5 factors to consider when buying and wearing high heels for romance

High heels make many women look sexy and feel sexy -- and they can be empowering when worn with some sensibility. Here are some high heels tips to remember next time you are down for a little romance!

1. How high can you go?

Determine the maximum height of the heel you can
wear without toppling over or suffering great agony. Imagine posing in your high heels and giving him the come hither look... and then tumbling over in a heap as you attempt to approach him and release your inner vixen. Not what you imagined!

You want to look and feel authoritative, alluring and powerful. Start with a 3- or 4-inch heel and work your way up.

2. Select a comfortable shoe size

When wearing high heel shoes above 1- to 2-inch height difference, your feet will tend to be pushed forward in your shoes. If you are uncertain about your real size, simply take the time and effort for an exact measurement. Then choose a size larger that you would normally wear to avoid what I call "the onion bunion effect." A reasonable formula is below:

• For high heels between 2 to 3 1/2 inches -- go with 1/2 size larger.
• For high heels between 4 to 6 inches -- go with 1 full size larger.
• For high heels 6 1/2 inches and above -- go with 1-1/2 sizes larger.

3. Open or shut?

Decide if you prefer open toe or closed toe high heel shoes. Do not jam your foot into high heels shoes or choose a shoe that will force your toes together -- you don't want Vienna sausage toes the next day! You may try choosing open-toe high heel shoes instead of a similarly styled heel that causes discomfort in your toes. (Check out the Christian Louboutin Ambrosina pumps below -- a fave among Hollywood's elite.)

Again, you want to increase your confidence and feel good during your transformation. Wincing in pain as he caresses the length of your legs is not sexy.

4. Practice standing

Slipping on a pair of sexy high heel shoes can make your legs look really great. And you'll be anxious to use your shoes to your advantage and make them work for you when the occasion demands.

However, you have to stand before you can walk. How do you do that? Practice, practice, practice! Try standing in your high heels shoes for a couple minutes a day -- about 10-15 minutes should do it.

Got Wilma Flintstone feet? You're not alone. This little exercise will help get your feet accustomed to the shoe and it will gently stretch the shoe to the shape of your foot.

5. Prepare to walk

I know, I know. The shoes look fantastic on your feet and you feel they have enhanced you femininity and the sophistication of your look. You are ready to strut! But, slow down. Just as you practiced standing in the high heels shoes, you now have to graduate to walking in them. Think of it as training.

Walking in high heels shoes is a major adjustment -- not just for your feet but also for your entire body. Attempt to walk in them for about 20 minutes a day, preferably in the evening. As you walk in your high heel shoes, it should be part of your plan of seduction, not a plan of attack. To look graceful, take small steps, not long strides. Then, gradually increase your time walking in them around the house.

As you get use to wearing higher heeled shoes, do not forget to go flat or barefoot, too! High heels are not recommended for every-day, all-day wear. Save the use of your high-heeled shoes for occasions or functions in which you will not be on your feet for extended periods of time. Pumps and stiletto heels should be worn for short time spans -- I suggest two to four hours maximum.

High-heeled shoes can enable you to turn from day to day lady to night vamp in one easy step. With some practice, time and effort, you will strut in your high heel shoes and cause a commotion every time he sees you wearing them.