So for the past month or so, there has been quiet chatter in the fashion world about the current trend of altitude challenging high heels. I personally am a fan of many high heels, but not with EVERY single outfit and anything over 4 inches is out of the question. There needs to be balance, and rocking stilettos everyday is not only impractical but it’s not healthy, whether your a fashionista or a stylemom.
But alas, the fashion king, Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley, has laid down the law on the designers and his royal heeled subjects in his style.com blog last month:
Designers with an obsession for towering torture chambers, often poorly designed for the well-being of the foot, must get a reality check. I, for one, am over the mania for the high, high heel. Too many career women look like a herd of fashion beasts, aping one another in impractical shoes……Can you stop the madness and dream up a new way to define your silhouette without a needle heel that defies not only gravity but elegance?
—André Leon Talley
Women already suffer the pain of their quest to look beautiful with plucking, waxing, hot hair dryers, bras, boostiers, tummy and booty support garments, along with those fantabulous high heels. The thought of it all combined, makes me want to consider living in yoga pants and flip-flops for my remaining days on earth! Nevertheless, I cannot deny that my need for creative expression propels me to be the proverbial “slave to fashion”, so instead of throwing in the towel on footwear chic, here’s some stylish low-heeled and flat options to bring us all back down to earth:
My wonderful sales person, James, at Nordstrom Cherry Hill, fondly calls these the “Obama Shoes”. These Jimmy Choo ‘Lantern’ d’Orsay Pumps were worn by the First Lady during her date with her hubby POTUS in NYC. During my last visit, James insisted I try these on, and as a flat-footed gal, I must say the arch support in these shoes are awesome! You can definitely walk all night in these shoes and still keep it stylish and sexy. These shoes retail for $585 USD, not exactly recession friendly for some folks budgets, but if you’re looking for an investment item, these shoes are worth it, as the timeless style and comfort will definitely be in fashion for years to come.
Check out some of my other “low altitude” inspirations (click through to Polyvore to shop or for price):
