I happen to own this fab little book called "How to Walk in High Heels" by Camilla Morton. It's the girl's guide to everything. You need to buy this book. It's 421 pages of fashion, beauty, quotes, advice, travel, how to be socially adept, and how to flourish independently in a man's world. And it talks about shoes alot. I'm fairly certain that Ms Morton and I would be BFF's if we ever met.
Chapter one includes a section on how to fit everything in your handbag. I compared my bag the first time I read this. 14 out of 19 essentials isn't bad.
There are also chapters on how to play poker, create your own soundtrack, pick the perfect shoe, look like you just stepped out of a salon, and how to be a green-fingered goddess.
27 pages in I discovered one of the greatest concepts I have ever heard. Let me introduce you to the art of Aisle Gliding.
"When a very stylish lady sweeps into the room, as if she were walking on air - like Ginger Rogers herself - remember that they all started somewhere. Practice, practice, practice.
Once you've got the heel, tried it on, and know the basics it's time to take your new shoes to the nearest supermarket.
Fact: supermarket aisles are the perfect place to practice your glide. Not only do you get to stock up on all your groceries and wow the locals, but you can get up to twenty-four aisles' worth of runway-smooth surface to practice on, while being supported by a shopping cart, the ultimate stabilizer for the novice stiletto wearer.
Ignore any funny looks, they are either jealous they didn't think of this idea, or mystifid why someone so glamorous doesn't have "hired help" to do their shopping.
Sneakers off - heels on. Clutch the cart handle bars and you're off! Right foot, left foot, right foot, left.... a natural rhythm should be devoloping regardless of the tinny Muzak.
Use aisles as follows:
1-5: Establish your walk and your rhythm. Get comfortable and confident. If you put any relevant produce into your trolley, this is a real bonus.
6-10: Start to vary speeds, stops, and starts, perhaps even a corner - but NEVER let go of the trolley. Careful, let's not rush things.
11-16: Now you can practice developing wiggle and character steps, such as bends and turns and perhaps little heel kicks.
Final aisles: Be creative, and do a total routine, showcasing your new found stiletto confidence. Queuing at the checkout can be a time to rest on the hips.
Packing your bags and getting them to the car? I would be very surprised if by now you didn't have a handful of drooling helpers on hand. But if not, don't worry, the bending will be good practice, too.
If things are going really well you could even try to walk to vehicle sans cart, using the bags as balance weights."
There you have it. If you happen to see my roommates and I in really fabulous stilettos around HyVee some night this week, you know what we're up to.
Morton, Camilla. How to Walk in High Heels. First. New York: Hyperion, 2006. Print.
Chapter one includes a section on how to fit everything in your handbag. I compared my bag the first time I read this. 14 out of 19 essentials isn't bad.
There are also chapters on how to play poker, create your own soundtrack, pick the perfect shoe, look like you just stepped out of a salon, and how to be a green-fingered goddess.
27 pages in I discovered one of the greatest concepts I have ever heard. Let me introduce you to the art of Aisle Gliding.
"When a very stylish lady sweeps into the room, as if she were walking on air - like Ginger Rogers herself - remember that they all started somewhere. Practice, practice, practice.
Once you've got the heel, tried it on, and know the basics it's time to take your new shoes to the nearest supermarket.
Fact: supermarket aisles are the perfect place to practice your glide. Not only do you get to stock up on all your groceries and wow the locals, but you can get up to twenty-four aisles' worth of runway-smooth surface to practice on, while being supported by a shopping cart, the ultimate stabilizer for the novice stiletto wearer.
Ignore any funny looks, they are either jealous they didn't think of this idea, or mystifid why someone so glamorous doesn't have "hired help" to do their shopping.
Sneakers off - heels on. Clutch the cart handle bars and you're off! Right foot, left foot, right foot, left.... a natural rhythm should be devoloping regardless of the tinny Muzak.
Use aisles as follows:
1-5: Establish your walk and your rhythm. Get comfortable and confident. If you put any relevant produce into your trolley, this is a real bonus.
6-10: Start to vary speeds, stops, and starts, perhaps even a corner - but NEVER let go of the trolley. Careful, let's not rush things.
11-16: Now you can practice developing wiggle and character steps, such as bends and turns and perhaps little heel kicks.
Final aisles: Be creative, and do a total routine, showcasing your new found stiletto confidence. Queuing at the checkout can be a time to rest on the hips.
Packing your bags and getting them to the car? I would be very surprised if by now you didn't have a handful of drooling helpers on hand. But if not, don't worry, the bending will be good practice, too.
If things are going really well you could even try to walk to vehicle sans cart, using the bags as balance weights."
There you have it. If you happen to see my roommates and I in really fabulous stilettos around HyVee some night this week, you know what we're up to.
Morton, Camilla. How to Walk in High Heels. First. New York: Hyperion, 2006. Print.
Love it.
ReplyDeleteNote: home improvement stores are great for practice in heels as well, and you are very likely to find a helper or two to load your car.
Just sayin'.
I'd love to see this.. hugs, Kath
ReplyDelete