Saturday, February 6, 2010

What's the Deal With Heels?!

Is it me or does anyone else out there have a vendetta against heels? I love the way they look, don't get me wrong, but I have finally come to terms with how toxic my relationship has become with heels, "You build me up and make my feet look great, my legs look long but then you break me down, step by step leaving me limping and lame, blistered and abused. WHY? Answer me!!"

For a night out, I will subject myself to this torture. Everyone is in heels and, just like alcohol, they make you feel great for the time being (and just like alcohol, they make you hate yourself in the morning...). But I am just beyond baffled when I see women running around my office in heels. Furthermore, I almost feel compelled to ask fellow commuters what possessed them to commute in stilettos when I see them on the train (than I realize they are probably coming in for an interview- and I guess you can't pull a shoe switcharoo between, "so tell me about yourself" and "why do you think you would be a good fit here"- although, I would be more than tempted to try this maneuver).

If your cubicle is anything like mine, than you probably have a mini shoe boutique under your desk with shoes that you have stock piled so you are always at the ready depending on what comes up during the day. My mini boutique consists of heels, higher heels, a grey-ish/slate colored pair of flats (that I think I have worn once), a random pair of rain boots, and a multi-purpose Steve Madden patent leather flat.

This last pair is my favorite. And by favorite I mean I wear them every. single. day. With few exceptions. In fact, I have worn these shoes so much, that they have actually started to lose their shape and will fall off of me mid stride. Albeit annoying, it is a true testament to my loyalty. I will be coming back for more, Steve-O, don't you worry.

However, recently, I just can't help but notice that as comfortable as they are, they offer nothing in the flattery department. My favorite, most well-fitted pants are a pair of Express "Editor" pants in black. But, my favorite Steve Madden flats, just don't do the trick with them. The pants pool at the bottom and make my legs look even shorter than they are.

I used to wear a 4in heel with these pants but I just gave up...they are impractical and too high when running around my office so for quite some time I convinced the somewhat fashion forward side of my brain with my "what's wrong with sweatpants" side of my brain that the shoes actually looked fine.

But the other day the better half of my brain chimed in and flat out told me..."Frumpalicious, you are seriously lacking in corporate couture by wearing flats with those pants".

So, somewhat begrudingly slash impulsively, I walked to the closest shoe store from my office (it happened to be Nine West) and tried on every black heel they had. And then I fell in love...

I came across the Classique Oaks heel.


The heel is only 2 inches high and the toe is pointed which gives it a little more formality than my round toe flats. This is just enough lift to lengthen my longer pants. But what's more...they are COMFORTABLE.

Ok, ok, I know that everyone says that their 125 inch heels are comfortable, "really, they are! I know, crazy, right? Most comfortable pair of shoes I own" (Gimme a break...they don't look any sexier just because they are comfortable so just be honest and admit that they hurt like hell).

I seriously think the Oaks line was designed with me in mind. Someone who would wear the shoe all day from meeting to meeting, from office to office, etc. The shoe actually has extra cushioning in the foot which just adds to the comfort.

Now, will you see me schleppin' to and from the PATH in these suckers...probably not (I am partial to my commuting Uggs). And I will likely not wear these out on the weekend. They aren't the sexiest pair of heels, but then again, are you really in the office to look sexy? On second thought, don't answer that...I know some of you too well.

These are the perfect working shoe that will save your feet while still maintaining the "put together look". They come highly recommended. In fact, I might go stock up on other colors :)