Favorite Shoe Inventions for 2008
Women love Stilettos, Kitten Heels and Comfortable Trainers
According to a recent Debenhams survey of 3,000 UK women, stiletto shoes were voted fourth in a list of top twenty favorite fashion inventions.
stilettos came forth in Debenham`s recent survey of favourite fashion inventions. Hot on their heels were flip flops at 14, comfortable trainers at number 20 and the kitten heel in tenth place, with shoes making up 20% of the final fashion list .
The list reflects women’s growing appreciation of the power of the heel as not just an “accessory” but a vital component of any outfit, and the rise in the popularity of shoes over “it” bags. In the words of the iconic shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, “When you have heels you only need to pack two black dresses and fill the case with 20 pairs of shoes. Let the heels do the talking, and you’ll be ready for anything.”
A Passion for Stilettos
“Stilettos are sexy. Put on a pair of stilettos, and the transformation is dramatic. They add inches to our height and take inches off our body. They tilt us at a more flattering angle, thrusting the sexiest parts of our bodies up and out, " says Sandra Deeble in her book, A Passion for Stilettos, (Ryland, Peters & Small, 2006). In fact, the right pair of stilettos can knock pounds off us, so is it any wonder that they are such a firm favorite with women.
The Merits of High Heels
High Heels are not just for eveningwear. They work just as well with trousers, jeans, skirts and mini dresses. However, there is a knack to walking in them gracefully and without being in danger of breaking a leg. As Camilla Morton points out in her book, How to Walk in High Heels, (Hodder & Stoughton 2006) the only thing worse than a woman in cheap heels in a woman who can’t walk in them!
The Kitten Heel
For those who prefer a less challenging alternative to stilettos, then delicate kitten heels, popularized by Audrey Hepburn in the `60s, are definitely more comfortable but slightly less glamorous option than their high-rise sisters. Easier to manoeuvre, kitten heels by definition have a thin-based low heel that tapers sharply to a narrow base. Heels are usually around 1½ inches high and are set in slightly from the back of the shoe. They give you just enough height to set-off an outfit, and can be worn with ease all day, taking you from office to bar in comfort.
The Comfortable Trainer
If you are the kind of woman for whom comfort is paramount, then you are not alone. The “comfortable trainer” is a true fashion staple, although stylists such as Hollywood’s Rachel Zoe are quick to point out their lack of merits when is comes to dressing with red-carpet style. However, many British women appear to disagree, voting the trainer onto their list of favorite fashion inventions, with ballet flats, platforms and wedges nowhere to be seen.
Gel Cushion Insoles
Although the words "stilettos" and "comfort" are not necessarily synonymous, unless you can afford a pair of Manolos, Gina’s or Jimmy Choos, one popular fashion invention for lovers of the high-heel, is the gel-cushioned insole. These nifty inserts can make a huge difference to the well-being of your feet and allow you to do away with the old adage “no pain, no gain”. The belief that you can be sexy or comfortable – but not both – may no longer apply, with the introduction of this modern technological invention.
Invest in Quality Not Quantity
Whatever your preference in shoes, be it stilettos, kitten heels or trainers, be sure to invest in the best quality you can. Not only for the sake of healthy feet, but nothing cheapens an outfit more than a cheap shoe. As Rachel Zoe observes, in her book, Style A – Zoe (Grand Central Publishing 2007), if your footwear appears rich then people will assume your outfits are too.
