I was just thinking as I read Heather’s lovely post about the upcoming AERIN line (so exciting!) how much I admire Aerin Lauder (granddaughter of cosmetic icon Estée).  She always appears so polished and effortlessly chic — the epitome of class and grace.  I consider her a great role model for young women like myself interested in business, beauty, and fashion.  Judging by her success in the industry and general high regard she’s clearly quite savvy at all three.  Which creative business women do you admire?

(image 1, 2, 3)

I usually stick to just red or pale pink when it comes to nail varnish, but these shots from Swedish Love Affair have me thinking differently.  Aren’t her bold color choices terribly fun?  Lovely.  Do you have a signature nail color or are you adventurous?

I just love the model’s short bright nails in these new shots for The J.Crew Collection.  I’m inspired to do something similar before I fly out to New York tonight.  Fun fact: I almost always do my nails myself.  No time for manicures these days, le sigh.

P.S. My dress for Matchbook’s launch party on Wednesday begs for a belt of some sort, any suggestions?  A little sparkle could work or I could even go the punk chic route and wear something with studs…?  It needs to be high-waisted.  A girl must look chic for co-hosts John Derian, Rita Konig, Lela Rose and Coach (ahhhhh!).  Where should I look???

Love these shots of Kirsten Dunst for Lula Magazine.  Her nude lips, long lashes and short red nails are tops in my book.

(via Let’s Pout)

While in New York this past week I received several compliments on my grey-brown hued nail varnish (at top).  Rarely one to stray from light pinks or red, I had gone out on a limb and snatched up a bottle of “mouse” from American Apparel.  The best part?  A week has past and still hasn’t chipped!  Now that it’s received the neo-trad stamp of approval I can’t wait to invest in more colors.

What nail varnishes are your favorites?  I’m always looking for new brands/hues!

These shots from J.Crew have me searching for the perfect red lipstick for fall.  I have such trouble getting my lipstick to stay on…it’s always melting away.  Any tips???

I had my pixie cut trimmed last week and it’s shorter than ever before.  These photos of a stunning, young Jacqueline Kennedy were my inspiration.  Short was never so chic!

(images: at its best)

I just adore the bright hues of this nail varnish collection by NailEZEE.  Founded by three sisters in Miami Beach, their products not only look chic, but also promote nail health and natural growth.  I have my eye on the moody Eden Rock-N-Roll (bottom left) for fall!

Are you daring enough for frolicking flamingo or key lime pie?

]]> http://theneotraditionalist.com/2010/09/28/the-new-varnish/feed/ 7 http://theneotraditionalist.com/2010/08/13/christina-hendricks/ http://theneotraditionalist.com/2010/08/13/christina-hendricks/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:48:27 +0000 Katie Armour http://theneotraditionalist.com/?p=15334

My friend Ashley’s blog is impeccably curated and the addition of these Christina Henderson photos was no exception.  Published in the LA Times, the accompanying interview is fantastic as well—did you know the Mad Men bombshell plays the accordion?  Unexpected and somehow, hopelessly cool.

“I only want people around me who can do the impossible.”

Elizabeth Arden

(image: mary ruffle)