The Top Nail Trends for Winter

Each winter we all reach for the same old nail colors – red, burgundy, black. But what if you want to switch things up and try something different? Well this winter’s top nail trends are here to help you out. These shades are a little more fun than your go-to black nail but they will still coordinate with your winter wardrobe and, of course, your Elly Clay handbag.

Shimmery navy is all the rage this winter. This color is deep and moody like your regular winter burgundy but the shimmer adds a sleek touch that glams up your look while still coordinating with your winter wardrobe. Try Deborah Lippmann polish in Night Fever paired with a white cocktail ring like this one by House of Harlow and our Billie Jean Clutch in Leopard.

Dark grey is a good option if you’re hesitant about straying away from your classic black. It’s a shade lighter giving it a softer effect, but it still feels edgy and sophisticated. Try O.P.I in Nein Nein Nein OK Fine with a sleek statement ring and our Boyfriend Spiked Hobo bag.

Metallic silver is a fun color to try if you want something a little bolder. The metallic finish has a holographic effect fit for any party, but the shade is subtle enough for daily wear too. Try Nars in Amarapura Silver Chrome worn with a big onyx cocktail ring and paired with our Bille Jean Clutch in Blue Lambskin for a pop of color.

Lighter shades are ok in winter too, and pale mints like this new one “Mintfluencer,” created by Aimee Song of the blog Song of Style in collaboration with Formula X is a great option. Soft mint brings to mind warmer destinations and it also looks great with colors like navy and black. Wear this color with dainty stackable rings for a trendy look and edge it up with our Lindsey Link Clutch.

Another fun trend this winter is textured glitter polish. Big chunky glitter creates a 3D effect on your nails as well as a two-tone look that will spice up any outfit. Try Sally Hansen Luxe Lace in Crochet worn with a dainty statement ring like this one from Elizabeth and James and our Crissy Satchel in Black Embossed Snake.

If you’re up for trying your hand at nail art, this graffiti look was all over the runways at Fashion Week. The abstract brushstroke look is fun, edgy, and looks easy enough to accomplish at home! Throw on a cute midi ring and grab our Crissy Clutch in Silver Snake for a show-stopping look! (Nail art tutorial from Cosmopolitan Magazine).

Inexpensive Cold Weather Accessories

Staying warm during the winter season doesn’t have to be pricey! It’s easy to find a scarf or hat you love and then look at the price and realize it doesn’t fit your budget. Here are a few accessories that will be durable enough to last you through the winter months without breaking the bank!

Alaulia Hat from ALDO $11.98

 

Cold Weather plaid scarf black/white from Target $19.99

Taliah Knee High Crochet Socks from Francescas Collections $12.00

 

Space-Dye Patch Convertible Gloves from Urban Outfitters $18.00 + 50% off

 

Sonoma Lifestyle knotted cable knit headband from Kohls $12.00

 

 

25% off Elly Clay

Use code: GETLIT and make a purchase to add to your 2016 wardrobe! We have all the greatest shoes and accessories at Ellyclay.com 

Lip colors of the season

The best way to freshen up a dull/dry look in the winter season, is with a bright pop of lip color. From casual daytime looks to evening/holiday party, it’s easy to transform your look with a different lip color. here are the top 5 trending lip colors of winter 2015.

 

1. Brown-toned nude

 

2. Metallic

3. Dark Berry

4. Purple

5. Mauve

#ManiMonday for the Holidays

It may be Monday, but the holidays are so soon! Having the perfect manicure is a must during this festive time of the year. Time to have some fun with your nail art! Here are some of our faves:

1) Glitter Nails

Photo via Pinterest

What’s more holiday-esque than having glitter nails? You can have fun with this and either paint all your nails glitter or just a few of them. This is a fun way to experiment with different colors.

2) Classic Red Nails

Photo via Pinterest

If you are into a more simple look, red nails are the perfect choice for the holidays. You can try out different shades of red that go best with your skin tone.

3. Snowflake Design

Photo via Pinterest

With a thin brush of white nail polish, a snowflake design like this one can be accomplished! You can decorate one nail with a snowflake and achieve a winter wonderland look.

Which manicure will you choose for the holidays?

Halloween Makeup Inspiration: Cut Crease Glam

  

Hello everyone!

It’s almost that time of year again! Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably struggling with costume ideas too!

Normally, I’m all for giving a scare with a little blood and gore when it comes to my costumes but sometimes it’s nice to wear something equally as dramatic but a bit more glamorous.

When looking up inspiration for my look, I decided to play around with my makeup collection and experiment with a look that centered around my makeup rather than a look that centered around my costume. For years I’ve been in awe of Arabic makeup styles, so I decided to create a look that made use of the infamous cut crease and double winged liner that is popular with such eye looks.

For my look, I took influence from Cleopatra’s signature blue & gold hued eye makeup as well as princess Jasmine’s Middle Eastern headpieces in combination with her ponytail updo from her lesser known red outfit. I figured going for a bold, glittery look all throughout would be the only way to achieve a look so fierce. I guess you could say I was going for a modern day Cleopatra meets genie in the bottle vibe!

Although this look seems complicated, its a lot simpler than you think! The key to recreating this look is actually making use of a few closet staples: lots of eyeliner, statement jewelry, and a bold lip color.

To map out my process for you, here’s a few tips:

1. I first started out by straightening my hair. Then I took some bobby pins and secured a gold necklace into my hair, with the design draping across my forehead. (I later switched to a pony tail updo and a diamond encrusted necklace instead, but it’s up to you which variation you prefer).
2.  After my normal face routine, I then filled in my brows slightly thicker and bolder than what I normally do to add to the drama of the look.
3. Next, I applied the darkest lip color I own, a blackened purple liquid lipstick. (You can even go for a deep cranberry color if black shades are too much for you).
4. Then I started working on the eyes. Simply start out by carving out the shape of your crease with a creamy black gel liner & eyeliner brush. (Liquid liners are a great alternative if you don’t have an eyeliner brush). Next, smoke out the crease line you just drew by going over it with any black or deep purple eyeshadows.
5. After this, fill in the rest of your lids with any gold eyeshadow, and once you’re done go over it with a gold glitter eyeliner to add sparkle.
6. Next, you’re ready to start adding your normal eyeliner. Start at the corner of your eyes and extend a line past your tear duct, then continue towards the end of your eye, thickening the liner as you move outwards. Finish by making sure your liner has a very extended wing. (The closer the tip is to the end of your eyebrow the better).
7. Now you’re ready to start working on the lower lash line. Take your eyeliner and connect it to your top eyeliner by starting at the end of your wing and lining it all the way back to your inner corner while remembering to connect it to the extended tear duct line so the result is a tip on both ends of your eye.
8. Finish your look by adding a metallic teal eyeliner on the lower lash line underneath the black liner, and pop on your favorite pair of false lashes. You can even go a step further and complete your look by lining your eyebrows with rhinestones like I did.

Bottom line: Have fun experimenting with whatever makeup you have and keep everything bold & dramatic.

I hope this helps some of you with your looks this year!

-NK