Each year, fashionistas around the world eagerly await the trends that will grace the runways of New York Fashion Week. From head to toe, we take note as the industry’s top designers tell us what will be stylish for the coming season. Nails are no exception to this rule. Just like the other elements of a show, the nails of the models tell a story and offer a defined point of view. Creative Director of Pretty Woman USA, Aija Vilemsonne, offers her take on the forecasted nail trends for Fashion Week 2011, and gives advice on what skin tones look best with what colors, so that you can make an impact while keeping up with fashion’s elite.

A Note on Skin Tone
Knowing your skin tone is essential to maximizing your look, from clothing to makeup. Armed with this knowledge, we are able to make subtle changes to enhance our best features. Most of us are familiar with the old adage that skin tone can be defined in terms of seasons. Here, Aija provides a quick refresher course for determining your skin tone:

· Winter skin tones range from pale, to olive, to dark. Undertones are typically blue or pink, with dark eyes and hair.
· Spring complexions are pale, with pinkish or bluish undertones. Spring skin tones are often blondes, or brunettes with light eyes.
· Autumn skin tones have golden undertones. Most women who have autumn skin are red-heads or brunettes with brown eyes.
· Summer complexions have golden undertones, with peachy skin. It’s common to see straw-colored or red hair with light eyes.

Now, onto the trends!

Still Got the Blues
As more and more celebrities show off their “blue crushes” with everything from navy to sky blue, and fashion’s top designers crank out denim-themed collections, it’s become apparent to the beauty world that these hues are full steam ahead for fall. Aija cautions, “Choosing the right blue for your skin tone can be tricky; not every blue is flattering for every individual.”

· Winter: Go for high-impact colors like a deep navy or an icy-tinged pastel for the most flattering look.
· Spring: Stick to something defined like bright navy or a light whitish-blue to help make nails more striking.
· Autumn: With golden undertones, blue isn’t your most flattering color. Understated is the name of the game.
· Summer: Go with a soft blue pastel for maximum impact against your peachy skin. Go bold: you can afford it.

Shine On
It appears that the fashion industry wants you to keep on blinging: fall metallics have hit the stores with a vengeance. It’s become clear that it doesn’t really matter which shade you decide on, because if it’s metallic, it’s in. In that case, Aija suggests taking advantage of the fact that this trend is colorless: “You can customize the trend to work for you.”

· Winter: This is your chance to go bright! Whether an orange-red or shocking pink, take the plunge.
· Spring: Avoid dark colors and embrace something soft in the lavender or rose-brown category.
· Autumn: Go with gold or a color that has golden flecks. Orange and brown work best.
· Summer: From lavender to plum, the purple family is the way to go to maximize your look.

Go Nude
Nude nails can be difficult. Finding the right hue can be challenging, and though you’ll generally reach for a color that’s closest to your skin tone, even if something seems perfect, it might clash with your skin once it’s applied. Aija explains, “Here, you should focus on your own undertones and those of the color you choose.”

· Winter: Subdued tones are not your most flattering, but sticking close to your skin tone will help.
· Spring: Go with a camel or a peachy color. Also, zero in on the brown family to complement your complexion.
· Autumn: Golden undertones are the name of the game. Particularly, beige and camel will work well.
· Summer: No matter what shade you decide, stick true to your skin’s undertones. Go with a rose-tinged nude.

“The most important thing to remember about nails is to have fun with it. Make mistakes, test out new colors, and see what you think works best for you,” says Aija. After having read these tips, you’re already ahead of the pack!

For more tips on nail care and trends, visit Pretty Woman USA.

What's better than being a blogger and getting free goodies to try for my lovely Smartypanties? Actually falling in love with a product! I get so many weird products that I just giveaway but this polish isn't going anywhere! Nails Inc. sent me their new color, Sloane Square and I just had to put it over my current manicure of Essie's Chinchilly. It's so festive! And I am the birthday princess today! Benihana here I come!! Can't wait to sake bomb with these nails! Nails Inc. products are available on Sephora.com.

Not that I'm looking forward to the summer ending but at least I'll have pretty nails thanks to Essie!

With the upcoming nuptials I have been keeping my ring in perfect shape and have been focusing on making my nails look perfectly manicured to show it off. My favorite nail polish trends this spring are Dashing Diva's Urban Bloom collection.

I’m really stuck on Dashing Diva polishes, which are Toulene, BPA and formaldehyde free.

They also last the longest! Seriously they stay on much longer than Essie or OPI. The formula is thick enough that it's not runny but not too thick that it's difficult to apply. The colors are beautiful, bright and make me dream of a day when the sun will shine!

Please forgive me, I have borrowed swatches from Vampy Varnish because my camera cord is missing and I can't upload any photos right now! Thanks Ms. Varnish!

New colors from the collection feature

So Much Melon-Drama

Bluetylicious

I Lilac Nothing

Butter-Me-Up

This collection will be available beginning in May. 

Visit DashingDiva.com to taste the rainbow of sexy colors.

Celebrity nail technician Pattie Yankee and the Dashing Diva nail team worked backstage on models for the Red Dress celebrity charity show for the Heart Truth campaign on February 9th at the Theatre at Lincoln Center. Check out these awesome Reds! And as always their nail polishes are healthy nail polishes (well, as healthy as they come!) they are Toulene, BPA and formaldehyde free.

Audrina Patridge from the Hills wore:

The Big Apple

Gayle King wore:

Red Carpet

Katrina Bowden of 30 Rock wore:

New York Slice

Visit DashingDiva.com to taste the rainbow of sexy colors.

Ever since the engagement my most important job in life has been keeping my nails perfectly manicured to show off my rock. Since I’m broke at the moment due to my upcoming trip to Hawaii I’ve had to really kick it up a notch and do self-manicure much more often.

I’ve been using the plethora of polishes sent to me by PR folk and so far I’m really stuck on Dashing Diva, which are Toulene, BPA and formaldehyde free.

They also last the longest!

Word.

Visit DashingDiva.com to taste the rainbow of sexy colors.

I’m totes loving these nude inspired lacey manicures that Sally Hansen did for Tracy Reese’s fashion show this past week.

WHAT THEY COST: $7.00 each

WHERE TO FIND IT: Chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally