Manic.Monday: Gold finger

Yes yes - I know the title's corny, but it had to be done. When you blog about nail polishes every now and then, you can't help but think about great titles and Gold finger is for sure at the top of the list. Cheesy yes, but in all seriousness it's also exceptionally appropriate for today's post.

One of the fashion trends this A/W is maximalism - complete OTT, gorgeous, opulent excess as seen on Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci and Tom Ford. As my friends know I'm not the one to shy away from OTT so all I can say is BLING it on, and helping me achieve that utterly astonishing golden splendour is Zoya - my BNFF with Pixie Dust Solange, from the summer 2013 collection.

I have waxed lyrically about Zoya's Pixie Dust previously, and I know this won't be the last time either (sorry...) but there's a good reason for that - it's a phenomenal concept and formula that I just can't get enough of.

Zoya Pixie Dust - Solange 

Pixie dusts are a gorgeous textured polish with heaps of pigmentation, that you build in several coats to create that utterly perfect, frosted, matte but glittery effect. Unlike other glitter polishes the pixie dusts are very easy to apply partly because they come with a great, flexible wide brush but also because of the formula. You don't have to worry about trying to place the glitter on your nail, instead you get an even coat of glimmer all over your nail, without even having to try very hard. It's also very easy to correct if you should smudge without completely shredding your cuticles.

I've said before that the key to getting the crystallized look is to take your time, and while I use 3 or even 4 layers depending on the shade I use, you can experiment and see what works for you. The polish dries and sets very quickly and when you've finished - do not use a top coat since it'll ruin the matte effect. Zoya recommends that you don't use a top coat and in my opinion you don't need it either since the finish will last for days before annoying little chips and dents ruin that incredible look. If your nails start to chip and you feel you don't have time to do them from scratch I know from experience that you can easily repair them  and you can continue to wear it for a few more days. Don't repeat this several times though - We Must Respect the Pixie dust!

The shade I've used for this extravagant and sumptuous look is Solange - a lovely sunny, warm and intensely yellow gold shade. It is a little bit similar to a thick foil, although it feels completely different and is more natural to wear. Get your bottle of gold dust from Love Lula (previously called Amarya) for very fast, free UK delivery

This look to me is very oriental, and the heavy gold reminds me of an ornate Byzantine icon that conjures up the smell of aromatic frankincense and myrrh. If you don't like to attract attention, you might want to avoid this one, but if you're brave enough - it's a shade that's surprisingly easy to wear (even out of party season) and that would make any outfit deluxe - even if it's not Dolce & Gabbana.

Dolce & Gabbana A&W 2013 Campaign Photo