Despite being a fashionista on a budget, I have a guilty pleasure in almost weekly mani- pedis. I can stretch a pedicure a bit longer but for some reason I destroy my manicures in just a few days… sigh. I always go for the same thing- matching colors on my hands and toes (occasionally I do a light pink or white on my hands and something darker on my toes), I always get them cut as short as possible and only wear Essie or OPI. However, as the seasons change, so do my nail polish colors. Last summer I was all about the orange and coral reds, come fall/winter, I couldn’t get enough of purples, dark wine reds and navy blue. This spring and summer I have once again returned to the orange reds, but I have also been feeling bright and light pinks. As you may be able to tell, I love getting my nails done and trend forecasting to my girlfriends about what colors will be hot next. Alas, as the gas prices in LA have topped $4.00 a gallon, I find myself faced with the sad fact that perhaps my habit must be scaled back for special occasions only. I will be pulling out the primer and topcoat and stocking up on my favorite colors. Now I just need to master the even hand it takes to make my nails look perfect! If you’re feeling my gas-pump pain and need to cut some costs, or just need some suggestions of great colors for summer- these are the polishes on my list:

Essie E-Nuff is E-Nuff is a prefect bright summer pink.

Essie It’s in the Bag is my favorite sheer off-white, I always get compliments on this color.

An orange red, like OPI Cajun Shrimp, is a favorite of mine and looks great with metallic summer sandals.

OPI Pink-ing of You is a recent find for me. It is a sheer pink, yet has enough coverage to wear on your toes, and looks great with a bit of a tan.