Fashion know-it-all Tim Gunn went on George Lopez this week to talk, well, fashion. The Project Runway consultant known for his “make it work” mantra dished on ladies’ apparel from Snooki to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Now we all know Snooki and Hillary aren’t necessarily the best dressed people on the planet, but I think they deserve a break, especially Hillary. What Gunn had to say about her was rude and ill-informed. He told Lopez: “I think she’s confused about her gender. All these big baggy menswear tailored pantsuits … they’re unflattering”
Listen, it’s one thing to make fun of our former first lady’s fashion, but it’s a whole ‘nother thing to use recycled material. Gunn said the same exact thing on Conan O’Brien’s show back in 2008. Come on, Gunn! If you’re going to insult Hillary, you better make sure you’re being a) original and b) accurate. I think Hill’s got some style.
She’s worn some beautiful, and stylish, outfits over the years, and I think she just gets better with time. Sure, some of her pantsuits aren’t putting her on the best-dressed lists, but this woman’s got a job and a professional air to maintain. Plus, she’s nearly 70 years old! You want her in dresses and skirts all the time? That’s so unrealistic. She’s traveling, meeting with conservative diplomats, getting on and off planes — her clothing needs to stay classic and appropriate. And I believe they do.
I think we should only have an issue with a politician’s fashion sense when it comes across as offensive. If Hillary or Palin or Michelle were representing our country in miniskirts and wet T-shirts, maybe then we can have a discussion. But until they start looking like Hooters’ girls getting ready for a big night of tips, then their outfits should be a moot point.
And I don’t hear Gunn going after Timothy Geithner’s ties, or Obama’s shoes, or Chris Christie’s bulging buttons, so let’s put the claws away for a second and remember that sometimes fashion takes a back seat to a job well done. Or, well, just … done.
What do you think?
Photo via marcn/Flickr
Article source: http://thestir.cafemom.com/beauty_style/123871/tim_gunn_needs_to_lay
The fashionista, Kim Kardashian was clicked by paparazzi in Los Angeles on July 27. Bride-to-be Kim Kardashian was seen flaunting her sexy long legs in a pair of hot studded shoes.
Hollywood star, Kim Kardashian who is known for her fashion-forward style, rocked a stunning pair of Christian Louboutin lady clou pumps.
30-year-old diva was clad in a sleeveless striped top. She teamed her sassy top with a short black pleated skirt that looked fantastic on her killer body.
Kim Kardashian also spiced up her overall ensemble with a cropped blue denim jacket. She wore Bing Bang by Anna Sheffield necklace and looked drop dead gorgeous.
With beautiful makeup and perfectly styled hair, she was looking nothing less than amazing.
Stay connected with FashionFame.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more latest
celebrity news and fashion trends.
Article source: http://www.stylebistro.com/Fashion+Forum/articles/0qpJxD2ajBr/Kim+Kardashian+Christian+Louboutin+Studded
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Celebrity Makeup Artist Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York created a clean & warm summer glow for Mary Alice Stephenson which included such products as JK show stopper year round body glow, Dior Airflash spray foundation #300 …
View original here:
Beauty Trend: Warm Summer Glow | FashionWindows Blog
Published on Fri Jul 29 15:00:00 BST 2011
WITH only a couple of months left to turn myself into a cycling whiz for the forthcoming Cycletta at Whipsnade Zoo, I realised I’d better get into some serious training.
Sporadic spinning classes didn’t seem to be having any tangible effect on my fitness levels.
So now that the evenings are lighter (although not much warmer), I decided to take action and get pedalling in the great outdoors.
Despite a determinedly focused start, within minutes of the first ride my thoughts had drifted away from the intensive training regime.
I was much more concerned with the serious matter of what on earth I was going to wear for the big event on September 11.
I wasn’t overly keen on the idea of modelling fluorescent lycra but in my old vests, saggy leggings and a waterproof jacket borrowed from my mum, my amateur status was rather obvious.
The friend I was cycling with is quite the professional and has all the gear – shorts, gloves, special shoes that grip the pedals…
I was getting sports gear envy and an overwhelming desire to shop.
I’ve never pedalled faster as I was so eager to get home again and go online to suss out the world of sportswear.
Fellow shopaholics will understand the excitement when you discover a whole new category of retail to explore, and I was soon on my laptop scouting out the available kit.
My enthusiasm rapidly dwindled as research revealed that for a pair of snazzy cycling shoes I’d have to part with triple figures.
And given that I’d only been on about four outdoor rides in as many weeks, fashionomics suggested this would not be a good cost-per-wear investment.
So I restrained myself and settled for some cycling gloves, as having heard horror stories about broken fingers and grazed palms I thought they sounded pretty essential.
Now I’m on the hunt for a nice new helmet.
My theory is if I’m wearing something bright and patterned on my head, it will distract people from my red and sweaty face.
Padded shorts also seem to be something all the cool kids on bikes wear, but when I mentioned this to my mum she kindly pointed out that I didn’t need any more padding on my bum.
I think I will invest though as after 40km I’ll probably be feeling pretty sore otherwise and I want to be in a fit state to enjoy Whipsnade Zoo after the ride, where the route starts and finishes.
If you want to enter, go to www.cycletta.com to sign up.
Or enter our competition to win free places by emailing connie.primmer@jpress.co.uk explaining why you want to take part.
The closing date is Wednesday, August 3 so there’s less than a week left!
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Article source: http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/lifestyle/what-s-on/reviews/saddled_with_cycle_fashion_problem_1_2910413
By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 2:33 PM on 29th July 2011
She can usually be found stumbling out of nightclubs looking slightly worse for wear, showing off her figure in various revealing outfits.
So when Courtney Love arrived at the Goodwood Races yesterday wearing a floral Miu Miu tea dress and fascinator, she caused something of a stir.
The 47-year-old star looked unusually ladylike in her ensemble, which included a pair of tan gloves and white T-bar sandals, as she posed for photographers.
Ladylike: Courtney Love donned a pretty Miu Miu tea dress and fascinator as she attended Ladies’ Day at Goodwood yesterday
Contrast: The outfit, which Courtney teamed with tan gloves and T-bar heels, is in sharp contrast to the bodycon dresses the singer has been sporting recently
And the outfit was in sharp contrast
to the bodycon dresses Courtney has been sporting in recent weeks,
instead going for sophistication and leaving a lot to the imagination.
Courtney also pinned her hair back for the occasion, and teamed the tea dress with a dainty little necklace as she attended the Ladies’ Day at Goodwood Racecourse in Sussex.
In June Courtney split from boyfriend Henry Allsopp after nine months of dating.
Stylish pair: Courtney poses up with Pearl Lowe, who looked smart in a printed dress, red hat and matching shoes
Pals: Courtney poses with the Chairman of Goodwood Racecourse, Lord March
The singer moved out of her former flame’s London mansion after agreeing to separate.
Their whirlwind romance began last
October, when the 46-year-old moved in with the British aristocrat one
month after meeting him.
A source told the Daily Express: ‘She had moved in within a month of meeting Henry last November and made herself quite at home.
‘Most of the family were alarmed by
how besotted he was and feared she had delusions of landing herself a
title. She used to joke about becoming Lady Love.’
Winner: Model Edie Campbell won the first ever all-ladies race at the event
Career change: Edie, who currently models for Burberry, said racing is a refreshing change from modelling
Allsopp, 37, is an art dealer who is also the godson of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and brother of TV presenter Kirsty Allsopp.
Other celebrities to make an appearance included Pearl Lowe, who looked smart in her printed dress, red hat and matching shoes.
And the star-studded audience were
treated to the sight of Edie Campbell, who currently models for
Burberry, winning the event’s first ever all-ladies race.
Talking about racing recently, Campbell said: ‘It couldn’t be more different from modelling.
‘It’s incredibly physical and
demanding and there are none of the egos or crap from the fashion world
which is why I’m enjoying it so much. It’s keeping me sane.’
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Trying to recapture an era when women were ACTUALLY ladies rather than ACTing like ladies as she attempts here.
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Awful old lady dress on an awful old lady.
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If I’m completely honest, she looks quite rough and unkempt.
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i think she looks great!!! Keep it up Courtney!!!
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She looks like she’s wearing something she’s found in the bottom of her grannies washing basket – she needs a good meal and a good wash!
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Lady Love’s nice. Better than Lady Cheat.
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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2020140/Courtney-Love-comes-ladylike-Miu-Miu-tea-dress-Goodwood.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
latest news
In Tamara Mellon’s shoes
By Emily Cronin | Posted: Fri 29 Jul 2011
During a recent chat at Harvey Nichols, Lisa Armstrong asked Tamara Mellon why women love shoes. The answer, said Mellon, is blue jeans.
‘I was very lucky, the accessories boom started in the mid-‘90s. People’s lifestyles became more casual, people started wearing jeans,’ she said. ‘As everyone got more casual, your status comes from your bag and your shoes.’
Also interesting is Mellon’s take on the difference between technical competence and design vision. Originally, Mellon said, she planned to leave the shoe design to Choo while she turned her attention to the operations side of the business, but:
‘I didn’t realise that there’s a big difference between technically making a pair of shoes, and having enough creative vision to design a collection. Now, Jimmy can technically make a pair of shoes, but he didn’t have the creative vision to design a collection. So that’s where I had to step in.’
The perception of a divide between production skills and fashion nous anticipated a rift that would lead to the Choo’s ejection from the business. But there were attitudinal differences as well. Choo had worked as a cobbler in Hackney for years by the time Mellon first approached him with bespoke orders for magazine shoots. And Mellon?
‘I didn’t want a couple of shops in London. I wanted a global brand.’
Watch the shortened version of the interview here…
see all news ›
Article source: http://www.elleuk.com/news/fashion-news/in-tamara-mellon-s-shoes/(gid)/788762
By: Carmencita S. Sioson, Stef Cabal
Philippine Daily Inquirer
There’s no escaping it: the most celebrated fashion staple is still jeans. Its style provenance is seen on the streets, on fashion runways and fashion magazines, with different interpretation––’70s-inspired flares, skinnies, cropped cuts, worn-ins.
Let’s take a look at these ladies’ jeans style, and get quick and easy styling tips. Find out where they get their stash.
Pauline Prieto, 18
Professional model/ student
On the perfect jeans
I shop for jeans, mostly online or at Viktor Jeans (Greenbelt 5). They’re beyond comfy! No matter how many times I wear them, they age gracefully. I’m obsessed with wide-legged bottoms. I still love my pair of black skinny jeans, it’s just that I want to try something new.
On mixing and matching
I wear a V-neck for the morning and a button-down for the evening. Simple, classy and very chic! I accessorize my fave pair with the perfect pair of heels. For wide-legged bottoms, I wear them with a simple tee and sandals.
Jeans are…
Heavenly! They’re like the fairy godmother of style, since they go with just about everything!
Kelly Misa
Professional model / beauty columnist / host / actress
On her go-to brands
I purchase my jeans at Topshop, Forever 21, Levi’s American Eagle, HM and Cotton On. I’ve been lucky to find jeans that fit well without that exorbitant price tag. Biggest splurge would have to be right under P5,000: it was a pair of Roberto Cavalli for HM jeans—it was skin tight with a little flare, dark wash (no whiskers), and had a gold snake embroidered on the back pocket.
On her fave pair
My American Eagle boyfriend jeans are my fave pair. They have a medium-to-light wash and made to look frayed with paint stains. It’s super comfortable. I’m loving the ‘70’s look—high-waist with big flare—these days. I like jeans because it can make you look taller and slimmer.
On mixing and matching
I like dressing up for day going into night. Most of the time, I don’t change into something else, as a day of meetings ends with dinner and drinks with friends. I usually pair a polo shirt or a loose, drapey, dressy top with jeans. The only difference between day and night would be the shoes. During the day, I have the option to wear flats, but I keep a pair of heels in my car. Jeans usually look unfinished without a belt, so I accessorize with a belt. Heels are a must to make legs appear longer.
Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez, 30
Fashion designer
On finding the perfect pair
I buy my jeans at Seven, Rock and Republic, Ted Baker, and I recently discovered Uniqlo. It has amazing skinny jeans for a song! I bought a pair of Corso Como 10 jeans a few years back. Although I’m not a big fan of ripped jeans, the particular treatment used on this made it hard to resist. My fave pair I’ve had for years still fits like a glove! When buying jeans, make sure to invest in good material with the right amount of elasticity that doesn’t lose its shape over time.
On accessorizing
I usually pair my jeans with a loose top and heavy accessories. For the evening, I throw on a sharp blazer over a casual top and pair it with killer heels. I love this look!
On jean trends
I’ve been wearing my flared jeans, since ‘70s is such a big trend this year. I pair them with bell-sleeved tops.
Jeans are….
I’m quoting Yves Saint Laurent: “I wish I invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty and sex appeal—all I hope for in my clothes.” I can’t live without my dresses, but prefer to wear jeans when I know a long day awaits, especially when I have to spend many hours in transit. I just find it much easier to move around in them.
Pam Gonzales, 32
PR and fashion marketing practitioner
On finding the perfect jeans
I usually buy my jeans abroad, since they usually have a wide array. Denim Country Los Angeles has the best choices of denim jeans. A new denim brand crops up every three months, so you can just imagine how many jeans of all sorts you can feast on. I have about 30 pairs, collected through the years.
If it’s something you love on you, it must look good on you! You can have the right selvage, wash, but if it doesn’t fit right, then you’re still on the losing end. My favorite jeans sucks everything in place. It’s high-waisted (my preference these days). It doesn’t restrict me from any movement. I also like the boyfriend jeans. They’re made for women, but have the silhouette of a man’s pants. It’s comfy beyond compare.
Always make sure you try on your jeans, no matter what. The old wives tale of measuring the waist around your neck is bogus. What looks nice on a mannequin or hanging in a rack may not look nice on you. Try them on, feel the fabric, read the care label. If it’s raw denim, there is a percentage of shrinkage when you wash them. If it’s stretch fabric, it’s going to give up after a few washes. These details are important for you to grab and own your next best pair.
On jeans’ versatility
I find myself using my flats with my dark stretch denim during the daily grind. I can use the same denim for night by pairing it with statement shoes and dressy top. It’s the only staple in your closet next to Spanx, so whatever the mood may be, you can sass it up the way you want. These days, you see a lot of girls and men alike in all types of denim jeans with their character stamped on them. That’s the best accessory.
Rachelle Sayed, 23
Public relations officer for Folded Hung
On finding the perfect pair
For the longest time I had a hard time looking for the perfect pair of jeans because of my body type; I have long skinny legs but big hips. After searching, I found the perfect pair of jeans at Zara (TRF), Topshop and Uniqlo. My fave pair are my skinny jeans. They are tight (on the butt), hugging all the way down to my ankles. They’re the perfect length, not too long that you’d have to fold them, but just right on your ankle. They’re made of lighter denim so it’s not too hard to put on and take off. In terms of color, they’re dark denim, just the simple type that goes with everything.
On accessorizing
On a normal day I wear it with a belt, or with flats. For night, I just throw on heels, which makes all the difference.
Styling tip
It’s not really a styling tip, but I think what defines the “perfect denim” is really the fit. It has to fit you perfectly in all areas of your body, the style has to suit your body type. Do some research before you go to hunt for the perfect pair. You’ll probably have to try on tons before finding the one that best suits you, but it’s all worth it in the end.
Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, 26
Money broker/entrepreneur/ model
On her brand staples
I buy my jeans at Levis, Mango, Topshop and Seven. I have around 30 pairs. My biggest splurge would be Seven; I liked the fit and design. It doesn’t bunch up on the waist and it hugs the butt properly.
On her jeans style
I go for either tight skinny jeans or straight cut to make me look taller. I pair my jeans with plain tank top and wedges for day. At night, a polo or backless top with heels and accessories—bangles and big earrings or no earrings and chunky necklaces.
On her styling tips
Make sure it doesn’t give you a muffin top; that for me is the most important thing. Or it will ruin your entire look. Jeans are comfortable and can instantly give you a classy look.
Rizza S. Rustia, 24
Entrepreneur
On her go-to brand
I buy my jeans at Topshop. I have seven pairs in regular use. Topshop’s Moto jeans fit really great and have a nice color to it. My fave pair are these ankle grazers, also from Topshop. I love the jeans because they are snug and breathable at the same time. They make my legs look long and lean.
On dressing for day and night
I’m pretty basic, I wear flats or sneakers with my jeans for day. My top will be something comfortable or easy to wear, as long as it fits the style of the jeans. Also, I can never be without belts when I’m in pants. For the evening, I wear heels and a dressier or sexier shirt with my jeans.
Styling tip
Go for quality. Jeans are investments because they pull your whole look together. The perfect pair may cost more, but it’ll be worth it when they show off your figure better. Make sure they fit well and they focus on your assets.
’70s-inspired flares
Article source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/7347/the-sexiest-jeans-women-can-buy/
NEW YORK (AP) — It’s fall in the mall.
Officially, summer has weeks left on the calendar, but retailers have begun the transition from lightweight and lighthearted vacation clothes to the more dressed-up, sophisticated styles that come with fall fashion.
The tricky part, they say, is that while it’s good to infuse the excitement of a new season into stores, shoppers can be so enthusiastic about their new purchases they want to be able to wear them right away. That can be a problem when traditional fall looks — think sweaters, long trousers and outerwear — might not be suited to the dog days of August.
The solution? Lightweight layers in a deeper, more autumnal color palette.
“The consumer in general is forward looking but wants instant gratification,” says Barclay Resler, vice president and head of visual management for Esprit.
You can do that with a pretty chiffon blouse, he suggests, or a short-sleeve knit dress, maybe with some buckle detail at the waist.
Lisa Axelson, head designer of Ann Taylor, has already worn her sleeveless trench — with a silk blouse and cropped black pants — but it’ll go with flannel trousers and long gloves later. It is “the perfect wear-now-and-layer-later piece,” she says.
Fabric choices are very important, says Banana Republic creative director Simon Kneen, a fan of tropical-weight wool. “It’s designed for tropics. It’s airy, and the weave is more open, but it will look refined. It has a hand touch that drier and cooler, but you can have it in a dress, trouser, skirt, jacket — and those are the foundations of your fall closet.”
Lightweight chambray denim serves the same purpose for more casual pieces.
Navy is a favorite transitional color for Resler because it plays crisp and clean against white pants, but more luxurious with high-waisted trousers in gray, camel or brown. A ruffled, navy-and-white dot blouse in stores now has it all, he says, a cheerful vibe to finish out the summer, but ladylike enough to carry through the rest of the year.
Warm shades of orange, amber and green are trends at Kohl’s for fall, but they’re not dark colors, either, so they fit into a variety of weather landscapes, says David Hacker, vice president of trend and color.
Kneen says Banana Republic — and he imagines other retailers, too — has learned to work in the mindset of many mini-fashion seasons filled with versatile pieces instead of sweeping in with major changes twice a year.
As a children’s retailer, The Children’s Place switched to its back-to-school merchandise in the middle of July to capitalize on the shopping-spree days before kids go back to class. However, says Michael Giannelli, senior vice president of design, all he needs to do is walk outside to be reminded that “fall is really a summer delivery.”
A tiered, sequined skirt that pairs just as well with a tank top and flip-flops as it will with a sweater, tights and chukka boots a few months from now — even into the holiday season — is blowing out of stores, Giannelli says, but the No. 1 selling footwear item right now is a slouchy suede boot that really looks more like a fall item.
“Those emotional, fashion-y pieces will sell out, so people don’t wait to buy it. They’re willing to wait to wear it if the item is so special.”
Still, he adds, he’s seen quite a few girls around wearing those boots with their shorts.
Trendy items don’t have to be limited to a single season, and it’s those more lasting looks that are on the floor at JCPenney right now. “We’re sticking with bright color,” says director of women’s trend Cynthia Washburn-Nester, ticking off skinny jeans in saturated shades of red, yellow and green, and sleeveless tops with feminine details as top choices.
A chunky fisherman-style or shaker-knit sweater will evolve that look into full-on fall, she says, and, really even now, a lighter, open-weave sweater isn’t a bad idea living in this very air-conditioned world.
“People aren’t necessarily looking at ‘fall’ and ‘spring’ wardrobes. It’s about evolving things into the next season. You give something you’ve loved and worn a new life by wearing it with something new,” Washburn-Nester says.
Hacker of Kohl’s sees the gauze or crochet-style ponchos that have a lot of real estate in stores as swimwear cover-ups for August, and then as the perfect introduction to outerwear in the early fall. You’ll need a heavier knit eventually, he says, but ponchos — even two of them — are pieces you’ll get a lot of use out of: They are a key item of the season.
“You want to update, not redo your wardrobe,” Hacker says.
Also, he adds, don’t underestimate the shorts you’ve been wearing for months. “Most people think of shorts as a summer thing, but, especially in Europe, and with the advances in legwear to add texture and color — you can even layer legwear with tights with socks on top — that this is something that can go into fall,” he says.
“Based on the economic times, people are learning to adapt their clothes from season to season,” he adds.
Looking ahead, some stores will have even more shorts, including tweed ones, heavier denim and sturdy earth-tone cargo styles.
“Probably no one is happy to see the end of summer come, but the fabrics of fall are so rich, and things can layer so well together, there is definitely something coming from customers that’s a high interest in fall,” Resler says.
Article source: http://www.greenwichtime.com/living/article/Summer-weather-fall-fashion-Time-to-layer-1624413.php
Kick up your heels
Raziqueh Hussain (No Bones About It)
29 July 2011
Before you walk the corniche, stroll along the sands, or play in the park, find out from podiatrist Dr Christina Kabbash about the best way to care for your feet in the summer heat
This summer’s footwear fashion is all about foot-baring high heels, platforms and gladiator-style sandals — while low heels are out.
Regardless of the season, shoe fashion is always about flattering the foot and leg while pulling together the entire fashion statement. This summer, women’s footwear has combined ‘gem-stone glam’ with a barefoot look and with all this attention on heels and toenails their appearance has to be perfect.
Dr Christina Kabbash suggests that both men and women can enjoy cool and flattering sandals once they give some basic attention to care for their feet. She says, “The ‘bare look’ in footwear creates a dilemma for many women who are hiding their unsightly toenails under nail polish or are cramming their toes in small high heels: ‘Yes’, the shoes look terrific, but ‘No’ my feet don’t. But it’s not too late to do something about it and still kick up your heels in sandals.”
Dr Kabbash knows a lot about feet. A world renowned orthopedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, she is associated with Dubai Bone Joint Centre in UAE. “One of the most memorable surgeries was the first total ankle replacement I performed with my mentor in New York City six years ago,” Dr Kabbash reveals, adding, “The patient was a previously young active man who suffered from severe ankle pain and loss of motion secondary to a bad ankle joint trauma. Restoring mobility, activity and function as an alternative to fusing the ankle, the gold standard at the time, gave a great deal of satisfaction and hope for future patients with similar issues.”
Healthy, Attractive Feet for Barefoot Season
Summertime means bare feet. At the beach, at the pool or just walking in sandals, it’s the season where your feet get to breathe. But how do you keep your feet healthy as you expose them to dangers like athlete’s foot and other maladies that can make your feet itch, swell or just look ugly? Plus you need to care for your ankle and arches, as no longer they have support from sturdy footwear being used in winter.
“Breathable shoes are important in hot climates for preventing bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. Cotton socks, which wick fluid away from the skin, should always be worn with athletic shoes and changed frequently if moisture accumulates. Keeping the foot and the spaces between the toes dry, can help prevent Athlete’s foot,” she says.
Callus build up is a response of the skin to damage whether it is from rubbing, pressure, or perhaps even heat. “If you are developing calluses on the side of your feet, it is likely your shoes are not wide enough and your feet are rubbing on the shoes in these areas,” she adds.
Corns between the toes are formed when the toe nail of one toe is rubbing against the soft skin of an adjacent toe. Once again, it is likely that the shoes are not wide enough or a deformity is present. “Calluses on the bottom of your feet indicate too much pressure on a bony part of your foot from either walking barefoot on hard surfaces, or not wearing shoe with enough cushioning. Buildup of these calluses actually is counterproductive and increases the pressure,” she notes.
Soaking the foot in warm water for 20 minutes and then gently using a pumice stone can help reduce the calluses. Moisturising creams containing the ingredient urea can also be used to soften calluses.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by deformity of the nail bed from tight shoes, or, from trimming the nails too short at the sides of the nail. “When trimming the nail, trim straight across creating a flat nail end and avoid “rounding out” the nail,” she advices.
High Heels Are Not an Everyday Shoe:
Wearing high heels can be fashionable and may make you feel taller, but at what price? Cramming your feet into shoes with too-high heels or wearing them for too long can cause foot pain and a lot of other problems for your body such as Bunions. A bunion is a swelling at the joint where your big toe meets your foot. “High heels may injure feet in several ways. First too much pressure on the balls of the feet may destroy the natural cushioning fat pad there causing chronic pain later in life. Lack of arch support places strain on the tendons and ligaments crucial for maintaining the arch speeding progression of a flat foot as well as making it increasingly difficult to balance in heels. Cramming toes into a small toe box may mold the toes resulting in the formation and progression of hammertoes and bunions,” she cautions.
Flip flops should be avoided by anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis (heel pain that commonly hurts the worst during the first few steps out of bed and then more as the day progresses).
Ballet flats are commonly thought of as a good shoe to wear but offer no support and very little cushioning from the shock of every day walking. “Human feet evolved over the past few million years to walk on the ground. Hard floors and cement have only been around the past few hundred. Shoes with no cushioning are more likely to cause repetitive stress injuries and pain than shoes with cushioning,” she says.
For people with flat feet or who pronate with gait (arches roll in), ‘arch supports’ are very important for protecting the foot from further collapse of the arches and the pain and loss of function that may accompany that collapse. “Look for shoes, sandals, and even flip flops with arch support built into the shoe,” the doctor adds.
Finally, as people get older it is common for their feet to lengthen and spread. The bones of the feet are not ‘growing’ but the many joints in the foot are ‘loosening up’ causing the bones to spread, the foot to lengthen, and the shoe size and length to increase. “It is important to place vanity aside and increase the size of the shoe as one gets older to avoid causing further damage to the foot,” she says.
Be good to your feet, and they will be good to you. “As long as you take care of your feet with respect to support, cushioning, and skincare, you are more likely to be able to be active longer without being restricted by foot pain. For women, this may additionally allow you to wear a low sensible heel for short periods of time later into life, than if you destroy joints or deform the feet with poorly fitting shoes or prolonged high heel wear,” she signs off.
Many of the common foot problems are due to repetitive stress injury or over use — be smart, if it hurts, don’t do it — if it continues to hurt despite rest, see a podiatrist.
raziqueh@khaleejtimes.com
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