As a little girl I begged my mother to let me join her on her weekly trips to the manicurist. Cindy at Shar's beauty parlor would wrap Mom's nails in fiberglass, buff them with what looked like a mini jackhammer, and apply two thin coats of cotton candy pink. More often than not I wiled away these mornings spinning in the stylists' chairs, flipping through old Vogues, and stealing candy. But on a couple special occasions Mom gave her blessing, and I too had my nails "done". Cindy, like most pros, swore by OPI. A love affair was born.
A sweet pink for a little lady who would grow up to be a big New Yorker.
OPI achieved nail salon ubiquity for their cheeky marketing, and most girls freely admit to falling victim to each season's clever names and collections which echo current fashion trends. This season, for example, the Matte and Suede Collections capitalize on the craze for flat, shine-free finishes.
Wild manicures are a good way to be in the moment without becoming a slave to trends, but I keep an old Topsider shoe box filled with favorites that look fresh season in and season out. In my permanent collection are classic colors with names that draw inspiration from great American locales (and a favorite Christmas carol).
Dark, moody hues have been trendy for so long that they now count as modern mainstays. I like this shade because it's softer than pitch black and more classic than hunter green or navy.
I first discovered this vermilion while interning at Ralph Lauren in (where else?) the Big Apple. Bright lollipop red was a favorite at 650 Madison.
This universal favorite kicked off the dark, almost-black phase in fall 2006. It looks especially seasonal against cream shades, winter whites, and my Hunter wellingtons.
This is the perfect warm weather hue. I love to wear it with pale blue chambray sundresses, thin yellow scarfs, white sandals, and a deep tan.
Meet the granddaddy of them all, the one that set the mani-pedi stars in my eyes and keeps summer at the tips of my toes all year 'round. I wear it so frequently that it has become something of a neutral shade for me.
A collection I'd love to see in the future would echo those dreary Missouri landscapes that I miss so much: moss and olive greens, khaki, dirt brown, gray as gloomy as the October sky, and bright holly red. But until that hits the stores, I'll stick with what I know and love.
For a comprehensive list of all OPI shades and collections, most of which are available to order, please visit Nail Polish Diva.
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