Not that this has anything to do with Polish Falcons (except we have lot of Members who happen to love shoes, including former National Secretary/Treasurer John Kuzmirek. John enjoys buying shoes at Kohl’s, especially in Hillsborough, NJ!), but I thought this might be fun, different and a bit interesting. Back in 2003, my last assignment in English Comp 102 prior to my graduation from the Community College of Allegheny County, we had to write a paper and do a PowerPoint presentation on anything we wanted. It took me quite some time, but I settled on shoes! My instructor (who was a woman) loved the paper and presentation. I received an A for each of them. Her comments were, “Great paper! Well researched and presented!” The name of the paper was: “Women and Shoes! Our Obsession! Women are head over heels for shoes!”
Shoes can bring women such joy! This starts at an early age and continues to grow right along with the girl. A few fairy tales center around shoes. Cinderella had glass slippers (which were actually spiked heels) and went from drudge to princess in a matter of moments. It was a transformation most women would love. Dorothy had her ruby slippers to get her back home (originally, the shoes were supposed to be silver, but were changed to red). Shoes have the power to improve our day, boost our mood and bring empowerment. Shoes are a reflection of environment, culture, politics, religious beliefs, and ceremonial customs. Shoes are symbols of sexuality and powerful femininity. Regardless of profession, women feel the need to purchase new shoes every now and then.
Shoes are the great equalizer in the fashion world. Your feet do not change as dramatically as the rest of the body. Shoes are usually a perfect fit! There are quite a few stores dedicated mainly to shoes; everyone has to wear them!
Women feel that the shoes finish the ensemble, and complete the wardrobe! The shoes are as important as the rest of the outfit! Shoes are an exclamation point at the end of the fashion statement! Shoes are difficult to hate. The right shoes flatter even on bad days, can add zip to the most boring outfits and instantly boost your appeal. It can’t be a coincidence that for many women, a quick fix solution to feeling blue is to go shopping for shoes! In fact, some women are downright obsessed with them (imagine that!).
Our footwear tells about us. What you wear speaks volumes about you, but your footwear may make a bigger impression than your clothing. Shoes say much about people. The style of shoe or the brand name may classify social status. Shoes are an important choice of clothing in regard to your identity. Shoes reflect certain characteristics and based on this is how women choose their type of shoe.
One of the most fun things is the reaction of people to a woman wearing her high-heeled shoes, regardless of where she is. People always notice your feet. If high heels are worn, it’s sure to evoke numerous comments and questions concerning one’s ability to walk or stand in those things! It’s a great conversation piece and usually quite humorous.
Linda O’Keefe claims the invention of the high heel was by Mesopotamian butchers who needed to walk around floors of their shops which were covered with animal carcasses. The stiletto is undoubtedly the most controversial shoe of this century! The shoe also changed interior architecture in that floor coverings had to be able to handle the sharp heel tips.
“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world,” so said Marilyn Monroe. She also said, “All girls owe him a lot,” when referring to the man who invented the high heel, even though she did not know who it was. Roger Vivier, a designer, is often given credit for the invention.
High heels create artifice in a woman. It’s the way you walk. You create a motion, a space, a sinuous. You become a living sculpture. Even if unsuccessful, it is exciting!
The pros of wearing high heels are many. They can make legs look great, enhance femininity, enhance the total look, make you appear taller, and increase confidence. Of course, if you don’t wear them on a regular basis, you can’t walk in them!
A woman’s clothing in general, shoes in particular, can project a strong image especially if she has the skill and the ability to use them to her full potential. There are some women who just adore the style, sound, feel and grace of high heels. Even though taught at an early age, high heeled shoes are not good for you, she still loves them! It is very possible to enjoy wearing these shoes without suffering if one uses common sense!
Your feet are a good indication of your general health. Congestive heart failure may be indicated by swollen ankles; sensitivity to pain and temperature may indicate diabetes; symptoms of circulatory disease are cold feet, and clubbed toenails may signal chronic respiratory disease.
While we know the wearing of high heels (heels over 2 ½ inches are considered high) throws our bodies out of whack, puts undo pressure on the balls of our feet, shortens the calf muscle and the Achilles tendons, possibly sets us up for surgery in the future, high heels are just too much fun to stop wearing!
Hoping all of you enjoyed this fun blog and are practicing social distancing and staying safe! Wash those hands!!!
Peace! Czolem!
Druhna Trish