Walking Tall--How to look graceful in heels

Natalie Glebova, winner of Miss Universe 2005 has mastered the art of walking like a pro in high heels. Here, she shares her secrets to sashaying in stilettos in an excerpt from Universal Beauty: The Miss Universe Guide to Beauty (Rutledge Hill Press).

Aside from the sash and crown, the mark of a genuine Miss Universe boils down to one question: How does she do in heels? Natalie Glebova does quite well, thank you very much. Before winning her title, she glided across the stage in four-inch stilettos as the hem of her evening gown swirled precariously around her feet. Meanwhile, the millions of women watching at home were eyeing Natalie's feet with a combination of awe and envy, asking, "How does she do it?" No doubt, a fabulous pair of heels can make a ho-hum set of legs look longer, leaner and more elegant — assuming, that is, you know how to wear them.

Find comfortable shoes

It doesn't matter how low or high the heel is — if the shoes don't fit properly, you'll be a hobbling mess. Rather than going for the skyscraper-high heels, consider a two-inch lift — you'll still get height, but you'll wreak far less havoc on your feet. And be sure to take several laps around the shoe store — preferably on uncarpeted ground — before purchasing the shoes.

Take test-drives

The key to looking like you live in heels? "Practice," says Natalie, who logged many, many hours in her stilettos before prancing around the Miss Universe stage. Wearing your heels around the house for half an hour a day will not only help you get used to them, but also break them in so that you're less likely to get blisters later on.

Get the walk down

With your toes pointing straight ahead (not out to the sides) and your legs close together, step on your heel, rolling smoothly onto the ball of your foot. To keep your balance, swing your arms as you walk. And keep your eyes peeled for uneven surfaces where your pointed heels might sink or catch.

Then add the evening gown

Natalie's secret for high-heeling it in an evening gown: Kick each leg at the knee. "You want to kick the fabric away from your shoes with each step," she says. "If the dress is long, no one will be able to tell you're kicking."

Keep calm during calamities

If your skirt or dress catches a heel, stop and "continue to kick your foot very subtly until you untangle yourself," says Natalie. "Above all, you don't want your face to look like something has gone wrong. Smiling always works wonders."

Take them off

Again, the higher the heel, the more your feet suffer — both short-term and long-term. To save your tootsies, slip off your heels under your office desk, between meetings, on the way to a cocktail party and whenever possible.

source from http://beauty.ivillage.com