High Heel Shoe blog

We would like to post another update to a previous post, Can’t Do Community Service Wearing Heels.

Deborah Stallard, from Torquay, UK, was charged in February with two counts of damaging a vehicle and failing to provide a breath specimen. She had collided with another car and left the scene. At that time the court banned her from driving for three years and ordered her to do community service. After she showed up to do her community service in a pair of 4 inch high heel boots, she was sent home as it was seen as a safety hazard.

Ms. Stallard returned to court last month for re-sentencing. She was hoping that since her footwear was unacceptable to do the manual labor they originally had imposed, that she would be able to serve her time working in a charity shop. Apparently the court did not feel that this was acceptable and her community service was replaced by a six-month electronic tag curfew between the hours of midnight and seven a.m.

Outside the courtroom, Stallard stated that the sentence was “unfair” and she was considering an appeal. “It’s a bit harsh – I can’t believe I’m going to be electronically tagged,” she said.

Does anybody else think this new sentence is a bit harsh? This will not interfere in any way with her working or having a normal life. She just has to be at home every night by midnight. Yes a 47 year old woman may feel a bit put off by having a curfew, but if she wants to keep fighting this, may the court feel that this is a waste of their time and just put her in jail? Maybe she should just accept the punishment, serve the sentence, and move on with life.

Happy Father’s Day!!

First we would like to post an update to a post we made back in November titled Lower Shoe Prices for Who. Earlier this year the Affordable Footwear Act was hoped to become part of the economic stimulus package that went before Congress. Unfortunately it was not included. The AAFA intends to continue to push approval of this act by Congress. Because this bill (H.R. 3934) was introduced in a previous session of Congress, no more action can occur on it. Sessions of Congress last two years, and at the end of each session all proposed bills and resolutions that haven’t passed are cleared from the books. This bill has been reintroduced as S. 730: Affordable Footwear Act of 2009. The latest action was on March 26, 2009 in which it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.The majority of bills and resolutions never make it out of committee, according to govtrack.us.

We have also come upon another interesting bit of news. Back in early February 2009, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that the VAT export rebate for apparel and textiles was being increased from 14% to 15%. It is unknown if this affects the footwear industry, but one would think that it should. The export tax rebate refers to the money the tax authority returns to exporting enterprises for the indirect tax they pay in the production and distribution process. Even if it does not affect footwear, one would think it should affect the price of apparel that is being imported from China. Since the manufacturers are seeing some sort of break in the costs they are incurring to export their goods, couldn’t they possibly pass along a discount to the importers who are purchasing their merchandise? If they could pass along a discount, the retailers should be able to offer some sort of lower price along to the consumers. Rather than seeing any decrease in cost of the merchandise we offer, unfortunately we have seen an increase. We have not passed any of these increase in costs along to our customers at this time, and hope that we do not
have to.

A 47 year old woman in the UK was recently sentenced to 80 hours of community service after she was convicted on two counts of damaging a vehicle and one on failing to provide a breath specimen. She showed up to do her community service in a pair of four inch high heel boots and was told that they were unsuitable for doing the she was to do, such as cleaning graffiti and mending fences. She now has to return back to court later this month for re-sentencing since she refused to wear the protective footwear they felt she needed to wear.

People with certain foot conditions, especially those with high arches, usually find some comfort in wearing shoes with a heel. Depending on how bad the condition is, how high of a heel they need to be comfortable. The woman in question stated that she has “always walked on the balls of my feet. My heels don’t naturally hit the ground. My slippers have a two-and-a-half inch heel. Apparently there are ways to correct the problem but I don’t want to go through that now.”

Many people feel that this woman is making excuses not to serve her sentence and feel that they should just throw her in jail. In her last job she had to sign a disclaimer so she could wear high heels to work. Why can’t they do the same for this? If she is unwilling to sign now so she can do her ‘time’, then they should lock her up. Your thoughts are welcome!

It’s that time of year again for many high school guys and girls. The school year is almost over, which means that prom is on the mind of many teens. The average cost incurred for females is $375-$1225 and $245-$1195 for males. But you don’t need to break the bank to make the night a memorable one. Below are listed a few ideas to help save a couple bucks.

As always, shoes are an important part of the outfit. Girls, keep in mind that a low heel with an ankle strap is best. You are going to be on your feet a lot dancing and a broken ankle is not what you want to have to ruin the night. Whatever shoe you decide on, this pair of shoes does not have to be a one night wear. Find a pair that you can wear for prom and other occasions. Silver or black are usually popular choices as they can go with so many different outfits.

Guys, you don’t need to go out and buy a tux. You can normally get good deals on tuxedo rentals, especially if you mention a student discount. Ladies, consider renting a dress if possible. After all, you’re only wearing it once. Whether you rent or buy, start shopping early so you won’t be rushed into an expensive, last-minute choice. Also consider wearing a dress from a previous occasion or swapping with someone else. You also never know what you may find at a second hand store or some areas sponsor a dress donation program.

Another cost saving idea is to consider beauty schools as an inexpensive way to get your hair, nails and / or makeup done. The student gets the practice and you get the look you desire at a fraction of the cost at a standard salon. Also, don’t forget about the makeup counter at the department stores. Many times you can get a free makeover with the purchase of some beauty products.

What about transportation? Many teens insist that the only way to go is to opt for a limo. If this must be the method of transportation, book in advance to bargain for the best deal. Going in with another couple or friends also brings down the cost as more people will be chipping in toward the price of the ride. Most limos seat at least four people, but check with the rental company to determine the different rates depending on what size limo they have available.

Many girls and guys drop a fortune on tanning prior to prom night. Tanning booths are no safer for the skin than baking in the sun, so skipping the tan is an easy way to save money. If you desire a golden glow at a cheaper price, consider tan creams and sprays from your local pharmacy or retail store.

Photos taken at prom can be very expensive. Save some money and use your digital camera. Most digital cameras have built in software for special framing or come with software programs to assist in editing the picture if needed. You can print out copies on your home computer or take it to a photo development store to make copies.