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Heel to Toe
The Art of High Heel Walking

Marilyn Monroe was quite right when she claimed that all women owe a lot to the person who invented high heels. Ask most women and they’d tell you that they cannot function without their heels. It's not just those wanting a little elevation, although that's certainly a factor. High heels can offer class, confidence and character to any woman wanting to look effortlessly fabulous. But effortless is one thing that high heels are not.

You may beg to differ based on how easily Beyonce sways on stage or how Jennifer Lopez does jumps and lunges in her music videos wearing stilettos. But the fact is, high heel walking is an art, one that requires tactics and practice to master. Following are a few tips and tricks to help you make strong personality statements by walking tall in high heels:

Buy the Right Heels

In order to wear the heels correctly, the first thing you need to nail down is the right purchase. A lot of times people end up compromising on size simply to get their desired look, however, high heel walking is greatly affected if the heels don’t fit perfectly. Make sure that the centering of the heel and your foot’s arch placement are correct. This may seem like a small glitch, but in the long run it can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort.

Choose The Right Heel Height

Effortless high heel walking for you might mean 2-3 inches, whereas someone else might consider heels above 4-5 inches doable. Don’t let someone else determine the right heel size for you. Always start with shorter heels and then increase the size with time. A good way to determine the most comfortable heel size is to stand on your toes with the back of your foot at least an inch above the heel of the shoe; if you can easily do that then the heel is the right size for you. High heel walking is all about practice and time. With practice you can gradually increase the size of your heel to as long as is practically possible. You may find that you need to purchase shoes with broader heels or wedges at first as they are easier to handle.

Practice, Practice and More Practice

Now that you have understood the level of your high heel walking incompetence and found the right pair of heels, it is time to get down to business. Follow these steps and you will be gliding in 6 inch heels in no time!

  • Start by standing in your heels. Stand for a few minutes and then sit down. Gradually increase the time to about 40-50 minutes so that you can get used to standing for prolonged periods of time. Try standing in front of a full length mirror so that you can observe your posture and adjust it accordingly. Be sure not to bend your knees while standing.
  • Take small steps at first at a slow pace on a non-slippery surface like a carpet. The stride tends to get shorter with higher heels, so don’t try to take long strides initially. Make sure that your knees don’t bend too much.
  • Gradually increase the speed and practice turning, sitting, stopping, changing directions and dancing as you would do all these things without heels.
  • Try wearing heels on different surfaces inside the house as well as outside. Many people only practice at home and then cannot hold the same stride and posture when wearing heels outdoors. High heel walking is even more difficult on outdoor surfaces like grass and gravel, so make sure that you practice on them too.
  • It is very important to learn walking on stairs with the heels on. Make sure that your entire foot is on the step when coming down the stairs. When going up, place the ball of your foot on every step, and don’t forget to hold on to the railing!
  • It is a good idea to practice several days before the event so that the sole of the heels will become less slippery and you can get used to the shoe.
  • One of the best ways to practice high heel walking is to wear them when you go out to do normal errands like buy groceries, after you’ve had ample practice indoors, of course. Generally the floors are a little slippery, but you will have the cart for balance, so it will be a great way to practice.

Whether it is the red soles of Loub’s, Carrie Bradshaw’s fetish for Blahnik’s or sheer love that's got you hooked to heels, with regular practice and determination, you, too can “run the world” like Beyonce in no time!

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How to Wear Dresses with Heels

 What do you make of a 16 year old wearing a leather jacket, a few piercings and blue dyed hair? A middle-aged blonde wearing a polo shirt and pleated slacks? Or how about a woman in a little black dress with bright red high heels?

Fashion is a statement that divides an individual from another in the most profound way. Fashion can speak volumes about a person, their lifestyle, personality, preferences, likes and dislikes and many a times the social status.

And when it comes down to fashion, everything matters: the right color, the right length and the most appropriate shoes. It goes without saying that shoes can make or break a dress. Choosing the right shoes for the right dress is like pairing wine with the right meal, it needs an acquired taste, experience and above all an extended palette.

You wouldn’t go to the gym wearing a pair of trainers with 4 inch heels would you? It is very important that you wear dresses with high heels that compliment and accentuate the entire look. There are generally four types of heels, high and low heels, platform heels, wedges and stilettos. All of them have their own advantages, disadvantages and individual presence that can help not only elevate you but elevate the entire look.

Dresses with Heels

Stilettos

Stilettos are undoubtedly one of the most sought after type of high heels when it comes to formal events. Stilettos can work with almost everything as long as you choose the right pair. Traditionally, stilettos have worked much better with long and voluminous full length dresses. However, these days, stilettos can also work with short dresses. You typically don't want to pair stilettos with short day dresses or shorts. You can pair stilettos with short formal glitzy dresses, (Beyonce-style) for clubbing, birthday parties etc. but not for day events. Stilettos can get quite uncomfortable so many prefer not to wear them if the event is more than a few hours long.

High/Low Heels

Where low heels can almost work with all silhouettes, sizes and dresses, including casual as well as formal wear, high heels have slightly more support than stilettos, so they can easily be worn throughout the day. Pumps are quite the rage these days, including the infamous nude LK Bennet’s that the Duchess of Cambridge cannot have enough of. You can pair heels and pumps with short dresses, casual jeans, pencil skirts and even formally, if you choose the right ones. You can wear dresses with high heels including peep-toe heels and pumps to work, casual or formal events.

Platforms

Platforms are another style that looks good with almost anything. Platform heels are more on the funkier side, and yet can easily be pulled off with a short dress as much as a full length gown. Platform heels are a celebrity favorite; they offer the height and the stability to prevent those much-dreaded and publicized falls. If you are just starting out or are looking for fancier alternatives that at the same time offer stability, then opt for platforms.

Wedges

Wedges are basically like flip-flops on heels. They are most preferably worn with casual summer dresses, to work or other daywear. Wedges make your legs appear longer, so they look much better with shorter hemlines.

Conclusion

In the end, there are no hard and fast rules, so if you find a good pair of stilettos that go well with hot pants, then there is no fashion police that can stop you from doing so. The one rule that you should keep in mind, though, is to wear dresses with high heels that compliment each other well from a color and style standpoint.

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High Heel Covers & Why You Need Them

 How many stiletto heels have you bid goodbye to by walking on uneven ground, breaking or chipping off a heel? Or perhaps your downfall is that you let your high heels deteriorate in storage or during travel, shoving them into too tight of a space.

Whatever the reason you keep ruining your favorite high heels, it’s time to wise up and start using high heel protectors. That’s right, they are known by various names like ‘heel protectors’, ‘heel covers’, ‘shoe stopper’ or ‘heel cap’, but they all have the same function: to lengthen the life of your high heels.

What Are Heel Covers?

There are different types of heel covers, and what you choose will depend on the type of wear your heels typically see. Some are nothing but a small case or bag for your shoe to protect it from dust and scratching while in storage. There is also the good old-fashioned type of shoe cover. First, the shoehorn, which will maintain the shape of your high heel if you have it shoved into a tight space for storage or travel. Second, a simple leather protectant balm or spray can help keep your kicks looking fabulous.

Predictably, your heel tip is the most vulnerable to damage on any surface, and once the heel tip is damaged, the shoe by itself loses its purpose. Hence, some high heel covers are caps that you put over the tip of the heel to protect it. It doesn’t matter how hard you work out with that gym membership, your heels have to carry your entire weight on a teeny tiny heel point. So, this type of heel cover protects the heel and allows for more “give”, not only extending the life of the heel, but also cushioning the step for the shoe’s wearer.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Heel Covers?

  • Extends Life of Heel – What could be more rewarding than your favorite shoes lasting longer than you thought? Heel covers can actually extend the life span of your heels. Since high heel fashion is timeless, they’re a worthwhile investment.
  • Saves Money – Heel covers help you save money in the long run, because your favorite black, red, nude, and white heels will stay intact and looking like the day you bought them. No more last-minute runs to the mall when you need a pair to match tomorrow’s outfit.
  • Reduces Slip Risk – No more slipping and embarrassing yourself on the dance floor. The heel cap covers will give you the grip you need to enjoy yourself without concern.
  • Prevents Damage – Now you can be sure that your heel is safe from harsh surfaces like gravel, as well as dust, grime, salt, water and such harmful properties that can literally kill any beautiful heels.
  • Makes High Heels More Comfortable - Certain heel covers preserve the shape of your shoe or even make walking in them more comfortable. That's a benefit we can all get on board with!
So what do you think? Will you be purchasing high heel covers to help keep your stilettos last longer? You get them in different shapes, sizes and colors, so you can get them according to your dress or the function that you may be attending.

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This Week in Heels: May 23, 2013

It was a week filled with celebrity happenings, like the Cannes Film Festival and a plethora of premieres, finales and upfronts. With a spring in their step and a twinkle in their eyes, fashionistas are continuing to lead the rest of us on the journey to their fashion haven, where everybody wears great shoes and flats aren't allowed.

Nicole Kidman downright sprouted like a tulip in the spring wearing this floral, strapless number from Christian Dior to the Cannes Film Festival this week. Her heels were a lovely shade of pink with a hint of orange, also from Dior.

Image Source: Getty Images

 On the tails of her announcement that she'll be authoring her first book, Lea Michele attended the Fox Upfronts event this week donning an off-the-shoulder pink number. Michele looked quite summery with her olive tan, lighter hair, and mettalic pointed toed stilettos. 

Image Source: sofeminine.co.uk

Minka Kelly made the LBD pop with a blue pair of Jimmy Choo's at the Aqua Star Pool redesign launch at the Beverly Hilton in L.A.

Image Source: People.com

 Zoe Saldana was in New York this week premiering her film Star Wars: Into Darkness. She stopped by the Sirius XM headquarters wearing this printed suit from Antonio Berardi. What we love most about the ensemble is her pairing with the Christian Louboutin Paulina Pumps.

Source: FashionBombDaily.com

ABC's show Scandal is all the rage right now, and it capped off its second season with the finale party this week. Actress Kerry Washington sported a bowed number from Giambattista Valli and looked flawless. She matched the dress with a rosy-nude pair of platform heels from Lanvin.

Source: People.com

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Why Should You Take Steps to Protect Your High Heels?

You know that moment when your outfit has almost completely come together and you are looking fabulous? And you're like:

And then you go to grab the final piece of your ensemble (your high heels), only to find that they're tattered and torn with busted up heels? And you're like:

Avoidance of this face is exactly why you should take steps to protect your high heels and stilettos from damage. Your shoes can make or break your entire look, leaving you exuding confidence or laziness... your choice.

Taking a few minutes to put a little love into your favorite high heels can not only ensure you are looking your best, it can help you avoid stress and, most importantly, prevent you from shelling out more money for heels. Women spend anywhere from $30 to $1,000 on each pair of high heels they purchase, and some women have quite large collections. Why allow damage to these priceless possessions, especially when their style is so timeless? Take these steps to protect your high heels.

How to Protect Your High Heels

  1. Waterproof Them - If your shoes are made of leather, find an appropriate protectant and waterproofer to ensure you don't incur damage from weather. Any non-silicone spray or solution that is made for leather should work. Keeping them waterproofed also prevents stains from mud, oil and other grime you encounter on a day to day basis. If your shoes aren't made of leather, they are often made of a material that is already waterproof, so you may just want to find an appropriate conditioner to keep that material looking as good as new.
  2. Wash Them - Don't have a knight in shining armor to lay his jacket down at every puddle you encounter? Not to worry, that only exists in fairy tales. If you get oil, grime, lipstick, dirt or other undesirables on your kicks, don't panic. But you should try to wash them as soon as you have a free moment. Just take a cloth and leather cleaner and scrub as needed. Once they're dry, reapply the waterproofer.
  3. Repair Any Damage - If you've been walking over uneven or gravel surfaces of late, your shoes may have chips or cracks. If you're really unlucky, your heel could even snap. Not to worry, shoes can be repaired by a cobbler. This solution is obviously more suitable for pricey high heels vs. discount, off-brand ones. In either case, don't wait too long to get your heels repaired. 
  4. Wear Protectors - You could also make a small investment in your heels (we're talking less than $4 a pair) and purchase high heel protectors. They consist of a color-matching heel cap to protect your heel from damage, as well as a sole pad which softens your step. At this price, it's worth buying a few in bulk to have on hand when you buy new heels. They also make great gifts for bridal events and even stocking stuffers!

That moment when you find just the right heels in your closet and they look fabulous because you've taken care of them.

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