July 4th Manicure! 'Patricia Nail Lacquer' available at Ricky's NYC!

HOW TO:

Step 1. Manicure nails and prepare for polish application.
Step 2. Apply "Support" Base Coat from the Patricia Nail Lacquer line.
Step 3. Apply Patricia Nail Lacquer in 'Fire' to the thumb, index and middle finger. Step 4. Apply Patricia Nail Lacquer in 'Realm' to the ring and pinky fingers.
Step 5. Apply one coat of "Light" glitter polish over the pinky finger.
Step 6. Using a Hershey's Kiss wrapper, and a star hole puncher, (Available at craft stores. ) punch out three star shapes.
Step 7. Use tweezers to lay the stars on to the ring finger.
Step 8. Finish all nails with Patricia "Protect" Top Coat.

Just a little FYI, in addition to buying Patricia Nail Lacquer online at Ricky's NYC, you may now purchase them at the store locations (In New York) at 35th street, 39th street, SoHo area, 72nd street and 79th street!

Two of my favorite clients, Rachael Ray & Giada De Laurentiis! I recently did both their nails for the daytime Emmy's!

Step by Step for Karlie Kloss’ Nail Look for the CFDA Awards with Cushnie Et Ochs!

1.    Prepare nails by pushing back any attached skin on the nail plate and gently removing surface shine with a 240 grit file.

2.    Size all nails with Dashing Diva Full Cover Virtual Nails in almond shape.

3.    Apply full cover nails using Dashing Diva Fast Bond. (Fast Bond is a thick gel glue.)

4.    Refine the free edge with a 240 grit file. Then, using Dashing Diva’s Pink Sponge File, buff the surface and free edge of the nail to smooth and remove shine from surface.

5.    Apply base coat.

6.    Apply 2 coats of a deep blue polish. I used Patricia Nail Lacquer in ‘Realm’. (This is my own line available at www.rickysnyc.com.)

7.    Apply Orly Matte Top Coat to the nails leaving a narrow “V” shape open at the cuticle area. NOTE: If needed, use a small liner brush dipped in ‘Realm’ to fine tune the “V” and fix any areas where the Matte Top Coat may have overlapped.

8.    Nails complete with a Matte Finish and a shiny “V” shaped moon! 

Check out my recent placement on MSN!

http://wonderwall.msn.com/movies/reveal-guess-the-star-nail-art-25324.gallery?photold=114247

Cushnie Et Ochs at CFDA Awards!

Thank you CFDA! My long time friends! 

Heading to Premiere Orlando 

tomorrow! Will be bringing a small 

supply of my 'Patricia Nail Lacquer' 

and 'Inspire Nails' if anybody is 

interested!! 

Nails for Giada De Laurentiis from Food Network to wear to her book signing today!

Hey everyone! Ricky's NYC is offering a free shipping email blast/homepage promotion beginning later today that runs through midnight on Monday for Memorial Day, so if your are interested and located in the continental US, you are eligible for free shipping with no minimums and no codes to remember! So order you Patricia Nail Lacquer today!

Patricia Nail Lacquer in SOHO at Ricky's NYC store!

I'm officially a member of ICMAD!

Compassion. Long story about the name, but this is my breast cancer color ! - Patricia Yankee Nail Lacquer

Mary J. Blige wearing my Patricia Nail Lacquer! Much love to Lisa Logan for sharing!!!

Step by Step with Pattie for Katy Perry's MET GALA nails!

Step 1: Start with a prepped almond shaped nail.

Step 2: Paint nail with a gold polish such as Patricia Nail Lacquer in ‘Diadem’ (You could also use gold metallic gel polish such as ‘Orly Luxe’)

Step 3: Allow polish to dry. Then, burnish CND Additives in ‘Antique Bronze’ (This will subdue and “antique” the brighter gold polish.)

Step 4: Next apply CND Shellac  top coat and cure. Do not cleanse.

Step 5: Using silver rainbow foil, randomly dab the foil pieces on to the nail, in the tacky layer of the cured Shellac Top Coat. Next use gold foil and again randomly dab in between the silver rainbow foil.

Step 6: Seal with another coat of CND Shellac top coat and cure. Do not cleanse.

Step 7: Apply a third coat of CND Shellac top coat and cure working on one nail at a time. Place a deep red Swarovski crystals in the center of the nail (For Katy Perry’s nails, I used antique set synthetic rubies from my client who is a jeweler).

Step 8: Next use large square, gold metal studs and place them around the center stone turning to look like a diamond shape. Place the four studs around the center stone to create the look of an antique “cross”. Cure nails. (I worked on one nail at a time so the studs wouldn’t slide around.)

Step 9: If desired seal embellishments with a final coat of CND Shellac top coat and cure. Cleanse to remove tacky layer. (For Katy Perry, I did not apply a top coat over her embellishments as I wanted to leave as much texture as possible). 

Behind the Scenes MBFW SS 2013

Hi Everyone,

This years Fashion Week was awesome and crazy as usual! I got to see some beautiful work and some of my favorite familiar Fashion Week friends. This year was especially exciting as I got to introduce Dashing Diva's  new Colorfx and Designfx appliques to the runways! Check out the pics below.  

Me with my Fashion Week assistant Isaiah. I wouldn't want to do this week without him!

Me with one of my several teams backstage at the Farah Angsana show. Several of them traveled out of state at their own expense. Now that's dedication!

Ran into one of my favorite people Kari Frost, Nail Pro Editor, backstage. It's always great to see her.
The Farah Angsana Show.

While backstage at the Tibi Show, I was privileged to be part of Teen Vogue's Eva Chen live  feed.
  A Day In The Life of Eva Chen.

My favorite look of the week.
TheTimoWeiland  Show. 

Was happy to use our Colorfx with a twist at the Naeem  Khan show.
Gorgeous Moon Manicure. 

Backstage Jeremy Scott Show with my favorite male model. I'm mortified to admit I don't even  remember his name. Ryan.... ??

The amazing luxurious urban gold cutsom Dashing Diva Designfx for the Jeremy Scott show.
Jeremy Scott... Always my favorite show. 

With Fashion Week over, it is always bittersweet for me. I have been receiving some press request for my How To blogs, so stay tuned and keep a watch out for new looks coming soon!

Until next time...  

I'm In Perez Hilton's Blog!

Hey Guys,

Check out my behind the scenes video for my August NailPro Cover! 

http://nailpro.com/nail-art-how-tattoo-inspired-nails-august-2012-behind-nail-pros.

I am so excited to share it with you. Speaking of sharing, there has been quite a stir in the nail world. As many of you know, in 2010 for Fall Fashion Week, I coined the phrase "caviar nails" based on a look I created for Cushnie Et Ochs. It received a lot of attention and later controversy. Ciate, a nail manufacturing company, would send cease and dissed letters to bloggers who used my phrase. This was in response to a product they would be releasing in 2012 under the same name "caviar nails" which is now available in Sephora. Check out Perez Hilton's Blog where he shared his thoughts on the matter... and leave a comment too!

http://cocoperez.com/2012-08-05-nail-polish-company-ciate-did-not-invent-the-caviar-manicure

Until next time...

My August NailPro Cover

August NailPro Cover 2012

Hi Everybody, 

Now that is is officially released, I am able to write about my August cover for NailPro. What do you guys think?!! I was a little nervous at first when Stephanie told me it was going to be a cover based on tattoos (because... anyone who knows me at all knows how much I DESPISE tattoos lol). Nonetheless, I had to rise to the occasion. Fortunately for me, the timing was perfect as about a month prior to NailPro's request, I was working in the Dashing Diva office on our new line of nail tattoos that will be released early of 2013. Luckily for me, there were a couple of samples that I was able to snag from the office and utilize on this shoot.    

Up Close and Personal

After Stephanie Yaggy sent me her inspiration vision, I sought out my favorites of the nail tattoo samples that we had just received. From there, I made some sample nails and collaborated with make-up artist, Anthony Merante, who is amazingly creative. We agreed upon the above look. To match the nails tattoos I had chosen, Merante designed and airbrush a temporary tattoo to match. To add even further intrigue to the concept, I based my pallet with a flesh tone polish. I developed this look to really make the nails become one with our model's flesh. Using a method I conceived at a 2011 Fashion Runway Show for Cushnie Et Ochs, I mixed a sheer nude polish with Bare Escentuals mineral makeup. I added little bits of the mineral make up at a time in various shades until I arrived to the perfect match of my model's skin. I feel this really enhanced the look of the tattoos and completed the overall concept. The behind the scenes video will be up really soon on the NailPro website, so be sure to check it out! http://www.nailpro.com/videos/behind-the-nailpros

I also just did an awesome shoot for Seventeen magazine that I will fill you in on next time. I feel really blessed to have worked with  the awesome makeup artist, Romeo Jennings, from MAC. Stay tuned for more details on the amazing look we created.

Until next time...

How To Get This Look

OPI Gelcolor with Dashing Diva Colorfx

Everyone loves the classic French manicure, but the typical looking "French" is not edgy enough for everyone. Dashing Diva Colorfx is the perfect way to put a twist on this classic look.

Here is how...

1. Apply Base Gel and cure (I prefer Gelish foundation).
2. Remove the tacky layer of the Base Gel. 
3. Apply two coats of OPI Gelcolor in "Bubble Bath." Cure. 
4. Apply Top Gel to seal. Cure.  (I prefer Gelish Top It Off).
5. Cleanse the nail with 99% alcohol to remove the tacky layer. 
6. Using Dashing Diva Colorfx in "Stark Statement," cut long, narrow, dramatic triangles with small scissors (as seen in the above photo).
7. Use pointed tweezers to remove the Colorfx applique from the plastic backing, and place them at the base of the nail to form a triangular "moon."
8. Apply one coat of Dashing Diva Gelife Base Gel and cure. 
9. Apply one coat of Dashing Diva Gelife Top Gel  and cure. 
10. Cleanse tacky inhibition layer with 99% alcohol. 

Now you are ready to rock the edgy version of the classic French manicure!

How To Get This Look

 Dashing Diva Colorfx With A Twist

We know Dashing Diva Colorfx can be used as either a full cover color or a French, but did you know that you can also create a "moon" or reverse French with these appliques? 

Here is how...

1. Prepare cuticle area, shape free edge, and lightly buff nail surface (240 grit sponge buffer) to remove shine. 
2. Clean nail surface with 90% or higher alcohol.
3. Size Dashing Diva Colorfx for each nail. Cut the applique in half (making sure the portion you are using covers the entire nail plate). Trim part of the clear French portion away with small scissors so it fits better around cuticle area. 
4. Apply applique to nail plate (one finger at a time) placing the clear portion at the cuticle area of the nail to create a "moon" or reverse French. 
5. Smooth applique over nail to adhere using your thumb or a rubber tipped cuticle pusher. Trim and file away overhanging applique to make flush with natural nail. 
6. Use a dry lint free wipe to smooth the applique and prepare the surface for gel application.
7. Apply one coat of Dashing Diva Gelife Base Gel and cure (2 min/UV or 30 sec/LED).
8. Apply one coat of Orly Gelfx in Prism Gloss Silver over entire nail surface and cure. NOTE: For accent nails, use a dotter tool and apply Swarovski crystals in different sizes to outline the "moon" portion. Apply crystals into glitter gel prior to curing. 
9. Finish with two layers of Dashing Diva Gelife Top Gel. 
10. Remove tacky inhibition layer with 90% or higher alcohol.

Work your nails!!!

Going Home

I was feeling really guilty for not going to Michigan to see my family for almost three years, so when my little sister sent out the invitation for my nephew's graduation, it gave me the perfect excuse to go home. Besides, this same little sister came to my son's graduation and did so much to help out with the party and I knew I had to do the same. 

Me with my two sisters Julie and Angela

I was so happy to see that seven of my eleven siblings (Yes, I said eleven!) also attended the festivities. It is very rare for all of us to get together in one place at the same time since we all have crazy schedules and live all across the country. I was also happy that out of all the family attendees, two of my most favorite brothers were there. They never fail to make me laugh! Growing up with eight brothers who constantly teased me was not easy! The crazy thing is it has not stopped and they continue to tease me even now being a grown woman! I wonder if anyone else has this problem??!!

Me with my two brothers Steve and Joe

It is always good to see my mom. I swear she never changes and always looks the same year after year. It must be something about having all them kids that kept her young. 

Steve, Mom, and I

I ended up deciding to drive from NY to Michigan with my son figuring he could share the burden of driving. It also wound up being the perfect opportunity for us to "bond." In the Fall, he will be entering his junior year of college. If any of you can relate, sons don't really like to talk to their moms as much at this age. This has been hard for me since we have always been so close. As a result, the 12 hour drive was a blessing in disguise and gave us the perfect opportunity to reconnect. 

Of course, coming back home to NY was bittersweet, but there is a wedding next year that I am going to make sure I get back to Michigan for. Remember, it's always important to make time for family!

Until next time...

I'm In A Book!!!

Hey Guys,

Guess what?! I am going to be in a book. My good friend, Ray Ransom, has written a book about his life. He is the one who inspired me to go to nail school, paid for my tuition, and helped me diligently study along the way. He is a big reason I am where I am today and I credit him for steering me in the direction of nails 25 years ago. Be sure to read his book, and I hope he inspires you like he inspired me.


You can read the preview and order a copy of his book on the link below. 

http://www.sampsonpublishing.net/services.html