Days are getting longer, temperatures are rising and the sun has finally come out to play. Spring is on it's way, finally. What better way to start incorporating a bit of the coming season into your wardrobe than with a spring inspired mani? Here are some of my top budget picks.

Looking for a less expensive dupe for Essie's famous Bikini So Teeny? Revlon's Dreamer comes pretty close with just a little less of a purple hue. If you're looking for something sheer and neutral, Finger Paint's Pastel-Me More is a beautiful pearly peachy-pink that looks very polished and chic. Mint Sorbet by Sally Hansen is a great budget pick for the mint craze that doesn't seem to be going anywhere fast. Julie G 9 to 5 is a beautiful bright creamsicle colour that I get compliments on every time I wear it. It looks subtle indoors but seems to glow once you step outside. And finally, Revlon's Gum Drop is a soft lavendar that actually smells like candy. Strange, but the colour is very flattering without being too bold.

What's your favourite polish pick for spring?

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Whether you're still in school or not, February and March is the prime vacation season to get away from the freezing winter blahs and head to somewhere with warm breezes and steady sunshine. I may not be lucky enough to be taking a beach vacation any time soon, but that doesn't stop me from thinking and dreaming about it. Constantly. If you're planning a getaway this winter, here are my top 5 spring break essentials.

1. Spray Sunscreen. It can be more expensive than traditional sunscreen, but the convienence of the spray format I think is totally worth it. No more sticky sun screen hands, especially when you're on the beach needing to reapply. The lobster look is never cute, and what comes down the line most definitely is not either.

2. After-Sun lotion. I was the only one that packed this on my last vacation to Florida, and everyone else on the trip was glad I did. The Silk Hydration After-Sun has aloe gel mixed with lotion so it was cooling, soothing and moisturizing which was a nice bonus.

3. Comfortable bathing suits. There is a good chance you'll be spending most of your days by the pool or the ocean. Not everyone may be comfortable parading around in a bikini, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Tons of brands now make super flattering tankinis and one pieces. Just find something you love and are comfortable in and rock it!

4. Good coverage sunglasses. Large sunglasses can get a bad rap for being "bug eyed", but the bigger the more protection they give the sensitive skin on your face. It's all about finding the right shape for your face.

5. Cover up.  Whether you're comfortable showing off a ton of skin or not, it's good to give it a little break from the sun every now and then. There are tons of shapes, styles and colours so find one that is flattering to your body and has an element of sheerness to it for a little sexiness.

Are you going away this winter? What are your favourite things to take to a sunny destination?

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The idea floating around that flats are inherently so much more comfortable than heels is a myth, and I know I'm not the only one who has fallen for it. So many times I have convinced myself to take home a pair after deciding that a 2 minute walk around the store totally matches up with my day to day wear. 

Digging, rubbing, blistering, bleeding, limping. Torture. But they're just so darn cute! What's a girl to do?

1. Before setting foot outside your door in the little devils, take a couple of days to wear them around the house with some sexy thick wool socks. This will help soften up the material and stretch them out a bit to give you some extra room. If you're impatient try using a hair dryer to speed up the process. 

2. For their debut into society, try pairing your pesky flats with some tights to cut down on the friction with your bare skin. Don't go for a 10 K walk the first time you head out, keep it short like a trip to the corner store or a desk day at the office. Baby steps.

3. If your problem is toe rubbing, try gel toe pillows/pads. These are used by ballet dancers to stop their feet from getting destroyed by pointe shoes. If you were never the dancing type you can find these at dance specialty shops or online from a ton of retailers for under $10. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes so find some that work for your needs. If it's your heels that feel the pain, add a gel cushion to the heel of your shoe. You can find them almost anywhere these days.

4. Once you've worked up the courage to go commando, it never hurts to err on the side of caution. New Skin is a liquid bandage that creates a barrier for your skin without looking or feeling terrible. Toss it into your purse in case of emergencies and you'll be good to go. I've heard of Vaseline working much the same way, but I just don't really like the idea it rubbing off onto the material of my new shoes!

After a few weeks of testing out all of the above, I am glad to say I can comfortably make it through the work day without having to wince back to my car. It might take some time, but if you've made the investment in a nice pair of flats, why leave them to sit in the closet?

Have you ever found a pair of truly comfortable flats?

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