For most, the phrase "nail art" conjures flashbacks to Lee Press-ons, or perhaps Peg Bundy in "Married With Children" and the late track star Florence Griffith Joyner.

So when risk-taking singers, such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga and even Adele, recently started sporting airbrushed pointy fingertips, the fashionably conservative set seemed hesitant to trade Deborah Lippmann's demure Baby Love hue for Elvira-recalling two-toned claws. Yet designating an accent nail, on the ring or index finger, keeps a manicure modern without looking like a teenybopper.

In Houston, Isle PediSpa has been customizing clients' tips with an intense gold-glitter accent paired with buff nails; try using Butter London Nail Foundation and keeping a rounded rather than square shape if you decide to indulge. If you want to punch up your own nails with a pattern, both Sally Hansen and Revlon offer mistake-proof nail strips in a plethora of prints - think lace, houndstooth and floral - that stay chip-free for 10 days. French manicure devotee? Opt for a dove gray like MAC's Coco Clay, a sky blue (NARS Thakoon polish in Kutki) or a fuchsia pink (Cosmo by Dior) instead of white tips.

The best part? When the love for designer digits dies, the trend is easily removable.