Pretty Toes and Feet: Pedicure Statistics

I put Sally Hansen's fuzzy coat on my toes. Over an ICE green polish. Wearing Flojos zebra print flip-flops. #nails #pedicure #nailpolish #sallyhansen #fuzzycoat #flipflops #shoes

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Sep 22, 2013 at 10:09am PDT

I've noticed my post on the history of pedicures getting some buzz the last week, so I decided to research pedicure statistics today. After all, sandals, the perfect way to show off a pedicure, are starting to hit stores.

According to Nails Magazine, nail salons brought in $7.47 billion in 2012, with 29 percent or $2.17 billion coming from pedicures. That's a lot of manicures and pedicures!

The average price of a pedicure was $31.69 in 2012. That's up 47 percent from 1992, when the average price was $22.02. During the same period, manicures were up 80 percent, making pedicures almost seem like a bargain.

Katy Perry wore shoes with 12,600 Swarovski crystals for the Super Bowl Halftime show

If you were performing in front of thousands of people and on millions of TV sets, what shoes would you wear?

According to People Style Watch, Katy Perry wore Custom LaDuca booties adorned with 12,600 Swarovski crystals when she performed for the Super Bowl's Half Time.

As you see in the above screen shots, the pop star wore the same shoes from start to end of the performance. Also check out the photos Moschino designer, Jeremy Scott shared on Instagram, embedded below. 

If you're looking to draw attention to you feet, what better way than with blinged-out shoes?

New, free shoes with rewards points

You've heard of using miles to get free plane tickets or using credit card points to get money back, but how about earning free shoes?

I recently headed to Famous Footwear to return shoes that unfortunately did not fit right. While there I couldn't resist peeking at the shoes they had in stock, especially since clearance was buy on get one 50 percent off.

In my size, I saw black flats with buckles by Dr. Scholls. I had owned the same shoes in metallic silver and after some time wore them out. They were the perfect fit and comfortable.

Now I needed another pair. I found red pointy-toed heels by Life Stride that were a lower heel and padded, making them comfortable. The style was classic, if also a bit safe. They were marked $10, so I figured for $5, how could I go wrong?

Just click your heels...Ruby Red Slipper Memorabilia

Hope everyone in the Northeast is doing well digging out from the snow!

We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!

It's all about the shoes according to my new magnet. #wizardofoz #rubyredslippers #shoes #magnet

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Dec 4, 2014 at 9:28am PST

I recently got to go to Kansas City and drove into Kansas to add a new state. Pardon the stereotyping, but I couldn't help but think of Dorothy and those ruby red slippers.

In December I visited the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in DC and got some ruby red slipper memorabilia. The museum normally displays the shoes from the movie, but unfortunately it was under construction and I was unable to see them. Still, for fans or shoe fans, the shop had some great souvenirs.

The first up was the above magnet which says "it's all about the shoes." How perfect!

Just click your heels! Ruby Red Slipper necklace #rubyredslippers #wizzardofoz #necklace #shoes #jewlery

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Dec 1, 2014 at 8:23am PST

Shoes for the other gender, Picking men's shoes

On Through the Sole, I rarely mention men's shoes, not having much experience. Also, men, like Michael Bloomberg who only owned 2 pairs of dress shoes, tend to stick to basics.

Men's online store Bonobos, did a fall challenge to style their Fall 2014 suits. Sticking to Through the Sole's theme, I decided to pair them with their shoes. 

Image courtesy of  Bonobos

The first suit the grabbed my attention because of the plaid pattern. With a suit like that I feel you can go two directions, simple to let the suit shine, or a bit more style to seem fashion forward.

These shoes would give you the simplicity, with a little bit of style from the trim on the shoes.

These would give you style, especially if your shirt and tie are in the same color family.