HappyFeat

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!

Well, HF, I know I really shouldn't be posting my adventures on your thread, but I have to say that it's all your fault....lol.

RonC, if it is indeed my fault, I am happy to take the blame! Post anywhere you want and congratulations on getting out my friend!

Last week was pretty remarkable for me. I got out all five days, only breaking on Saturday because of a pretty big snowfall. Since I was finishing my Christmas business (and doing a bit of shopping for myself) it was a fantastic opportunity to get dressed and get out.

Tuesday December 15 - My plan was to get a haircut (which I desperately needed) and hit the mall. However, due to a couple of home maintenance issues, I didn't make it out until much later than I had planned, which pretty much scrubbed my haircut plans. I wore a black lambswool Docker's pullover, gray Lane Bryant "Lafayette" dress trousers (which have a nice high waist) and black suede/leather Bass "Alansis" booties. Though I thought the outfit went together OK, it wasn't nearly as flashy as I had worn recently.

Before heading to the mall, I stopped at my bank to deposit the money that would soon disappear. I had a very nice chat with the tellers, who are becoming increasingly flirty and friendly. I know it is obvious to them that I wear heels, but they never mention it, so we never discuss it. Next, at the mall, I went to The Limited, which is rapidly becoming my favorite place to buy clothes. This store is the only one in the immediate area, and I only visit it about once every six weeks, but I think they are getting to know me. They had a 40% sale on all of their denim, which still put the jeans in the $40 range - I know a great price for decent jeans, but I am a pure clearance guy. I found a pair of skinny jeans (not on clearance) and the clerk working took me to a dressing room without asking. She was telling me how comfortable they are and how much I will love them. When I tried them they were perfect, and clearance be damned, I had to have them. I took them out and she told me that they had a special if I spent $50, I would get $25 off my next visit, so I dug through the clearance rack, found a pair of fun crop pants, which didn't fit terribly well, but for $12, I thought I would give them a shot. All of the clerks told me to "have a nice evening" and to "come back" on my way out. A very nice shopping experience.

Next, I went to Aldo, which was packed. The small store must have had 6 people working. One girl greeted me and asked if I was looking for a Christmas gift. I said no, I was looking for something for myself today. She said that was really great and that women's shoes are so much nicer than guy's shoes anyway, so if I needed anything just ask for her. I did ask for a couple pair of boots, but they were out of my size. I hit Banana Republic, the Gap, JCrew looking for Christmas gifts. AT JCrew, I tried a pair of "Toothpick" jeans, but needed just once size larger. My final stop was getting some tools at Home Depot for gifts. One warning - the floors are a bit slick in Home Depot, so be careful if wearing thin heels in the store.

Wednesday December 16 - Again I still needed a hair cut. With my hair, thinning and turning gray all too fast, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted. I was either going to get a buzz cut or color it. I could no longer stand being gray AND bald, it was going to be one or the other. I friend told me about a hair color treatment for me at Super Cuts that I should try, so I thought what the hell. I tend to be a bit of a snob about hair places, but I thought I would give it one last shot.

I wore a red Ralph Lauren sweater, by new skinny jeans from the limited and my black Steve Madden "Stretch Out" boots, over the jeans of course. Other than getting the wide eye look of shock from the women working in the salon, there was no mention about my attire but everybody was very friendly. I got my cut and color treatment from a very nice redhead in her early 30's. We chatted the whole time, she smiled when we made eye contact, and gave me an incredible scalp massage. Sometimes I wonder if wearing heels isn't something that actually get me better service in some cases. My hair looked great! A nice haircut (and shaking a bit of the dull gray) gave me new found confidence.

Afterward, I went to Starbucks for a Hot Chocolate where I received practically no attention and to a discount book store where I continued my Christmas shopping. Again little to no attention. But I was just feeling great, with new hair, in my new jeans, and my great boots. Another fun outing all the way around.

Thursday December 17 - I decided to try the new Limited black/white crop pants. They don't really fit the way I like, a bit low in the waist and too baggy in the bum, but thought they would be cute with my Enzio Angiolini "King" lace-up boots. A added a black Claiborne sweater and headed out for me shopping. I went to Marshalls, where I toyed with the idea of getting a pair of $40 Nine West boots, but decided to wait until after the holidays and return to the outlet, where I am guessing they will be marking down their inventory. I bought several pair of socks, etc. for some of the women in my life and browesed their clearance racks. The problem with places like Marshall's and TJMaxx, is that most of the stuff they sell is rather "ordinary."

Next I popped into Starbucks, which was quite crowded. I got a few looks, but nothing too terribly obvious, except one guy who was trying to take a picture with his telephone. I really hate when people do that. If he would ask, I would actually pose for him, but the sneaking around is just obnoxious. Anyway, I made it difficult for him by moving, then stopping, then moving again. The shutter speeds are so slow in the low light, that action stuff is really hard to turn out.

Next, I went to a consignment store that just opened. There were three women working, all very well dressed, all had deep olive complexions, and all had thick New York accents. The store was a bit over priced but I did find a great pair of black Michael Kors pumps in all leather. I also bought a black denim Ann Taylor skirt. I talked to one woman working about the shoes she was wearing, great black pointy toe d'Orsays with a cream colored bow. SHe said that she hadn't decided to get them, because she really isn't a "bow girl." I said that they were nice and the bow wasn't even that girly. She asked what size I wore and said that they would be too small for me.

I headed to the Ross Park Mall on the north side of town next. I needed to hit the Body Shop for gifts for my mom. A walk through the mall got me a lot of attention, mainly from guys who were a bit shocked. At the Body Shop, the clerk was not impressed but friendly. I got what I needed and headed on. I stopped at GNC, where I couldn't find what I was looking for. I asked they one clerk on duty - a woman in her late 20's - and she said they didn't carry it in their store. She noticed my outfit, was quite friendly. When I got to the entry, I looked back and she was watching me, smiling in a very friendly way. Finally, I went into the Nine West store, where there were a few pair I wanted to see, but the store was so overrun, that I didn't even bother. Again, a trip for after the holidays.

Friday December 18 - Since I had done pants all week, I decided that I would wear the skirt I bought at the consignment store the day before. It is black denim, straight, and slightly above the knee. I matched it with a black turtleneck, a pale yellow Nautica sweater, black opaque tights and the Steve Madden "Stretch Out" boots. I went to the outlets initially. At Nine West, i tried a few pair of shoes and even made some recommendations to an African-American woman in her 40's about comfortable shoes in a size 11. She actually bought two pair. The cool thing about this interaction is she seemed to not care that I was a guy, that I was wearing heels at the time or that I owned the pairs I recommended. It was just very natural and fun.

I went onto Lane Bryant, Jones New York, and Casper, where I tried on a black and white houndstooth dress. The manager, I had have chatted with before, even came to the dressing room and zipped me up. She told me that it looked better on me that anybody who had tried it on yet. It was nice, bit a bit frumpy for my taste, but it was fun trying it on. I stopped by the makeup store where the manager offered to color match me. She applied a little foundation, and even helped me pick out a couple of lipsticks. She took my e-mail and said that when they have a sale, she will let me know and I can come back for the whole treatment. Though she picked them for me, the lipsticks will make great gifts for a couple of women I know. Can't all be about me...

Finally, I stopped by the consignment store where I have sold some stuff. It was a bit crowded and there wasn't much I liked. However, I ran into the woman who owned the store I was in the day before! Quite ironic I thought. She was very friendly and we chatted for the better part of an hour. She had found a pair of Carlos Santana slingblacks and I told them I thought they were wonderful. She said that when they get any 11 shoes in she will hold them for me to look at. After she left, I chatted with another woman who invited me to her New Years eve party. I gave her my e-mail, but told her that I already had plans. Pretty exciting day. After giving the owner a hug, wishing her happy holidays, I headed home to hide from the coming snow storm.

This has been a pretty great week. Though I will get out a couple more times before the end of the year, this is a great cap on a great year of heeling for me!