ABC’s new hit TV show Once Upon a Time hooked me in from the very beginning! It’s a fairy tale told with a twist, and a show that you have to watch from the beginning to grasp every single nuance. It’s also a great source of fashion inspiration.

If you haven’t seen it, it’s basically a story about Snow White. It begins when Snow White and Prince charming are about to get married and the Evil Queen curses them (and everyone else living in Snow White’s fairy tale) back to a modern day town, where the characters don’t remember who they are or why they live in a small town called Storybrook. Only the Evil Queen (who becomes the modern day Mayor named Regina) knows who each character really is.

Henry (Regina’s little boy) is given a very important story book by his teacher, Mary Margaret, and he begins to figure out this mystery with the help of his biological mother, Emma. The Evil Queen’s inner workings begin to unravel and things begin to change for good.

Confusing, I know, but once you start watching it you won’t be able to stop! Trust me.

Characters

For this post on fashion inspired by the show, I focused on three main characters. Here is a little cheat sheet to remember what the character’s modern name is, and what their storybook character really is.

• Mary Margaret – Henry’s teacher – actually is Snow White
• Emma Swan – Henry’s biological mother – actually is Snow White’s Daughter
• Henry  - Mayor Regina’s adopted son/Emma’s real son – actually is the Evil Queen’s Father

Now that you are thoroughly confused, or maybe you’re following along… here’s the information you really came here for - Heigh ho heigh ho… it’s off to fashion we go! 

Mary Margaret

{Photo Credit}

{Top} {Cardigan} {Skirt} {Shoes} {Necklace} {Bag}

Mary Margaret (Snow White) is an endearing soul who loves to wear soft colors and lots of skirts with whimsical patterns.

For this outfit, I chose a lace top that can be layered with a navy blue cardigan with bow details. Next, I chose a floral skirt and beige/pink flats. When accessorized with an apple necklace and a leather satchel, you’ll be ready to start singing with the animals in the forest and hanging out with your favorite seven dwarf friends. Feel free to add tights/leggings or more layers if you’re wanting to wear this in cold weather!

Emma Swan

{Photo Credit}

{Shirt} {Jacket} {Jeans} {Scarf} {Shoes} {Ring} {Necklace} {Earrings}

Emma Swan (Snow White’s Daughter) plays the savior in this show. She also becomes the Deputy for Storybrook. As such, her wardrobe is simple: She usually wears her trusty leather jacket, a white t-shirt/tank, and a nice pair of jeans. Don’t be fooled by the simple pieces, though – her style isn’t boring! Accessories make all the difference here: I used a green scarf, watch necklace, ring, and star earrings to spruce up this look. Then, for your hair, just curl it all over and tousle. You’ll have the perfect Emma Swan look!

Henry

{Photo Credit}

{Shirt} {Coat} {Jeans} {Scarf} {Boots} {Bracelets} {Ring} {Necklace}

Henry is Regina’s adopted son and Emma’s real son. (Confusing, I know.) He is very trendy for someone so young, and I thought I would capture his youthful look in a way that would be wearable for college women everywhere.

I chose a plaid button up, and a black peacoat for the top. Then, I paired that with some straight legged jeans and black boots. For the accessories, I chose to go with a chunky knit scarf as well as braided bracelets, a “Believe” ring, and a key necklace. All of these whimsical accessories add to the “Henry” look and capture this motivated child’s style perfectly.

Comments

Which outfit is your favorite? Which characters are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below. I know there are a lot of Once Upon a Time fans out there!

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A few weeks have passed without much fanfare in the 2012 Dating Readers’ Choice awards. Nominations haven’t been pouring in like they did last year (likely because of the sign-in requirement to nominate) although you can now share your nominations via Twitter and Facebook. This time last year I had thousands of write-in nominations – and would love a similar number this year for the final voting period. Last year’s nominees for Best Overall Dating Site included eHarmony, Match.com, Mingle2, OkCupid, and Zoosk. This year, I’d love to see other well-known sites on that list, such as Plenty of Fish, JDate or Chemistry.com, or up-and-comers that have a lot to offer but don’t have a huge following, yet, such as HowAboutWe, easyflirt, or Engage.

Want to nominate a dating site that, you feel, offers the best overall experience for singles today? Feel free to comment on this post, or fill in this form: 2012 Best Overall Dating Site.

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1. Tarynn (Rowan University): Modern Country

Tarynn calls her design “girly Midwestern,” and refers to her dorm as her “second home.” The clean, minimalist interior, tied together by the simple and elegant color scheme of sky blues, greens, and golds, is a testimony to her Missouri roots. Read on to learn more about Tarynn’s design!

1. What inspired your design?

“I wanted to go for something a little more Midwestern in feel. Being from rural Missouri and going to school in New Jersey, I needed something to remind me of home. It all started with the bedding. I fell in love with the pastel floral sheets and everything just branched from there. I feel like my room is country-chic and a little whimsical.”

The unexpected country elements in Tarynn’s decor add so much character to her room, especially the clotheslines with photos that crisscross over the bed, and the painting of the cow that Tarynn describes below!

2. What are your favorite pieces and where are they from?

“Most of my favorite pieces I made myself. The prints on the wall are fabric duct taped to Styrofoam poster board. The photo line was really easy to put together and a great way to display my favorite photos without cluttering up my walls or my dresser.  My absolute favorite piece, though, is the cow picture my best friend, Matt, gave me for Christmas. He took a special trip to IKEA just to get it. It’s so funny and goes perfectly with my room. Plus, it’s just like looking out my window at home and seeing cattle out in the pasture.”

3. What’s your secret for decorating on a budget?

“DIY! Getting crafty during the break before the semester starts keeps you from getting too bored and saves you a ton of money. Although I haven’t tried anything out yet for my room, I love looking at sites like Pinterest for fun ideas. You don’t need to buy lots of trinkets, especially if you’re really limited on space like I am. But think of creative ways to add color and texture and pattern to your room.”

Colorful, welcoming, and elegant, Tarynn’s personality perfectly reflects on her room, which started out as “random pieces” that came together to create a comfortable and gorgeous living space. 

4. What’s your favorite memory of something that’s happened in your room?

“I really don’t spend tons of time in my room, but my best memory would be at the beginning of last semester when everyone on my floor was still getting to know each other. We all ordered pizza and watched Mean Girls. That sparked some really strong friendships and some spontaneous movie quoting since then.”

2. Katie (University of California, Santa Cruz): Nautical and Swedish

In her dorm decor, Katie of UC Santa Cruz managed to blend two things that wouldn’t strike you as having too much in common: Sweden and sailing. On a recent study abroad trip, Katie collected “much of the decor in my room, including the Swedish flag, map of Europe, and the postcards from a Danish zoo.” Her marine biology major is also extensively featured in her design, and she loves photography (with good reason, she’s fantastic at it!) and “being surrounded by images of sailboats, anchors, and seashells.” Let’s explore Katie’s room!

I love the many unique elements of Katie’s room, especially the vintage oar on the wall, and the homey and comfortable nature of the mismatched photo frame display. She makes excellent use of wall space, building upwards to make the room seem larger.

1. What inspired your design?

“My design is inspired by my love of the sea and of travel. I’ve always wanted to live close to the ocean, and now I’m majoring in marine biology and living in a beautiful beach town, so nautical symbols are some of my favorite things to decorate with. This past summer, I studied abroad in Sweden, and many of the other decorations in my room were collected during my trip.”

2. Where are your favorite pieces from?

“My favorite pieces in my room are the photographs hanging on the walls. They are all recent photos that I’ve taken during my travels or of my loved ones, and they are what make my room feel like home. My favorite hobby is photography, so seeing the photos each day also encourages me to keep photographing as often as possible.”

The splash of red in the rug is complemented by the various red accents in the room, like in the postcards and lamp, and is echoed by the rich wood color of the side table. Everywhere you look, there’s something fascinating with a great history!

3. What’s your secret for decorating on a budget?

“I love shopping at HomeGoods with my mom, who works in interior design. It’s a hit-or-miss type of store, but I’ve found some really great pieces there (including most of my bedding) at very affordable prices. I also tend to buy small pieces for my room over time at whatever shops I happen to visit, instead of buying a ton of stuff at once, so it doesn’t drain my bank account.”

4. What’s your favorite memory of something that’s happened in your room?

“My favorite memory has to be a three-way tie between when my boyfriend Edward visited from LA after finals this quarter, when my best friend Roni paid me a surprise visit, and when I got to decorate my room at the start of the quarter! After sharing a tiny room with two people last year, it was, and still is, really nice to have a space of my own to decorate however I like.”

3. Kalli (University of Oregon): “Scrapbook” Sorority Chic

Kalli’s room in her sorority house at the University of Oregon is cheerful, bubbly, and scrapbook-themed. Her color scheme focuses on teals, pinks, and pale greens, and is continued throughout the whole space. I love how her and her roomie took the time to match their bedspreads and decor!

1. What inspired your design?

“When my best friend moved to Korea after high school, I made her a scrapbook as a going away present.  From that, I had a ton of leftover paper and crafting supplies.”

Kalli (in the peach scarf) and her roommate put up Christmas lights all around the room, making the dorm feel cozier, and made sure to furnish it with plenty of soft pillows and ribbons.

2. Where are your favorite pieces from?

“We got the lights from Costco, and I love them! We love to turn off the overhead lights at night, turn on the Christmas lights, and watch a movie. It’s so cozy!”

3. What’s your secret for decorating on a budget?

“Paper! When we moved in, there were these ugly grey closets in our room. Instead of buying all new closets, we just covered them in paper. Now they’re one of my favorite things in our room!”

4. What’s your favorite memory of something that’s happened in your room?

“One of my favorite things to do in my room is actually getting ready. We usually have four or five girls in our room sharing two tiny mirrors, blasting music, and being ridiculous. I swear those are the moments I’ll remember forever.”

What do you think?

Dormspiration’s been around for a while now — got any feedback? Which room was your favorite? Does your room have a unique theme like the three featured above, and if so, how did you achieve it? Let us know with a comment!

Think you have a great dorm or apartment?

Submit 1-2 photos and a brief description of your decor to amy@collegefashion.net for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Dormspiration post! We’ll make you and your room famous!

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No column called Geek Chic would be complete without an inspiration post on The Big Bang Theory, which is practically television’s love letter to the geek world. It’s a show that manages to simultaneously mock and celebrate the enthusiastic obsessions that define geekiness. What more could a girl ask for?

Before we begin, I just want to reiterate that my goal is not to recreate costumes but to interpret the characters’ styles into wearable looks for college girls. The Big Bang Theory characters wear quirky “real-life” clothes; for more futuristic fashion, check out the previous Geek Chic posts on Star Trek-inspired looks and Doctor Who-inspired looks.

Know Your Geek: About The Big Bang Theory

• The CBS sitcom, which first aired in 2007, revolves around the lives of four socially awkward Caltech scientists and Penny, the pretty girl who lives next door. It quickly became hugely popular and was TV’s highest-rated comedy during its 4th season.
• Much of the show’s humor comes from the contrast between the guys’ nerdy, intellectual antics and Penny’s street smarts and common sense. For instance, while Sheldon can name hundreds of Star Trek factoids off the top of his head and solve quantum mechanics problems in his sleep, he can’t name a single Britney Spears song.

Outfits Inspired by The Big Bang Theory

Math, science, history, unraveling the mystery, and it all started with a big bang! You may not be able to make sense of string theory (though perhaps that’s just me), but you can definitely make a statement with these Big Bang Theory-inspired looks. Bazinga!

Sheldon

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Dr. Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons, is highly idiosyncratic, arrogant, paranoid, germaphobic, and altogether insufferable, but his lack of social graces is paired with a beyond-genius intelligence level. He started college after 5th grade, earned his Ph.D at sixteen, and loves reminding others of his intellectual superiority. Despite his super-advanced mind, he can be extremely childish when it comes to getting his way. Aside from science, his passions include comic books, video games, sci-fi and fantasy, and paintball. Above all, he worships Star Trek, considering it tantamount to religion.

Product information: Cardigan, T-shirt, Shirt, Shoes, Shorts, Necklace, Ring

Sheldon doesn’t care much about fashion, but he’s pretty consistent in his love of graphic tees and plaid anything. Layer a long-sleeved shirt under a Green Lantern tee (or one with the superhero of your choice) and top it off with a slouchy striped cardigan. Luckily, pattern mixing is hot right now, though Sheldon would probably be horrified if he knew about his unintentional trendiness!

Unless you’re feeling daring, full-on plaid pants might be a bit too much; instead, wear a cute pair of plaid wool shorts with tights. Finally, add fun oxfords and some quirky extras like this comic book-inspired ring and charm necklace, a reference to “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock,” Sheldon’s new and improved version of the game.

Leonard

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Dr. Leonard Hofstadter, played by Johnny Galecki, is Sheldon’s long-suffering roommate and colleague. Although he’s also a theoretical physicist and comic-book/sci-fi/fantasy enthusiast, he yearns for normalcy and a stable love life. Leonard finds Sheldon’s public antics incredibly embarrassing and he’s often left to clean up the messes that his roommate creates. He and Penny have had an on-and-off-again relationship through the course of the show.

Product Information: Jacket, Hoodie, Shirt, Jeans, Shoes, Earrings, Bag, Glasses

Leonard’s style reflects his desire to fit in: Unlike his crazily clad colleagues, he tries to keep his clothing low-key. He typically pairs a graphic tee with a hoodie, cargo jacket, and Converse sneakers. (This seems to be the de facto outfit of most TV hipster-nerds.) This ensemble is quite similar to his, but with a slightly more feminine flair.

Since the pieces are simple, have some fun with the color palette: Here, sunny yellow sneakers provide a nice contrast to an otherwise cool-toned outfit. Although Leonard’s t-shirts are usually physics-related, I chose this top as a reference to his Superman boxers.  Complete your Leonard-inspired look with a tartan messenger bag, thick-rimmed glasses, and sparkly star earrings.

Penny

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco, is the quintessential girl next door. (Though, if you want to get technical, she actually lives across the hallway.) She’s an aspiring actress/screenwriter, but waitresses at The Cheesecake Factory to make ends meet. Penny is often baffled by the guys’ behavior and geeky passions, but embraces their eccentricities. Likewise, the guys — especially Sheldon — often turn to her when they need advice about “the real world.”

Product Information: Top, Cardigan, Jeans, Wedges, Shorts, Sandals, Bracelet

Although she hails from Nebraska, Penny has the beach-babe look down pat. As a native of Southern California, where denim cut-offs and Rainbow sandals reign supreme, I find her look cute but not particularly innovative. Still, though, you can’t go wrong with her easy and breezy style.

Penny wears lots of casual denim and bright florals. For daytime, pair this cheery blouse and soft cardigan with short-shorts and flat sandals; switch to dark bootcut jeans and fun wedges for a girl’s night out.

Howard

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Howard Wolowitz, played by Simon Helberg, is an aerospace engineer and the only guy in the group who doesn’t have a Ph.D; to Howard’s chagrin, Sheldon never tires of reminding him of this fact. Howard still lives with his overbearing mom but fancies himself quite the ladies man, even though his verging-on-creepy advances are usually rebuffed. Eventually, he finds lasting love with Bernadette after they bond over having overprotective mothers.

Product Information: Shirt, Turtleneck, Jeans, Belt, Shoes, Bobby pins, iPhone case

Howard loves his colored jeans, plaid shirts, and loud belt buckles, but his signature clothing item is definitely the turtleneck. Wear a layered turtleneck and utility shirt in neutral colors to let the bright jeans take center stage; subtle stripes and polka-dotted shoes add a dose of whimsy.

You probably don’t want to wear a Nintendo controller on your waist (but more power to ya if you do), so skip the crazy belt buckle and show your quirkiness with some adorable bobby pins instead. Finally, Howard always has amorous intentions on his mind, so wear your heart(s) on your iPhone case. (Apologies, sleeve.)

Raj

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Dr. Rajesh Koothrapalli, played by Kunal Nayyar, is an astrophysicist and Howard’s best friend. He’s originally from India, where he lived in luxury with his wealthy family. Despite his comparatively meager lifestyle in California, he loves American food and pop culture and is terrified of being deported. Raj is extremely shy and incapable of talking to women when he’s sober. One sip of alcohol, though, and he loses all inhibitions.

Product Information: Blazer, Shirt, Sweaterdress, Tights, Shoes, Scarf, Bangles

Raj has a weakness for psychedelic patterns and an impressive collection of sweater vests. (Seriously, he gives Neville Longbottom a run for his money). Since all the spring clothes are starting to hit stores, I had trouble finding a cute sweater vest, so I picked a sleeveless sweater dress instead. Layer it over a subtly striped blouse for a preppy look; a polished blazer is a step up from Raj’s favorite purple track jacket.

Channel Raj’s love for print-mixing but limit the color palette to avoid visual overload; for instance, this Fair-Isle scarf is tonally similar to the dress and the argyle tights are a neutral gray. For some pizzazz, add an armful of Indian-inspired bangles.

Bernadette

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Dr. Bernadette Rostenkowski, played by Melissa Rauch, is Penny’s co-worker at The Cheesecake Factory and has a doctorate in microbiology. Even though she doesn’t always understand his sense of humor, she’s engaged to Howard, whom she frequently refers to as her soulmate. Bernadette is usually sweet and cheerful, but when she loses her temper and yells, her voice becomes raspy and she sounds just like Howard’s mom. (He finds this incredibly sexy.) Like Penny, she has little interest in science fiction and comic books.

Product information: Cardigan, Top, Skirt, Belt, Shoes, Earrings, Sunglasses

When Bernadette was first introduced, she only appeared in her Cheesecake Factory uniform. Now that she’s a regular character on the show, she gets to show off an adorable ’50s aesthetic, often wearing girly floral dresses with full skirts and dainty cardigans.

Here, I combined the color scheme from her uniform with a retro silhouette for a bold but feminine look: A tie-neck blouse will look darling tucked into a navy skirt, while a spotted mustard cardigan and emerald belt add pops of color. Complete the quirky-cute look with Mary-Jane pumps, cat-eye sunglasses, and heart earrings.

What do you think?

Would you wear these looks? Do you watch The Big Bang Theory? Whose style do you like best? What other geeky inspirations would you like to see? (The Mirror of Galadriel tells me a journey to Middle Earth is forthcoming…) As always, let me know in the comments!

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Did you love the headband Michelle Williams wore to the Golden Globes? If so, A Pair & a Spare shows you how to DIY your own jeweled headband – adorable!

The 7 Most Baffling Things About Women’s Clothes. Ah, these are so true, but is it weird that we like things the way they are (okay, with the exception of vanity sizing)? I guess we’ve learned to live with the craziness.

Disney fans, you will love this: A new makeup line inspired by Tinkerbell!

One more for the Disney fans: See your favorite princesses re-made… as hipsters. Kind of amazing.

How cute are these fashion-inspired cupcakes?

We just discovered the DIY Fashion Tumblr, and it’s a great source of crafty inspiration from around the web, all on one convenient page.

And while we’re talking DIY, we have to mention the ultimate DIY “project” for advanced DIY-ers only: The DIY Blazer.

Instagram Tips from Top Photographers. Most addicting app ever!

Vogue magazine shares their 16 favorite dry shampoos.

The Man Repeller shows you how to exploit plaid in your wardrobe. Excellent usage of the word “exploit.”

A-List Economics: The Real Costs of a Red Carpet Look is an interesting peek into the real lives of celebrity stylists and what it really takes to dress a celeb for an awards show…. and, more interestingly, what it all REALLY costs.

We’re kind of obsessed with Make It & Fake It’s DIY Reversible Neon Heels tutorial – it’s incredibly easy and such a cheap way to change up your shoe collection.

Famous Photographers Pose with Their Most Iconic Images. Love this.

We loved Abigail Ahern’s house tour, on The Selby. Makes for fantastic interior design inspiration.

5 Ways You Turn People Off (Without Realizing It), from Liminas Magazine. Eye contact is so key and it’s funny how many people forget that!

Refinery 29 shows you how to create a DIY Prada-Inspired Jewel Clutch. This would be SO cute for a night out.

Also from R29, How to De-Frump Your Oversized Sweaters. It won’t be long until you’re packing these up for summer, so enjoy wearing them while you can!

Hahah, S&*# Fashion Girls Say is SO. TRUE.

For music fans everywhere, 6 Classic Songs That Were Supposed to Be Jokes, from Cracked.

PA Middle School Bans UGG Boots. While we’re not big UGG fans, the whole thing seems a little ridiculous, no?

Very inspiring video, especially if you’re involved in athletics: Inspiration – How Bad Do You Want It? (Also, the comment about the dog is hilarious.)

We just discovered turntable.fm; super cool if you’re studying with friends or work in a casual office environment.

Gala Darling did a good how-to on riding your bike in style.

Hahah, oh my god, this is new levels of ridiculous: Look at these f%&^ing boots, from Vice.

Teen Vogue listed some cool futuristic beauty products you’ll be excited to try.

From the NY Times: An interview with Leesa Evans, the costume designer for “Bridesmaids”, on how she chose each character’s look.

Would you rock a backwards cardigan? I’ve tried this before and it’s surprisingly awesome. (It only works with certain cardigans, though.)

Macy’s just announced their latest designer collaboration, with designer Alberta Ferretti. Are you excited for the line?

Are you guys on Pinterest? If so, check out Fashionista’s list of fashion pinners to follow right now. We have an account (@collegefashion), but haven’t used it much yet. Clearly we need to start!

Gorgeous photos: Marilyn Monroe at Home in 1953.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re single or not, you’ll love this list of the best Valentine’s Day movies for single ladies. (Also great: The “what not to watch” list.)

It’s not often that fashion and politics collide, but current Italian economic reforms are beginning to affect the fashion industry. Will be interesting to see how this plays out…

The Beauty Department nailed it again (ha) with their latest manicure tutorial… Peter Pan Collar Nails.

Three words: Cookie Dough Eggrolls. Three more: Must. Make. These.

Woah! This negative woman optical illusion is creepy but amazing. (And a great way to kill 30 seconds.)

Spring is just around the corner, so brush up on the trends we saw last fall with Allure’s list of the 5 best makeup looks from Spring 2012 NYFW.

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While 3D nail art has really been my thing lately (my last two tutorials have been on rhinestones and glitter), the other day I came across photos of the Giambattista Valli spring 2012 couture show, and it inspired me to switch gears; I’ve always wanted to try translating a runway look into nail art.

The pink floral dress above was my favorite in the entire collection, so I decided to try to recreate the look of the flowers on my nails. It was actually pretty simple – here’s my attempt at a runway-inspired manicure, and how you can pull it off yourself with just polish and a bobby pin!

What You Need:

• Base coat – I used my trusty Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat.
• 2 or more colors of nail polish – I used 4 that were inspired by the colors in the dress: Revlon Red, Essie Carousel Coral, Sephora by OPI Access 24/7 (which can only be bought in a boxed set, but you can get a similar color here), and CND Raspberry Parfait.
• Top coat - I used Seche Clear (which is technically a base coat, but it dries super shiny).
• A bobby pin or something of a similar size

As always, start off with clean, unpolished fingers and a flat surface to work on. Now you’re ready to arrange a bouquet on your fingernails!

Nailing the Look

1. Paint your nails as you normally would, starting with a base coat and following with one or two coats of polish. As you can see in the picture, I started off with a bright pink.
2. Take your bobby pin and put a dab of nail polish on the tip. Don’t put on so much that it’s dripping, but make sure there’s a good dollop so you can make a nice, round shape on your nail.
3. As shown in the photo above, gently place the head of the bobby pin on your nail. Make 4 or 5 dots in a circle to create a flower shape.
4. Make as few or as many flowers as you’d like! I decided to make a lot and to do them in several different colors; I chose a purple, a red and a lighter pink. If you want, you can make them overlap a bit, or you can spread them out.

Helpful Hints

While you really could use any object of a similar shape and size to create the dots, I found bobby pins especially handy for this project because they have two tips, which is perfect if you want to make a design with multiple colors – you can have one color on one tip and a second color on the other tip. Plus, what girl doesn’t have a stash of bobby pins hiding in her bathroom? You may find it necessary to wipe the head of the pin off every once in a while, because the polish can start to dry on it and get gooey, which makes it difficult to make nice dots.

When choosing colors, I found it useful to start off with a bright color because it contrasted better with the other colors I was using. At first I wanted the pattern to have a red base, but quickly found out that the purple wouldn’t show up well enough and went with the hot pink instead. If you want to make a bolder statement, pick a base color that contrasts well with the colors you’re going to use for your flowers; if you want something more subtle, you may want to stick with colors that are in the same family.

The End Result

I was actually very happy with how these turned out. One of my friends thinks they look “Monet-esque,” and that they have a sort of watercolor-like quality to them. They’re nothing too flashy or head-turning, but they have a cute and playful feel. These nails are giving me spring fever!

What Do You Think?

Would you put a floral pattern on your nails? If you were to get nail inspiration from a designer, who would it be? Is there a particular runway look you’d like to see turned into nail art? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Stuart would like suggestions on how to find someone as well as how to make time for a new relationship, and is eager to hear from other singles in similar life circumstances, especially those who identify as being gay or bisexual. I’ve got my own ideas for Stuart which I’ve posted (When Taking Care of an Ailing Parent, How Do You Date?), but I’d love to hear what you think.

_{Related: How To Meet a Guy (for Gay Men), Healthy Senior Sex}

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