So the weather might not exactly having us all jumping for joy right now (where have you gone big ball of yellow?) but sometimes it's the little things that make us smile - right now it's a pretty pink blossom tree outside my living room window that's making me feel all Spring like and bringing the outdoors in if you will. This got me thinking about a new Cagney and Lace series where I tell you about the little things that are making all the difference. 


One thing that makes me feel ready to embrace the new season and can quickly freshen up your look is Spring nail colours. Is it just me who thinks there's nothing quite like glancing down at freshly painted nails? I bet not! Whether you decide to go for punchy brights, of the moment monochrome or candy colours there's a nail polish out there for you. Worried that your nail polish selection isn't quite ready for the new season? Have no fear, here are my picks for brightening up those grey May days.

L-R: 1. Essie Cocktail Bling, Fifth Avenue, Leighton Denny Yes We Cannes, L'Oreal Confetti Top Coat, Essie Fiji



Essie Cocktail Bling - If the idea of bright neon tones has you running for the hills then seek out Essie's Cocktail Bling. Don't let the name fool you, this grey-e blue shade is far from bling but rather a beautiful cornflower blue which can look more grey or blue depending on the light. I'm beyond pleased to finally find a blue which doesn't leave me resembling a Smurf, trust me there's been a few.

Essie Fifth Avenue - If a fire engine and a tomato had a baby then this would be it. Fifth Avenue can only be described as a fiery orangey red which would suit a variety of skin tones, right now I'm wondering why this isn't on my toes (how good would this look on a beachy holiday?) If harder-to-wear pastel shades aren't your bag then this could be a winner. I actually discovered both Cocktail Bling and Fifth Avenue after one of my besties rocked up with her nail collection, if they're loved by the Queen of Essie then they're ok with me.

Leighton Denny Yes We Cannes - Leighton Denny are a brand that are often over looked in the blogging community, yes they are a little pricer than Essie at £11 each but I think the colour selection and quality (I'm looking at you Butter London) is spot on. Yes We Cannes is part of the S/S 13 Riveria collection and is a real pale, milky green shade which I actually got several compliments on after it's first application, even from ladies I didn't know. Possibly my favourite polish out of all my picks!

L'Oreal Confetti Top Coat - If you fancy dipping your toe into the monochrome water then this Confetti top coat is perfection. The various sized black and white particles are suspended in a clear top coat solution which means you can wear this in a really understated way or with a brighter hue depending on your mood, Make Up Savvy has a fantastic post here on five ways to rock this polish. At just £4.99 this is a great way to get the speckled nail trend on a budget, a look championed by Illamasqua with their I'mPerfection range.

5. Essie Fiji - Beigey nude nail lovers will adore this clouds-meet-candy-floss Essie shade. I never thought a white milky shade with a hint of pink would find it's way into my nail polish collection yet after painting just my thumb in Fiji I'm hooked. The beauty of this polish is you needn't worry about your outfit clashing with your nails, if you're that kinda gal of course! My only warning with this shade is to be careful when painting, you need a seriously steady hand to get a pretty finish.

Do you switch up your nail polishes each season? Which shades do you need in your stash?

 If Cagney and Lace is one of the little things that makes you smile then I'd be thrilled if you'd vote for me in the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards sponsored by Next. I've been blogging for less than a year so hop on over to the Next site here and vote Cagney and Lace in the Newcomer Award.