FANTABULOUS FEET

There are two great reasons to give yourself a pedicure. The first is to give your feet a well-deserved pampering and deep cleaning. The second reason is to get your toes looking sexy for your summer sandals. FASHIONISTAS...as warmer weather and sunny days approach us; we are able to unleash our feet from the boots and closed toe shoes. With that in mind, we need to stop and think before we expose the toes. Before you step into those sandals make sure your feet are fit to be seen.

Let me start by sharing a quick story with you. I was recently in the Dillard's West Oaks shoe department trying on the new Jessica Simpson peep toe pattened leather slingbacks (now that's a stretch for me right...ha ha). Which I might add her shoes are FABULOUS. Jessica Simpson seems to know exactly what a girl wants in a shoe. Okay, let me focus....while sitting there waiting on the salesperson to bring my selections out there was a lady sitting next to me who was also trying on shoes. She was impeccably dressed in a very beautiful Tahara black and white pin stripped suit.

I quickly complimented her on her suit, of course. She had chosen a beautiful pair of BCBG sandals to try on. I might add Fashionistas that the sandals this season are hotter than ever, true works of art. I digress; let me turn my attention back to my story.

The snazzy dressed lady begins to take off her beautiful Carlos Santana boots. Once she removed her stocking I caught sight of her feet, and I thought I would pass out. It took everything within me not to gasp in horror. Her feet were in such poorly kept shape. After seeing her feet, I instantly flashed back to that episode of Martin when Sha Na Na had to have her feet sandblasted. As I politely looked down, then away and back at her. I could see the embarrassment on her face and I'm sure she could see that I was equally as embarrassed for her. This was definitely not a good moment for her.

Take care of your feet just as you do your fingernails. Of course, with the winter weather upon us our feet aren't exposed as much as they are during the summer months. Howewer, we should still keep our feet in good condition. Don't completely stop getting pedicures, simply space out the intervals that you get them done. For example, during the summer get them done every 2 weeks. During the winter, get them done every 3-4 weeks. And heaven forbid if your nail polish should chip between your scheduled appoints, please take care of that. Walking around with chipped nail polish is no no...whenever the polish chips, either get them redone or just take the polish off. There are no ifs, ands or butts about it.

Here are a few ideas for a Fantabulous do it yourself pedicure. Giving yourself a professional looking pedicure at home is a snap, if you follow some simple steps. You need a few items, that don't cost much and can be found at your local drug store or beauty supply.

• Foot spa - You can either purchase a or use a large pan to soak your feet. Soak them in luke warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Not only will this soften up those cuticles, it will also relax you.
• Nail & cuticle clippers
• Toe separators or rolled up napkins (serves the same purpose of separating the toes)
• Pumice stone or pedicure groomer (make sure feet and stone are wet before rubbing it against the dry flaky areas on your foot) NOTE: If you haven’t had a pedicure in months, don’t go overboard with your first one of the season. If you remove too much of the calloused area and leave a soft, raw heel, you’ll just end up with blisters. OUCH
• Cotton balls
• Nail polish remover
• Emery board or nail file (use to file nails before applying polish)
• Nail polish (apply at least 2 coats. If applied too thick it will peel off prematurely)
• Top coat (helps keep polish from chipping prematurely) I highly recommend Sally Hansen Super Shine Shiny Top Coat. I swear by this stuff. Once top coat is applied your nails should stay beautiful for at least 3 weeks. And guess what..no chipped nail polish either.

PEDICURE 101

Rough Dry Heels - First, you need to exfoliate your feet with a foot scrub. I highly recommend Foot Doctors Pedicure Deluxe Kit. This product removes the rough dead skin and leaves your feet feeling feet-tastic. Also, you could try Jerdon Pedismooth Pedicure Set. Secondly, before bed, apply a generous amount of olive oil to each foot. Then cover each foot completely with plastic, then put socks on over the plastic. I guarantee you when you awake in the morning and remove the "foot capsules" you won't recognize your feet. The soft smoothness will last about 3 days. Lastly, make sure you utilize a great moisterizing lotion that sinks into the skin and keeps your skin soft.

Toenail Length - Remember back when putting an acrylic tip on your big toenail was fashionably acceptable? Just to let you know...this season it is NOT acceptable. Now granted if you should have an unfortunate accident and kick the coffee table at night and damage your toenail it is acceptable to get a fake one applied until your real nail grows out. However, the length of the nail tip should not curl over the front of your sandal. Your toenails and cuticles should be nicely trimmed. Be careful not to trim them too short.

Polish - The hot nail lacquers seen around town, on red carpets and runways are various shades and hughes of pink, red and fuchsia. Notice I did NOT include black, green or blue. The classy Fashionista knows that certain colors just aren't appropriate for a trendsetting woman. Of course, the french manicure is always appropriate. Just for kicks...try this Shade Selector to help you select a color that best works for you. Need nails to dry quick before dashing out the door to your next event...try INSTA-Dry Speed Dry Drops

This entire process should take about an hour. Take your time, don't rush or the finished product won't be sandal worthy. After your nails are dry, you can look down and admire your handiwork. Your pedicure should last about 2 weeks.

When all else fails FASHIONISTAS, run down to your nearest nail salon and let the professionals do your pedicure. Want extra special pampering try Salon Utopia. They are conveniently located 10 minutes from downtown and their staff provides impeccable service. Ask for Cassandra and tell her Delilah sent you.

Some Important Foot Tips

• Massage for relaxation and to get the blood circulation going.


• Only cut your toe nails straight across to avoid in growing nails. Do not dig in the corners with sharp instruments such as with fingernail files. Leave this to professionals. You could cause an infection.


• When working out wear cotton socks to absorb moisture from your feet.


• Buy correct fitting shoes.


• Alternate your footwear. If possible wear shoes that will let your feet breath like either a sandal or leather shoes.


• Always remember to keep your implements clean: if they are left dirty they may harbor germs and cause infections.

Let's all say together...FANTABULOUS FEET.