Maybe something to do with World War 1. Certainly during WW2 many women trained as mechanics, even Princess Elizabeth, now Queen of England. That doesn't explain the heels though.
Try Humbrol enamels if you can get them. Their flats and semi-gloss paints flow and cover nicely. You will need their thinner as well as most of them are too thick straight from the tin. I've always preferred them to MM or Revell and really hope they don't also disappear.