Nothing makes me feel more sexy or more confident than a great pair of heels. Whether you wear them to work or a night out, there is something about them that makes me feel good.
High heels were introduced in the 1500s as a practicality. Persian solders wore them to help their feet stay in the stirrups while horse riding. This provided greater balance and ease while they shot their bow and arrow. Heeled shoes were introduced to European rulers, an they became a sign of wealth and power. Women also began wearing high heels (called choline’s or outer shoes) to protect their feet from the dirt. High heels were particularly popular in Spain and Italy.
Royalty wore heels to appear taller. Portraits of royalty reveal many dyed their shoes red, an expensive pigment, to show their social status. It is said King Louis XIV of France enforced a rule banning anyone without red-soled shoes from entering his court. It is said Christian Louboutin, famous French shoe designer, drew inspiration from this story for his red soled heels.
As time progressed, high heels became geared towards women. The heel became narrower and more delicate. Men stopped wearing them because of their perceived femininity. High heels became an expression of sophistication.
High heels made their mark in various times in history. The roaring 20s revived heels due to bold fashion and footwear. In the 1950s, designers like Christian Dior created the stiletto with Roger Vivier, a French shoe designer. High heels were featured in more stores and Hollywood actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe wore them on and off the set.
While the 1970s brought more of a platform heel that could be worn by both men and women, the return the high heel was brought back in the 1980s and 1990s by designers like Manolo Blahnik. Who can forget his name as many times as Sarah Jessica Parker said it in Sex in the City?
Today, there are so many different high heels to choose from. Different colors, different heel heights, different width of the heel – you can pick what you like.
Marilyn Monroe once said, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” She had to be talking about high heels. Certain high heels make me feel like I can conquer the world.
Conquering the world is always on my list. My favorite outfit includes a pair of jeans, usually a black top, and an amazing pair of heels.
xoxo, Jane Anne
*Note – The heels in the photos are called Bliss from SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker. These heels absolutely bring me joy.
