“How long is NYFW? I am so sick of seeing it in my timeline!” A dear friend (who isn’t into fashion) asked me that this week, and I LOLed.

As the name indicates, Mercedes Benz NYFW lasts a week. Thurday September 8 to Thursday September 15. And yes, it seems like FOREVER, if you’re following fashionistas on Twitter or Facebook. The details of every show, every celebrity sighting, every outfit worn, has been recorded for public consumption. It is exhausting even if you’re not there.

I sat out this September’s NYFW – right now the plan is to be there in February! Much to my delight, it hasn’t been hard to keep up to date with the shows thanks to all of the livestreamed NYFW shows, and the unceasing rain of press releases in my inbox.

There has been some PHENOMENAL fashion this year. Phenomenal. But quite a few designers went with really subdued less is more makeup, wet-look hair as a trend, and super nude, natural, neutral nails. Whatever they wanna call it…it makes me sleepy. If you’ve read this blog for even a second you would know that is NOT my bag at all, baby — not when it comes to makeup and nails! But as the fashion gods would have it, there WERE a few designers who took beauty risks, collaborated with the pros and came up with truly innovative looks which I have collated here for you. Behold.

The coolest looks from NYFW September 2011, nail edition.

– The Pretty Poison manicure as seen on Jen Kao’s Spring 2012 runway

Black nails, colored tips were the order of the day at Jen Kao. CND nail artist Wanda Ruiz created “Lethal Love” diffused, gradation manicures that attract the eye with bold shades, but like a poisonous frog, have dangerous undertones.” (I love a good press release!) In an interview with Bellasugar, Wanda Ruiz explained “It’s a very dangerous, lethal person with a feminine, soft side.” Indeed. This mani was shaded using airbrushing tools, using CND Colours in Midnight Sapphire, Anchor Blue, Rouge Red, and Green Scene for the tips, and Inkwell for the rest — topped with Air Dry Top Coat while wet for an ombre finish. Dare to DIY? The Easy Drip Manicure also on Bellasugar could be an easy way to achieve a similar look.

– Pierced nails for Betsey Johnson

Every Fashion Week I look forward to the nail art of butter LONDON. Why? Because their founding Creative Director Nonie Creme always comes up with something unique, memorable, and eye catching. This year for Betsey Johnson, Nonie Creme and butter did NOT disappoint. As she explained, “Betsey’s girl this season was influenced by vintage Debbie Harry – sexy, full-blown high octane glamour! We did a reverse half moon manicure, with a “stair step” (meaning the false nail sits slightly higher than the nail plate – creating that extra “pop” for the catwalk) holographic glitter tip, in a pointed almond shape. For the glitter tip, we used Diamond Geezer and a holographic shade that was custom mixed for Betsey, and added a diamond stone to the curved base of each tip. Union Jack Black was used on the actual nail – creating the reverse half-moon that almost had a “bruised” effect. Always wanting one more “wow” factor for Betsey, we added a nail piercing with black baby safety pin. Rock and roll, fun, sex, glamour!”

Now please let the record show that these probably aren’t the models REAL NAILS. For almost every fashion show, nails are brought in and applied to the models’ hands. So I wouldn’t advocate piercing your own nail (how would one do that? That’s a DIY destined for disaster) — but isn’t this concept cool? Nonie Creme and butter LONDON went on to create some other amazing looks this season. Namely:

– The Ombre Nail at Yigal Azrouel

Nonie says of the ombre nail — “We created bespoke mixes for the look at Yigal Azrouel’s Cut25 – Salmon Pink, 80′s Turquoise, and Pastel Pistachio. This is a butter LONDON moment of greatness! Introducing the “ombré” manicure – softly layered, fabric woven-like nails that perfectly accent the woven jewelry here, the ultimate accessory. This is about visual texture; a loose, artistic nail art- I’m all about “fine art for nails” no palm trees or sunsets please!”

AMEN and here’s to unexpected nail art!

– Multicolored nails at the Erickson Beamon show

A different color for each finger may have been a look you tried as a child — and now thanks to Nonie Creme and butter LONDON, it is BACK. Big time. And bolder than ever.To create the look, Nonie created a technicolor palette with custom colors, presented by Beauty.com. “The story is super duper theatrical – we stuck with a palette of bright colors and painted each nail a different color. No side by side nails with the same color, no two models with the same pattern – a whimsical free for all! We wanted the nails to look almost like little flickering lights while the dancers were moving.”

Love this. And it could also be really cool in a limited palette within the same color family. A range of blues or greens would be super chic!

– The Harlequin Manicure for Diego Binetti, by CND nail artist Candice Manacchio

Another nail adorned with something extra — this manicure was created with “CND Colour in Raspberry Parfait and Frosting Cream, capped in gold and silver metal for an artisanal finish. Toes were polished in Raspberry Parfait.” Not the most practical at home DIY manicure thanks to the metal caps, but definitely cool for the runway.

– custom Magnum Minx at IFB.

Y’all know I love Minx nails! During NYFW, lucky attendees of the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference got manicures by celebrity nail stylist Lisa Logan! Lisa is like, the Queen of Minx – so much so that she’s got her own designer collection, and at IFB, Magnum ice cream sponsored custom Magnum Minx nails. Glittery and sexy and undeniably flashy and fashionable. Love this look, so perfect for NYFW!

There are still 2 days left to go, but these are the hottest nail trends I’ve seen during this September’s New York Fashion Week. See anything you like or are dying to try?

While I was in NYC, my eyes were definitely on the fashion and the fabulous makeup trends on display for New York Fashion Week. But it’s only since I’ve been back home and able to check out the tiny, magical details that will go beyond the runway, into spas and salons around the country. Backstage at every Fashion Week show, manicurists are working feverishly on the fingernails of models. Check out the coolest, most unique nailpolish trends from this year’s New York Fashion Week!

Glitter Galore

If you’ve been reading this blog and seeing my Monday manicures, you know – I LOVE me some glitter nails. And these blingy digits seen backstage at Jeremy Scott’s show deliver the GOODS!

Celebrity nail technician Pattie Yankee and the Dashing Diva nail tech team brought this backstage magic to life. How do you do an at home ‘Glitter’ manicure? It’s easy:

1. Apply nail glue all over the nail
2. Dip or sprinkle nails with glitter of your choice
3. Top coat is optional, for a ‘rough-around the edges’ look like Jeremy Scott’s, do not apply! (Photos by Ann Lawlor)

Caviar Nails

Seriously, how fierce are these? These special nails were created at the designers, Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, request. Pattie Yankee used seed beads from the designers’ collection. At the show, models wore all five nails covered in black “caviar.” But I’m thinking caviar could make a really chic accent nail, and who says you need to do traditional caviar colors? Iridescent blue or purple beads would look AMAZING too.

How do you do an at home “caviar” nail?
1. Apply 2 coats of Dashing Diva’s Limo Service Polish
2. Apply nail glue all over the nail
3. Dip nails into black seed beads
4. Sprinkle with black glitter
5. Apply and activator spray to adhere

To The Point

I saw it first hand (pun intended) backstage at NYFW – pointy nails remain in style, carrying over from September. Recently on Bellasugar a celeb was spotted rocking the trend, and Refinery29 highlighted it as a Fall fashion week trend last year. Although the shape might be impractical for everyday wear, the “stiletto” nails do make an impact and I would totally rock this shape if I could grow my nails long enough to get the shape right! Photo above, via Refinery29.

In The Nude

When it comes to nail color, IMO MORE is more. I am not now, nor have I ever been, a pale pink or nude nail kind of girl. But as seen on several runways this past fashion week, nude nails are going to be HUGE this year. And the look can be extremely flattering, making for clean, pretty hands that work as a perfect accent for bold jewelry or a bright outfit. For example, see backstage at Erin Fetherston, where models wore Dashing Diva’s Picnic in the Park polish – a shimmery, sheer pink that just looks pretty, clean and feminine. Photo courtesy Dashing Diva.

French Twist

Say farewell to ye olde French manicure. I’ve recently seen nail experts give the gasface to people requesting traditional French tips (or even worse, rocking a stick-on French manicure). If you like the look and want to be current, switch up your accent color from traditional white to something outrageous. Backstage at Tibi, the look was all about neon pink, and I think this is SUPER cute for summer. Or for a vacation, someplace warm.

One of a Kind

Unique, statement making nails also made waves this fashion week, according to Allure Magazine! Oh WAIT, they were talking about and linking to MY NYFW nails by Chicago’s own talented artist/manicurist Spifster. Thanks for the shoutout, Allure! And thanks again to Spifster for getting my fingers some attention!

Those are the top nail trends at New York Fashion Week, bellas! Which would you be most likely to rock IRL?

I really didn’t plan on being in New York for Fashion Week in February. Last September’s NYFW left me spent, stressed, and a little poorer for the experience (literally). I said to myself, self, you won’t be going back to New York and entering the NYFW vortex until September 2011.

But then an e mail from Brandon Holley landed in my inbox. Yes, Lucky Magazine’s EIC, Brandon Holley. I couldn’t believe it either! It was an invitation to the first ever Lucky Magazine Fashion and Beauty Bloggers Conference. And I couldn’t say no to THAT, now could I?

So if I’m a tad AWOL this week, it’s because I’m in New York for a jam-packed whirlwind working week and the beginning of NYFW. I promise to blog about every last detail as soon as I can! For by-the-minute coverage of what I’m experiencing, please check me out on Twitter and Facebook.

Wish me luck, bellas. NYC, here I come (again)!

I was due to leave New York on Monday afternoon, but boy oh boy I didn’t account for the dramatics of the day. First things first – you know that Afrobella is typically a positive blog. I try not to trash something unless I’ve had an absolutely abhorrent experience. And this is why, when I say to you – don’t waste your money at the Edison Hotel – please believe me. It may be cheap, but you will find yourself asking – was this worth it?

Although the joint came up OK on BedbugRegistry.com – believe me, Nadine Jolie and I checked and double checked before bed – something still didn’t feel right. The rooms were grubby. The hotel lobby is very…1940′s crime drama decor, crowded with lots of people trying to get information from the front desk. I finally found out why, that morning. I had issues with my room key and seriously the staff at the front desk made me feel like I was some kind of criminal trying to break into their janky hotel. It was a shakedown just to get another room key. I just got my replacement key and left ASAP.

In all that hubbub and stress, I forgot to put my jewelry on. Which bummed me out later – I would have LOVED to have been wearing my official NYFW statement necklace by Peace Images, or the banging earrings she also sent my grateful way. Because had I known I’d be taking THIS photo later in the day…

I would have wanted to have my jewelry on. Also – where’s a blotting sheet when you need one? Le sigh.

But instead I wound up with just my dress, purse, and boots. Oh, and this POWER LIP.

Do you like it? That’s Milani’s new hotness, the Lip Flash full coverage shimmer gloss pencil. It is SO hot. And super affordable! Go get yourself some of this awesome at your nearest drugstore!

So the last day of NYFW started with hotel drama, ugh…then I went to the Diesel show. And my day didn’t get better until I started hanging out with the homie Kristin Booker of Fashion Style Beauty. On the bus en route from Diesel to Lincoln Center, a handsome stranger waved at me. Me? I mouthed. YES, YOU, he mimed, then pointed to his phone. Well that handsome stranger turned out to be Charles Wade – AKACharlesWade – incredible stylist to the stars, who I am happy to call my Twitter friend. YAY! So wonderful to finally put a face to the name!

Kristin and I headed into Lincoln Center where we quickly met up with our beauty blog buddies. Hugs all around! And just as I expressed dismay that I didn’t have time to go to Robert Verdi’s Luxe Lounge this time around…there he was! So I went over to say hello. And who was he with? MISS JAY ALEXANDER!

Robert is amazing – always sweet, friendly, welcoming, and funny. He’s got such great energy. Miss Jay was super nice! But from our discussion, Miss Jay had some unfortunate experiences with bloggers before. Which brings me to a larger point about Fashion Week, and blogging in general.

When you become a blogger, you aren’t just representing yourself. You represent US as a GROUP. So when you attend an event like Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week – which is an honor – please realize that your interactions with other people and your posts about your experiences, can then result in assumptions about the group. So class up. And act accordingly.

Miss Jay was very sweet, friendly, and fun to chat with. And I hope that in turn I was able to dispel some ideas about bloggers in general. Some of us conduct ourselves professionally, really!

Meeting Miss Jay and seeing Robert Verdi again was the cherry on top for my NYFW experience. After that I had a wonderful, wild, and super fun lunch across the street at Rosa Mexicano with my fashionable friends. Dirt was dished, tea was spilled, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute! Then I had to run. One of my best friends – up and coming cinematographer and director AJ Abucay – had come to pick me up to take me to get my stuff, and then to the airport.

But before that – one last stroll to a scenic and sad part of New York’s history.

This photo was taken outside of The Dakota, the building where John Lennon lived, loved, and was so tragically killed in 1980.

A smile seemed very inappropriate, given the location. RIP, John Lennon.

What am I wearing?

Lace ruffle dress by INC at Macy’s (on sale for like $40!)

Boots by Nine West

Bag by Betsey Johnson Betseyville (but I got it at 6pm.com).

No earrings, no necklace and by the end of the day, no lipstick. I feel so bare and unadorned =(

After that it was to the hotel to get my stuff, and straight to LaGuardia. Adios, NYC! Until the next time!

Yes, it was exactly what it sounds like. Breakfast pastries, delicious juices and nectars. Bloggers in town for New York Fashion Week, clad in their photographic best. Mixing and mingling, trying on and giggling, admiring Nine West’s amazing shoes for Fall. We had SUCH a FABULOUS time.

And this is what I wore!

Striped black and white jacket – Faith 21, at Forever 21

Black cami – Lane Bryant

Necklace – Peace Images

Jeggings – Project Jeans purchased at TJ Maxx.

Shoes – I arrived in Scarpasa flats. But as soon as I got there it was all about trying on the hot new offerings from Nine West!

These people know their business. They convinced me to try on a pair of platform heels! I made it all the way around the store before having to sit myself down (next to my plate of yummy pastries!)

Here I am with the wonderful creative director of Nine West, Mr. Fred Allard. He is so sweet, charming, and friendly!

This is Geneva from Clutch Magazine – I was digging her Michael Jackson-meets-Prince jacket! She is a total sweetheart!

Rebecca of The Clothes Horse is the SWEETEST thing EVER – she was approachable and super nice. And in a room of fashion and beauty bloggers, her stylish wreath made her stand out in the loveliest way! (she took this photo of herself BTW and you can find more here!)

That is the beautiful Keiko Lynn, she is absolutely stunning in person and was very polite and sweet!

This is Annika of The Frisky – I loved her style from head to toe.

Look at how busy the room was! B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

And at the end of the event, I chose these black leather pull on boots from the Vintage America collection. They fit amazingly well and were just ME from the second I put them on.

We had an absolute blast. Thanks to Nine West for their generosity and the good times!

Photos and fun from Guest of a Guest, The Clothes Horse, and on the Nine West Facebook page!

I took a little blogcation and wow! What a difference a week made! Before last week, I was feeling stressed out and stagnant. Today I’m still stressed out… but feeling great! Why? Because my application to cover events at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York was APPROVED, and I’m totally going to the tents for the first time!

I didn’t expect this, and I am beyond excited. And proud. I’ll be covering all the hottest fashion, beauty and hello – hair trends for you bellas. But today my first issue is OMG, what am I gonna wear??

I’m about to hit downtown Chicago with a vengeance, so expect a full report on the ins and outs of full figured fashion here in the Windy City. And this week will be all fashion on Afrobella. Expect posts on the hottest fall trends, tips for workin it as a plus size bella in the season of layers, and chic accessories to pull it all together!

If you’re a PR working on NYFW events, please e mail me at bella@afrobella.com – I won’t be in town for long, but would love to meet up and have some fashionable fun!