Shape Up

During my last post, I vowed to return to the topics at hand, shoes and their relationship to various aspects of life. I spent a few hours pondering possible ideas. I feared I was blocked. This blog has basically written itself. As I sit at the computer, ideas and words have spewed forth like the scene in The Exorcist where Linda Blair's head spins around. Was my run over?

I did what any self-respecting girl would do. It was time for a manicure. At least my nails would look nice! While waiting for my technician, I perused Lucky Magazine. For the uninitiated, Lucky is an homage to the art of retail, a GPS for armchair shoppers. Each edition comes complete with these adorable color coordinated stickers reading Yes! or Maybe? The object is to "tag your must-haves and maybe's." This concept is unrelated to the basic third grade lesson of wants vs. needs for which I must clearly been absent!

As an aside, I often feel a sense of accomplishment when most of these stickers remain on their home page. Maybe I am becoming more discriminating in my fantasy purchases. I did find an interesting perfume called Spotlight by Avon. The press release describes this as "a fresh Oriental scent inspired by the feeling of excitement before a big moment....capturing the confidence and radiance as you step into the spotlight." If these feelings are found in a bottle not involving cocktails, where do I sign up? (Besides, my daughter's kindergarten teacher is now an Avon rep and I do want to support her endeavor!)

My eyes are drawn to a photo of this very odd looking flip flop with an amorphous-shaped platform, the Shape Up Shoe. I was intrigued. I visited the website. "Too busy for the gym? Wear your Shape Up Shoes just 30 minutes a day for lifted buns, toned legs, and a stronger core." Is this shoe pilates? What happens if you wear these shoes to work out? Do you get double the benefit? If I did not mention, I am a workout warrior with an obsession for core-stengthening exercises. And when you reach my age, any promise of lifted buns and toned legs is too good to be true!

The Shape Up Shoe vaguely resembles the traditional Japanese Geta which experienced popularity in the 70s. My curiousity is piqued as to how one would walk or even balance in these shoes but I suppose this is where the core stengthening fits in. Available in black and brown as well as a rainbow of color options, the website recommends going down a size. In my experience, tell women they need a smaller size and the sale is basically a done deal. The Shape Up Shoe is available in two other variations, a clog and a boot. These styles reference Crocs and Uggs, in my opinion, the two fugly shoes of contemporary times.

I had to have these shoes. They wouldn't make too big a dent in my Louboutin stash and besides, they appeared to be great multitaskers. Maybe I could wear them as I cook, do my Bar Method workout, or empty the dishwasher. The website did discourage wearing these shoes on a wet surface or while driving, a point well-taken. I broke out the credit card and ordered a pair in Grass. My first choice was Hibiscus Red but these were sold out. I will let you know how they work out!

As I received confirmation of my order, I mused. When did we get so busy that we couldn't spend an hour at the gym or taking a walk with a friend? At the very least, squeezing in forty-five minutes on the home treadmill or doing a workout dvd? As I thought, a young girl rolled into the nail salon on her Heely's. Popular with the elementary set, these tennis shoes sport a wheel in the heel. "Freedom is a wheel in your sole." Heely's and the Shape Up Shoe are a reflection of the hurried approach to life. We are in such a rush to get to our next destination, we are constantly multi-tasking and rolling along. We need to stop and smell the roses....or at least to check out the shoes!