Exploring the Gray Area

The accessory that will give you the biggest bang for your buck is nail polish.  Think about it.  It is inexpensive and instantly can change up your mood or an outfit.

I’ll admit, I am pretty conservative when it comes to nail polish colors.  I have always been a red, deep wine or coral kind of gal.  During the holidays or in the summertime I may dabble in gold for some sparkle, but rarely will I step out of my comfort zone.

I have been happy with my usual go-to colors, they are safe and go with my skin tone.  Why change thing up?

Gray!  It is showing up everywhere.  I am seeing it in magazines, on TV, in my subscription boxes and now on the nails of my friends.

Gray polish is not a new thing, it’s been hanging around for a few seasons.  Once a fringe trend, shades of gray are becoming mainstream and I am liking what I see.

Recently, I met one of my very fashionable friends for coffee.  My girlfriend is an interior designer and always looks fabulous.  This day in particular, she was wearing a beautiful gray zip front skirt, a white blouse and a super chic black belt. On her feet, a gorgeous pair of Prada shoes topped off with gray toes!  The whole outfit was amazing and the nail color pulled it all together, like the perfect scarf or handbag would do.

I was shocked how I was drawn to a color that I had  ignored in the past.  I had thought gray was not for me, I now see things differently.  My friend graciously let me take a picture of her toes and nails so I could share them with all of you.

Now ladies, picking a gray that works with your skin tone is important.  My friend was wearing Dolce Gabbana Anise, I thought it worked like a neutral color would on most skin tones.

My girlfriend actually saw this polish on a woman who was shopping at Neiman Marcus.  She stopped the woman to get the scoop on the color.  Now aren’t you lucky? No need to stalk anyone for the right color, my girlfriend did all the work for you!

Still not convinced that it may be time to branch from your regular routine?   Take a look at some fun photos via Pintrest, you may find yourself leaning in the  direction of gray.

There are two ways to go with gray nails, creamy or metallic finish.  If you are feeling edgy go with the shimmer finish and a bit longer rounded nail.  In the mood for  a sophisticated look, go with the creamy finish, keep the nail a bit shorter, like my girlfriend did.

For a creamy polish I like:

Dolce Gabbana,  Anise HERE

Essie, Over the Edge HERE

Essie,  Chinchilly HERE

OPI,  An Affair in Times Square,  a pretty purple gray shade.

Just added: OPI, How Great is Your Dane?  A grayish brown shade HERE from the Nordic Collection

For a shimmer effect maybe try:

OPI, Marvelous HERE

Deborah Lippmann, Take the A Train HERE

What do you think?  Will you be trying out gray, AKA gunmetal nails this season?  I know I will, why not?  For the cost of a pedicure I can give myself a new look for fall, I can’t wait!  If I don’t like it, a quick swipe of nail polish remover and I will be back where I started.  But what if I love it?

If you have any favorite shades of gray, do share!  Please leave a comment below and let us all know what your prefect shade of gray is.  I’d love to hear.

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Thanks for stopping by and happy Wednesday!

XOXO Suzanne