I was none too pleased with Mother Nature this morning when I awoke to 46 degrees. That may be balmy for some places, but for this part of California at this time of year, that sh*z is cold, dude! I wanted to grab my sandals and take Tabs out for a walk, but my exposed toes protested somethin’ fierce. Sure, I prefer sandals to socks, but not when it’s cold!
The end of sandal season means toes everywhere are again being oppressed (haha!) by socks, boots and various other forms of winter footwear. It begs the question — when your toes go into hiding, do your pedicures fall by the wayside?
I still like to keep mine painted and primped, because if I don’t, I develop what El Hub refers to as “monkey feet,” on account of my freakishly long toes and uncanny toe dexterity.
But sometimes I do think about skipping my pedis in fall and winter… I mean, why bother to paint if no one’s gonna see your feet? Why not just save that time and energy for more important cold weather activities…like roasting chestnuts over open fires and whatnot? 🙂
Loading ...Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I’m stuck. I always want to do it, but I also think that the winter is the perfect time for nails to “take a break” and go paint-free. It’s just kind of hard to see them without any color!
I hear ya, Tamara! I’m totally not used to seeing my toes without color!
I live in Hawaii… We have no real seasons. :\
Funny you should say that… I was talking to my mum-in-law yesterday and she said the same exact thing!
it makes me feel pretty! Plus my husband likes it 😉
Aww, that’s cute! 🙂
Absolutely! I love to paint my toenails in really bright colours – something to cheer me up and remind me of summer when I take off my shoes!
There’s nothing like summer brights in the middle of winter. 🙂 What colors are your faves, Miss Emmi?
HAH. No. I live in Scotland. We barely take our socks off during the summer, so during the winter (especially since I’m back in singleness/tude) I don’t bother with nail polish or even shaving..
Wow. So I take it flip-flops aren’t very popular out there?
Um yes, but not by me! For some reason plenty of people don’t mind flip-flops in the rain, but I’m always cold and wet feet makes it worse. That’s where people spot I’m not a local! 😀
Ya know, I don’t mind it so much if it’s a warm, wet place like Hawaii, but I can’t imagine flip flops in cold, wet weather. Just the thought of it gives me the chills…
I paint my toes year round. I figure, I see them even if no one else does, and I like to see them painted pretty colors 🙂
Yeah, that’s one of the reasons I like to keep my pedi up… the colors make me so happy!
I do, but I tend to go longer between pedis in the winter, than I do the summer. I think it has to do more with my footwear choice (sandals and flips) and exposure, but I try to do a pedi every 2 weeks between April and September and I can go a month or more during the winter months.
Hi DonnaN,
What shade are you rockin’ right now?
My toes are in China Glaze’s WATERMELON RIND, but they’re starting to look a bit ragged—thank god for cooler weather….and SOCKS!!
I’ve already decided that my next color will be OPI’s LIGHT MY SAPPHIRE.
One question, do you do your own Pedi’s or do you go to a Salon? Myself, I only do SALON, because between the scrubbin’ and pampering (plus the CHAIR) it’s HEAVEN for an hour!!
I never bothered to paint my toenails in winter. If no one’s gonna see my feets then I don’t see why I should paint them lol.
LOL, Gio!
not really… if im really down in the dumps i get a pedicure as a treat in winter, but otherwise, not until my end- of- winter pedi- my feet are screaming for it by then!
Hi Mill,
And a what a nice winter treat it is! 🙂
I try to get pedicures in the winter occasionally, just to keep my heels and feet from getting too gross — which is easier to do with all the dry heat inside, and walking around in boots, etc. But more often than not I won’t bother with colors if I do so, just to save some time. I’m all about the great manicure in the winter, then it’s back to cool pedi colors in the spring :).
Hi Faye,
Kind of off topic, but do you plan on doing any beauty shopping on your upcoming trip?
oddly enough im more religious about painting my toes in the winter : i find that the sight of gaily painted toes cheer me up! 🙂 plus – the reds, plums and dark greens/blues — so hard to resist! 🙂
Oh yah! The dark winter shades are very cool!
i <3 dark green polish on my tootsies! 🙂
I agree! After a cold and rainy winter day, it’s so nice to see lovely colors peering back at me from the warm shower floor!
As a Canadian, I’m laughing a little at the thought of Californian “winter footwear.” What is that, exactly?? 😉
LOL… yeah, it’s pretty lame. It doesn’t get *that* cold out here in the grand scheme of things. But it’s usually boots, Uggs, fake Uggs, rainboots, that kinda thing. Northern California/Bay Area is colder than places like Los Angeles.
I got my winter boots out a few days ago because we got our first snowfall. Right now we’re just below freezing, but it will get colder and colder. Sadly, there is no way to look fashionable in -40! And if you ever come across a mascara that doesn’t smear after your eyelashes freeze together and then thaw, let me know!
Nope, I don’t paint my toes in the winter. I’m in socks and shoes all the time so I rarely see my own feet! I like to get a pedicure to start off the warm weather season and after that I usually paint my toes myself.
Is it cold out your way, Ruchita?
I live in Ohio, so the winters can get quite cold. So far, October has had some warm days but it’s starting to get pretty chilly at night.
I’m one of those people that gets cold easily, so you might find me hanging around the house in the summer with a blanket. 🙂
Okay, don’t laugh, but I actually keep a blanket in my car. When it’s winter I wrap it around me and wear it when I’m driving, LOL!
I live in Norway – I’m lucky to be able to wear sandals for a week in Summer, maybe and shoes without socks for a good two months or more. The rest of the year I wear sneakers, wedge heel pumps, boots or winter boots, so my toe nails are never painted.
There seem to be a lot of cold-weather babes up in here. You gals are officially my heroes.
I sure do! What are you going to say when you unveil in front of someone and you have your hand nails black and your toes abandoned? :PPPP
LOL, I’ve actually thought about that. I’m sure they’d make some sort of comment about my feet resemble monkey toes…
Always always painted 🙂
What color are they now, Anna?
I live in Houston so one day it may be 30 degrees and then the next it may be 80 degrees! I keep my toes ready at all times, lol.
There are a few Houston-ions up in here! I’ve heard you guys have some crazy weather!
heyyy !!! isnt today’s weather craycray? looks like rain but the sun is shining all at the same time. 😀
LOL, Texas is in the house!
Still wearing open toed shoes for parties, so yes!
Yes! Love the open toed shoes. 🙂
i do! so i can wear supercute peeptoes!!!
i usually do my own pedis in the winter though to save money!
just-jillian xoxo
http://just-jillian.blogspot.com
I like doing my own pedicures too. My mom got a nasty infection at a nail shop a few years ago and that pretty much turned me off of nail salons.
I do paint them in the winter but not as often. I can have fun with colors that aren’t work appropriate. I tend to be barefoot in my apartment so I figure I see them plenty. I do keep up with the rest of the pedicure process even if not painting my toes so that the cold, dry air doesn’t destry my feet. Plus, it feels good.
Ooh! Do you know what totally takes the at-home pedi to the next level? A foot bath thingy — you know, one of the gadgets that you can plug in and it creates bubbles and massages your feet. I have one and don’t use it nearly enough.
One of those whirlpool things would be awesome. Sometimes I use those fizzy bath bombs in the tub when I do my pedicure.
I’m with Advah on this one- not only do the toes suffer, but between jeans and tights, shaving suffers as well. Although not because I’m in singleness mode! I’m married! My poor husband. I never let it get too bad! Just a little stubbly. No legbeard. This feels like a mega-overshare.
Hahaha, not it totally isn’t. A few years ago I let my leg hairs get so long you could’ve braided it. For real though.
But Karen, it’s boot season!!! Which makes the colder weather some-what worth it!
I do like to keep my feet painted year round as well. I think it looks pretty, and my husband sees my feet, and I still wear peep-toe shoes in my office. Plus it forces me to give myself a pedicure- which is self love 🙂
Maybe this is the universe’s way of telling me I should buy more boots? 😀
I always keep my toes painted 🙂 Then again, I live in FL and hate it when it’s below 50. I just like to keep my toes painted year round because the colors can be cheerful.
LOL, yeah, I’m the same way. The minute the temps go in the 40s I’m not leaving the house, LOL!
I paint my once before the snow sets in and maybe once more if I get bored with my toes. Even though I live in Toronto, I often see many women wearing open toe shoes in the middle of January, and they all have painted toenails. Black seems to be a popular colour for them but then again, that just might be frostbite!
Are you serious? I can’t imagine going out in the snow with exposed feet in January! I guess those ladies are made to handle the snow.
I am totally serious! And it’s not like it’s New Years Eve and they want to dress up. They are going to work like that. I guess they value the look over their own comfort. To each her own!
Yeah, I’m all about whatever floats your boat… and my boat happens to float on being warm, LOL!
They must have some seriously sturdy feet though, damn!
Reminds me of the movie: waydowntown.
If you’ve never seen it, and you like quirky movies, netflix it stat!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0219405/
Set in Toronto, a group of young employees bet a month’s salary, winner takes all, on who can last the longest without going outside.
That looks funny! Going in the queue, woo hoo!
Ahahahaha. It’s already 19 degrees (F) in Edmonton, so “nay” on the painting of the toes! The only time I ever see my toes is in the shower :p
WOW that’s cold.
my toes are always done, but that’s just because I love pedicures and seeing them with polish on. I’m always in flats in the summer anyway, STILL barely see my toes out but they are always done, lol. I like my little piggies, just seem to always have them covered :-/ hmmm, need more sandals next summer
Sandals are your friend! I can’t live without ’em when the weather’s warm.
I confess. Not really! Every now and again I do but its easier to skip this task since my feet will never see the light of day!
I’m a total slacker on the winter toe polishing (though I do make sure my calluses and toe hair are kept in check)! I will admit to not shaving my legs every day either, while we’re confessing. 🙂
LOL… thank you for reminding me about toe hair. Mine need some serious tending. 🙂
No prob – we gals have to stick together on the hair front! 🙂
So, this is probably TMI but I actually found hair on the TOP of my feet. I really am turning into monkey toes girl.
Hi Karen,
You know, I was just talking about this with a friend of mine yesterday. I do not normally paint my toes in fall/winter, since I’m not wearing open-toe shoes or flip-flops and such.
But I’m starting an aquagym course at my gym tomorrow so I thiought it could be cool to have my toes painted. And I’m wearing an Essence polish (one that’s specifically for toes, how cool is that?!) in a fuchsia shade LOL
Hi Eleonora,
Ooh, gurl! You’ve got to have your toes done if you’re hitting the water! They give you something nice to look at when you look down. 🙂
Have fun at your class tomorrow! Is it like water aerobics?
Definitely polish my toes in the wintertime. I’ve done it for so long that my toes look strange to me with no polish on them! I’m in Indiana and after our massive thunderstorms yesterday, I am happy to be wearing sandals to work today, although I won’t be able to do that tomorrow or the rest of the week. It will be down in the 30’s tonight and a high of only 50 tomorrow. Yuck!
Hi Susan,
Funny you should mention Indiana and thunderstorms… I’m reading a young adult book right now about a girl who lives in Indiana, gets struck by lightning and develops psychic powers! It’s called Vanished and it’s pretty good.
Anywho, our clear weather is rapidly going to pot. It’s overcast now and looks like it’s about to pour.
i dont go get pedis but i will polish them from time to time.
Hi Antithesis,
What are your fave pedi colors? Right now I’m going through a purple phase.
I try to give my toes breathing space but I still can’t break the habit of painting my toe nails. I don’t do it as often and I try to go prolonged periods of time without polish on, but I still can’t help myself. Plus, in California, winter really isn’t that long, so I don’t mind too much.
Hi Coral,
Hello from one California girl to another! Whereabouts are you from? I’m in the North Bay Area.
If you had asked me that question a year ago, it would have been a flat-out no. Just because I wasn’t as in to nail polish as I am now. But this winter? Yep, I am. I already know in advance. 😉
Why? Because it’s fun.
Hi Trisha,
Wow, so I didn’t realize that you were a recent polish convert. What made you change your mind?
I honestly have no idea. One day I just always wanted to wear polish. Now if I could only do that about exercising…
I keep mine polished but I may go longer in between. I think polished toes are like matching underwear. It’s for me, not anyone else so it doesn’t matter if anyone else sees them. And, like others have mentioned, it cheers me up during the dark cold winter months!
Hi Sara,
That’s a nice comparison. I get a kick out of matching drawers, too, but don’t do it nearly as often as I should.
We have to remember to treat ourselves! 🙂
oh gosh YES! i really can’t wake up in the morning knowing my toes are not done. i’m not high maintenance at all but the toes have to be done! i just don’t like my neekkked toes, lol!
LOL, I know what you mean. When I look at mine and they’re bare I think, WHOA!
I don’t really, I just can’t be bothered. I keep them clean and trimmed but rarely paint them. Hubby doesn’t care, his eyes barely ever make t past my boobs anyway, lol.
Are those your feet Karen? The look like mine. I have odd long toes too
Hi Katrina,
LOL regarding the boobs. Guys have a one track mind!
And I wish that was my fireplace and my feet! My toes are (yikes) even longer. 🙂
Nah, I don’t bother since I live in Chicago and my toes never see the light of day from October-April! 😀
Ha ha! Where you guys live is COLD. I so could not hang!
What’s the weather like out there today?
Honey my toes are always in top shape!
I definitely keep my toes painted in the winter, but it’s a quandry for me. I love the idea of letting them breathe after constantly keeping them polished for months. I take it off and if I’m lucky last a day or two before I can’t stand it anymore. They are stained from all the polishing and I can’t make it long enough to let it wear off. I just paint them so I don’t have to look at it anymore!
I keep my toes painted in the winter. I live in the south and I remember wearing shorts one year for christmas! I never really know what day could be a flip flop day so I just keep them painted.
I rarely paint my toes , I always keep them french
We’re used to 46 degree weather here in Washington, and no amount of cold keeps my tooties from being painted. 🙂
Hi Kimberly,
Are you from Washington state? We’re practically neighbors.
Yep, we live in Western WA, across the Puget Sound from Seattle.
Oh wow! I’ve actually been all over that area. My mom has friends who live up in Puget Sound and we’d go there in the summer when I was a kid. 🙂
It’s a small world after all! 🙂 Yeah, if you took a ferry from Seattle across the Sound, then you’ve likely seen some of the areas where I’ve lived (or live currently). If you ever make it back up here, drinks are on me! 🙂
By the way, I saw on Twitter that you hail from/near San Francisco. My husband has relatives in Benicia and Sacramento.
I was just wondering the same thing!
I always keep my toes painted during the winter, because who knows when they might make an appearance! I do have to confess though that I tend to skip the matching mani and pedi in the winter (it’s a must in the summer)to a different color on my nails and toes. I also tend to go longer in between switching the colors as well, because where I am from I don’t want to have to take my toes out in the negative temps!