So I had a Taxi addiction and it proved to be a very expensive habit…I’m now subjected to taking the underground everywhere. I hate the underground. Mostly because I believe that a colony of ants could run it better than the current TFL posy. .. 

”Due to the adverse weather conditions there are delays on the Central line.”-since when did snow affect the tracks underground? 

“We are currently being held at a red signal.” -I hear this and envisage them playing the underground like a massive scalextric. 

So that we don’t completely lose our cool, they have taken to publishing such posters…

 Ok thanks; well I’ll just walk then…

ATHENA

I’m sat here, in the middle of my room, surrounded by shoes. My laptop is balanced on top of an old pair of heels and there’s a stiletto spike digging into my knee. Its time for a clearout…And every shopaholic knows that after the clearout comes the fun part – the restock!

So that’s why I’m on LinziShoes.com again – that and the fact that I just can’t resist checking what new shoes have been added to the site today. I’ve fallen in love instantly with Linzi’s ATHENA shoe in Pink. At only £25 I have to have them! I can’t help mentally racing through my wardrobe (the only time I ever race – apart from to the shops!) to see what I have to match them. They’d look amazing with that new pink flower print dress and the pink clutch bag I bought last week. Hair down I think, wavy with girly accessories.  It’s out with the old then, and in with the new Linzi Shoes!

I’ve just remembered I have a delivery coming this morning – my brand new LOLLY heels from LinziShoes! I rush downstairs in excitement to greet the delivery man and probably thank him a bit too over enthusiastically. My friend Noami is right behind him, she’s popped in for a quick chat. She makes all the right noises as I parade around the flat in my new shoes. These £50 stunners are five-and-a-half inches high and very Victoria Beckham. I admire myself in the mirror. Perhaps not too great with pyjamas, but they’re very Lara too!!

Speak to ya soon, and happy shopping!!

Lara xxx

Ella Black here again.  Here i am getting ready for a New Years Eve party and I am wearing this stunning black dress.  This dress fit me well a little too well I might add.  I noticed that every time I would take a step my dress would ride higher and higher up on me.  It was a great night though .  See more of this set by going to my Gallery.

For the last few months, just shortly after completing my university degree I have been contemplating moving out of London. The city which overwhelmed me as a young girl from the first time I arrived; stepping out of Green Park station, surrounded by the flashing lights of the Ritz and the hustle and bustle of city workers flooding into Starbucks and filing out of Fortnum and Mason at midday. I decided that I had to be HERE! I applied to London universities and chose to study at UCL. However four years later, the city which had once inspired me so much, no longer felt the same. On my way into the office this morning, looking around at the people who pressed up against me on the crammed tube…all the same, sharp T.M Lewin suits and shiny watches, I wondered where were the shop floor workers, mums doing the school run, or old age pensioners going to shop for their groceries? Then it hit me that those groups of people barely existed in London or central London to say the least. The constant demographic of people who filled my train carriage were city workers, bankers and a few young professionals who had ‘made it’. All those other groups of people now barely existed here or were extinct… It made me think that if I made the decision to quit the struggle in the city and move somewhere else, where my pennies stretched much further and I had more of a disposable income, what would be left in London? Middle age bankers, CEO’s and politicians, but where would their workers be, shop assistants, or bin men to collect their refuse?

So Hanukkah begins on Friday and Christmas is 17 days away, which means it’s time for holiday parties, dinners, and gatherings of family and friends. And that means you’ll need some super cute looks to show off.  Of course after buying gifts, paying travel expenses to go home, and all the other stuff you’ll be spending on this holiday season, spending money on yourself probably isn’t the most reasonable idea. But you don’t have to ruin your budget (or your reputation by re-gifting…) to look fantastic.

Here are 8 items under $20 that you can add to your wardrobe to make it extra festive.

Forever 21 has all the goods for the perfect holiday looks:

If you wanna shine this season, why not go for sequins? The one-shoulder combined with the short length makes this dress totally sexy without being skanky and you’ll definitely stand out in a crowd. Slip on some black tights, black pumps and a black boyfriend sweater for that holiday dinner. Then rock it again on NYE with some jewel toned stilettos or a hot pair of booties.  Did I mention it’s only $15.50?

Looking for something a little more conservative or family-friendly?  This dress is only $14.50 and gives a classic look a modern, fun and totally stylin’ twist.

Pair this top with a pair of black skinny pants or jeans, a cardi or a boyfriend blazer and a cute pair of flats for anything from a casual holiday soiree to dinner (at the kids’ table) with the entire extended family.

Wet Seal is another great spot for affordable and bangin’ pieces

Too cold for a dress but still wanna sparkle? Try some sequin leggings. They’re a great way to stay warm and look sassy all at the same time. Just pair them with a long, loose fitting top and you’re chic to go.

You can’t go wrong with a pencil skirt, especially a bandage-style skirt. You can wear this with just about anything for any occasion (a sparkly top for a party, a BF blazer for dinner) and look absolutely stunning, sexy and classy.

This dress is great for cocktail parties and will definitely give a fun, flirty look. You can go classic with some faux pearls, red shoes & lipstick, or give it an edge with more heavy, metallic jewelry and some studded booties.

If nothing at F21 or Wet Seal strikes your fancy, Charlotte Russe is bound to have something cheap and chic for you.

Wanna go for the tried and true dressy-top-with-jeans look?  This top has a flattering cut, is grandparent-appropriate and still gives a little holiday sparkle with the rhinestone details.  Add some black boots or strappy silver heels and you’re set.

Not comfortable in a pencil skirt? Opt for something flirty and feminine instead. Add a basic white tank and some tights and you’ve got an adorable and unique holiday look.

]]> http://cjrutter.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/collagen-fillers-to-avoid-sore-feet-at-christmas/ Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:23:08 +0000 cjrutter http://cjrutter.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/collagen-fillers-to-avoid-sore-feet-at-christmas/

Hot heels

Forget stocking fillers this year, apparently women are asking for ‘feet fillers’ to combat sore tootsies! Collagen fillers are being used as a solution to sore party feet just in time for the Christmas season. 

According to reports, doctors have suggested that collagen feet fillers has increased five-fold this year.

The surgery costs around £240 for each foot to be injected with protein. The effects last between two to three months.

Cosmetics surgeons have reported a growth in numbers of ladies looking to avoid sore feet in the run up to Christmas.

Dr Nick Milojevic, of the Harley Medical Group, said: “Patients commonly have pre-Christmas fillers and treatments in the run-up to Christmas, to get them camera-ready for the festive season.

But this year we have received increased enquiries for foot fillers to pad out the ball of the foot to reduce the pain caused by more vertiginous heels.” (Clearly the economic climate hasn’t had an effect on certain folk…)

The ball of the foot is injected with collagen, which is a natural protein found in the skin. This breaks down over a period of time – varying from each person – and it can be replenished with fillers. (Like the procedure Gordon Ramsey had).

According to medical advice, it doesn’t need to be removed or altered once it has been injected and the side effects generally last less than 48 hours.

Are they worth it?

Harley Medical Group, director, Liz Dale said: “Foot fillers have been popular in America, but are only just taking off here, as women realise that non-surgical treatments can help them with more than just their appearance.”

“The injections are integral padding and last just the right amount of time for the party season. Though there’s nothing to stop women having top-ups to keep the comfort going,” she added.

Would you consider having feet fillers for a more comfortable experience when wearing high heels? I think although I’d be more happy wearing ballet pumps and Uggs than shoving needles into my feet, followed by some protein – I can see why some people would go down this route…but is it all too much?

Marissa Miller has gorgeous legs. There is simply no other way to describe them. They are long, toned and very sexy. she is always decorated in short dresses and towering high heels that do an outstanding job of showing them off. These photos show her leaving her hotel in Hollywood. I really like the shot of her from behind. You can really see how shapely those gams are. This is some good work.

Hola People!

So while eating Lays chilli chips with garlic sauce (EPIC mixture! try it!) I was literally begging myself for some rambles. My eyes fell on my chips and I suddenly remembered Kaleb Nation The Awesomest asking Robert Pattinson The I-Couldn’t-Care-Less-About-Hygiene king what his favorite type of cookie was (if you didn’t know it was white chocolate chip.)

So I thought, “Hey that’s pretty creative and original! What would I like to ask a random celebrity?”

Ok, honestly it was more of. “Hahahaha! Cool Question. I also remember that Brit female from CNN or BBC who asked him what sound would cheese make if it were audible not edible! HAHAHAHA!”

So, back to the story, I looked at my sister’s soft toys and I came up with a question!

“Ahem. Imagine that you have won a lottery which you haven’t paid for the prize is a custom-maid soft toy! You can’t really refuse otherwise a huge custom-made soft toy will be wasted! So, what soft toy would you ask for? Teddy-bears NOT allowed!”

See how this question is custom-made so that the celeb can’t say something like “I wouldn’t buy a soft toy at this age!” They’re forced to answer!

While writing this I looked at my thumbring. Here comes another question. This one is for male celebs only.

The original question was, “Do you prefer piercings or shoes?” These objects are used as metaphors to describe the type of girls you would like.” . Obviously, they would answer the hackneyed answer. Shoes. How unoriginal.
Gradually the shoes changed to girly shoes and tattoos was added with piercings. And a few more edits along the way.
Here’s the present, modified, all-new question.

“What do you prefer? Stilettos? Spectacles? Or Tattoos and Piercings? Each of them representing a type of girl. Stilettos representing blondes. Spectacles representing brunettes. And Tattoos and Piercings represent goth chicks. The hair is just optional! Scarlets, Highlights, streaks or dyed hair works too! “

If the celebs chose the stilettos, well, we all know what they’re like don’t we? (Joke people!)
If they chose the goth chick, they are very unique and original in their choices and are not afraid of being themselves. They also give goth chicks some hope that they could be a hot celebs liking! And they possibly like black. And holes in your body with jewellery in them. (I know what that sound like!!! )
If they chose the bespectacled brunette, then they are very compassionate, romantic and drawn towards intelligence. And they possibly think that awkwardness is cute!

So this question estimates their approximate likings and their possible real personality.

My hands were beginning to feel numb as the A.C. was on high, and I started squeezing my hand with my other much-warmer hand. Lot of good that did. Anyways I started concentrating on how my fingers were bunching up together and how it represented your partner squeezing your hand when you need support so I came up with this.

“Whose hand would you like to hold right now? Mom and Dad NOT included!”

Even a bit of hesitation can cause quite a stir can’t it? But, I didnt create this question with that in mind. I was just curious.
But this might be quite a boring question for celebs with obvious and open relationships.

I yawned then looking around my inspirational and recently tidied(by my mom) room looking for some more inspiration.

“How wide can you yawn?”

I can assure you I do not want to look down the celebs neck. It is just a random question that popped into my mind. (But you have to admit, getting a glimpse of Taylor Lautner’s ultra-white teeth when he laughs at this would be EPIC!)

Another question came along with aa….aaa….*achooooo* *rumble rumble* *walls cave in* …..a sneeze…*wipes nose*

“Do you sneeze a lot when you wake up in the morning and get out of bed and feel the cold air?”

I think this is a question that proves to all of us that celebs (including Robert PATTINSON) are human beings and that they face the daily hardships that us common people face too!

The following question would do that too.

“Have you ever accidentally burped in public? After you reached stardom of course.”

This would prove that they have the ability to be embarrassed and blush in front of a large audience and trip over their words too.

For Males:

” Angelina Jolie or Megan Fox?”

For Females:

What would you like to be a Hot Vampire or a Compassionate Werewolf?

Reflecting back on the earlier morning’s discussion on Salman Khan’s amazing dress for Katrina Kaif which he painted himself made me think of another cool question.

What is your secret talent, other than acting, that we, the people, dont know about?”

Finally we get to know a little more about our favourite stars! And see if we have the same interests!

I guess im supposed to have a EPIC question. So here it is.

“If you were forced to stay away from fat food, junk, meat, sea-food, chicken, chocolate, caffeine and the whole lot, and live for a month only on tofu dogs what would be your reaction?”

Hahahahahaha!

The reactions i’m expecting?

“WHAT?”
“Blech!”
“Uhhhhhhh!”
“I think I’m gonna be sick!”
Moaning and Whining.
“Gimme my junk back!”
“No chicken?”
“YUCK!”
“NOOOOOOooooo!”
“AAAAAaaaaaah!”
“Can someone please save me!”
“Tofu dogs? What…..what is that?”

Haha! Enjoy!
Send me some of the creative questions you would like to ask!

Always Rambling-ly and Questioningl-ly yours,
A nut Who Rambles. And in this case Questions.Or Interviews.
Adios!^_^

Okay, so I know that the ’80s are “back” and all, but the ’80s weren’t even acceptable in the ’80s. Ergo, just say NO to mesh shoes, no matter what Dolce & Gabbana tries to tell you.

New Wave is no way to dress your feet, Dolce & Gabbana.

It’s ironic for a shoe that so obviously belongs in a bordello to be called the “Peep-Toe Bootie,” as though it would be more comfortable in a playpen. D&G could at least have called their flashback something more appropriate, like the “Hookers In Jail Stiletto.”

You shall rue the day we met planked wood walkway.

I recently had a second interview with an office I really like. The people there are incredibly nice, everyone has been with the office for decades, they do interesting work, etc etc. The office is in a touristy part of town and walking from the parking garage to the office is, to say the least, hazardous. I had the ultimate stiletto dilemma – planked wood walkway OR cobblestones. I wasn’t blessed with even an ounce of grace and thus knew cobblestones = broken ankles, bruised limbs, torn nylons, and cut face. So I picked the planked wood walkway. Prudent? So I thought.

The distance from the garage to the sanctuary of smooth office floors wasn’t horribly far, but it also was not close. I thought about walking on my tippy-toes all the way to the office. But as I already look like a child in her mommie’s clothes when I wear a suit, I decided tippy-toe walking would only make me look MORE ridiculous. Funny thing. You know what’s even more ridiculous? Getting your heel hardcore wedged in the space between the planks, tripping out of your shoe, and fighting an almost losing battle with the walkway for your shoe, all while a Senior Associate from “nice office” looks on in horror. Planked wood walkway: 1. Landmeats: -5 bagazillion.

The party season is almost upon us, so time to treat yourself to a new pair of shoes!

Coriander LaBella is a gorgeous, sexy stiletto with an elegant platform sole all tied up with a ribbon. It comes in six colours; black, red, blue, silver, gold and lilac. The sculpted feet are carefully shaded and have 6 skin textures, combined with 11 tints giving you a massive 66 skin shades to choose from! Add 10 nail colours and you have a pair of shoes in which you can party till you drop!

Demos are available instore, so come over and try them on – your feet deserve it!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/calabria/223/106/26/

http://slurl.com/secondlife/DC%20District/124/203/31/

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Harlow/157/62/25/

These heavenly LAMB shoes are guardian angels of the toes. Photo by Jean Thornton

I have a hard time letting go of shoes.  When I was little, I once made my Mom retrieve a pair of shoes I had outgrown and she had passed onto a neighbor’s little girl.  In all fairness, I had worn those shoes in my fashion show debut—they had historical relevance!  Even a grown shoe girl with more than 120 pairs of heels wears out a set every now and the then, not to mention the occasional shoe catastrophe that leads to broken heels or straps.  This leads to the inevitable death of a shoe and the difficult task of mourning and moving on. 

As I glance over my shoes closet, I can see pairs that are losing their luster.  Bows that once held stiff and proud now droop a little.  And paten-leather shows its age with creases and wrinkles from the stress and strain that comes with being worn out.  Sadly, there are no anti-wrinkle creams for stilettos and boots; trust me I have tried every Este Lauder lotion that guarantees overnight results.  The truth of the mater is that no shoe stays new forever; all soles get scuffed and newer shoes come along every season. 

Some shoes stay longer than others; some shoes have a more important a role in our lives leading to a more painful loss.  I find myself avoiding the reality of a shoe death from time to time.  Just the removal from the closet to under-the-bed storage makes me emotional.  I feel like I am telling my shoes I don’t love them as much or that they have been replaced.  I have been told by mothers of human children that you don’t have favorites; I think as a ‘shoe mother’ I understand this.  Yes, some shoes may be more expensive or elicit more compliments, but in the end every shoe has a piece of my soul.  But just like children, sometimes a shoe has to leave the nest… or shoe closet at some point.

I would never promote the idea of a shoe death panel, as that would sound just as silly as one in a national health care plan.  But from time to time I have to weigh the pros, cons, and quality of shoe life left in my more worn-down heels.  Walking around in shoes past their prime can cause more than just damage to a fashion image—it can cause physical damage.  A worn-out stiletto literally caused my downfall and broken toe, and I can assure you retiring my orthopedic boot was not a difficult call at the end of it all! 

So how do we know when a shoe has given us all the height and support it has to offer?  It may show when we strut, but sometimes it’s a feeling too.  No fashion magazine can truly sway me to give up a trendy shoe that I have lived with and loved.  Yet, popular opinion encourages us to plan for the end of our time and the end of our loved one’s time.  If only shoes came with a directive for how they would like to be laid to rest.  How handy would those new Michael Kors’ stilettos be if they could indicate they are okay  with being resoled or having a heel reattached but they do not want any replacement leather straps?

Reviving shoes past their prime and extraordinary measures aside, there comes a time when we must all say good-bye to a good sole.   Even with a Living Will it is never easy, and despite my efforts I have yet to find a funeral home that will hold a tasteful farewell to these fallen heroes of the toes. Leaving the task of burial to me alone, it is not a job I enjoy and I drag it out as long as possible.  If the shoes are on a closet shelf I first move them to the floor; I think of it like end of life care.  Then I put them outside the closet in my ever-evolving pile of things to leave the house.  Finally, I work up the nerve to do the dirty deed and take the final step of slipping them into the trash bag.  Often I have to fight the urge to rip open the bag and dig out my beloved shoes from the mix of broken egg shells and old tea bags.  I have to tell myself that those shoes are going to better place, at least figuratively because in reality they are just going to the county dump. 

It’s true no new shoe can replace a good heel completely, just as no brown strappy sandal can be easily replaced with the next—not after everything that shoe has given you.  And yes, there will be moments when you look back and say “if only that shoe were here, my outfit would be perfect!”  While a new pump can fill the void in our shoe closet, in our hearts the pain of losing a familiar pair that has helped us stand strong may linger.  Over time our mind focuses on only the best moments to remember and we choose to cherish the good times, forgetting any blisters.

First, the stocking stuffer must buy items for the women in your life that love tall shoes is without a doubt Foot Petals.  Foot petals is all about alleviating the love/hate relationship women have with hot shoes.  Put any of these smart buys in your lady’s stocking at she will love it (moreover, it might help you put an end to her foot complaints if she has any…)

Check out the best deals on stocking stuffers and stilettos below! If you don’t know her size, don’t worry! Heels.com can help you and if she definately doesn’t fit, they are returnable! Free shipping too! Great deal!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

STOCKING STUFFERS!

1.  Foot Petals Women’s Stiletto Stylist

Foot Petals Women’s Stiletto StylistDo you absolutely LOVE everything about your shoes except their lacking a little in the comfort department? Well, Foot Petals is here to save you from minimal wear with this combo pack. This pack has self-adhesive Heavenly Heelz back-of-heel cushions, Killer Kushion full insoles, Tip Toes ball-of-foot-cushions, Sole Stopperz non-slips, Haute Heelz heel pads, and strappy strips. All of which will improve the fit and function of your favorite stilettos, plus, flats, and even sandals.

2. Foot Petals Women’s Tip Toes 3 Pack & Killer Kushionz 3 Pack Cushion Combo

Foot Petals Women’s Tip Toes 3 Pack & Killer Kushionz 3 Pack Cushion ComboDo you absolutely LOVE everything about your shoes except their lacking a little in the comfort department? Well, Foot Petals is here to save you from minimal wear with this combo pack. This pack includes self-adhesive Killer Kushions and Heavenly Heelz, in nude, grey, and black. The Killer Kushions are designed to stop feet from sliding forward, and to also protect bones and tissue, along with cushioning the entire foot, and the Heavenly Heelz are designed to keep your heel from slipping in and out of your shoes, which will also prevent blisters.

STILETTOS!!

1.  Gideon Heel – White

Gideon Heel – White Start off the season with this show stoppin’ heel from L.A.M.B. A white leather upper features intricate contrast stitching details throughout the upper with a black patent trim and covered 4 1/4 inch heel.

2.  Tailynn Heel – Black

Tailynn Heel – Black Evoke vintage glamour with these t-strap heels from LAMB. The Tailynn heel features a gorgeous interwoven black leather upper with multi-colored piping, an open-toe, t-strap closing with a golden buckle, and finally a 4 ¼ inch stacked stiletto heel. You will feel like grabbing a martini and rolling your hair when you put on these chic and classic heels.

3.  Kochi Heel – Black

Kochi Heel – Black Pump it up with this perfect pump, Kochi by L.A.M.B. This heel sizzles with her mile high 4 ¾ inch covered heel, bold recessed ¼ inch platform, dual stitches on the rounded toe, and her chic black leather upper. Kochi is the epitome of a modern classic.

4.  Charlotte – Black Kidsuede

Charlotte – Black KidsuedeTake a bold approach to fashion in these dramatic heels from Dolce Vita. Charlotte features soft black suede with a rounded toe. An exposed side and front creates a cosmopolitan look that�s complete with a side zipper. A 4 ¼ inch heel and ¼ inch platform finishes off this daring look.

5.  Wren Boot – Black

Wren Boot – BlackDon’t miss out on one of this season’s must-have styles – check out these stylish knee boots from DV by Dolce Vita. Wren is a leather knee boot in black leather featuring a 3 3/4 inch heel and a pointed toe. Three straps at the ankle decorated with large golden studs and golden buckles give this knee boot the fashion forward edge you’ve been looking for.

Stay Sassy and Happy Turkey Day!!!!

TSG

You have to admire Elle Magazine. While most magazines haven’t ventured out of their comfort zone, Elle has gone all out. They had their own Reality TV Show, Olivia’s stories at Elle are as important as Whitney on the City, and everyone seems to be crushing on Joe Zee. My favorite so far is their shoe diary. It documents cute shoes worn by the staffers every day. The pictures are surprisingly cool. I think it’s an adorable way to show the public more of what goes on inside Elle and I’d love to be a part of it.  I wonder what shoes I’d have to wear to get an internship there.

If i had a Daily Booth this is definitely what I would do.

Disclaimer: The Arthritis Foundation of  Western Pennsylvania always advises that you consult your doctor and take their advice. The essay below is a personal story of one young woman, and a humorous look at how living with arthritis or other chronic illness can affect one’s life in the most seemingly simple, or silly, ways. The AFWPA does not ever endorse ignoring any doctor’s advice….and the author now has to have another orthoscopic knee surgery as a consequence….as they say, beauty DOES come with a price! – AB

“No! Not the SHOES!” – by Ashley M. Boynes

Here’s the thing: in addition to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Celiac Disease, I suffer from a third disease. This condition is called “Chronic Shoe Lust.” Shoes are my sanctuary. And here’s my frustration: I don’t want to give up my cute shoes, even when my logic — and my doctor — tells me to. While they aren’t Manolos, Louboutins, or Jimmy Choos by any means, my closet is filled with pair after pair of (more affordable!) adorable, uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous-looking shoes. I love them!

Sometimes, it is so hard to be reasonable. It can be especially difficult when you are 26 years old and have a seemingly endless list of rules to follow, what not to do, what not to eat, which medications to take, which supplements are helpful, when the next doctor’s appointment is, and so forth. Add in a pinch of human emotion and a dash of impulsion – and you’re surely bound to slip up here and there.

I have rheumatoid arthritis in ALL of my joints, but my right knee is a particular mess: I have a torn meniscus floating around, both RA and osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, bone spurs and calcium deposits. I’ve lost my full range of motion – my knee doesn’t fully straighten or bend – and it is constantly swollen.  It sometimes physically locks in a 90-degree angle. I have walked with a slight limp since the sixth grade. With no other choice, I’ve gotten used to my not-so-friendly knee and the pain it causes my whole right leg – from hip to ankle.

And this cranky knee? Along with my doctor and family members, it has chastised me time and time again for wearing kitten heels, stilettos, wedges, pointy-toed pumps and other variations of cute and fashionable shoes. These shoes hate me, though. My difficult knee has teamed up with said hip and foot to cause horrendous wear-and-tear to any pair of heels that I slide on to my feet, ruining the shoe by making the heel slanted and bent inward with no hope for repair. This sad display makes me unable to walk in them any further – but yet, as I consider fashion (especially shoes) an art – I do not have the heart to throw them away! That being said, however, I cannot imagine the damage being done to my joint if that is what occurs to each pair of shoes. Hmm…

Now, I AM a logical young woman. I follow my strict gluten-free diet, I take my pills on time, I take my vitamins and rarely miss a doctor’s appointment. I try to take care of myself, and try not to take on more than I can handle.

But I refuse to give up wearing cute shoes. Cute, painful, inconvenient, fabulous shoes!

I’m not sure why this is. I do enjoy the confidence-boost that I get when a stranger compliments me on a particularly stylish pair. It makes me feel good about myself, and I consider shoe-collecting almost a hobby. I know that, given my condition, the “reasonable” and “rational” thing to do is to wear flats, sneakers, or some sort of more “accommodating” shoes. Yet, I wear platform Mary Janes, open-toed kitten pumps, sandals with little-to-no support, and 4-inch stilettos…I just can’t help myself!

I know, I know. I’m “going to kill myself walking in those things.” It’s “no wonder” I limp. “Of course my knee is killing me — look at those shoes!” -  I’ve heard it all. But when I’m traipsing back to the parking garage at the end of the work day, I don’t feel so badly – because I’m joined by countless other women limping along, teetering on the edge of sanity with their sky-high heels. In that moment, I’m not alone.

Could this be why I torture myself with the heels? Maybe a part of me thinks it is easier to hide behind the guise of “it’s just the shoes,” rather than a chronic illness with no end in sight. It’s the blame game — and blaming a physical ail on having fashionable feet is much easier than the reality of the situation. I also think it’s my pride. I want to hold on to any sense of normalcy that I can, since sometimes my life isn’t exactly that of a “normal” 26-year-old. Do I have to give up something that, as silly as it is, makes me happy?

I know that I’m being stubborn, and I’m probably hurting my knee further, but here’s how I justify it: I’ve sacrificed enough. I have given up pizza, beer, “regular” baked goods, my beloved Twizzlers, and, really, any sense of being carefree. I’ve sacrificed sports. I’ve sacrificed nights out with friends. Isn’t it OK to be stubborn just this once?

I know there are far worse things that could happen in life – after all, they’re only shoes. But shoes are something I can control. The other things that bother me about chronic illness are things that I might not be able to change, ever, even if I want to. So forgive me for wanting to hold on to my shoes. After all, I need to be well-heeled while I take the steps to kick these symptoms!

What do you think, reader? What have you sacrificed because of a health condition — trivial, or serious? Do you ever “cheat” and stray from what your doctor says, like I do with my shoes?  As always, I want to hear your comments…and I’m sure I’ll be blogging before and after the surgery that my unfortunate shoe habit has, in part, led me to have to schedule. Have a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the AFWPA, and we hope you enjoy reading our blogs as much as we like writing them! We are “thankful” to have you as readers and as supporters of our chapter as we fight to spread awareness about arthritis and to provide a community of support for anyone suffering from one of the 117 types of arthritis & related illness! Again, comments are always welcomed and encouraged.

Be Well,

-Ashley Boynes

Community Development Director

Western Pennsylvania Chapter

voted, “Best Blogger in Pittsburgh!”

PS: Are RUNNING SHOES more your style? Be sure to sign up for our December 12th Jingle Bell Run/Walk! This 5K takes place in Pittsburgh’s North Shore and should be a fun time — all for a great cause!

Are you people aware of the horrible shite you can get on eBay? ARE YOU? Well, check this out:

Um…there are BEARS on these Scorah Pattullo boots. That's VERY fashionable.

The only thing that could make the Killer Boots from Scorah Pattullo any uglier is knowing that their original price was $895.

$895. That is a TRUE FACT. And somewhere, the schoolmarm who designed the original bears-and-hearts-and-stripes-and-triangles pattern for these suckers just rolled over in her prairie grave. Sorry, ma’am.

J’aime les filles perchées, particulièrement sur de jolis et hauts souliers. Quelques centimètres de talon affinent la jambe, fusèlent la fesse et font léviter un peu ces charmantes proies, tout en les rendant moins véloces, ce qui facilite la chasse.

Pure Tragedy, backstage du défilé Lagerfeld AH 09 (©DVLS)

Enfin, moins véloces, ça dépend des filles, parce que ces derniers temps, j’en connais un paquet qui s’entrainaient d’arrache-pied pour améliorer leur départ canon, leur foulée, leur virage et leur passage de témoin pour briller à la 2e édition de la course en escarpins.
Je m’en veux un peu de ne pas avoir assisté à la course. Tout ça pour un regarder 22 chèvres en crampons se battre mollement pour un ballon, alors que ce n’était visiblement pas la semaine du beau football en France. On ne devrait jamais délaisser les jambes des filles pour les pieds carrés des footballeurs. D’ailleurs, au rythme où le PSG s’enfonce dans la crise hivernale, je pense que mon seul plaisir en me rendant au Parc sera bientôt d’admirer l’achat de stilettos hebdomadaire de la belle Danielle…
J’aurais dû me rendre au Palais Brongniard, pour la beauté du lieu, pour l’ambiance de toute cette jolie brochette de grands malades que draine perpétuellement l’équipe de dContract, pour voir la course, et pour m’extasier devant les filles du public, qui sortent en général leur plus belle paire pour rendre jalouses les copines et briller devant les objectifs.

Cécile, bunny véloce de la Heels Race 2008 (©DVLS)

Pour conclure cet article fétichiste, je vous offre une petite thématique à la gloire de la chaussure et de la démarche. Un mix vidéo réalisé par Hexstatic autour des BOOTS made for WALKING.
(d’autres thèmes à suivre bientôt, sur des sujets divers, au gré de mon inspiration)
Et aussi, pour se détendre après le clash entre Dee-Lite et les Destiny’s Child, une petite musique douce, pour courir, pieds nus cette fois-ci, sur la plage à l’aube.

Hexstatic – Killer Boots

Lady & Bird – Run in the Morning Sun

Timeless, sexy, fluid, simply fantastic! I do love the Lanvin silouhette, congrats Mr. Elbaz!

Related posts:

Lanvin: Fall-Winter 2009/2010 

Shoes: Spring-Summer 09 Selection 

Antwerp: Fashion, Shopping & Café

Photos : Madame Figaro / Lay out: Mademoiselle Le K

Now that we are all preparing our Christmas wish lists, Christmas would be incomplete without unwrapping our favourite footwear, Irregular Choice.

With a selection of uniquely cool shoes to die for on the Schuh website we have selected two of our favourites, both with perfectly matching accessories.

The amazing Irregular Choice Court Tape Measure at £59.99 and gorgeous matching clutch at £29.99. In black pinstriped fabric with a measuring tape rosette for that super funky look.

Then there are Irregular Choice Can Can Paid Ribbon Tie Court heels. With tartan being so hot right now why not take the Irregular Choice take on this fashion statement. This style has 40% off right now, down to £30.  Again with a matching clutch with a contrasting ribbon tied at the front for only £29.99.

The holiday season always comes in with glittery pieces trailing behind. Although I have seen my fair share of sequined tank tops and berets floating around, I didn’t see much going on in the shoe department…until now.

For sparkling sirens who want a more subtle version of this trend, I recommend these brand new peep toed heels from Pin-Up Girl clothing. They add a subtle amount of shimmer at a moderate price point that can still work with evening outfits long after the temperatures rise.

Click here to purchase.

Ciao!!! Welcome to the 2016 Olympics!!! Rio de Janeiro represent!!!

Caaarnaavaaaaal!!!!! Thanks ever so, Christian Louboutin.

And yet…Oy. I think I’ll pass on wearing these. I might consider giving them to my cat, though…