Fingernails as Fashion

There's a Banana Republic about 2 blocks away from my office and I walk by it every night on my way home. I wish there was a flashing red sign outside the door that said "Danger, danger" everytime I got close. I think they have such cute stuff.

So recently, when I stopped in after work (just to look, I swear!) I saw this girl behind the counter with these unbelievably long, totally designed fake nails. I was fascinated. She had to use her knuckles to enter numbers on the register and basically had to use the palms of both hands to pick up the phone. But she had it down to a science and was managing to answer the phone and ring someone up at the same time. I was so impressed I asked if I could photograph her nails. I had to give this girl credit--I, for one, could never manage nails like that. I am constantly fiddling with my hands and those fake nails would be off by the end of one phone call with my friend Kathy. 

But maybe I'm the only one who can't manage these new-fangled fingers. After I saw the girl in the store, I found this video of an actual Fingernail Fashion Competition in Japan that is basically like a fashion show/miss america for fingernails. (Could I make this up?) Even after watching I think the most you'll see me in is bright pink for summer.