Chicago Beauty, a PrettyCity Guide

Spring's chicest nail lacquers dazzle, but it's the season's strappy sandals that really steal the show. Embellished with stones and jewels and available in everything from sky-high stilettos to beach ready flats, this season let your shoes shine.

Spiked and Sparkly

Pair a simple sundress or a pencil skirt and tee with spring's sparkling spikes and you've nailed this season's uniform de rigueur.

We love Via Spiga's "Kathy" pump, a shimmering silver heel adorned with a giant bluish gray stone ($185 at Nordstrom). Perfectly polished toes are the obvious accompaniment but don't overpower these sexy heels with too much color. Opt for Chanel nail lacquer in White Satin, a limited edition hue available wherever Chanel cosmetics are sold ($19).

Pelle Moda's "Raiden" sandal in blue suede boasts stone and crystal adornments in turquoise, cream and tan ($164.95 at endless). Pair these bedazzlers with a basic polish, such as Nubar's Oui Oui French Manicure ($6.99 at bynubar). Best of all, Nubar's long-lasting, fast-drying nail polish collection is free of Formaldehyde and Toluene, chemicals making waves of late for possible health risks.


We also adore Charles David's "Starbright" shoes, strappy gold sandals overflowing with faux gemstones in lavender and azure ($169.95 at endless). These statement sandals look smashing with a dark polish such as OPI's Lincoln Park at Midnight.


We all know applying dark polish is a do-it-yourselfer's nightmare. Instead of streaking through the city streets, get your pedicure perfect at Urban Spa Chic at 1401 W. Hubbard Street, 2nd Floor. Their Seasonal Spa Pedicure costs $48 and first-timers take 20% off the price with the printable Savings Invitation.


Fashionable Flats

Those who prefer shoes with less height and more comfort won't be short on style or sparkle this spring.

Bebe's Snake Strap Sandal ($79 at bebe) features a crystal-studded snake slithering up thin gold straps. Complement these stylish shoes with a metallic polish such as Essie's The Copper Cove.


Not for the faint of wallet, Giuseppe Zanotti's "Ler Paplero" thong is akin to jewelry for your feet ($599 at zappos). With sparkling stone embellishments delicately perched on red patent leather these pricey picks pair perfectly with OPI's Mexico, a true red polish that shouts "fiesta!" Be warned-- after dishing out nearly six-hundred bucks for these puppies, you may have to celebrate at home.


Apepazza's "Etiopia" sandal is a delicate and feminine take on the ultra-hip gladiator sandal ($163.95 at endless). Featuring fabric ankle straps, the antique white sandal is ornamented with rhinestones and ribbons. Finish the look with toe nails polished in Zoya's Dulcinea, a warm, frosty pink that serves up lady-like luster ($6 at artofbeauty).


Before you rush off into the sunset, head to Channing's Day Spa at 54 E Oak Street and book their On-the-Go Pedicure. This $35 treatment is all toes need to look perfectly polished in the season's sparkling spikes and sandals. Plus, take 20% off the price of any first time service with the printable Savings Invitation.





Questions? Comments? Email us: spagirl@chicagobeauty.com