When I first spied Essie’s Autumn nail collection, the pale mauve-y light pink shade did not appeal to me. It looked like it would impossibly unflattering and just not a shade I would reach for. However, I have seen several YouTube videos and blog posts where it didn’t look like death hands (technical term) and so I figured I would give it a shot.
L-R: Angora Cardi, Merino Cool, Chinchilly, Lady Like
When I paired it with other charming and muted Essie shades it created a very ‘Lady Like’ palette indeed. The formula on all four of these is as you would expect for Essie, smooth and easy to apply….Lady Like being the most finicky of the group which I have sort of come to expect with lighter shades that aren’t sheer. They tend to require a bit more patience. But Lady Like doesn’t frustrate me like some other light offenders (OPI Mod About You, for example).
*All swatches below are 2 coats of each polish, no top or base coats)
L-R: Lady Like, Chinchilly, Merino Cool, Angora Cardi
All of these shades are formal office appropriate in my opinion. They allow you to sneak in some Autumn shades without having to go super vampy, super dark or super sparkly. These are easy to wear colors and can probably be paired with just about anything in your closet.
Lady Like is surprisingly wearable and offers a nice option to nude nails. I actually quite like it on me. I have a feeling this is a shade you have to try to know if you will like it because how looks is very dependent on skin tone.
L-R: Angora Cardi, Merino Cool, Chinchilly, Lady Like
Lady Like is the only shade here that’s new for fall. I believe Merino Cool was released last fall (along with another favorite of mine, Sew Psyched) and Angora Cardi and Chinchilly were released in fall 2009 (along with 2 other stellar polishes Mink Muffs and Midnight Cami).
Do you have a favorite Essie shade? Would you wear these shades to work and feel comfortable? I sported Angora Cardi this week and loved it!
SkinCareRx has 
I’ve got all of these shades except for Angora Cardi which I now want after seeing this!! I’m currently sporting a half-moon manicure, with Chinchilly at the cuticle then Essie’s Topless&Barefoot as the main shade. Stunning!
Ooh! I think I need to try that combo! What a great idea dear!!!!!
chinchilly is one of my favorite nail polish shades of all time. it is the perfect light grey. i dont have any of the other colors here though…i feel like they are too “boring” of colors for me to get! but they look really nice on your tips! i like angora cardi on you a lot.
Thanks Kelly! Angora Cardi is my fav of the bunch. I know the palette is muted and not fun, but for the ladies who work in formal office environments with strict guidelines about nail colors (boo!) this is a great way to wear a non-flashy fall color.
I love all of these, especially Angora Cardi. So pretty!
Angora Cardi is my favorite too!
Angora Cardi is absolutely divine! Essie just keeps getting better and better in my opinion.
♥ Jessica
I agree! They have a great formula and a great line up of colors!
I love both Chinchilly and Ladylike. I agree with you, Ladylike definitely took me by surprise- such a pretty color!
Right?! In the bottle at the store I thought…. “ermm, eww?” But after seeing swatches I knew I had to give it a try…glad I did!
Chinchilly is so pretty!I love gray toned polishes!
Me too! Chinchilly will be perfect all fall and winter long!
I’m liking Chinchilly the most on you
Thanks Sarah, I think Angora Cardi is my favorite, but Chinchilly is definitely up there for neutrals for me.
Oh Merino cool is calling my name!!
It’s a great shade! I love it! It’s perfect for fall!
I don’t like the shades individually but together on your fingers they look gorgeous!
Thanks dear! They are definitely muted and formal work appropriate, but not exactly jazzy and fun!
Great swatches! I like Angora Cardi color
Me too, I think it’s my favorite of the bunch!