Well Heeled

Louboutin, Blahnik, Choo - just hearing those names makes many women's credit cards get itchy - they are the gold standard in the world of shoes.

Women's obsession with footwear leaves many men scratching their heads - which might explain why a recent survey showed that 14 percent of women admit to "hiding at least one purchase" of shoes from their significant other. The survey also showed that more than fifty percent of women own more than 10 pairs and 13 percent have more than 30 pairs - that's a lot of closet space.

What is the attraction of shoes? Is it their power to transform an outfit? Or is it how wearing a pair of high heels makes you stand up a little straighter?

Whatever the reason, one in five women admitted shoe shopping just to cheer themselves up, it's clear that fancy footwear has a powerful effect on us.

Certain shoes can be status symbols - pull on a pair of the latest Christian Louboutins and watch all your girlfriends drool with envy. Your feet may not be as understanding after wearing them all night - but that's what foot massages and ice baths are for, right?

One thing is for certain, after carefully putting an outfit together for a special event, there is no finer compliment than hearing, "I love those shoes..."


How many shoes is too many? What are the essential shoes that you think every woman should have in her closet?

Photo courtesy of decorpad.com.

Article first published as Well Heeled: Women and their Shoes on Technorati.

Plastic Makes the Perfect Man?

Whether it be celebrities with perfect bodies and wrinkle-free faces, claiming that they haven't had any "work" done or magazines showcasing uber-skinny models wearing the latest trends, it's obvious our society is obsessed with youth.

Every day it seems like there is a new product or procedure that is providing a miraculous cure to the worst fate of all – aging.

While many of these anti-aging tools – from anti-wrinkle creams to laser hair removal – tend to be targeted towards women, they are not the only sex taking note. Men are getting in on the action too.

According to a recent report from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men underwent more than 1.1 million cosmetic procedures last year.

The number of cosmetic procedures performed on men increased by two percent in 2010 – from minimally invasive procedures like injections and microdermabrasion to surgical procedures like face lifts and breast reductions.

From removing their “man-boobs” with a breast reduction to getting laser hair removal on their backs, men are beginning to feel the pressure that women feel – the need to be better, younger versions of themselves.

We've all wanted to change something about ourselves – whether we'd like to admit it or not – and with our celebrity-obsessed culture setting the bar for what’s normal, it seems inevitable that plastic surgery’s stock will continue to go up. Way up.

What do you think about our society's obsession with youth? Would you ever consider plastic surgery or fillers?


Image courtesy of apetogentleman.com.

Article first published as Plastic Makes the Perfect Man? on Technorati.

Kiss carbs goodbye?

Think eating a low-fat diet will help decrease your chance of heart disease, stroke and diabetes? Think again. Rather than pointing the finger at fat, a recent study suggests that carbohydrates might be the reason for American’s expanding waistlines.

The 2008 study was comprised of forty overweight or obese men and women with metabolic syndrome (a condition that is characterized by at least three of the following symptoms: high triglycerides, high blood pressure, central obesity (measured by waist circumference), low HDL cholesterol or elevated fasting glucose). The subjects were put on a 1,500-calorie a day diet. Fifty percent of them were placed on a high-fat, low-carb diet and the other half followed a high-carb, low-fat diet.

Even though the high-fat group consumed three times more saturated fat a day than the low-fat group, by the end of the study, their triglycerides levels dropped by 50% and their HDL (good) cholesterol increased by 15%.

The low-fat group, however, only had a 20% reduction in triglycerides and no change in HDL cholesterol.

This suggests that carbohydrate intake – particularly simple carbohydrates like white bread, pasta and white rice – can contribute to the overall fat content in blood.

So the next time you’re thinking about having a slice a cake or a dinner roll, perhaps opt for a piece of bacon instead.

I'm not sure I'm ready to give up carbs completely. But what this study further reinforces is that a healthy diet just isn't healthy when it includes refined carbs.

I guess my love affair with chips and pasta is over...

What is your take on carbs? Leave 'em or eat 'em?


Article first published as Carbs Nay, Fat Yay? on Technorati.

Image courtesy of Telegraph.co.uk.

Hair, headbands and buns - oh my!

Don't you love the feeling after you've left the salon and you're hair is just perfect? It's blown out so it's straight but swing-y or it's pulled up into a chignon and looks just right?

Chantel Simmons, hair editor for The Kit always has amazing hair. She was recently on The Marilyn Denis Show and showed some easy tips on how to have great hair everyday - no stylist required.

I really liked the looks she showcased. My two favourites were the headband and the messy chignon.

I thought after Gossip Girl, no self-respecting woman would ever be able to wear a headband again without comments related to Blair Waldorf following her wherever she went. This look is much fresher than the wide headbands that were frequently featured on Gossip Girl a year or so ago.

The second look was the messy chignon (aka the bun).

Whenever I try to do a bun, it always looks messy - and not in a good way. I can't quite hide all the bobby pins, pieces of hair keep falling out and it looks more gym than glamour.

I'm hoping with Goody Spin Pins ($7), my bad, messy buns will turn into good ones.

To view the whole segment and see how to get the looks step-by-step, click here.

Will you be adding one of these looks to your hair repertoire?

What are your secrets for great-looking hair without a lot of effort?


Goody Spin Pin image borrowed from the-dressingroom.ca.

Flare it up

Ready to move your skinny jeans to the back of your closet? A recent article in the Toronto Star, highlighted the latest denim trend: flared jeans.

After the article was posted, one of my readers asked me to do a post on how to wear flares for different body shapes.

Here are some quick tips on how to pull it off for your body type:

Boyish

If you're in this group, you can pull off the flared denim trend to a T. The high-waisted jeans will create the illusion of curves on your frame. Look for jeans with pocket and waist detailing to add even more oomph to your frame.

These NW3 High Waisted Jeans in Indigo, will look amazing on you:

Hourglass

For those with a little extra curve in the hips, flared jeans are a dream come true. The flared leg balances wider hips and will make your legs look extra long. Opt for a lower rise to best complement your curves and to avoid the dreaded "mom jeans" sihouette.

7 for All Mankind's Dojo jeans are a perfect fit for you.

Plus-Size

For plus-sized gals, I recommend going with a boot-cut style as it will allow you to wear the look with the best proportions. Look for a style in a dark wash - universally flattering for all shapes and sizes - with a mid-to-high waist.

A great pair to try is James Stretch Bootcut jeans.

Are you excited about the return of the Flare? How will you be wearing them this season?


Images borrowed from Polyvore and SaksFifthAvenue.com

Going Green

It's fun to watch all the glitz and glam at the awards shows, but how do you translate that into your everyday life?

Ready for a simple way to incorporate an Oscar-worthy look into your style arsenal? It couldn't be easier...just add some green.

Whether it's Reese's or Annette's emerald earrings or Amy's statement necklace and cuff, green jewellery was red-hot at the Oscars this year.

These items don't need to be reserved for black tie events - adding some brightly-coloured gems can spice up any hum-drum outfit.

And, while it would be nice to be able to afford the real thing - lucky for us - imitation stones cost a LOT less and add the same amount of impact.

Will be adding some green to your jewellery box?

Photos borrowed from ivillage.com and Twirlit.com