THE STILETTO WHISPERER
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”
Okay so I didn’t do anything noble, however I do feel like a leader on the stiletto front lines! I wear stilettos most everywhere and I know how to style them with various outfits, I also love helping those in need of stiletto mentoring. Sometimes when I’m out and about I like to sit and people-watch and decide what shoes they should be wearing with their outfit; the color, style and heel height, before I look down and see what they are actually wearing. Sometimes I am disappointed; sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised and other times I’m right on the money (or should I say, they got it right?)! I love deciding what shoes someone will wear with a particular outfit or for a special occasion, I especially love building a look from the stilettos up. I even find myself in the shoe store overhearing conversations and interjecting my opinions, on whether or not a certain style looks good on someone or what to wear them with. I always chuckle and reply the same way when someone says “I can't buy these, I wouldn't know where to wear them.” My answer is “Anywhere and everywhere, be bold, have fun!”
With my penchant for stilettos it has never occurred to me that I might actually know someone who is a stiletto virgin! Not me, no way! Quite by accident I discover I do know one, however once I found out; she wouldn’t remain a novice much longer!
One day a few weeks ago after trying on the most adorable pair of grey suede stilettos with rosettes and an ankle strap with a big silver buckle and deciding I must have them; I notice my friend Susan roaming the store looking quite perplexed. Clutching my boxes of shoes (I can’t buy just one pair!), I ask her why the bewildered look? She tells me she is going out dancing for the first time in quite awhile and wants some nice high-heels (she’s always in flats). I ask her what she usually wears for an evening out and she says she wears flats or wedge style shoes. “What type of stilettos do you currently own?” I ask. “None, I haven’t worn high-heels since my wedding day.” She answers. I feel shock and confusion upon hearing this and it must have shown, because she starts laughing. Of course the next words out of my mouth are; “Let me take you through my wonderful world of stilettos!”
I ask her to explain to me what she’s looking for in a stiletto; she says she wants something strappy and light for wearing during our hot California summers, some height to them (like me, she’s about 5’4”) and she most definitely wants comfort while dancing, standing and walking and lastly she doesn’t want to fall and break her ankle or neck. With all of this in mind, I begin scrutinizing the shelves of shoes, I start handing her ones to ask for in her size; 2 pairs, then 4, up to 7 pairs going at once. As she tries them on and walks around, she tells me she’s surprised at how comfortable and easy to walk in they are. The secret is that I made sure to only choose shoes with a platform in the front because although the heel looks “teeteringly tall” the platform offsets the arch of the foot, making them more comfortable and easier to walk in. She loves 4 of the 7 pairs I’ve chosen for her and she can’t choose, so I suggest she think of what she will be wearing with them. After pondering this she is then able to select 2 of the pairs that will work for what she wants; so off we head to the cashier. “I’m so excited; I can’t wait to wear these!” Susan says as she hugs me goodbye. “Have fun and don’t break anything.” I say.
Oops almost forgot to tell you; she bought a brown pair and a black pair of strappy stilettos that are perfect for summer wear that can be worn with jeans or dressed up.
About a week later I call to check on my new stiletto student and am thrilled with what I hear. “I danced for hours, my feet never hurt, only my calves were sore the next day from all that dancing!” she exclaims. “I love high-heels now, thank you.” she says excitedly. “I’m so glad I could help.” I reply. “I’m a changed woman; I’ve already added more stilettos to my closet. When I'm out shopping I hear your voice telling me to think of what I will wear them with.” She tells me.
After we hang up I begin to wonder; Is this a new journey, have I become The Stiletto Whisperer?
