Style - Dare to Compare

I'm sure you've taken notice to — and are maybe even wearing — one of the most bleak beauty trends of this spring and summer: Mushroom-coloured nails. Certainly a constrained contrast to the bold and bright colour/pattern choices in your summer wardrobe, the murky shade is subdued and refreshing.

Celebrities across the globe are manicured in Chanel's Particulière 505 le vernis nail colour (just take a look at the hands of Lily Allen, Cameron Diaz, and Jennifer Lopez), and while it's a blessing if your budget affords you to drop 30 dollars for a bottle, most 20-something working girls prefer to spend less on something so small.

That's why I love the other possibility. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish is an amazing — and affordable — alternative to Chanel le vernis nail colour. Sally Hansen Commander in Chic is a shade of beige-grey that's a close match to Chanel's Particulière 505. And for less than 10 dollars, it's probably more appealing to you and your wallet, too.

And let's be honest: From my own experience, Chanel nail polish doesn't last as long as Sally Hansen. It knicks and chips after one day, (which is great when I'm channeling MK and Ashley Olsen), but really. Those special strengtheners and moisturizers just can't outshine Sally Hansen's signature line.

_{Chanel LE VERNIS Nail Colour in Particulière 505, $23, see Chanel.com}

_{Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Commander in Chic, $7.99, Ulta}