HappyFeat

I couldn't agree with you more kneehighs! Though it is fun for me to gauge reactions, at some point I have just become too old to worry about what other people think. The plethora of threads in this forum about gaining approval tend to reiterate the same things and it just seems to stifel way too many people. The bottom line is, if you were heels, you are different. What people think is moot and only matters what you think. Where preparation comes in mind is I tend to choose the places I go when wearing heels quite carefully. In a way, I am engaging in my own form of stereotypes, but as a human animal it is what it is. For example, I may not wear heels in a rough neighborhood or to places that I am not familiar. This is just to avoid too much hassle. However, many guys here have gone places that I would have never dreamed of. For that matter I have gone places that I would have never dreamed of not too long ago. The more confidence I have, the better I carry myself, and the better I work whatever I wear. The only outcome that any heeler should worry about is whether that did as they pleased and if they pulled off the look they want.

Its about time the legging show up! I have been waiting for quite some time and you have done a wonderful job. I absolutely LOVE the ensembles you have put together. They are bold and daring, which is a big plus with me. You are right, the first sweater may be a bit short, but if you add the right coat, you may get it to work for you yet. I have seen a few twentysomethings out with very short sweaters, but that may be a bit tough for a guy to pull off. However, I do like the belt with both looks. Finding the right sweater is tough and the one thing that has kept me from exploring leggings. I have bought a couple of pairs (and even a pair of stirrup pants) but have yet to find the sweater. The second sweater is a great length, though for me I am not so sure about the wide turtleneck, though you seem to pull it off well. Now you have got me thinking.... Great job Jeff!

I was in an Aldo store today trying on shoes, and talking to the manager. She said that I should come back because she asked to get more 39s, 40s, and 41s, (US9-11) because she said that "most of her customers have bigger feet."

Am I the only one who is getting tired of hearing about Tiger Woods? Come on, the guy is a golfer, and that's it. Well, and a corporate pitchman, or at least he used to be. Rich, famous guy cheats on his wife...where's the news in that? Why is it so important for somebody who just happens to be a great golfer to also be a decent person? And why does anybody care?

Another masterful outing Jeff! It takes a bold man to brave the weather we have been having in a skirt.

Outstanding outfit kneehighs! As always you are the fashion leader here at HHPlace. I particularly like the jacket, though I have trouble finding a women's jacket that provides a good fit. If I can find one that fits through the shoulders, it is too big in the chest. Also, I love the skinny jeans. Nobody wears them like you. Your pictures inspired me to play around a little bit. Today, I bought a charcoal gray turtleneck sweater dress that I fell in love with at The Limited. it is a bit small for me now, but in 10 pounds and some creativity, it may just work for me. I put together 5 different looks to post and will likely post a few more with some different combinations. The first attempt are not freestyle per se, but give a bit of a feel for the dress. I wore my HUE body shaper nylons in all pictures, nude then black. I tried a few different jackets and different styles of shoes, but mainly dressy heels. My next attempt will include leggings, tights, and jeans. I think this is a pretty versatile item and I hope to really see how far I can take it.

Brandy, thanks for the links. All of them were very interesting and got me searching around. I started looking for the H & M skirts for men and found this article:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/h-m-s-new-collection-features-skirts-for-men-547911/#photoViewer=1

The author seems to think that tights are not appropriate for a men's skirt. To me, this begs the question - what are guys supposed to wear with a skirt?

Here's my latest addition! When I bought the Limited 917 skinny jeans a few weeks back, I got a coupon for $25 off a $50 purchase. So, today I went back to spend my coupon. The real item I was after was a gray turtleneck sweater dress, which was $30. For the extra $20 I bought a pair of 312 boot cut jeans and a pair of ankle length trousers. I tried a pair of 917 flare jeans, but they were a bit too "low rise" if you know what I mean. They do have some detail on the pockets, but I love how they fit. In the attached picture, I have paired the 312 jeans with my Nine West red patent pumps.

Please forgive me, but I would like to congratulate vanheel on his outing and say those are fantastic boots to wear on any outing, let alone a first. I believe that was the purpose of the thread... Welcome to the forum and feel free to share your future adventures.... As for the rest of the discussion...is Godwin's Law limited to Nazis and Hitler or do rapist and child molesters kind of apply....

After reading what has been posted so far, I thought I would chime in with my two cents. Some wonderful points have been made so far (thanks for the shoutout Bubba) and I agree with much of what has been said. First of all, let's take it easy on Tech. He keeps our little zoo going, and gruff though he may be, his advice he has offered me has been valuable. Though, I may not agree entirely with his (or any other post for that matter) it is honest and I always consider it when preparing. For me, preparation takes many forms. One of the great aspects of freestyling is watching what women wear. I love women and to be able to really appreciate a well-dressed beautiful woman is just a bonus. I have learned a lot from woman of all shapes, sizes, ages...pretty much any demographic group you could think of. It reminds me of when I played sports. I had a coach who told us that we could learn from any team we played, because no matter how good or bad they were, they likely did at least one thing better than we did. My coaches also insisted that we were our uniforms well, kept them clean and fresh. We were representing a school, community or what ever, so we had to transcend just representing ourselves. As Kneehighs suggested, I also look at magazines, catalogs, fashion sections in newspapers, etc. to get ideas on what I would like to try. This goes for both "men's" and "women's" items. I tend to be a sharp dresser (at least by my community standards) all the time. I take pride in my appearance and always want to put forth an image that is on par with my personality. I also prepare by doing quite a bit of shopping. I don't always buy (I know that comes as a shock to many of you) but I do like to see what is out there and try it on for fit. I have been pleasantly surprised about how many options there are for fashion. Usually, my preparation is done well in advance of an outing. I know what I have in my wardrobe, and build my outfits in my head before I start dressing. Of course, there are times when I change my mind, try other things, etc. but usually I know what I want to wear well in advance. I also try to vary what I wear based on where I am going. If I go to the same places a lot, I try to wear different outfits. This takes a bit of planning as well. Another thing that I do is simply do what I want. I know that I don't always have the right body for the look i want to achieve, but I still try to give it a shot. If I want to wear a dress, I do it because I want to. In the end, it may not be a "perfect" look but I don't think I have ever been too far off. For me, freestyling is about risk taking and sometimes I don't get it quite right. Finally, I love posting pictures of the outfits that I wear. The feedback is invaluable, and no, I don't always look for simple praise. Of course, I don't look for simple criticisms either. Solid constructive feedback is very nice to receive and from time to time I find it here. I consider this part of my preparation as well since evaluating what I have done in the past helps me prepare for the future. Fashion has become such a huge hobby for me in the recent years thanks to freestyling. Before I joined this forum, I did plan outfits but it seldom went beyond wearing heels with my traditional wardrobe. I always liked to try new things and be a bit out of the mainstream, but now I have discovered so many options that I see no limits in what I may try. The bottom line is that it should be fun and planning a fun outfit and a fun outing is really what preparation is about for me.

Though I love wearing a skirt, variety is the spice of life!

Epic

Fantastic experiences! You have really done some pretty cool heeling recently and should be proud.

2009 was a fantastic year for heeling for me. I got out more times that I could have imagined, pushed the envelope with my outfits - girl jeans, skirts, dresses - and my shoes - boots, sandals, open toes. Some worked, some didn't. I met some wonderful people while heeling who were accepting and open. I couldn't have imagined a better year than 2009 if I tried.

I think I bought about 20 pair this year. However, I sold 50 pair, so I am rebuilding my collection. At least until its time for another sale....

I love the shoes you bought from e-bay! The oxfords are fantastic, and I love the pink pumps. Just a word of shopping advice.... On the Nine West Nucaros and the Bandolino Berrys, go to the Web sites because they are cheaper form NW and Bandolino respectively. I am thinking of getting a pair of Nucaros in the near future. I also love the RSVP pumps, very sharp with the kitten heel.

Thanks guys - but from another thread there was a "belly" comment - now, especially wearing a bodysuit, you don't want the belly!! So, to let you in on another secret - Flexees ultra firm torsolette! Works quite well!!

And Jeff and HappyFeat - go ahead and do the one-upmanship through TSA with a skirt! BRAVO!!!

Great advice on the torsolette! I already looked it up and think I just may make the investment.They even come in sizes up to 2X! The holidays have not been kind to my body - I think I found those 10 pounds again - so any little bit will help. I have my eye on a dress a The Limited, if it is still there after the 4th when my coupon kicks in...and a tummy just won't work with it.

We'll see about the TSA in a skirt thing - "in light of recent events" I am not sure that's a good idea at the moment.

The woman I am currently seeing is cool with me wearing heels. I have worn heels on several dates with her - though typically low and understated because she is only 5 feet tall. I have bought heels when I have been out with her as well as sharing a dressing room trying on clothes with her. She has yet to buy me heels, and I would love for her to do that.

They are George Ladies, from Walmart.

Thanks... These were a steal at $15 but the feeling I get when I wear them is priceless... they are also available on walmart.com, also for $15, up to size 11 (My size).

Mine are Nine West, and I think I paid twice that and on the surface I really couldn't tell a difference! Great find and great shoes.

Jeff, it is great to see your jaunts continue! I, for one, miss them when they are not as regular as other times. However, end of the year work and the holidays do have a funny way of eating into quality heeling time. The weather has also made it tough in our neck of the woods - strange I was thinking that one year ago today I went out in sandals because of a brief December warm spell - snow and ice just makes heeling tough. I am quite impressed with your outfit. The a-line skirt drapes perfectly for you, the length was great for the boots, and I love the belt. Before the holidays when I was out in the crowded mall, I had a very similar experience as you did in Springfield, lots of people looking, no real negative vibe, but I know there were many people did seem positive. You just look so natural and comfortable that wearing a skirt and heels really isn't THAT out of the ordinary. Glad you had a wonderful outing and glad that your Jaunts continue!

Bootking, another fantastic outfit! The boots are great (as you know, I tend to like the slightly over the top), but the jeans fit you remarkably well. I also love the body suit and envy you guys who are slimmer than I who can pull it off. The wide belt adds the prefect touch to your slim silhouette. A very well conceived and executed ensemble. Also, I am going to have to fly on heels. All of you guys who do that, including TSA, etc. really impress me. I just don't fly that often, but I may just have to plan a trip.

Wow...quite impressive for a first outing! Way to go. What is the brand of your shoes, I have a similar pair and love them. They are great for understated heeling. Keep it up.

A fantastic selection for your first pair of heels! They are attractive and look to be quite versatile. I hope you enjoy them and they get a lot of wear. As for advice...practice. It isn't as hard as a lot of people make it out to be. And beware...your first pair of heels has a funny way of leading to your second, third, fortieth, etc. Great selection and welcome to the forum!

Actually, as a public heeler your story isn't "ridiculous" at all as much as a tale from my past. Years ago, I would go out late at night and one of the things I would do is fill-up my car. I did the pay at the pump thing, then I eventually worked up the courage to actually go inside the station. Then I would chat with the clerk. It would take me several times before I felt comfortable. I would go through this ritual, then stop heeling for a while, then go back to doing it. Eventually, with a lot of practice and support from HHPlace, etc. I just went for it and never looked back. The first steps in anything are always "tiny" on the outside, but pretty major your the one who is doing it. I do love the shoes that you chose. Classic pumps are always a great place to start when going out and you matched them with a pretty solid outfit. Great job and you should be most proud!

Outstanding boots and jeans! I LOVE the snakeskin jeans with the tan boots in particular. Its such a wild look. Great job!