Archive for February, 2011
Because You’re Freakin’Fabulous
To truly love another is admirable, but o love our self is the greatest love of all.
Loving our self requires, among other things, Courage.
The courage to:
Count our blessings in the midst of our trials.
Overcome one of the most terrifying things in life – to accept our self completely.
Understand that what we may perceive as imperfections, is what makes us unique.
Recalculate our route when we are veering off the path of our true selves.
Accept responsibility for our actions, despite those of others.
Give praise sincerely.
Execute our life’s plan.
Lao Tzu said,
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; Loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
Having the courage to love yourself, however, well… that gives you happiness.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, our fab readers!
On this day, may we all be able to proclaim:
“BECAUSE, I’M FREAKIN’FABULOUS!”
It’s Official | Look Like Your Ex for $69.50
The madness is now official.
Meet the Levi’s “Ex-Girlfriend Jeans”
Product Description:
“Remember the girlfriend with the great style? Here’s a tribute to her — a fit that’s super-snug allover, an update of the five-pocket classic that’s as skinny as it gets. Made with plenty of stretch.”
Shown in Mask and available at a Levis Store near you.
Or if you really can’t wait, shop here.
Why do I feel a burning desire to tag this under “skin damage”?
Perhaps, the reason she left you was because you kept taking her isht?
Food for thought.
b Freakin’Fabulous
Body Concious | Rocking Ruffles
S2011| Emilio Pucci
Ruffles, much like the graphic prints of the season, add detail to a garment, but more than that, they also add volume.
They are dramatic, and bring attention to the area. With this in mind you can use ruffles to your advantage, by incorporating them in areas that you may find, well, lacking.
The size of the ruffles that you don should coincide with how much drama you wish to attract to that specific area.
How to Make Ruffles Work for You
Generally speaking, the placement of the ruffles will depend on your body shape – Pear, Inverted Triangle, Apple, Hourglass or Athletic – As ruffles, along with other embellishment trends like as feathers for example, work at attracting attention to an area, which, as a result, then removes the focus from other areas that you’d prefer not to play up as much.
The basic rules that apply when working the ruffles, feathers or embellishment trends on the above body shapes are as follows:
1. PEAR
Shoulders, chest and waist proportionally smaller than hips and thighs.
S2011 | Valentino
Focus ruffles in your top half, and keep lower half simple.
Ruffles located along interesting necklines like boat, and cold shoulder styles, draw attention away from lower half.
2. INVERTED TRIANGLE
Proportionately larger top half. Wider shoulders, little or no hips, slim legs
S2011 | Giorgio Armani
Balance broad shoulders with ruffled volume on lower half. Create the illusion of a waist by adding a belt.
3. APPLE
Proportionately larger waistline. Smaller shoulders, chest and hips. Slim legs.
S2011 | Alberta Ferretti
Whereas adding a belt a tied waistband will draw attention and add weight to the midsection, ruched fabric in the the midsection area works at both camouflaging and minimizing waist.
Intricate necklines, and asymmetrical hems will also help divert attention away from midsection
Horizontal ruffles placed off center gives the illusion of an elongated torso. Alternatively, ruffle detail may be placed along V-neckline and/ or along hemline (either at knee or floor grazing, not in-between).
4. HOURGLASS
Proportionately smaller waist, chest and hips are wider and somewhat balance each other.
S2011 | Prada
This body shape naturally has volume in the desired places. Add ruffles in areas that do not put the flow in imbalance, like at the hem of a knee length pencil skirt ala Prada.
5. ATHLETIC
No areas are particularly wider, or narrower than the rest. Negligible difference between chest, waist and hip measurements.
S2011 | Jill Sanders
A blank canvas – add ruffles wherever there is desire to add more volume
- Up top to enhance cleavage
- Around waist to make a statement or
- Around hips to add curves.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
1. A smart way to wear ruffles is to wear small ones horizontally on a sheath dress silhouette – considered to be universally flattering. This way, like stripes, the ruffles elongate rather than widen.
2. Ruffles, like feathers or jeweled embellishments, are noisy beings. So that you do not start answering yourself, at least not in public, keep accessories minimal and makeup natural.
b Freakin’Fabulous
Dodging Fashion Roadkill | The Maxi Dress
S2011 | Micheal Kors
As long as there are women, there will always be the Maxi dress. Designers must find this fact annoying because, perhaps in an effort to relieve their boredom, they’ve decided to inject different textures and structures into this spring/ summer staple. The possible result? An epic miss, with some of the most unflattering combinations known to man… or in this case, woman.
The word “Maxi”, as it applies to a dress (or skirt), refers to either length (usually floor grazing) or fullness (voluminous) – either way there is a whole lot of fabric. The goal of a Maxi dress is to create the illusion of easy sophistication, but this punchline can easily get muddled when designers run with such wild abandon in the park of imagination, that they miss the mark totally.
Most of trends for this Spring/ Summer 2011 (S2011) may be seen somewhere on a Maxi Dress near you. Beware of the pitfalls.
1. The See-Through-Maxi
S2011 Trend: Lace/ See-through Fabrics
S2011 | Giorgio Armani
The issue: Visible underwear, isn’t Sexy. [Visibly] going without underwear, tramp style, is worse. No-one is interested in seeing your ‘titillating’ ‘assets’. This dress will flatter noone with an ounce of flesh. Much more than the sheer fabric will be… bouncing… in the wind.
S2011 | Givenchy
The solution: Go sheer without going bare. Printed sheer materials can offer less translucency that plain coloured ones. Also, well placed detailing can detract, or conceal, areas of perverted interest. Depending on the dress, you can wear a (modern) slip.
2. The Bright, Boxy, Structured, Maxi
S2011 Trend: Bold Colours/ Menswear/ Suits
S2011 | Jill Saunders
The issue: Your waist called. He misses you.
May be laid back, but this look is definitely not sexy. All that’s missing here are the potatoes, which is ironic because that’s probably the last thing that’s available on that menu.
Proportions. Proportions. Proportions. An hourglass shape, or the illusion of one, is the key to classic style. Also,tThe overly structured look of this dress defeats the purpose of a Maxi dress.
S2011 | Lanvin
The solution: The bold colour rocks. Keep the structure to an asymmetrical neckline and a belted waist.
3. The Retro Maxi
S2011 Trend: Retro/ 60s Ladylike/ Red carpet glam
S2011 | Vivienne Westwood
The issue: More like 60s/ Ladylike Prom, and looks like the dress equivalent to helmet head – Untouchable.
S2011 | Lanvin
The solution: Switch up the fabric. Interpret the retro ladylike, rather than raid your mother/ grandmother’s closet. Similar silhouette, different reaction.
4. The Graphic Maxi (I)
S2011 Trend: Floral Prints
S2011 | Jill Saunders
The issue: Large prints, like this floral overwhelms petite frames. The dress’s voluminous nature around the waist area also does not complement a woman’s figure.
S2011 | Marc Jacobs
The solution: Choose a floral print that is proportional to your size – larger frames are better able to carry larger prints. Add interest to a floor grazing floral number with a contrasting detail in a complementary colour at the waist. Peek-a-boo skin, unveiled through a v-neck, gives balance to a potentially, visually dizzying number.
5. The Graphic Maxi (II)
S211 Trend: Bold Colours/ Geometric Prints/ Asymmetrical hems
S2011 | Vivienne Westwood
The Issue: An effort is made to highlight the waist with a twist-tie, but the over-sized vertical stripes + no structure + peculiar dress length + bold colours+ excess fabric = Please Stop. My head hurts.
S2011 | Marc Jacobs
The solution: One voice at a time. Keep silhouettes, to dresses in busy fabrics, simple. The ruching detail in the right places breaks the monotony, and gives a flattering look to even the no-no horizontal stripe rule.
6. The White Maxi
S2011 Trend: All White/ Minimal/ 60s Ladylike
S2011 | Chloé
The issue: The abundance of fabric on the top half, in white no less, coupled with a gathered waist would make for an excessively commodious, unflattering look on most humans.
S2011 | Chloé
S2011 | Chloé
The solution: A wrap dress, or one that mimics it, is universally flattering, even in white, as it breaks up the details, as well as highlights the natural waist.
Tip: A V-neck works better than a round neck for fuller and/ or curvier figures.
7. The Unfinished Maxi
S2011 Trend: Asymmetrical Hems / Metallic/ Sheer/ Unfinished Detailing
S2011 | Vivienne Westwood
The issue: The first issue is the trend itself – Unfinished garments. Unhemmed garments, unclipped trimmings. A frayed, fuzzy look with thread dangling everywhere. Why? I’ll file this in the juvenile section, right next to destructed jeans.
More than the hems, the statement is undone in this crinkly, scratchy, bed-head looking kit, the draping of which also makes for an unflattering profile. Besides, if you are going to tote all of this fabric, and still have a peep show, why not just don a fitted, loosely crocheted dress instead? Oh yeah, that’s also a don’t.
S2011 | Micheal Kors
The solution: Just because the fabric has a metallic finish, doesn’t mean it has to look like it will cut you. Switching up the fabric to a touchable knit, (one that is also less sheer), and tightening the silhouette a touch, gives the still-asymmetrical look an easy-going, figure-enhancing flow. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
8. The Body Concious Maxi
S2011 Trend: Body Concious/ White/ Lace/ Sheer Fabrics
S2011 | Emilio Pucci
The issue: The combination of the above trend may make for a body conscious, but not a body flattering combo. Perhaps this would be better worn as resort wear, in the form of a beach cover-up.
S2011 | Emilio Pucci
The solution: Emphasize your curves in one trend. Either in lace/ sheer fabrics OR a body hugging silhouette.
OTHER USEFUL TIPS
1. DO give unexpected skin via a high slit or an asymmetrical hemline to give overly voluminous , or excessively lengthy dresses a modern edge, as Emilio Pucci does here.
S2011 | Emilio Pucci
S2011 | Emilio Pucci
2. DO play with the Military trend with ‘sober’ colour choices – e.g. olive green, navy, combined with subtle masculine detailing.
S2011 | Lanvin
Whoever said that Power can only be unleashed in a pant suit must have never experienced the Power of a Maxi.
b Freakin’Fabulous
Best Mens S2011Trend | Colourific Love
S2011 | Custo Barcelona
There are some staples that a man should possess, regardless of the season. A timepiece, tailored suits, and the good sense to know that brown shoes go with a blue suit.
Then there are Spring staples. For example, a waterproof trench coat, a lightweight, cotton sports jacket and a pair of vintage sunglasses to shield you from the glares of average men. For men especially, the difference in seasonal trends, from year to year, may be a change in colour, cut, or perhaps an update on a classic style. Toss in some “out there”s, and your wardrobe, as a guy, is as good as complete. No fussing, no fighting.
Spring 2011 Trends.
There are the obvious trends, e.g. Military and the Biker trends. It is Mens Fashion after all. Chances are that the Military look would count.
An interesting, but perhaps not so obvious change is that it seems that a looser fitting mens pant leg is back. Yay! The cajones can breathe. This is not to say that the Mens skinny pant is no longer worn, because it is, but at the very least, the style seem to have peaked.
The, for want of a better word, absurd – Crop tops, Chains, Meggings (Mens leggings), Lace and sheer fabrics so delicate that not even I would wear them, Florals and Monokinis.
A glimpse at what Emporio Armani offered:
S2011 Monokini | Emporio Armani
Where do I start?
S2011 Meggings | Emporio Armani
Make up your mind. Do you want to be warm or cool? As if super, skinny, stretch jeans on men weren’t bad enough, the weather warmed up and brought us Meggings.
S2011 | Emporio Armani
Regardless of your sexual orientation, putting your jewels on display is always a DON’T.
S2011 Cropped and Sheer | Emporio Armani
Cropped tops looked odd in the 90s and this aesthetic never improved. They look even more out of place on the 21st century metro-sexual.
Cropped pants shorten your legs. Do forgo.
S2011 Lace and Chains | Emporio Armani
Want to get in touch with your softer side? Wear lavender or pink, rather than lace.
Impeccable fit, Debatable taste. Not a fan of conceptually complicated clothing and/or styling on men. They are intriguing and mysterious enough?, thanks. Me no likey. K.I.S.S.
By far the most stand-out-but-reasonable and, most importantly, wearable on trend this season is colour – Pastels or Bold, Printed or Plaid.
Your underwear may be monochromatic, but your clothes doesn’t have to be.
COLOUR
S2011 | Jill Sander
More editorial, less ready-to-wear for the average person perhaps, Yes?
I feel you.
Here are some ideas for wearing colour in a more down-to-earth, yet fashion forward manner. For balance, keep either the top or the bottom of the ensemble colourific and balance the other half with a neutral. Standard neutrals include white, grey, brown, navy, olive green and of course this season’s neutral, khaki.
Fitted button ups
S2011 | Dsquared
The key here is fit.
Long-sleeved tops
S2011 | Gilded Age
S2010 | Giorgio Armani
S2011 | Ermenegildo Zegna
Casual Shirts
S2011 | Louis Vuitton
Cardis
S2011 | Gilded Age
Tees
S2011 | Giorgio Armani
Yay for everything, minus the raccoon eyes.
Dress Shirts
S2011 | Ermenegildo Zegna
Men in sandals are possibly the most misunderstood.
S2011 | Ermenegildo Zegna
Too loud for you? Try the Khaki Shirt, without question the season’s must have.
S2011 | Gucci
S2011 | Steven Allen
Never understood espadrilles, especially on men, but say what. I suppose it works here as a definite slipper upgrade.
The Khaki V-neck
S2011 | Etro
The Khaki Dress Shirt
S2011 | Dsquared
The Casual Khaki Shirt.
S2011 | Dsquared
There is so much versatility with this trend, we need to talk about this privately.
Pants
S2011 | Canali
S2011 | Moschino
S2011 | Ermenegildo Zegna
Bring out the colours in your ensemble with some complementary socks
S2011 | Tommy Hilfiger
Windbreakers
Worn with shorts…
S2011 | Micheal Bastian
S2011 | Micheal Bastian
or trousers…
S2011 | Louis Vuitton
The Slim-fit, lightweight, cotton blazer
Pair with fitted button ups, a coloured tee, or coloured dress shirt. Dress up or down as required.
Double breasted or a single button, the right blazer pulls it all together.
S2011 | Dsquared
That Body.
Moving on smartly we have the bolder version…
S2011 | Dsquared
S2011 | Prada
S2011 | Giorgio Armani
S2011 | Giorgio Armani
Minimalist options:
Casual
S2011 | Gilded Age
S2011 | Dsquared
S2011 | Gucci
S2011 | Louis Vuitton
or swanky
S2011 | Giorgio Armani
S2011 | Canali
Yum.
Leather
S2011 | Dsquared
S2011 | Ermenegildo Zegna
S2011 | Gucci
For the minimalists, brown counts too.
S2011 | Gilded Age
S2011 | Dsquared
Shoes
Add colour without going casual. Be casual, without looking like you’re going to the gym.
S2011 | Giorgio Armani
Swim trunks
Opt for solid-coloured, matte ones over tropical printed ones.
S2011 | Gilded Age
They mirror the solid, matte shorts of the season
S2011 | Gilded Age
I suppose if you are European, and live over yonder, and look like this, you can venture into these …
God is great. Gives a whole new meaning to the word ‘minimalism’.
As we’re on the topic, if you aren’t one to stray too far from your neutrals, then it’s all in the details for you.
The belt.
S2011 | Micheal Bastian
The tie.
S2011 | Gilded Age
S2011 | Gilded Age
You never have to be dressed up to wear ties like these.
S2011 | Moschino
S2011 | Ermenegildo Zegna
S2011 | Micheal Bastian
S2011 | Ermenegildo Zegna
Under a cardigan
S2010 | Gilded Age
The piping.
S2011 | Moschino
The pocket square.
S2011 | Giorgio Armani
2011 TAKE ON CLASSICS
The Suit
The single button jacket re-surges this season for a look that is both classic yet fashion forward.
S2011 | Micheal Bastian
So is the double breasted jacket.
S2011 | Canali
Madd.
The Trench
If not out of pure necessity, Spring requires a trench. Make yours as versatile as you wanna be -
S2011 | Buckler
S2011 | Gucci
S2011 | Canali
S2011 | Canali
S2011 | Moschino
Hot. No-one would ever guess that all your underwear is white.
In the event that you light afire, be sure to throw on a pair of these vintage frames.
Moscot
b Freakin’Fabulous
The Science of Valentine’s Day Gift Giving
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For some of us, the only thing more challenging than making it through Saint Valentine’s Day (V-Day), is getting the gift correct. Let’s face it, when it comes to V-day gifts, there are the “OOOOOOOOOH!!!!“s, the “Oh….“s, and the “OH.“s.
Yes, V-Day is commercialized (what isn’t), and perhaps a bit overrated. We can go on forever and ever about that, but, if, at the end of all your boo-hoos and wha-whas, you are still going to give your special someone something, it has to make the grade.
A lot of pressure? Absolutely.
Especially if you only remember to get a gift the night before, and the only thing that is open is the pharmacy.
There is a science to V-day gift giving. Saint Valentines Day is a very unique day of the year. Though, like a Birth day or Christmas Day, it occurs every year, it carries a different sentiment. altogether There are no norms or customs. There is no onslaught of gifts from family and familiar faces. There is no expectation from anyone, but one, and that one, is YOU. Therefore, it is important that your gift does not flop.
That sad, solitary rose broadcasts that you forgot, and so do gift cards. You are better off getting a blank card, and filling it with all of the things that you don’t find yourself saying on a daily basis.
Gift cards are impersonal, and scream that you either didn’t have time to get a real present, or that you don’t know the person well enough to figure it out. There is a reason why the gift card business makes money – It is only useful if you remember that you have it. I have a Sephora gift card floating around for the last 4 years, and I’m a Beauty-product Junkie. Let’s work that math out.
A friend recalls her best V-day gift.
“… the biggest, fluffiest, white and red teddy bear, a bunch of 24 long stemmed red roses, and the most beautiful pair of gold earrings….was sent to me at work…delivered by 3 [uniformed] guys, all dressed alike…”
I cannot begin to count the fantasies in there. The 3 uniformed guys, showing up at the right time, could have been a present enough. “Heeeyyyyy!”
To date, the best V-day gift I’ve ever received was a heart-shaped, diamond ring, ambushed by long-stemmed roses. It was the best gift not because it was the most expensive thing that I’ve ever received, it was the best gift because I didn’t expect it. I was in high-school, he was as hot as Hell itself, and it was the first possession that I can recall actively hiding from my parents. Now that I have had some experience with men, I should have probably kept him around.
All that to say, the key to V-day gift giving, is that the gift need not be expensive, nor dramatic, It just needs to be memorable.
So what’s hot for 2011?
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is the new bling. The best thing about this gift idea is that it works whether your partner/ significant other/ FWB, is male or female.
If you are running low in the cha-ching department, Apps are good idea. There are millions to choose from.
Another cool yet manageable tech idea getting upgraded phones. And why not? You don’t have to measure for size, wonder if s/he will like the scent or colour as you would if you were buying cologne, a tie, jewelry or of course, the guy’s fav… socks.
Already both have smart phones? Get an unlimited data plan so that you can sexy bbm whole day, or perhaps ones with video talk options *blink*. What you do with those options is your call.
Reading is Sexy. It is especially if you are reading from a Nook, Kindle, or, Helleeeer, an Ipad. An eReader is a good option if you have a little extra cash to spare.
CLASSIC MENTIONABLES
These take a little more thought, and may require more planning time. However, there is more mileage on the impression left.
A wellness service for two.
Gift cards for wellness services seem to be very on trend. Yes, we do all need to de-stress, but very few of us like to leave our house to de-stress alone. Whether your significant other takes you, or a bff, a couples massage, for example, will go a lot longer than one meant for… well, one.
Magazine subscriptions.
For a magazine that s/he actually reads, of course. Inexpensive but appreciated, s/he will be reminded of you for at least a year.
Entertainment for two
Tickets to a show that s/he likes, or to a sports game for a team that s/he is a fan of. Or what about ones to that jerk Trey Songz’ concert, because she’s been dying to see him for like… forever. So what if you think he’s gay?
You may not be a fan of the activity, but suck it up, get them, and go anyway.
You really shouldn’t do something because of the kick-back, but you never know how that favour may be repaid.
I’m just sayin’.
The Romance Option
For a real mojo igniter, how about a romantic overnight stay at a hotel, with a dinner for two, and a breakfast in bed option for the next morning? Or perhaps a weekend getaway to a city of your choice. Feel free to insert a Spa in-room couples massage here as well. You’d get at least a couple free passes out of the dog house for this one right here, let me tell you. Oh, unless you are aiming for company in 9 months, be sure to walk with your family planning kit.
Jewelry, with a customized twist
Up the jewelry ante by getting something with a special date or name inscribed in it. *Dark Vader’s Pookie Bear* on the back of that beautiful Micheal Kors Baguette-Bezel, Rose Gold, Watch. No judgments, just suggestions. Do you.
His & Her Clothing
His and her leather jackets. Fab.
Switch it up guys.
Take a walk on the wild side and visit your local Victoria’s Secret, or similar store, with your significant other. Again, go with her. Please, do not play hero and try to figure out the fit based on your sizing up of the sales person’s figure/ size. Yes, it’s a great thought, but doing so may very well result in a great thought that flopped, epically, in its execution.
The possibilities of this novel idea flopping are endless.
1. Since she has to wear it, it would help her mood if she likes what she is wearing, and of course if it fits well. There are very few things as uncomfortable as ill-fitting, non-stretch lace. I’d wear shoes that are too small for a day and a half, over doing that.
2. The last thing you would want to purchase for a woman is any clothing that is either overly big or overly small. This can result in an awkward silence, questions, or worse, just one question, the answer(s) to which you will never, ever be qualified enough to answer.
“You really see me as THIS BIG???”
or the thought…
***Wow… I guess I’m bigger than he thinks…***
They both suggest an issue with weight, which is, of course, not the response that are looking for. You shall be sleeping with yourself that night… on the couch. Not fun.
3. Regardless of what porn tells us, not all women feel sexy in lingerie. For these types of women, lingerie is then more of a present for you than for her, so maybe you can save this gift idea for your birthday. VS sells a myriad of things. Going with her enables her to get something that she actually wants – pampering beauty essentials, or even swimwear. Yes, I it may be still winter outside. A jump start on fashion on someone else’s dime? Always Fab.
b Freakin’Fabulous
Foot Fetish | 10 Steps to a Spa Pedicure
The Beyotch of all Pedicures.
The Spa Pedicure is one of the ultimate luxuries to pamper your digits. At a reputable nail salon, i.e one that takes the necessary precautions against the spread of diseases/ infections in a nail salon, this indulgence can run anywhere upwards of $75 a service, with a Spa Mani/ Pedi combo running at least an easy minimum $100.
In a bid to differentiate themselves from a fellow competitor, it is not uncommon for nail salons to present creative names for these services.
“The Ultimate Pedicure”
“The Signature Pedicure”
“Hot Lava Pedicure”
As a nail salon owner, the point here is to differentiate yourself. Get creative.
These types of pedicures are primarily found in middle to high end salons because of the sheer time it takes to get all of the goodies done - anywhere between 50 – 120 minutes. Usually, the longer the time taken, the more expensive the service.
So what is a Spa Pedicure anyways?
Typically, what differentiates a Spa pedicure from a Classic pedicure is pampering time. Therefore, Spa pedicures will probably include a scrub, a (perhaps extended) foot massage, as well as extra care to smoothing hardened soles of the feet. Uber high-end salons may also include a foot mask, paraffin treatments etc. These are inexpensive add-ons for the Spa, so the charge largely comes for the use of the therapist’s time. Additionally, there is also an additional cost for callus removal in a pedicure . Why? because any of these above processes can add up to 15 minutes each.
It is important to remember that Spa services , as opposed to other beauty services like Hair services for example, are charged per minute rather than per service. Arrive late for your Spa service and you have only the remaining time in your reserved slot to get your service done, if they will grant you the the service at all, never mind, *swipe*, your credit card will be charged either way.
Why?
If the colouring service on your new hair colour/ cut/ style ‘do takes longer than anticipated, the stylist cannot exactly leave you mid service and tell you hard luck can s/he? Not so much. This is why there is normally a cancellation policy (usually 24-48 hours) for spa services. Time is money baby!
Can you achieve a similar service at home?
With the knowledge, an hour, some patience, and the right tools, you sure can!
Here are 10 steps to an at-home Spa Pedicure, complete with tips to getting it right, polish optional.
Remember, practice makes you better.
YOU WILL NEED:
- Pedicure bowl with lukewarm water (warmer if you can tolerate it)
- Small to medium sized bowl with clean, lukewarm water (warmer if you can tolerate it)
- Orange stick and/ or nail pusher
- Nail Clipper, made especially for clipping toes
- Nail File (180 grit)
- Foot soak/ Pedicure soak/ Mineral Salts/ Epson salts etc. (your choice)
- Hydrating Foot lotion
- Cuticle Oil
- Nail Buffer (white)
- Foot File
– 2 Hand Towels
- Nail polish remover and cotton balls (if necessary)
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Cuticle nipper
- Foot Mask
- Callus softener
- Intensive Heel balm
- Base Coat, Top Coat, Nail polish
Time Required: 60 – 120 mins
1. Soak Feet
In pedicure bowl, mix foot soak in a generous amount of lukewarm water as per foot soak instructions. Place feet in bowl for up to 10 minutes.
2. Remove any existing polish from nails on both feet. (If necessary.)
3. Cut and File Nails
- Remove right foot from pedicure bath. Cut nails using nail clipper.
Note: cutting nails too short can damage the nail. Avoid cutting nails with too sharp of a downward curve at the edge / sides of the nail, where the nail meets the side of your finger, as this may result in ingrown/ hangnails. Ouch.
- Using a nail file, file nails so that there are no sharp edges left by nail clipper, so that nail edge is smooth.
4. Clean the edges of the nail plate
- Using orange stick or nail pusher, GENTLY clean bottom of the nail bed, where it connects to the finger.
- GENTLY push back the cuticle using orange stick/ nail pusher.
Dead skin cells of the cuticle collect here, as well as residue from hand lotion, environmental dirt, etc. It is important not to scrape the nail bed in this area too roughly, as grave, possibly permanent, damage may be done to the nail bed.
- OPTIONAL – Cuticles may be clipped at this stage, but it is important to clip ONLY the dead, and not the living, tissue. If you are unsure of what is dead and what is living tissue, skip this stage altogether, as clipping live tissue can result in cuts, bleeding and damage to the cuticle.
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5. Buff nails and clean under free edge
- Using a white nail buffer, GENTLY buff nails (no more than 10 strokes per nail).
Buffing to smooth the nail bed. Overzealous buffing however, will result in thinning and possible damage to the nail plate, which is a common occurrence in professional manicures. The amount of buffing that ought to be done will depend on the condition of the nail. It is important to note that, depending on the depth of the ridges of the nail, it may not be possible to smoothen out all ridges, without removing the entire nail bed.
- Using orange stick, clean under free edge (the area at the top of the nail where gook collects when you use your nails to scratch… something) of any residual nail that may have collected here during the filing/ buffing stage.
6. Apply cuticle oil to cuticles
- Critical step to well manicured nails.
7. Apply callus softener and wrap foot
- Optional, if applicable, apply callus softener to any calluses/ hardened areas on soles of feet, and wrap foot in a towel.
Repeat steps 3 – 7 on left foot.
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8. Smooth calluses
- Starting with right foot, remove towel and smooth calluses/ hardened areas on soles of feet with a back and forth motion using foot file. Repeat on left foot. And please, never use a razor blade.
9. Apply and remove scrub
- Starting with right foot, apply foot scrub for 2-3 minutes. Rinse with clean water from small bowl into the pedicure bowl. Repeat on left foot.
OPTIONAL – Apply foot mask
To right foot, avoiding the tips of the toes, and wrap in a towel. Repeat on left foot and let both feet stand for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse mask from right foot using clean water from bowl. Repeat on left foot.
10. Massage feet
- Massage hydrating foot lotion to right foot, including legs. Pay special attention to heels. Repeat on left foot.
- If necessary, apply heel balm to cracked heels, on right and left foot.
- Apply cuticle oil to cuticles.
*TIP – Cuticle oil is quite possibly any nail technician’s secret weapon as the application will make nails in any condition, look healthier. Guaranteed.
POLISH APPLICATION PREP (OPTIONAL)
For nail polish application, remove any traces of lotion from nails using a cotton ball with nail polish remover. Apply polish in the following order:
- Start with one coat for base coat to all nails.
- Follow with a coat, or two, of nail polish (one coat a time).
- End with Top coat application.
Finish with application of cuticle oil to cuticles, as in step above.
It’s easy to have a foot fetish with kissable feet!
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Not quite at this level? You can still have kissable feel with an at-home Classic pedicure. **Coming soon.**
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b Freakin’Fabulous
For more info. on how to protect yourself against infectious diseases in nail salons, click here.
Please Make the Stupid People Shut Up.
One of the most challenging things about parenting for me is that, invariably, I have to deal with people who, in my individual life, I would not in a million years choose to associate with in any way, shape, form or manner whatsoever. As a matter of fact said folks would not so much as be identified on my human radar.
You see homo sapiens in fine form when they are dealing with their kids, especially when their kids are in a group with other people’s kids.
How we deal with ‘challenging circumstances’ that we never saw coming, like when you feel like your kid is has a personal vendetta against you, and so tries to embarrass you by telling the parent of one of his friends that you are having a ‘playdate’ with that s/he “doesn’t eat kind of food, no thanks”, how we deal with ‘other people’s kids’, who, as we deem it, have no broughtupcy, or my personal favorite, how we as parents, deal with those issues that we are again faced with; the same said issues that perhaps we didn’t get over as a kid. After all, just because you stretched out of your uncoordinated limbs and managed to escape the nightmare that you may have experienced in elementary or high school, doesn’t mean that you’re over it.
Regardless of what the retail stores are trying to tell me, it is winter. I live in the northern part of North America – A human refrigerator for most of the year, a freezer for the other few months. So hell, you need to learn to do something with all that white stuff – whether it’s shaved or frozen. There’s a rink on the other side of the road, so I decided that the Guy and I would pick up ice skating. I figured, whether it’s recreational or for that dangerous looking sport that they call ice hockey, what’s the use of being a boy in these parts if you can’t hold your own on the ice? So… ice skating here we come. As it turned out, the ice skating classes that you can sign up for are all full, but so what. I was never one to accept that I couldn’t do something because the most obvious path was under construction.
Now, as a child of the 80s, I donned the white-and -red roller skates with the mismatched florescent bobby socks, complete with matching hair ribbons, and my half-and-half, bikini-cut, panty-looking, acid-wash, denim that was precariously attached to a pouffy, white, cotton fabric, like no other, with matching moves of course. Just call me the Roller Skating Ninja.
Then came the Roller Blade. Not as comfy as the Roller Skate in my opinion, but it was new and my aunt got a pair from one some family that lived in NY, so I of course took a borrows from time to time and got the hang of it.
Conceptually, the Roller Blade and the Ice Skate looked similar to me. I could at least manage to hold my own on the ice, and the Guy, just like I did when I was his age, will practice and practice, (i.e. fall and fall) until he can figure out how to hold his own, I thought. After all, in this activity, more than anything else, balance is key. You can do almost anything if you know how to recover, if not maintain, your balance I mused.
In my desire to just “shoot the breeze and bond” on the rink, I realized a few things, one of which was that his activity ain’t cheap. Helleeeer!
One hundred plus bills later we hit the rink. That was funny in so many ways I can’t even count them.
I fell once, and I’m proud about that, if only because my shins and knee caps are living proof of months and months of learning to skate by any means necessary. A couple of those scrapes resulted from scaling chain linked fences and climbing mango and guava trees -survival of the fittest when you grow up with only boy cousins in Barataria, but I digress.
The state of my knees is always a topic of conversation with guys I meet. They try to non-nonchalantly comment on it, and then I glance over at their silky smooth, hairless gams, and well manicured nails and a customary awkward silence follows. Pretty predictable but always amusing.
Maybe that’s what you get for growing up in the Caribbean back then, or maybe I was just a tomboy, who was never impressed by the fact that I was born a girl [the latter I know for sure]. Either way, I saw roller skating on TV, but I never had any cool roller skating parties to attend, so I learned it the only way I know how – on the everlastingly long, red, concrete, walkway with a pair of matching concrete embankments with an uncanny affinity for my shins, that led to the front door of my grandmother’s house. I think these days employers lump that under ‘The ability to use your available resources wisely’. So, after picking up a similar contraption some 20 years after, dammit yes, I’m proud that I fell just once this time.
Day 3 at the rink, the Guy sees a fellow Grade-mate and, of course, is excited. I cringe a bit after seeing who the kid is – a whiny, know it all who always finds the need to highlight what’s wrong with all the other kids- but relief soon follows as perhaps, I think, this means that I can spend less time on the ice, and more time on the side banks with the other parents. The class that I missed the sign-up date for, was about to start shortly so there was some time for the boys to kick it on the ice before they parted ways.
It’s all going skatingly well. I’m about to leave for the sidelines when I overhear the kid whisper:
“My dad thinks you’re a pretty lousy skater and that you can’t glide well… but I think that you’re doing pretty well… for your 3rd time. This is my 13th time skating”.
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…
….
Because, of course Dad, your kid is Wayne Gretzky. What a nosebleed.
Ohh! It’s YOU who is the idiot Dad, for picking on a kid. That’s where the kid gets it from.
Truth is, I’ve realized that Guy is a whole lot tougher than I will ever be. I suppose part of it can be attributed to going to a public school in a Big City. I’ll just leave it at the fact that Guy handled the situation a whole lot better than I did on the rink. At school the day after, Guy and the kid swapped ice skating war stories, how excited they are to meet up on the rink again, next weekend.
I, however, am dreading seeing the Dad again, because the good Lord alone knows how I was able to hold it together to walk past him on the way out of the rink without clobbering him the first time.
If practice makes better, Guy will be better by the end of Winter.
However, that also means that, when Guy is running things in this world, the Dad will continue to be an even better Idiot, because the habit of practicing doesn’t discriminate between constructive and not-so-constructive behaviours and/ or outcomes.
“Dear God,
Please continue to give me the serenity, strength, and wisdom to deal with other parents.
Amen.”
Freakin’Fabulous.