A closer look at the OPI Coca Cola Collection

Last month you might remember I was lucky enough to attend the ultra glamourous launch of the OPI Coca Cola collection, in a swanky London hotel well now it's time to explore that collection a little more!

OPI are famous for their celebrity, film and brand collaborations, and the drinks giant is following in some pretty amazing footsteps. Gwen Steffani, Mariah Carey and Bond to name but a few! This limited edition collection features inspiration from The Coca Cola Companies best loved brands, including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and Coke Zero. So we can expect a wide shade range, with one to suit us all!

Plus, with each bottle of Coca Cola inspired lacquer featuring the OPI Pro Wide Brush, and their professional chip resistant formula, these little bottles of loveliness will make it nice and easy to create a salon worthy manicure from the comfort of our bedrooms!

So, lets take a closer look at our shades shall we!

Classic glossy red, 'Coca Cola Red'

Soft, feminine pink 'Sorry I'm Fizzy Today'

Vibrant tangerine 'Orange You Stylish'

Creamy nude 'You're So Vain-illa'

Personally, I think all of the above shades would look fabulous with a summer sun-kissed tan! Especially, Orange You Stylish, which would be the ultimate flash of colour peeking out from your summer sandals!

For those of you who prefer deeper or metallic shades, don't fret!  There are lots on offer for you too!

Dramatic black with red sparkles 'Today I Accomplished Zero'

Metallic deep lime 'Green On The Runway'

Rich black cherry 'Get Cherried Away'

Seriously sparkly silver! 'Turn On The Haute Light'

Deepest, darkest purple 'A Grape Affair'

See, lots and lots to choose from! If you can't make up your mind, why not try the '10 Pack of Style'? Featuring each bottle in miniature size, plus OPI professional top coat. You'll still get 10-15 manicure's per bottle enough to last you through to Autumn Winter at least!

The OPI Coca Cola collection officially launches on QVC UK on Saturday 21st June at 5pm- with me in the hot seat!

I'll be talking you through the whole collection, plus some fabulous professional secrets.

Hopefully you'll see me and my classic Coca Cola Red manicure then!

Neon Nails

 You know Summer is well and truly here when we all choose to showoff our bronzed bodies with complimentary neon fingers and toes.

This 'Summer' is no different, with OPI this week launching their six new Neon Nail Lacquers. Let's just hope the sun soon starts shining so we can show off at least a subtle hint of sun-kissed skin!

Not only does this collection feature 6 full size wearable shades, we have also been treated to a colour boosting, white base coat, developed to enhance our brighter nail shades! Simply apply 1-2 thin coats of Put A Coat On, before following with two coats of your chosen nail lacquer shade.

I personally reach for coral or pink tones in Summer, so I'm LOVING Down to the Coreal, tangerine toned Juice Bar Hopping and vibrant Hotter Than You Pink.

But, perhaps this year I'll try to think outside my manicure box! Especially with citrus shades Life Gave Me Lemons, You Are So Outta Lime!, and bold purple Push & Pur-Pull.

Plus, if you are lucky enough to be jetting off for some much-needed sunshine, these shades are available in OPI Gel Colour- meaning a chip-free neon mani for a good few weeks!

Manicure Ideas

Most of you probably know by now, a big part of my job involves working with top nail brand OPI on the UK shopping channel QVC, and the reason I love this job so much, is because I seriously do adore OPI nail lacquer. And have done, since my mum first let her 'play' with her beloved OPI collection.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend the AW and Coca Cola launches, (which you can about here), and since I've been having a really good play around with the shades in the salon! 

My Karla Powell Nail Charts have proved very handy, when choosing the shades to try next, as you can see!

There is lots of ways of wearing your manicure-  for example, I'm still a big lover of a 'ring finger' mani- wearing a complimentry or contrasting shade on your ring finger which differs from the other fingers, and there is lots of combinations to choose!

Top- 'My Dogsled Is A Hybrid', with 'Suzi Has A Swede Tooth' on the ring finger, both from the AW Nordic Collection.


Left- 'Thank Glogg It's Friday', with 'Do You Have This Colour In Stock-Holm' from the AW Nordic Collection. Ring finger finished with 'Gaining Mole-mentum' from the Muppets Collection.


Right- 'A Grape Affair' with 'Get Cherried Away' from the Coca Cola Collection, ring finger finished with 'Muppets World Tour' from the Muppets Collection.

Or perhaps you prefer the AW 2013 trend of a contrasting forefinger and thumb?  

My personal favourite is this skin tone inspired manicure- using a number of neutral shades and gradually working from light to dark or visa versa.

L-R, 'Your So Vain-illa' from the Coca Cola Collection, 'How Great Is Your Dane',  'Going My Way Or Norway' and  'Ice-Bergers And Fries' from the Noridic Collection.


So go on- have a play and see what type of mani you can create!

A sneak peek at the OPI Coca Cola Collection

So, we've had the Gwen Steffani, Mariah Carey and even Muppets collection, but now it's time for a completely new collaboration from nail giant OPI.

Early this summer we'll see the launch of a 9 piece collection inspired by the Coca Cola brand.

Coca Cola I hear you cry?! Well what's more iconic than a refreshing cold drink on a hot summers day?! And every Summers day needs a salon worthy manicure doesn't it!

Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI co-founder and executive vice president said of the collaboration - “These two iconic brands truly deliver happiness in a bottle – whether it’s a refreshing, invigorating sip of Coke, or a set of fingers and toes perfectly polished with OPI nail lacquer.”

I couldn't agree more Suzi!

This limited edition collection features inspiration from The Coca Cola Companies best loved brands, including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and Coke Zero. So we can expect a wide shade range, with one to suit us all!

After last weeks QVC TSV shows, the team released a sneak peek of the shade swatches on their Instagram page- and I must admit I was dying to get my hands on them!

But soon my wait will be over, and I can share my favourite's with you all. In a short few weeks I'll be attending the collection launch before launching the collection LIVE on QVC on June 21st- so make sure you tune in for my FIRST EVER hour long show.

(Butterflies are kicking in already!!)

SS14 Manicure Trends

After a fortnight of being blown all over the place by these 70mph winds and resembling a drowned rat each and every morning,  today's sunshine has me well and truly looking forward to Spring!

The high street is now finally full of beautiful soft pastels, including the mint leather mini I'm rocking today!  But if your not yet brave enough to move away from our dark winter tones in your clothing, why not start with your nails?!

In September we saw a huge variety of nail trends on the catwalks, from brights, pastels, nudes and the continuing Nail art trend.

My personal favourites are the feminine pastels perfect for my pale winter skin tone, but I'll definitely be rocking the brighter tones as soon as the sun has kissed my complexion. Here's hoping that won't be too long!

Why not join me and try either Gargantuan Green Grape, Aphrodite's Pink Nightie or Lucky Lucky Lavender from salon favourite brand OPI for an at home professional mani? These shades will look great against your pastel skirts and floral print blouses
for an sunny Spring-time picnic date! Well a girl can dream can't she?!

Once, we are back to sporting our bikinis and slapping on the SPF 15, I'll be needing my sunnies just to protect my eyes from my bright talons. 

This seasons OPI Brazil collection is definitely going to be the place to turn. For the brave amongst you, you why not try I Just can't Cope-acabana, Where did Suzi's Man-go or Kiss Me I'm Brazilian. 

Whichever you chose, It's nearly time to shed those layers and spring to summer! 

(well, maybe give it a week or three?!)

QVC Beauty Bash

What a tiring but exciting few days its been! This week I have been back down in London, for the annual QVC Beauty Bash with the  OPI team. Plus, I was even on air on Tuesday's Morning Show, before heading to the bash to meet all our lovely fans!

The Beauty Bash is a yearly event, where lucky QVC customers are selected at random to join their favourite hair, make up and beauty brands, meet the presenters and chat to industry experts. This is my second year at the bash, and I love every minute of it. It's great to meet our customers and hear their product success stories- plus hear how much they enjoy our shows!!

This week we have been showcasing the latest OPI collection, Spring/Summers Brazil and even some sneak peeks to Aprils TSV! (Today's Special Value to those of you who don't 'QVC' it!)

I adore the Brazil collection,  the mix of vibrant brights and subtle nudes really excited me at the press launch earlier this year and you can read more information on the shades here.

This year at OPI we have lots of new products in the pipeline- including a base coat which makes removing textured and glitter polished a piece of cake, a new zebra print version of our manicure case and a brand new, QVC exclusive shade in Nail Envy! 

But ssshhhhh you didn't hear it from me!! 

In conjunction with the Beauty Bash, this weekend QVC is full of non stop beauty shows! You can catch Lisa and Miglena on Saturday at 3pm for show packed with OPI steals! From Nail Envy in Original Gloss, Matte and Pink, Avoplex oil and our Back My Demand Trios to the latest celebrity collaboration colours with Gwen Steffani. Plus you'll also find a 24 carrot white gold top coat and a kit to repair broken nails! It's going to be a show you and your purse won't want to miss!

OPI Gwen Stefani Collection

If you love red lips, porcelain skin and embracing the crop tops, bindis and top knots of the 90's, then you'll be just as delighted as I am, to hear Gwen Stefani is the latest celebrity to collaborate with nail brand OPI.

R-L Lisa, Suzi and I

Today, press, buyers and bloggers alike joined the teams from OPI UK and Coty for a sneaky look at the collection, and a special presentation from Artistic Director, Suzi Weiss- Fischmann.

Suzi, who is based at OPI HQ over in North Hollywood lives and breathes OPI and absolutely adores colour. I'll admit I had a bad case of butterflies meeting such an iconic women, but she was so charming, warm and friendly. Then, I suppose her bubbly personality shines through in every bottle of OPI lacquer- she is the creative mind behind each and every shade, from I'm Not Really A Waitress to Suzi's Hungray again, they all lead back to her.

Suzi's presentation

During her presentation, Suzi touched on the history of colour and our long term love of expressing our emotions through nail lacquer. From the classic red tones and stilleto shaped talons of the 50's, frosted nudes and the introduction of floral nail art in the 60's to the bright colours, glitters and creative adornment in the 80s- today we a inspired and influenced by it all. 

Suzi herself was inspired by the 2013 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala that featured the theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture", for the latest collection- and she knew just which women to turn to. Singer, designer, businesswomen and mother- Gwen Stefani.

Famed for her experimental fashion, Gwen has always finished her look with bold eyes, a statement lip and nail shade. The ultimate beauty idol for us experimental girls!

 This collection offers seven unique shades, complete with a variety of textures and finishes.

From the classic red and Gwens signature hue,  Over & Over A-Gwen, to sparkly sliver glitter In True Stefani Fashion, and creme pink Hey Baby plus deep, dark  I Sing in Color, this collection offers a great variety.

If you prefer to finish your manicure with the matte top coat, then try Love.Angel.Music.Baby and 4 in the Morning, which don't require a top coat and dry to a satin finish. I can't wait to try these two together- wearing mostly the deep green hues of 4 in the Morning, teamed with the golden Love.Angel.Music.Baby on my ring finger 

Gwen Stefani collection

For a totally show stopping mani, I'd suggest Push and Shove, a bold chrome hue. Just like the satin finish lacquers, this is also worn without top coat but does require a special base coat – Lay Down that Base, which is complimentary. Simply apply one thin coat of Lay Down that Base, followed with two thin coats of Push and Shove, for an intense, mirrored finish. Plus, if you are a fan of nail art, make sure you grab the special edition of Over & Over A-Gwen, which is teamed with Swarovski black crystals and silver, gold and pewter studs in bar, square, diamond and circle shapes in a variety of sizes.

With a variety of textures, bold shades, and an endorsement from Ms Stefani herself, this is one limited collection that won't be around for long. Take my advice, get your mitts on it when you can!

LFW SS14 Nail Trends

Firstly, huge apologies for my tardiness! This past week has been absolutely crazy work wise, from teaching 30 students, exhibiting at a 3 day wedding fair, working at 2 weddings and holding a Grease Sing-A-Long charity event in aid of NWCR, the Rougettes have been working flat out. Phew- time for a day off I think!

So it's time to take a leap back to London Fashion Week, and the fantastic nail art that graced the catwalks! From pointed acrylics, embellishment and even purposely chipped nails, the manicurists at LFW did not disappoint.

Let's start at PPQ where the artists from Ciate created stiletto pointed nails, in a vivid fuchsia pink. Accented with nail art on the ring finger, in deep purple and yellow's to compliment the berry and violet tones in the SS14 collection. 

I love wearing bright nails in the summer, and my favourite pink is Im Indi A Mood for Love. This hot fuchsia is even a great tone to punk up your AW wardrobe! 

Just as we saw at NYFW,  Jean Pierre Braganza complimented their collection at LFW with a twist on a french manicure. Nail technician Jenni Draper for Orly created soft pink nails with a sharp black line at the outer edge- definitely one for a salon visit I think! At So Coco Rouge, our manicurist Katy would choose to use OPI Gel Colour Lacquer to create such a complex look, using shades Bubble Bath and Lady in Black. If you are a manicurist, I would certainly suggest looking into this range. We couldn't live (or work!) without it!

From simple nail art- to full on masterpieces. At House of Holland nail queen Sophy Robson created acrylic nails dressed with motifs of the Virgin Mary, Joesph and tattoos, all matching the motifs emblazoned on the SS14 collection. Wow. This lady is one creative genius.

For instant decorative nail art, without the manicurist on speed dial, try Pure Lacquer Nail Apps. Available in a variety of designs, these take moments to simply apply and dry instantly.

In fact, Heidi Klum even wore these at NYFW! If you want to follow in Heidi's footsteps, you can purchase 'Metallic Ware' from QVC! 

OPI Christmas 2013

Dare I mention the C word?! Is it late enough into the year to start discussing the festive period?!

I, for one are nowhere near ready for Christmas, but these little beauties I spied at Olympia Beauty this weekend are definitely gently easing me out of my scrooge phase.

You may remember that earlier this year, OPI once again collaborated with an international celebrity- this time Mariah Carey. The Spring Mariah Collection featured a gorgeous bright purple, red and blue alongside a pinky nude and rich plum. This time the HUGE collection of 18 lacquers is packed with "Crème and glitter lacquers including classic reds, champagne gold, and warm burgundies” Says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.

After a year of huge success for OPI's unique textured polish, Liquid Sand, this collection features 6 of these shades. With lilac, dark grey, silver, ice blue, warm rose and ice pink,  there is one for us all! I can't wait to try warm rose Make Him Mine on my forefinger and thumb with creme rich burgundy Visions Of Love on my other fingers. Using two romantic shades and names together for the ultimate winter mani!

If you love a high gloss, high glitter finish, I'd suggest applying two coats of your favourite nail lacquer and finish with I Snow You Love Me, which features silver confetti pieces. I'll be teaming it with maroon toned All I Want For Christmas (Is OPI).  I wonder if this shade will become as famous as it's musical namesake?!

Then, there is the predicted sell out. Remember last years 18 Carat Gold top coat from the Bond collection?! Well, it's back! This time it's White Gold and Silver Leaf, which when applied, adds a beautiful 'shatter style' gleam to any manicure. I also love the packaging of this item. The soft cream, quilted design screams luxury Chanel. A great treat for a loved ones Christmas socking! (Friends take note!!)

This collection is available from your local OPI salon soon. You can also purchase from QVC on October 22nd, where you can watch the lovely Lisa and Miglena!

NYFW SS14 Nail Trends

We've already been inspired by the make-up trrends emerging for Spring Summer 2014 from the New York shows, but what should we be doing with our nails?!

Nail art was still in full force, but this time much simplier and angular. Think lots of stripes, in a variety of thickness, colour and direction. If you are feeling particulary arty this season you could even create a 'checkboard' design to match your tartan skirt or shirt!

OPI for Holmes and Yang

The traditional french manicure also got a little makeover over at Holmes and Yang, actress Katie Holmes' brand. Here the nail tech's from OPI added a slanted tip in deep blue I Saw U Saw We Saw Warsaw over nude pink base So many Clowns So Little Time.

I really like this look, and would be tempted to finish the blue tip with  Matte Top Coat for a multi dimensial manicure!

OPI Nail Lacquer

OPI for Joanna Mastroianni

Planning on trying the orange lip trend we saw at Rag & Bone, then why not add a bright nail to clash yet compliment? At Joanna Mastroianni that did just that, as models sported bright yellow nails, against their tangerine lips. Once again the OPI team were on hand, and used Need Sunglasses with a super glossy top coat. (no doubt Rapidry Top Coat knowing how busy it is backstage!!)

Well, it's certainly looking like statement nails are here to stay. for another season at least!

Henry Holland and Elegant Touch

Although this week I have been sporting more sebduced nails, nail art is still a huge trend this season, and it looks like one that will be around for the foreseeable future!

Heartbreaker Nails

If you struggle creating designs yourself, and don't have a local salon you can turn to for those occasions that just scream out for a nail art talking point, then from next week you can turn to your local Boots or Superdrug store. 

Nail giant Elegant Touch have collaborated with British designer Henry Holland to create a range of false nails, each featuring a nail art design, inspired by House of Holland collections. 

You can choose from 9 designs, including the understated Classy Nude and Dotty or show shopping Geek Chic, Face Ache and Get Nailed.

My favourite is HeartBreaker, which features a deep nude base with rich red heart shaped tips, and four nails with a broken heart design. I think we can all use our imagine for which fingers in particular these are for!!

Costing under £10, this a great way to accessorise a simple outfit and embrace the latest nail art trend! 

The Henry Holland Elegant Touch Collection