dr stephanie

Nine West: Fall/Winter 2009/2010

Another favorite store of mine (both for the diversity of the shoes and the usually delicious prices).

Here are the current offerings:

1. Ottavio
Black Leather or Grey Leather (shown)
$ 165.00 CAD 
Heel: 2.5-2.75 '', Platform 0''

Lovely low heel, rounded toe bootie.  This is wonderful with tights.  In fact, this is perfect with tights!  This bootie has a few positives that make it a winner:  the lower (but still stylish) heel that makes it wearable day to evening; and the rounded toe that allows for maximum toe movement during walking.

Simple and Fabulous.

2. Elektra
Black Leather or Dark Natural Leather (shown)
$ 260.00 CAD 
Wedge: ~3.0 '', Platform 0''

As I've said here, here, and here, a wedge heel is a chiropractor's dream. Well, *my* dream, anyway.  I know I am never going to get myself or my patients into dumpy orthopaedic shoes, so finding comfortable fabulous shoes are the law of the land.  

Wedges gives you the height of a heel, but it more supportive than a heel because it allows the entire foot to maintain contact with the ground, through the wedge.  In contrast, a heel only allows the heel and the forefoot/toes to come in contact with the floor through the shoe. 

This wedge is a manageable height, and is superb for everyday.  Nice rounded toe. I dont know if I am on a leggings kick...but *perfect* with leggings. 

3. Bonfire
Medium Blue, Bronze, Black & Grey (shown)
$ 135 CAD 
Heel: 4.0+ '', Platform 0.5''

Despite the high heel, these shoes are marvelously comfortable, provided you go up a half size.  In fact, these remind me of one of my prized Barbara Bui shoes.  Even with the riduclously high heel - the shoe is beyond comfortable, and perfect for an even where you will be standing for long periods of time.  I can't explain it.  I can only love it.

The hidden platform help reduce the relative foot elevation, and the square-ish design for the peep toe is toe-friendly and does not irritate the skin around the nail bed. Standard heel.  I strongly recommend up'ing it a half size.

4. Debutante
Dark Grey Leather, Black Leather (shown)
$ 135 CAD 
Heel: 4.0+ '', Platform 0.75''

Very similar in shape and mechanics as the Bonfire above.  The main difference in terms of shoe ergonomics here is the heel is much chunkier, and thus provides a larger base of support, and feeling of stability.  This helps with pronating (as we pronate more in less stabile heels to create a larger portion of the foot making contact with the shoe), and protects our knees.

Ankle straps can be either a blessing or a curse with shoes.  I recommend not pulling the strap too tight, and in fact, keeping it slightly less taut.  If the strap is too tight, it will inhibit dorsiflexion ("flexing the toe", or the ability of the toes to come up towards the body).  This has the unfortunate effect of changing the way you place your foot on the ground, and you will likely pronate.

5. Lucasta
Black Leather, Soft Powder Blue (shown)
$ 120 CAD 
Heel: 0.25 '', Platform 0''

Really, any flat is perfectly fine for me to recommend.  As long as it fits properly, and has adequate flexibility through the sole.  Flats are ideal to snuggle in a custom shoe insert to give you proper correction all day long.

This one stood out to me becasue it lookes like pretty origami on the heel of the shoe, but realy any flat is ok in my books.  Gorgeous with flats and skinny jeans. :)

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I have been going on a bit about pronation, and I wanted to take a minute to explain why this is important.

When your foot pronates (meaning that your ankles roll in, and the arches in your feet collape) there are severe, long term consequences to the way your body adapts to this.

First of all - when you ankle rolls in, everything else in your skeletal frame must adjust to this.  This means the knees will also roll in ("knock-knees"), and you will also experience more pressure where the femur and hip bones meet. 

Who cares, right?  Well over time, not only do these forces warp the way you walk, but this will start to creep into the spine as well.  Muscles will get tight, joints will start to become stressed out, and bones will start getting stuck.

That's why it is important.  While I am overjoyed to try and help people who are in pain, I want you to have the tools and the know-how to PREVENT this from happening.  In an ideal world, you want to be seeing your chiropractor to increase the vitality of your health and your life, not desperately trying to correct something that has gone awry.  

Be Healthy,

Dr. S

xo

Aldo Fall/Winter 09/10 : Part 2

Warning - Shameless Self Promotion :

Apologies for the lack of posting late last week - I have been all but consumed working on the final touches of my new website.  There are still some minor things to tidy up - but basically ready to rock and roll!!  I would love you to browse around it - it will give you a better idea of who I am and what I do.  One of my favorite features is an online booking system where patients can book online and manage their appointments (it's like a virtual personal assistant), and coming very soon an exciting online shop where you can buy some of the stellar products I dispense to my patients. 

Ok! Enough about me.  Onto the shoes!  

Today we are continuing our journey in Aldo land.  Pumps and Flats are the topic of discussion today.  I have to say, while I love stilettos, I have a yuge (read: huge) crush on ballerina flats.  They have the essence of East Hampton, weekend brunches, and girly details all wrapped in a cute package. They are also the perfect thing for a heel orthotic. Why not take care of your feet and look fabulous? 

We start with the pumps:

1. BIBB
Black Suede or Grey (shown)
$ 90.00 CAD 
Heel: 2.5-2.75 '', Platform 0''

As with the Dehne from the Aldo Boots Post late last week - this is a wedge gallivanting as a heel.  Which suits me just fine, because this is not only a super hot shoe, but it is better for your foot.  When you have a wide base of support across the bottom of the shoe (like in this wedge) you are less likely to pronate.

2. Segura
Taupe, Black Patent, Black Suede or Medium Blue (shown)
$ 100.00 CAD 
Heel: 3.25-3.5 '', Platform ~0.5''

I will sheepishly admit that what originally drew me to this shoe was the color.  After examining it, I am happy to say it is (mostly) compliant of the rules :)

Nice chunky platform that reduces the heel-to-forefoot ratio, chunky heel that provides more stability (vs. a stick thin stiletto). Round peep toe at the front which allows for a more natural toe pattern.  I would, in keeping with the toe theme or a second, buy a half size to a full size up in these.  Big toes in peeps tend to get the short end of the stick - as they (being the biggest toe) need the most wiggle room.

3. Tomita
Black Suede and Taupe (shown)
$ 135.00 CAD 
Heel: 3.75-4.0 '', Platform ~0.5-0.75''

Um. So. Wow. Gorgeous criss-cross booties.  Almond toe, as discussed previously, is a much better option than a pointed toe.  It has the same elongating effect women are after, but also does not force the big toe to bend inwards like a pointed toe can.  The heel thickness is a little light, but it does widen to the base of the shoe.  I like the high sides of the shoe - which can give a bit more of a sense of where your ankle is, and help with a fancy term called "proprioception", which helps with balance.  If you have ever rolled or sprained your ankle - you know this is of utmost importance.

My only caveat with this shoe is that you practice a bit of walking in them first.  See the (gorgeous) detail of the lifted toe-box at the front?  This *may* give you a sense that you have more of a base on the foot than you actually have. 

4. Zabrocki
Black Suede and Taupe (shown)
$ 160.00 CAD 
Heel: 2.0-2.25 '', Platform 0''

So, yes, this has a pointed toe.  And yes, I am  aware that I go on about round > almond > points.  However, *if* you went up a half size up or more on these and *if* you paired this with a slender heel orthotic to help correct any forefoot variations -- deep breath -- you *could* get away with it because the heel height is so low. 

Love the metallic studded cuff, too :)

Flatty Flat Flats

Yes, I am almost giddy about flats. Look, don't get me wrong - heels are one of my best friends, but flats are like lululemons to me - they are the most comfortable, move-with-your-natural-shape-while-still-making-you-look-fabulous shoes.  When I come you go home, do you change from work clothes and heels to lulu's and flats or vice versa?  Uh-huh. Thought so.

So, lets have a looksie at some beyond-beautiful flats.  That you can slip custom orthotics in, that allow for full foot motion, that probably have a combination of bows, sparkles and ribbons.  Oh joy, oh joy.

1. Rubal
Black Misc, Blue, and Black Suede (shown)
$ 45.00 CAD 
Heel: 0.5 '', Platform 0''

Like a glittery rainfall of metallic-studded happiness. Love the low cut ballerinas to show off toe-cleavage and the round toe to let the toes be free.  Rubber sole allows good give when walking. A+

2. Chubb
Leopard (shown)
$ 50.00 CAD 
Heel: >0.25 '', Platform 0''

Oh well wouldn't you lovelies look happy paired with...just about anything.  Leopard is truly a neutral (except when paired with other animal prints!).  Looks particularly smashing with red.

What can I say?  Absolute perfection. Nice rounded toe, perfect heel to forefoot ratio. I love this flat with a pencil skirt and a blouse.

3. Strevels
Black, Blue and Grey (shown)
$ 55.00 CAD 
Heel: >0.25 '', Platform 0''

If you are not absolutely in passionate, mad love for flats after looking at these, well then I can do no more.  Absolutely spectacular flat - a flexible rubber sole that allows for full expression of the normal walking pattern of the foot.  It is made with nubuck and it has an ever so slightly pointed toe - which justifies at least a half size up than your normal size.  Oh, and it has A BOW. A PINK BOW.

4. Austill
Black, Blue and Grey (shown)
$ 60.00 CAD 
Heel: >0.25 '', Platform 0''

This looks so 70's | Adidas stripe-y | mod to me.  Which is probably why I am in love with them.  All 70's...all the time!

Another lower cut ballerina, with soft leather layers.  Great for full movement of the foot, easy on the forefoot and toes. Ooooh and the blue one with jeans.  Me likey.

5. Gollman
Black, Blue and Silver, Fuschia (shown)
$ 19.98 - 45.00 CAD 
Heel: >0.25 '', Platform 0''

I can understand if you need a minute to catch your breath.  Yes, these are full-on sequined, glittery, shiny goddesses that are offered in an array of colors.  Flexible sole and a rounded toe.  I am buying the fuchsia ones.  :)

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Later this week we still have yet to cover a few other shops, so please stay tuned, tell your girlfriends if you think this is worth sharing, and comment!!

Dr.S

xo

Aldo Fall/Winter 09/10 : Part 1

This company makes me work so hard every season!  There are so many heels I get to go through (read: drool over) and see which make the cut.  Because of the volume of great shoes - I have divided this post up in 2 parts: Boots for today's post, Pumps & Flats in tomorrow's. Cool beans?

Boots

It is the season of the boot. High ones, low ones, tall ones, short ones!  They are errwhere.  The over-the-knee boot has dominated the trend this season.  So, to please my girlfriends, patients, and you, my readers, I have included some of these in here that meet the Dr. Stephanie criteria.

1. Illsley
Black Satin or Taupe (shown)
$ 85.00 CAD (Black Satin) and $59.98 (from $85 for Taupe)
Heel: 0 '', Platform 0''

I am a huge fan of this riding boot look.  It adds a little something special to your everyday outfits. The wide cuff mid-leg is visually interesting and shows well with skinny jeans or leggings. And, um...the price??  Phenomenal.

The low heel is optimal for everyday use as it allows for the best walking pattern possible (I can hear my stilettophiles groaning already!). The heel is allowed to properly move (as opposed to a thin heel where heel movement is limited) and hence you are less likely to pronate.

The round toe is the optimal shape for our toes...which means no extreme pressure on the big toe's joints (which over time can cause bunions and, frankly, really weird tough skin). See Posh's feet for a good example.  Extremely easy to slip in a custom heel or dress orthotic (speak to me or your chiropractor about these).

2. Dehne
Black Suede or Cognac (shown)
$ 150.00 CAD
Heel: ~2.5 '', Platform 0''

Is it a heel or a wedge?  These popped out instantly to me because they are, in fact a wedge acting as heel.  Cool, non?  Love the cognac colour - it so rich...and...well...cognac-y.

A very low heel here (about 2.5'').  Even though there is no platform, this is still a good heel-to-forefoot difference.  You could probably be in these girls all day.  The other thing that is quite useful is that they are, in fact, a wedge.  Wedges, unlike stilettos, allow the foot to better move through its natural motion, because there is constant contact with the ground by the foot in the shoe.  In a heel, it is like your foot is cut in half and you only have 2 moving parts that have actual contact : the heel and the balls of the feet.  This is why we pronate in heels.

These wedges are great for everyday as well.  The almond-shaped toe is a *much* better alternative to a pointy toe, while still having an elongating effect.

3. Treto
Black or Grey (shown)
$ 180.00 CAD
Heel: ~2.75 '', Platform 0''

I don't know about you, but I love grey shoes.  No, I lurve grey shoes. The new black imo.  And as I try to contain my squeals, I will direct you to the pleated detail at the ankle crease.  Is it not spectacular?  

The heel here is quite chunky which helps lend a greater feeling of stability and base of support.  The rounded toe helps with normal toe movement and the ideal shape for a boot.  Synthetic sole and leather material.  I would suggest going up a half size in these boots if possible - it gives more wiggle room for heels, the toes and ankle.

4. Crissey
Black Synthetic or Grey (shown)
$ 110.00 CAD
Heel: >0.5 '', Platform 0''

Another grey boot (see?! Totally the new black) with a great,subtle lace-up detail in the back.  These go over the knee, and with the lace-detailing, you can adjust how tight you want the upper cuff to be.  Brilliant. So hot for everyday.

I like how these boots are constructed.  There seems to be more room in the heel (which means less blisters, hurrah!) and the material is very comfortable.  I would venture to say these are also vegan- friendly. 

Low, wide heel means heels are happy to move freely and help maintain its proper position through all walking positions.     

5. Hlywa
Black Synthetic or Grey (shown)
$ 90.00 CAD
Heel: ~2.5 '', Platform 0''

Other than the vowel-less name, these booties are a great price and utterly fabulous.  Love the buckle detail around the heel. The boots have a flexible lip at the top that makes it possible to roll up or down (looks really good flipped down) and they are suuuuper comfortable.  

The material is synthetic so it is slightly more flexible than a leather bootie would have (and vegan friendly too).  It also satisfies my checklist for a healthy shoe: rounded toe : check; chunky heel : check; good heel-to-forefoot height difference : check, check, check!

6. Babinski
Black (shown)
$ 160.00 CAD
Heel: ~3.5- 3.75 '', Platform 1''

I love this shoe.  In fact, I have 2 shoes just like it from a now non-existent store in NYC (I cried when they closed). Where on earth will I ever find Natalie Portman's vegan line of shoes again???? *tears up*

Sigh. That was seriously a sad day. But I digress.

This beautiful shoe does have a higher heel, but it is offset by the bold platform, rendering a 2.5-2.75 heel-to-forefoot difference. Pyramidal heel is not ideal, but it does widen at the heel box, so it is better than a regular stiletto.  Rounded toe for optimal toe wiggle and movement.  My recommendation here would be to put some shoe grips on the bottom, for better stability.

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Tomorrow, I will cover Aldo again - this time focusing on platforms and some beyond adorable ballerina flats.

Questions,, comments and requests in the comment section!

xxoo

BCBG F/W 09/10

This company always has their finger on the pulse.  The shoes are gorgeous (and comfortable!!).  I dare you not to go in to this store and not and walk out with a dress, some accessory that you had to have once you saw it, and of course, one of the following shoes:

1. Tall Boot With Buckle
Black and Brown (shown)
$644 CAD or 495 USD
Heel: 0.75 '', Platform 0''

Well now, here is a smart city boot.  Combines this season's knee-high trend with the sensibility of an oval shaped toe for great comfort in the balls of the feet and toesies.  These babies would be great for someone who is on their feet all day, running errands, or meeting the girls for lunch. 

Oval toe allows for lots of natural room in the toe-box area, and the low (to almost non-existent) heel make these puppies wonderful for maintaining a proper toe-to-heel height.  These would also be great for slipping in your custom heel inserts or shoe insoles.

I would pair these with a gorgeous 3/4 length pencil skirt, or skinny jeans.  Yum.

2. Perez Woven Peep Toe Pump
Chestnut, and Smoke Combo (shown)
$228 CAD or 175 USD
Heel: 4.6 '', Platform ~0.75 -1.0 ''

You know, the one thing that is a sure-fire way to make a shoe an instant favorite is to make it versatile.  With 3 different shades of the same colour (either 3 shades of grey, or brown) you are pretty much guaranteed that this shoe is going to go with your entire wardrobe. Oh yeah, and they are STU-NNING.

The 3/4 inch platform does well to balance the high heel, making the total heel-to-forefoot difference around 3.6''-3.8''. Not bad.  The suede fabric on the side makes standing in these heels uber comfortable, and reduces the likelihood of irritation on the skin from constant rubbing.  Ditto for the satin fabric covering the toes. 

I would just ensure that the toe opening in the front is comfortable and allows for enough rooms for the toes to move.  This might be an extra half size up to achieve this.

3. Ella Strappy Platform Pump
Black and Grey (shown)
$211 CAD (down from 423 CAD!) or 325 USD
Heel: 5'', Platform 1.5''

Wow.  These shoes are gorgeous!  Big dramatic straps, on a chunky heel with a zipper closure in the back.  The large heel reduces the heel-to-forefoot ratio, and after the math, you are walking in 3.5'' high heels.  Open-toe area, as long as the fit is right, allows for natural forefoot (balls of the feet and toes) movement, and normal toe movement during walking. Leather straps and sole.

If you know a good shoe guy, I would also put some grips on the bottom of the platform (no one can see this) just to give you a bit of stability if you happen to be walking around on a rainy day,

4. Mayda Platform Pump
Black and Elephant (shown)
$514 CAD
Heel:5.3'', Platform 0.5''

I saved the best for last.  These are my favorite shoes this season from BCBG.  I love the look of a deconstructed shoe. Very avant-guard, and surprisingly really comfortable. Definitely show-stoppers!

The heel height-to-forefoot ration is not the best we have seen - but the square-ish toe makes normal toe movement possible.  The large platform gives a larger base of support when walking and doesn't put you so much onto your toes, as pointed shoes often can. 

Editors note: The BCBG in Yorkville had only the "Elephant" colour, but it was absolutely gorgeous! 

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My thanks to the Yorkville sales staff who were did not know why I was trying on so many shoes and examining them so carefully, but were so helpful nonetheless. :)

BCBG (Yorkville)

50 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M4W 3L8

(416) 642-1606

Shoe Week Fall/Winter 2009/2010

Ah, so fall has really arrived.  After months of speculating that September and October will be the new July, Mother Nature has decided against it and has rewarded us with crisp cool fall mornings, and the potential to dawn our fall wardrobe.

Personally, fall is my favorite season of the year.  The humidity of summer is replaced with crispness, and the occasionally smell of wood burning, and cinnamon. 

This season, I found retailers took exceptionally long to get all their fall shoes out on the shelves.  Over the past few weeks I have visited BCBG, Aldo, Nine West, Browns, and my favorite online shoe e-tailer Saks.  If not just to buy, but to drool over.

I have a range of fall and winter boots I will be pouring over -over the knee boots, work heels, and heels for a night on the town.  I have looked for shoes that have a good balance of the following:

• Style (this is of extreme importance.  We can all wear orthopedic, supportive shoes. But who wants to? )
• Functionality (whether or not this would work for a gal who is on her feet every day or an office worker)
• Comfort (mechanics of how the foot works in the shoe)

I welcome your thoughts and feedback on the selection, and if you have other shoes you would like me to look at, please comment or email me.

Dr. S

The Running Shoe List: Volume 1

So there are, what, a bajillion different styles, brands, and stated functions of running shoes out there. It is really (*really*) hard to decipher between what are the nice-to-haves vs the need-to-haves.

I have put together a list of some of the best current shoes out there - including highest ranked ones from trade magazines.

In order to make sense of this list, you should know whether you are a pronator (foot arches roll in) a supinator (foot rolls out), and what kind of running you will typically use them for (outdoor vs indoor, short vs long distance).  If you don't already have a chiropractor to help you with this, you can go to Ontario Chiropractic Association to find a local chiropractor near you to discuss your foot needs. 

If you are in the Toronto area, you can go to my website, and book online (in real time!) to come in for a complimentary foot assessment.  It takes about half an hour, and I evaluate the way you stand, walk and run.  From these tests, I can show you 3D images of your feet, how your feet compare with ideal timing and placement, what your arches are doing and some other pretty amazing stuff about your feet, too!

Maximum Neutral Motion Control (for best long term stability)

New Balance 1123 &1011*  
Brooks Beast Mens*  
Brooks Ariel Ladies*  
New Balance 587*  
Mizuno Renegade 3    
Brooks Trance 8*   
Mizuno Wave Inspire 5
New Balance Ladies 859
Asics Gel 1140 and GT 2140 
Mizuno Wave Renegade 4
Adidas Adifusion MC
Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS*
Saucony ProGrid OMNI 6 or 7 

Moderate Neutral Control (very good stability/most runners)

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9 
New Balance 740, 817  
Adidas Repsonse Control  
Avia Isis Womens   
Asics Gel Evolution 4   
Asics Gel DS Trainer XI  
Nike Air Perseus 3   
Adidas Supernova  
Asics Gel-Kayano 15
New Balance 993 & 1225*
Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 10
Reebok Premier Road Plus KFS V1
Mizuno Wave Nexus 3
Nike Air Zoom Percept
Etonic Stable Pro V
Adidas Adistar Salvation
Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS

Mild Motion Control (basic stability)

Adidas Response Trail  
Nike Air Shox FSM   
Brooks Addiction 8  
New Balance 769   
Reebok Premier Phoenix
Saucony ProGrid Guide 2
Brooks Switch 2
Brooks Infinity 2
Mizuno Alchemy 8

High-Arched Efficient Runners (cushioning & support)

Brooks Dyad 5    
Nike Air Pegasus +25   
Asics Gel cumulus 10   
New Balance 883 & 1063  
Saucony ProGrid Echelon  
Nike Air Structure Triax
New Balance 758 & 903
Nike Air Maxx 180
Brooks Glycerin 7
Reebok Premier Aero Lite

* Recommended for overweight runners
 
Underlined shoes indicate the best critically reviewed shoes in the trade magazines

Perfect Posture for TIFF (Sitting Edition)

Sitting to watch films, sitting with friends at a sponsored party, or just sitting to rest your weary TIFF'ed feet.  You're going to be sitting. A lot.

Unfortunately, sitting is worse for your back than standing.  Your bum and sacrum (base of the spine) take the load of your entire upper body from the hips up, without the help of your legs and feet.  Discs, joints, nerves and muscles no likey.

So, in theater over the next 10 days of TIFF keep these quick pointers in mind:

• Sit all the way back in your chair.  A little more.  Go on, even a wee bit more.  Your tush should touch the back of the seat.
• Rest your shoulder blades on the back of the chair.  So much better than developing perma-hunch shoulders, *and* now that your pelvis and shoulder blades are aligned, your spine will be in a neutral postion.
• Rest the top of the neck/base of skull on the top of the theater chair, if it available to you. This will allow the muscles in the back of the neck to relax. 

For couch perching (and to look photo-ready)

• You should sit perched at the end of the couch, feet on the floor.  Note this is the complete opposite of what I have specified above...couches and seating options @ parties or clubs usually offer zero (or worse) support for your spine so leaning all the way back is not going to be useful.  There is one huge caveat to this though - no slouching!!!
• Arch your low back.  Your low back likes to be mildly arched because that is its natural shape.  Slouching and hunching only serve to get rid of the natural low back curve which makes for disc bulges, herniations, and nerve irritation only a matter of time.  So again...no.slouching.period.
• Line up your shoulder over your hips.  Again, this respects the natural curves of your spine.
• These positions are not healthy, but they give the appearance of good posture, and make you appear slimmer while seated.  No hunched shoulders, no belly, no 'I'm bored, whats next' body language...and most importantly to some (ok me) it does not photograph well! 

  

Perfect Posture for TIFF (Standing Edition)

If ever there is a time for you pay attention to your posture - it's when you know you're going to be photographed.  Well, starting tomorrow, The Toronto International Film Festival kicks off.  I am thinking now would be that time. 

Dr. Stephanie's Perfect Posture Tips for Standing:

Picture it: TIFF is in full swing. You're sipping champers, on your A game, standing next to Ed Norton. From the ground up, this is what you should be thinking about (other than the glaringly obvious: omg I'm standing next to Ed Norton!)

• Squeeze your Pelvic Floor Muscles  (If you are female, I am talking about doing Kiegel exercises, and if you are a guy, I am talking about squeezing muscles that help you stop the flow of urine.)  I know what you're thinking.  Why did she have to start off with the urine muscles?!  Well, simply, no strong pelvic floor muscles means no control of bladder or bowel movements, and, in keeping with the theme of this post - bad posture!
• Squeeze your Lower Abs (this will not only make you appear slimmer, but it will naturally create a strong base of support for the rest of your spine, which rests on your pelvis)
• Slide your Shoulder Blades down your Back (imagine you are trying to get your shoulder blades into the back pocket of your jeans)
• Elongate Your Clavicle (think about spreading your shoulders apart, and *slightly* puffing out your chest.  No, not peacocking, just a slight, barely visible extension of your chest.)
• Elongate your Neck (think about lining up your ears with your shoulders... your head is perched perfectly on your shoulders, and enters the room at the same time your body does!)

To explain further:

These next 2 pictures are the same actress. Ya sure,in this photo the dress is gorge, necklace to die for, great hair, makeup, etc.

BUT.

Compare it to the photo below. Totally different attitude, aura, and confidence coming from her.  And it is all from her posture.

 

See?? Her shoulders are back, elongated, and her neck is over her shoulders.

Believe me, I get it when patients say to me that maintaining good posture is hard, not to mention a lot to think about.  It is something I myself have to consciously work on too. But like anything worth having, good posture is habit that takes time, patience, and attention.  Just start out with trying one or two of these tips, and work your way up.

Shoe Week With Dr. Stephanie

The Perfect Shoe...

The never-ending, graceful, long heel.
The smell of them.
The details that drew you in.
The velvety-soft dust bag.
The huge carry bag to make you feel nothing short of spectacular.

My heart rate is exponentially increasing even as I start typing!

I *might* be going out on a limb here but I am pret-ty sure you feel the same way too. The endless love affair we have with our heels is a true, unfaltering, pure love.

It is officially spring shoe season….which I personally like to refer to as time-to-show-off-my-pedi-in-the-highest-heels-that-don’t-completely-destroy-my-feet season.

So, because it is absolutely gorge outside and we can now wear our said true-loves without the fear of having them destroyed by the natural elements of our city’s concrete jungle (sidewalk puddles, muddy taxicabs, and rainy patios anyone?) it is time to feature some of the city’s best offerings for Spring/Summer 09.

All this week I am visiting hot shoe stores in and around Toronto (in person and online). The shoes featured must adhere to the following criteria:

1. The shoes featured must meet the Dr. Stephanie Stiletto Rules (for a refresher click here)
2. They must be stunning.
3. They must be comfortable.

I will be looking at all different types: heels, wedges, flats, booties, pointy’s, peep-toes, rounded, and one of my new favorites - the almond toe.

I will visit stores with different price points, and will give you details on cost, where to buy them, and why they are Dr. Stephanie approved.

So without further delay...welcome to Toronto Shoe Week with Dr. Stephanie!!

Killer Bags, Killer Posture

Are You Willing to "Break Your Back" for that Oversized Bag?

Ah...the always fashionable, super practical, fabulously gorgeous, oversized bags. What on earth would we ever do without them?   

Seriously. They work so hard for us busy women- they hold our yoga wear for our favorite pre-work workout, they file away papers, graphs and chats for our super-sized client presentations, they loyally keep our cosmetics and accessories for tonight’s date (with the cute guy we met last week from the coffee shop)…not to mention guarding our wallet, mobile phones, blackberrys, makeup, ginormous key chains, large water bottles, moisturizers and nail files...you know...juuuust in case.  

I know. Little hearts are coming out my eyes too.  I love, love, love them! 

Nothing really quite finishes off an outfit like a great bag.

However, we would be totally doing ourselves, and our beautiful bags a favor by critically looking at what we really need on a day-to-day basis.

Your slouchy bag isn’t going to look so slouchy and gorgeous if you are beating the crap out it and loading it up with non-essentials every day. Think of how stretched out and worn your heels would look if you wore thick, wooly socks with them all the time. The same applies for the bags. The more we stuff them and have to lug around heavy things, the faster they wear out. 

Chances are your bag-du-jour cost you a pretty penny anyway, so you might as well take care of it so it will work for you for years.  After all, isn’t that what fashion is about? Collecting great pieces over time?

Think of this article as insurance for your bags. 

What I am essentially getting at here is we need to lighten the load we carry every day. Lets start with a few visuals on what the heavy bag is doing to our posture:

KILLER POSTURE: EXHIBIT A

Crazy, right??

I am totally resisting the urge to deepen my voice and say: This is your back. This is your back with a grotesquely heavy bag. Any questions?!

Let's draw our attention to a few fun points in this x-ray:

-the blaringly obvious massive adaptation curve through the mid back (right around the ribs)

-the uneven shoulders (what is interesting to note here is the side with the heavy bag is higher than the side without anything)

-the (mildly) uneven hips

-the level and straight head

Peculiar that last point, no? 

Lets put it this way – your head is always going to attempt to be level and straight. So, in this picture, this poor bag-loving fashionista has a completely uneven back, along with uneven hips and shoulders, but her head will always be level.

Why this is important is symmetry.  If you can imagine the muscles of our fashionista’s spine here, her left side is going to have shorter muscles in her neck and her right side is going to be longer.  Over time, this can lead to super fun things like headaches, neck pain, eye pain, spinal subluxations…and let’s not forget the crappy posture!

KILLER POSTURE: EXHIBIT B

This. Is. Not. Attractive. At. All.

You do not want your muscles to learn posture like this. This posture says defeated, depressed, sad, overwhelmed, dejected, incompetent, lazy...the list goes on. 

When we think about projecting our best image, and having people perceive us in a certain light - they will always look at the total package. 

Looking like you have given up and that you don't even bother to stand straight anymore...well...draw your own conclusions on your success rate from that!

The good news is that there is a 2-part solution to bad posture that really works. The first part is changing your habits.  We will cover that here.

The second part is exercise. The 2nd part of this solution is *conveniently* the subject of my next article "Killer Exercises for Killer Posture". 

Ok. So now that you see what literally too-much-junk-in-the slouchy-bag-trunk can do… there are a few habits you can (and must) form to make your relationship with your bag a long lasting, loving one:

Dr. Stephanie’s Slouchy or Oversized Bag Habits:

1. Wear your bag on the right side if you are right-handed, on the left if you are left-handed.

This may seem like a funny one, but we have naturally uneven shoulders, depending on our handedness. What that means is that it is usually the case that your right shoulder is lower (if you are right handed), or your left shoulder is lower (if you are left-handed)

Without even realizing it, you are probably adding to this uneven-ness by constantly wearing your bag on your non-dominant side (i.e.-the side that is already higher!).

Switch it up!

2. Unpack your bag every night. 

Buy a gorgeous tray. Put it in your front hallway. Every night, take out your wallet, keys, papers, phones, everything. So now you have the bonus of never losing your keys again, * and * you will become aware of what is essential and what is not essential for your daily life. 

Same moisturizer coming in and out of the bag every night and you are not using it?  Chuck it.      

Half-drunk water bottle? Toss it or downsize. 

3. Wear the strap around your forearm…or your hand.

Keeping the weight away from strong muscles in our upper body that love to shrug and hunch us over (I’m talking to you trapezius and pectorals) will reduce the stress on the spine.

The key here is hold the bag as close as you can to your body. The further away you hold it, the more your spine will have to bend to compensate (think of the x-ray) and your muscles will have to asymmetrically shorten.

4. See a chiropractor.

Shameless self-promotion – I know, I know…but this is a total no-brainer! Chiropractors know how to keep your spine healthy and make sure you don’t develop bad postural habits over time.    

As they say, that’s our bag, baby.