And I am not speaking of Jay Cutler being given time to dance around and throw the ball, because the Offensive Line chose to do their jobs…I am talking about our Feet…and how to make and keep them happy!

According to a poll on Glamour.com, 95% of the women surveyed would wear a pair of fabulous shoes even though they kill their feet.   And I am guilty as charged!  I attended a fundraiser at Navy Pier, and had gotten ready with some friends at a downtown hotel.  The shoes  felt great from the suite, where we got ready, to the elevator and that’s about it.  That was walking 100 or so feet… thank goodness I had my “fast flats’ (foldable ballet slippers that fit into my evening bag)  and I was able to put on when I literally could not walk anymore….which was basically by 9PM.  And here are those shoes, which I believed I posted on Facebook, with the caption, “Evil”.

Earlier this summer on the Today show,  they did a segment on how to save yourself from foot pain now and injuries in the future.  The expert with the advice was Dr. Roshini Raj .

In order to save your feet, she recommended:

1. Shopping for sandals during the summer.  Your feet expand during the heat so it’s best to buy sandals that will fit your enlarged feet.
2. Buying shoes made out of natural materials.  They will stretch and mold to your feet.  Faux leather will not.
3. Rotating your footwear.  This will help distribute the pressure on your feet so it’s not in the same place everyday.
4. Wearing sandals, wedges, etc with a back strap.  With flip-flops your toes curl to hold on to the shoe.

Happy Feet

In order to have Happy Feet, you don’t have to pack your closet exclusively with Crocs and Slippers.  Just follow these tips:

1. Try not to stand or walk around in heels higher than two inches for more than four hours straight. (If you do wear extremely high heels on a big night out, ice your feet when you get home to curb any swelling or pain.)

2. Remember that feet can still grow and spread throughout adulthood (especially after pregnancy) and tend to be at their most swollen at the end of the day, so do your shoe shopping in the afternoon. Have your feet measured every year to make sure you’re buying the right size.

3. For extra heel and arch cushioning, slip orthopedic inserts into your flats. Most won’t fit into skimpy high heels, so use gel pads or Foot Petals, there instead. You can buy them at a drugstore for around $20, or spring for custom-made orthotics from a doctor.  Yeah, best to stick with foot petals, so you don’t have to say you are wearing “orthotics”.

4. As your body’s “essential support system”, your feet can take a lot of weight, but “every pound you gain means an extra three pounds of pressure in your ankle region.”   Thankfully I have thick ankles!  Yet another reason to always maintain a healthy weight.  Note to file!

5. To keep your feet limber, do stretches such as writing the alphabet with pointed toes; to massage your arches, roll your feet over a tennis ball for a few minutes a day; and to stretch your ankle and calf, extend your knee, place a towel around the ball of your foot, and pull toes backwards.

(Source:  MSNBC).

Tips for Happy Feet

1. Exfoliate regularly. A pumice stone will be enough if you just have a little rough skin, but if you have  calluses, or hard, dry, skin, look for a good foot scrub.

2. Moisturize. Put lotion on your feet at least once a day, and after you exfoliate. Lotions with shea butter or cocoa butter are rich moisturizers that will make your feet baby-soft sooner, but beware of using them  before you put on your shoes.  They can make your feet greasy and you might hurt yourself by not giving your feet enough traction in shoes or on the floor.  I have tripped and fallen, more times than I can count after a pedicure with greasy feet…do yourself a favor, and ask the pedicurist to wipe the excess lotion off your feet.

3. Put on socks after a shower. Socks will help you retain some of the moisture from your shower. For an added benefit, put lotion on your feet before putting on socks and you’ll wake up to soft feet.  If you cannot bear to sleep all night with socks, you can always kick the socks off during the night, and you’ll still get the benefit of soft feet.

4. Get a pedicure regularly. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, treat your feet every once in while, even if it’s just some snappy nail polish and foot cream.

5. Buy a pedicure kit. This will help you if you choose to do your own pedicures, but also comes in handy if you have your pedicures done at a nail salon. You will always know that your tools are only used on your feet and that they are properly sterilized, preventing infections, or even worse things…!

6. Take it easy on the high heels. Heels are fine in moderation, but if you wear them too often, they can cause problems with your toes, foot bones, and ankles. Try not to do a lot of walking or dancing in extremely high heels, and bring a pair of ballet slipper with you to change into.  Remember, that however appealing those high-heel, high-fashion shoes are, your feet need to carry you around for a lifetime.  Treat them kindly.   I’m a fan of Dr. Sholl’s Fast Flats, but I’ve just been introduced to Footzy Rolls:   Footzyroll Rollable Shoes are completely rollable and foldable, and fit into the smallest bag or clutch.    (www.abernook.com).

7. Get shoes that fit. Don’t let vanity affect the shoes you wear. Make sure you get the right size, and don’t try to squeeze your feet into shoes that don’t fit right.  Unless you’re bowling, no one knows that size shoe you wear.  Wearing ill-fitting shoes, can cause, at the very least, very painful blisters.  And to alleviate those painful blisters, use Blister Block.  I keep one in my car, and one in my purse.  Tips on fit are mentioned below.

8. Or…try to wear a lower heel.  A 2-inch heel causes fewer problems than a 4-inch heel. A lower heel will give you an elongated appearance if it is a thin stiletto type rather than a thick or chunky heel. 

9. Try wearing a larger size than usual and insert heel cups into the backs for a better or more comfortable fit.

10. Wear open toe shoes to help alleviate discomfort in your toes. Partially open toe shoes have become more acceptable in many work environments, allowing you to further customize your shoes to your feet.  And forget the panty hose if you are wearing open toe shoes…but a dark colored tight, can work with open toes shoes (though not the ones below).   And these little numbers are soon to be mine!

Suggestions on proper shoe fit:    

Shoes support you.  You need to support them.  Wear shoes that fit properly.  Poorly fitting shoes can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammer toes and other foot problems. You can prevent some of these problems by paying attention to how you select your new shoes.

• Don’t select shoes by the manufacturer’s size. Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Judge the shoe by how it fits on your foot.

• Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot.

• Have your feet measured regularly. The size of your feet change as you grow older. For women, size may change during pregnancy.

• Have BOTH feet measured. Most people have one foot larger than the other. Fit to the larger foot. You will not be able to buy shoes in 2 different sizes, btw…

• Fit at the end of the day when your feet are largest.

• Stand during the fitting process and check that there is adequate space (3/8″ to 1/2″) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe.

• Make sure the ball of the foot fits comfortably into the widest part (ball pocket) of the shoe.

• Don’t purchase shoes that feel too tight, expecting them to “stretch” to fit.  This will most likely Not happen.

• Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slippage.

•Walk in the shoe to make sure it fits and feels right.

May you all have Happy Feet!

xoxo,

T.

JAY WATCH - (my musings of my favorite QB) – Yes, we all saw Jay Cutler cheering on his ex-fiance (let’s keep it that way, please) on Dancing with the Stars.  I loved this little tid-bit which was brought to my attention from my sister, Megan, which she found on CNN.com (credible news source, btw).

Kristin Cavallari paid tribute to 2005, the year she graduated from high school and moved to Los Angeles. Guess this woman’s never had a crisis.  Kristin and Mark Ballas danced a sexy samba that seemed to wow Kristin’s former fiance, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who seemed to think that attending a TV dance show is much more important than preparing for next week’s clash with the undefeated Detroit Lions.

Well said…Yes, the Lions are indeed,  4-0, and My Funky QB should have been in Chicago prepping for this Very important game.  Even I have been prepping for this very important game.  And, in addition, the photo of Jay, in LA (Hollywood, of course), Tuesday morning, sporting “salmon-colored” pants (I referred to them as Pink, and “my boy Ken” corrected me…and rightly so), was equally as shocking.  He should auction them off with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, along with the other “pink” or salmon-colored items from Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Go Bears…bEAT the Lions!!

Related articles

• What the Cobbler, aka Shoemaker, can do for You! (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)
• 86% of Women Lie about their shoe purchases.  http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/86-of-women-lie-about-hiding-their-shoe-purchases/
• Women’s Love Affair with shoes.  http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/womens-love-affair-with-shoes/

A Cobbler, is “a shoemaker who repairs shoes, rather than manufacturing them”

A great shoemaker is as important as a great tailor.  The right cobbler can help make those really fabulous, yet heinously uncomfortable shoes, wearable enough to allow you to dance the night away!

Here is what a good shoemaker can do for you and your feet:

1.  Stretch – Of course none of us wish to buy shoes that are too tight, but if you end up with a pair that is , indeed too tight, you can get them stretched at a shoemaker.  The key is to have them stretched for at least 24-hours.  If they are stretched for less, they will go back to the original size.

2.  Add rubber soles - thin, leather-soled shoes , are not only incredibly uncomfortable, but they can wear through very quickly.  By adding a half sole (from the arch up to the toes), it will extend the life span and make your feet feel more comfortable.

3.  Change Heels - you can immediately change the look of a pair of shoes, replacing the heel…you can replace a skinny heel, with a sturdy, chunky heel.  You can also replace worn or broken heels.  I have 3 pairs of my favorite boots, which have had worn heels, and I have had them each replaced for less than $20 each.  Sure beats paying $200+ for an entire new pair of boots or shoes!  (Note to file…when replacing heels, best have both replaced, so heels are even).

4.  Add padding - to upgrade a shoe’s foot bed, you can upgrade and add a cushioned in sole or pad at the heel to prevent slipping. 

5.  Take boots in (and out) – you can add a 1/2″ in or out on a boot, so the boot hugs the calf as it was meant to.  My favorite pair of boots stretched, and kept falling a few inches down (not the look I was going for), so I went to my cobbler, and he repaired them, and they stay upright!

And how do you find the right shoemaker?  Ask around.  Ask your friends for referrals.  It’s great to go to one in your own neighborhood, but if you have to drive 30 minutes to find a great cobbler, it’s a terrific investment.

I wore a pair of totally fabulous high-heel, 4-inch patent-leather, peep toe pumps to a “gala” at Navy Pier…by the end of the evening, not only were my “dogs barking”…but my eyes were tearing… I was in horrific pain! Of course,  I knew better, but opted for fashion over function, which is how I roll…and since I knew I knew what I was getting into, I had no business complaining.  I should have remembered my mantra:

Happy Feet make for a Happy Life!

Oh Happy Day!  Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts today!  Happy shopping!!

xoxo,

T.

I adore accessories!  They can take an outfit from boring or bland, and give it pizzazz and style.   They are y life line.  And,  like shoes, you never have a fat day with accessories.   And I must say, I’m getting a lot of mileage out of that quote!

Fashion accessories are ”decorative items that supplement and complement clothes, such as jewelry, gloves, handbags, hats, belts, scarves, watches, sunglasses, pins, stockings, bow ties, leg warmers, leggings , neckties, suspenders, and tights”.  (Thanks Wikipedia).  And horror of all horrors, Fanny Packs are making a comeback.  Yup, that’s right…and I’ll save that for a future blog!

Accessories can add color, style and class to an outfit, and create a certain look, but they can also have a practical function: handbags can be used to carry small items such as cash, lipstick and your cellphone, hats are stylish, yet  protect the face in bad weather (but a hat can be an all day decision, so make it wisely), and gloves and mittens keep hands warm.  Long gone are the days where women wore long leather gloves that were part of an outfit.  Think Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany.  Accessories,  thankfully, can be both fashionable and functional.    Jewelry of course is all about fashion!  Of course , you could argue a tip clip could be both, but let’s not argue with me.

Handbags - along with shoes, are a girl’s best friend.  I change my handbag daily to match my outfit.  Truly.  It takes all of 2 minutes, and it makes me happy.  I’ve been collecting handbags for years, and now angle towards more unique handbags, so I don’t carry the same pocketbooks (as my friend Kathy calls them) as everyone else.  And this Burberry number is not mine, but I liked it so wanted to post a picture of it.   Check out eBay (www.ebay.com) for gently used high-end designer handbags.  Make sure they are authentic, but this is a great way to add a fabulous designer handbag to your collection.  And for a change, I am Not featuring a black handbag!

Shoes!  Women have a love affair with shoes.  It’s funny, the older I get, the higher my heel gets.   I’m sure this personal trend will soon come to a crashing halt, when I take a major fall.  Not that I haven’t already!

Jewelry – I wear jewelry every single day.  I don’t feel dressed without wearing  earrings, my rings, and at least one bracelet.  I also love vintage jewelry, and have found some truly fantastic pieces at the Flea Market.   Jewelry, can be elegant, personal or simply statement pieces, and can include:

Necklaces – Dainty, or chunky.  It changes the look.  It took me forever to realize it was necklace (neck/lace),  Decoration for the neck!  This Tiffany shoe necklace decorates my neck almost everyday, and while I’m sure Mer Mer helped Kevin pick it out, pretty much was a perfect gift for me.    Again, he didn’t have to break the bank with this one.

Earrings -  Stud, Chandelier, hoops, funky pair … If  you only own 4 pair of earrings, these would be 4 good choices.  And the stud earrings are cubic zirconia, and about $20.  No need to break the bank.  Actually each of these is less than $70.  www.nordstrom.com.

Bangles - $49 Nordstrom.  These come in silver, gold, or a combo of the two.  You can wear all 30 at the same time, or divide them up.  Brings sparkle, snap and fun to any outfit.  I received a set of these from my friend Donna, and I wear them all the time.

Bracelets - Kevin gave me a gold Tiffany charm bracelet in 1996, before the silver one became all the rage.  This bracelet works for young and the not so young.  I also have a silver one, as does Meredith.  This is a timeless piece of jewelry.  I also appears every young woman under the age of 25 has one as well.  Accessory staple!

This tennis bracelet is real (it’s a picture from the web), but you can get wonderful swarovski crystal bracelets for less than $100, and no one can tell the difference.  Brings a lovely amount of bling to your day.

Rings – these are the statement, aka cocktail rings, that we spoke of in the spring trends blog.  Cocktail rings, are not just for cocktail parties anymore!  And all of these are costume jewelry.  Check out  www.abernook.com for some great snappy cocktail rings!

Accessories…don’t leave home without them!

xoxo,

T.

The headline read,  Breaking news…”14% of women hide their shoe purchases”… what is better than this is the comment from a reader that read,  Breaking news…”86% of women lie about hiding their shoe purchases”. 

I am reprinting this article from the Chicago Tribune, because it’s timely, it’s fashion-related, and it is so true.  I have edited a portion of it.  I am also concerned that not enough people read it, and since I now have over 5000 Lifetime Views on my blog (Yippee), I thought this was a great venue to get this fabulous article more exposure… well, at least 70 views today.   Plus, I agree…many more than 14% of women lie about this…And I must admit,  I am part of this crowd.  Having Kevin work in San Francisco does have its advantages.

Line up seven women, and at least one likely has a covert pair of shoes she bought but didn’t tell her significant other about because they cost so much. (Or if you are Terry O’Brien, perhaps 99 pairs)

But oh, shoe shopping certainly makes many women happier. The average American woman owns at least 17 pairs of shoes, though many women have three times that many. (Or if you are Terry O’Brien, perhaps 6x that amount).

Such are a few of the shoe insights that  ShopSmart  magazine found in their survey of 1,009 American women, offering something of a window into the female mind, or at least their credit card statements.

“Shoes are like boys and chocolate, you see a pair somewhere that you like, and you can’t stop thinking about them,” said Sharon Britton of Tampa, Fla., while opening her closet and guessing she may have three times the average of 17. That puts her in the top 13 percent of shoe fans.

“Shoes never make your butt look big, you don’t have to worry about squeezing into them if you’ve put on a couple of pounds, and they can instantly make you feel sexier,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart, published by the parent organization of Consumer Reports. “Maybe that’s why, despite the economy, we’re still buying shoes.”  (I do believe I blogged about this 2 weeks ago!  Perhaps I was the inspiration for this article! )

Some other shoe insights from ShopSmart:

– Over half of women own more than 10 pairs, and 13 percent have more than 30 pairs. That’s not including athletic shoes.  (I  must have 60 pairs of black shoes, alone…and I’m underestimating that, lest you judge me).

– Women typically buy three pairs a year, and on average spend $49 per pair, but, nearly one-third have spent more than $100 on a single pair. (I almost always buy my shoes on sale, and buy way more than 3 pairs annually…I mean, Really!)

– Almost unheard of even five years ago, online shoe shopping is now a “national obsession,” with a third of women regular online shoe buyers. Zappos.com, for instance, says some of their top customers “spend well over $10,000 annually.”  (I rarely go into a shoe store to buy shoes…almost all of it is online.  Ask nordstrom.com).

– About one in five women go shoe shopping just to cheer themselves up.  (And everyone asks why I’m always happy?)

–While 86 percent of women say they tell their significant other about shoe purchases, 14 percent admit to “hiding at least one purchase.” (Yes, Yes, and Yes…again, having Kevin work in San Francisco Does has its advantages).

As for the kinds of shoes women are buying, most prefer low-rises, but occasionally go for height. Almost 40 percent say flats are their favorite, 8 percent wear heels over 2 1/2 inch high on regular basis, and one-quarter of women wear 4-inch heels for a special occasion. (The older I get, the higher my heels).

About half of women bought an “ugly” pair for comfort, but more women lately are willing to withstand pain for fashion — 60 percent vs. 49 percent in 2007, and 6 in 10 women carry a backup pair to change into after a party or event. (I agree…fashion over function).

That fashion can inflict a physical price too.  (Moleskin and Footpetals are best sellers for a really good reason).

About half of women have shoe related blisters, sprains or even broken bones, and one in three had “an evening ruined by an uncomfortable pair of shoes” and one in four said they’ve had a fall.  (I’ve done all of the above).

Source:  Chicago Tribune

Shoes are the new cupcakes…very trendy, all the rage, very 2011 (unlike cupcakes which, according to Meredith, are very 2010).  The fact that the Chicago Tribune has articles about shoes makes me giddy.  I feel that Journalism is finally “getting it”…and we no longer have to read about Charlie Sheen and ‘Duh Winning’…but about Shoes!  And That’s what I call a good day.

I have a bet with my “boss”, and he will shortly be buying me these Christian Louboutin’s, Retail $750…but who cares, since I’m not paying…and don’t have to smuggle them in the house!  Oh Happy Day!

xoxo,

T.

Related Articles

• Women’s Love Affair with Shoes (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)

A few basic refresher points for my “male fan base”.

Shoes

Buy some new shoes. Don’t let your work shoes be your weekend wear shoes, your dressy casual shoes, or “you’re doing the lawn” shoes. Brown and tan shoes are a must and should show up in both your work and dressy casual wardrobe.  Sneakers or tennis shoes should never be worn with anything except a work out outfit.
Lace up shoes are preferred with Suits.

Belts must match the shoe – Remember that one of the oldest fashion rules is the matching of shoes and belts. Try to select these accessories in matching colors. Such choices will add completeness to your outfit and will demonstrate that you are aware of fashion trends.

See how this does not captivate the look you want?

100% leather - invest in good shoes.  Your feet will thank you.  I will thank you.

Formal is always Black - think George Clooney.  Always black shoes at the Academy Awards.

Typically, any shoe color goes with any suit color.  and while lace-up is preferred, there are also great other options out there, if you choose to gravitate away from laced-up shoes.

Colors

Brown

Black

English Tan

Flip Flops

For reasons that shall remain to myself, I am OFTEN asked about my thought on men wearing flip-flops or “Mandals”  as Mer Mer refers to them, with pants.  I, personally, am not a fan. Especially for business.   But again…if it makes you happy, and you are comfortable, go for it.   Some of my favorite people gravitate towards this look.   If the weather is warm, “mandals” may be the only option.  I only ask that you do not wear socks with the flip-flops or  ”mandals”.   I only provide guidelines and tips, and may occasionally snicker behind one’s back (Kidding)… It’s all about what makes you feel good.   Or what makes your feet feel good.  Happy feet make for happy people.    If you do choose to show some skin (on your feet), just make sure to treat yourself to a little foot-freshening session — clipping, scrubbing or for those completely secure with their masculinity, a professional pedicure.

It can be downright difficult to find a men’s sandal that is both simple and stylish if you want something other than flip-flops. The solution: a cross-strap sandal. There are no bells and whistles here; just two uncomplicated straps to hold your foot in place. It’s also the perfect sandal if you find a traditional flip-flop that slips on between your toes to be uncomfortable. Just be careful not to go with certain faux-leather types or you could risk looking like grandpa at the retirement home.  And leave the socks at home!

Mandals – man sandal-a men’s summer shoe, that consists of black or brown leather that covers more than 50% of the foot, buckles and a thick sole. ”His mandals match his man purse”.   (Urban Dictionary).  Here is a picture of a perfectly fine mandal.  I just happen to think it can look silly wearing it with dress pants, khaki’s , or jeans.

Socks

* Over the calf is preferred with suits

* A shade darker than trouser for work

* A shade lighter than trouser for casual

* Black is always acceptable

Socks should match or complement the Shoe

And to further drive my point home, I would appreciate it if you chose Not to  wear socks with sandals…Ever.  But that’s just me…and here is how a picture is worth a 1000-words.

xoxo

T.

PS – Truly, you will save yourself many , many hours over your lifetime, if you safety-pin your socks together when washing and drying them.  And I have often been asked if I , indeed do this, and the answer is an overwhelming YES.

(Thanks Kim!)

High heels were invented by a woman who had been kissed on the forehead.  ~Christopher Morley

It all started with Cinderella and her glass slipper…Women, especially this woman, are obsessed with shoes.  Let’s face it, we never have a Fat day with shoes…and No woman has ever said to a man, “Do my feet look fat in these shoes”?   ( I heard that on TV, so will give credit where credit is due)

During the recession shoe sales were at an all time high!  Shoes make women happy (oh, and Men as well and MANic Monday’s March blog is all about Men’s shoes).  Women are always on a never-ending search to find the perfect shoe.  One that makes us look as great as we want to feel!  And it’s been said that the higher the heel, the closer to God.

I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty.
Imelda Marcos

I have a lot, but not nearly as many as Imelda… If I could wear one shoe, one fancy shoe, it wold be a black patent leather peep toe pump.  They can be 1″ heels, 3″ heels or 4.5″ heels!  The first pair is Cole Haan Nike Air.  I have worn these shoes to death.  You can find these , and many times on Sale, at Nordstrom.

Here are some tips when shoe shopping:

1.  the #1 tip…if the shoes don’t feel great in the store, they will NEVER feel good. 

2.  The internet is a most cost efficient place to shop for shoes.  If you know your size and are comfortable with the fit of a specific brand, buy online.  The internet is a great place for buying shoes. The price of shoes is lower online,  because a pair of shoes will be more expensive in a shop than the same pair would be online. The main reason for this, is that retailers are able to offer better prices because the costs of running an online business are lower, the money saved is then passed on to the customer.

a.  Nordstrom.com

b.  Zappos.com

c.  shoes.com

d.  DSW.com

3.  If you are not aware of your shoe size, and face it ladies, our feet can grow, especially after pregnancy, go and have them measured.  Nordstrom is happy to do it.  They also want you to have happy feet.

4.  Although everyone loves a bargain, when it comes to shoes, scrimping is a bad idea. Shoes must be of the highest quality that your budget can stretch to. Quality is important in terms of foot health, but also, because shoes tend to last longer. It is false economy to purchase cheap, low-quality, shoes, firstly because in the long run you will spend more money replacing them, but also, because in the short-term they are not conducive to foot health.

5.  If I’m going to be on my feet for an extended period of time, I always opt for a chunkier heel.  Makes a world of difference.

6.  My friend Laura gave me the Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats…they are in a cute gold pouch, and will fit inside a purse.  After a long night wearing heels, and you have had “Just about enough”, you slip off your heels, and slip these on.  I love them so much, and have used them often, I will be posting a future blog based solely on this great new foot saver.

7.  Inserts made for high heels will save your feet.  Dr. Scholls; Foot Petals and Insolia are 3 brands that any girl who loves high heels, needs to check out.

Here are some shoes which I find to be fabulous!

xoxo,

T.

Win or lose, we go shopping after the election.
Imelda Marcos