Ron White: Spring Shoe Week S/S 09

Tucked away in Manulife Center on Bloor– there is a fabulous little store called Ron White.  Many of the brands he carries are exclusive to his store and there is a great offering of boots, heels, and flats that are a blend healthy ergonomics with style.

Ron White has a special category of shoes called ALL DAY HEELS™:

"All Day Heels™ is a selection of shoes, boots and sandals exclusive to Ron White.  The styles are hand-picked by Ron each season for their unique technology which truly makes them an All Day Heel. In order to be branded All Day Heels™, the shoes must have technical properties in their design which allows them to feel wonderful during extended wear.  These features include arch support, special cushioning materials in the insole (such as NASA created poron or Nike Air technology), special rubber compounds used in the outsole, or heel cushioning, cradles or support."

Currently they have a $25 discount on all sandals (regular priced AND the ones on sale!).  Oh sales, how I love thee.  The only thing better than getting a fabulous heel is not having to forego your groceries for them.

Here are some of my picks from their current offerings:

Heidi Buckle by Frye
Teal (shown), or Black
$349.99 CAD (from $600.00)
Heel: 76mm (3''), Platform:~0.5-0.75''

Part of the RW All Day Heel Collection.  I have to tell you guys, I have had a lemming for these boots ever since I started doing my research on Ron White.  The price = fantastic. The look = fantastic.  And c'mon...teal leather boots?  How unique and exciting is that??!  These would absolutely rock with jeans. 

*little hearts coming out of my eyes*

The rounded toe allows for natural toe placement and natural forefoot movement through the normal gait (walking) cycle.  Elevated platform under the balls of the feet reduce the already low heel-to-forefoot ratio.  Nice thick heel that not only carries well with the style of the boot (they would look...like...weird with a stiletto heel) but gives you a wider base of support for balance. 

 

Serra Black by Anyi Lu
Black Suede(shown), Brown Suede
$379.99 CAD (on sale from $925.00)
Heel: 45mm (~1.8'')

These suede babies have a gorgeous buckle and just goes with everything. 

It is constructed with poron - which is a very flexible rubber that compresses under pressure without collapsing.  Translation: uber comfortable with sustained support.  These will take you from grocery shopping to the movies to the Spoke Club patio.  Effortless and Gorgeous.

Madge by Ron White
Black and Metallic Black Leather (shown)
$199.99 CAD (on sale from $595.00)
Heel:95mm (~3.7'')

If you are looking for a basic black shoe with a little something special...this is your girl.  Antique metallic leather going right up the back of the boot.  I love the subtle detail of the metallic leather stopping just short of where the black leather stops near the calf.

Poron cushioned insole, rounded toe, chunky heel and a rubber sole make this a fantastically comfortable, classic boot.

London Air Black by Cole Haan
Black Patent Leather (shown)
$335.00 CAD
Heel: 95mm (~3.7'')

A smart, timeless shoe.  T-Strap sandal (which is very hot this season) coupled with an over-sized (adjustable) buckle gives it just enough detail to make interesting. This is why we love Cole Haan.

Nike Air Technology to make every step cushiony heaven.  It is the ultimate style meets function. 

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Special thanks to the PR team at Ron White, who made the research for this series effortless and most enjoyable.

Ron White
Manulife Center
55 Bloor Street West, M4W 1A5
416 964 6400

www.ronwhite.ca

Browns: Spring Shoe Week S/S 09

So, Browns is Canada's-own fabulous chain of stores that caters to a fashion-savvy girl in search for *the* shoe.  You know what I am talking about...the shoes you carefully open up the lid at night and carefully take them out of their dust bag and say dutifully goodnight too.  Browns is the go-to place for THAT caliber of shoe.

Here are a selection of Dr. Stephanie-approved stilettos, heels, boots, and flats that Browns and www.brownsshoes.com have on offer for Spring/Summer 09:

Shoes

D&G Closed Toe Pumps
Pink (shown) or Black
$349.98 CAD (on sale from $520.00)
Heel 100mm (4''), Platform 0''

Oh, hello D&G...are you talking to me?  Oh, yes you are. Yes, you are you saucy little minx.  Oh, and are you on sale?  Come to momma, my pretties.

The round toe is the ideal shape for high heels - they allow for the natural shape of the toes to be preserved while allowing for the most optimal forefoot movement while walking.  The chunky heel lends to a larger base of support. Boy, are these puppies comfortable too. 

And really, who can say no to D&G?

Miss Sixty Closed Toe Pumps
Multi-colored (shown), Black
$119.98 CAD (on sale from $229.00)
Heel 100mm (4'') , Platform 0''

Picture yourself on an afternoon boat cruise, effortlessly sipping champers with these babies on.  Fun and definitely a happy, summery shoe.

Low and chunky heel to help with balance when said boat hits a random wave, or if you are just navigating through the (often unpaved and uneven) concrete jungle.  Rounded toe for the most comfort through the balls of the feet and toes.  

Manolo Blahnik Patent Mary Janes
Black Patent Leather
$650.00 CAD
Heel: 90mm (3.5''), Platform: 0''

Carrie: "Oh my god! This is just too good!  This is too much...how can this BE?! Do you know what these are? Manolo Blahnik Patent Leather Mary-Janes! I thought these were an urban shoe myth!!"

Yep. These are the same ones.
Your welcome.

Pointed toe and patent leather will require you to buy a half or a full size larger than normal to allow for extra toe wiggle and toe placement while walking, and for the micro-movements of your foot in the shoe itself (read: blister prevention).  

The lower heel, leather sole, and closed-toe make this a good candidate for heel orthotics as well.

Sandals

Browns ID Open Toe Sandal
Black (shown),
$178 CAD
Heel 95 mm (~3.7'') , Platform 0.5''

Moody and Edgy.  This is one of Brown's house labels, and adds tons of personality to basic black. 

Platform makes this shoe easier to walk in because it lowers the relative angle between the heel and the ball of the foot.  The chunky heel does wonders for balance and evens out weight distribution along the foot. The rounded open-toe front allows for natural forefoot and toe movement.

When trying these on, flex and point your ankle to see if the ankle has good range of motion.  If not, going up a half size should do the trick.

Mimosa Open Toe Sandal
Black (shown),
$299.98 CAD (on sale from $498)
Heel 90 mm (3.5'') , Platform 0.5''

Now this is a shoe.  Fashion forward. Un-apologetically strong. Loves.

Rounded Toe. Check.
Low (and thick) Heel. Check.
Blister-free Heels. Check.
Soft Suede. Check.

A Total Winner.

Boots

Miss Sixty Boots
Tan (shown),
$209.00 CAD (on sale from $379)
Heel 20 mm (0.8'') , Platform 0''

Living in New York City for a few years makes you appreciate a well-thought out boot like this.  Low heel is perfect for walking around all day, popping from meeting to meeting across the city, hopping on and off the streetcar or subway, and, of course, shopping.

Tuck jeans or leggings into these babies to show them off (the color is to die for!) or awaken the Parisienne in you and couple it with a pencil skirt and a croissant (optional).

Rubber sole makes all the finer movements of walking easy to get used to and there is no 'breaking in the boots with triple socks around the house' time.  Meets all the Dr. Stephanie checklists for a great, comfortable, fabulous boot.  

*slowly stands up and claps*

Browns Couture
Dark Brown (shown),
$104.99 CAD (on sale from $298)
Heel 80 mm (~3'') , Platform 0.25''

Another In-House label by Browns.  For the girls who haven't yet purchased tall boots in a color other than black.  Here is your first step towards a full recovery.

Elegant (and soft) leather in dreamy espresso brown. 

Timeless, low heel and classic rounded toe will stay in style year after year, and is nice to your feet. Quite possibly your bestie for life.

Flats

So with flats I have found you actually can do more damage to your feet than when you are in heels.  The heel is now level with the balls of your feet, so there will be more movement of your heel when you are walking vs when you are in heels. 

That being said - it is easy to really aggravate the skin if you have an ill-fitting flat, and because there is virtually no support in flats, any abnormal foot patterns you naturally have will be accentuated here because your foot has more freedom to move.

My advice is this: wherever possible, always wear custom orthotics for heels (chiropractors and other licensed doctors can make them so that your foot doesn't 'pop' out of the flat), and always always always (always) buy a larger size.

Browns ID
Black (shown), Gold
$119 CAD

So, I loved these so much I bought them.  Cute, right?  Frilly ruffles mixed with black leather?  Oh yes we can!

The stretchy rim around the shoe allows for a snug fit.  I bought a half size larger here- but even going up a full size isn't a bad idea given that in summer months our feet swell with the heat.

 Mark Jacobs
White & Color (shown),
$1199.98 CAD (on sale from $260)
Heel 10mm

Ah, Mr. Jacobs.  There is a reason why my husband would line up for a cupcake in the village and I would march right across the street to scour the Mark Jacobs store.

Just. Look. At. These. 

Are you dying?  I am dying. These are the perfect Hampton's / Muskoka summer shoes. Pair with a linen bag and St. Tropez suntan lotion and you are good to go.

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Thanks to Browns and www.brownsshoes.com

Aldo: Spring Shoe Week S/S 09

*swoons*

This store (both in person and online) was literally a gold mine for this shoe series.  Choc-full of shoes that adhere to the Dr. Stephanie Rules, the designs are very current, and they have amazing prices!  A shoe-lovers dream.

It was literally so hard to filter the choices - that I needed to start off shoe week with this mammoth of a post featuring all the goodies there is to be had at Aldo and www.aldoshoes.com :

Pretty Peeps

Personally, this is my favorite kind of shoe for the spring/summer season.

It is a always a classic: it elongates the leg, flashes a bit of toes and toe-cleavage (the best kind of cleavage), and there is ample room to hide a platform under the ball of the feet- making for combination of sexy and comfortable.

1."Fitzke"

Red or Black Patent Leather
4.5'' heel, 1'' platform
$125 CAD

So. We are in a recession.  What does fashion do when we are in a recession? Take inspiration from other dominant recession-eras.  Fitzke is very 40's-esque with its modular, almost deco-inspired lines. 

Nice big platform to reduce the relative heel height-to-forefoot ratio, making this easier to walk in, as it alleviates the relative angle of your foot.

2."Flojohn"

Brown (with yellow or caramel)
Black (with purple and silver)
4.8'' Heel, 0.75'' Platform
$64.98 - $74.98 CAD (hello, sale)

Nothing says buy me like a fabulous shoe on sale.  70 bucks for these puppies?  Yes, please!

The chunkier heel is also Dr. Stephanie friendly.  There is more 'chunk' in the trunk so to speak - meaning walking is easier, and your weight can be distributed a little more evenly over a thicker heel.  Glamorous, edgy, and complies with the Dr. Stephanie rules.

Bravo, Aldo. Bra-VO.

3."Rabenhorst"

Bone (shown, right)
Gold on gold
Red on red
Black w multicolour
Black on black
Heel: 4'', Platform: 0.5''
$59.98 - $69.98 CAD (hello even better sale)

Despite the name sounding like a swedish pate, Rabenhorst is a comparable alternative to the Loubou Armadillo.  With a low-ish heel, this baby comes in a plethora of colours, and goes beautifully with your skinny jeans and oversized clutch.

The Almond Toe

Not quite round, not quite a point, the almond toe is the *perfect* combination of the two and of course combines the comfort of a rounded toe, and the elogating effect of a pointy shoe without squishing your toes and forefoot, allowing for more of a functional, normal walking pattern.

1. "Kobis"

 Black or Red Patent
Heel: 4.25-4.5'', Platform: 0.5''
$80.00 CAD

A classic looking shoe that transcends fads. Very 20's. Stunning with skinny jeans or capris.  The almond toe allows for more movement of the forefoot and toes...translation: more time on your feet without them screaming at you.

Side note: patents should always be bought in a half size larger because they stretch less than leather.

2. "Voetmann"

Black, Blue or Burgundy Patent
Heel: 5'', Platform: 1''
$34.98-74.98 CAD

This massive platform, coupled with the almond toe make this one a winner.   It's a higher heel, but is relatively reduced due to the higher platform.  Again, buy in a half size up due to the lack of stretchability of the patent.

3. "Delisle"

 Fuschia (shown) or Blue
Heel: 4'', Platform: 0.5''
$125 CAD

Well these just scream summer to me. The almond toe helps with forefoot motion and toe health.   The heel is quite thin, but the relative heel height here is only 3.5'', which will make them easier to walk in! 

Some other fun stuff

1. "Kareen"

Cognac (shown), Brown, or Black
Heel: 2.4'',
$83.98-$140 CAD

I know what you're thinking.  Boots?  With this sun out?  Fuh-get about it. 

However, these are not only phenomenal price, but absolutely great boots for work, running errands, or meeting the girls for a drink after work. 

They are stellar - something everything a chiropractor wants their patients to be wearing: a rounded toe, a lower heel, and a chunky heel at that.  You could probably run a 5K in these if you had to.  And the cognac?  Divine.

Again, Bra-VO.  These get my 5 stars-stamp of approval!

2. "Falconeri"

White (shown), Cognac, or Black
Wedge Heel: ~4'', Wedge PLatform: ~1''
$80 CAD

Nothing says summer like a a long, flowing maxi dress and these cork wedges. The adjustable strap in the back helps prevent blisters. Falconeri combines  rounded peep-toe with a large, comfortable wedge.

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Thanks to Aldo and aldoshoes.com.

I always advocate that, in addition to enjoying the freedom of gorgeous heels, if you want or need extra support, you can add in an orthotic designed specifically for heels.  If you have any questions about a specific shoe, or whether heel orthotics are right for you - please email me or leave a comment in the comment section below!

Shoe Week With Dr. Stephanie

The Perfect Shoe...

The never-ending, graceful, long heel.

The smell of them.

The details that drew you in.

The velvety-soft dust bag.

The huge carry bag to make you feel nothing short of spectacular.

My heart rate is exponentially increasing even as I start typing!

I *might* be going out on a limb here but I am pret-ty sure you feel the same way too. The endless love affair we have with our heels is a true, unfaltering, pure love.

It is officially spring shoe season….which I personally like to refer to as time-to-show-off-my-pedi-in-the-highest-heels-that-don’t-completely-destroy-my-feet season.

So, because it is absolutely gorge outside and we can now wear our said true-loves without the fear of having them destroyed by the natural elements of our city’s concrete jungle (sidewalk puddles, muddy taxicabs, and rainy patios anyone?) it is time to feature some of the city’s best offerings for Spring/Summer 09.

All this week I am visiting hot shoe stores in and around Toronto (in person and online). The shoes featured must adhere to the following criteria:

1. The shoes featured must meet the Dr. Stephanie Stiletto Rules (for a refresher click here)
2. They must be stunning.
3. They must be comfortable.

I will be looking at all different types: heels, wedges, flats, booties, pointy’s, peep-toes, rounded, and one of my new favorites - the almond toe.

I will visit stores with different price points, and will give you details on cost, where to buy them, and why they are Dr. Stephanie approved.

So without further delay...welcome to Toronto Shoe Week with Dr. Stephanie!!

My f(abs)ulous Science Project : The Diet Rules

Welcome to Part 2 of my f(abs)ulous Science Project Series.  Deadline : July 16th, 2009. Eeek!

The diet is the biggie. 

One of the single most important areas to change the appearance of your abs – you literally are (and show) what you eat.  These are my 4 Rules for making it happen.  I won't bore you with all the science behind it - just know it works!

 Rule 1:  EAT

Eat 5 Meals. Every 3 Hours.

The rhythm should look something this (assuming you get up at 7am) :

Breakfast - 7.30am
Snack 1 - 10.30am
Lunch - 1.30pm
Snack - 4.30pm
Dinner - 7.30pm

Snacks should be around 150-250 calories.  They should have a little protein, a little fat, and a few carbs.  My all time favorite snack: a scoop of organic, crunchy peanut butter, over a green apple. 

Main meals should be larger - some where between 300-500 cals for a woman.  If you look at your plate, most of it should be vegetables. 

The old-skool rule of protein portion size: it should be about the size of the palm of your hand.  Your stomach is also approximately the size of your fist - so keep that in mind for your overall portion sizes!

Look out for My f(abs)ulous Science Project: The Recipes later this week for super simple recipes, most taking under 25 minutes to make.

Rule 2: Water, Water Everywhere

I have to admit – I am one of those people who *hates* drinking water.  Like. Hates. 

I have hoped (dreamed, prayed, asked the universe, wished on my eyelashes, asked Santa) for some kind of pill or supplement that you could take that would magically give you your daily water requirement…but *big, dramatic sigh* it doesn’t exist.

So, I deal with my water issues intake by adding different flavors to all the water I drink. 

That’s right. All the water I drink. 

Lemons, cucumbers, and limes…oh my! These are perfect for making water more palatable. Zesting the lemons and limes also will give you the essential oils from the peel that are good for your liver and make your skin glow.  Who isn’t vain enough to love that?!

In another effort to avoid drinking mind-numbing, boring water, I make tea.  Herbal, decaf tea. I either drink it warm or put ice cubes in it and drink cold through the day. Sweeten with a little Stevia or organic honey and you are good to go!

Dr. Melissa Hershberg, author of The Hershberg Diet (who also happens to be a good friend of mine) recommends that, in addition to drinking water, that you eat water as well:

"Foods like green veggies, fruits, broth-based soups, and lean proteins like egg whites and white fish are the absolute best for weight loss.  They provide the most volume and mass for the fewest number of calories.  When these high-water foods make up the bulk of your diet, you can afford to indulge in other delicious items and get away with it!"

I love this idea of eating your water .  Filling up on veggies is not only uber nutritious, but you will feel full longer, and get all your water in the process too.

Bottom line here is drinking (and eating) your water = flat, toned abs.

Rule 3:  Organic Sweeteners and Spice (and all things nice)

Let’s be honest.  Eating clean and healthy can be bland, boring, and honestly just painful.

To avoid stabbing my eyes out with a fork while I am following this diet, it *has* to have lots-o-taste.  Almost every single dish I eat has some random combination of the following herbs and spices:

Oregano
Herbs de Provence
Red Pepper Flakes
Fennel Seeds
Parsley
Lavender
Sweet Paprika
Sesame Seeds
Tumeric
Mustard Seeds
Black or White Pepper
Cinnamon
Cayenne Pepper
Hemp Seeds
Cumin
Basil
Thyme

These add tons of flavor and zilch on calories. There is really no formula to it – a little dash of this, a sprinkle of that, people think you are a chef and food is fun again.  Play around with different combinations (my fave is a little red pepper flakes with herbs de provence and mustard seeds) and your taste buds will thank you.

Rule 3: Nix & Modify

So. This is a series on abs.  The recommendations here are for getting the gorge abs we want for summer…known around some parts of Toronto as Kell’s stag party! 

1. Nix

Sugar

Sugar is literally the worst thing ever created. Period. Done. End of discussion. 

Your pancreas, liver, and gall bladder freak the eff out to deal with it.  Your body basically just gives up and stores the sugar as fat – usually around your stomach.

HAIIIL NO.

For sweetness, add Stevia, cinnamon, agave, or peppermint-tea flavored water to whatever you are drinking or baking.

Dairy

Dairy, whether low fat or not, creates a ton of mucous in your intestines. This puffs out the stomach (again, flat abs = not happening), hinders absorption of nutrition from other foods, and, is it me - or is it just weird that we are drinking another species' milk?! 

Almond, Rice, Hemp, or Soy bevvies are all better alternatives.

Meat

Meat literally has to rot in your stomach in order to be digested.  Yummy & Tasty = yes.  Flat, Stag-Party Abs = no.

Salt

Take out the salt. Put in your new-found love for herbs and spices (see above). Abs (heart, liver, kidneys, and well, basically your whole life) = happy.

Blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol

Honestly? I love wine and sake too much to cut it out completely. 

A glass of wine with dinner is ok, people. The French do it. The Italians do it. The Spanish do it. So can Canadians. Ya?

A glass of red will run you
anywhere from 75-105 cals for a 4oz glass, 6 oz is about 125 cals, and a full glass (8 oz) is about 150-200 cals.  You can see how it adds up quickly - but one glass - *totally* doable.

Also, drink things that are less syrupy and fruity (meaning less sugar, ab fat, and by far the worst hangovers). 

Sake and vodka are both low-ish calorie alcohol choices. Mix the vodka with soda water, club soda and a lime. 

 

2. Modify

Some Veggies.

I hate to have hate-on for veg – but some (broccoli, cauliflower, beans) are like, totally impossible to digest if they are in raw form.  Steam your veg.  We are talking only 5-10 minutes of steaming! Easy.

How You Cook

Baked,Broiled, and Roasted trumps Frying and Sauteeing. Always.  Sauteeing is just a posh word for frying.  Same concept (butter, oil, lard in the pan)- sneakier language.

Using the herbs, spices, and sweetners we discussed above on your food for baking and broiling and roasting will really help bring out the natural flavors of the food you cook, rather than hiding it under gobs of oil and butter.

Finally, instead of putting oil or butter in the pan, try water, or a 2 second spray of a non-stick spray. Marinate your proteins in orange juice, lemon juice, or lime juice. Fish will literally "cook" in the citrus acids.  The Spanish call it ceviche.  I call it delicious.

Rule 4: Cheat

Treat yourself to a cheat meal once a week and eat whatever you want.  Whatever you are craving lap it up and reward yourself for a good week of eating!

My personal favorite cheat meal is Saturday or Sunday breakfast.  I wake up late, I make a huge cappucino, and will make anything from pancakes with syrup to eggs benny.  I read my online newpapers and life is good. 

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Check out My F(abs)ulous Science Project: The Recipes later this week!

Dr. S
xo

I Am 30*ish* and Single

By Susan Yara

Women shine bright in our twenties. We’re showered with compliments, feel smart and strong, confident about who we are, we get random freebies, invites to parties, it’s easy to make friends…I mean, the list keeps on going!

But as soon as we start to round the corner and hit 30…*something* changes.

Suddenly it’s not as fun to go clubbing, our bodies don’t agree with us or the food we eat, we need more sleep, priorities have shifted and…well, if you’re single, you start to wonder: “Am I ever going to get married?”

Unfortunately, the big day didn’t happen as you planned and now that you’re 30, life and men just aren’t as forgiving as they used to be. But you still have a chance at getting hitched, as long as you listen to my not-so-nice words of advice:

1. Get out of the office

 

“Ugh…why don’t I ever meet good guys?”

“Why aren’t my relationships working?”

“The guys that hit on me are so unimpressive.”

Sound familiar?

I hear my friends say it all the time, but maybe…maybe if you take your head out of your paperwork, you’ll realize that you aren’t giving a relationship the time it deserves because you’re working too much.

Don’t give me that dirty look. It’s true.

These days women tend to spend just as much time working as men do…so what are the chances of ever meeting them?

2. He’s Not Gay or a Gal

Here’s a little reality check: If you love gay men as much as we all do, then chances are any guy who comes along won’t compare.

No darling, straight guys don’t usually listen to show tunes, enjoy shopping, and like gossiping about celebrities.

Remember that your gays are like the gals—don’t expect the guy you’re dating to match up to either because he will fail.

Accept that he’s just a dude.

3. High Standards

Have you looked in the mirror lately? Yeah, you have a few wrinkles now, your boobies are starting to sag, and do I detect the formation of a belly under there?!

Yup, I’m saying it—you’re not a spring chicken anymore so loosen up on your standards and give a normal guy a try. And get to the gym will ya? If you’re not taking care of yourself, how can you expect a man to?

4. You’re Too Needy

We’re adults now. There’s no need for endless conversations on the phone, instant messaging and texting while at work, and several check-ins when you’re apart. Give a guy a break and realize that he's allowed to have some time without you.

If you don’t hear from a man for a day, don’t assume that he’s playing games or not into you…he might just be busy.

Quit being annoying and maybe the next guy will stick around.

5. Let Him Pursue You

Do you have an A-type personality? Well then put that attitude away when you’re dating.

There’s nothing wrong with taking control of your life, but that doesn’t mean you can take control of a relationship.

Guys still want to feel like…well, men. So let them pursue you. Trust me, if he’s not the one asking for your number, taking you out, planning your time together, then he’s probably not that interested OR he’s really boring.

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Dr. Stephanie's Note:

I know, some pretty real stuff to digest, right? 

I think this advice can totally apply to people seeking a new relationship *and* people who are already in one. 

Before you discard it and think that this *totally* isn't relevant, just pause for a moment, and think about the underlying message: you want a fabulous, loving, open person who you feel a connection with...right?

Well, the obvi question here is then...are you showing how fabulous, loving, and open you are?  

At the end of the day, the most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself, but it would be fabulous to share it with someone. Someone who gets it, and you.

Dr S

xo