HappyFeat

Recently, I have had the good fortune to lose some weight. The weight loss is significant enough that I have moved from a size 16 to a size 14, and may even be approaching a 12. Now that I am a pretty solid 14, my options for jeans has really opened up since most designers seem to stop making clothes at a 14, well at least the ones I like. Here are five of the new jeans that I have bought recently...all on sale and for very nice prices. #1 - Tommy Hilfiger Hope Boot Cut Jeans. Bought them at Macy's for $8. #2 - Tommy Hilfiger Spirit Skinny Jeans. Macy's for $12. #3 - JCrew Vintage Matchstick Jeans. JCrew retail store for $20. #4 - Banana Republic Straight Leg Jeans in light rinse. BR retail store for $20. #5 - Banana Republic Straight Leg Jeans in dark rinse. BR retail store for $15. The last three are all distressed jeans. I had only ever owned one pair of distressed jeans before these. Also, I some of these are the first straight leg women's jeans I have bought. Though I have some skinny jeans that I posted, most of mine are boot cut or even flare. I just love the selection and diversity of women's jeans and I think they look great with heels. The shoes in the picture are Bandolino "Riana" wine peep toe pumps, maybe my favorite pair of shoes of all time.

Well, I know that I am setting my self up here for some ribbing from Jeff as well, but my TV is a flat screen CRT with a built in VCR. Yes, I said it, not a DVD, but a VCR. I am still the electronic king of the 20th century...lol So, Jeff while you are heeling around Best Buy, do some scouting for me...

I just had a wonderful experience shopping for heels at what has been for me the unlikeliest of places - Macy's. Recently, I bought a royal blue miniskirt. I wanted a pair of shoes, preferably sandals, with a lower heel to wear with it. The heel I am looking for is less than three inches, but a I really didn't want a flat. Almost all of my lower heeled shoes are either brown or black, and since it is a GREAT color I wanted some shoes that were an equally great color. I found a great pair of yellow Bandolino peep-toe pumps on the clearance rack that were a must have. Of course I tried it on at the self-serve rack and they fit great. But I wanted to explore my possibilities. I went to the counter to ask for the mate and described what I was looking for to the clerk, an older woman who was also helping a couple of other customers. She looked up some shoes on her little hand held computer thingy and brought me out about six pair to try. While I was browsing, she set them next to a chair, pulled out all of the paper and packaging for the right shoes and pointed me in the direction. As I tried she came back and checked on me, even making positive comments, etc. Though I didn't buy any of the suggestions, she made my experience truly outstanding. Of course, I went on the Macy's Web site and gave her glowing feedback. I regularly try on shoes at Nine West, Aldo, Baker's, Bandolino etc. but this was by far the best experience I ever had at Macy's. Its very nice when you can still be surprised.

In my opinion, it is true. I mean, why wear peep toes if you aren't showing them off? Toes that is. I'm wearing one right now as a matter of fact here in work typing this to you. I'm bare always, well, most of the time anyways. Especially now that it's in the 90's outside, I don't want any stuffiness to get in the way of my comfort.

Great way to put it Karen! I agree with Bubba's posting in another thread if there IS a rule...bare in the summer, nylons ONLY in the winter, and only if hosiery would complete the overall look. However, I do know many places require hosiery year round. Keep the toes free in peeps when it is very nice outside.

I would also go as far to say that a pedicure is also a necessity for peep toe shoes. A little color just adds the right pop to the look. Naked can be OK, if done right, but a little polish goes a long way.

All of this begs a question from me...has anybody tried the toeless nylons? Two things I have wondered...are they comfortable and why do they exist? Just something I have been wondering.

Yea, that would actually put an end to heeling (as well as other things...), no matter how much I like doing it

This just happened to me recently and it was quite a strange experience. My wife and I went out last Saturday night to see Sex and the City 2. She picked out a pair of very strappy, very naked, red Nine West sandals for me to wear to the movie. Before the movie, we went out to dinner at a fairly upscale seafood place. While we were eating, this couple came in - the woman was dressed very nice, skirt, yellow peep toes, etc. The guy was wearing jeans and a golf shirt, a bit too casual in my opinion. He could see my shoes under the table and kept staring, trying to get his dates attention...I wasn't sure if he was amused, shocked, or frankly trying to be flirtatious. Anyway, he was bugging me and wouldn't let up, no matter how I tried to ignore him. Once I acknowlegde such people, they often look away and let it go. But when I nodded in his direction, he just kept at it. He was way to into my shoes for comfort.

Stockings with peep-toes in the winter. No stockings in the summer.

Perfectly put Bubba!

I would also say that only wear peep toes if your toes are done as well. I don't like the look of peep toes shoes with "naked" nails.

Absolutely.

Hey Jeff! Fantastic outfit for the weather we have been having. When I wore my khaki skirt out the other day I had more than one person tell me how "summery" I looked. You looked summery as well. As for the HD 3-D TV, I still haven't got a flat panel. As with everything, the prices will fall - eventually. But it is sure nice to dream, isn't it? Great outing and nice outfit - yet again.

Fantastic experience for you! As a size 14 (working on becoming a 12) I would love nothing more than to make a 10! Also, I am a bit jealous that you were making a trip to the south of France. Trips in the western of Pennsylvania don't seem to be that interesting.

I think its great that you have shared your love of heels with somebody. It is a great feeling, isn't it? However, the way you did it was guarded at best, and slightly misleading worst. Since it was the first time you shared this with someone else it is completely understandable. I have found the only way to share the love of being a guy who like to wear heels is be direct or wear them in another presence. It is kind of akin to wearing them on Halloween or at a costume party. People assume its just done on a lark and not something you really, really like. If you want to share your love of heels with somebody, my advice is to wear them in their presence. Let them know that its something that is important to you. As others have offered, do so with confidence and power. If she accepts it fantastic, but she may not. Either way, the opinions of others are not really that important in the end. Good luck! I for one am looking forward to what happens next.

I finally had some time to read through your thread and color me impressed. I used to go out to clubs a lot while wearing heels, skirts, and even a dress from time to time. Your experinces seem to make most of mine look down right tame. What I get from reading your posts is that not only does your confidence just ooze from you, you also have a lot of fun. In my opinion, fun is what it is all about. Also, from my experiences, nights out can be very hit or miss. Some nights are fantastic while others can be pretty strange. But if you are having fun, its what its all about. Also, one of the things that your postings remind me of, is that when out dressed in our freestyle garb, people never seem to understand that it is us who is observing them. They might be taken aback by what you are wearing, but we are the ones who really get to see human nature at work. And, I have found that there is no better conversation starter with a woman than wearing a great pair of shoes! I love reading your posts and look forward to the next round. It is Friday after all.

Great adventures! I do enjoy reading about your experiences and your thoughts. The look with the leather pants and boots is quite nice and the people at work sound like a little sewing circle. Its one of the reasons that I work over an hours drive from where I live. Not just because of heeling, but because of all of the petty gossip that goes on. Recently, I have been doing more heeling with my wife. In fact, we went to see Sex and the City 2 as well, and I wore 3 inch red strappy sandals. My wife actually picked out my outfit for me and chose the sandals because I recently gout a fresh French pedicure. Isn't it great to have somebody to share the adventure with!

It seems to me that you have no choice to wear heels to the dentist's office on your next visit. I have found that once people have seen me in heels in various places they *expect* in the future. Also, in my opinion, when people ask you if you are gay, its simply a reflex reaction, simply trying to categorize you in terms they understand. Personally, I don't find that reaction offensive as much as I do personal. When you just meet somebody, asking if they are gay is like asking them who they vote for or if they have a secret bank account. Simply put my, its just a rude question. As for her saying she would love to see you in a club dressed like that, don't believe it. When I have interacted with women then saw them out later, once the curriosity has passed they often (with their group of friends) just blow you off anyway. My advice is to enjoy your outings and NEVER read too much into them.

Dave, I have been following this thread, but haven't had much time to compose a reply, but wanted to tell you that I am both sorry and glad for you- sorry that a relationship ended poorly but glad that you took the initiative and did the right thing. It seemed to me that there were other reasons other than heels that were coming to light anyway. Being upfront and honest is the best way to be. And, take it from me, it will work out for you eventually. Gender is such an odd thing. I have never been a guy who was into the macho BS that Max was talking about, in fact I have always found it t o be a big turn off. Throughout my life, I have been happy to see that women have options in their lives that they didn't have before, however the same courtesy hasn't been paid to men. I know dozens of women who embrace traditional male hobbies such as hunting, fishing, golf, etc. but if you are a guy who is into fashion, decorating, etc. it still somehow makes you less of a man. Recently, I found out that I am going to be the father of a daughter. Somebody told me to be sure that she is raised knowing that she can do anything a boy can do. Of course I would do that. However, I don't think that anybody would have told be the opposite had my child been a son. It would have never even come up. Its like when I went back to school to get my degree in library science. I had worked in libraries and had been one of a handful of men, but never really noticed. When I got to school, I found out that less than 10% of professional librarians are male. Does that make me less of a man. We talk a lot about security and confidence on this site. Usually this has to do with us - as guys who enjoy exploring alternative fashion. However, the women in our lives have to be confident and non-traditional as well. A woman who would react in a way that would see our desire to wear heels as anything more than wearing any shoes is not going to be accepting, tolerant - let alone supportive. When the fear of being with somebody as "less than a man" comes into the equation, all is lost. However, I can say with absolute certainty that there are women who don't place the worth of a man based solely on their choice of footwear. The trick is to find them. Besides, you have GREAT shoes and MUST have somebody who appreciates that. Your collection needs to go on dates...Good luck!

Thanks for the great story! I haven't shopped at Payless for years, but used to a lot. I too have found the clerks to be friendly and quite helpful. Correct me if I am wrong, a few years back Payless "rebranded" a bit and do seem to be more stylish, etc. However, the few times I have browsed the store, I found that I could get higher quality shoes for just a little more cost. Since they do carry extended sizes, I still understand the appeal of Payless, but for shoes size 11 and under, I can usually find better shoes for about $10 more at many other stores.

SQ, I love the look! Pink pointy pumps are fantastic with the black trousers and classic. I know pink isn't for everybody, but in my opinion, they are a great option for those who don't have an issue with them.

Thanks for all of the words of congratulations! It is a pretty exciting time for me (as well as stressful) and the changes are huge. But I have always lived life as an experience, without preconceived notions, and am really enjoying the way my life is heading. It is really nice to share these things with everybody here. Though I have never met the vast majority of people here, I do think of the members here as friends. Again, thanks to everybody.

Greetings Happyfeat :-)

BTW, no need to cut your head anymore: Yo will save time editing your pictures !

The only reason that I cut my head out of the pictures is to save time TAKING the pictures. I usually have some stupid, deer-in-headlights expression on my face and I would have to do three times as many shots to get the "money shot." For me, its just one less ting to worry about. If somebody else takes the picture, I will likely include my face, etc.

I am looking at ballet flats for a long time now but never bought a pair.

Can you tell me why they cut your feet ? Is it because they were too small ?

Your opinion on this will help me choose the right pair...

BTW, it's hard to explain why you got more stares wearing flats than heels !

I think the flats cut my feet because they were too small in the heel actually. I have very narrow feet, especially in the heel and they were just a bit loose. I need to wear them with socks to get them broken in a bit and they will be fine.

Glad to have you back with your outings and pictures, HappyFeat. I see from your recent post that you took a day trip up to Niagara Falls. Now your in my neck of the woods. Did you go to the Fashion Outlet Mall when you were in Niagara Falls, I go there to shop occassionally. There are some good stores there to shop in.

Keep on posting, I enjoy reading your posts and viewing your pictures.

Actually, we didn't make it to the Fashion Outlets, though we did drive by it and discussed going back, but never made it. As I am typing this, I have the brochure on my desk next to the computer. We did go to Grove City, PA, which is about 60 miles north of Pittsburgh on the way to the falls however. I think we will make a trip to the Falls again in the fall, so we will definitely take in the Fashion Outlets then.

Like your pics, especially the ones with you wearing the black strappy sandals. They look great and are very sexy.

Thanks for the comment! In my next round of postings I had an outing in the red version of the same sandals, so look for that next week.

I like the outfit in the first photo the best, something to wear while going to the yacht club.

Yea, I don't know what it is, but I do have a thing for white pants, especially jeans. I does give a bit of a "Gilligan's Island" thing or Ted Knight of "Caddyshack" but I do love the look. I think I may have six pairs of white jeans total so it will be something that I post a lot in the summer.

HF, I apologize for having missed your announcement but belated congratulations to you. My question is which one is it, the shopping friend, the barista, or the lady from the club, or none of the above?

Actually, the answer is none of the above. The shopping friend, was an experiment to see if anybody out there would want to hang out with a guy in heels, and as it turned out I did meet a very cool person and made a new friend. The girl at the club was just a chance encounter and I may have taken her up on her offer to go shopping if I wasn't about to get married. The barista is just a girl that I talk to about greaduate school and other things. All interactions were (and are) strictly platonic.

This leads me to another interesting change in my attitude. I really have always enjoined going out and interacting with people. I am a horrible flirt, and even more so when I am out in heels. Until I decided to "settle down" I would have put a lot of pressure on myself to "close the deal" but now I just go out, interact and enjoy. Also, my wife and I go out while I am wearing heels which is also cool. I have always had a lot of people I see over and over on my outings, many of which are cool and we become good acquaintances, and talk a lot. So even though I am married, I am not dead, and will continue to interact with people, get to know them and enjoy their company.

As I have mentioned above, I have had several new outings. However I have not been able to get photographs since I have contractors installing my hardwood floor on the second story. When I get the pictures taken, I will post my latest happenings.

In my opinion, height is dependent on what you are wearing the shoes with. Style is the key. That being said, wear as tall of shoes as you want.

Fear of ridicule or thought of as being deviate or perverted.

I have come to realize that no matter what anybody does, there is a high probability of being ridicule. Regardless of its political views, religion, how you wear your hair, even what team you root for. A friend of mine once got the snot beaten out of him for wearing an Oakland Raiders jersey to a Philadelphia-Washington game! Basically, society can be very mean, petty, and immature and people need to just take that as a fact. It may be a negative attitude, but the opinions of others should be of little matter. I think it takes some people longer to come to that, or they may never come to it.

As far as being deviant, yes, wearing men crossing gender boundaries in their dress would be classified as deviant by sociologists. However, so was the idea that people should be able to eat together if they were of a different race or the idea of worshiping a single god. Not that wearing heels is the same thing, but there was a time when a man couldn't have long hair, wear earnings, sandals, or anything other than a gray flannel suit and wingtips.

As far as being perverted, I know a lot of people (and there are MANY examples in pop culture) of people who dress and act quite normally who are into some really weird s**t...

All that being said, I do agree with your statement, I just wish people (all of the world) would just RELAX and have a little fun. Kneehighs is the master of that and we all learn a little from him in every post.

This is so true. Over the months of my belonging to this forum, there have been so many members whose minds have been eased by realizing that that they are not alone in their desire to wear various items of feminine apparel. The fact that hhplace provides an outlet for discussing these desires and providing (very real) information about men in heels, etc., has shown that we are not deviants, perverts, or unmanly.

There also has been more than a few female members that have come to realize that just because a men likes to wears heels doesn't make him any less of a man.

And, since the number of "guest viewers" noted at any given time, always exceeds the number of members viewing, we'll never really know how many people have actually been effected by our comments, ideas, explanations and answers, that we've posted here.

I guess what I love about this forum is summed up quite nicely here. I am amazed at how "normal" the discussions are. Though I am not mean to judge, this is one of the few places where these discussions can happen without being pulled into fetishes, etc. That's the real trick in mainstreaming guys fashion freedom, take the darker stuff away and it gives us inspiration to make our own way.

I for one have never thought that there was anything wrong with men wearing heels. As a guy who has close more than a few deals in his lifetime while wearing heels, I am convinced that I would have never been able to do it otherwise unless I WAS wearing heels. Not for the "peacocking" aspect, or the fact that the heels looked GREAT, but it was because I was out there being who I am. My first inclination is that when something is so out of the ordinary people make fun of it, that's where I want to be. I just tend to go against the herd in many of my decisions. I do think however, many guys do think there is something wrong with guys wearing heels and they act accordingly, and eventually come to either acceptance or just hide it. This forum is great because where else can a guy get ANY advice about incorporating heels into the wardrobe, fashion tips, and example of what guys do while wearing heels. One of the things I have always found comfort in is that this forum is simply made up of what seem to be normal people who can offer suggestions and actually carry on a conversation. Its is a pretty cool place...

Nah...just chalk it up to post-adolescent group think. There is nothing worse than a pack of teens in any situation...they know everything and are just way too cool...Way to handle a really stupid situation!

Now happyfeat i am becoming increasingly concerned with your level of posting & think that you will have to get those fingers punching on that key board a bit more cheers malinheels

Ask and yea shall receive! Here is a sampling of some of my recent adventures:

Monday May 17, 2010 - This summer, in addition to many of my other activities, I have decided to take a tour of several Pittsburgh area shopping centers. This day I started with the Homestead Waterfront area, which is a middle of the road development trying to be upscale. I wore my black sued blazer, gray sateen Geoffrey Bean shirt, white Limited 917 boot cut jeans and black Nine West "Gillman" slingback pumps.

I visited Macy's, where I browsed the 85% off rack for jeans, finding a cute pair of Tommy Hillfiger jeans for $7. After spending nearly an hour browsing the rest of the store and drawing some attention, I passed a young clerk in the juniors section who got a good look at my shoes and did a major double-take. Of course I couldn't let that go, so I went to her register to check out. She never said a word and of course I didn't either, but I could tell her reaction was somewhere between shock and amusement. Afterward I went to the makeup counter, still having the goal of having a salesperson apply makeup on me. I chatted about some of the bonus packs and the clerk told me that I should come back for a free gift in June. I will likely do that.

After Macy's I went to Lane Bryant and looked around. This store isn't terribly friendly, but it is huge. Since I have lost some weight, I am heading out of their demographic, but I an still wear their dresses. I found one that had a nice cut, but a very graphic pattern - it fit nice but was a bit too loud. I have attached a picture of me wearing it. (I love my new iPhone!)

Next I went to Ann Taylor Loft, where I find the staff quite freindly, though they only have one area of fitting rooms, and it is often difficult to try things on. Well, it didn't matter much because their sale items were still a bit more than I wanted to pay, though I did get a couple pair of black leggings for $5 each. The clerk when I was checking out was very nice and chatted me up like I was any other customer...which i found wonderful since I was only spending $10.

Heading back to my car, I passed Ulta, which is kind of like a hair salon and a beauty supply store all rolled into one. I saw a makeup kit for $20 and inquired about it. It had been misspriced and was actually $60. The clerk asked if I knew my colors and I said no. She took me to the high chair right in the window and started applying foundation to me. It was very fun. Though I didn't buy anything, she told me I looked fantastic.

Next, I went to Marshall's and TJMaxx to look at the shoes and found nothing that I liked. A quick stroll around DSW also came up empty. All in all, the experience shopping at the Waterfront is fairly limited but I did have some fun. I would rate it a B.

Thursday May 20, 2010 - The wife and I decided to take a day trip to Niagara Falls. She had a couple days off and it was going to be a very nice day. Though I didn't wear heels for touring the Falls, I did wear a pair of new ballet flats she picked out for me. I wore a yellow seersucker shirt, white JCrew matchstick jeans with my pewter flats. I kind of thought the outfit was inspired by HeelD when I looked at it. Just a word to any guys who think that only heels attract attention...I got many more looks from people in my flats than I ever did in my heels. I know they were pretty obvious, but they still are flats. And I cut my feet pretty ban in them as well. I have posted a full picture, including my head this time. When somebody else takes the picture I don't get that stupefied look that always seems to show up in timer fired pics. How I envy you JeffB!

Monday May 24, 2010 - Another shopping outing. This time to the Galleria of Mount Lebanon, just south of Pittsburgh. I wore sandals, black Nine West "Tomcat" sandals, Limited 917 jeans, a black patterned Claiborne rayon shirt and a khaki linen jacket. I wore the sandals for three reasons: 1) Had to show off the new pedicure 2) it was finally warm here 3) the back of my heels were still cut pretty bad from the ballet flats. I threw on a toe ring for good measure.

The Galleria is a small indoor mall with a few stores and mainly restaurants. The stores tend to cater to an upscale, yet more mature crowd. I never seem to have much luck there. I visited Ann Taylor, Talbots, Chicos, and Cache. All of the clerks were well into and many over their 50's and were friendly but distant. I didn't find anything of interest but browsed each for about 15 minutes. Though the center is fairly close to my home, it is not a good heeling venue. I would rate it a D.

Tuesday May 25, 2010 - Back into a skirt for the first time in months! I finished doing some work to my attic (how many coats of drywall mud can a room take!) took a shower and shaved my legs. The weather was beautiful and I just had to go out. I went to the Outlets at the Meadows first, where I have shopped since they opened. I buy many of my shoes there as well as a few other things and have usually been comfortable there while wearing a skirt.

I went with a "Preppy" look, blue and pink oxford dress shirt, khaki knee length skirt, and blue Bandolino "Sneakpeek" pumps with a moderate heel. My first stop was Nine West. I tried on a few pair of sandals, finding one pair that I adored. I didn't buy today, but I may very soon. As I scoured the store for size 11s, the other customers, who usually either ignore me or are engaging were a bit standoffish in my presence. The clerk, whom I have talked to on many occasions spent most of the time in the store talking to and playing with a customers baby. Of course she did talk to me and was glad to see me.

Afterward I went to Lane Bryant which is becoming awful. I couldn't find any dresses that I liked, and their prices otherwise are very high. Jones New York had nothing and the clerk in the Kasper store wouldn't even look at me. The manager of that store, when she is in is always very helpful and will let me try things on, make recommendations, and has even "zipped me up" in the past. My last stop at the outlets this day was at the Lancome outlet. The manager there has sold me lipstick and she helped me pick out a sale bad with some additional cosmetic items. She is also redoing her home and told me that her partner approaches decorating "like a man." So, I found it interesting that she came out to me. I am not sure what it means, but it was an interesting experience none the less. Though this day was not typical, I have found these outlets to be very accepting of me when I am out and about in heels...or a skirt for that matter. I would rate them a B+, but today was more like a C-.

I have attached the pictures from my outings...Its good to post again!

I have been blessed with a partner who loves the fact that I wear heels. Recently, we went shopping for shoes during a buy one get two free at an outlet. In fact we went to two different stores to get the deal twice. I wound up with four pair to her two pair...all through her encouragement. I have worn heels in public with the many times and she truly likes the look. Even as exciting as that is, what is really fantastic is that she just accepts me for who I am and what I like. There isn't much more that a guy could ask for.

I found a pair of pink heels today at a resale shop that I couldn't resist! Suede peep toe d'Orssays from Colin Stuart is a size 12, and never worn at that. Couldn't pass them up for $10 and yes, I will wear them. Sorry about the poor quality photo, but it will give some idea of what they look like...