I painted my nails black last night, which used to be my favorite nail hue. But as I look at my manicured fingers, they suddenly feel too...done . Which lead me to question: are black nails over? I’ve been on the goth nail train since early in high school (and now I've probably gone through 15 bottles) but maybe these 10 years of riding the line between edgy and chic was all black nails could do for me before sinking to the back into the depths of my polish self as just another of the infinite shade options.

This could mark a major turning point in my personal style development—an entire chapter in my memoirs—or possibly be just a passing thought. Maybe I’ll change my mind next week after going the Ballet Slippers route for a few days.

What say ye readers? Am I being nuts, or has the dark shade run its course? And if not black polish, then to which vernis should I turn to fill its void? Suggestions and reassuring thoughts are much appreciated.

—Elizabeth Brockway