Mani Monday for the Bride-to-Be

Every girly girl loves to get her nails done — or if on a budget, like me, to do them at home. I got so excited about painting mine yesterday that I did it hours before the Superbowl, entirely killing my first-quarter plans. On Mani Monday, as the Insta world has declared the first day of the work week, I always like to burst on the scene with a new hue on the talons. Though still on bed rest after last week’s surgery, with an audience of only three (two of whom have four legs), I decided to give myself a careful, three-coat mani.

I was inspired by the reality shows I’ve been watching way too much of while on the mend, and most of them were filmed last summer — we’re talking pungent peaches, mod whites, bold greens, and beyond. While pastel is a little off for the frigid weather we’re currently experiencing, I’m all about winter white. A true, milky white without any hint of sheer is just divine. I love Essie’s Blanc but Chanel and Butter London have great options, too.

White polish is perfect for a wedding in any season. The bride-to-be doesn’t have to go quite as mod as I did this week, though. Classic favorites can hit the right note while modern interpretations bring something special.

“Cream Tea” by Butter London, a solid white with a touch of sheer.

Add dots for some quirkiness.

We all know “Baby’s Breath”… it’s a classic for a reason!

OPI’s “Funny Bunny” is a fantastic, bright white that’s just sheer enough.

Silver glitter never hurt anyone’s white mani…

Modernize a French with one lace nail on each hand. Love it!

Add gold and pink for a truly darling look.

All photos except of my own nails are from Pinterest. Find more inspo on my Nail It, B*tches pin board.

Self-Made Mani

Oh, dear. The nail situation has gotten out of control. I’m getting gel manicures every three weeks and I love that they make my nails grow and of course that they look so good. But this girl is constantly getting sick of her color choices and starting to itch for a new hue a mere week in, which is a waste of time, money and a perfectly good mani. So, this week I’m going back to my roots and doing it myself. I’ll be back on the gel train soon I’m sure, but it’s good to give the nails (and the wallet!) a few weeks to breathe, right?

A great choice for the newly engaged, this subtle bubblegum pink, Fruit Machine, from butter London is sure to please. $15, butterlondon.com

I was flipping through a bridal mag the other day and came across the suggestion of picking an elegant and girly color (like pale bubble gum pink) for the first manicure of your engagement. It’s a great way to show off your ring while keeping nails fun and fresh despite the season. I definitely did this in the beginning with lavenders, whites and silvers, but there are so many fun colors I want to try and I don’t think my ring minds a change every now and then.

New Fave: Penny Talk.

Josh is majorly into red nails, so I might go for a bold cherry this week. Then again, we’re still coming off the Christmas season and I don’t want to look like I have a Beauty Hangover. I recently picked up Essie’s new Penny Talk, a bold and pretty copper that works with all outfits and creates a subtle, neutral sheen. I’m pretty curious how Butler Please is going to look on the nails–maybe best to wait till summer, but if they have it at my local drugstore, I might pick it up.

Next Up: Butler Please.

The best thing about experimenting with all the new Essie’s on the market? At $8 a pop, they’re less than a third the cost of one manicure–for an entire bottle. The worst thing? The fact that I don’t just acquire Essie. I’m a Chanel-Butter-OPI-Estee-and-beyond girl with a cabinet full and colors and only ten nails to paint. Sigh. Stay tuned! And let me know what your favorite hue is for showing off that sparkler!