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Did you know we likely owe all our high heeled glory/troubles to a 14 year old girl? Apparently Catherine de Medici hadn’t had her growth spurt yet when she married Duc d’Orleans in 1533, so she had a pair of 5 inch heels made for her. When she debuted them in Paris, they became the latest rage and have graced feet ever since.

As I’m sure you’ve seen on this blog and in the stores, you may not be able to walk further than a runway length and back in them, but high (and I mean high) heels are not going away anytime soon (even with re-inventions of ballet flats remaining fairly popular). Wallpaper notes Antonio Berardi’s heel-less platforms (pictured - thanks Flashing Lights!) as well as Sergio Rossi “who sent his models down the catwalk in strappy sandals complete with super-sexy heels made from stacked gold balls; Giuseppe Zanotti cut into the wedge to create a sensational hollowed-out platform heel; at Christian Dior, John Galliano’s models were hoisted up on a whopping 5.5in silver heel; and Chanel’s glamorous, staggered heels looked as if they were inspired by the Empire State Building, in both shape and height.”

The beauty of any structure begins with its foundation.  Of course we’re talking about undergarments not cement.  All garments look better on when the little pockets of flab & cellulite are ‘under’ control. Sometimes all you need are a simple pair of control top pantyhose, other times you may need more.

The most important piece of under clothing for a woman is the bra.  The bra has celebrated its 100^th birthday and in its 100 years has undergone many changes.  From the full, firm, pointed bras of the 40’s & 50’s to the more relaxed natural t-shirt style of today.  The truth of the matter is that whatever style makes you feel comfortable, supported and looking good is the one for you.  Fit is the most important factoring in finding a comfortable bra.  No pinching or binding, no digging underwire are the recipe for comfort.  Try to get fitted by an actual bra fitter.  Some clerks in specialty undergarment stores are not truly trained to fit you.  You will know the difference when you feel it. 

The next important piece of foundation controls everything south of the breasts.  As mentioned earlier, a simple pair of control top pantyhose may be all you need to achieve a perfect silhouette, but not likely.  A great majority of women are pear shaped (rounder & fuller at the bottom).  If this is the case you will want to wear a sturdier undergarment for that svelte look.