Hello Darlings,

Can it be that women's shopping habits reveal a much deeper secret? IBM happens to believe so! Throughout history, research shows that women's stiletto height has been a reliable economic indicator. However this trend may be broken in 2012 as women may not only be overwhelmed with their finances but also with the pain in their feet.

According to Dr.Trevor Davis, a consumer product expert with IBM Global Business Services, " Usually, in an economic downturn heels go up and stay up — as consumers turn to more flamboyant fashion as means of fantasy and escape. This time, something different is happening — perhaps a mood of long term austerity is evolving among consumers sparking a desire to reduce ostentation in everyday setting."