Logjam

13 hours ago, Cali said:

When they only use a Dremel to take the gel off they also take a layer of nail and your nails get thinner. My nail tech would take a few layers of gel off with a Dremel then wrap my fingers to remove the the rest of the gel.  My nail artist was going to change me to another method where she used the Dremel to remove the color, but not the hard clear coat underneath. 

They are saying at we may not have nail salons back until the end of August. Unfortunately my nail artist has decided to move back to her hometown, 4 hours away, so I will need to find a new artist.

In the past, after a couple of months, the artificial nail would loosen on its own, and either fall off, or at worst, lift off with just a bit of gentle prying by the tech. But whatever the last tech did, the nubbin was not coming off. And, I was pretty desperate for foot care in general, not just nail care.

i was in the process of finding and trying a new tech when the shutdown occurred, and since I had not heard back from the new tech, I went for the backup generic nail shop. Hopefully, the next time I need that nail replaced, I’ll be established with a new tech who will use a less destructive method of removal.

On 5/28/2020 at 5:13 AM, mlroseplant said:

Hey @Logjam, I've got about 5 gallons of acetone out in the garage (courtesy of the nail shop) if you want some! Shipping might be a problem, though. Seriously, it's probably not a bad idea to try it yourself, because one thing that nail shops don't give you is a lot of time, unless you're at a high-end place where you're paying a boatload of money.

I also have some acetone, a smaller amount. And Cali, thanks for the suggestion about using acetone.

But, as I noted, I got to the point that I couldn’t stand myself any longer and booked an appointment at one of the generic nail shops, actually in just about one hour. If the tech there doesn’t want to mess with the nubbin, I’ll just have it painted and live with that until I get in to see the tech at the new place. Yep, I generally patronize those salons.

3 hours ago, Logjam said:

I also have some acetone, a smaller amount. And Cali, thanks for the suggestion about using acetone.

But, as I noted, I got to the point that I couldn’t stand myself any longer and booked an appointment at one of the generic nail shops, actually in just about one hour. If the tech there doesn’t want to mess with the nubbin, I’ll just have it painted and live with that until I get in to see the tech at the new place. Yep, I generally patronize those salons.

Well, an update. Just back from my mani/pedi. The very nice lady at the generic place deftly used her little “Drexel Tool” like instrument to remove the leftovers of the broken off artificial toenail, and equally skillfully constructed me a new one with the magic stuff they use. As I’ve mentioned before, I like color on my toes,so I’m now sporting “Frostbite”, a slightly metallic blue, on my toes. Got clear gel on my hands, that seems to work quite well protecting my fingernails from the abuse I manage to inflict. So I’m a happy camper!

10 hours ago, Cali said:

My nail artist is always booked out months with regular clients, so I expect there to be a wait to get in to see her when they open up.

I’m expecting a similar situation with the new tech I mentioned. I’m seriously thinking about an “emergency” trip to a backup nails only place I’ve used a few times before. My only reticence is whether they can get off the broken piece of the one artificial nail without mangling me - ha! I think I’ll call and ask...

8 hours ago, Cali said:

Call up the salon and ask them if they can take you, an "at risk" client.  It might a while before your nail person has an opening anyway.  I know we are weeks away here

Not to be dismissive of your suggestion, but like the rest of my life recently, “it’s complicated”! I had an appointment scheduled with a new to me nail tech when the shutdown went into effect. She sent me a text indicating that she would get in touch when things opened back up. I’ll give her a few more days and if I don’t hear from her, I’ll inquire. After all, I made it through my first roughly 65 years without a mani/pedi, I can tough this out!

I’m gratified that my question has prompted some pleasant conversation! And, as I originally mentioned, I do not personally wear foot jewelry, I think it’s a great look!

Logjam

WA state has just this past weekend permitted our county to move to Stage 2, which permits nail places to reopen with precautions, limited number of people at a time, PPE for practitioner and client, other. My personal challenge is that I’m classed in the “at risk” group because of my age (73) and it’s not clear to me whether “we” are excluded from getting those services. “We” are specifically not allowed back to the gyms or to visit trainers, both of which I need badly as well. I’m way, way overdue for a mani/pedi - my usual routine of somewhat manual work has taken a big toll on fingernails, my feet are very rough and cracking in spite of my attempts at home care, the color on my toes is mostly gone, grown off rather than worn off, and the one artificial big toenail broke off halfway weeks ago. In short, my nails are a mess!

Im also awaiting reopening news on another front, if the “at risk” clause doesn’t preclude me - my tattoo artist is reopening, and I may be able to get my new piece completed! Finishing it WAS scheduled for the very day the stay home order went into effect.

Y’all stay safe out there!

Logjam

On 2/21/2020 at 5:38 AM, pebblesf said:

Well, I think those boots are GREAT....Kind of a mixture between waders and stiletto boots, love both styles...  But, no, I have no experience with this style even though I wish I did...  Unfortunately, I would think that boots like these would have to be custom fit to your legs, or they might be uncomfortable....This probably will result in a big price tag.   So, I guess if you find an affordable pair, you must be willing to take a risk unless they are returnable....

Pebbles, you have sparked an idea - high heel waders! What a concept! Probably should be wedges...

Yep, I’m a fisherman. Or, I allege to be. That said, a majority of the fish in the northwest US are laughing heartily as I write this.

Logjam

14 hours ago, chesterx said:

Thanks for the replies, I enjoyed the responses. I'm not planning anymore outings for the near future. As you may know, my mom has been in poor health the last few months & she was finally called home Tuesday morning. She passed peacefully in her sleep with me & my sister by her side...

Sorry to hear that. Thoughts and prayers for you and yours.

On 1/13/2020 at 6:30 AM, Steve63130 said:

Update on Activskin. On December 1, 2019, I signed a contract to sell the company and on the 12th we closed the deal. I am now officially retired and completely out of the hosiery business! The new owner is a customer from Canada who is business and computer savvy and has the requisite passion for hosiery; I think he'll do well. Whether he has a passion for heels, I don't know.

Steve Retired

Steve, big congrats on retirement! I did so in August ‘18. Still pretty busy, as we are cleaning out in prep for downsizing, but I do enjoy not being on a tight schedule. Best wishes!

Logjam

20 hours ago, Cali said:

I have backed off on pedicures in the winter, getting one very 3-4 weeks. Mine seem to last that long without getting chipped. Currently they are white with dots of color like Xmas lights. 

I also have a manicure with gel art every two weeks, currently black with a midnight blue glitter/sparkle ombre at the cuticle. The reason I mention this is the up turn in the number of men that have made positive comments on my nails. It use to be 19:1 ratio (5%) on women to men now its closer to 3:1 ratio (25%). To me that indicates that more men would like to do it.

Hi Cali, how often do you get pedis in the other seasons? Are are you changing more often because the pedi is worn, or to wear a different color or combo? Just curious - I can generally get at least a month on a pedi without chipping or wearing off (I do still wear socks and shoes fairly often, even in the summer.)

My hands are done with clear jel 100% of the time. That’s more for protection than for the look. My nails seem to break or split easily, and I engage in a lot of “manual labor” type activities.

Taking steps to protect my nails was the genesis of my manis/pedis, I later discovered that I liked the notion and look of color.

Coincidentally - I’m going for my monthly (more or less) mani/pedi later this morning.

Logjam

On 12/30/2019 at 1:31 AM, HappyinHeels said:

mlroseplant,

You wondered aloud the same thing on one of my visits to your place. I distinctly remember your then 9-year-old son saying "you do it because it gives you joy." He nailed it concisely and simply. It really is no more complicated than that. No wonder I like that kid he's got stuff figured ahead of time . In the meantime have a good New Year's Eve over there in Iowa no matter what heels you have on! HinH

Sounds as though that young man has his head screwed on much better than many adults with whom I’ve interacted. Good job, Dad!

And echoing HiH - a Happy and Peaceful New Year to all!

34 minutes ago, Cali said:

I wear 10 small changeable pieces of art on my feet, aka nail polish. My other "jewelry" is KT Tape.

As you know, I’m a big proponent of men wearing nail polish. Any more, I’m more about polish than heeling. This time of year, in these parts, still wearing but not showing!

Logjam

To avoid hi-jacking another thread!

There have been several recent comments about anklets (ankle bracelets, ankle chains, whatever you want to call them.) And on some of the men’s nail polish forums, a number of the participants wear toe rings in addition or as an alternative.

I'm personally a fan of the look, so long as it’s not done to excess. But, I do not personally wear either for other reasons.

So, who is in? Or, what are your thoughts?

Logjam

3 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

HA! I was just thinking the same thing myself.

I'm pretty sure I know who that is!

Perhaps there should be a separate thread for “foot jewelry”. I think I’ll start one.

Logjam

NIce looking shoes, ChesterX, and big kudos for the polish! I’m a fan of guys wearing color on toes, and if you prefer, fingers as well.

FWIW - we are visiting in Scottsdale, AZ and just attended a wedding. I’d estimate that about 80-90% of the women were wearing heels. The older “grandmotherly” types, not so much, but most all of the younger ladies, that I noticed, anyway.

And in being out and about since the celebration, I’d guess that probably 50% or more of the women that I have noticed were heeled. Maybe not skyscrapers, but heels.

All is not lost...

Heels or not, I’m thinking that in these parts, it’s time to pack away the shorts for the season. My trainer prefers that I work out in shorts and barefoot, 3/4 length leggings are fine with her. Yesterday as I was leaving for my session, temperature was 14F, so no way on shorts and sandals - went in “regular” pants and trainers, changed when I got to the studio. Warmed back up this morning. All the way to 25F. I’ll be working in a farm shop all day today, thankfully the friend “loaning” the space to me has heat in the place.

9 hours ago, Cali said:

Those of us that wear shorts and heels wear them till the bitter end.  I'm still wearing shorts and heels. Hope to for another week or two, then switch to shorts and knee highs before long pants. Deny winter as long as possible!

Going for my mani/pedi in just a bit, it is 28 F right now here in the Inland Northwest. Maybe I’m getting less resilient as I get older, but the idea of being out in shorts and flip-flops is not too appealing at the moment!

MLR - I know of the Ruckus. Seems to me a very cool “little” scoot! And I agree, those size machines are great for around town use, particularly if you live in a smaller community. Before I retired, I regularly commuted to work, a distance of about 10 miles one way, on one or the other of my two BMW machines, the alternative being a 3/4 ton 4X4 pickup (you can easily figure out the relative economies!)

i don’t wear heels out, but as you said - a “full size” motorcycle and heels are probably not the best combination. That topic has come up in the forums before, some of our colleagues do so, but not this old fart.

Whatever you do, best wishes and keep this shiny side up!

MLR - off topic a bit, but I presume the scooter is yours - details please! And I’m happy to find another rider here! My two wheelers are a bit larger, but in my book, owners/riders of two-wheel powered machines are all part of the same community.

31 minutes ago, SF said:

Some folks who claim to be open minded and "tolerant" are the most intolerant ones around....  sf

My experience as well.

Logjam

21 hours ago, Cali said:

I have been doing toe nail color for over a decade and fingernail color for almost two years. I am amazed by how any men tell me they wish they could have colored nails too. It's just my normal now, like heels.

By all indications I see, male nail color is slowly becoming “a thing”. It’s been discussed here, there are several “forums” on Flickr addressing the topic, at least two regularly active, and a very active “sub” on Reddit. Probably more.

i was quite surprised when, about four years ago, a woman podiatrist who treated me made the suggestion of wearing color on my toes; my at the time nail tech enthusiastically agreed, and so I started. I’m wearing “out” more, and have received several enthusiastic comments, all from younger women. Unfortunately, my dear wife still is not in favor, maybe that will change with time.

Logjam

Did anyone else scan through the comments on the ad? Responses in large unfavorable toward the shoes and the pedi. A few pro-nail color comments, that’s good. Full disclosure - I’ve become a bigger fan of male toe color than heeling.

Logjam

This thread has taken an interesting turn! My dear wife is from Iowa, and I, with no prior association with that state, have developed a special fondness for the place. Though I especially love the western US, I always looked forward to visiting her family in Iowa. Entering the town where she grew up, I always felt that I had stepped into a sort of Norman Rockwell world.