The finishing touches …… to those toes.

If you’re looking to get your own home foot spa going then we have tried some fabulous products all in the name of research and testing ……

So no excuses for bad feet this summer – time to flex your toes and get them out of hibernation.

La Source Effervescent Sea Foam Foot Soak 5 x 30g £10.00 (crabtree-evelyn.co.uk)

Just love these small “crumbs” which fizz when you shake into warm water , they are packed with conditioning Spirulina and laminaria seaweed which condition and relax and moisturise your feet – the scent is heavenly you really do think you’re at a spa- plus they are the perfect anecdote to a hard day on your feet – soak and relax.

La Source Extreme Foot Therapy £24.00 (crabtree-evelyn.co.uk)

After soaking your feet and removing the hard skin and callouses then rub this into your feet , between the toes and all over your hard skin points like the heels and ball of foot – the cream soaks in easily and leaves feet feeling soft and moisturised – has a wonderful pleasant scent – it has a blend of seaweed extract , emollient oils and natural rice flour – we love this cream.

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream £16.00 (timetospa.co.uk)

This is a wonderfully luxurious emollient cream which is packed with shea butter and jojoba oil, it is also infused with a blend of aromatic patchouli, eucalyptus, and lemon oils to help soothe and comfort – our tester described this as “putting liquid cashmere on my feet, it left them soft and silky with a glistening sheen” it also keep the hard skin softer – this has been a big hit with us.

Sea Spa Foot Cream £20.00 (repechageuk.com)

I had never heard of this brand before and we got a sample and let me say it’s been a huge hit – the scent alone ticked all my boxes fresh and comforting , it also cooled and conditioned my feet – it is packed with some great ingredient from extracts from Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Laminaria Digitata Seaweed, Horse Chestnut, Lemon, Rosemary, Coriander and both Peppermint and Spearmint Oils combine to create an outstandingly effective and nourishing foot cream – to me besides the conditioning I love the cooling effect and this does both – I would love to try more from their ranges as this product is amazing.

Kneipp Foot Balm Calendula £8.94 (musthave.co.uk)

We gave a sample of this to my mother who has by her own admission awful feet – she must be an expert on every foot cream, cure all known to man so she is a tough judge – she loves this – she found it very soothing, it moisturizes, reconditioning, softening, plus has antibacterial and deodorizing properties which as we know are great for the summer months – this cream soaks in and leaves feet soft not sticky – it gets very high marks from us.

Badger Foot Balm £6.99 (lovelula.com)

This comes in a tin – it’s a yellow - gold thick wax and you just rub your fingers across the tin and then we warmed the waxy cream up on our fingers and worked into our heels and feet – the scent is very strong and as a side effect drove the dog mad – it’s peppermint, Tea Tree and Rosemary Oils plus Organic Extra Virgin Olive and Jojoba Oils along with Golden Yellow Beeswax, so not only conditioning and hydrating your hard skin areas but also anti-bacterial and deodorising – we love this – it’s a great brand and the other plus point you can keep this in your hand bag and freshen your feet up during the day – we have no idea what attracts our dog !

 Arnicare cooling gel £4.65 (nelsonsnaturalworld.com)

This is perfect for having in the handbag or to hand at the end of the day – rub this in and your feet will be instantly revived , packed with lots of healing properties from grapefruit oil and menthol plus the benefits of arnica – the clear gel soaks in instantly and leaves your feel refreshed and cooled – I’m addicted.

La Source Reviving Foot and Leg Mist £10.00 (crabtree-evelyn.co.uk)

This will now be in my handbag forever all summer – it’s a fabulous it has the most zinging clean fresh scent – you spray on your feet and legs and they instantly feel revived – no need to rub in and yes I did spray through my hosiery and perfect – it’s got peppermint oil and cooling menthol – so it refreshes and cools and also deodorises your feet – so perfect for hot sweaty days or if your off out after work and you need to freshen up …. Love this.

Carnation Footcare Virtual Podiatrist (podiatrist.carnationfootcare.co.uk)

You literally click on the button and then the screen comes up with a foot covering the whole of the foot you click on the area your troubled with and they off a solution from creams to help cracked heels to specialist plasters for blisters to corn caps …….. so with a few clicks all your bits diagnosed.

Final note for the only cure we know and trust here at Mrs.D for the dreaded Athletes Foot

Lamisil Once 1% cutaneous solution £7.90 (boots.com)

if your plagued by the dreaded Athletes Foot then buy this -  this contains an active ingredient – now break the habit of a lifetime and read the instructions fully before you apply as you have to follow a certain showering – applying – keeping feet dry routine – this works and will clear up that awful continuous cycle of infection. 

Five footwear looks from Mint Velvet …..

As we continue the Mint Velvet love in I thought it would be remiss if I didn’t show their wonderful range of footwear which has just landed and let me say from personal experience , not just fabulous looking but also very comfortable …….. So get hitting the credit card now as with all good things they disappear fast.

Stone Patent Pumps £99.00 (mintvelvet.co.uk)

For a staple to add to your footwear collection, choose these nude patent heeled pumps- finished off with a tan contrast trim and peep toe detailing, these are a must have for spring- Heel height 4"- sized 4 to 7.

Red Leather Wedges £99.00 (mintvelvet.co.uk)

Mint Velvet  have combined two of the biggest trends for summer, the wedge and a bright colour- these sandals come with flattering strap detailing and a sling back with adjuster, these will be a great addition to your shoe collection- Heel height 4" – sized 4 to 7.

Tan Suede Strap Sandals £99.00 (mintvelvet.co.uk)

Build your new-season wardrobe from the ground up with these tan suede strap sandals, with a comfortable mid heel and a zip at the back to make putting on easy, you can wear these all day long-Heel height 3.75" – sized 4 to 7

Tan Leather Wedges £99.00 (mintvelvet.co.uk)

Add a versatile shoe to your collection with these tan leather & wooden sling backs. In the softest buttery leather, and with chic brushed gold studding wear these comfortable wedges all day. Heel height 4.5" – sized 4 to 7

Blue Suede Espadrilles £89.00 (mintvelvet.co.uk)

Step into summer with some colour in these blue and tan suede espadrilles. With a comfortable sling back and mid-height wedge these will make a fab every day shoe. Heel height 3.5"- sized 4 to 7

Five work shirts or something different every day of the week ……….

Thomas Pink is my main place to go when looking for work wear shirts as they are a fabulous fit, lots of great variations and they always look spot on in any work situation – you’re never going bust out at the wrong moment or have to tug the blouse down or find if you lift your arm your suddenly showing masses of flesh or in my case some muffins!

They have just had some great blouses in which work with everyone’s wardrobe and will give a real lift to your work wardrobe.

Shelley Shirt £175.00 (thomaspink.com)

The Shelley has small Button cuff on the gathered cuff with a standard collar and plunge neck and a double ruffle on placket- made from 92% silk, 8% Elastane and sized 4 to 20.

Buick Shirt £175.00 (thomaspink.com)

The Buick in a pale grey features heavy double washed silk satin , with button cuffs and gathers and frill detail on the back of the sleeves , plunge neck ruffle collar and a wrap placket – made from 100% silk – sized 4 to 20

Lake Shirt £175.00 (thomaspink.com)

. The Lake is a striking red shirt in sand washed Crepe de Chine, in a relaxed fit with button cuffs and is gathered at the yoke and cuff – with a deep pussy cat bow finish – made from 100% silk and sized 4 to 18

Beach Shirt £175.00 (thomaspink.com)

The Beach is a very versatile blouse in  Crepe de Chine silk , a relaxed fit with a pussy bow collar , gold feature buttons and button detailing on the breast pockets and cuff  - made from 100% Silk and sized 4 to 20

Cadillac Plain Top £150.00 (thomaspink.com)

The Cadillac Plain is a very easy to wear and very flattering blouse for anyone with a cowl neckline and  long button cuffs made from silk satin georgette - 100% Silk and sized 4 to 22.

Foot files…….

In my mind one of the most effective ways of removing hard skin and callouses , there are a number of files about which work on either damp skin or dry – apparently the best time to attack dry skin on your feet is when you wake up before getting in the shower.

If you wear high heels all the time you’re just repeatedly filing to keep the hard skin under control so you might as well got one which makes it easy to control the hard skin …

As a lifelong heel wearer I feel I could go on Mastermind talking about foot files – these are our top favourites…..

Pedi Pro Deluxe £19.99 (jmldirect.com)

This is amazing – we got this as a sample and there have been fights over this – first off you need batteries (which are not included) – it comes in a fabric bag – it is very easy to ensemble – first off you have the exfoliator disc which takes off the dry skin on your heels and foot and then you have a buffing pad which then smoothes the skin after you have taken off the dead skin , it’s easy to hold and light , the rounded end fits into your hand and you can see the skin coming off as you work.

Alida Beauty Heroes Foot File £12.00 (next.co.uk)

This is for use on damp feet so after a bath/ shower or soaking feet – this really does rake off the hard skin – it is slightly curved too easy to handle and the handle is rubberised so non slip – this certainly lives up to its name of “Beauty Hero” it chomped through the hard skin on our tester –this can be washed but do dry properly - it is part of a wider range all for sale at Next and House of Fraser.

Tools That Assist Foot File £10.50 (johnlewis.com)

This again is best used after you have soaked your feet or your daily bath/ shower – it really attacks the hard skin on your feet and heels – easy to hold and can be washed after use – do dry properly.

Ped Egg £9.99 (jmldirect.com)

If you haven’t used this or tried it where have you been under a rock – this is amazing it’s so easy to hold in the ball of hand and all the dead skin is caught in the cup of the egg – it’s easy to clean and after you have taken off the dead skin you then put the egg together and used the underside of the egg to sand down the filed skin so it’s left smooth – we love the Ped Egg and everyone who has used this waxes lyrical so what are you waiting for ?

Boots Pharmaceuticals Smoothing Foot File £4.09 (boots.com)

Great for using on dry hard skin – I have used this in the morning when I’m in a rush and just need to give my feet the once over before I put my sandals on.

Boots Gorgeous Feet Fantastic Foot File £3.99 (boots.com)

My daughter swears by this as she battles with hard skin best used on damp feet after a shower or bath or you have soaked them.

Dog time ………..

Did you know Radley now do watches – I didn’t until I saw some in an advert in my side bar – no idea they had added watches to their range but they do compliment the brand so a natural extension……

So here are some of the watches from the Radley range ……

Stone Set Bezel Dial £135.00 (radley.co.uk)

This rose gold-tone vintage-inspired watch features a circular dial, sparkling diamantes around the face, a chain strap with pink leather intertwined and a clasp fastening.

Stainless Steel £135.00 (radley.co.uk)

This metal watch has a feminine and intricate design with its rose-gold coloured strap, making it the perfect accessory for any outfit.  The watch features a metal link strap, Radley brand detailing and a clasp fastening.

Charm Bracelet Watch £100.00 (Radley.co.uk)

Is it a bracelet or a watch you ask? It is in fact both! This stylish watch is the perfect accessory to show off your creative style. You could even turn this pretty piece into a bag charm by hanging it around the strap of your Radley bag. This watch features thin leather strips, a plaited leather strap, chunky tassels, a leaping Radley dog charm and a watch dial which hangs off the strap like a charm.

Silver Expanding Bracelet Watch £90.00 (radley.co.uk)

You will be investing in timeless style when you buy a Radley watch! The thin mesh strap makes this watch perfect to suit everyone, no matter what their style. This watch features a silver-tone bezel, hourly indexes, a three hand analogue and Radley brand detailing to the face.

Gold Plate Dial Watch £85.00 (radley.co.uk)

You will fall instantly in love with the simple look of this Radley leather watch. The delicate feminine design exudes elegance while the classic circle face keeps the look contemporary. This watch features a leather strap, gold-tone casing, hourly indexes, brand detailing to the face and embossed dogs on the underside of the leather strap with a pin and buckle fastening.

Circus Print Dial Watch £65.00 (Radley.co.uk)

This watch features an exclusive V&A ‘Circus Dog’ print, which was discovered by the Radley design team in the museum archives. This watch features a leather strap, with a large round dial, silver coloured markings to the face, stainless steel back and a classic metal pin buckle closure. The underside of the leather strap is embossed with leaping Radley dogs.

Parisian weekends look ….

Mint Velvet our favourite smart casual brand has some great navy and white looks and this Parisian range is filled with easy casual clothes and some great smart pieces which all pull together and blend into your wardrobe or you can build new outfits ….

We are still on the whole navy and white/ ivory crisp spring summer look and love this top and trousers from Mint Velvet – perfect for weekends or smart causal work days…….

Navy and Ivory Batwing Tee £39.00 (mintvelvet.co.uk)

Look effortless in this simple, yet striking stripe tee. With flattering batwing sleeves and a waist panel which will make your waist look smaller, wear with navy or ivory cropped trousers- made from Viscose 95.0%, Elastane 5.0% and sized 12 to 16

Navy Zip Detail Cropped Trousers £69.00 (mintvelvet.co.uk)

Slim legs are the favoured trouser shape for spring. These ankle length trousers are a go with everything and look great with both flats and heels. They have zip detailing all the way down the side which will add an edge to your look- made from Cotton 97.0%, Elastane 3.0% and sized 8 to 18.

Neutral and Black Leather Pumps £89.00 (mintvelvet.co.uk)

You always need a flat ballet pump and this is an ideal choice. In neutral quilted leather with black trimming, team these with skinny denim for a Parisian feel- these are exclusive to the web – sized 4 to 7

Suuna Arabella Sunglasses £39.00 (mintvelvet.co.uk)

These black SUUNA sunglasses are an effortless way to define pared-back looks. These are 100% UV protective.

The short of it ……….

I love it when people have struggled to find a product just follow their instinct and go off and do it themselves – they throw caution to the wind and design and build etc and Hayley Chalmers is one of those people – in the middle of a recession she has decided to develop a great capsule wardrobe of work wear for petit ladies – Short Couture.

Work wear is the one area of the wardrobe which should be invested in as it’s our daily uniform but let’s face it easier to let the credit card do some damage on going out or weekend wear – but having the right, easy capsule work wear takes all the drama out of the mornings and you can just get up and go – I love dresses as they can be dressed up and just ring the changes with scarves and jewellery – Short Couture has three great dresses which are perfect for the transition from winter to spring.

So if you’re a petit looking for something to wear or build your wardrobe basics then these three dresses from Hayley are perfect.

Petite Purple Geo Shift Dress £79.00 (shortcouture.com)

This is the perfect office dress with a great on trend geometric pattern fabric; the stretch in this fabric makes this a super figure defining dress. It has a very on trend and flattering square neckline and short sleeves – the finishing touch the dress has a little pinch at the shoulder on the sleeve which creates a very feminine shape and then a beautiful contrasting silver lining- made from polyester and sized 10 to 12.

Petite Red & Black Shift Dress £79.00 (shortcouture.com)

A very striking red & black mottled fabric makes for a versatile dress, perfect for the office if you team with a black or grey jacket, then dress it up or down with accessories- with the flattering square neckline, this is perfect for some big chunky faux pearls - The stretch in this fabric makes this a super figure defining dress – made from polyester and sized 10 to 12.

Petite Blue Wool Shift Dress £105.00 (shortcouture.com)

This the perfect day to evening dress in 100% English blue herringbone wool, it is fully lined in contrasting silver and has a square neckline, and vertical seams create a figure enhancing shape. This would look great with a belt, large faux pearls or soften with a cardigan or scarf – made from 100% English Wool – sized 10 to 12.

Foot Scrubs …….

This week we are getting our feet ready for summer – time to take your feet of hibernation, the boots, the opaque tights, the socks etc and wriggle your toes about and look long and hard at the hard skin the discoloured toe nails and think how you can get them into shape before the warm weather hits and you want sandals on or before the holiday season starts.

Before

After

We have been road testing scrubs and these are our favourites and let me say some of these we either hadn’t heard of or tired before until we got them for a testing- the only regret is Scholl have stopped doing their excellent scrub.

Sometimes you just need to really give your feet a good scrub and exfoliation to feel better ……..

Pumice Foot Scrub £14.00 (nealsyardremedies.com)

The scent is divine as your exfoliating with peach seed and pumice combined with softening mallow and cleansing ginger mint to freshen and smooth- the cooling and fresh feeling on your feet after is amazing – this really does slough off the dead skin on your feet all over and attacks the hard skin on the bottom and the heels of your feet – left feet top and bottom feeling soft and smooth.

Foot Scrub™ £10.75 (lizearle.com)

This recommendation was sent by a friend who swears by this scrub – she lives in heels all day and night and this keeps her hard skin under control it has natural pumice to remove dead skin cells, softening avocado and wheat germ oils rich in vitamin E, and the invigorating aromas of peppermint and rosemary essential oils- which “leave your skin feeling soft, cleansed and cool – best to rub in your feet as you let the conditioner work on your hair then rinse off “

Peppermint Soothing Foot Scrub £7.00 (thebodyshop.co.uk)

This is a classic foot scrub – just scoop and rub in circular motions on your feet and heels then rinse off – this removes the dead skin but also cools feet down – lasts for ages as a small amount goes a long way.

CCS Foot Scrub Cream £6.49 (boots.com)

This can be used on either dry or wet skin – I loved the fresh scent which you put this on – work it in circular motions across the bottom of your feet and heels – Its unique formula combines an exfoliating action with the benefits of lactic acid to work hard to get rid of calluses and hard skin while the 10% Urea*, glycerine and vegetable and silicon oils help moisturise and soften the skin.

This is great and would highly recommend this – my mother who has terrible feet (by her own admission) loved this and can I say has tried everything for removing hard skin – she highly rated this!

 Champneys Spa Treatments Foot Scrub £6.00 (boots.com)

Very easy to use it’s a blend of olive butter, tea tree oil, peppermint and orange designed to gently exfoliate, smooth and condition dry, rough or hard skin on the feet while leaving them re-energised and smelling fresh the scent is very pleasant and it cools your feet down and did attack the skin on the heels very well – rinsed off easily.

Shower Feet £9.99 (jmldirect.com)

If you really want to give your feet a good clean and scrub – this is amazing – first off you sucker it to the shower / bath floor and then I squirted some shower gel in the shoe and placed my foot in and then you rub your foot backwards and forwards – then swop feet – it really scrubs your feet plus there is a pumice stone fitted in the bottom at the heel so you can work you heel against this – serious shower multi-tasking – we love this in our house.

Hot bags………

Sometimes you forget about a brand and then something jogs your memory and you have a nice time cruising their website discovering new purchase ideas – Hotter shoes otherwise known as the comfortable shoe by my mother has a nice range in bags and not only are they very well priced but they also come in some great colours .

These are my favourites …..

Cairo Bag £59.00 (hottershoes.com)

This great shoulder bag come sin five colours from the usual black and soft beige they have a cornflower blue and Mimosa yellow if you want to add a bit of colour to your wardrobe I love the apple green – it has a zipper top and flap over fastening, two phone pockets internally – sized H23 x W26 x D9 x Handle 29 cm

Adelaide Bag £59.00 (hottershoes.com)

An over the shoulder bag with a plaited shoulder strap detail – zipper and popper fastener and comes in three colours navy, violet and white –sized H20 x W28 x D10 x Handle 30 cm

Maui Leather Bag £49.00 (hottershoes.com)

A leather cross the body bag with a canvas strap with a zipper and magnetic fastening – front pocket and hidden back pocket – comes in five colours from black, white , apple green and Kingfisher green blue and soft violet – sized H25 x W25 x D3 x Handle 38 cm

Munich Leather Bag £49.00 (hottershoes.com)

Great satchel styling from Hotter with this rounded edged and flap over fastening and buckle fastening and adjustable straps – comes in four colours tan, violet , black and soft beige - H19 c W25 x D7 x Handle 56 cm.

Peru Leather Bag £49.00 (hottershoes.com)

A very easy to use small quilted bag with an adjustable strap – perfect for day or night – it has a zipper fastening , quilted leather , mobile phone pocket – it comes in red, navy, bronze and white – sized H16 x W19.5 x D6 x Handle 62cm

Cuba Bag £29.00 (hottershoes.com)

A great everyday bag in three colours navy, red and violet – with an adjustable canvas strap – it has a zipper fastening , two mobile phone pockets and is sized H20 x W29 x D9 x Handle 33 - 55 cm

Navy and white…..

Year ago Navy was as much a staple in my wardrobe as black – dark navy was my summer time black as such – it looks so clean and crisp and is actually a perfect colour for British spring and summer and also you do get fed up of 365 days of black and it’s perfect for adding big flashes of colour to – so this year I have retraced my steps and gone back to black …….

Hobbs is a brand I dip in and out of due to their hem line rising – if it goes to high I stop shopping when it comes down I hit the shops with a vengeance and this season the hemlines are perfect and they have a fabulous crisp navy and white range in which also has spots – so it’s a win win situation.

Bryony Mac £149.00 (hobbs.co.uk)

Wrap up in style this Spring with the stunning Bryony polka dot mac- it is available in navy with ivory spots, the Bryony mac is double breasted and features ivory piping, pockets, storm flaps and a tie belt- this is perfect for the British weather – made from 100% polyester and sized 8 to 18

Bryony Dress £139.00 (hobbs.co.uk)

Just love this easy to wear Bryony dress in navy it features ivory polka dots, frill hem, cropped sleeves, and a bow tie collar and cuffs- a very flattering , easy to accessories shift dress – made from 100% polyester and sized 8 to 18

Bryony Skirt £89.00 (hobbs.co.uk)

A very flattering A-Line navy polka dot skirt with front pockets, very easy to wear and accessories – perfect for work or leisure – made from 100% polyester and sized 8 to 18

Bryony Sweater £79.00 (hobbs.co.uk)

With a touch of '50s styling, this lovely jumper is a perfect springtime wardrobe addition. Available in navy cotton it features ivory polka dots, bow detailing and three quarter length sleeves – made from 100% cotton and sized 8 to 16

Metropole Skirt £99.00 (hobbs.co.uk)

A very striking skirt this nautical inspired skirt is a key piece for the season. Available in navy and ivory striped cotton, it features a flattering A-line silhouette; button detailing and a concealed zip- made from 100% cotton and sized 8 to 16

Hope Top £59.00 (hobbs.co.uk)

A very versatile and easy to wear top which will blend with the majority of your wardrobe - available in white, plume purple and black, it features a pretty ruffle collar and a flattering button fastening on the back of the garment- made from 100% flax and sized 8 to 18

Grace Fan Bow Platform Peep £149.00 (hobbs.co.uk)

With a touch of elegance and hint of playfulness, these charming peep toe shoes will transform your outfit. Available in navy fabric they feature ivory polka dots, fan bow detailing and a high 110mm heel- sized 36 to 42 with half sizes.