Supernatural Botanicals

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.

Valentines day is in 10 days…are you ready?  You can start at Zappos. 

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. 

What could be better than a holiday cocktail party?  How about looking drop-dead-gorgeous at a holiday cocktail party?  Holiday cocktail party season is upon us.  If you like to shop online, it’s time to start shopping, ladies.  Order now to ease the pain of hitting the mall this time of year.  Don’t forget those accessories, like fabulous earrings and necklaces and, of course, a great pair of heels.   If you’re looking for bling without the sting, try www.emitations.com for great, inexpensive jewelry pieces.   

I mean, seriously, could I be any more in my element here?  Love, love, love this time of year!

       Don’t you just love a great pedicure?  It’s a feeling of self-indulging, the kind you don’t have to feel guilty about.  I love getting pedicures.  I constantly wear heels, so for me, pedicures are a must.  And if you wear sandals or heels, pedicures should be a must for you as well.  And even if your toes don’t see the light of day on a regular basis, you should still tend to them….if only out of the spirit of “girl” maintenance.  Someone usually sees your feet on a regular basis, and that someone is usually your husband or boyfriend.  You might think he’s not paying attention, and you might be right!  Maybe he doesn’t notice that you’ve changed your polish color from coral to candy apple red.  But what he will notice is toes that look unkempt, paint chipping, and a wife or girlfriend that’s looking like she’s lacking in the maintenance department.  ….don’t be that girl!

If you don’t have the time or finances to hit the spa on a regular basis, it’s easy to do at home.  I know that most of us don’t have spare time in our day, but most all of us watch at least a half hour of television each day, right?  Perfect opportunity to multi-task.   Grab your pedicure kit and get started. 

Get the look: 

1.  Remove any old polish existing on toenails. 

2.  Clip nails with a straight edge clipper.   Don’t dig down into the skin on the edges as this causes ingrown toenails.

3.  Start with a clear, thin coat of polish on each toenail. 

4.  Follow the clear coat by a great red polish.  Many years ago I heard Madonna say that “Red is the only color that works on toes.  I’d never have anything other than red!”  I agreed with her then, and agree with her now.  Red is so sexy and works with almost anything you are wearing.  It can be taken from a formal little black dress to a simple sun dress in the summer.  Red just works! 

5.  Follow with another coat of clear. 

That’s all there is to it.  Those are the stripped down basics of a pedicure.  There are many more ways to indulge, such as a foot soak (try Supernatural Botanicals Bolivian Bath Salts)

Regularly use a pumice stone or pumice board on soles of feet in the shower to keep feet baby soft.  Use moisturizer every day.  And if you are really lucky, you can have the husband or boyfriend give you a foot massage. 

If your feet take a beating after workouts, liberally apply Vaseline to feet followed by your socks during your workout.  It’s not as icky feeling as it may sound.  You can’t even feel the Vaseline, and your feet are super soft after a tough workout. 

Take the time for maintenance.  It makes the difference between blah and wow!  In honor of this pedicure post, I threw on a pair of my favorite heels and snapped this picture for you (nevermind the marks from the socks I was wearing prior to)  …..my point being, you don’t have to have gorgeous feet, necessarily, to get an overall gorgeous look!