SleekHeels

Thanks Jeff, I was just curious to compare your experiences with mine. Over time I've also become increasingly comfortable wearing my heels with outfits that would've been unthinkable to me when I was starting out. At one point I felt like I'd become addicted to the thrill of pushing the boat out a little further each time. I think I've now reached a point where I feel comfortable to wear anything I like, to the point that reverting to a more masculine (or at least androgynous) outfit with heels actually feels a little more daring than wearing a skirt or dress. It's as if the more feminine outfits make it easier for people to keep their gender stereotypes intact (and see me simply as someone who's jumped over the fence to the other side) whereas a more androgynous appearance seems to evoke more reactions because it's challenging those stereotypes (and knocking the fence down) and people feel less comfortable with that.

Stream

I agree that going shopping in my ensemble would be a tad daring.

"Would be"? It sure sounded to me like you stayed in that ensemble for lunch at Arby's and Best Buy to get your new remote control, so you've definitely ticked the daring box. I couldn't help wondering how this compares with your very first jaunt, where it was interesting to read this:

After all, prior to yesterday, I've been out and about in skirts, including a trip in one to New York City for Pete's sake, and yet, it took a wee bit of effort to expose myself to the world once again in women's shoes.

So, would you still feel apprehensive wearing outfit #1 now after #253 ?

I've not seen anything similar, they look unique. I wonder if you could find some similar plain boots and customise them with some faux fur trim like at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Simplicity-Trimmings-25mm-wide-White/dp/B00A79HHZA

The red stripe on the jacket is a nice touch with the red top, and the overall look is very coordinated, the thigh boots and short skirt add a great sharpness to the style. Like you said, "no one’s going to care one bit about what you're wearing" in the casino, but that's a pretty daring outfit to wear for lunch and shopping. Surely "without stares and glances" is almost a little disappointing, you deserved a few smiles and a nice compliment.

Heck, I could probably wear a sequined evening gown, tiara and all and not get so much as a glance.

That's not the plan for jaunt #300 is it ?

You know, 'Just before our love got lost' with Joni Mitchell's fragile voice is maybe the saddest thing I've ever heard.  You listen to the rest of the song in tears.  It's clear that it's based on real happening.  No cover is better than Bill Shatner, Or different.  But can you imagine the Shatner of this?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5782PQO5is

"Blue" is another Joni Mitchell song I first came across as a cover version. I think Bill could do an amazing rendition of it as the last track on the album (it would be like the piano scene in the film "Green Card" with Gerard Depardieu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0vyMuAkOYQ ).

Just thought that Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy" would be a lovely track in the spirit of the album https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU

Yes, it is quite difficult taking photos with a hand-held camera. You did well with the ones you took (especially the first one), they're clear and sharp with good lighting.

As for the gap I agree it makes more sense to go up to a 12usa rather than try to squeeze into 11usa that doesn't fit. I guess the 12 might give you enough space for some gel inserts in the toe area, which would make those heels super-comfortable so long as that doesn't spoil the line around the toes.

I have a very slight size difference between my left and right foot but not as much as you describe for yourself (which is apparently quite common). I remember that a young lady who worked at a cafe was very excited that I was wearing heels, and when she said that she was thinking of buying a pair she really liked but she had reservations. I said "hey, if I can overcome my reservations about wearing heels, you can overcome yours, go for it!". When I next saw her she had bought her heels but had a nightmare (stuffing the toes with tissues) because she has quite a big size difference between her feet. It only occured to me afterwards that slingbacks could be a good solution as they could be adjusted for each foot. Do you wear slingbacks?

Some of my early purchases were a bit hit-and-miss like that too, in my case not because I was buying online but because I was too embarassed to try heels on in store or to return them if they weren't quite right. Since I started trying on in store it's reduced my bad purchases and increased my good purchases, and as my collection has grown I think I've made better purchases overall.

I like your latest additions, especially the black patent courts - they look very high but not too extreme, very elegant. That looks like quite a winter-like selection which is a little surprising as it must be the height of summer in Melbourne now.

Oh gosh! The Ace of Spades. Perfect!  What about this? https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=case+of+you+joni+mitchell&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=ooafVLOmCIXxUJ6Ug6gL  I'm vandalising one of my favourite songs, so it's quite a sacrifice.

Ooooooh, definitely too much of a sacrifice, I try to imagine Bill's version but my brain just lets out a hideous shriek, kicks me out and slams all the doors and windows shut!

( My favourite cover version of that song is by Jane Monheit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg0Xcy2MFWc )

Not sure if this link will work but I hope it does...

 

I'm hoping this will be more like a William Shatner version of Motorhead's best:

 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYJUywl7CFw

Brilliant musicianship, makes me wonder if Captain Kirk had his own sideboard on the starship Enterprise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FDoQTyYWzM

Very elegant LovesHiHeels. They do look a little big at the back but I guess maybe the ankle strap of the T-bar stops them from slipping too much. You've inspired me to rediscover my T-bar heels, it's ages since I wore them. Enjoy yours (and I do like the angles of your photos but it'd also be great to see how they look on the outside of your feet, not just the instep).

Sorry ot hear that Dr. Shoe, I'm sure you deserve better and I hope 2015 brings it.

It occurs to me that a cover version of the awesome Motorhead's "Ace of Spades" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvK7PCO6T0M would be a fine addition to the album.

Merry Christmas to you too Megan.

Smart-looking outfit again Jeff, I do think some kind of geometric diagonal patterned tights would be a great alternative, sure it's not much distance from the top of the boots to the hem of the skirt but I feel it would just break up the block of black in the lower half and add some interest to balance texture of the sweater. If it's cold in Pennsylvania perhaps a black hat of some sort might be a nice addition too.

I'm sure everyone on this site will wish you well for 2015.

Indeed. Hope the new year brings happier things for you.

Glad to hear you're finding time to enjoy your heels Dougal. Festive wishes to you (and all) too.

Whilst trawling the net found these interesting  snippets

That's a lovely bit of nostalgia, thank you for sharing.

OK, I'll play (but I'm not very good), I think he needs to mix it up a little:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4MXo7cW_e0

.... and as if we didn't anticipate that a search as absurd as "captain kirk rap" will actually get a result:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBzoBgfm55w

though it does lack the poignant authenticity of Rocketman.

Gone

Glad you liked the dress. I was very eager to wear it and had fun wearing it because it felt so natural to me. As for a belt, I had thought about one. What would you suggest? Thin or thick? Matte or patent? Same color as the dress or a contrasting color?

Maybe a wide grey belt would coordinate with the tights for a bit of understated contrast. Try wearing it on the hips, though it could work a little higher on the waist if you're wearing the jacket. Mind you, I didn't particularly think that a belt was "missing" from your outfit, it's just a nice possibility to experiment with.

If I was going to have a bad dream about heeling I think that's pretty much how it would go.

It was brave of you to wear your heels in such "unlikely" surroundings, I'll bet out of that 180,000 population there were a good few guys secretly wearing heels that night and too afraid to step out. Console yourself that in years to come when it's no big deal, you were there and took that first step that made it a little easier for the next guy.

I definitely wouldn't buy any second hand from eBay as it could involve catching fleas or ticks.

Maybe you could customize them with flea-collar ankle-straps

Congratulations on the 250 Jeff, I think the dress looks great the leather jacket, it's a nice mix of textures and the dress, jacket and boots are all just the right length and very well proportioned. I was a little surprised at first that you didn't accessorize with some sort of necklace, but then cowl-necks are kind of tricky for that so maybe this is one of those times when less is more. It's nice that you saved that dress for a special occasion, I used to feel like I have to wear everything straight after I buy it but now I enjoy the anticipation of thinking of a new combination to try out as my collection grows, rather than just wear a new purchase for the sake of it.

Rainforest

I thought it was a very well-written and insightful article, and I can pretty much relate to everything that was said about wearing heels (and flats). Thanks for posting the link Ynotme.

I've been wondering. Do heels increase their value in your eyes the harder they are to get? I don't mean just in the shipping phase, but through the whole process.

That's an interesting question Histiletto. For me I don't think so, if a pair of heels I like proves hard to get that just makes it frustrating. I will occasionally visit several branches of a store to track down a pair I really like, but if they prove difficult to track down the appeal usually wears off and I'll get excited about some other pair that is actually available and affordable.