Additionally, if money is tight, which it is for a lot of us, does it really make sense to splash out more money on a dress you don’t really need, because you have 30 others hanging up in your wardrobe. Wouldn’t that money be put to better use by saving for a fabulous holiday, so you can rock your already extensive wardrobe in another destination.

Instead, why not go for the space saving and money saving option and update your current outfits with some clever accessories.

Hair Hotness

You would be amazed how a well chosen hair accessory can totally transform a look. An oversized bow will give a great retro appeal to any outfit; a floral headband can create a Bohemian feel; a jewelled number will add some serious glamour; and a cute pair of cat’s ears can transform any lady into a Harajuku girl that wouldn’t be out of place on the streets of Japan.

Hair Hotness: 1) Blue Gem Stone Hair Crown, River Island; 2) Ruffle Hair Turban, ASOS; 3) Feather Drop Headband, Miss Selfridge; 4) Cream Flowers Aliceband, Topshop; 5) Hair Decoration ,H&M; 6) Hawaii Print Headband ;ASOS.

Nail Art

Your nails may be small, but they are a canvas that should be utilised at every opportunity. A bright shade can give a much needed pop of colour to an outfit of muted tones and a pastel shade can give a relaxed summer vibe. Those of us who are a little more daring, can go for some outrageous nail art, either created by hand or by using some fabulous falsies can make any ensemble feel brand new.

Nail Art: 1) Disco Glow Nail Varnish Set,Topshop; 2) Fruit Pastel Polishes,Models Own; 3) Express Peach Ombre Press On Nails,Elegant Touch; 4) Bourjois ASOS Exclusive Nail Tattoo Kit,ASOS; 5) Nails Inc Bling It On Swarovski Crystaltastic Nails,ASOS; 6) Nail Decoration Box,H&M.

Leg Candy

Yes the weather is getting warmer, so I am not suggesting you wrap you legs in 200 denier tights, just to get a slightly different look to your outfit. I’m talking about some serious leg decoration like some delicate lace leggings to give a ‘Little House on the Prairie’ appeal, or some funky decorated tights to add some edge. You may have also noticed that socks have seen a surge in popularity in recent months, with little frilled angle socks adding some school girl chic to any look.

Leg Candy: 1) Patterned Tights, H&M; 2) Red Sketch Floral Pop Socks, Topshop; 3) Nude Big Polka Dot Tights, Topshop; 4) Leopard Frill Sock ,Miss Selfridge; 5) Aqua Contrast Lace Top Socks, Dorothy Perkins; 6) Oroblu Elizabeth Floral Lace Tight ,House of Fraser; 7)Blue Floral Print Tights, Topshop.

Statement Neck Wear

A statement neck accessory can totally transform your current outfit – for example an oversized pussy bow can add some geek chic or a big embellished necklace can add a touch of glamour. Be sure to check out the likes of Etsy for some fabulous detachable collars and neck pieces from talented crafters – they will really change the whole look of an outfit.

Statement Neck Wear: 1) Bow Tie, ASOS; 2) Pink Jewel Embellished Statement Necklace, River Island; 3) Morrocan Tile Print Scarf, Topshop; 4) Double Detachable Collar, Etsy; 5) Necklace With Feathers, H&M; 6) Sparkly Multi Rhinestone Peter Pan Collar Necklace, Etsy.

Huge Clutch

Handbags are much easier to store than clothing – they take up less space an you don’t have to worry about getting them creased. You will be amazed how much an oversized clutch can completely change the look of a whole outfit. It takes a classic jeans and T-shirt ensemble from day to night and can add a burst of colour and style to a rather plain outfit.

I love all the fabulous nail art that has been featured on all the Spring/Summer 2014 catwalks, as well as all over the likes of Instagram and Tumblr from talented ladies creating their own nail art masterpieces. Instead of inspiring me, it just makes me feel jealous and angry, as I am diabolical at applying nail varnish – anything other than applying a single shade seems like witchcraft to me.

I am so shaky handed and have a lack of patience, as well as the short temper of a comic book villain that loses control with a little mistake with the nail varnish. The left hand usually goes fine, but when it comes to doing the right hand, I would probably get better results if I threw the bottle of nail varnish at it. Then after all that hard work, effort and concentration, one little knock and you have a chip in the polish – something I can’t stop noticing with increasing frustration.

So I have been considering experimenting with false nails for a while now, to get quick and effective results. Step on in Elegant Touch – their new Express Colletion, fronted by the stunning BBC Radio One presenter Jameela Jamil, is set to be the hottest piece of hand candy this coming season.

Perfect for us girls who want to look fabulous, but don’t want to take an age to do so, the new Elegant Touch Express collection comes in 24 styles, from classic neon, to polka dots to outrageous nail art designs. There really is a style for every mood and occasion that will have you tempted to ditch the nail varnish for good.

With prices starting at just £7.99, you can have a super polished manicure that can last up to 7 days, when applied correctly. So how are they to apply, are they really idiot (i.e. me) proof?

Instant Hotness – Applying Your Elegant Touch Express Nails

I’m someone who likes to be prepared and organised, so I find it easier to get everything out that I need, so I’m not rooting around for stuff at the crucial moment, so here is what you will need…

The Manicure Essentials: 1) Elegant Touch Professional Buffer; 2) You Choice of Express Nails, I Chose Bright Marble; 3) Elegant Touch Professional Cuticle Clipper; 4) Elegant Touch Professional Cuticle Pusher and Nail Cleaner; 5) Elegant Touch Professional Nail Files.

Now you have all the essentials sorted and within reach, it is time to get your nails all ready for their new look – the better the surface, the better the nails will adhere.

1. Remove any mail varnish that may be left on your nails.
2. Soak your hands in warm soapy water until the cuticles soften and using your cuticle pusher, push the cuticles into the nail bed. Any long cuticles can be cut away using your cuticle trimmer.
3. Buff away any ridges with your Elegant Touch Professional Buffer for a nice smooth surface.
4. With your nail file, smooth the tips of your nails to a short length using long strokes – smaller quick strokes can cause the nails to weaken and split, you don’t want that.

Now you have the perfect canvas you can create your work of art. Inside the Express Manicure kit you have all you need to create your masterpiece – Instruction leaflet, nail prep wipe, small nail file and 24 press-on nails in various sizes.

1. Get out the instruction leaflet and give it a quick read – it’s better to not to assume you know best in these matters.
2. Give your nails another clean with soapy water and dry thoroughly. Wipe your nails with the enclosed prep wipe; you have to prep your nails properly to keep them happy and healthy.
3. Select the correct size press-on nail for each finger and lay out ready to use with the end of the seal of the sticky tab at the cuticle.

It is now time to go and get stuck in and apply the nails to your finger tips – it may be the nerve-wracking part, but if you follow the instructions it will be easy and pain free, I promise you.

1. Ensure the nails are the right way round with the thinner end sitting at the base of your natural nail near the cuticle.
2. Peel of the protective film and place the press-on nail up to, but not touching the cuticle and apply at a 45 degree angle. To ensure it sticks strongly press firmly on the centre of the nail and then down each side. Repeat for all your nails.
3. Using your professional Elegant Touch file, smooth away any rough edges, or file to a shorter length like I did, if you don’t like something too long. If you are going to file them, wait 30 minutes after application, you want to give them a chance to get comfortable before you start attacking them.

Now there is nothing left to do but enjoy them and show them off to anyone and everyone, like I did because I loved them so much. Don’t forget to pop some spares in your bag in case you do have a little accident and you lose one. If you can recover the nail , but it has lost a bit of it’s stickiness, you can use an Elegant Touch Super Adhesive Tab to bond it fast once again – clever stuff.

After washing your hands (stay away from water 30 minutes after applying) they glue may loosen, you can remedy this by drying them under a hair dryer on a low heat and press firmly to re-bond – simples.

So How Was The Elegant Touch Experience?

Being a false nail virgin I was a little bit worried that it would be a disaster and I would have false nails permanently bonded to my hair or face. But, the whole process was incredibly simple and easy, and including all the prep time, was complete within 20 minutes.

The nails felt incredibly secure and there are no dangers of annoying nail varnish chips – they looked perfect all day long and I caught many a girl eyeing them enviously. When it came time to remove them, they came away without any pain or sticky residue.

So am I an Elegant Touch Express convert? Absolutely – nail varnish may be a thing of the past for me, check out some of my favourites from the new collection that I cant wait to get my hands (or nails) on…

Elegant Touch Express Spring/Summer 2014: 1) Peach Ombre; 2) Neon Yellow; 3) Alice; 4) Bright Purple; 5) French Triangle.

Be sure to also check out Elegant Touch’s new Candy Dip, available exclusively in store and online at Superdrug. You simple apply the sticky wrap to your nail, file of the excess and pop your finger in a range of glitters and voilà, sparkly nail perfection.

Make Sure Your Nail Length is Right

This is something to do before your nail art—think of it for next time. Avoid nails that are too long. You may want them to stand out but that doesn’t mean they need to scratch and catch on everything.

If they catch, the polish is more likely to chip. The length will depend on the things you do—work at a computer, play an instrument etc.

Prepare Your Nails for the Nail Art

Get your nails ready for the art to be applied. This involves getting rid of all the nail polish from the last time and cleaning your nails thoroughly.

In a nail salon, you will find that the tops of your nails are buffered with an emery board. This is to roughen your nails to make it easier for the polish to stick. Do this and you will find your nail art lasting longer.

Keep Your Hands and Nails Moisturised

Look after the natural condition of your hands and nails with moisturiser. They remain soft and the cuticles are cared for, so the polish can attach better.

It is worth exfoliating your hands too, as this will remove all the dirt trapped in the cuticles and within the creases.

Always Remember About Your Top Coat!

You may be in a rush after applying the delicate patterns but don’t let that mean you that stop you applying the top coat.

A top coat is really important for protecting the nail art from stains. It gives the extra layer for the elements to wear away and will keep your art looking shiny and new.

Allow Your Nails to Dry Properly

Don’t start doing things with your nails right after applying the art. Give them time to dry.

It can take as long as three hours for nail polish to dry properly, unless you have the heaters and fans that salons have.

Doing something before your nail art is fully dried, even if it’s just pulling your tights on, will make the art smear and look worn before you’ve gotten out of the house.

Protect Your Hands and Nails While Washing Up

Rubber gloves will become your new best friend. Wear then whenever you are doing the washing up.

This protects your nails from chipping in the water; where your nails soften. You can easily catch your fingers on a chipped plate or edge of a sharp knife.

Use Icy Water to Harden the Polish

Make the polish harder so it sticks better by using icy water. You don’t need to hold your fingers in for long to gain the benefits.

Give your nails a chance to dry a little or it won’t work

The Metallic Style

Metallic nails are extremely popular in 2013. Give it a try yourself without having to spend too much. There’s no need for nail polish, so no mess. All you need is a flexible polymer.

This is then applied to the nail while hot and takes the shape of your fingernails—or toenails if you want to try it there. You’ll instantly get an attractive and stand out look that everyone wants.

Photo: pxleyes.com

Get the Caviar Look

The caviar nail art will make your nails look like they’ve had lots of tiny candy balls attached to them but it’s super fun. This takes some time to get right and you will need patience but it’s all worth it in the end.

You will need to buy some tiny beads that are then stuck to the nail polish after application. You can stick as many or as few as you like.

Photo: nailartinc.blogspot.com

Furry Nails for a Softer Look

If you want to make your nails look soft and gently, you could make them furry. This is often done with crushed velvet but anything similar will work.

Like the beads for the caviar look, you’ll need to apply some nail polish and place the crushed velvet on while it is still wet.

It is then your choice as to whether you cover the whole nail or just part of it—and whether the velvet and polish are the same colours.

Photo: outcrowdfashion.files.wordpress.com

The Diagonal Glitter Look

Go half and half with the diagonal glitter look. One half of your nail will need to remain plain—just try a glossy cover—and then the other half you just need to use glitter nail polish in your favourite colour.

It’s really simple and takes just a few minutes to finish. You’ll just need to wait for your nails to dry then.

Photo: dazzletips.co.uk

Fun with Polka Dots

Do a French manicure with a twist. Instead of doing it pink with white tips, consider leaving your nails a natural colour and have pink tips.

From there, you can add black and white dots over your nails. Of course, you can do this with any colour to suit your outfit and style.

Photo: katiebrandtdesign.com

Zebra Nail Tips

If you’re handy with a nail art brush or you have someone to help, why not try the zebra nail tips?

These are a fun way to spruce up your French manicure. You just need to add a few black stripes to your white tips to perfect the look.

Photo: beautythroughstrength.com

Turn Your Nails into Converse

For those who love artistic challenges, try the converse nails. These are great in different colours and aren’t the hardest of nail art to do. It just takes some practise.

You’ll need to round your nails so they really look like a pair of converse.

Photo: youtube.com

Bonjour!

Giving yourself a French-inspired manicure is easy with either tape (if you have square shaped nails) or hole punch reinforcing stickers (if you have round or oval shaped nails).

Paint your main color over your whole nail and let it dry completely. Now lay down tape or stickers as guides to get the perfect line or curve at the tip of your nails without making a mess!

Moon-Gazer

The half-moon mani is the French manicure’s edgy cousin, with crescents or half-circles of a contrasting color at the base of the nail, near the cuticle.

Paint your whole nail in the accent color (which will be the half moon when you’re done) and, when it’s totally dry, apply a hole-reinforcing sticker to form the shape of the half-moon.

Paint above that sticker only for the half-moon look.

Fierce Angles

Using the taping method described above, divide the nail in half at an angle and paint a contrasting shade over your dry base coat for a fun two-tone look.

With some creativity and patience (remember, your polish must be completely dry before putting down any tape) you can even have three or four different color stripes or triangles on your nails.

Hello, Sailor!

The Nautical look is in so pain your nails with a navy or dark blue base coat. Scotch tape is the DIY nail diva’s best friend, so paint a few inches of some tape with white polish and let it dry, too.

Now cut the painted tape into thin strips (18 or smaller) and lay them horizontally over your nails, using tweezers for a delicate touch. For a fun accent nail, you can try and freehand paint an anchor on one nail or the silhouette of a sailboat.

Everybody Polka

Dots are an easy and fun way to play with colors! You can even use the rounded tip of a bobby pin if you don’t want to buy a dotting tool.

Once your base coat is dry, apply dots of another color or colors for a cute look.

Blooming

Using those same dots and bobby pin dotting tool, you can form simple flowers on your nails.

One color dot in the middle and 4 or 5 petals on the outside make a cute flower.

Sparkling

Paint a base coat of a plain color.

Once that’s dry, add a coat or two of a glitter polish around the cuticles that becomes less dense toward the tips of your nails for a quick glitter gradient look!

Take Your Own Polish

The nail salons need their polish to last over a long period of time for profit. To do this, they add thinners. While it stops the polish crystallising, it causes problems when added to your nails.

Instead, take your own nail polish with you and ask them to use that. They shouldn’t have a problem with it and you could end up saving some money.

Remove Moisture from the Nails

Moisture and oils stop the polish from sticking to the nail, leading it to chip quickly. Remove all the moisture possible before applying.

You can do this with lint-free pads. Most nail salons will understand the importance of this step to make the manicure last for over a week.

Encourage the Polish to Stick

There are two ways of doing this. The one most commonly used is by filing across the bed of the nails. This makes the nail rough so the polish can stick to it better.

The problem is that it causes a lot of damage to your nails. Instead, opt for a sticky base coat. You could take your own with you to make sure the technician will apply it.

Seal Your Polish

Apply the nail polish across the edge that has been filed or clipped. This helps to seal the polish in.

You should do this with all the coats you apply for maximum effect.

Smooth the Dents When they Happen

If you catch the nail polish when it’s still drying, it will create dents and bubbles. This damages the life of the manicure. Smooth them out as soon as they happen by applying a little cuticle oil on them.

If they happen in the nail salon, you may find that the technician uses some polish removed. This is a technical trick and should be left to those with the qualifications.

It Takes 12 Hours to Dry!

It may not seem like it but it can take up to 12 hours for nail polish to fully dry. During this time, you need to avoid as much heat as possible.

Try not to use the hair dryer, spend time out in the sun or even doing the washing up while you are waiting for this to happen.

The heat will stop the polish from sticking to the nails properly and shortens the life of your manicure.

Don’t Use Your Nails

Your nails were not designed for opening cans or scratching things. Using your nails will not only chip your polish but damage your nails, making perfect manicures harder in the future.

Use your fingers for everything instead and if your nails get in the way, consider shortening them to make them more manageable.

Long rounded shape

The shape trend for this season is long rounded almond shape fingernails to give your fingers a flattering look that stands out.

Rock star look

This is one shimmery style! Sparkly and glittery manicure is definitely in for this season. This rock star style is very popular this year, whether it is covering the full nail or just to finish off the manicure.

Another rock star style is the gel manicure, that are very popular since they do not require maintenance. You can get those in salons, if you are concerned about exposing your nails for UV lights, try using LED lights as it is safer.

You could protect your hands by wearing fingerless gloves or using lotion with high SPF.

Two Colors Manicure

Who said that you should have one color on your fingernails? Two colors manicure is in for this season and in different shapes.

Whether horizontal, vertical, diagonal or even in a triangular shape, you can mix two colors for a simple look with a great effect.

Depending on the shape you choose, you can use two shades of the same color, a glittery or sparkly color at the bottom of your nails or a brighter finish to give your nails a glow!

Mix and Match

Mixing and matching colors is certainly the trend for this spring.

The most common form is using a different color usually much lighter or darker color depending on the colors you have on your nails on your ring finger.

Try a black ring finger with pink or baby blue nails. It is stylish, trendy and doesn’t blatantly break the rules.

Gold strips French Manicure?

Well, not exactly! It is common this spring to use a gold strip near the top of your finger nail instead of French manicure.

It is suitable to use with almost any color and it will give your nails a classy look.

Neon

For those of you who prefer a one color nail polish but still want a different edgy look, try neon.

Neon yellows, pinks and coral were big last summer and are certainly back in season this spring.

Pale Manicure

None of these options appeals to you? Would you rather hold on to the one color classic look?

This spring brings with it the pale colors, mainly white. This is a simple and elegant trend that will match with an outfit from any color you choose.

Tips for manicure

• Sit in a ventilated area as the fumes could be bad for your health

• Use nail polish remover, to clean leftover nail polish

• Shake the nail polish container before use

• Use a base coat

Get Your Work Space Ready

Many women think that a great manicure at home consists of nail polish remover, nail polish and a nail file. Save this quickie manicure for when you need to do your nails in a short amount of time.

For your professional looking manicure at home, you’re going to want to invest in a few tools.

You’ll want to have gentle hand soap, a nail file, cuticle tool, buffing tool, nail polish remover, cotton balls or pads, nail trimmers, nail cleaning tool, cuticle cream, a moisturizer, nail polish, base coat and a top coat. Set your tools out on a flat surface area.

Take Off the Old Polish

Wet your cotton balls or pads with your nail polish remover and take off any old nail polish. Be sure to get around the edges of your nails.

When you buy your nail polish remover, you can usually choose between acetone and non-acetone removers.

Acetone is usually inexpensive and gets the job done quickly. The downside is that it can dry out nails and the surrounding skin.

Non-acetone remover is less harsh but may take more effort in removing the old polish. Many have added moisturizers in them to keep nails soft and healthy.

It’s often a personal choice when a woman selects the nail polish remover that’s right for her.

Give Your Nails New Shape

Did you know that your nails have a natural grain to them? Try to file in one direction only when you’re shaping your nails.

This can help prevent chipping and peeling. You want to shape your nails into a rounded tip with a slightly flat top.

Clean them Up

If you paint dirty nails, you can tell. Clean out underneath your nails and then wash away any additional dirt and polish remover residue.

Take your time washing your hands. Softer cuticles are easier to handle.

Put On Cuticle Cream

Apply cuticle cream to your cuticles. The cream helps to keep the tissue healthy and also keeps bacteria out.

If you don’t have cuticle cream, you can substitute olive oil on your cuticles.

Put those Cuticles where they Belong

Use the cuticle stick to push your cuticles down to the base of the nail. Never cut your cuticles!

This can lead to infection or cuts. Once you’re done, moisturize your hands and wipe away any remaining oil residue.

Be a Nail-Buffer

Nail buffing shines up your nails almost as much as putting on a clear coat of polish.

It can also hide any nail flaws like discoloration or ridges.

Put on a Base Coat

Put the thinnest layer of a base coat on your nails.

Don’t put on a heavy layer and make sure it’s completely dry before moving onto the next step.

Apply Polish

Now you can have some fun seeing the finished product of your at-home manicure by putting on your nail polish (up to 3 layers).

You should be able to see the true color of your shade at this point. Allow each layer to dry before applying more.

Put on your Top Coat

Your top coat should be transparent and will help keep your nail polish from chipping. You can also apply an additional layer of top coat if necessary.

If you find the process of doing your own nails at home tedious, turn on music or watch television while you do them.

When you do your own manicure at home, you can relax and enjoy saving money while staying comfortable.

How to Represent Your Personality

When you’re getting a new design on your nails you don’t necessarily have to follow the latest trends. You should feel free to do whatever makes you happy and whatever represents your personality.

We are all different and we all have cool designs we may love but if you’re looking for something trendy you may want to consider these options!

Styles That Are Hot Right Now

Right now there are a few trendy patterns that most women and teens go for and that’s the floral design.

It can be as detailed or as intricate as you’d like and you should feel free to use various colors that represent who you are! You’ve heard of the Bedazzler right?

You can do this for your nails as well. You can go with stickers or even fake jewels to create a trendy look.

What Your Nails Say About You?

You probably won’t be too surprised to know that your nails can say a lot about your personality without you even opening your mouth.

The color or the design can help describe the type of person you are and it can even show that you care about your appearance or you’re artsy and creative.

What Colors Work Best?

This is something that’s extremely personal and dependent on your personality.

You should go with colors that you like and ones that may match your clothing.

If you work in a professional setting you shouldn’t do anything that’s loud or that might draw attention to you.

Should You Create The Latest Trends Yourself?

This is a question that most women probably ask themselves often. Should you spend the money to get them done or do them yourself?

If you’re artsy then you can do them yourself and if you’re not you can test them out a few times to get the hang of how to do it.

Enlist the help of friends and even make a fun evening out of it with good wine, friends and laughter!

Where to Find Tips and Tricks?

• You can find tips and tricks on the internet. If you log on and do a quick search you should be able to come across quite a few cool and trendy designs.

• Ask your friends for advice. If they do their nails often they may have some tips and tricks for you.

• Pay attention at the salon. Watch what the stylist does the next time you get your nails done and try to keep a few ideas in mind.

Do the Trends Change Often?

Just like with everything else in life the nail trends will change from time to time. To stay current check out the Web or ask advice at the salon!