A Betsey Johnson model flaunts it in Essie Aruba Blue

I’m just going to say it; I hate polishing my nails. Usually, I do a good job on my toenails, but if I attempt to do my fingernails, it looks like a child painted them. I’m just no good at it. While I love to get mani’s and pedi’s, the fact of the mattter is, I just can’t afford to keep up with it. So I’m going to have to learn the right way to do it!

The first step is getting a good quality nail polish. I’ve always liked Essie because it’s salon quality at a reasonable price. They always have the best up-to-the-minute colors that you can’t find at any old pharmacy and last a super long time. Check out their new holiday color collections like “Bold and Beautiful” (a deep vampy red) or “It’s Genius” (a metallic purple).

Bold and Beautiful, $8

Lately I’ve been shaping my nails with a buffer, so I’ll file my nails first and then brave the polishing process. After I clean them up with some nail polish remover, (and once they are completely dry, a step I usually fail to commit to), I’ll follow up with a moisturizer. Essie has a great line of “Smoothies” in exotic “flavors” like Pomegranate and Mango, Coconut and Pineapple and Blueberry and Banana. Pomegranate and Mango are my favorite, but these hand and body lotions are a great way to help get you out of a winter funk, and are super hydrating too.

Pomegranate Mango Smoothie, $5

So if you are looking for a new hue to compliment your holiday party ensembles, or just want a few fun stocking stuffers for your roomate or BFF, then check out these goodies from Essie. Your hands and feet will thank you!

Shop Essie today!

Betsey Johnson Handbags – On the Nail Shopper – Was $375.00 Now $262.50

The perfect bag for city girls, courtesy of the queen of downtown cool. Studded leather handbag with pleating at front and back and detachable lips charm at side.

Shopping Source: ShopBop.com

Betsey Johnson’s Spring 2009 Line (source)

It is my firm belief that Betsey Johnson and Patricia Field are cut from the same cloth, so to speak. Case in point:

Betsey Johnson, Floral Dress Vs. Patricia Field for HSN Floral Dress

In case you didn’t know, Patricia Field was the stylist for “The Devil Wears Prada” and more importantly, “Sex and the City,” and just recently launched a new line at HSN. When I saw Betsey Johnson’s Spring 2009 line, it didn’t surprise me to see that there were many similarities to their newest lines. In truth, I always thought that Betsey Johnson and La Field had very similar tastes, so it only makes sense. What blew my mind was the Pat Field beat Betsey to the punch. At least just on the circa 1989 floral print tiered dress front.

But I digress…for the most part, the show featured pure vintage Betsey’s Johnson, with a glut of designs that wouldn’t realistically transfer from runway to real way. But that’s not what fashion week is really about, is it? If you want something sensible to wear to work, then go to Target. But if you want inspiration, the avant-garde, and yes, a little taste of something innovative and exiting, then look to the Betsey Johnson’s and John Galliano’s of the world.

What we can take away from the Betsey Johnson Spring 2009 line: bold florals, cute derbys, flounce, flounce and more flounce, tiered skirts and metallic ankle-wrap wedges for Spring. Just leave the hyper-color bobbed wigs to the Britney Spears of the world, and you’ll do fine.

Victoria Beckham (source)

Molly Sims (source)

Miley Cyrus (source)

Any way you tie it, bows are making their way into every detail for pre-fall fashion ensembles. From 1970’s-inspired frilly neck tops (like Miley’s plaid variety) to big 1980’s prom dress inspired bows like on Molly Sims and V-Becks, these girly details are truly divine.

The truly daring can pair a frilly neck top with high-waist pants and open toe booties for a seriously fierce office ensemble. And if you are feeling extra saucy, then go for the big satiny bow effect and look for cocktail dresses with a halter neckline and a bow tie at the back, or even a more retro style like on Molly Sims.

If you’re not so sure you are ready to look like a blast from the past, then check out these bowed beauties to get a taste of this trend in a more subtle way:

Betsey Johnson Bow Bangle Watch, $75.00

The perfect accessory to give a menswear look a more feminine feel.

Leather Mini Bow Bag, $29.99

The perfect way to wear this bag: sugar and spice. Pair this uber girly purse with fierce gladiator sandals and a leather (or latex) mini.

STEAL:

Lela Rose for Payless “Peggy” Wedge Sandal, $30.00

My personal favorite, this slingback peep-toe wedge sandal is both timeless and trendy. Worn with a vintage-style flowery dress or to add a little sweetness to a menswear look, this shoe is both versatile and fun.

SPLURGE:

Escada Mini Houndstooth Bow Dress, $1,690.00

Unfortunately, I have to pay the old mortgage this month, otherwise this dress would be in my closet right now. Feel free to send me one in a size 10. Thanks.

Couture in the City’s favorite fashion blogs online. Showing our link love..

Q&A: What to Wear with Faded Black [Omiru]

Neck Warm “it” [The It Lists]

Nanette Lepore Spring Trunkshow [Shopaholics Anonymous]

7 New Wonders – Family Travel Destinations[Moms' Buzz]

On Our Radar: Betsey Johnson Outerwear [FabSugar]

Get the Look: Rihanna [style notes]

Around the (Color) Block [mystyle]

Devon Aoki In Vogue Nippon [StyleIt]

Lucy Liu Chic [Chic Intuition]

Jennifer Connelly for Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2008 [Couture Cult]