How To Own Your Heels, Not The Other Way Around.

Lately I have come across quite a few women who are having troubles with heels. Whether its walking, finding a comfortable pair, or just avoiding debt from buying too many pairs; some women aren't sure how to manage. While the answers are simple, sometimes in the frenzy of loving-buying-wearing heels the simple rules can be forgotten. Here's a guide to help those who are: just coming into the world of shoes, are addicted but keep buying shoes they "cant wear", and everyone in between.
There are 5 factors to keep in mind when you buy heels:

1. Do you love them?
   You must love the heels that you buy. Not like, love. Its a big commitment to wear heels, and if you only like the pair of tan suede clogs you just bought, you'll be more inclined to look right over them in your collection. Thus they collect spider webs and dust and you just wasted $40 or more. If your heart doesn't skip a beat/race and your not dreaming about all the fabulous outfits you can create with those clogs, move on.
2. Are they your style?
   Trends come and go, but style, especially personal style that has been polished to your exact liking: is eternal. Make sure that the heels you buy reflect you.
   
3. Be reasonable.
   There is no need to put yourself in debt for a pair of heels. Buy what you can afford or save up. If the pair that you are dying for (but is out of your price range) just came out, give it a month, and watch the knock-offs pop up. You can find a cheaper version of the signature Christian Louboutin pumps in any color just about anywhere. I bought a pair for $39. Really!
   Also, don't buy doubles. Keep it real: yes a pair of simple black pumps is a stable. Three pairs is not. If those strappy gold sandals look just like the ones you have at home except for the rhinestone detail: move on.
   
4. Buy the right size!
   So they don't have your size, but they do have the next size up. And you think "Well I could stuff in some shoe cushions and then they'd fit like a dream!" I am totally guilty of doing this (5 and 5.5 can be hard finds) and from my personal experience I seriously advise to buy only your size. When heels fit like a glove, walking is much easier, but when you try to make a size work that isn't for you accidents are much more likely. A size too big tends to feel a little wobbly and a size too small just hurts. If your size is not available look elsewhere or for a different pair.
   
5. Are they a comfortable height for you?
   2-3 -inches are the easiest, and best for beginners.
   4-5 -inches are for pros, you need to have your walk down or accidents could be very ugly.
   5 1/2 and up- more power to ya! But not advised for anything other than occasional costume-oriented events.
   

A necessity to make your heels comfortable?

Foot cushions, shoe soles, jellies, inserts- what ever you want to call 'em. Go to target, amazon, or just about any shoe store and buy in bulk. They come in all shapes, sizes, and cuts so that you can add comfort to any painful spot in your shoes. I'm known to have 2-3 pairs of cushions in one pair of sandals, especially if they are just one size up (naughty naughty!). I love to buy these cushions and the jelly ones from Aldo.
It also helps to try them on first, but in the day and age of Internet shopping, its not always a option. Make sure to read a sites return policy before purchasing anything, just in case.

There are 5 golden rules to owning your heels:

1. A walk.
   Stand up straight, lean back ever-so- slightly, relax your shoulders and walk at your own pace. Practice makes perfect. If your talking really hard steps you're either: walking too hard or too tense. Allowing yourself to feel sexy gives your walk personality.
   
2. Know the lifespan.
   I'm talking about how long your feet will last. Sometimes no matter how many foot cushions you use or how great they feel for the first hour, you will find that some shoes fall into certain time frames:
   - 4-5 hour
   - 5-6 hour
   - 5-6 hour (minimal walking/standing)
   - all day
   - all day (with minimal walking/standing)
3. Practice makes perfect.
   Take a few moments to walk around in your new stilettos before debuting them. This will help you figure out where to put cushions if any are needed and what the lifespan is.
4. A killer outfit.
   If your not used to incorporating heels into your attire or you're still getting your look down, do some research. Buy a few fashion magazines, look at pictures of your style muses to see how they wear their heels, see how other girls wear their pumps on sites like lookbook.nu and chictopia.com. Some brands also come out with their own lookbooks, so give that the once over. Grab inspiration anywhere you can: best friends, coworkers, strangers you see downtown! Then put some outfits together, take pictures and see what works.
   
5. CONFIDENCE!
   For your walk, you outfit, your heels, and even your day to have a fighting chance, you gotta feel confident. Heels are a great way to build confidence because they elongate the body, tighten the butt, dress up a outfit, and help cultivate your style. Think of yourself as the chicest gal in town, who could stomp on anyone who gets in her way with her 4' heel, but doesn't bother because she's too busy being a successful glamazon.

Have any of your own rules for shoe shopping? What helps you own your heels?

xoxo Fennec