The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Cynthia Rowley Spring 2013 Nail Looks with Deborah Lippmann




To achieve a strong and edgy nail look at Cynthia Rowley's Spring 2013 presentation, celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann opted to layer two shades on short, rounded nails as I discovered backstage. Pairing Billionaire, a creme hunter-green and Wicked Game, an iridescent lavender-grey shade, Deborah and her team brought not only an eye-popping color that changes with each shimmer of light, but completed the entire look for Cynthia's playful presentation. I sense a trend with this nail look and might just even try this at home. What do you think? —by The Budget Babe Correspondent, Megan Zietz

Backstage Beauty with Deborah Lippmann at Badgley Mischka SS13


Modern Love swatch

Backstage at Badgley Mischka, I caught up with the Deborah Lippmann to discuss the nail looks her team created for the Spring 2013 runway show. Inspired by the 1930's film "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the collection features lots of muted pastels, so the designers opted for a neutral nail to complement the color palette, as well as dewy makeup and slightly disheveled hair. The polish of choice? Modern Love, a dusty mauve creme that Deborah is calling "the new nude." On short, rounded nails, two coats of Modern Love was applied, then finished with a high-shine top coat called Addicted to Speed. "Mauve is the new nude!" reveals Deborah. While I love a good neutral, I'm worried this color won't read "high fashion" when I wear it. What do you think?

Keep reading for more of my backstage photos, and check out the short video I shot of Deborah talking about the inspiration for the nail looks after the jump.


Tracy Reese Spring 2013 Nails Looks by Sally Hansen




Sunday afternoon, I had the chance to go backstage before the Tracy Reese Spring 2013 show to get the scoop on the unique nail looks that the models would be sporting on the runway. Never one to shy away from a bold nail, Tracy worked with Sally Hansen Nail ambassador and celebrity manicurist Tracylee to create a custom nail look for the show, which was a unique triangular half-moon manicure featuring four different nail color combinations. The designer also worked with Sally Hansen to create three new exclusive polish shades to complement her Spring 2013 collection: Butterscoth, a warm yellow, Soy Latte, a creamy beige, and Hot Lava, an Orange Red Flip (all three coming out in March for $7.99 each).

I watched Tracylee hand paint the triangular half moon Manu onto Tracy Reese's nails and it looked totally doable at home. You know I'm going to try! Keep reading to see more of my backstage photos. Are these colors and designs something you would rock?

Kate Spade Spring 2013 Nail Looks by Deborah Lippmann


This morning, I headed to the city bright and early to kick off my first day of New York Fashion Week with a visit backstage at the Kate Spade Spring 2013 collection presentation. There, I caught up with nail guru Deborah Lippmann to talk nails. This was my first time meeting Deborah (she's great, as you'd expect) and I was dying to find out what she would create this season. The burning question on everyone's mind (okay maybe just mine): Could she top the polka-dot nails presented at Kate Spade's Fall show? Well, suffice to say, it's hard to pick a favorite - but Deborah and her team definitely upped the ante with a bold gingham print that made everyone smile, even the models!