Oh Meredith!

Oh Meredith!  You’ve come to my aid!  My adored Banana Republic Donni’s in navy pony hair had to pass on after my numerous resoling life extensions, I was at such a loss.  I had grown to depend on those Donni’s for my go-to neutral not black, go with just about everything, heels.  They had this straight vamp top line that cut across my foot in the most flattering way.  And the pointy toe made them just so sleek and great for pencil skirts, skinny pants, leggings and cigarette pants.  I wore them in so well, that they became too worn in.  And since these babies are circa 2016-ish, it was going to be such a challenge to find them again.  PS, for a little shoe anatomy lesson, read this post.

Enter Meredith. 

Meredith you came along with your 3.5” high heel and supple navy leather.  I was aghast.  You even had an extra plump cushion inside the upper for added comfort.  After having a moment of silence for my Donni’s, I was ready to give the Meredith’s a few laps around the office.    

The verdict, a solid 9 out of 10.  The leather was very supple and has a perfect navy hue that does go well with just about anything.  The straight toe box top line sits perfectly where Donni did before, making my foot look very chic.  The silhouette and shape are quite sleek and do make me look more put together than the effort I made to get dressed.  My only ding is the cushion.  It's wonderful on the balls of my feet but the added cushion adds space in the toe box making it a little snug.  And truly, its only slightly snug.  I didn’t have a line across my feet when I took them off at the end of the day.  It was just snug.  I’ve worn them several times and I feel strongly the leather will stretch a bit over time and the cushion will form itself to my foot.  Maybe I’ll share an update that rates it a 10 in a few more months’ time.  😄

They are a pretty great deal given they are Nine West as a starting point.  They retail at $89 but are currently on sale for $69.99  The full range of colors are only available at Nine West. But you can get the basic colors on Amazon or 6pm for less.  Depending on the color and material, they range from $39.99 to $41.99.  Enjoy! 

*hearts*

What Shoe Made Of?

Some of you have asked what the different parts of shoe, specifically heels, are called.  I thought I’d take the opportunity to give you a little lesson in Shoe Anatomy. 

There are a few parts that do have multiple names, such as the Top Piece, aka Heel Tip, aka Heel Cap, aka the heel, as I refer to it.  Also, the inward facing part of the heel is called the Neck or the Breast.  Do you find it odd that these labels have such an underlying female note?

One other note to take, is that the Vamp is the part of the shoe that goes over the front part of your foot and around the sides.  It’s the parts that keep your foot in the shoe itself and not flying off when you take a step.  Not all the diagrams convey the extent of the Vamp fully.

Now that you’re fully prepped for a Jeopardy Parts of a Shoe category, I did want to make one note of appreciation and recognition to Shoes of Prey.  They are the photo credit for the first photo in this post.  I feel a bit of sadness in that I started this blog when Jodie Fox’s brilliance brought us this fabulous shoe company.  This Aussie’s baby was kind of my dream company.  Designing, well customizing your every dream shoe.  I had a major girl crush on her as she was such an inspiration.

After nine years of major success, the company suffered a major downturn and had to close in August 2018.  But like any survivor, I have full faith in Ms. Fox that she’ll put on her best heels and step forward in a fabulous new venture, stronger than before, shoe’ing us what’s she’s made of. ;)   You can also purchase her book, Reboot: ProbablyMore Than You Ever Wanted to Know about Starting a Global Business, online.  

*hearts*

Heels for Flat Feet

I know it's been a minute but we're still all working girls first. 😇

One of my good friends has struggled with her love affair with high heels.  Unfortunately, her flat feet syndrome keeps her from being able to really enjoy the happiness wearing high heels brings us.  She’s asked me to help her find heels for flat feet.  PROJECT! 😁

So, not being flat-footed myself and not being an orthopedic doctor, or trained in that field in any way, I’ll give this my best shot.  In the research I’ve been able to find, it seems there is no cure at the moment.  There’s lots of stuff being done for a pill in the future but as for right now, I’m sorry ladies, it’s just not in the cards.  Some say that wearing heels makes it worse, and some even say that it’s the cause of flat feet.  There’s no research that really shows that, and most people have it since birth.  It’s possible your arches can fall over time, but that isn’t always attributed to wearing the fabulous heels. 

The other thing too is that there are no existing heels for flat feet situations.  This news totally bummed me out.  I actually do feel sadness when someone wants to bask in the glamorous splendor of beautiful heels.  I understand that joy and happiness.  I really do…. So someone being physically denied that, well just makes my shoe-filled heart sad.  But there is hope.  

In accepting the challenge, and really wanting to help my girl, I think that there is a combination of things that can help.

Firstly, I think that these foot massages you can give yourself are a great idea, even if you DON’T have flat feet, this looks and feels yummy when I tried it. :) I think doing some type of this stretching and massaging at your desk in a rather discreet way during the day will help you be able to make it through the “walking parts” of your day.  Also, getting custom-molded inserts is another helper.  I know you all probably already have them, so I’m likely preaching to the choir here.  But again, I’m not saying it’s going to get you doing the marathon 14-hour work day in them but just that it will help tolerate them better.  The other thing is that you’re going to have carry around your flats with you so you can switch them out.  

Those lovely red pumps in the top photo are a solid and comfy
option.  They feature memory foam insoles, which sounds super dreamy.  The 2.3 inch heel comes with a pillowy soft feel cushion.  And they boast an A+ arch support.  My favorite part here though is that they're super cute too!  

None of these suggestions will make your pains of wearing heels with flat feet go away, but I really think that they will give you a little less pain, or at least a little more tolerance and more of a real opportunity to wear them. If you have any better suggestions, I’d love to have you share!  😄

*hearts*

2017 Trends Taking Us To New Heights

Versace Spring '17

As we move into the new year, the Spring and Summer shows move us to new heights… shoe heights that is.

Marc Jacobs Spring '17

One thing is really clear about this year’s trends, they’re bringing back all the fun in fashion.  

Vivienne Westwood Spring '17

The exuberant proportions of the 90’s serve as a reference for where we’ll be going this year.  And this time around, it includes our shoes in a totally new way.

Gucci Spring '17

Last summer’s platform sandals and espadrilles have crossed over into more than just leisure wear taking it to another level.  And we see the introduction of ultralow loafers and ballet flats.

 

Chanel Spring '17

Boots are being designed with mid-calf shaft heights which makes them wearable by more calf widths for one, and more COMFORTABLE so you can be stylish that much longer in your marathon long working days to nights.

Louis Vuitton Spring '17

The trend I’m most excited to see and try is the new heel heights that are not the basic 1", 2", and 3½” heights.  The new heels are about ¾” high and 2½”.  Most shoes I’ve seen in this height have a block heel.  It reminds me of kitten heels but far more stable to walk in.

 

Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Pump, 1 1/4"

J. Crew Velvet Ankle Strap Heels, 1 2/5"

Louise et Cie Brianna, 1 1/4"

While I don’t know if I’ll be rocking the gladiator platforms, I am rather excited that 2017 promises to bring innovative styles to this Working Girl’s Shoe Closet.

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Wishing you a stylish new year!

*hearts*