Nail Art: Kitsch or Cute?

Like socks worn with sandals or dull-colored hair scrunchies, nail art was considered a giant fashion no-no for the longest time. Much to our amazement, however, elaborate acrylic nails seem to be the rage, capturing the hearts of young women everywhere who once swore never to bedazzle their fingernails. Is it possible that nail art has become not only acceptable, but stylish?

Like many funky beauty trends, we have to give credit to Katy Perry for putting a positive spin on nail art. The pop princess has been spotted adorning her nails with animal prints, pictures of sushi, and even tiny images of her hubby, Russell Brand. She wholeheartedly embraces stick-on nails, especially the metallic blue ones that have “saved [her] so many times,” according to the January issue of Marie Claire. But she’s certainly not the only red carpet starlet wearing nail art; we spotted Eve with images of Barack Obama on her finger tips, Fergie sporting a dice manicure, and Rihanna with a heap of yellow smiley faces on her nails.

via Nail Art: Kitsch or Cute? | The Fashion Spot.

Soft styling for tough accessories

There’s no requirement for a leather harness to be supremely complex. In fact, it can be as simple as hooking a couple of leather belts together and winding them around your body into a harness of your own (I do this myself on occasion – if you’re interested in some more detailed instructions on how to make it work, leave us a comment below). It can also be as subtly bondage-inspired as this Hermes example, which is ultimately elegant and clean, as 2011′s fresh spin on the harness should be. But while most of those new interpretations focus on sharp, tailored pieces this shoot from The Block is all about contrasting the leather pieces with all that is soft and gauzy.

via Soft styling for tough accessories > Fashion Photo Shoots.