Majo

I totally agree with you, Kneehighs; thanks.

Very interesting Majo, thanks for sticking to the topic and for your openess regarding your upbringing.

I'm curious where you were at in your feelings regarding yourself wearing heels when you and your wife decided you'd not wear them in front of your kids--given that you had what could be considered the advantage of an unreactive mother in your childhood.

Kneehighs,

Sorry for my delay in answering. I've been awfully busy and your concern required some consideration.

I had a very accepting atmosphere at home, but that was not that way on the outside -school, club, etc.-. I had some trouble fitting in -I'm dyslexic, and have a very high IQ and the issues associated with them- which gave quite a dose of frustration; so, when it came to the kids, I gave her the benefit of doubt regarding some issues that might have been "weird" for the rest of their buddies: children tend to copy what their parents do. They are something like their parents subconscious.

Any way, I travel a lot so that is my exhaust valve regarding clothing and footwear. Society, on the other hand, is not the same today as it was 22 year ago. I feel that, I we were in the same crossroad now, our decision would be different and probably I'll be wearing 2" o 3" heels regularly.

The hardest heels I have are a pair of boots from Saverio di Ricci. Heel is 11.5cm (4.5"); I don't know why they are so hard to walk in. Even my Pigalles are nicer, and 2cm higher.

Prüne boots, 4" heel. Round toe. My new best boots I must say. They would be perfect if they had a side zip. I was caught in them by one of my employees, actually. Not one word said. I'll post some more pictures.

I have some summer boots, and use them. Any way, boots are always hot; so... why bother with the summer?

I bought these last week They are from Zara, 11.5cm (4.5") heel. Size is marked 41, made in Spain, so I assume they are Euro41 and not quite our IT41. They are a bit tight (nothing a bit of stretching can't solve, jeje). The shaft is 63cm (25")

Those pumps deserve to be in the "The ugliest shoes you've seen" at The Fashion Spot!

Great boots, Kitty.

IBL70 those boots are amazing, I like the black ones too. I'd by the entire catalog, if I may. You never have too much heels!.

The styles they show on the brochure is amazing.

http://www.gianvitorossi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/brochure_gianvito_rossi.pdf

Well, Chris, certainly there's no standard. I wish there was. It's a bit disturbing that you get one size difference in the same brand . There are many conversion tables and not all of them agree. Fortunately Italians have joined the same scale as US if you subtract 30 to the first one.. The only way is to try them on. Each time I ordered through the web, I consulted the sites fashion advisor. I must say I wasn't very confident until they arrived and tried them on.

My Decollete 42s are close to a 11.5 US. My Pigalle 41.5 are a 42, which would be a 12.

Kneehighs, thanks for putting the subject on debate. It's really interesting to hear all the visions each one of us has over how they enjoy the use of feminine gear. And how our childhood had to do with it. My youth experiences are different. I grew in a family that had a very non-chauvinistic way. We were raised with no differences between sexes apart from those of clothing and the obvious "the one who is strong should do use strength to help others". This was meant in many senses: spiritual strength, body strength, emotional strength, intellectual strength, and so on. I'm not very sure why I got hooked to the feminine attire. Maybe as I had to play the "tough guy" role -I was the one with the body strength- I longed to be considered the sensible one -which I was too-, a situation which was more deposited onto my sisters. My mother never commented about my eventual cross-dressing when a kid although she knew about it. Perhaps because she realized this could be just an exploratory conduct. I was never encouraged, dis-encouraged, or punished during this period which lasted from my 6 years to my 8 or 9. I was hooked by heels at that time when I tried my mum's heels and I couldn't give them up. On the other hand, skin is for me the most important organ in the body and I must say female clothing is so much more soft, caring and cozy that I can't reject the feeling of using it when I'm willing to. This doesn't mean I'm a cross-dresser in the true sense of the word as I don't enjoy looking as a woman; I just enjoy the contact of my skin with the fabric.

I'd stick to well renowned places on the Internet such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Sack's, Net-a-Porter, etc. The latter ships overseas. Besides, at CL's website has a list of places where to buy "their" shoes. I agree with Dr. Shoe. Those shoes are very well made. Maybe there are some other brands which are very well made and less expensive; true and no excuse for overpriced gear. What I feel, having Louboutin's and Atwood's myself, is that they have always extra quality. On the other hand they are like buying a piece of art or a classic car.

I certainly do, unless I have to come in and out frequently.

It's interesting what you can get at Kohls as mensware for this spring. A shame they only carry to size 10.

Check the site:

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/crosssells/shoes/springtrends/menswear.jsp?bmForm=guided_nav_search&SubcatFolderID=2534374756690582

I have thick calves and it's sort of genetical; even though I have done lots of bicycle. Loosing weight is only a part of the thing as if your calves are muscular and your body mass index is around 25 you cant do much about it.

Wonderful boots, Rob.

I like the Rad Hourani styles and the Rick Owen's boots. I wouldn't use the wedges as I don't like those particular wedge boots. It's nice to see that the heel is becoming a more neutral issue in style and fashion. Any way, I wouldn't change many of my ladies boots or pumps I use for street heeling for these if they became a normal men attire.

uff! nasty way put your feet and try to walk.

Thank goodness, I'll never have space for any of those in my wardrobe!

hahaha!!!!

I was figuring going into "Plaza Italia" and getting out at "Facultad de medicina". I thought: He has a lot of nerve

I used to do street-heeling in Palermo Soho last year and got no comments, any way.

Interesting post, FreshinHeels. In our case -we have three kids- we agreed, back in our early years -before married and on the coming of the first child- that I should keep my activities away from the kids. We never talked about this matters with or in front of them, and they never asked; even though some of my stuff was pretty much available for somebody sneaking in my wardrobe; specially in the last couple of years. In the probable case that I was asked by any of the three, I would answer with the truth. I really don't have a clue of what is better. I'm open minded about that, I just keep the agreement I made with my wife more than 20 years ago.

Way to go, want-hh. Nice outfit.

Absolutely!