High Heel Pumps

Classic high heel pumps are a wardrobe staple and can work with jeans, suits and dresses. They can easily transition from day to evening, from dress up to dress down.

High heel pumps date all the way back to the 1500s when horseback riders supposedly wore them to help keep their feet in stirrups. Then in 1533, Catherine de' Medici, the Queen of France, commissioned a pair of shoes with a heel higher than the toe, and suddenly the pump was fashionable.

Since the mid 1950s, pumps have been a standard part of a woman's wardrobe. In fact, high heels are one of the best things about being a woman.

Classic Pumps

Some styles of high heel pumps have become classics.

• Spectator Pumps. Spectator pumps are classic two toned pumps that originated in the 1950s. The heel and the toe are a different color from the body of the shoe. Chanel makes the ultimate spectator pump. For a timeless look, buy them in black and tan or navy and white.
• Carolyne Pump. Manolo Blahnik's classic sling back pump is called the Carolyne. The Carolyne comes in different heel lengths, and in all the classic colors such as blue, black, brown, crème, white and silver, and in several different materials. Carolyne's can be made from kidskin, alligator and satin.
• Mary Janes. High heeled Mary Jane pumps are the grown up version of the little girl's classic patent leather shoe. The Mary Jane pump can be sexy or serious. It is distinguished by an ankle strap that flatters the shape of a woman's leg.
• Stilettos. Stilettos are shoes with very high, thin, narrow heels. Stiletto heels are higher than three inches. They have a very pointy toe and are incredibly sexy.
• d'Orsay. The d'Orsay pump is a true classic. On a d'Orsay, the sides of the shoe are cut low so the arch of the foot is exposed. Manolo Blahnik designs many of his shoes in this style.

How to Wear High Heel Pumps

High heels can be worn with just about anything. Many styles are comfortable enough to wear anytime, anywhere. You can walk for miles and stand for hours in them. Others, however, are more decorative. They are so thin and so narrow in the toes that they are difficult to wear for long periods of time.

If you plan on wearing super high, uncomfortable shoes, make sure you can walk in them. Nothing is less attractive than a woman all dressed up hobbling and wobbling. Practice wearing the shoes for brief periods of time at home before going out on the town. Wearing super high heels can cause serious injuries to your knees, back, ankles and Achilles tendons, so be sensible when wearing them. It is important to mix up your footwear and occasionally wear a flat shoe.

Shoes may be a wardrobe accessory, but that doesn't mean they don't have accessories of their own. Neiman Marcus sells a Stiletto survival kit. It contains cushions for your shoes to prevent blisters and SoleStopper to protect the bottom of your shoes. Plus, it has a pouch for carrying your shoes in case you decide to slip into a pair of simple flats.

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