FASHION FOCUS: Can I tell you a story about Heels?
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Hello again! Back again with a little tidbit about this and that. This time I’m digging deep into my long time obsession with none other than the High Heel!
High and mighty
I remember my mother’s external wooden closet which housed particular dresses, outfits, and especially her high heels. My mom didn’t have an insane collection but it was quite significant and stylish. I remember how she looked and how her demeanor changed once she stepped in them. I always found myself fascinated with the unnatural angle of these strange yet alluring structures. I also used to concentrate on the distinct sounds they made on different surfaces.
Recalling the days of going to church I remember always falling into the fashion show that was “The Church Lady”. Along with the hats, dresses, scarves, bible covers, and hallelujahs, there were the heels that clicked everywhere they went. I’d see all kinds of of styles (not to mention all kinds of feet to fit into those styles, but that’s another column ENTIRELY).
I got used to hearing words like “slingback”, “pump”, “open-toe”, “wedge”, and (the almighty) “stiletto”. I knew they were referencing women’s footwear but I really didn’t get it. However, when I decided to step into one for the first time, and of course unbeknownst to my mom, that unnatural arch seemed just right. The shoes were too big but I managed to steal a few walks down the hallway before returning them.
Who's wearing these? LADYFAG!
I MUST mention the obsession my mom and I shared with the one and only Prince. The high-heeled provocateur thrust the idea of men in heels deep into my psyche. Watching him in movies, videos, award shows and anywhere else was always stunning because I know I could count on him to be in a pair of pumps. At six I said, “if Prince can dance in heels, so can I!”‘
Very sleek and the patent leather toe takes it up a notch
I can recall watching everything about my third grade teacher, Dorothy LeVels (now Levels-Johnson). In my mind she was the most feminine woman I had ever seen, a true real-life Barbie. I am happy to say that I am still in contact with her today and she is still very beautiful. The way she wore her heels and smart suits were the epitome of style and grace. The way she would hang her heel over each step as she descended the stairs was always so perfect and memorable. The way she crossed her legs at that perfect feminine angle put her shoes on display as each pair were made especially for her. I can honestly say that she was the MOST fashionable woman in my elementary school life and I was not the only student that was quite taken with her. It was very, VERY rare to see her in flats, just sayin’. (and by the way Ms. LeVels, I’ll never forget the donuts)
Dancing all night in these!! Yes Rainblo, YES!!
Would you wear these? I wonder how they'd 'walk'
Fast forward to 2007, NYC… My friend Eduardo says to me “Have you ever heard of Jonte’?” After doing some Youtube research I HAD to see this chocolate-covered, high-heeled, dancing dynamo. The moment I saw his signature upright split in my face, IN HEELS, I just HAD to get a pair for myself and see what I could do. It felt long overdue. I had to see if I could carry a night at a different height.
Jonte at Splash (my first time seeing him, and yes I’m recording)
Naturally, I could go on and on about heels and myself and other random banter, but I do have somewhat of a limit. I will leave you with a challenge. Whether you’re male or female, spend an hour in a pair of heels THAT FIT and watch your body language. Mentally note any changes. If you don’t FEEL different then you’re not being honest with yourself. (Smile). I’m not suggesting that everyone start pounding the pavement in pumps, but simply stating that heels definitely transformsa persona and introduces a certain energy. Give it a try. YES it will hurt for a moment… but that’s not the point.
In my standby pumps wearing designer spats by Luis Monge, MONGEROPA
ALWAYS check to see that you don't have stickers underneath!!
“Look How You Want To Feel”
Los Angelino-turned-New Yorker, I’m about living life and keeping it colorful. “Look How You Want To Feel” is an important part of who I am as it relates to fashion and the options are limitless as long as you have fun with it. Inspired by inspiration, join me! 
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