1. Spare no expense As often as I am impressed by costly baubles, I don't think it is necessary to spend a fortune on one's wardrobe, and I've tried to stick to clean visual representations for the most part. But there are two things absolutely worth the expense: The Magnificent Coat and The Perfect Pump. You could dress like a slob, or eccentric as you please, but if you have these two things and they are great, you are a pulled-together woman (though a good handbag also helps). Not only this, I have gotten a $100 pump, worn it everywhere, and had it fall apart after half a year. My Manolos should pay for themselves in three years, and they'll last a lifetime, with resoling.


2. Comfort? It is not the height of the heel that determines comfort, but how well the arch molds to your foot. When the arch is perfect, you can stand hours in them, scout's honor. A sturdier heel will help with support, and round toes are more comfortable but less versatile than a pointy one. Otherwise, check to make sure nothing pinches or chafes, yes it will stretch but not very much and only after extended wear. More than any other item, shoes mold to the wearer, so a lot of the "comfort" testing must be done over time.


3. The Walk It is also true that the way you walk in heels makes a huge difference; if you try to walk flat-footed you will strain your muscles, which actually accounts for most of the pain associated with heels outside of a bad fit. One of the most painful things to see is a girl who does not know how to walk in heels, she drags her feet and winces with every step. You cannot shuffle in heels. You have to saunter. Not like some ridiculous model wannabe, there's no affectation or attitude, and the best heel-walking is utterly unconscious. But it takes a certain degree of confidence to walk properly in heels, it's attention-getting. I recommend, if you are unused to them, to wear a basic pair around the house for a week; you'll break them in, the distances are short, and you can cast them off if you need a break.


4. How to Find The Perfect Pump Try it on.


5. No, Seriously, What Should I Look For? Black leather is the easiest option, and will be so useful it's ridiculous. Opt for one with a stacked, not a covered, heel, which will nick. All of my examples are covered, and admittedly naked wood is not so posh to look at, so make sure it is stained the color of the rest of the pump. Even if it looks delicate, the construction should be very sturdy (better shoes have a steel pipe in the heel to prevent breakage). The toe should be squat rather than long, even with pointy toes: it will make the feet seem smaller. For extra sex appeal: a pointy toe, toe cleavage, and low-cut sides. For cuteness: ankle-straps, round-toes, chunky heels, perhaps even a loafer. All things considered, accessories tend to have more personality than clothing, so part of the fun is finding one that suits you.


6. What to Wear? Everything except jeans, because that's just plain silly. A nice pair of trousers and any skirted piece of clothing—except for long skirts, with those you can wear flats—all look better with the addition of heels.

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