Ok, I admit it, it’s impossible for me to keep up with fashion trends. I don’t read fashion magazines, and with no cable, who the heck knows what goes on in the fashion world.

I have to rely on my not so keen eye and fashionably hip folks in Los Angeles.

So my question is — what in the heck is going on?

Everywhere, cold, hot, rain, shine, everyone in L.A. is wearing Uggs. These hideously ugly boots are everywhere. I’ve asked folks why they’re wearing them — their answer — they’re comfortable — yeah and ugly! I guess popular is not always fashionable.

But worse than that — women are regressing. I think Naomi Wolf must be having a heart attack. I was just thrilled when chunky Steve Maddens and Dr. Marten’s were in style. Comfortable, square-toed, low heeled shoes. I though I’d died and gone to heaven. Gone were the 80’s — and me, unsuccessfully balancing on narrow healed shoes. Thick stacked soles, thick stacked heels were the name of the day.

But DVD episodes of Sex & the City and Junior League events have revealed a shift in fashion (a backward shift if you ask me).

Now, over lunch, women discuss where to get the best price on Jimmy Choos, Manolo Blahnik, and Christian Dior. Women aren’t walking much anymore. Friends who used to be up for a quick walk to lunch, around the block, or down the street, now beg off. As soon as we sit down, they’re kicking off their shoes. No one admits they hurt, but those walks are getting shorter and shorter.

I remember when I was a child, women complaining about foot pain — though I admit I did live in New York where there was a lot of walking — endless commerecials for foot massagers and epsom salt. And now, we’re back. Heels sinking in the grass, women hobbling like their feet are bound, a run on pads for corns. Just when I though we had escaped the beauty myth . . . .

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