pedicure

Spring is the best time to show off your perfect pedicure (especially after toes have been hidden all Winter!), but when you're strutting around in open toe heels or barefoot on the beach, there's nothing protecting your toes from scuffs. But more importantly, getting chipped polish halfway through a night out or even a day in the office is really annoying! So what's the trick for a pedicure that will last all weekend and right through the next couple?

A gel pedicure. That's right, the mini-miracle manicure isn't just for your fingernails. Shiny and impervious to chips, it's the set-it-and-forget-it way to keep your pedicure looking perfect. In fact, we think you'll love it so much, you'll keep doing it through Winter next year! And since it dries instantly, you can get a pedicure and throw your boots back on. Genius.

PS — Those feet belong to Olivia Palermo. Footspiration?!

As Spring approaches, it's time to give your feet some start-of-sandal-season love and care. So before you bust out those new neon flats you've been dying to wear, follow these simple steps to say sayonara to cracked, aching feet for good.

Pull Off Flawless Feet

1. The skin on your soles is thicker than the rest of your body due to heavy use (it has to stand up to your heel-wearing and foot-stomping ways, after all). That's why you'll want to soak your feet in a warm bath for at least five minutes to soften them thoroughly. You can even add an oil or milk to your soaking tub to increase the softness. In addition, an antiseptic essential oil (like tea tree or peppermint) can help to combat minor infections.
2. Next, scrub the feet with a grainy exfoliator, such as a DIY mix of honey, olive oil, and coarse salt (or brown sugar).
3. Rinse the feet and follow by using a wet pumice stone to smooth over rough heels and calluses. Don't apply too much pressure, though. It will take time to get rid of chapped patches completely.
4. If there are extra rough spots, try spot treating with salicylic or citric acid (lemon juice also works well as a DIY remedy).
5. To finish, slather feet with foot cream, like L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream ($39), and put on socks to seal in moisture. Repeat the entire process weekly to maintain.

Whether it's thongs or busting out those cute new heels, blisters are likely to happen this Summer. But with them being on display 24/7, gnarly feet are just not an option. Blisters are caused by friction, so the key is to prevent your shoes from rubbing against your feet. While it's practically impossible to keep your shoes from touching your skin, you can follow a few different methods to create a thin barrier between you and your shoes . . .

First thing's first; wear shoes that fit. Yes, we know about the gorgeous Louboutins on Shopbob but if they're not your size, they're not a steal. Anything too loose or too tight is just asking for it.

Lots of anti-blister products contain cushions or gel pads to put a serious block between you and your shoes. As an added bonus, all of these products can also be worn over pre-existing blisters. We always keep Elastoplast Large Blister Plasters (from $8.78) in our clutch.

When in a pinch, apply a touch of Vaseline, Lucas Papaw or Lanolips to problem areas, this can help stop the shoe from rubbing and put a stop to blistering.

Umm, what's not to love about 130 shops — all under one seriously stylin' roof — throwing open their doors today. Quite. Fab and I have just returned from the opening of Westfield Sydney and let me tell you, you need to get yourself there FAST, girl. Like NOW. Stat.

It's totally ah-mazing and everything you could ever, ever wish for. I'm most excited about Diane von Furstenberg I have to say, 'specially because the über designer is launching her own makeup line which I am PUMPED about. We all know how hard I fell for that glorious hot pink lip this Spring. To. Die. For.

Also catching my eye was Miu Miu, which hasn't opened just yet, but the windows are emblazoned with the drop dead gorgeous Lindsey Wixson all green eyeshadow-ed to the max. Seriously I have got to get me some green shadow. It's the bomb. And then there was the beaut-iful Samantha Harris getting her makeup re-touched before the snappers swarmed on her — there are heaps of cool Fashion Week snaps of her and Abbey Lee along the walls. LOVE.

Beauty stores open now include: Napoleon Perdis, L'Occitane and Jurlique

Salon services available at: Hair Artistry, Fresh Nails, Waxing Divas, Ella Rouge Beauty, Golden Beauty & Nails and Skytower Massage. Because y'know, after all that shopping, you will need a massage. And maybe a pedi.

The models walking the runway at Sonia Rykiel Spring 2011 had a very wearable look according to the hair and makeup teams, with lead stylist Guido Palau saying if you're willing to put in the hard yards of volumising required for this look — think thickening lotions, texturising products and ringlet creation — then it isn't out of your league. The '70s style was teamed with a '70s makeup palette that Charlotte Tilbury was behind: matte magenta lips (that according to the powders and paints lady works on ALL eye colours), a ruddy brown eye and slightly radiant skin. While I'd totes steal the makeup look, the hair I'm less convinced about. I love it an' all, but . . . And before we go, let's talk toes. See that tangerine shade on the tootsies? It's officially the colour of Spring and complements a plain mani perfectly. LOVE. Don't you?

Editor’s note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. This week Rachel reveals the simplest way to pamper yourself . . .

When life gets hectic — let's be honest, when is it not? — there are few things more rewarding and relaxing than a blissful pedicure. So today I am asking every woman to take a break from work, play and catering to the needs of others, even if it is just for 30 minutes, to give your feet some much-deserved attention! If you don't have time to get away to the spa, no need to worry, because I have gathered some seriously amahzing at-home treatments for you to indulge in. OPI's latest soak scrub, Ginger + Liz's new gorgeous gold polish, and more for your pampering pleasure. Now get your polish on and don't forget the final step of every pedi is to slip on your favourite pair of open-toe summer shoes! xoRZ