Do you know a peep toe pump from a platform shoe?  Do you know a stiletto from a sling back?

Shoe Terminology 101:

The Stiletto:  Stilettos are long, thin, and super-high heels  found on boots and shoes.  Stiletto heels may vary in length, from 1 inch to  10 inches or more if a platform sole is used…however, we’ve come to think of stilettos as being extremely high, with a pencil-thin heel.

Peep toe:  Not quite an open toe, and not quite a closed toe heel, the peep toe offers just a glimpse of your toes and your pedicure (make sure to have one if you opt for the peep toe).    Since it’s not quite an open toe, many times you can pull the peep toe off in the corporate world.  It can be professional when done properly.

Sling backs, an ultra classic.  What makes them a sling backs?   It’s the strap around the heel that makes it a sling back.  Otherwise, this would be a platform pump.  The sling back is a super sexy option, and makes your legs look long and shapely.

The platform:  Almost no heel has gained as much popularity in the last five years as the platform heel.  Once a choice of exotic dancers everywhere, platforms hit the Hollywood scene, and crossed over into the luxury set.  Platforms are actually more comfortable than you might think.  The front base of the heel creates the illusion that your foot is arched far more than it is.

The Wedge:  So the 70s called and demanded to be relevant again.  And that’s exactly what happened.  We embraced the wedge heel again as if were were tree-hugging-hippies in 1976 and added our new millennium chic twist.  The results have been phenomenal, and the wedge is relevant again.

Shape magazine rates the Nike Air Max Trainer One ($85 nike.com) as the best for all around gym use.  This shoe is perfect for women who mix things up with cardio, weights and classes.

Shape says this shoe really absorbs the impact of high intensity moves, like jumping jacks, and it’s super firm midsole is ideal for strength training and cardio machines.  The soft pliable uppers never rub or dig into skin and an adjustable forefoot strap keeps your foot in place no matter which direction you move.  Rubber nodes on the outsole provide strong traction.

I’m loving the wide choice of colors offered, and the strap across the midfoot, which holds shoes on tightly (great for hip hop dance and step aerobics.)

To remove a splinter painlessly, dissolve Epsom salt in warm water, then soak the affected splintered-area in the warm salt mixture.  It will draw the splinter right out.  This works great on kids and adults alike who cringe at the sight of tweezers near their splinter.

If you have access to sand, kick off your shoes and go walking in it.  Walking in sand is a great way to exfoliate the skin on your feet, making them baby soft (use a great moisturizer afterwards).  Walking in sand also helps strengthen your ankles and calves, making you super-sexy from the knees down.  What’s not to love about that? 

Do you have crusty, dry, cracked heels?  You’re not alone.  Cold weather is more than likely the culprit, but luckily, there’s a fix for it.  Slather your feet with an ultra-hydrating lotion or petrolium jelly, then put socks on.  This is especially beneficial before a hard workout.  You’ll notice a difference after the first use.  If you need additional heel healing, continue this process (generously apply lotion or petrolium, then socks), and your feet will be baby soft by weeks’ end. 

Don’t forget…Supernatural Botanicals Body Lotions are on sale now.

Working out in bare feet for exercises such as Yoga and Pilates takes a toll on your feet, causing rough dry spots on your heels and toe pads.  If you want baby soft feet, you must try Supernatural Botanicals Body Butters!  These body butters are truly skin transforming.  The non-greasy formula makes it a perfect foot primer before a hard workout or before you slip your feet into socks. 

The results are instantaneous!  You’ll watch your skin transform the first time you use the body butter.  Made with all-natural ingredients, no chemicals, no parabens, no artificial colorants or fragrances.  Supernatural Botanicals Body Butters are made with pure ingredients, such as cocoa butter and beeswax, and are bursting with delicious essential oil scents in Island Coconut, Pure Mango, Pure Orange, and Pure Grapefruit. 

Avoid “Yoga Foot” and start protecting those feet.  Check out Supernatural Botanicals entire line of Body Butters for happier, sexier feet!

   Avoid looking like an oompa loompa  self tanning mistakes with proper application.  Exfoliation and moisturize porous areas, such as ankles and knees prior to self tanner application. 

If proper application fails you and you still end up with orange palms, knees, and ankles, these products are most helpful:

   Use exfoliating shower gloves to exfoliate and buff the skin.  These remove self tanner in hard to remove places, like feet and ankles. 

   A pedicure paddle works great to remove self tanner from palms and wrists. 

   Nike is helping people get in touch with their inner shoe designer.  After all, we want to look stylish at all times, including our workouts.  One of my favorite forms of cardio is step aerobics, and for that reason, I adore Nike Shox.  They have built in shocks in the heel, making them perfect for stepping, jumping, dance, running, etc.  They provide maximum cushioning to the heel.  My favorite part about my Shox is that I can design them myself, choosing from color, design, material, embellishments…right down to the color of the shoosh.   Not only is Nike my favorite workout shoe for performance, but they also step up the fun by letting you design them yourself.  Go To NikeID now to design your own kicks!

The beginning of a new season can mean only one thing for fashionistas: new shoes. Enter the DSW Sweepstakes and you could be the lucky winner to receive a $150 gift card to splurge on some fashion-forward footwear. Whether you’re planning on stomping through some springtime puddles or looking to show off your bare gams in a perfect pair of pumps, you’ll find hundreds of styles to meet all your accessorizing needs.

Gladiator shoes…..let’s discuss.  Everywhere you look, you see gladiator-inspired shoes.  Why?  Why would you take a part of your body that you want to be small and dainty, and decorate it with buckles and brass half way up your calf?  Why would you want to elongate your foot to make it look longer?  Before you jump on the gladiator trend bus, keep in mind that this is (A) just a fad and (B) makes your foot look equivalent to Shaq’s!  Who wants that?  Check out some serious offenders below.  This style shoe is heavy and chunky, making a beautiful dress look off balance.  It’s just a highly unattractive look and I hope it goes away soon.  Avoid straps and attention to the center of the top of your foot.  When you have too much going on there, it makes your foot seem enormous.  Unless, enormous feet are what you’re striving for.