Winter White

Essie Nail Polish in Waltz, $8

There are certain fashion rules that have withstood the test of time, and not wearing white after Labor Day is right up there near the top--if not at the top.  However, winter white is a fashion savvy way to bend this rule, and what fashionista doesn't like bending the rules a little bit?  I know I do.

With that disclaimer in mind, this past Saturday afternoon found me at the nail salon for the very first time since my baby girl was born in November (don't do the math--let's just say that my nails were long overdue), given my dearest friend India's engagement party on the books for Saturday night.  In standard practice for me, I was planning to wear all black--dress, opaque tights, and Tory Burch booties--so my nail color options were accordingly limitless, but I had a cheerful red in mind.  Yet, as I examined the rows of polish, my eyes fell upon something totally different, totally unexpected for me: white.

My usual approach to nail color is threefold: (1) opt for something that really pops; (2) go with something dark and neutral since it will compliment virtually any outfit; or (3) when in doubt, go French.  To pick something subtle and light--if not barely there--is not my typical style, especially during the dreary winter months.  Still, I was stuck on Essie's Waltz.  The Essie website calls Waltz an "elegant, sheer white," and it is precisely that.  Having my manicurist apply three coats instead of two gave my nails a light, bright look that was refreshing amidst the dead of winter.  Sans summer tan (usually the only thing that makes white an appealing nail color choice), Waltz still gave my fingers a pretty, feminine feel that was the perfect counter balance to my black outfit, though not competing with the blinged out ropes of pearls and rhinestones at my neck. 

Don't get me wrong, I would never abandon my go-to punchy pinks and cheery reds, or the moody greys and blacks that I so love, but I suppose that sometimes less really is more--and as far as nail color is concerned, Waltz makes a compelling case for winter white.  Brrrr.