Saturday, April 21, 2007

スックテン.

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Haha.. Useful article for all us vain pots who loves killer heels. =)

Killer Heels (http://lifestyle.uk.msn.com/fashion/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4700617)

Such is the power of the heel – from making women feel stylish and sexy to giving them confidence and respect at work – that women are enduring discomfort, pain and fatigue on a daily basis in order to reap the psychological benefits of walking tall. We investigate.
A recent survey has revealed that nearly half of women feel more confident when wearing heels at work and almost a quarter feel more assertive and acknowledged by others.

Nearly a fifth of women believe that wearing heels can have a positive effect on their work life, increasing their chances of promotion. Yet ironically, half admitted that their heels often caused discomfort, pain and fatigue, while distracting them from their work.

Not only that, but women are four times more likely to develop foot problems than men because they wear high-heels, according to the National Federation of Women’s Institute (NFWI). And as a result, only 14 per cent of men suffer from foot-related injuries compared with 30 per cent of women.

Gallery: celebs who love their killer heels

Could you part with sexy stilettos in flavour of flats? Or do you think it's ridiculous putting style before comfort? Tell us here

The study, carried out amongst more than 1000 women across the UK by foot care company Compeed, reveals that the psychological ‘benefits’ of wearing heels is felt most strongly by 18 to 44-year-olds, who love the extra height stilettos give them. London girls enjoy wearing their heels to work the most, while Welsh ladies save theirs for feeling glamorous on a wild night out. But leading podiatrist Samantha Sheril claims wearing heels to work could actually be bad for moving up the career ladder: “High heel shoes cause blisters, corns and hard skin, which, in turn, commonly lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability and stress among women – not an ideal situation for women wanting to focus on getting ahead with their careers.”

Murder on the dance floor

And it’s not just in the office that the heel rules. Almost two-thirds of women confessed to feeling more sexy and glamorous on a date or a night out when they have the added height and stature that heels give them. But while three-quarters of us would refuse to trade our sexy shoes for flats, we’ve all been there, where a good night’s bar-hopping or dancing has left us in agony. So what is the answer?

Simple steps for comfort in heels

Catwalk expert and star of America’s Next Top Model, J Alexander says: “In fashion you make a choice – a good one, a bad one, a right one, a wrong one. Whatever it is, the most important choice you can make is to be comfortable. If you feel comfortable in what you are wearing, then you will feel good – and that's what makes people look fabulous.”

So aside from wearing Jesus sandals and beige socks, it seems the only answer for women who refuse to ditch their stilettos, is padded protection for your tootsies. Think of Blister Kits and Second Skins as the foot care equivalent of preventing a bad hangover. Try Compeed 3-in-1 healing plasters, which are extra thin, cushion against rubbing and help to aid healing, available here.

Or Second Skin plasters which mimic the behaviour of the skin, keep wounds moist and protects against scarring, available here.

Or, for prevention as they say is better than cure, try high heel pads, which cushion the feet with a shock-absorbing gel and help to reduce achy feed and blisters, here.

More Useful Links & Information

Gallery: celebs who love their killer heels

Could you part with sexy stilettos in flavour of flats? Or do you think it's ridiculous putting style before comfort? Tell us here

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