Iron Lady - The Polish Well Fashion Contest Entry

Hey polished prisoners,

I think this goes without saying given the title and all but this is my entry for The Polish Well's Celebrating the Thousands Giveaway and Fashion Nail Art Contest.  My entry is based around one of the big trends for Fall 2012 that was everywhere during NY Fashion Week.   Retro granny if you will lol!  I know that sounds totally hideous, but if you've ever seen Oscar de la Renta do retro you know it's awe-inspiring! Think lace meets tweed with bold accessories. It's easy to fall in love with that kind of loveliness, not that I can afford such a frock, but recreating a mani around his design isn't entirely out of the equation.  So here's what I came up with...

I'm really pleased with how this came out. 

Mani-louge

Base color: Essie's Blanc

Watercolor: Essie Blanc + Power Clutch 

Holo topcoat: INM Northern Lights in Gold

Stamping plate: Dashica Big SdP I

Stamping Polish: Konad Special Polish in Black Pearl

This picture is not color accurate which makes me a bit annoyed as the white here comes off looking a dirty brown when it's not IRL.

 Here's the inspiration I used to create this look - Oscar de la Renta's Iron Lady. Isn't this gorgeous?  I feel like I need this jacket in my life as I will admit I am also a coat whore ;) Wait who am I kidding? I need the whole outfit hahaha! (Note: This will never happen but I can dream right?)

Photo credit: Imaxtree

The watercolor was done using the plastic bag method which to be honest I prefer about a million times over the acetone + polish method.  It's messier but I think it creates a more realistic looking watercolor effect without the little "dots" that I always see left behind when using the acetone method.  I tape of my nails just like with watermarbling to minimize the clean up.

This was my first attempt at watercoloring and though this one is simple I love it!  I will be trying this again soon with more colors.  

The palette created by OdlR is just gorgeous!  I can imagine doing this in a different way as well using this palette and a yummy accent.  Hmm maybe I will ;)

The giveaway ends at midnight tonight so you can still enter to win polishes from the China Glaze Bohemian and On Safari Collection, the Orly Flash Glam Collection, and the upcoming OPI Germany Collection.   The top ten contest entries will be posted on Facebook and then voting will proceed.  Wish me luck and thanks for reading!  Toodles...