It’s all about statement nails. Months ago, I noticed the coolest girls from our Japanese buying team rocking the most incredible ombre manicures. Gold at the tips that faded into nude, the look was edgy, chic, and as eye-catching as it was imperceptible. I immediately went out and bought some gold glitter polish and tried to recreate it myself, with disappointing results. It was hard enough to get my normal manicurist to give me properly round nails, so I didn’t even go there with the sparkles.
The answer: Valley NYC. A concept shop started by California sisters Nina and Julia Werman, the space is a playground for the downtown fashionista. Inside the Elizabeth Street space, you will find a nails, waxing, facial, and skincare salon alongside a selection of vintage clothing, Portia & Manny, curated by the girls’ friend Christina Kornilakis (formerly of Sweet Tater).
Since I had never had the Cal Gel process done, I spent a lot of time discussing with my manicurist, Markita, and Nina. They were both really helpful and made suggestions since I had a hard time deciding. I wanted to go with a nude/pink sparkle on the tips but such a glitter doesn’t exist (yet) so I went with pale multi, accessorizing one fingernail with tiny stars. Markita seemed disappointed at my lack of ambition but I love the results. It sparkles brilliantly in some light and is almost invisible in others. I am obsessed!
The first time at Valley can be overwhelming because there are so many ways to accessorize one’s nails. Nina told me that many women come in and can’t decide what they want, so they choose different designs for each nail. Her advice is to go with something cohesive vs. choosing a bunch of different looks. She also strongly advises booking a gel mani if you are planning on getting nail art – it will greatly extend the life of your manicure. Friends I have spoken with say that the Cal Gel can last up to three weeks, and when it comes off your nails are stronger and longer.
As for me, I can’t wait to go back and try something bolder. Check out the pics above and Valley’s website for inspiration. The majority of 3D nail art is a bit too fabulous for my tastes (and, honestly, gives me flashbacks to the first time I saw the Guinness World Records winner of the world’s longest nails). But I adore the glitter, reverse French, and tiny decals. I also think Cal Gel is great for regular manicures, especially when you are going on vacation and don’t want to bother. My personal advice to my readers would be to do a little research and remove the manicure yourself rather than paying $10-$20 to get it removed at the salon. A good tutorial is here (cute nails too).
Clockwise from top: round reverse French mani in red + gold at Valley NYC; hot pink + black graduated nails from Marie Claire; French manicure with leopard Minx at Valley; the “Louboutin” manicure by Zoe Pockock of Charles Worthington; my nails; nude + black at Thakoon; nice and simple nude with tips.
Valley, 198 Elizabeth Street, 212.274.8985, www.valleynyc.com
