The Height of the Matter: Why Heels are ALWAYS a Good Idea

Recently I was on the phone with my mom…she is a beautiful 50 something who was lamenting the fact that her feet have finally rebelled—and after 40+ years her days of wearing heels are over. You might find this ridiculous, but I actually sympathized with her and silently begrudged the day that it will happen to me. The only thing I can do is hope that it doesn’t. It will, I’m sure. Women sometimes have differing opinions on heels, some like stilettos, others like wedges, some espadrilles, some kitten heels—but one thing we can ALL agree on: they are always a good idea. Why, you ask? Simple. You wake up…laundry hasn’t been done for weeks, slim pickins on the clean jeans and cute tops. You settle on a long belted cardigan and the cleanest pair of jeans you got. You lace on some Chuck Taylors. Look in the mirror. Hmm. Something isn’t right. You swore your legs were skinnier, your butt perkier, your back straighter. And for some reason the smile just isn’t coming. This is where your eye catches the heels halfway hidden under your bed. Huh. Maybe?…and that’s that. You get rid of the Chuck Taylors and slide into the heels. Yes, in 5 hours your feet may be screaming for escape…but right now, your legs look amazing, your butt is thanking you, and that smile once lost is creeping its way back onto your face. Now you are ready to begin your day.

So, when it comes to heels, what should every woman have? Definitely the classics: a brown pair, a black pair (in leather and suede)—a fancy pair (ie: black satin, something that looks great with cocktail dresses or under long gowns), and a "showstopper." The showstopper is a pair of heels that is so unnecessary that by anyone else’s standard would be wasted money: but this pair is money. It’s the pair you put on and immediately sigh. You love it. It may be crazy, 6 inches tall and strappy—or perhaps it’s just red. But these are the shoes that you strut around in to prepare for a hot night out on the town-whether you are actually going to wear them or not doesn’t matter, it’s the way they make you feel. Ok. So these classics you spend money on. They are made of quality leather and are in timeless styles (except for maybe the showstopper). These go on the credit card. All other heels are for the checking account. These are the ones you get at DSW on sale—the trendier, the less practical: the pairs that match only one outfit in your closet, or the heels you wear stumbling down streets late at night. Remember to take care of the classics--they will pay for themselves over and over--they others may not.

Finally, the matter of height. I am tall.Very tall. I wear heels. Lots and lots of heels. My height doesn’t keep me from heels, never has, never will. This is something that drives me nuts about my taller friends—them not wearing heels. Ladies, a man has a relationship with you, not your height. Remember this. Please. And any man that doesn’t like you for your height, or is intimidated by it…is he really someone you want to be with? A man that doesn’t want you wearing heels, this is grounds for a breakup. Which is fine, because when you’re walking away—you better bet he’ll be checking you out as you leave.

xoxo

Carrie

And to help find the heels:

www.piperlime.com: member of the GAP family of brands, great place to check out lots of different types, styles, colors. Makes sure to check out resident stylist Rachel Zoe’s picks!

www.zappos.com: An obvious choice, the internet’s largest shoe store. Easy to order, and—if it doesn’t work out, easy to return.

www.christianlouboutin.com: Purely for the “showstopper.” Enjoy.