FabSugar

Trend Alert: Pointed Toe Pumps

FabSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 04:00:22 PST

Just when I had really embraced round toe pumps, the pointed toe comes back on the scene. While there are some celebs who will always swear by pointed toe pumps - SJP and Cameron Diaz come to mind - there are really so many choices out there. I think the girlie girl in me gravitates towards the round toe, while the bad girl is seduced by the fierce pointy toe. Clearly I'm on the fence - where do you stand?

High Heels Can Give You Barbie Feet

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:41:45 PST

High heels. You either love them or hate them, but you can't deny they are chic. We love the height boost and illusion of longer legs they offer, but we do realize they're not the best things for our feet. Unfortunately, recent research shows that these lovely shoes may be worse than previously thought.

In a study of longtime high heel wearers, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers found wearing heels actually shortens the fibers of the calf muscle, making the Achilles tendon stiffen instead of flex when walking. High heels keep feet in a pointed position, so even when habitual high heel wearers (those who wore heels at least 40 hours a week) slipped off the pumps, their feet were so used to walking with the heels raised that it became the new norm for their muscles and joints - think permanent Barbie feet. The constantly engaged calve suffers from serious muscle fatigue, but switching abruptly from heels to flat shoes, like sneakers, puts stiletto wearers at a greater risk for injury.

Keep reading to find out what you can do to heal your heel-wearing legs.

Hilary Duff's High-Energy Prenatal Piloxing Workout

Self — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:39:32 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Some women may take it easy during their last trimester, but Hilary Duff isn't the type to let her workouts slide just because she's eating for two. The singer-actress may be seven months pregnant, but according to her trainer of eight years, Vivica Jensen, she's still staying fit with biweekly Piloxing sessions. "Piloxing is the first fitness program that blends the best of Pilates, boxing, and dance into a high-energy, hour-long interval workout," says Jensen, who created the hybrid class. "I put a lot of focus into balance and alignment, which can be thrown off when you're pregnant. You also get a great cardio workout, and the boxing element tones your arms and legs."

Although Jensen has tweaked Duff's workouts to accommodate her pregnancy, she's quick to point out that the mom-to-be is no slouch in the gym. "Since Hilary was already in good shape, she's able to do everything but at her own pace with a few modifications like taking more breaks to drink water and catch her breath when her heart rate goes up and not doing advanced ab exercises," says Jensen.

As her due date draws near, the former Lizzie McGuire star is also preparing her body for the hardships of labor. That means plenty of arm, leg, chest, and core exercises. "For now, I'm focusing on her core muscles because I want those muscles intact so she has an easier delivery," says Jensen. Just don't expect Mrs. Comrie to stay bedridden for very long since "Hilary loves being healthy and has always been very active. Once she gets the OK from her doctor, we're really going to kick it up a notch," says Jensen. "She's tough with amazing form, so I'm able to work her hard and really kick her butt!"

Want to stay fit throughout all nine months of your pregnancy (or even if you're not eating for two!)? Incorporate four moves into your regular workout routine to get buff like Duff. Read on for the moves.

The Best Indoor Workout Classes (Because It's Freezing Outside!)

Self — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:35:01 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

There are lots (and I mean, lots) of reasons why my motivation to work out during the Winter plummets - from the snowy commute to freezing cold winds to the cold, dry air that hits my chest with such force that it becomes hard to breathe. (Ahem, there's a reason I sign up for races that are after September - this born-and-raised Floridian prefers to train outdoors during the Summer.)

But it is possible to sculpt, strengthen, and sweat (majorly sweat) without having to be freezing cold during the winter. So when the weather outside is frightful, head indoors for these top full-body workouts that will help ward off Winter weight:

Indoor cycling: Ruth Zukerman, cofounder of NYC's FlyWheel cycling studio, is heating things up indoors with her 45-minute, heart-racing classes. (Self favorite Jillian Michaels is even a recent investor in the company). "I wanted to be part of the most innovative and effective indoor cycling program, and that is FlyWheel. I am thrilled to join the FlyWheel team," Michaels said in a press release. What makes cycling such an effective alternative is that it's taking the fun full-body workout people love indoors, and instead of scenery, you'll stay motivated to challenge yourself thanks to encouraging instructors and a killer playlist. Flywheel has an awesome on-bike technology board that lets you compete against other riders in the class. Plus if you're looking to shape up before hitting the slopes, "indoor cycling is great preparation for all Winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding. I know from personal experience that when I hit the slopes I don't tire out easily or suffer from the kind of après-ski muscle pain that most people do, and it's because of indoor cycling," Zukerman says.

Try this move: If you're riding an exercise bike at home or the gym, try some interval training. One thing we often do at Flywheel is a "Sprint Chorus," meaning we increase our RPMs to a sprint during the song's chorus and then revert to a cadence on the beat of the music as the chorus ends.

More best indoor workouts after the break.

People's Choice Awards: Miley Cyrus

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:25:00 PST

Miley Cyrus is all grown up and showing it tonight in a David Koma dress with a plunging neckline. She pairs her cream yellow dress with glitter-encrusted point-toe pumps for a little edge, along with black nails and soft peach lipstick. It's definitely a sexy/sweet combination, but do you think it works for Ms. Cyrus?

The Fitness Goal You Can Accomplish Before 2012

Self — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:23:44 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

"Make your last set the one that counts," the instructor cued us during last night's workout. And while the last things my arms wanted to do was another bicep curl, ending on a strong note not only made me feel extra accomplished, but it's that extra push towards sculpting a slim, strong bod.

So while we've only got four days left before the end of year, end on a high note by crossing a fitness goal off your to-do list. Your challenge: perfect a squat. (We know it's one of your least-favorite moves, but maybe this'll change your mind!)

"The squat is what we call a functional exercise. If you can practice doing it properly in your workout routine then when you have to do it in everyday life it becomes easier and you're less likely to get injured as you age," says NY-based fitness expert Melissa Paris. "You don't even realize but you are already squatting every day: when you go to the bathroom, when you pick something up off the floor or when you get up and down from your office chair."

Read on for tips on how to perfect the all-important squat.

Pilates Moves For Your Arms and Core From Kim Kardashian's Trainer

Self — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:18:48 PST

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

If you're a novice like me, you might not realize that there are many different kinds of Pilates. And those incarnations are not defined as "hard, very hard, and nearly impossible."

Celebrity trainer Sara Kapuchinski just opened her new LA studio i heart fitness xo, where she teaches West Coast-style Pilates to a revolving A-list clientele including Khloe and Kim Kardashian, Christina Ricci, Modern Family's Sofia Vergara and Glee's Romy Rosemont.

Kapuchinski started out as a weekend trainer, whose day job was as an A & R executive in the music industry. Soon, she realized that teaching fitness felt more personally satisfying. "Music was fun, but I was more gratified training people," she recalls. "After sitting at a desk from 9 to 5 and staying up 'til all hours, I was experiencing a lot of neck and back pain. And, like most people, I was amazed that classic Pilates did the things that it was supposed to do: my posture improved, I lost inches in my waist and my neck and back pain basically disappeared."

After a bit of investigation, the trainer found that Pilates on the West Coast, which is heavier on cardio, was more her speed: "Pilates is so great for your body, for your core (that mysterious thing), but a lot of times you leave a class feeling like you need to sweat. I wanted something that was a bit more cardio-driven without having to go take a Boot Camp."

Read on for three of Kapuchinski's heart-pounding Pilates moves!

See - and Shop - Zara's TRF October Lookbook

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:56:23 PDT

Zara is one lookbook we devour at first sight, and the latest arrivals have given us more reason to love its affordable on-trend clothing and accessories. For its TRF October lookbook, the retailer showed us plenty to swoon over: colorful boiled wool coats, tweedy jackets, textural jacquard trousers, and sheer blouses all top our must-haves list. Furthermore, we spied some sleek ankle boots and point-toe pumps to add to our Fall footwear repertoire. Read below to see our favorite ensembles, then click the slideshow to see the rest of the gorgeous and affordable collection.

We'd love to pair this dreamy tweed sweater with leather leggings and booties.
This neutral-hued effortless tulle skirt is our new Fall essential.
We all need a sexy party dress for the holiday season; this blue-green mini comes with a cool shoulder zip detail and flattering body-con silhouette.

Dianna, Kate, and Michelle Celebrate Vogue's Fashion Fund Finalists - Who's Most Fab?

Chi Diem Chau — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:45:08 PDT

Last night, celebs stepped out in style to celebrate the 2011 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalists at Chateau Marmont. We spied three particularly fashionable ladies in the crowd: Dianna Agron made an appearance wearing a black and white printed dress by Libertine paired with point-toe pumps and a pretty wavy hairdo. Kate Bosworth showed off her abs in a two-piece ensemble by Proenza Schouler paired with black accessories and a poppy orange lip. Meanwhile, Michelle Monaghan opted for a minimally modern look comprised of a colorblock skirt and simple tee. Each of the attendees offers her own spin on Fall dressing, but which look do you like best?

Nine West Kicks It Up With a High-Heel-Inspired Perfume

Jaime Richards — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:46:47 PDT

Nine West is known for its stylish-yet-affordable footwear, so it makes sense that the brand would be inspired by stilettos with its first step up into the fragrance world. Coming this January will be Love Fury ($18 to $55) perfume, which will include notes of rose, jasmine, sandalwood, and amber.

But what you'll first notice about the juice is the high-heel packaging. "If you look at Nine West and our iconography of the pump, the bottle brings it full circle," Nine West's Stacy Lastrina told WWD. And to really bring it full circle, the brand will also be launching a Love Fury pointed-toe platform ($89) in conjunction with the perfume's launch. Look for the new scent, along with coordinating body lotion ($18), at Nine West and Macy's (both in stores and online).

Enzo Angiolini Thrive - Sold Out	Oscar de la Renta Satin brocade pumps - Sold Out
Diella - Sold Out	Miss Sixty 'Tedora' Pump - Sold Out
Yves Saint Laurent ivory leather 'Modern Times' pumps - Sold Out	L'Wren Scott Lady Chevron pumps - Sold Out
Givenchy Patent D'Orsay Pump - Sold Out	Sergio Rossi Patent Pump - - Sold Out
Steve Madden - Arouse (Purple Suede) - Sold Out	Manolo Blahnik Ciuzzomod - Sold Out
Stella McCartney Point-Toe Pump - Sold Out	AK Anne Klein Christa - Sold Out
Jimmy Choo Lois Patent Watersnake Pump - Sold Out	Christian Louboutin Piaf Point-Toe Pumps - Sold Out