Beauty Is Pain, but Fashion Doesn’t Have to Be

(& it All Starts at Your Feet)

     I’m going to be honest, half of my wardrobe still has tags, and I’m currently waiting for the “right” time to wear my Nasty Gal, white mesh, collared crop-top.

That right there is what I have to tell myself to make me feel less guilty of hoarding clothes in my closet, but the real reason is because I hate heels. YES, I hate heels. Love the way they look, despise the way they kill my feet. It's hard to find footwear that is both comfortable, stylish and transitions from day to night.

I have tried to do everything to be able to wear them from weekly pedicures, massages, gel inserts, medicine and recently, a trip to the podiatrist which included a very long, very thin needle inserted on the bottom of my foot.

Now, I refuse to continue keeping my cute clothes hostage, so I’ve came up with a brilliant plan that has done wonders on my feet for the past two weeks. Don’t worry, I’ll let you in on the secret.

First, your feet should never be bare.  From the moment you get out of bed to the second before you step back in it.

Before we proceed, let me tell you now how easy it is to continue shopping at your favorite stores, and still leave with a happy wallet. You just need to be smart.

Think of everything you buy as an investment.


     With that being said, going to Nordstrom and paying $100 for UGG slippers is not the way to go. There is no support, and with the summer coming up there is no reason for your feet to be suffocated with wool. Instead, try the Nike ‘Benassi Solarsoft 2’ Slide Sandal for women.  It is a third of the cost, and still located at the same department store. They are perfect for running errands, walking around the house and can also get wet (which is very convenient for any college student getting ready for Spring Break).

---

     Second, tennis shoes can be dressed up. From pant suites to dresses, New Balance is now your best friend. I started with one pair and have progressed to three within a two-month span.

     Third, don’t spend hundreds of dollars at a spa. Go to your nearest drug store, and grab Earth Therapeutics “Reflexology Foot Massage”. The lotion is infused with tea tree oil that helps speed up the healing process, wild mint that cools and stimulates and it even has lavender that soothes and relaxes. I rub some on my feet right before I go to bed. It’s perfect to unwind and even easier when you have a boyfriend to do it for you.

     Fourth, if you have no choice but to wear heels try, try and try again. Believe it or not, having a higher platform can alleviate pain. Make sure you are heading to more than one place to find the perfect pair.

     Lastly, medicine does help, but it should always be the last resort. If you can’t bear the pain any longer, make sure you are taking Ibuprofen instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen will help with inflammation, which is the side effect of achy feet.

Again, I know beauty can be pain, but looking fashionable can be very difficult if you have a frown plastered on your face.