We are loving the fall colors! Can’t wait to see what Essie has in store…

We’re totally loving her multi-colored nails!

She totally NAILED it. LOL!

With the economy struggling and more women forgoing their weekly manis
and pedis, at-home spa treatments are quickly gaining popularity. What
was once thought of as a teenage bonding experience is now a necessity
for professional women everywhere who want to keep their feet looking
attractive all summer long.

According to Dr. Oliver Zong, a top podiatrist based in New York City,
“at-home pedicures are a great option not only for women who want to
save on money, but also people who want to avoid potentially dangerous
conditions at their local spa.” Dr. Zong has some simple tips to help
you keep your feet looking great all summer long!

Dr. Zong’s Tips for a Healthy Home Spa Experience

* Bacteria can flourish in dark, wet places, such as a bathroom
medicine cabinet. Be sure to sanitize your nail clippers by soaking them
in boiling water and wiping them down with rubbing alcohol every few
weeks

* Say NO to self-surgery! Anything that hurts, such as removing
deep-set ingrown toenails, will cause more damage than good. If you have
a painful nail, see a doctor right away

* Check expiration dates for beauty products like scrubs, lotions,
or soaks. Open containers that sit around for a long time unused can
collect bacteria and easily infect cuts in your feet – including
blisters

* Use simple Epsom salt and warm water to relieve and revive tired
feet. It often has similar properties as fancy spa soaks but can cost
several dollars less at a drug store

* Give your toes time to breath. Nails are their healthiest when
they are exposed to air and water. When changing nail polish colors,
check nails to make sure they are not discolored – this is a classic
sign of toenail fungus and can go unnoticed if nails are always painted

About Dr. Oliver Zong

Dr. Oliver Zong is a podiatrist in Manhattan’s influential Financial
District. As one of the premier cosmetic foot surgeons in the country,
he serves as the Director of Surgery at NYC FOOTCARE and is on the Board
of Directors at Gramercy Park Surgery Center.  Dr. Zong graduated as Valedictorian from New York College of Podiatric Medicine where he earned his degree, Doctor of Podiatric
Medicine (DPM). For more information please visit www.NYCFOOTCARE.com
<http://www.nycfootcare.com/ > .

Smartypanties had the honor of being asked to attend Essie/Haviana’s spring kick off party! While we didn’t need anyone to get us psyched about two of our fave brands, this party sure didn’t hurt! One pedicure, one Nuvo cocktail, five appetizers and countless cupcakes by Baked by Melissa later I was ready to concentrate on the new lines:

First up, I checked out the Summer 2009 collections: Bright Lights Big City

From left to right: Flirty Fuschia, Perky Purple, Funky Limelight and Punchy Pink (then they repeat)

I mean can you even? The display? Complete with Baked by Melissa matching cupcakes! Don’t even get us started on those cupcakes. That’s for another day. We love ‘em. Despite the fact that we probably ingested a lethal amount of food coloring…it’s worth it daahhhhling…

I got the Perky Purple for my pedi and love it. It’s a summer version of my fave dark purple shades. Rock out with your toes. the color intensity is amazing.

Then I checked out Here Comes the Sun Collection:

My Faves:

Not Just a Pretty Face

Chubby Cheeks

We love these lively yet subdued hues. They feel classic and timeless. And they can be worn everyday.

*Note that Essie polishes are now 3-free- NO DBP, Formaldehyde or Toulene. Phew!! Not to mention, is it just us or does Essie stay on way longer than OPI? Essie collections are limited-edition, available now at www.essie.com and fine spas, salons and beauty stores for approximately $8.00.

Moving on, we got a glorious free pair of Havianas! We basically own a rainbow of these guys. However, we’ve always had one little problem–we love the slide on ease but we hateeeeee the floppiness. Is it just us? That noise and the fact that they nearly fall off with every step? Well, Haviana has solved all my problems–they created a sandal now with a strap that goes all around your foot and can be tightened. It’s a delight. And my feet were not bleeding by the time I got home! (Good sign! Most of my shoes have a breaking in period but these were fine–so far anyway!)

Even the Jappy girls wear these ones, gals. They’re stylish and only $30 so anyone can own a pair (or several…) Visit Havianas.com to purchase.

Something about all the colors get us every time! And if you’re looking for last year’s styles of just the regular flip-flop they’re in abundance at Loehmann’s for like $10, I think. Or they were a few weeks ago…

Thanks to Havianas and Essie. Great party! Amazing new lines! I can’t wait to show off my pedi tomorrow!

All these colors make me think of the Rolling Stone’s song, She’s a Rainbow

Rock out with your bad selves…

We just LOVED this commercial…

So I know some of you are haters out there skimming through my Kiss Nails loving posts but seriously, knock it off!  We hear what you’re saying but they seriously rock. Trust me, when I first got invited to see how they worked I was offered to have their specialist apply them and I was NOT expecting to like them. But seriously, good things come in weird packages…like me! So I have used the press-on french manicure but these nails are a little diff and we fully plan on testing them out.

American Idol Kelly Clarkson recently wore Kiss nails for the shoot of her new music video, “I Do Not Hook Up!” We got the dish from celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees who applied the Kiss Active Square nails, which are thin, plastic full-cover nails that are easily to apply and remove. Kelly wanted leopard nails for her look, so while Kelly was shooting other scenes, Kimmie sat in her trailer with a set of metallic leopard Minx nails (solid heat-applied nail coatings) and applied the Minx to the Kiss nails. During a break, Kimmie applied the Kiss nails (with the Minx on them) and gave Kelly a new look within minutes. Kelly loved her new nails, and the upside is they could be removed easily within 10 minutes after the shoot!in these babies

Kiss 100 Full Cover Nails are thin, short plastic nails that are easy to remove and can be polished with any nail color. These durable nails can be applied with glue to last up to 7 days. Each box contains 10 sizes of each nail and 10 of each so finding the perfect fit is simple. To remove, simply soak nails in pure acetone for 10 minutes. $5.49. Available at Rite Aid, WalMart and other major drug stores nationwide. www.kissusa.com

So although I may not be testing out the leopard look of Ms. Clarksono these do provide you with some options–what if for a wedding weekend for the rehearsal dinner you want a french manicure but for the wedding you want black. Bring along some pre-painted nails. I promise no one will know the diff except for you, me and of course, Kelly Clarkson.

A new place just opened up in Mary Brickell Village called Spa & Nail Fever.

Obviously, it’s a spa and nail salon.

They do nails, waxing, makeup, everything!

Their manicurists are SO GOOD and SO REASONABLE.

I got a manicure and pedicure for a total of $40 including tip.  And my pedicure has lasted for almost a month!!!

Try it!  It’s on the second floor, right above Blu Restaurant…which is also fabulous. 

We are obsessed with these pale blues in Essie’s new North Fork Limited Edition Collection. We can’t wait for spring weather to polish our little fingers with these bad boys! They just make us wanna go swimming! And be tan!

Available beginning April 2009 at http://essie.com/ and fine salons, spas worldwide. $9 each.