Karyn Polewaczyk
Well polished
For me, the most exciting part of a spa pedicure comes not when the bath jets are fired, or when the prototypical oversized leather chaise lounge goes into massage mode, or even when I’m asked to roll up my jeans to prep for a mud mask. Instead, it happens the moment I walk in the door and hear the three little words every girl pines for:
“Pick a color.”
I’ll walk to a dizzyingly vast display case of nail polishes arranged by brand, color, finish and season, overwhelmed by the selection and, perhaps, the scent of formaldehyde. The choice between cherry red toes and baby pink fingers or a simple French mani/pedi combo presents itself as a complex algorithm I must solve before the hoards of women standing impatiently behind me lose their cool. I’ll sheepishly shrug as I carry five or six variants of a nude OPI, shades so close that even the folks at Pantone would scratch their heads to see a difference, along with three trashy magazines and an indecisive mindset to the chair.
I envision the first color against my camel colored coat; no, it’s too light. I picture the second shade, flecked with bits of gold, wrapped around the stem of a martini glass as I laugh gaily at a joke that went right over my head at a generic lounge. Nah, too Vegas. The third through fifth shades are no good, either – either my skin will look too sallow, not sallow enough; or, I just don’t like the name.
At this point, I’ll reach into my bag, confusing the nail technician to a further degree as I’ve not officially decided if I want square or rounded edges, and pull out my standby bottle of OPI’s Polar Bare circa 2007.
“Um, this one,” I say, as if it isn’t obvious that I’ve either got commitment issues or a case of hypocrisy. No matter. I’ve already moved on to my next choice: which tabloid to read first.
-Karyn Polewaczyk
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Friday, April 3rd, 2009 | Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments
Here comes the bride (and bridesmaid)
My sister and I often agree to disagree: I like gold jewelry; she prefers silver. I enjoy a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream as is, while she’ll have hers chocolate and with sprinkles, please. My taste in men is tall, dark, handsome and fleeting, while hers is a boyfriend of five years who turned into her fiancé last February.
And so it began: the planning of the wedding of the century (or so it seemed to a preternatural single girl). Topics of discussion quickly transformed from Boston gossip and general silliness to cakes, florists and centerpieces. And then came the bridesmaid dresses: battles over fabrics , color and cut ensued on a seemingly daily basis. When my sister finally narrowed it down to a gorgeous, plum colored sheath dress from Coren Moore, I was satisfied – until the topic changed to bridesmaid shoe regulations.
My sister wanted me and the other two bridesmaids to have matching footwear. Multiple problems arose with this idea, ranging from our geographical distances to height to foot width. I finally put my foot down (no pun intended) and chose a pair of metallic strappy silver sandals from Benetton, with my fingers crossed that they would pass. Not only were the sandals on sale at 65% off, they’re well-made, stylish, and most importantly, comfortable – how else would I be able to dance the night away to the sounds of Michael Jackson and Earth, Wind and Fire?
Moral of the story: when shopping for your bridal party, flexibility should come from more than just the sole. And the girl and her sandals lived happily ever after.
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 | Sandals | No Comments
Time to buy? Not so fast, fashionistas
Put down those Christian Louboutins and slowly back away. The fashion police, on full recession alert, are here to offer proverbial smack down to any fashionista who dares to defy the rules of sale shoe shopping.
First things first: everything is on sale right now. Televisions, cars, Botox and shoes are just a handful of consumer products that retailers and specialty stores are anxious to push onto wallet weary customers. A properly fitting, well-made shoe is worth its weight in gold (or leather, or suede, or crushed velvet), almost regardless of the price. If marked down, $200 zebra-print Jimmy Choo strappy sandals with crystal heel embellishments really strike your fancy, by all means – go for them! But if you foresee those sandals getting more action in their box than the dance floor, think twice before dropping hard-earned cash on a name. Staples, such as wear-with-everything pumps in neutral brown and black, are worth buying at full price. The return-on-investment of a shoe that truly speaks to you and your style is multiplied with each wear.
Second: we’re mid-season. To get the best deal on winter-friendly gear, wait until June or July, where venerable steals will abound. Likewise, spring and summer sandals, flip flops and peep-toe pumps will beckon from the sale rack come October and November. Planning ahead, the same way a gourmet chef would stock up for her kitchen, can pay off. Visualize, visualize, visualize, and ignore the snow falling outside when you’re trying on the perfect gladiator lace up flat at 75% off.
Last: re-evaluate what you already have. Spend a weekend afternoon reworking various wardrobe/shoe/accessory combinations – mix and match pieces you wouldn’t dream of possibly pairing. You might find a new best friend for those hardly worn slouchy suede boots in a camel blazer; or, consider consigning the lime kitten heels that just don’t do it for you anymore. With days of excess in our past, sometimes a good housecleaning is just what the doctor ordered.
-Karyn Polewaczyk
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 | Boots, Flat, Gladiators, Peep Toes, Sandals, Tips | No Comments
Festive feet
According to Wikipedia, Mardi Gras is “the most famous Carnival celebration in the world.” Parades, parties and celebrations of all sorts consume the world up until Fat Tuesday, the culmination and climax of Mardi Gras season, and ends on Ash Wednesday, known in religious circles as the beginning of the Lenten season. With exuberance and a host of sins playing central to Mardi Gras themes, costumes are decadent, provocative and richly hued in shades of gold, purple and green. Likewise, shoes are over-the-top, with platform heels, strappy stilettos and spiky pumps taking center stage.
Don’t let churn of the 9-5 get your spirits down this Fat Tuesday. Instead, why not slip into fantasy and envision your feet fancy with these luxurious party shoes?
Manolo Blahnik Jeweled Open-toe Slide (photo: Neiman Marcus)
Wearing Manolo Blahniks is, after all, a party for your toes.
Perhaps a jester’s costume, classic Mardi Gras attire, doesn’t match your briefcase. No worries – Valentino has you covered with their Cabaret t-strap sandal:
Cabaret T-Strap Sandal by Valentino (photo: Neiman Marcus)
Also pairs well with the beads your coworkers will inevitably toss over your cubicle in an effort to replicate New Orleans in the office.
Green, the color which symbolizes faith in the triumvirate palette of this Carnival, makes a statement with these Lanvin slingback sandals:
Metallic Woven Slingback Sandal by Lanvin (photo: Barneys New York)
With a $995 price tag that rivals your weekly paycheck, your boss will applaud you for being so financially savvy.
From Bourbon Street to Newbury Street, festive fashionistas everywhere will have something to celebrate!
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 | Celebrity, Peep Toes, Platforms, Pumps, Sandals, Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments
From the runway to the sidewalk – Spring 2009’s hottest trends!
I can hear my winter-worn feet protest with each step into wool blend tights and later, down feather-lined snowboots. “We’ve had enough!” they shout, a calloused right toe particularly angry. “Give us strappy sandals, platform espadrilles and flip flops!” they cry, “Or in the very least, a damned pedicure!”
It could also be delirium that’s speaking to me, as this winter and its merciless snow, ice and wind storms have provoked a case of cabin fever not seen since the blizzard of ’77. I’m sick of looking at those aforementioned snowboots, with chunks of road salt wedged between the treads and stained along the nylon. I wash socks on a biweekly basis. And as far as that pedicure goes: well, let’s just say that my nail beds have seen better days.
Truth be told, there’s a light – proverbial and actual – at the end of this doldrom tunnel. With subscriptions to Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar flooding my mailbox on a monthly basis, I’ve found the cure for Seasonal Affective Disorder in their glossy pages, with displays of Spring 2009 shoe trends scattered about like the flowers that are waiting to bud beneath our venerable tundra.
Jimmy Choo neon green sandals (photo: Net-a-Porter.com)
Brights
Shoes of varying style and height were featured in patent popsicle shades of cherry red, luscious orange and my personal favorite, a warm, lemony yellow, all of which pair especially well with neutral khaki and muted grey. The same shades were also featured in canvas (think back to those espadrilles) and satin.
Robert Clergerie Diane Gladiators (photo: Zappos.com)
Gladiators
Who can resist channeling her inner Cleopatra by rocking a pair of gladiator-style sandals? Flat gladiators pair well with cotton poplin mini dresses and high-waisted shorts, while the trendier heeled variety look especially sultry with sateen pencil skirts.
Details, details, details
Sergio Rossi zip back sandals (Photo: Net-a-porter.com)
Buckles and laces and zippers, oh my! Spring shoes are giving hardware stores a run for their money, with metal embellishments lighting the way on otherwise ordinary footwear. Keep things simple with existing accessories – a plain colored clutch, stud earrings and a bangle or two on the wrist – to balance the bling.
Making the cut
Prada cut out booties (photo: Saks.com)
While I’m not a huge fan, ankle booties with peep toes and other asymmetrical cuts scored big on the runways. I normally pass on trendier pieces, but can envision that such a shoe will work well from spring into summer and even early fall.
Until the thermometer rises, however, I’ll keep my tootsies covered - and my spirits high.
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Saturday, February 21st, 2009 | Gladiators, Peep Toes, Platforms, Tips | No Comments
Underneath it all.
With winter taking its toll on our tired feet, a spa pedicure sure does sound nice. But with the economy taking a toll on our wallets, spending upwards of $60 on perfectly painted toes doesn’t seem so smart. Fear not, recessionistas: a self-pedicure costs little more than an arsenal of supplies, practice - and about an hour of your time. Here’s a “how to,” designed for even the most pampered city slicker, and written by a domestically challenged yet cunningly creative babe on a budget.
After removing polish (any generic acetone remover is fine), I usually start with a scrub for both feet and calves. St. Ive’s apricot scrub, touted as a drugstore wonder weapon, is cheap (a tube costs about $4 and lasts for 6 months) and just grainy enough to get the job done. I use a pumice stone (Mr. Pumice is the best – check your local beauty supply store for a bar, which costs about $5) on any rough patches or calluses, and after rinsing, moisturize well with a heavy cream (anything you use on your hands will do just fine, or if you want something heavy duty, I highly recommend Lush’s Lemony Butter – it’s on the pricier side, but you only need a dab to do the trick. The acidic acid from the heavy dose of citrus will slough any remaining roughness right off). Next, it’s time to work those cuticles - and I’m not talking about Kanye West’s workout plan. Use a wooden cuticle stick (under $5 for a package of 20 at Sephora) to gently push back the excess skin around your nail bed; then, moisture the nail bed with cuticle oil (I prefer Burt’s Bees Repair Care serum, which I also use on my face at night) or olive oil. Lightly buff the tops of the beds with a buffing block (about $1 at Sephora, or just use the fine side of an emery board) with the oil still intact. This is a trick I learned from a manicurist in Boston, who explained that doing so will moisturize the nail bed and help to prevent any cracking or dryness. At this point, you can either clip or file your nails to your desired shape. As a runner, I’ve learned that keeping toenails on the shorter side prevents painful ingrowns from occurring.
Using a dab of rubbing alcohol, wipe off any excess oil or residue that remains on your nails. Doing so will ensure that your base coat will bond completely to the nail bed, which allows for a longer lasting pedicure. I prefer Creative Nail Design’s Sticky ($8 at most high end nail salons) as a base coat. As the name implies, Sticky adheres to both the nail bed and base layer of polish with the tenacity of a bridezilla at a sample sale. It costs a bit more than some base coats, but having a pedicure last an extra week or two is totally worth it. Now the tricky part: the base layer. There are some new, marker-like polishes on the market which I’ve yet to test, but have found that OPI and Essie brushes are easiest to use, with Chanel closely (and expensively) behind. I like OPI’s bolds (Lincoln Park After Dark and Cajun Shrimp are two of my favorite shades), and Essie’s sheers (Ballerina and Futures French are gorgeous), so depending on my mood, will most often pick one from these lines. Like Sticky, both brands cost more than a drugstore polish, but chip less, and are made with higher quality pigments so the color won’t bleed upon removal. Two coats will do just fine – make sure to allow ample time for drying between coats – and finish with a topcoat. OPI’s Chip Skip is a fail-proof formula and dries quickly.
You’re done – almost. Check for mishaps: little dabs of polish that have somehow creeped beyond their allotted borders. (I’ve found swipes of red on my ankles days after a self pedicure – when I say check, I mean really check. The view is different when you’re not sitting in a comfy massaging chair.) Dip a Q-tip or cuticle stick covered in a cotton pad into a small dish of polish remover and dab at any excess polish, careful to not smudge your handiwork. If you’ve got time, let your nails completely dry, and then come back to this step a few hours later.
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a beautiful pair of feet. Wiggle your toes with ecstasy – delight in your newfound thriftiness! And if you’re still not convinced, or, if you just want to treat yourself, check out Princess Nails (Medford, 781-395-2261) or Raini Nails (Andover, 978-623-8048) for reasonably priced-yet-remarkable service.
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Monday, February 2nd, 2009 | Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments
Cobble, cobble.
The warm amber hue caught my eye, and lured me in for a closer look. The pebbled leather was soft to the touch; the wooden stacked stiletto heel was right up my alley. Classic, versatile, and oh-so-cool, I had to have them: the BCBG Paris t-strap Mary Jane pumps. (Never mind the fact that I stole these from my sister’s closet; finder’s keeper’s, I say.)
Off me and my Mary Janes went, prancing down Newbury Street with jeans and a cashmere turtleneck for a Saturday afternoon shopping spree; with espresso-colored tights and pencil skirt to the office; and coyly paired with cigarette pants and a tunic on a Saturday night at the Beehive. Wear and tear - the heel was caught in many a cobblestoned street, the toes stubbed against a gritty subway floor, and their lustrous shine lost its gleam - caught up with my girls, and I knew that the next rendezvous for us would not be Starbucks, but a visit to the neighborhood cobbler with whom I’d trusted so many other pairs of worn shoes over the years.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I typically buy to keep. Even the most jaw dropping pair of $500 Manolos will eventually need a TLC. That’s where the cobbler, a venerable shoe cobbler, comes into play. A cobbler goes beyond polishing a shoe: the good ones can repair broken straps, insert new cushioning, and even replace entire soles and heels entirely. The cost for their services varies; a polish typically runs about $5, whereas a heel replacement (which a pair of suede ankle booties of mine recently underwent) can cost upwards of $30 or more. If you’re buying shoes you plan to keep around for at least a few years, these costs are completely justifiable, or, if you’ve just got a favorite, funky pair that you know you can’t find anywhere else, a cobbler’s services may work wonders for you. I’ll cover details in what sets apart a well-made shoe in another post, but traditionally don’t bring my cheap, “I don’t care if these wind up in the trash in 3 months” kicks in for repair when they kick the can.
Check places like Yelp and the Yellow Pages or a shoe repair shop near you. Somerville and Cambridge ladies take note: Savis Shoe Repair - commonly known as Davis Square Shoe Repair - works wonders on even the most battered of heels.
Girls tend to be brutal on their baby dolls as children - is there any surprise we’re rough on our soles as adult women?
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 | Pumps, Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments
What kind of shoe is Michelle Obama?
With Barack Obama’s inauguration abuzz across virtually every media outlet around the world, everyone wants to know: what will Michelle Obama wear to the inaugural ball? And here, at Sole Envie, we ask: what kind of shoes will our future First Lady dance on?
Michelle has appropriately paid homage to American designers throughout Barack’s entire campaign, from Oscar de la Renta to J. Crew and back, sticking with classic yet stylish looks that complement her famous athletic build and often paired with low-heeled pumps and flats to offset her 5′11″ frame. At last check, the word was mum as to what she’d choose for what will arguably be the biggest social event of 2009, but one assumes that proper care will be placed on such selections while making history. How can a woman, after all, help reach for the stars while standing on solid ground?
I envision her in a gown of sorts, paired with metallic ankle strap sandals - perhaps silver - and with a three inch stiletto heel. American shoe designers have gone the way of the jelly shoe; there are hardly any (well known, at least) to be found. After researching one of my favorite brands, Cole Haan, I learned that not only did it establish its roots in Chicago in the 1920s, but that it’s currently headquarted in Maine (though now a subsidiary of Nike), with a design center in New York City - you can’t get more American than the home of Lady Liberty and fellow shoe fiend Carrie Bradshaw. Perhaps Michelle will pick a pair from Cole Haan’s eponymous G-Series line , which includes actual Nike sole support, to help her dip, tango and twirl her way to the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Or, in the spirit of keeping us on our proverbial toes, perhaps she’ll surprise us, accompanying the change that will serve as the breath of fresh air we’re all in need of.
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
The five F’s of shoe shopping.
When shopping for shoes, there are a plethora of minute decisions a girl makes well before slipping her tootsies into a sole. Consider the following the five F’s - a handful of factors that go into almost every decision I make on a shoe - before your next purchase.
1. Find.
Are you perusing for the perfect pair of camel riding boots (I know I am) with time to spare, or do you have 15 minutes to score some strappy slingbacks for something festive? Time, the luxury with no price tag, can direct where to browse - and where to avoid. Keep mental notes of consistent lines; Aldo, for example, can always be counted on for sparkly and well-heeled party shoes at a reasonable price, and Bloomingdale’s has great after-season sales on the normally pricey Frye line. (Don’t forget to check out your local consignment shop for especially sweet deals on gently worn shoes - I’ve been pleasantly surprised more often than not.)
2. Function.
Clogs may be work well for the weekend, but can they deliver at the office? How often will you really wear lace up gladiator stilettos, aside from that one night with that one dress and those gold hoop earrings that complement them so well? If you’ve got specific shoes for specific tasks, great; some of us (yours truly included) try to get the most bang for our buck. This is, of course, where price starts to come into play. Try to envision a variety of places, people and purposes you can wear your prospective new purchase(s). I buy to keep, rarely choosing seasonal styles that come and go like the wind. And if you’re determined to spend a month’s rent on something outrageous and impractical - all the power to you.
3. Fit.
How well does your shoe fit? Form goes well beyond the scope of heel height. Without sufficient space for your feet to breathe, every pinched nerve, squished toe and misaligned arch will feel that much worse. I recently learned how going a half size up - despite being a coveted 7 for almost ten years - made all the difference.
4. Fabric.
Being high maintenance is not just about more drama for your mama. How far are you willing to go to keep a pair of say, sandals, around for five weeks, five months or five years? Shoes made of satin, while lovely, can make their way to an early grave with an undetected spill of red wine. Quality leather should be polished and moisturized on a regular basis to avoid looking like a South Beach octogenarian. Scuffs, soles, and the tiny rubber pieces that mold to the bottom of even the pointiest stilettos - these all eventually need TLC, even more so if you’re a city slicker constantly on the go. On the plus side, your favorite pair of shoes will remain that way for years to come.
5. Fun.
Bring on the leopard print! And the patent leather in sherbert shades of yellow, pink and orange. Experiment with new styles, colors, designers and heel height. Mix and matching can give even the most lifeless of wardrobes extra oomph. Veering off the straight and narrow can change your look - and, dare I say - change your life.
Above all, be true to yourself - and be confident with each step that you take!
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 | Boots, Flat, Pumps, Sandals, Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments
He has a point!
I recently came across this video clip of On the Street, and feel inclined to share it with my fellow fashionistas.
“Don’t be depressed by the stock market,” says New York Times commentator Bill Cunningham. “You just jump right in and do something imaginative yourself.” His voice, endearing, convinces us like a pat on the head for good behavior that everything will be okay - if the shoe fits.
What do you think? Can a patent platform wedge distract us from shaky geopolitical news that flames off the front page of the newspaper? Will fabulously feathered stilettos (check them out at 1:25) fly us away from the ups and downs of the Dow Jones Industrial Average? Are those boots made for walking, or kicking ass at your next job interview?
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Thursday, December 18th, 2008 | Boots, Celebrity, Uncategorized | No Comments
