The Well-Heeled Society

Happiness Is...

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Stepping into my BOOK AUTHOR shoes!

Amazon.com Widgets

A Little Slice of Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:04:00 +0000

No need to deprive your feet from the recommended daily requirement of fruit! This 6 oz spa-licious pedicure bomb will have your tootsies foot-loose and fancy free...
Flip Flopped: Citrus Foot Bomb

Poshly Frugal Friday

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:25:00 +0000

PIERRE DARRE' Rust Pumps Originally $195.00, Now $79.00

Poised in Platforms

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:32:00 +0000

With eye-catching cutout detailing, these towering platform pumps get a majestic coating of purple suede. Perfect to pair with a grey sheath dress.
Brian Atwood Lola Suede Leather Pumps

WIN THIS: My Well-Heeled Quote!

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:22:00 +0000

As I officially count down to a celebration, this is the last chance to place orders for a signed copy of my book. All orders placed up to tomorrow evening at 10PM EST will be eligible to win my popular Well-Heeled Quote, courtesy of Trading Phrases!

Summing up the journey of a single gal, it also speaks volumes for the woman who just loves fabulous shoes! Easy to apply, the non-permanent quote is poised at the head of my bed.

Order your signed copy NOW!

$14.95

Shipping rates are for orders within the U.S.; if you reside outside of the states, please contact me prior to ordering for additional shipping rates.

When A Rose is More Than Rose

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:39:00 +0000

Deep grey suede covers the rosette detailing of this chic leather bootie.
Kelsi Dagger 'Rosabella' Bootie

Happiness Is...

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:36:00 +0000

~ Owning your status:
Dogeared Boxed 'Shoe Diva' Mini Pendant Necklace

~ $2.00 sunflower bouquets at the farmers market

~ A serenade from my glass tea kettle

~ Playing with Sydney, a six-month old French bulldog puppy (whose ears are bigger than her entire body)

~ Bringing all new meaning to wall-to-wall stilettos

Haute on My Heels

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Now this a lovely way to step right into fall!
Steve Madden 'Fiesstaa' Suede T-straps

TREND ALERT: Over-the-Knee Flat Boots

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:33:00 +0000

Decadent OTK flat boots + leggings = Très Chic

Jimmy Choo "Yam" Over-the-Knee Leather Boots

Ruffles With Edge

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:59:00 +0000

This is the magic of mixing femininity and fierceness onto a stiletto:

Women's shoes/bags: Pour La Victoire Cassandra - Beige

Happiness Is...

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Pedro Garcia Suede Peep-toe Shoes

~ Stepping into a new title

~ Falling in love with a new season of shoe styles

~ Skipping over life's speed bumps

~ Strutting on purpose

~ Walking by faith

For Snow Bunnies Who Plan Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:57:00 +0000

Polaire Signature White Moon Boots - Christian Dior

Cool Hues

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Chinese Laundry Women's Bonnet High Heel Gladiator
Isn't this the coolest shade to dip into on a hot summer day?

Getting A Leg Up On Wearing Stilettos

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:58:00 +0000

"Girl, you walkin' like a supermodel on a runway!"

Truth be told, I was just trying to make it to my Park Avenue bus...

And while I have successfully caught the bus every time, strutting in heels (let alone walking in them) will eventually catch up with me. But contrary to most podiatrists who warn against the wearing of heels, there is one one stiletto-wearing podiatrist who has created an effective solution for stiletto foot health.

Dr. Emily Splichal, who is a certified fitness expert (and former competitive gymnast) brings Catwalk Confidence Workout DVD to help women gain strength, flexibility, comfort and confidence when they wear high heel shoes. When she graciously sent me both the Catwalk Confidence DVD AND her Stiletto Recovery The Workout, I was expecting a cute, fashionista-style experience.

Did I mention she's a former competitive gymnast?

The first 30 minutes of the DVD was intense. Called the Bold Backside, it targets shoulders, hip and ankle stability. I should mention here that YOU DO NOT WORK OUT WHILE WEARING YOUR STILETTOS. Dr. Emily created these DVDs to restore your body from a day of stiletto wearing, while preventing plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis and hammertoe - just some of the conditions associated with heels.

The only equipment you will need is a yoga mat, resistabands and 3lb weights. Once I made it through the first section, I went right into the Crunchless Core Training; a bona fide yoga session that targets abs and the pelvic muscles.

The final section called Fierce Feet is ten minutes of ankle and foot-strengthening exercises. Afterwards, I felt rejunevated. And winded. But I could get use to this...

Footnote: Dr. Emily holds Catwalk Confidence Workout Classes in NYC; click here to contact her for schedules.

Posh In Patent

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:49:00 +0000

Multicolored metallic patent oxfords kick down the door of the good ol' boy network with flair!
Lanvin Lace-up Shoe Boots

Crimson Kicks

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:32:00 +0000

Dipped in one of the hottest shades of fall, this bootie is sumptuous in knock-'em-dead-red, while accented with pleating and patent bow.
Moschino Suede Bootie

Happiness Is...

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Take an Extra 25% Off during the Big Summer Clearance at macys.com! Offer Valid 20-Jul-2009 through 26-Jul-2009.

~ The quote by Mimi Pond: Buying shoes is the highest form of shopping.

~ Swaying to a summer anthem

~ Enjoying my Bellini on a stick

~ Sugar cones

~ Water balloon fights

Chic in Suede

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 18:09:00 +0000

Tabitha Simmons Suede Platform wedges

Aesthetically-pleasing, this suede color-blocked wedge has a 110mm heel and 10mm hidden platform.

Boot Camp

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:19:00 +0000

From stud, buckle and grommet detailing to a sea of peep-toes, you will have your choice of diverse booties this fall. This pair is an upgraded granny-style, which will look lovely with skinny jeans.
GIVENCHY Lace-up Booties

TREND ALERT: Leopard Print

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:01:00 +0000

REPORT Signature 'Durant' Pump

From peep-toes to classic pumps, be spotted in one of fall's biggest trends; leopard prints!

Pedro Garcia Greta Leopard Flats

Forzieri Leopard Patterned Hair-Calf & Leather Pump Shoes

Spongeables Pedi-Scrub: Suds, Soothe, Smooth

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:52:00 +0000

It's hard out here for a property pimp.

On my feet all day, I conduct tours of loft apartments, meet and greet vendors, prospects and run errands- all while balancing in heels. Yet it all seems to come to a head on Fridays, when residents, traffic and TGIF all call for my attention. All at once.

You know I no longer have the luxury of coming home to an awaiting foot rub. But now I can take matters into my own hands- literally- thanks to Spongeables, the hand-held solution to relieving the agony of da feet. Daisy-shaped and two-sided, it is infused with glycerin, olive oil, shea butter and eucalyptus. The coarse side is for exfoliating and removing callouses, and the sponge side is for moisturizing and cleansing. When the gracious folks at Beauty Intuition shipped me one to review, I knew the best day to test it would be on a Friday.

This past Friday proved to be the perfect day; with two overlapping appointments, both eager to apply, I closed both sales within the last hour of work. I felt pretty productive. And tired. The nude patent slingbacks I wore that day were kicked off and filed in their respective drawer under STRUT, and I slid into my Liz loafers for my commute home.

Arriving home, two things were on my mind: dinner and the Spongeables Pedi-Scrub. While I heated dinner in the oven, I was eager to see what this pedi-scrub was all about. Saturating it in the shower, I squeezed it to release the suds; immediately, the aroma of the lavender & tea tree oil filled the shower. As I began to use the sponge side, circling the top, sides and soles of my feet, it was indeed a spa-licious end to my day. Now the coarse side will probably not get much use, as I take pride in having smooth heels and soles. Still, I exfoliated in circular motions in order to see what it felt like. The packaging states that each Spongeables gives you up to 20 washes, and at $5.99, you recoup your investment the first time you use it.

My analysis? Spongeables successfully relieved my tired feet. Is it a miracle product? Not by any means. Consider it a nice in-shower quickie, as opposed to setting up your foot spa. It also makes a great gift for your hair stylist, postal carrier, or any woman who is on her feet all day.

Happiness Is...

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 04:05:00 +0000

Alyssa High Heel Cutout Sandals

~ Rising above adversity on gilded heels

~ The quote by Gloria Steinem: If the shoe doesn't fit, must we change the foot?

~ Keeping your feet planted firmly, when you'd rather kick and scream

~ Friends who've got your back, especially when your world is crumbling around you (thanks, M and Roxie)

~ Knowing when to walk away

Perfect For a Picnic

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Let your sense of casual chic show when you wear these gingham slingback wedges.
Castañer Dika espadrille wedges

Skipping Around In The Buff

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Since the donning of my first pair of peep-toe sandals this season, my toes have been spotted in a Tangerine Sunset, a Flash of Fuchsia and to be quite honest, Never Enough Shoes. After a spectrum of color, there comes a time when I just want to strip down to the freedom of being au naturale.

But it looks like stripping is the first step to removing the discoloration brought on by nail lacquer. In my neighborhood, a weekly salon visit just for toenail buffing averages $40.00 ($160/month). So not realistic in this economy.

When it comes to my fingernails, I have been blessed to never have the need for acrylics; the family lineage also produces long and gorgeous nails. But my fingernails do peel and are known to break below the line.

I was elated to find out about a realistic alternative to achieving a salon-quality experience at home. NAILBUFFS is the answer to restoring your nails from all the things we subject them to: acrylic nails, nail polish and chemicals, which cause the common ailments of discoloration, peeling and layering. And seeing that I am the poster child for germophobia, I have heard way too many horror stories about infections caused from trips to nail salons.

The $68.00 Essentials Kit consists of the NAILBUFFS Natural Buffing Formula, Chamois Buffer, Micro-Smoother and Snow-Stone. And with the Natural Buffing Formula giving you 100 treatments that will last you through next summer (toes included), you do the math. It's a cost-effective way to keep your shine-on through the rest of the summer.

After a deep-conditioning shower pedi- scrub and clipping of my toenails, I treated myself to the kit (compliments of Donna at NAILBUFFS) this morning. Time well spent, as the micro-smoother did what it was supposed to; prep for the thin line of Natural Buffing Formula down the center of each nail. Gripping the chamois buffer, I buffed each nail, left to right, as the instructions said to do. The result? Shiny nails. I will now be adding the buffing regimen at least twice a week to my schedule (the micro-smoother shoudn't be used more than twice a month) . Now if I could just commit the same dedication to my new workout (post coming soon!).

NAILBUFFS by Taras successfully puts the ah in the spa experience at home.

Six Days of Island Hauteness

noreply@blogger.com (styleandsubstance) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:09:00 +0000

As I wished my auntie - who wears the family's age-defying genes quite well - a safe trip to the Bahamas this morning, I couldn't help but have island envy as I nurse a wicked heat rash brought on by a one-day warm front. Even though basking in island sun is the last thing I need to experience right now, I resort to chuckling that she undoubtedly packed the same way she did for her last getaway, where an entire suitcase was packed with - what else? - shoes.

If I were able to have staged a packing intervention, these essentials would be the core items in her carry-on. Yes, a carry-on for six days. Anything more than that is just excess (and additional charges).

STEP AWAY FROM THE SHOE COLLECTION! Other than what's on her feet (which I suggest should be Flojos flip flops), only two pairs of shoes need to be packed. Having said that, with the prices for gladiator sandals in the upwards of $400, there is no reason - and I repeat - no reason to shell out that kind of money on footwear that will be worn for marathon souvenir shopping and romping around Paradise Island. So aside from her flip flops, I choose this pair for her:

Sam Edelman 'Garland' Sandal; on Sale for $58.90

For her nights out on the town, that's where she should put her money where her foot is. Keeping with a sun-kissed color scheme, this sandals goes with everything:

Claudio Fracassa Golden Sandals on YOOX.COM

La Blanca by Rod Beattie 'Roman Holiday' Tankini in Coral

Tulip Print Pareo

MICHAEL Michael Kors City Shorts

Diane von Furstenberg Pauline maxi dress

Ali Ro Print Jersey Caftan Dress

With additions of a thin cardigan, khaki shorts, ruffle halter top, cotton skirt and LBD, this wardrobe will successfully take her through her coronation into becoming a Bahama Mama!