FASHION Magazine

Mani/pedi Mania

Posted on August 13, 2007

When the sidewalk begins to sizzle in the summer heat, lovelies dutifully don their open-toed sandals and officially “out” their fashionable feet. These 10 luscious lollipops run up stairs, leap over puddles and tap impatiently while standing in line for a latte. The latest slick lacquers range from pretty in pink to beach babe coral to dark and dramatic.

Like anything else, a woman’s polish colour is based on the many variables in her life: mood, men and even makeup. My Psychology 101 textbook categorizes me as having a split personality, since I tend to jump between a demure pink from OPI called “Sweet Heart” and the muy caliente red from SpaRitual called “Hunk of Burnin’ Love.” But whether we classify it under fashion or Freudian theory, there is no denying that a fresh coat of paint spices up any beauty-bound bunny.

Ahh…the spa. Spas are to women what sporting events are to men—a place to relax and kick back with friends. With the recent rise of the so-called metrosexual, however, a well-groomed guy is no longer an urban myth but rather the ideal man for women in search of a polished professional. (Kind of gives a whole new meaning to “here comes the groom.”) But regardless of the beauty battle between the sexes, nothing evokes a little dual-action delight than a mani/pedi combo.

Recently, the hottest hands and trendiest toes in Toronto celebrated the one-year anniversary of Ten Spot Nail Bar. Located in the heart of hipster land (749 Queen St. W., 416-915-1010, 10spot.ca), Ten Spot offers everything from nails to waxing to facials and is open seven days a week. Hint: The word on the street—and in our office—is that the Brazilian wax is legendary. Each manicure bar seats eight, so guests can gab while cuticles are transformed from frayed to flawless. Choose from a wide range of haute hues from OPI and the vegan SpaRitual line. All manicures and pedicures feature products from the Canadian beauty product line, Cake. The tongue-in-cheek spa menu includes sassy services such as the Quickie (which starts at $20), and the Sunday Hangover Hook-up, which includes a pedicure and a free continental breakfast.

With fall’s ankle boots still a hop, skip and a jump away—and despite the fact that I am counting down the days until the glossy black Christian Louboutins will be happily on my feet—we need to embrace the remaining sweet days of summer and give our open-toed sandals (and our perfect pedicures) a little more air time. After all, your eyes may be the window to your soul, but your soles are the window to your style.

View Sarah's Ten Spot photos.

Categories: Girl About Town