The other day, at the age of 57 and with over thirty years of career experience, I went to work wearing sneakers for the first time in history. I had a trip coming up where I would be walking around a city all day, and I wanted to break in the shoes before they gave me blisters. You might be thinking, why does this matter to us? You’re right to question that. But let me explain so you can understand my dilemma. It wasn’t just a normal day at the office where I could sit at my desk all day – I had two important interviews scheduled: one with an actor at a trendy location and another with a high-profile individual, and wearing sneakers, I felt low to the ground, clumsy, ugly, and fat, and I thought everyone noticed. Of course, this paranoia was only in my head. For years, colleagues of all ages and positions, from interns to directors, have been wearing flat shoes to work, and they still look professional and cute. But personally, I can’t get off the pedestal I’ve built my self-awareness on to the point where I wear high heels even on the beach sandals. You might think it’s insecure for a woman to rely on the height of her soles to feel comfortable in her skin. I agree. But I don’t think I’m the only one. That’s why I was so moved to see Letizia Ortiz, the queen of Spain, sitting on a stool with her tiara, sash, and gala dress during the official visit to the Netherlands, unable to stand after a lifetime of wearing sky-high heels. If it bothers me to come down to earth when no one is looking, imagine how she feels, with millions of eyes watching her, next to someone as imposing as Maxima of the Netherlands without blushing. I’m sure Letizia, like myself, believes that majesty, professionalism, and dignity are qualities that come from within and that clothes don’t make the person. But they certainly help. By the way, the sneakers tore my skin apart, and I went back to wearing high heels with band-aids, waiting to switch to the most comfortable espadrille wedges for the summer. I bet Letizia feels the same way. I understand you, queen.
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