Camilla Norton`s tips

I have bought this book from Camilla Norton, "How to walk in high heels. The girls guide to everything."

Since this is a fashionblog I thought I would share some advises to you!

F.eks  -How to walk in heels on all surfaces

Carpet: The deeper the pile, the greater the danger. Go for shallow patches and, like punting, stab the heel in good and deep for balance. BUT, if it`s your carpet, put on a thicker heel; spikes can destroy a shag pile.

Pavements: In London, stay on the inside (near shop windows) and avoid the cracks. In Milan, it`s the reverse. Walk on the outside, or risk getting trapped in the grating. In Paris, walk in the road and don`t attempt picturesque cobbles. In New York, just hail a cab like everyone else.

Tarmac: Great in the winter, but sticky in high summer. When you`re sticking demand a piggyback, or radio as immediate back-up.

Marble: TAKE CARE. One slip and you`re floored, literally. It looks good, but in reality it`s like a sheet of ice. If in doubt, go round the edges, near walls and objects you can casually cling to. If you decide a room-cross is really neccessary soles of shoes can be scored, rubbed with sandpaper or scuffed to create a grip. If you don`t want to do this you can dab resin (wax used by cellists/violinists on their bows) or some seriously dry and spongy Pritt Stick to the soles for added grip; just don`t do it with really god Manolos on their maiden voyage. If in doubt, get a walker to cling to.

Cobblestones: The HORROR of all HORRORS. Uneven, small and slippery, impossibly to keep an even footing on, or, even more crucial, find your centre of gravity. There is no easy way of doing them, and when it`s wet and icy, forget it. Walking in roads is fine. Stopping traffic is an added bonus.

Wood slats: It`s best to stick to the centre as decaying wood tends to crumble from the outside first. Walk tall and fast, and in a straight line. Get your heel jammed in a gap and you could be there all night. When in Paris, avoid "romantic strolls" or shortcuts going across pedestrian wooden bridges, such as the Point Neuf, unless you intend to carry your heels, in a nochalant way, and risk splinters.

Grids: The smaller, the scarier. Don`t make yourself giddy! Opt for a sedan chair, or perhaps a gentleman would lay down his coat for you to walk over? In these situation walk on the BALLS of your feet. The thinner the heel, the more wary you should be of the grids. Tiptoe and hope you can reach safer land quickly.

Escalators: The moving staircase is fine going up as you can dangle your heels of the back, but going down is another matter. Harrods installed the first lifts in England, and smelling salts had to be handed out at either end. Things are not that bad - you just need to hold onto either the rail, go on tiptoes and not allow the heels to sink between grooves.

Fire escapes and staircases in wrought metal: Time to cry. Demand a fireman`s lift, and act very "damsel in distress", because if you attempt these stairs you will be.

Rugs: A new-found foe. Rugs that move, or slide, are as easy as walking on flying saucers, or ice. Clearly the person who has rugs scattered casually around their home wants to kill you. Aim to walk around them, and leave  spiky marks on their carefully polished floor as your calling card. If you are a regular visitor ask fot the rugs to be nailed, glued or stapled firmly into place before your next visit.

Airports: A deceptive amount of walking is required here. now shoes have to go through their own security checks and come on and of it`s sensible to pack highly complex, buckled or bejewelled pairs. Go for fotwear that is slouchy and soft, and leave the spikes until you land.

Beach and sur le plage: UGH! Sand gets everywhere. Open toe near sand. Wedge it. Waterproof it. Carry it.

Dance floor: Here is where you need to diamantè and sparkle it up. Know all the right moves as well as your heels.

Cotton wool: A hidden stabiliser, cotton wool cushions toes in tight pointing heels, and it can help the shoe keep it`s shape, despite the creases of age and walking. Squeeze toes so they are over the cotton wool, to increase the centre of gravity on the ball of the foot. When walking on grids wiggle the cotton wool so it is no longer under the toes, but padding the ball of the foot, so you are angled further onto your tiptoes.

Travel heels: For tubes, buses and any mode of public transport have ballett pumps or flats, either on or in your bag. Any connoisseur will know the only real way to travel is by car or taxi. Live the fantasy, and sign off taxi receipts for the obvious reason: "SF" (Stilletto Fatigue)

Driving heels: Bare feet or flats. Don`t drive in heels. Any emergency stops or sudden braking and the heel could snap. Don`t even try driving in platforms. You can`t feel the clutch, or gauge the biting point.




This was written directly from the book.