The Huffington Post published my original S&TC Stiletto essay today: “In Celebration of the Stiletto”

Do you think Stilettos are cause for celebration? Or are they just a way to keep women in pain?

*Please note, I spent 11 hours last Tuesday night in these 5-inch Stiletto platforms.

“In Celebration of the Stiletto

Stilettos are the shoes most charged with multiple different layers of meaning. From their birth from a nameless Florentine artisan for Catherine de Medici so she could make a stunning entrance into French court when she married her husband Henry II, to the story of the Little Mermaid, to the Roger Vivier comma heel, to Betty Paige, to Christian Louboutin’s revolutionizing of the stiletto by adding the hidden platform and skyrocketing heel heights, there is no shoe more fraught with desire, passion and conflict than the stiletto.

There are women who want to wear Stilettos but find them too wobbly or painful, there are women who find Stilettos offensive, there are women who are Stiletto girls only and cant wear flats because their Achilles tendon has been shortened, there are women who wear their Stilettos only for special occasions, women (and men!) who wear them to the bedroom, women who never have worn a pair at all. They are infused with erotic desire, with high fashion silhouttes, and cultural symbolism. They are objects of lust among die-hard shoe fanatics, they are mini sculpture, works of art. The thousands of women I talk to every year about their shoes, all have at least one Stiletto story: whether it be the ones that make them feel like a queen, the ones they fell out of or the ones they hate. Nothing incites a woman’s opinion more quickly than when you bring up the topic of a Stilettos. We all have a passion for them - whichever way our passions lay.

Stilettos and The Modern Woman

There is an episode of Sex and The City where Carrie goes to a baby shower. Looking fabulous as usual in a flowy dress and silver stilettos, when she arrives at the door she is asked in acid tones by the sister in law to remove her shoes in the foyer, as the hostess “doesn’t like dirt in the house”. Carrie is flummoxed for a moment. Someone is asking her to take off her shoes which, of course, are a foundational piece of the ensemble she has carefully assembled to present herself to the world - as she does every day. But, after a moment, and with a helpful glance from her best gay guyfriend, she complies with her usual can-do attitude. She gamely slips off her metallic Manolo Blahnik d’Orsay peep-toe pumps with magnificent silver buckles glistening with rhinestones and leaves them by the door as everyone else does. She goes in with a smile to enjoy the party, see her friend and celebrate the baby.

A few hours later the party is winding down and she returns to the foyer for her shoes as she says her goodbyes. To her shock and dismay her shoe have disappeared and are absolutely nowhere to be found. Someone has done the unthinkable and nicked her stilettos at the baby shower! And as the fact sinks in, Carrie’s fallen face is the epitome of glum. She is not helped at all by the grungy Converse Chuck Taylors her dismissive hostess gives her to get home. A few moments later we see a forlorn Carrie walking home in the black, wornout Chucks, her spirit diminished, shoulders slumped, a light gone out.

In her usual Carrie way, Carrie goes on to reflect on this incident throughout the episode. She tries to track down her shoes, hoping someone realized their mistake (or succumbed to their guiltiness), to no avail. Her friend continues to be dismissive, almost patronizing in her behavior towards Carrie, and truly aghast when she offers to replace the shoes and learns their price, a fact that irks Carrie and sends her into an exploration of why certain people and certain cultural or societal moments are treated with such reverence - a marriage, the bridal shower, the baby shower - yet for those who do not participate in these societal markers, or may have different events to celebrate - like a launch of a book - are not rewarded similarly.

After much contemplation and, of course, discussion with her best girlfriends Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte, she decides to “register” herself at Manolo Blahnik for the pair of heels that were stolen. After all, more than a decade of bridal and baby shower gifts totals much more than the cost of her shoes, and maybe now it is her turn to register for something.

She leaves a message on her friend’s answering machine, letting her know she has registered. Her friend does the right thing - goes to the store, purchases them and sends them to Carrie, who is ecstatic when the box arrives.” Read the rest of the essay here.

Miss Meghan’s blog is now being linked to her Myspace blog.

Miss Meghan’s blog is being linked to her facebook feed.

As Michael Patrick King said when I sat down to interview him and the girls a few weeks back, “Carrie’s Manolos are an emotional window — they represent to her, the BEST, and they open a window into her soul.” How right you are MPK! In the movie, her Manolos play a MAJOR role and a MAJOR emotional window is opened. I won’t spoil it for you, but suffice to say you will be pleased with the power of the shoe when you see the movie Friday.

Listen to what MPK had to say about the mystical goddesses of Sex & the City.

From the Daily News today:

“A blue pair of Manolo Blahniks have towering role in ‘Sex’
BY MEGHAN CLEARY
Thursday, May 29th 2008

These blue satin Manolo Blahniks are involved in a glass-slipper style plot twist in the film.
Meet the fifth star of “Sex and the City”: she’s tall, bright and blingy. We’re talking about a pair of sky-high blue Manolos that play a ‘big’ role in the new movie, in theaters tomorrow. While Carrie Bradshaw wears everything on her dainty feet from Dior to Proenza Schouler, a pair of satin blue Manolos with a massive silver buckle are the star. The shoes, custom-made by Blahnik for the film, are involved in a glass-slipper style plot twist in the film.
“I love what Manolo made for the movie,” Parker tells In Style. “It’s a beautiful shoe.”
And it can be yours for a paltry $885 on June 9, when an exact replica will be available at Manolo Blahnik’s New York store . This may be the first heel Manolo designed expressly for Carrie and her fan club, but it’s not the first time a shoe has stolen the spotlight in the series. In fact, a pair of strappy, feathered Jimmy Choos that Carrie loses on a ferry in season three were such a hit with viewers, they’re being reintroduced by the brand. For those who can’t get enough SATC shoe nostalgia, consider these highlights in Carrie’s heel history:
THE HAPPY HOOKER
Carrie is at Manolo buying a pair of shoes when her credit card gets rejected. Surprisingly, her friend has just breezed into the store from an extended European vacation, and insists on picking up the tab. Fast-forward a few nights later when Carrie is out wearing the new shoes with her friend and all her Euro-boyfriends. Carrie goes home with one of them, and he tries to leave her money in the morning. Turns out her friend isn’t independently wealthy - she’s a high-class hooker. And Carrie’s Manolos are more of job incentive than gift.
THE CASE OF THE WILTED FEATHER
As Carrie sails through the park with Big in a brand-new pair of hot pink feathered Christian Louboutins, she gets a call from Miranda - she’s in labor. Carrie rushes to the hospital, only to have Miranda’s water break all over her shoes.

THE WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A . . .

On a shopping trip, Carrie stops for a moment to ponder all of her shoe purchases over the years. After a mental audit, it dawns on her. If she had saved all that money instead of spending it on shoes, she would own her apartment. She is literally the woman who lives in her shoe.
DISCORD IN THE HOME, DISCORD IN THE CLOSET
During a terrible fight with Aidan, Carrie comes in to find Aidan’s trusty dog pal, Petey, has gnawed her Manolos - she goes ballistic. This time, the shoes are a talisman to the demise of their romance.

WORK IT GIRL

Selected to walk the Fashion Week runway at Bryant Park Tents, Carrie spies a pair of towering stilettos backstage and tells the stylist, “Put me in the big-girl shoes” with an air of stiletto-wearing confidence. Out on the runway, looking gorgeous and chic, Carrie makes a misstep in her huge shoes and wipes out. But she manages to rise from the catwalk and stroll to triumphant applause.”

Had a blast walking the pink carpet last night for the NYC premiere of Sex & the City (read my twitter here). See the Wireimage pics here.

The carpet was strewn with Swarovski crystals — thousands of them everywhere. . . . I wore Giuseppe Zanotti teal patent platform Stiletto pumps — for 11 hours. I do get a prize for that? don’t I? hello? a prize? . . . someone?

ENTER THE S&TC SHOE THERAPY CONTEST NOW TO WIN A PAIR OF DIANA BROUSSARD‘S AND A COMFORT PACK FROM Dr. Scholls For HER. NOW THAT’S SHOE THERAPY.

JUST LOG A FUN COMMENT ON THIS POST BELOW — WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SHOES AND WHY? -AND YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED.

WHAT THE S & TC GIRLS SAID ABOUT THEIR FAVORITE SHOES:

SJP:
“My favorite pair of shoes are these simple, classic leather thong sandals I picked up in Greece at one of the stalls where they sell hundreds of sandals — they were about $6 and I have spent many times over that to repair them. When I wear them, I just feel . . easy. Just easy.”

Cynthia Nixon:
“I have a pair of classic black open toe Manolos — they just seem to go with everything.”

Kim Cattrall:
“Just bought these amazing black Christian Diors, open toe and open back — they have a wonderful texture, a Bottega Veneta-type weave, and they have a little lace in front. I feel like I can wear them with jeans or a casual dress — elegant or just fun to go out in.”

Kristin Davis:
“I bought these graffiti-covered Christian Louboutin flats in Texas. For some reason, people there must not want to wear graffiti shoes, because I got them at a great price. Sarah Jessica scolds me now because they’re so scuffed, I wear them so much!”

DESIGNER PROFILE OF THE WEEK

Diana Broussard

Diana first came to my attention two summers ago when Jason procured me a pair of the most amazing creme caramel colored sandals with a really unique toe-loop and silver, gold, and rose gold pearls adorning them and a wood stacked three-inch heel that surprisingly easy to walk in. They quickly became one of my fave pairs of summer shoes and I just had them resuscitated once again so they can be my go-to sandals for this summer. Jason summed up those sandals simply by saying, “it’s a shape you never seen before,” which is a great way to describe her entire collection. Originally a jewelry designer, Diana has had stints at Calvin Klein, Dior and Gucci — designing shoes and leather goods under such esteemed designers as John Galliano. This unique view of the world has enabled Broussard to bring a fresh and truly global perspective to her work, and creating a new. luxe twist on chic must-have shoe silhouettes for every woman. Sold at Bergdorf and Kirna Zabete, and now at her own boutique which opened on Christopher street in the West Village (dangerously close to my apartment!). For an added bonus check out her one of kind necklaces — draped giant open chain link in multi colors adorned wit rose-gold accents. the perfect complement to any of her platforms, flat gladiators or elegant pumps.

ENTER THE S&TC SHOE THERAPY CONTEST TO WIN A PAIR OF DIANA BROUSSARD’S AND A COMFORT PACK FROM Dr. Scholls For HER.

JUST LOG A FUN COMMENT ON THIS POST BELOW — WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF SHOES AND WHY? -AND YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED.

So today is the big day. Sex and the City movie premieres here in NYC and I am just so incredibly grateful I get to attend the screening. The very sweet folks at New Line invited me -it’s at Radio City Music Hall at 7 p.m.

I thought I would have some fun and mix it up by wearing some especially hot times Giuseppe Zanotti teal patent peep-toe platform asymmetrical Stiletto pumps. If anyone can fit all those things into one shoe is it Giuseppe. They are what he says is “aggressive-chic” — i.e. made by anyone else they would have the potential to be tarty, but because they are Giuseppe they are instead, incredibly chic and super lux-y. I am honored, as always, to wear Giuseppe to a big event.

I am heading to CosmoRadio (on Sirus Networks) to chat about STC shoe scoop at 4:15 pm, and am going to Twitter from 3 pm onward — so be sure to keep missmeghan.com up on your screen and refresh often!

Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will announce the winner of week three of my Sex & the City Shoe Therapy contest — and also reveal the personal favorite shoes of SJP, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall and Cynthia Nixon from their own shoe collections — and how they feel when they wear them, so be sure to tune in. I will also be talking to EXTRA! about what everyone’s red carpet shoe choices said about them in Miss Meghan’s Celebrity Shoe-cam — they are sending a camera man to the premiere especially to film everyone’s shoes! How fun is that?
And Thursday, look for my essay on Stilettos in the New York Daily News — you’ll learn why fancy shoes are not just an amazing thing to have, but an investment in your own life choices as a woman.

So tune in and enter tomorrow for the final week of the contest! I have been loving reading everyone’s comments — so many amazing shoe stories — keep ‘em coming.

xo
Meg

Here at Miss Meghan, instead of offering you free gas with a car purchase, we are helping with recessionary times by introducing a new concept: Reccessorizing. that’s right. you might not be able to swing a full new ensemble, or even a summer vacation, but you can spice things up by buying a well-priced accessory. thus, the Recessory. This Thursday’s Recessories:



How cute is this 100% patent leather t-strap? And it’s a peep! From tight short jean capri’s to a flowy skirt and at $31.50 it is a steal.

I am a little bit in love with Clarks right now — super spot-on trendy styles, tons of comfort and gorgeous leathers. Pop it up a notch.

Get your citron on. “Nuff said.

ENTER THE S&TC SHOE THERAPY CONTEST NOW TO WIN A PAIR OF GOLDENBLEU‘S AND A COMFORT PACK FROM Dr. Scholls For HER. NOW THAT’S SHOE THERAPY.

JUST LOG A FUN COMMENT ON THIS POST BELOW — DID YOU EVER HAVE TO STEP INTO SOME BIG SHOES ? -AND YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED.

S&TC FAVORITE SHOE MOMENT

One of our favorite shoe moments in Sex & the City (the series), is when Carrie is asked to be in the fabulous fashion show at the Bryant Park tents. Backstage as she is getting makeuped and wardrobed, the stylist has a pair of giant platform Stilettos on the floor. Carrie sees them and boldly says, “You can go ahead and put me in the big girl shoes. No problem.” Out on the runway, Carrie wipes out. But after a moment of silence, she picks herself back up — to a round of giant applause.

This week’s question is have you ever had to step into some big shoes? We asked eminent celeb correspondent Elizabeth Snead of LATIMES crazy-popular blog the Dishrag, and here’s what she had to say:

“The only time I ever feel like I have big shoes to fill is when I am constantly spraining my ankles in heels and platforms on cobblestone streets in Paris covering the collections — it’s an ongoing battle to keep in step with fashion and not kill yourself in the process!”

Girl, we hear you. Maybe the question of the week should be, what lengths have you gone to to wear hot shoes?

DESIGNER PROFILE OF THE WEEK

Designer Rene Huber launched her eponymous bag line Goldenbleu in May of 2004. Tired of the bags she was seeing in the marketplace, and inspired by couture details from a fur coat collar to rich luxurious leathers and hardware, Rene started designing ripstop nylon prototypes of what she thought the ultimate bag would look like — and was getting stopped on the street every time she wore the sample outside. The attention she was getting on the street convinced her there was a viable business in there somewhere — and when her first buttery soft ruched clutches, hobos and totes debuted they were quickly snapped up by celebs from Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan to Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria and became must-haves on every editor’s list, Fast forward to Spring 2007 when Goldenbleu launched their very first shoe line, full of organic shapes and punchy colors that do not disappoint.

ENTER THE S&TC SHOE THERAPY CONTEST TO WIN A PAIR OF GOLDENBLEU’S AND A COMFORT PACK FROM Dr. Scholls For HER.

JUST LOG A FUN COMMENT ON THIS POST BELOW — DID YOU EVER STEP INTO SOME BIG SHOES ? (or what lengths have you gone to to wear hot shoes?) -AND YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED.