Blu's Womens Wear Blog | Clothing Stores in Calgary and Edmonton

Love High Heels But Hate The High-Heel Hang Over?! Here are 12 Tips To Make Them More Comfortable

Do you love wearing the latest designer high heels but hate that high-heel hangover?  Everyone hates aches, pains & blisters!  Here are some tips to help make those knock 'em dead shoes more comfortable and easier on your feet.  Things to keep in mind before you buy your next pair of designer shoes:

Best time to try on -  Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen and are at their widest.   This will help avoid a tight fitting uncomfortable shoe.

Have your feet measured  -  Did you know your shoe size can change throughout their lifetime?  Plus, different designers have different sizing.  Another thing to consider is that more than 60% of people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other, so it is important to have your feet measured to make sure you are getting the proper fitting shoe for both feet. 

Take your time -  Buying designer shoes is an investment and you want to make sure your first step is as comfortable as your last.  Take your time and stroll around the store and don't be in a hurry.  If the shoe fits properly you should be able to wiggle your toes and touch the top of the shoe.  Also allow at least 3/8" to 1/2" of space from the end of the shoe and the top of your longest toe.

Opt for a platform or wedge shoe - Platform shoes have thick soles sitting under the front part of the foot which actually elevate the entire shoe, not just the heel.  On wedge shoes the heel runs under the foot, from the back of the shoe to the middle or front.  Both options will provide height but give more support to the foot and are more comfortable.

Choose a rounded toe or open toe shoe - Choose a shoe that has a rounded toe or open toe as these options keep your toes from being squished and miserable.

Tips on keeping those feet happy with your new shoes:

Break it in - A good repair shop can break in a shoe for you or will have products available for purchase that you can use to work in those new shoes. You may also wear your new shoes around your house before actually wearing them outdoors.  The flooring in your house will be easier on your feet than wearing them out on concrete for the first time.

Add cushioning - In most high heels we put our weight on the ball of our foot.  There are many inserts on the market that can add extra cushioning to the ball of the foot and make wearing heels more comfortable.

Limit your time -  When wearing extreme high heels try to limit your time to short periods of time if possible.

Mix it up - Try to alternate heel heights throughout the week giving your feet and calves a break.

Blister fixer - If your new shoes cause a blister anywhere on your foot, try Dr. Scholl's Mole foam padding.  It can be cut to any size, is self adhesive and can be placed on the shoe or foot to keep the foot from rubbing against the shoe. 

Stretch your feet - Dr. Megan Leahy, podiatrist at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association says you can reduce some pains caused by high heels by completing the Achilles tendon stretch, three times a day and the "alphabet exercise" to strengthen  ankles and improve your range of motion. For complete exercise instructions and to read the complete article, please visit Health.com "Stretches for High-Heel Wearers".

Be Kind To Your feet - After wearing high heels soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salt for 20 to 30 minutes.  Next massage your feet and toes with a foot therapy cream and then sit back and relax with your  legs elevated for at least 15 minutes to reduce swelling in your feet. Your feet will thank you for the care and look forward to that next pair of sexy new stilettos.

Christ Coat Trunk Show Event - Only at Blu's Calgary Southcentre Store

CHRIST COAT TRUNK SHOW EVENT
Only at Calgary - Southcentre Blu’s

Christ shearlings are the lightest weight and simply the best quality shearlings available. The Christ collection women's luxury outerwear is an internationally regarded brand and family-run business for over 55 years. Customers don't just buy our product; they make an investment in quality, usability and style.

Please join us for your exclusive preview of Fall 2012
Thursday, May 24th and Friday, May 25th.

RSVP

CALGARY

Southcentre
Thursday, May 24, 2012 11AM - 7PM
Friday, May 25, 2012 11AM - 7PM
Phone: 403-225-8315
e-mail: linda@blus.com

Michael Kors Giving Us The Cold Shoulder In A Good Way

 

Michael Michael Kors Abstratct-Print Tunic Dress

Michael Michael Kors Striped Cold-Shoulder Top

Michael Kors started designing clothes at the age of 19 for the renowned Lothar's boutique in New York City which was a huge success and prompted him to start his own label in 1981.  Last year Michael Kors celebrated 30 years in business as an chic, American luxurious fashion designer.

There is a long list of celebrities who have worn his designs including Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Uma Thurman, Sandra Bullock, Madonna, Kate Hudson, Debra Messing, Jennifer Lopez,  Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchette, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Heidi Klum and first lady Michelle Obama.    

Michael Kors has received many awards including DuPont's "First American Original" (1983), Elle/Cadillac fashion award for excellence (1995),  CFDA Womens wear Designer of the Year (1999), Oliver Grace Award from the Cancer Research Institute and in 2010 he was the youngest  recipient to ever receive the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA.  

Michael Kors is a judge on the five-time Emmy-nominated reality show "Project Runway," which is now in it's ninth season.  

We have just received a new shipment of bright and colourful dresses, tops and pants from the spring/summer 2012 collection so hurry into a Blu's store near you today and pick your favorites before they're gone. 

Have You Committed Any Of These Fashion Crimes?

Have you fallen victim to a fashion crime? It doesn’t matter what you call it- a fashion faux pas or a fashion mistake- celebrities are constantly in the headlines for dressing in unacceptable ways. Unfortunately most of us have also been guilty of one or two fashion faux pas in our lives.  Below are 9 fashion Don’ts and a few tips that will save you from unsightly and embarrassing fashion mistakes.

1.    Hiding Your Body Shape - Women tend to think that by covering themselves with bulky clothing, they are hiding a little extra weight. Wearing oversized clothing actually has the opposite effect and makes you look larger. Instead, wear clothing that embraces your shape and accentuates your best features. Conversely, if you buy clothes that are too small they will emphasize every bump and bulge. Buy and wear what fits. We all may want to lose a few pounds, but you have the body and shape you do now. When you dress your current size, you will look and feel better about yourself. If you happen to lose or gain a-bit of extra weight, clothing can always be tailored to re-fit your new body!

2.    Muffin Top Jeans – Don’t wear jeans that are too tight or baggy. They should sit at your natural waistline so they are comfortable and your stomach doesn’t hang over the top. Also, when you bend over they should be high enough they do not show your underwear. Some cleavage is just not attractive ladies!

3.    Puckering Blouses – Button up blouses should fit properly across the chest and not gap anywhere.

4.    Following Trends That Don’t Flatter - Not every trend is designed for every body type. Pick and choose the trends that work with your body type, skin tone and age. For instance, if short skirts are in and your legs aren’t your best feature then you may want to avoid that trend and look for a more suitable option. Also, women after 40 often give up on trends. No…no…no! You can still look great in trendy pieces by pairing them with classic clothing that you already own. An example could be wearing a trendy Luisa Cerano floral dress paired with a classic Armani jacket.

5.    Visible Undergarments - Wear proper fitting undergarments under your clothing.  Look in a mirror before leaving home to ensure panty and bra lines do not show.  There are different shape-wear products on the market that will give you the appearance of a smoother figure.  Two good options are Spanx and Yummy Tummies (available at Blu’s).  Also, have a professional bra fitting as 70% of women are wearing the wrong size. Make sure your bra straps are adjusted tightly so they do not fall down. If you wear a see-through top, choose an undergarment that is close to your skin tone.  Also ensure that your underwear is lower than the top of your pants.

6.    Wrinkled Clothing – Make sure to have your clothing professional dry cleaned or pressed, or save time for ironing. Wrinkled suits and dresses are not flattering.

7.    Footwear Flops - Make sure your shoes are in style, compliment your outfit but most importantly they should be in good repair, clean and polished. If you wear open-toed shoes, treat your toes to a pedicure. Ragged, half polished toenails are not attractive and yes people do notice. As for office fashion crimes, flip flops are out. Sneakers are fine with workout clothes or walking the dog, but not for casual outfits such as Eileen Fisher. There are more suitable choices like  sandals, ballet flats or wedges and they will give you a more stylish, fashionable casual look.

8.    Wearing Labels – When you purchase a scarf, the tag should be removed. The same goes with designer coat labels on the sleeve, they should be removed. You may want someone to know you are wearing an Armani or Hugo Boss coat but the jacket will speak for itself, remove the tag.  Also when you purchase a new coat or blazer that has a pleat in the back, make sure you remove the two stitches that are tacking it closed near the hem. (this is usually in an “X” shape).

9.    Orange Tans - With summer around the corner everyone is looking for that “real” safe fake tan. “Orange tans” are still out this year, but there are some good products on the market for a healthy looking natural tan. Estee Lauder and Clarins are both great products. A big key to a healthy looking tan is to exfoliate before applying the self-tanner. The tell-tale sign of a fake tan is really orange hands. Please be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying your tanning products. Don’t overuse the products, a little goes a long way and a subtle light tan looks sexy.

 Do you have a fashion question for us?  Contact one of our Blu’s fashion stylists and we will be happy to answer your question in a future featured blog.