Wednesday, February 13, 2008

High Heels may improve your sex life

A study by Maria Cerutti of the University of Verona caught my attention. Without a doubt I have a weak spot for spikes. Interestingly this study has been picked up by numerous worldwide news agencies in conjunction with a series on the lack of passion in couples married more than five years. I guess the news agencies see spikes like I do. They are great for the mental part of any relationship. Apparently high heels not only lengthen the natural lines and curves of the female figure but also provide significant physical benefits for the couples sexual pleasure. Ms. Cerutti takes psychological preferences to a scientific level.


When asked why this scientist would dedicate time and resources to study the sexual byproducts of high heels Ms. Cerutti explained, “I love high heels and I wanted to find something positive about them. I was pleased to discover that high heels provided beneficial effects on the pelvic muscles.”

The study included 66 women under 50. The electrical production of various muscles was measured while walking with various types of shoes and different heights of heels. Heels, 3 inches and higher, produced a 15% increase in muscle strength. Many women practice muscular contractions of the pelvic muscles. Wearing a pair of high heels could produce much better and uniform results.

I find it interesting that Ms. Cerutti found a way to prove what I already knew in my subconscious. Women who wear high heels are better lovers. Viva Le Donne!

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Friday, September 28, 2007

Women’s Accessories Fall/Winter 2007/2008 Italian Shoes – The Flying Wedge

We have seen the sexy boots and the Retro Peter Pan boots for the Women’s Fall/Winter 2007/2008 scene. The Décolleté fills the largest segment of the market. The 70s theme finds its way into this year’s design. The platform, or wedge, is the protagonist. These shoes are more comfortable than spikes and women who cannot walk on high, elevated heels can shuffle around on the wedge. The wedge usually includes a platform giving an extra inch or so to even the shortest of legs. All this said when I see them I keep expecting a jet engine to fire up and to see these babies take flight pulling the unsuspecting passenger flopping into the air.

Wedges are too heavy. They may be light as a feather but they seem to increase the mass of the foot destroying the perfect balance of the female body. Alas, they are the latest thing. Women are already clumping down the streets of Milan. Fratelli Rossetti makes the platform wedge in the lead photo. Suede is very big both in the wedges and tradition spikes this year. He adds a neatly pressed bow and bright colors. They can be found in Milan for 280 Euro.



Rossetti also remembers some of its more classical customers with a patent leather with reverse stitching 9 centimeter heel. An ankle belt adds a hint of aggressive while serving to hold the foot in place keeping the heel from slipping into the front of the shoe. The classier design is not more expensive coming in at 280 Euro like its stealth bomber counterpart.




You and Me stays with the suede look. They offer a 10 centimeter spike with embellished borders and a patent leather ankle belt. You and Me prices much less than the Rossetti at only 150 Euro.




Vic Matie’ combines the design of the classical spike with the 70s wedge. The polished leather shoe with a 10 centimeter spherical heel sits on top of a 3 centimeter platform. To limit slipping and sliding while walking on air the sole is slightly ridged to give greater traction. The Vic Matie’ prices at 199 Euro.




Vicini presents a shoe that could easily be a design from the storage warehouse. Suede leather with reverse stitching make this a “That’s 70s show” favorite. This is a full wedge with a foam sole.

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Thursday, September 27, 2007

Women’s Accessories Fall/Winter 2007/2008 Italian Shoes – Retro Peter Pan Boots

Fashion on the streets often surprises the experts. Without a doubt most designs by the established stylists are successes. This only accounts for about 10% of the fashion scene. The other 90% decides what will be hot and what is not. Fashion in the street, many years, is just outside of my capabilities to comprehend. As a mortal man I subject my opinion to my goddess. If she says it is a must have I can only agree. I think over the years she has learned how not to hurt my feelings. She knows what I like and what I abhor. She will find what she likes and not express a strong opinion.

This is the case with the Retro Peter Pan boots making their appearance in the offices. The only things missing from these babies are the floppy wings that make the collar. What I find most interesting is that the designers consider this style “masculine!” Perhaps in the days of Men at Work someone would have considered these masculine but “not on my watch, Mr. Tibbs.”

I usually do not include prices but with the Internet you may be able to find some of these boots online or in your local store. In Italy, all prices include a 20% Ad Valorum Tax. The price you see is the price you pay.

The shoes in lead photograph are Lea Foscati. Polished leather, buttons, belt and 9 centimeter spikes are the characteristics. Currently you can find them in Milan for 159 Euro.





Furla also includes the side buttons. Patent leather, in various primary colors and 10 centimeter square spikes define these shoes. They are more expensive at 340 Euro.





Janet & Janet makes the Peter Pan par excellence. They are round top cut with a frontal zipper to avoid slipping on the 8 centimeter heels. They can be picked up for just 155 Euro.





Kalliste’ also uses the front zipper. They are also interesting because of the patent leather with suede insets. The 9 centimeter spikes are nice. The colors offered are quite unique. In the photograph the shoes are between Acqua Marine and Forest Green. They can be picked up for 274 Euro.




Roberto De Carlo must have been doing something or someone when he chose the colors for this one. I am not sure if it is Hot Pink or Blood Purple. Either way you can find these expressions of the imaginary mind for 290 Euro.

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Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Women’s Accessories Fall/Winter 2007/2008 Italian Boots

Micam, the Shoe Fair in Milan, has barely closed its doors. Women in Milan are sporting their Fall/Winter foot apparel. Several tendencies seem to be winning the hearts and feet of women everywhere. They are boots, retro Peter Pan and Lifted Décolleté. The passion of my soul prefers the retro Peter Pan boots. I prefer the boots. As long as the boots are not of the goulash variety, boots add a naughty hint of playfulness.

The lead photo are polished leather with suede inserts. They can be found at Pollini.




Roberto de Carlo presents soft suede and 8 centimeter heels.




Suede is also the material of choice for Cesare Paciotti. Finishing touches are patent leather belt and 11 centimeter spikes.




The Les Tropeziennes are my least favourite but I find the wrapped string an interesting touch.




Polished leather, ankle belt, 8 centimeter heels and a 1 centimeter platform are the traits of Angela Inqueti.

If you cannot find them at your local store and Milan is too far away try my sponsor Forzieri. While these boots may not be immediately available they may have them later in the year.

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Monday, September 10, 2007

MICAM – The Shoe Event in the City of Fashion

September begins the season of tradeshows. Hotels with available rooms are hard to find, restaurants booked, and life is very busy. Milan is the center of Fashion. The first place to see the new styles that will shape the future seasons. The stores in Milan offer the latest and greatest but there is a way to get a jumpstart on even the trendiest stores. MICAM, the shoe fair, opens on the 20th and runs through the 23rd of September. The shoe fair is only open to those who work in the industry and requires online pre-qualification but if you have anything to do with a retail store and can get someone to vouch for you this is the best way to get those great spikes at least a season before anyone else.

The show is laid out by market segment. Entire buildings dedicated to just one theme. This year’s themes are:

Women’s sophisticated shoes
Women’s trendy shoes
Men/Women luxury shoes
Mixed shoes
Young Fashion shoes
Accessories

MICAM ShoeEvent, the Milan exhibition for top- and middle/top-of-the-range footwear, confirms its position as the largest international fair for this sector. It attracted some 42,879 visitors of whom 21,589 came from abroad. The fair covers 730,000 square feet in 8 separate pavilions. There are 1,650, 1,100 Italian and 550 foreign, manufacturers are present.

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Monday, June 04, 2007

Car Shoe – Travel shoes by Prada opens in Capri

A passion for motor sports nurtured by an artisan shoemaker led to one of the most comfortable and now prestigious shoes available today. Gianni Mostile handcrafted shoes in the town of Vigevano, outside of Milan. In 1963 his two passions came together to create a business. Hand sewn moccasins, made of the finest leather, with a rubber sole designed to give the driver maximum comfort and control while driving. The shoes are favorites among world’s elite including Gianni Agnelli, JFK and Roberto Rossellini. The company was bought just a few year’s ago by Prada and most recently has moved from Via della Spiga 50 to Via della Spiga 1.


What I found most interesting is that while the shoes are comfortable, the most important thing in this latest press release about the opening of a flagship store in Capri is the store’s design. The newly opened store has the exact same design and architecture as the store in Milan.

What may be so interesting about that?

Perhaps it is a recreation of the Castle of Monza, or perhaps the Basilica of Florence?

Unfortunately it is merely designed to have the feel of the interior of a car. The two primary windows have the front and back of a touring rally car from the 60s.

Perhaps I am just over sensitized to the superficial recreation of this or that look. I am forever reminded of the Las Vegas Venetian and its 12$ a pop ride on a Gondola. Located on the top floor of a shopping area with the star painted ceiling to recreate romantic ride in the Laguna in the post dusk evening. People actually stand in line to ride this thing… I am fairly confident that “Car Shoe” of Capri will not be remembered for the very comfortable driving shoes it produces instead for the mock version of the race car sitting in the window.

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Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Women’s Fashion Accessories Spring Summer 2007 – Spikes!!!

Those who read regularly know that I love women’s shoes, more specifically, spikes. heels cannot be too high or too slim. I understand the precarious balance between beauty and comfort, or even stability. Still, heels are the most important accessory in women’s fashion. Let’s face it ladies, women dress for men. Even women who want have one up on other women do it because they want to be desired. It gives you power. Sex appeal is one of the most powerful weapons in society, even without the sexual tension. Just think, a good looking man with a nice smile gets things faster, cheaper and with better service than the potbellied, balding accountant wearing a wrinkled short sleeved shirt. The same goes for young, curvy, long legged women wearing a pair of spikes.

Much to my pleasure, spikes are still hot this year. Many styles are available from the contemporary Emporio Armani (lead photograph) to the more classical Bruno Magli, the common factor is the nosebleed heights. Just about everything is 3 inches and higher. Here are a few models to satisfy just about every woman’s style. If only relationships were as easily rewarding. Long live the spike and those long legs.

Ghetta

The best and softest leathers, molded and formed by artisan masters, are the ingredients of the Ghetta Sandal. A petit ankle belt dresses the leg without stockings. This creation is already a cult in Milan.

Etro

Not my favorites, because of the larger heels, but still great. These little sparkles are making the rounds on the evening circuit with miniskirts and flowing silks. Their Jetson’s futuristic look in an interesting contrast to the 60s fashion tendencies.

Emporio Armani

Whether it is Giorgio or Emporio, Armani is always Armani. Spikes, beloved spikes, are the protagonists. The colors are bright and shiny with gold pins and latches. No foot with a pair of these will go unnoticed.

Bruno Magli

One of the few Artisan houses that always has heels and spikes in its portfolio, even when heels are not in fashion. Their passion shows with this classic peep toe Adelaide, finished with a soft leather bow. Magli is a “must have” for any wardrobe. They are the secret weapon for any important occasion.

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Monday, December 18, 2006

Women’s Winter Holiday Fashion 2007 - DOPOSCI

Doposci translates to “after ski”. Women's Winter Fashion would not be complete without including the white vacation outfits. I have long adored skiing and while a youngster in college spent many a study day on the slopes in Utah and Colorado. When I first went to Italy I was introduced to a heavy looking boot, all dressed out with fur, embroidered micro fibers or heavy cloth. They looked so warm and when combined with a winter outfit, I found them quite attractive. Let us say even sexy. I immediately thought of the timberland type boots we would wear in the lodge in the states and these Doposci seemed to be a mix between a heavy winter walking boot and ski boots.

Perhaps it was the fact that every woman I saw wearing these boots was hot but I have since associated Doposci with soft, warm femininity. As I was working on my article about Gucci Accessories I was distracted by the marvelous things shuffling through the snow of the white vacation destinations of Courmayeur, Sestriere, Cortina, Madonna di Campiglio and the Presolana.

The look is Doposci, leather or heavy knit jacket or cape and a hood. The hood, almost exclusively fur lined, is loose fitting and draped creating a show, don’t show, illusion of mystery. This outfit is definitely designed to bring attention to a woman’s lines and curves accentuating a man’s curiosity. The Doposci can also be combined with just about any style of jeans adapting equally well to the casual and the out and about dress.


In Italy Doposci are usually reserved for the winter vacation spots but in Northern Italy can also be seen during the coldest weeks of late January and February. Doposci can be found in any major Italian city and will be sold at a reduced price starting the first week of February. These are unique designs and can be worn for several years without concern of seeing someone else with a similar boot.



The boots and outfits displayed here can be found at the boutique of the Crystal Czar, Fiona Winter-Swarovski, in Milan. Her boutique can be found at:

Fiona Winter Studio
Showroom
Via Casati 2
Milan
Tel: +39.02.2056941


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Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Shoes, shoes, shoes – Valentino Winter 2007

by Raffaella.

The Valentino 2007 Winter Women’s Collection has a little something for everyone. There are open shoes, heeled shoes, ballerina shoes and boots. I have always considered the open shoes, those shoes that show the foot and/or toes, intriguing yet, at the same time, accessories that not every woman can wear, and not because of how much they cost.

Sandals evidence the foot, as the décolleté frames the breasts. If the foot is not beautiful, perhaps has some small imperfection, this model accentuates the small defect and makes it look like ten extra pounds in last season’s bikini. Sandals are for those women with beautiful feet. If we can get over the perfect foot syndrome, open shoes and sandals should be worn exclusively without stockings. Since this is the Winter wear, the only solution for those who suffer the cold as I do would be a very high quality stocking, veil thin. Personally, if I cannot go without stockings, either because of the weather or because I have not had time to get my tan up to snuff, I will not wear sandals.


This sandal is elegant, perfect with a cocktail dress or formal evening gown. It may be hard to match with something less elegant. It would be marvelous with some of the Valentino High Fashion outfits.




“More than a sandal, not quite a shoe.” There is very little skin showing, a transparent lightweight stocking could work here. The design is not too formal thus it is flexible and could easily accompany a nice tailleur or a black leather outfit. I would not wear these shoes with pants, these shoes merit to be seen.




This model is aggressive. The woman who wears these shoes must have both beautiful feet and ankles. The elaborate leather pattern pulls the attention to the foot while the ankle band initiates the eye on that upward journey of a nice pair of legs. If the foot or ankle disappoint, the vision is interrupted and the scenic view becomes a somewhat annoying drive in a neighborhood on the wrong side of the tracks.




Décolleté shoes with heels are more in line with my idea of winter footwear. This first model is the one that I would choose out of the entire line, since I do not consider my feet worth be framed for the world to see.






Winter, grey sky, a misty rain falling continuously throughout the day, a cold chill blows through the seams of my forest green raincoat as I walk through Largo Augusto. These shoes are versatile; they will work with both professional and not too formal evening attire.





Elegant yet versatile, not limited to just evening or cocktail occasions, this shoe can be the protagonist or a compliment. This shoe is appropriate in professional occasions as well as the evening dinner. The black and white contrast creates just enough distraction to make these shoes playful while maintaining a formal aura.




The Ballerina shoes are not part of my repertoire, however I can appreciate their attraction. Only taller women should wear Ballerina shoes. On the rest of us, Ballerina shoes can make us look like ducks, with feet, perhaps, a bit too long for the rest of our body. Paris is heavy into the Ballerina shoes this year but, for me, I will stay with my heels.










I love boots, all kinds of boots. These boots with a large base for the foot are comfortable even on the longer days. The heel is high enough to give a bit of length to the leg yet not so high that it is difficult to walk. I would wear something short with these boots, leaving enough space to evidence the playful bow.






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Friday, October 13, 2006

Tendenza Scarpe – Women's Shoes Winter 2007 – Milan goes ultra flat!

Much to my dismay, flats and platforms are back. Not just flats but ultra flats are parading around the world’s fashion capital. I know that for many ladies that have problems with heels this is a welcomed change but I cannot change my nature, I have a passion for spikes. Future tendencies for the spring and summer 2007 continue with the platform. Sorry ladies, since I cannot write about what I do not like, that is all I can say about the flats or platforms.

I wandered down via della Spiga, barely glancing at the store windows as I passed. I was about to turn onto the street of my destination I noticed the Salvatore Ferragamo store and my disappointment departed. Sure, the store had the classical ballerina and wedges but spiked half boots were also visible. Time would not permit a closer look but, there was hope that I would not have to support a fall and winter of flats and wedges. I do not know what it is but I find heels do marvelous things for a woman’s look. After all it was Raffaella’s spikes that I first noticed ten years ago.

During the periods of the flats Raffaella has two fallback solutions to wait out the change in times, Pollini and Bruno Magli. Even on these stalwarts of style and grace the heels are tending heavier. Both designers have traditionally kept elegant heeled, semi-heeled and flats. So as this period of famine progresses, check these out. Bruno Magli incorporates a velvet-like cloth, usually two-tones in luxurious earthy colors, together with a leather base. My favorite is the calf high boot with spiked heels and fur overlay on the calf tied in the middle by a wide leather belt and ostentatious buckle. Perhaps the lace neck boot with leather shoe is also sexy but I would have to see it with the appropriate outfit. Sure it is unusual, unusual is good, but choosing the correct dress will take some time.
Pollini, has been in Milan forever, and is well known by the locals. The store keeps a line of classical shoes no matter what the rest of the world is doing. This year’s selection is no different. The décolleté, half boots and boots are all of both soft leather and cloth and they are spikes.

Fabiani, a smaller producer from Central Italy, put together some really interesting combinations. Everything in spikes but it was the velvet–leather mix and the embroidered designs that caught my attention. I am not sure how widely Fabiani is distributed outside of Italy. For the most part I think I like this line generally better than the others although the are a few models in each line that are really nice.
The moral of this adventure in fashion is that no matter how things look on the surface check out the lines you liked from previous years. They may take you down the road to find something that really fits your personality. Remember, Fashion is all about you and what you like, not what the designers say you will like.

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