, is a champagne gold that’s super light and chic, $17 at Sephora.  For a cheap silvery shade, test out Wet N Wild’s Hallucinate, $1.99, and Steel Her Heart by Revlon, $4.99, both at CVS.

For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store, The Purple Zebra and follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/goodnpretty.  Also find The Purple Zebra on Facebook at www.facebook.com/purplezebrashop!