Tosca

Hi, I'm representing myself as male. As I'm 6'1" in bare feet, I probably wouldn't make for a convincing woman anyway, though I'm a slim, reasonably fit, 48 year old. And anyway, I don't want to confuse people, I just want those around me to accept that rules, if that's what they are, need not be adhered to, and can be broken or disregarded. And nothing bad happens when you do! I'm just a guy who loves wearing styles of clothes, shoes, occasionally a bit of make-up (usually just concealer under the eyes, and a bit of mascara to define the upper lid, and natural-colour lipstick for the moisturing), the sort of thing which I accept most people I come into contact with would associate with women rather than men. When colleagues have asked me why, I usually just shrug 'why not, it's just stuff I like to do', why make the distinction?' I guess I'm just disinclined to go along with gendered uniformity when there's no reason to. I'll often wear a skirt, though usually nothing 'girly'; denim or corduroy, either ankle or knee length, depending on the weather. Mostly people don't seem to notice, or to care that much. I get my share of stupid comments if I'm out in the city shopping in a skirt, but to be honest it doesn't happen often enough to put me off doing it. And I've never been threatened on the street. I like to think people will just see an ordinary guy wearing a skirt and/or a pair of heels and think 'It's different, maybe unorthadox, but hey, it's his thing, it just ain't mine'. Everyone at work is totally cool about my heeling and skirting. As long as my work is good, it's fine. And I'm good at my job. Interestingly since I'm in an academic library with students from all over the world, lot's of different cultures with different values, I've never had an adverse reaction over the 3 years that I've been open about my free-styling. A few curious looks, the odd snigger, mostly from Brits, and some compliments, but nothing negative, and no complaints, formal or informal. I'm not unusual. I'm just differently usual! All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, I've just arrived in my workplace for the day. Starting at 1.00pm and on until 9.00 tonight. Yuk! I'm wearing 3.5 inch loafers (from Tall Girls), with my grey bootflare jeans (same place). It feels great. Walking in was a non-event, so was arriving. Great fun! All best wishes. Tosca

Hi, Most of the library's public areas are carpeted with carpet tiles, particularly unattractive ones too, and as the building is new they have still provide a cushioning effect. The main staff offices are similarly floored; however entrances and hallways are hard-floored which are indeed producing a satisfying clippity-clop to accompany me everywhere I go! Halfway through the working day now, and no ill-effects at all. Really comfortable and at ease generally. There's no stopping me now. I've just ordered several pairs of shoes and boots online as a treat ('cos I deserve it!), so I'm looking forward to trying those out. Maybe tomorrow it's going to be my 3.5 inch loafers? On the evidence of this building, architects should really not be allowed to design buildings; we should find something else for them to do......? Doing the outside is fine, but leave the inside of the buildings to those who have to work in 'em! (apologies to any architects here) All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, I'm here at work on the public desk in an academic library wearing navy 3 inch chisel heel court shoes/pumps. No reaction from anyone, and I'm having a great time! No one in the back office is bothered either, neither was I troubled while walking in to work this morning. Find a place in your heads folks, and inhabit it with happiness and freedom! All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, Mikey, I seriously like those wedge loafers! Where did you get them from? Tosca

Hi all, I'm at work now, in 3 inch navy courts/pumps, and black bootflare jeans. I frequently wear heeled boots, up to 2.5 inchs, and lower heeled Mary Janes, about 1.5 inchs, at work. On the rare occasions comments are made, they are positive and complementary. I work in an academic library, so I guess it's a pretty relaxed, liberal atmosphere. Loads of people here from all over the world; I frequently wear a skirt to work too, without any negative comments. I know I'm lucky! On the tangential question of legware, I find women's jeans infinitely better fitting than any pair of men's jeans I've ever tried. I don't bother even looking at men's jeans anymore. All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, I spend enough keeping myself in heels, without taking on the responsibility for heeling the world, as it were. (sorry! Awful pun.....) All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, Great looking shoes JH, and definitely without socks. Although, if you're going to be on your feet for while, and the shoes are new-ish, I would take some knee highs with me, I think, just in case.....? Have a great time! All best wishes, Tosca.

Hi all, Do keep up...... All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, I'm contentedly single and unnattached. And I don't wear women's shoes, they all belong to me! All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, When it does get daunting, or you find yourself feeling nervous and apprehensive, just imagine there's a bunch of us right there with ya! All best wishes, Tosca

Hi, Congratulations, and thank you for posting your story. It sounds similar to some of my experiences; I still check out of the window to see how much there is going on in the street. I live on a really busy inner-ring road, so it's always busy. Your shoes sound similar to some of my my MJs. I have two pairs of Pleaser Mary Janes, with 3 inch block heels, in black patent and red patent. When worn with my grey bootflare jeans the red ones look really good. The more you do it, the more you'll want to. I regularly wear 3 inch heel boots for work these days, and all I get are compliments! All best wishes, Tosca

Hi, Welcome aboard. Where have you been doing your heel buying? All best wishes, Tosca

Hi, Good to hear you had a positive experience. All of my heel buying has been online so far, but I expect that to change soon. Partly the problem is a lack of High Street shops that sell shoes in larger sizes, over a UK9. There are some but the selection tends to be fairly limited. I really like the second pair, classical and elegant. They look really comfortable. Enjoy wearing them! All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, Welcome to heeling, and have fun. I've perused the Zappos website longingly and turned green with envy 'cos they don't ship outside the US! Us poor heels in Europe/UK feel terribly deprived! All best wishes, Tosca

Hi Magnelia, As far as I know that loafer is a Tall Girls own brand, and typically their sizes are from UK9 to UK11. The used to be known as 9 to 11, but changed their name after the events of September 2001. I can't imagine though that it's an uncommon style; I'm sure there must be manufacturers and outlets in the US? By the way, I wore them all afternoon yesterday. Very satisfying and very comfortable. Today at work in an exam-fraught academic library I'm wearing wooden clogs, 2 inch heel, nice and solid, with an ankle length dark green corduroy skirt, and a plain dark green T shirt. Not much fun walking here in the rain, but I'm enjoying being here. At the moment anyway. All best wishes, Tosca

Hi,

Sorry no, but here's a link to the pair I bought: http://www.fantasyheels.co.uk/acatalog/4_inch_mary_jane_oxford_12.html

If anyone else can insert the pic that would be helpful.

I've used this company before several times, very quick and efficient and free postage in the UK. I gather most of their shoes ('Pleaser') originate in the US, even if they are not made there, so I guess most of you across the pond will be familiar with them. I'd be interested in your thoughts about them. As a large-footed person, I'm not exactly spoilt for choice. I see some utterly gorgeous shoes in a shop or on line, only to discover that they only go up to a UK8. I can manage a 9 if it's a big 9, but more usually it's a UK10 or even an 11. The red MJs above I had to get in a UK12 (!), which I think corresponds, according to the box, to a US15. I have discovered though that Pleaser shoes are exactingly sized. I shall almost certainly be getting a few more styles from there.

At present I'm wearing a pair of plain black loafers, 3 inch heels, from here:

http://www.tallgirls.co.uk/

Style code, TU045, £39.00, described as a 'high loafer', which occasionally describes me too....., and found under, oddly, the 'school' catagory. Again if one of you clever computer folk can insert a pic, that would be terrific.

I've had to drop into work to send off a few emails, not online at home, then I need to hit the shops on the way home for necessary provisions; Pringles, red wine, bananas, et al., so it seemed like a good opportunity to try out these loafers as I intend to wear them a lot for unceremonious daywear.

So far, perfect comfort and a pleasure to walk in.

I do enjoy weekends, even when I have to work during them.......!

Nice hearing from you,

All best wishes,

Tosca

Hi all, I took delivery of a pair of red patent Mary Janes this week with a three-inch block heel, and I've been wearing them all evening at work, with bootflare jeans. This is an academic library, and it's the eve of the exam period, so it's pretty busy. I've had several compliments from people, and my co-worker loves them, she wants a pair! Fortunately I already had a pair the same in black so I knew they would fit and be comfortable. Walking around the building in them has been just great! I'm working on Sunday too, so I may well wear them again then, probably with a long skirt though rather than jeans. Much more comfortable and liberating. All best wishes, Tosca

Hi, I am aged 47, two months off 48. And yes, I and many others wear heels of various kinds in public. We like it, it's fun and it feels good! You gotta dare to be different.... All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, After a couple of years of switching between electric shavin and epilating, I'm pretty much sticking with the epilator now. Seems to be doing a reasonble job, and my legs are looking nice for the summer. I've also been using a body moisturiser with a tanning agent in it. The effect is very natural. All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, Probably my last post before finishing work for the Easter Hols, and not back at the grindstone until next Wednesday. Yippee! I'm daywalkin' in 2 inch heel boots at work today, with some alarmingly distressed bootcut jeans..... Feels good, and man, do I look cool! Happy hols everyone All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all,

I was wondering whether when we venture out in our beloved heels we usually wait until after dark, or do we not care?

Today I ventured out in bright sun on the busy streets in my new M&S Per Una bootcut jeans (£29.50 inc. leather belt) and a pair of black patent Mary Janes with a 3 inch blocky heel. Really comfortable shoes I bought about 2 months ago. As it was so warm and sunny I didn't wear any knee-highs, just bare feet. The jeans weren't long enough to conceal this. And I didn't care, and I loved not giving a toss!

I'm sure people noticed, there was a huge European rugby match on nearby, loads of people about and heavy traffic all over, I loved it, had a great time walking about in my lovely shoes.

I wandered into my workplace (academic library) to drop off some Easter eggs for the Sunday staff there; they are quite used to my freestyling attire and were very complimentary about the outfit.

Previously I had only worn these shoes after dark to a classical concert. Now I've taken these steps in broad daylight I feel truly liberated!

Wonderful feeling!

Everyone have a great holiday,

Happy heeling

Tosca

PS, these are the shoes, but in black. If you are tempted to buy a pair, go for a size bigger than your usual, the fit is very precise!

http://www.fantasyheels.co.uk/acatalog/4_inch_mary_jane_oxford_12.html

Hi all, At a modest 6'1", I have UK size 11 feet. But! I have several pairs of plain courts/pumps in a UK size 9 which fit perfectly. My boots are 11s though. It's not that easy to find a variety of heels in my size, but it's definitely getting better. There's so much variation in size between different manufacturers it's tricky to get it right, especially when most of my heel-buying is online. As a big-footed old so-and-so, my biggest bugbear is width; pointed heels I've often found ok in smaller sizes as long as the width is ok, but in round or square-toes it really is a lottery. I've spotted a pair of 4 inch heels in my local Shutopia in a UK9; I'm planning to make my first possible shop purchase (gulp!), which will mean trying them on in the shop (gulp again...). The shoes are just regular black courts/pumps with a 4 inch rounded heel, so a bit more stable than a stiletto, which is important to me. Has anyone been to this store in the UK? How have they been with guys trying on 'women's' shoes in there, and how have you found their sizing? Gotta go, boss is watching me over her monitor......oh no she's frowning.......aaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! All best wishes, Tosca

Hi all, Wheeeeeeeeeeee! I had to work yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, and with no managers around I was able to embrace my freestylin' inclinations. I wore black 3 inch heel courts/pumps all afternoon, along with a floor-skimming slightly-floaty (with godets) denim skirt. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and received several positive comments from various members of the student body. No negative responses at all, that I'm aware of. I was suffering a bit of toe pain by the end of the afternoon though. I'm also working next Sunday. Not sure about the legwear/footwear combination for then; time to ponder that over the next week. All best wishes,

Hi all, Like others, I sometimes wear socks with boots since the foot isn't seen, but I don't do so happily; I hate socks, especially men's socks, they tend to be too thick. I like opaque tights and knee-highs. I've recently bought several pairs of tights by Falke. 70 denier and in several colours with a nice sheen to them. Really comfortable to wear. As the weather warms up it's going to be sheer tights or ankle-highs, or barefoot. Incidentally, has anyone tried over-the-knee socks? They're available in lots of colours and look nice and thin. If I'm wearing sandals, then it's defininetely barefoot. All best wishes, Tosca