Monday, November 9, 2015

HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR FEET

Here we are in November (YES! We do still wish we were lounging poolside!!!). All the humidity which moisturized our skin during the summer  has left the air, the temperatures have fallen so we're starting to use the heat intermittently and what's happening with our skin? You got it! Our skin is cracking like the dry lake bed in the desert!!! So what do we do to nourish our largest organ, especially that on our feet which tends to be the most neglected area anyway? Since the focus here is all from the ankle down, we asked some readers to provide their best ideas on winter foot care and here's what you suggested:

1) Make sure you dry your feet well when you get out of the shower. It protects against pesky fungus problems; 
2) Regardless to season, moisturize everyday for softness. THIS helps keep feet touchably, kissably soft. Choosing the best moisturizer can be a challenge, however, Trader Joe's (which has expanded in recent years to most major metropolitan areas) makes a moisturizing cream that is excellent for any area of your body and it's INEXPENSIVE ($3.99/16 oz.);
3) Change your knee-his, stockings and socks regularly;
4) Take supplements such as biotin (a b-complex vitamin) to help your nails grow. It benefits your hair as well;
5) As we age, our nails can develop vertical ridges. If they're deep enough, they can prohibit nail polish from applying smoothly. Combat this issue by applying a ridge filler before applying nail lacquer and/ or you can buff your nails. Buffing provides not only smoothness but also a beautiful sheen you may not want to cover.
6) Keep your nails from drying by using non-acetone nail polish remover;
7) Wear the correct shoe size! We know it's tempting to squeeze your feet into a sexy stiletto that's too small when they're well-priced and on sale, but you could be asking for trouble down the road. Shoes that are too small, especially those that pinch our toes together, can force the nail to turn into the surrounding skin and create an in-grown toe nail. This can cause swelling and much pain;
8) Cover your feet in public. Fungi and bacteria are rampant in environments such as the pool and shower areas at the gym. Always wear water and/ or shower shoes at the gym to avoid exposing yourself to fungal infections which are difficult to treat and eliminate.
9) Check your nails for melanoma. As they are typically black, brown or purple, these can be easily mistaken for bruises but they tend to extend into the cuticle and not just affect the nail; bruises are often blue with a reddish hue and involve the nail only. If you always wear dark polish, inspect your nails when you change your nail color at the salon. 

Here's to maintaining our beautiful feet!!!!



Monday, October 12, 2015

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NAIL COLOR FOR FALL 2015

The trends in nail color and design span the gamut for Fall 2015. Shades range from pale champagne and classic nudes to traditional deep berries; designs range from strongly color-blocked nails and  full-on holiday scenes to whimsical dots on a pale base color. Indeed, there's very little that isn't shown on a runway or seen from a salon. Take a peek......then paint your pleasure!















Tuesday, September 22, 2015

THE FEET WE SEE #17

It's amazing!!! No, it's life-changing!!!

BEFORE
This client has athlete's foot and eczema which has resulted in the severe discoloration of a substantial portion of her feet and ankles. She typically wears socks and closed-toe shoes to hide her skin problems.



AFTER
After the application of one (1) layer of T!NTALIZE® concealer with more than double the pigment load of a standard concealer, the difference is clearly visible and AMAZING! Additional coverage may be achieved as needed by layering the product. Our client is now sporting sandals in the September Beverly Hills heat!!!

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

THE FEET WE SEE #16




The saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." And this picture proves that a man may need  T!NTAILZE® concealer and a pedicure just as badly as any woman. Need I say more?!?!?!

Monday, August 10, 2015

THE TRANSITION: SHOES THAT CRUISE FROM SUMMER COOL TO FALL FLY!

WHY is it that each season heralds new trends almost as if it has no relation to the season which just preceded it? Why is the new fashion focus touted almost as if it is not a continuing evolution of style? And why do we, the purchasing public, not realize that we can successfully transition from one season to the next without breaking our collective piggy banks?!?!? That said, I've identified some major trends, complete with stylish specimen, from Spring/Summer 2015 that will keep your feet in vogue well into Fall/Winter season.  There are examples from both seasons, so if you missed summer's offerings- and can't find a good pair at a late sale- you'll know for what you're looking later this month.  Take a peek:

I. DOIN' IT MAN STYLE

One of the first trends I noticed was the heavy influence of menswear in our ladies' wear. While it manifested across the spectrum of women's clothing, the footwear was especially apparent.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015
Proenza+Schouler


FALL/WINTER 2015-2016
Tod's

Giorgio Armani



II. FEATHERS N' FUR

This is promising to be a major trend that may stick around for a while. Somehow or other, designers have determined that footwear needs to be tactically arresting, not just visibly stunning. So, usher in the era of feathers-- which debuted this summer-- and fur-- which makes its entrance this fall. If you've already invested in the feathery option, I bet you can rock them easily come September.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Oscar de le Renta

 

 FALL/WINTER 2015-2016



Salvatore Ferragamo


III. LACED ALL THE WAY UP

IT HASN'T STOPPED!!! The desire to see a woman's legs clad in criss-cross lacings as far as the shoe, boot and eye can go hasn't stopped. The summer gave this trend a nod in various forms from stiletto booties to knee-high flat boots; the fall continued with lacings as a side-thought as well as the main attraction.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

 









Brian Atwood


FALL/WINTER 2015-2016
Alexandre Birman




IV. THE HIGHER THE BETTER

This fashion focus is all about the knee- to thigh-high boot. Whether a cut out to reveal skin thru lacy suede, a supple chestnut brown leather with a wedge balanced on a spike heel, a navy suede boasting celestial patterns embroidered with metallic thread on gilded heels, or a simple, stunning RED THIGH-HIGH patent leather, these boots are to be worn like the show-stoppers they are from summer to fall.....unceasingly!!!! 

SPRING/SUMMER 2015



FALL/WINTER 2015-2016
Emilio Pucci

Christian Dior

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

SHOWING OFF 2014 SPRING/SUMMER FOOTWEAR





THESE FOUR SELECTIONS BY ANTHROPOLOGIE 

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN....

It's the time of year when I like to revisit the best of the best; the creme de la creme of spring/summer shoes that previewed back in the fall and are flowing onto the shelves as I type. I understand the necessity to show them well in advance; but, the real timing relevance is NOW, what slides onto our feet this season!!! And this time, the focus is not just the ones that were hot and happening on the runways, but also those fanciful adaptations that provide fun fashion and economic ease.

First, let's talk trends. This spring/summer season introduces a profusion of color, in particular, ORANGE!!! So, this feature will start there, but don't get it twisted. That is by no means the end! Here are several reasons to get your feet in tip top shape:

THE ORANGE  ATTACK
ZAC POSEN

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

DKNY
ANTHROPOLOGIE
BANANA REPUBLIC




 THE REST OF THE RAINBOW

SERGIO ROSSI







MARINA RINALDI





CASADEI






BURAK UYAN

Sunday, February 23, 2014

PAINTED SKIN


JUST IN CASE YOU'VE FORGOTTEN FROM WHERE I'VE COME....

FEBRUARY 4, 2014


NOW
FEBRUARY 20, 2014


Not as bad as they were; not as good as they're going to get. Truthfully, everything looks better with a little coverage. Although, if the picture were focused more tightly on my toes, you would see that my big toenails now have "texture." That is to say, they have valleys and hills that are very apparent in person. They are not flat and smooth as they kind of seem in this image, and they will be like this for a long time to come. And yes, I polished my nails myself this time. Indeed, I was speaking to a friend earlier this evening who is recovering from an infection she acquired at the nail salon. She, too, lost a nail from her big toe. Her pearls of wisdom: She will never go to a nail salon again without her own instruments which she has sterilized personally. Either that or she will do her mani/pedi herself. Nonetheless, a little polish and T!NTALIZE® concealer never hurt no one!!!! 

I think I could be ready for something up close and personal....