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Add another Bay Area heeler, though I've only worn (kitten) sling heels once in public.  Most other times I'm wearing flats when shopping for heels.

Just got back from my yearly trip to Vegas. Had the most amazing time at Ceasers Palace, a Jimmy Choo store has been added to the mall. Can't believe I actually got to hold a $3000 pair of open toed booties in a yellow snake skin color. It was allI could do to not drool, then lo and behold right across the mall was a Loubiton store, oh my, it was so exciting to actually see and hold these magnificent heels.

nerlol69, On your experience alone - to be able to walk into a Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin store, if just to look around and feel the shoes in your hand, I know the feeling.  If you ever have the chance to try them on, for the mere experience alone, to me, is thrilling.  I'm glad you had an amazing time.

You know, yes, it can be crazy to wrap one's head around the idea of spending ($3000) on a pair of shoes.  I think this logic goes with anything: you have your products out there that covers a low scope, and a high scope.  For living within your means, and if you like that particular product, you utilize it.  I know for me, that is usually the case (certain things, however, I can justify investing more if I find it will serve me more in the long run).  Anyway, i know most can agree - isn't there that one product - whatever it is, that's like your holy graille?  If you had the means to have it, or even saved your way towards it, you would?  And in doing that, that purchase would add more value to the owner?

Along the lines of what ilikekicks cited with his broad range of guitars he owns and how much he's invested in them.  Part of it serves a purpose, and I would also think, part serves that fulfillment of having that premium guitar.  And to that logic, for me, is much like how I look at a home audio system.  For the money (at the time), I found great sound reproduction in a Polk Audio speaker setup for $2000.  At the same time, I would love to have a Martin Logan speaker set up that's at least 3x what I spent.

nerol69, I have 2 pairs of Louboutins myself.  To me, absolute thrill to wear.  At the same time, only worn on rare occasion.  I hope you do get to own a pair of Choos or Louboutins that you would enjoy wearing (or even just to have).

I agree with keeping in touch with her.  Even though you haven't really spoke about your interests in her outfits, she has certainly been supportive of you in wearing heels, and now even giving you a few of her outfits.  If anything, to maintain that line of friendship.  Don't let that one go.  Who knows, maybe down the line you can have that open conversation of wearing women's outfits with her.

I see this one every so often looking at classified ads (i.e, Craigslist) for heels: When everything about the ad for heels is there - picture, description, price, location...you know, the need to knows. Everything but - THE SIZE. I don't think that's a minor detail you can't leave out.

I have 2 for my UHG... First - Louboutin Very Prive 120 in black leather with the red peep toe Second - Louboutin No Prive in black leather with red peep toe (I couldn't attach pictures I found, but they're of similar styling. only differing in that the No Prive is a slingback; Very Prive is a closed heel)

If you include all the different variations of Christian Louboutin's Daffodiles, I have 6 pairs of them.

And I'm sure I'm not done yet.

Wow! Hopefully I can do the same with Louboutin Very Prive 120s...just have to get that first one out of the way.

As far as duplicates of my favorite heels?

- 4 pairs Nine West (Kimberly) ankle strap sandals (black, brown & 2 red, half size different)

- 2 pairs BP (Butterfly) slide sandals (black suede, white leather)

- 3 pairs MICHAEL Michael Kors (Eleni) ankle strap sandals (black, dark dune, white)

If a lady asked me to try on my heels, I wouldn't have any problem with it. Now, depending on how much of a rapport we have determines what she'll get to wear of mine. And, it would be cool to be able to wear her heels as well.

Lately been wanting to get a pair of knee high boots, so I finally got a pair. Needless to say, got me excited wearing them.

To me, I would say yes, on the mere fact that the shoe still raises your heel 4" off the ground. The 2" platform just reduces the stretch/angle of your foot.

Oh, man. You should have gone over to the bank and got a shoe loan as fast as you could! I'm afraid you're right - when you are ready for them, you won't find them again. Always strike when the iron is hot, even if you have to borrow some cash to do it! Opportunity is easily lost...or adjust your priorities and give out lumps of coal. BWAHAHAHA!

Steve

Yes, lost opportunity there. I went back the day after out of sheer curiosity. One of the 2 pairs were still there, but the bigger of the 2. I tried those on again, but the sling kept slipping off my heel. My foot did rest well in the footbed, but that half size does make a difference. If it was a closed heel, it wouldn't have mattered. My way of telling myself it wasn't that bad - that wasn't my first choice to get for my next Louboutin.

By the way, what was the price they marked?

The original price for the No Prive is $845. The sale price was marked at $552

I've been eyeing lately a pair of Louboutin Very Prive in black leather with the red toe, or even the No Prive in black leather. Just for kicks I walked into the Last Call - Neiman Marcus store just to see what they had, and they had 2 pairs of the Louboutin No Prive in black leather AND in my size range. Miracuously, even during this holiday season, the settee area in the woman's shoe section was empty. So I plopped down, took my sneaker and sock off, then slid my pantyhosed encased foot into the bigger of the 2. They fit but slightly loose. Then I tried the other pair. Fit like a glove. Took me a while to ponder if I should get them now...alas, having to prioritze my shopping for the ones on my list is first, I had to pass. Knowing me, when I'm ready for them, it will be gone.

Here are some pics of the 2nd pair I bought. These are very classic looking Nine West Flax pumps. (yeah, Nine West is my favorite brand ) The heels are just slightly under 4" measured (3.5" listed). These are only a size 10 (half size smaller than the ones above). There is a small gap at the heel, but this will likely close in time. They feel like a very good fit, otherwise.

The only drawbacks are minimal arch support (I have very high arches as might be evident from the pics) and, after wearing 5" platforms and my 4.5" wedges (not yet uploaded here), 4" feels like flats!

Nice heels. I have quite a few of Nine West heels as well.

Did your friend know they were ladies boots? I was actually looking for a pair of riding boots as well...along with some knee high stiletto boots.

I'd say that I've experienced that in one form or another.

Over the summer, I saw a pair of Michael Kors stiletto sandals that I've been eyeing to get. As the summer season was ending, the heels went on sale. Once I ordered them, received them, and tried them on for the first time, yeah - got excited. So, it was also the anticipation.

http://www.hhplace.org/topic/7858-who-has-bought-some-new-shoes/page__st__4740

(post #4752)

Two and counting!

Hello again friends, its been a while since my last post, several months actually but to tell you the truth I couldn't top that last pair, till now. The official count is now two as I just secured at a steal of a price another pair of Christian Louboutin, Ron Ron 100s in the richest black patent known to man. Absolute perfection in the style and cut with the nice addition of new sizing. It can be difficult to determine a consistent fit from style to style along with the tendency for the shoes to run small, but it seems that this latest release of the Ron Ron is very true to size. As usual, the shoe features a beautiful plunging vamp for the all important toe cleavage, ultra feminine round toe box and towering but manageable 4.25" heel height. The contrast of the red sole against the black patent is hypnotic and alluring. I'm curious if Mr Louboutin realizes that along with the millions of female followers he has, there are many male customers who eagerly seek out and wear his masterpieces. Thanks for allowing me to share and as always, feel free to ask any questions!

Awesome! I'm actually pricing out pair #3 of CL...maybe even considering selling/trading a pair.

I like 1" platforms with a stiletto heel, no thick clunky heels for me! Any higher than a 1" platform and my interest drops as the platform gets higher.

When it comes to having a platform, I agree with Pumped, except my threshold for a platform is .5"

So based on the question posted, I say 4" pumps - stiletto & single-soled.

ilikekicks, The Guess pumps you bought with the bow gets my nod, more for the classic pump shape and design.

I'll wear pantyhose with heels; with sandals it depends on the style. I haven't tried the male version of pantyhose. At the same time, for me, I prefer the sheer to waist or tanga style, non-control top styles of hosiery (sheers or opaques). Suspender hosiery is nice as well. I also don't mind spending a little more for hosiery.

Minor update...The black Nine West (Hotlist) sandals I bought a couple of weeks ago I returned. At the time, it was a nice alternative for a pair I really wanted to get. Then, I finally bit the bullet and bought two pairs of sandals I had my eye on throughout the summer. That being said, I received these late last week (ordered online). It's from Michael Kors 'Michael' line. Style name is Eleni in black and dark dune. 4.25" heel w/.75" platform. Granted, I'm not big on platform styles, but it's subtle enough to not take away from the style of the shoe. I also could've gone a half size bigger, but they're comfortable...just made my feet look small. The biggest styling cue for me is the stitching detail.

I don't like wedges and chunky platforms much anymore. A think stilletos and skinny chunky heels are sexy.

YES!

I have been so turned off by the outrageous platform heights on otherwise classic style heels/boots/sandals. I do appreciate a slim platform (.5" max) as it compliments the lines of the shoe and (stiletto) heel (as I just received a couple pairs of sandals w/a .5" platform. Pics to come soon). For me, the minimum platform also applies to wedges.

For me, it's time to bring the single-soled heels back in the forefront of the current heel fashion.

Just bought these amazing Pepe Jimenez white patent pumps from classicpumps.com - just arrived today! They are the "Rossi" model with a 3.5" heel

They are just as I said... AMAZING. The toe cleavage, the soft leather, the 80s style... everything on them is incredible... I waited so long to find a pair like this and have the opportunity to slip them on... well, they are now ALL MINE!

For any heel lover and for those that don't have a fortune to spend on a Louboutin, these are the dream heels for sure...

I have always liked the heels from classicpumps.com

I remember this was one of the first websites I saw online that sold the classic style pumps...wow, that was more than 10 years ago now. But I've always admired the classic style of pumps. Nice choice!

These are some of my latest addittions. I've bought quite a few pairs.

The black patent peep toe with the red accent is catching my eye.

I've owned a pair of Nike Shox, as well as Adidas Bounce shoes. The running shoe lines in particular, tend to have a little more lift for the cushioning aspect. So, I'd agree with the 1" lift.

There is no reason to be afraid to try women's shoes in the store.

Do it a few times and you will soon realize it is no big deal and quite a lot of fun too !

The sales girl already know these shoes are for you.

Try to deal with a younger sales girl. They are usually more open minded.

A sale is a sale. They are only shoes after all !

Sage advice. I have said that to myself, especially after hearing of other guys being able to try on heels in-store. I know it's a hurdle for me to jump, and I do know I'm right there. But yes, once you break your 'trying on shoes in store' cherry, then now you know that it's possible.

I have felt that way when I bought my first pair of heels in store and my first pair of hosiery. In both instances, it did take me a lot of looking before I made the dive. I know at this point I am curious to experience trying on heels in store.

What I've noticed with the platform trend over the last few years now - seems to me with a platform greater than 1", add that with a steeper heel height, it tends to make the length of the foot (footprint) smaller. If that is part of the allure of the platform, to visually make the foot length look shorter, then that is a successful illusion. Personally, since I have a smaller (and a little wider) foot already, I prefer to wear heels that give more length to my foot. This is why I favor the single-sole heel (no platform), along with the classic pump lines. This goes the same with open toe/peep toe/strappy sandal styles.

I'm sure they suspected you were buying for yourself. Lots of guys do it, so you're not the only one in the world. Perhaps they were just having fun with your insecurity? Or maybe they were too busy or just not interested enough to be bothered fitting a guy's foot, pantyhose or not. Whatever, next time stand your ground and ask to try them on. If the women are smart they'll of course let you do that. If they say no (which I can't imagine), then get up and leave and when you get home, post a really nasty post on their web site. You'll not only get a polite apology, you'll probably get a coupon to save money next time. Customers all deserve to be treated well.

Steve

I was the only customer in the store at the time. Like I said, the lady who was helping me was cool; it was the other lady who was in & out who (by impression) seemed to have a chip on her shoulder. I'm sure, especially of the location of the store, they have seen their fair share of guys buy heels for themselves. Even I knew that going into the whole situation. I pure & simply balked.

Those louboutins are beautiful! Were you going to post some photos of you modeling them? What is the size and how did you decide on your CL size since they may run somewhat small? Decolette 868 100 is actually on my wish list so I may be interested. Thanks for posting!

I suppose eventually I can take some pictures wearing them. Just a little difficult to do that given my living situation.

For Euro sizing, I usually take a 38 (Aldo) since they only run full sizes; the 39 is a little big for me. The Decoltissimo 100 (currently in my avatar) are 38 and fit like a glove, though I could've gone 38.5 in these.

The Decolette 868 100 are 38.5. I decided to go for these since the price was reasonable, and shot on blind faith that I can work with the size. They are a little loose, but still stay on my foot when walking. So I would say I'll take Louboutins in either a 38 or 38.5 (yeah...I fall within the average for a lady's size foot)