Gige

So, last week my wife and I spent a few days in France (5 full days in Tours in the Loire Valley, 1.5 days in Paris) before we departed ways to return to our places of residence. I was excited to see what the pulse of fashion was in France and wondered if I would see anyone dressed (in) Houte Couture that included towering heels or other gorgeous footwear. Much to my surprise, the answer was nope, nada, zilch, zero! Although I noticed a few individuals dressed in high style but when such was observed, sadly, it was at restaurants, cafes, or the like. I expected to see a cavalcade of over-the-top fashion, but such was not the case - not even close. In fact, I can only recall two instances of observing individuals with "outrageous" style. Although I did notice quite a few women wearing heels, for the most part, casual comfort was the norm. It was interesting to observe that even though there was a casual vibe about the aforementioned named places, most "everyone" seemed "put together." By this, I mean that it was evident that there was some effort in putting together an outfit and what was worn fit the individual rather well. As we did a great deal of walking or made use of public transportation during our journey (which we both enjoy) only once was I in heels (mid-heel knee boots) during our adventure. This was for a "fancy" dinner near Le Tour Eiffel and a stroll afterwards to a nearby park to catch the light show at 2200. Not all was bad/disappointing as I returned home with a long-awaited, custom pair of black, leather knee boots from Noe of Antwerp. I had ordered the boots in January and knew that I was going to have to wait for 10-11 weeks before they were shipped to me here in middle America. The problem was that shipping for such an item takes about three weeks and thus, it was quite possible they would arrive at my place when I was overseas. Given that, most of the time, I have to sign for packages that originated overseas upon delivery, it was quite possible that they would be returned to the sender if delivery could not be made within a few days after the first attempt to delivery them. That being the case, I had them rerouted to my wife in The Netherlands who brought them with her when we finally met each other at Gard du Nord. In all, I waited four months to finally put my feet in my new boots. Needless to say, the boots are beautiful beyond words and fit like a glove. I love Noe of Antwerp and in time, they will be sole supplier of heeled footwear! I wore these boots for the first time today and what bothered me the most about them was that I had to take them off at the end of my day. So worth the wait and cost to get them!

An invitation or suggestion? Quite interestingly, I will be passing through Chicago this Friday as I will be on an Amtrak train from Springfield to Union Station, and then catching the Blue Line out to O'Hare for a flight on to Paris. Sadly, tight connections both to and from will make stopping anywhere else all but impossible.

OK - you win on this one! I could do 5" (6" w/a platform) but the reason I do not is simply that I have nowhere to wear such towering heels. I have a few 12cm heels that I would love to wear out but I'd have to be in ChiTown for that. Around here, there just is not a place to do so.

Well, again, I am not sure what to make of it other than to say that making something of it may be a waste of breath and time. I agree with@Shyheels that the best response would be along the lines of yes, it is great that such happens in America. I am not sure what the person who utters such comments is intending to convey but I would never take any action that would prevent him from expressing his opinion(s). It is just a shame that my dress, which is so trivial in the big picture of the world, would upset someone. I suppose in a weird way, my dressing like I do has the intended affect I want, which is to be out and be seen. This is not to say that I dress with the intent of making people notice me, but more along the lines of "I'm here and this is how I want to dress." I also agree with @pebblesf that such comments may be a motivated by envy but cognize that narrow/closedmindedness may also be a driving factor. It is a very liberating experience, however, to be out and about in a way in which I want to present/express myself rather than conforming to how someone would like for me to be dressed. Regardless, given how very comfortable I am to be out in a pair of heels and the numerous positive comments and compliments I have received, such a comment just rolled off my back and onto the floor.

4" is probably the upper limit of heel height that I really will not notice but above that, I do feel the height of the heel as I am walking. 4.5" is the maximum in which a can walk in "normal" stride. Above that, my steps and pace are much abbreviated.

This is an exercise for purely debate purposes as I do not know what to make of this situation - let me set the scene. Today's outfit consisted of a light plum colored short sleeved top, a black (almost) mini skirt, lightly patterned tights, and a pair of black Vince Camuto Gessyca pumps which have ~3" heel. I accented this with a black beret and 2cm black hoop earring. In all, a ridiculously cute outfit. After work and a stop at the local wine bar afterwards, I engaged in my favorite least desirable activity - grocery shopping. As I was doing so, I clearly heard an old cranky person (male) say "Only in America." I know it was directed at me as there were few other people within an ear shot of this person. I ignored it and went about my way as he headed over to the check-out lane. I was tempted to head over there and ask him what he meant by his remark but determined it was not worth my time. What is interesting or of concern it that this is not the first time I have encountered this person and his remark. A few weeks ago, the same set of details occurred and similar to today, I ignored it. I am not sure what to make of this and wonder if it is an insult or simple commentary. Thoughts?

Hola Amigos! To borrow a line from my favorite columnist Jim Anchower (Author of "The Cruise" and at the time of his last article was en route to jail), "I know it's been a long time since I rapped with you..." but honestly, I have not had much to say. Recently, however, I have been experiencing an unusual phenomenon which is that although I know I am wearing heels it does not feel like it whatsoever. Given that by 9:00am on days I am at the office I have finished by third cup of coffee (reminder to self...switch to caffeinated) about an hour later, it is break time which usually necessitates a trip to the washroom. What I have noticed is that when I am wearing a pair of heels, regardless of the height of such, I do not even seem to realize that I am wearing a pair of heels. I can hear and feel the heel striking the ground followed by the footbed, but yet, it does not feel as if I am wearing heels. I suppose it might be that my stride and cadence has become so smooth from wearing heels just about every day, that this is a reflection of how it has evolved, or just my confidence in doing so. Yesterday, for example, I was wearing a pair of delightfully beautiful 4" (~10cm) Noe (Brand) ankle boots and as I was walking around my office building, one of the members of my fan base said, "I love your heels..." I had to look down at my feet to confirm I was, in fact, wearing heels. I cannot quite explain why such is the case, but in a minor and weird way, being so comfortable in heels to the point where I do not even notice such takes the enjoyment out of wearing them. Perhaps I should start wearing flats more often to appreciate wearing heels. Uh...no, that will not happen.

My wife has larger calves and had many a pair of Duo boots, the first coming in 2012. I can attest to the fact that any pair of boots from them are very well made with high quality materials and worth the price to get them. Duo used to have great models every season from flats/low heels to 4"/10cm heels in many wonderful styles. Some time ago, however, Duo, for completely inexplicable reasons, changed their name to "Ted and Muffy" after the owners of the company (as I understand it). This, seemingly, soured with customers and led to them just about going out of business. A buyer for the company was found and changed so much, and in my opinion, not for the better, upon taking receivership of the company. The name was changed back to Duo, and styles became more basic to the point of being almost "frumpy." Likewise, taller heels were gone, and varying calf sizes for each model were reduced. Boots became the sole focus as pumps and other styles were no longer offered. Yes, all stores across the UK were closed (and I think the one in Bath was one of the larger stores) and now, they are only an online retailer. Although the product lineup for the current season has some nice styles, they are nowhere near the jaw-dropping models they once offered. I have a pair of 4"/10cm ankle boots from them, and my wife may still have a pair or two of their boots and pumps. If Duo were to return to making the boot styles they did before the whole Ted and Muffy flop, I would be more than willing to sign over every other paycheck to them for new pairs every month. Yes, wasteful but worth it regardless of the price. FWIW, a retailer that I have come to love is Noe (there should be an umlaut, my favorite diacritical mark, over that "e" but my computer does not have a number pad...) in Antwerp. I just ordered a pair of custom knee high boots from them and should have them around the start of March. I currently have four pairs of ankle boots from them, and have two pair of pumps on order. Although they are not at all a fancy design, the color selection is amazing. The price of the boots I ordered was actually slightly less than those offered at Duo. If Duo ever started making this model again, I would be the first in line to get a pair!

Your MIL and my father are about the same age and based upon that which you have wrote here and my own experiences, it seems that "it's a generational thing" is the most appropriate way to explain it. My father has always been about 'neat and tidy' appearance and what ever may have not fit in with his view of that was considered messy and not welcomed. Thanks so kindly - always appreciated!

I find it to be quite serendipitous that the topic of age and miniskirts should occur when today, I wore this delightfully cute outfit to the office. Whether or not the skirt would be considered a miniskirt or simply above-the-knee is a matter of debate and/or personal preference. I believe that there are two important considerations to wearing a miniskirt. The first is undoubtedly having the confidence to do so while the second is being able to style it for the settings in which is going to be worn. I am of the opinion that wearing a well-fitting miniskirt exudes a highly elevated sense of confidence and style. I understand that not everyone wants to wear a miniskirt for a variety of reasons. I do, however, strongly agree with some of the other opinions offered here that if one should feel good/comfortable/confident about doing so, then do it – age be damned! I have come to truly admire those individuals, regardless of age, gender, and whatever else, who are so confident in themselves that they will wear a miniskirt despite any conventional wisdom that says to the contrary. Please excuse my apparent brashness, but I believe that well a styled and fitting miniskirt is the epitome of confidence. Just a note/warning – this year I am upgrading some of my boots to higher heels and skirts with higher hemlines because they reflect the confidence I feel about myself in every aspect of my being. So, watch out! After I took the photo that is part of this post, I looked at it and feel is it a great example of exactly the point I am trying to make. I “know” that I “can” wear a skirt with the helm line hitting where it does and I am proud to do so even though yesterday was 54th half-birthday. I feel this way because of how I styled it (color and fit) and that I am supremely confident in myself to wear such an item. Perhaps it is a degree of a circular argument but wearing miniskirt and higher heels boosts my confidence. With such, I am more inclined to continue doing so because it builds my confidence. As my confidence increases, I will wear higher heels and shorter skirts. I have, in fact, recently started transitioning my skirts from being long and boring to shorter and a degree of flair to them. There is a time and place where a straight black, knee length skirt is best for the occasions, but I asked myself why not make that a leather pencil skirt? I do not know about anyone else, but when I finally retire, I fully plan on wearing a pair of five-inch heeled leather over-the-knee boots and a leather miniskirt (with some sort of top) to my retirement party. And I plan on looking Meryl Streep level fabulous, and yes, I will post pictures! What bothers me about this “debate” (not here, but by fashion “experts”) is that every such individual has his/her own opinion on the matter that is based solely on his/her own opinion. It is rather common to read of fashion advice that individuals over X age should not wear a miniskirt while others say, “if you’re comfortable doing so, do it.” As far as I am concerned, any advice about the appropriate age at which individuals should not wear a miniskirt is nonsense. I have miniskirts, knee-length skirts, and longer skirts that I find to be wonderful because they all express a sense of style - their length is unimportant. As has been said many times before on this forum, it is not so much what is worn, but more so, how it is worn. It should be well known that I am supremely disappointed as to what passes for acceptable attire nowadays. I so enjoy seeing old photographs of a time when going out anywhere meant presenting oneself at his/her best. I have seen old photographs of a crowd at a hockey game in the 1940s, and every man and woman is wearing a dress hat of some degree. One will never see that again! But I digress. Many years ago in these here United States of America, there was an advertisement (both on television and radio) for a more popular men’s chain clothing store. The advertisement ended with the owner of the store saying, “You’re going to love the way you look…I guarantee it.” That line has been such an inspiration to me as if I love the way I look when wearing a miniskirt, heels, or whatever, then gosh darn it, I am going to do so. When I exit my residence in the morning to head out to my car and off to the office, I see my reflection in the glass of the front door of the residents living across the way from me (I live in an apartment complex). It was so gratifying to see my reflection of wearing today’s skirt and with the sounds of my heels hitting the pavement as I headed out to my car. It is not just one day, but every day I see this that makes leaving my residence so worthwhile. Remember, it never goes out of style to have style! Today's outfit - Skirt by LC - Lauren Conrad; heels - NineWest. I must offer my most polite and respectful disagreement with some of what you have wrote here as well as my apologies if I misunderstand your point. It sounds to me that your wife has a very flattering figure and is completely comfortable with such as any sweater dress, regardless of length and/or style will easily accent the slight flaw of one’s bodily shape. Wearing a sweater dress, let alone a shorter one, to many events, especially a religious service, can been viewed as a bold decision (but one I would support). Generally speaking, attire for such is much more conservative, so kudos to your wife for doing so! The question is, however, if she can wear a short dress/skirt now, why should she stop doing so at 50? I think anyone who lets age dictate what they “should” or “should not” wear is blinded by a strict adherence to conventional wisdom. 50 is too old to wear a miniskirt or high heels? White should not be worn after Labor Day? Well, says who? I believe that wearing a mini-skirt after 50 (or even 60) gives a middle finger to “traditional” and perhaps “conservative” thinking, which so rightfully should be done.

Stunning! Yes, it was rather cold about two weeks ago. Downtown Chicago, I presume? Looks like the race for "Best Dressed 2025" has started!

Thanks! Can't wait to go! Super excited! Thanks! Can't wait to go! It's a place that my wife and I have wanted to visit for quite some time - super excited to finally being able to do so!

Heading to France - Loire Valley via Paris, for a week in late April/early May. I anticipate a lot of walking so I'll be in my trainers but expect to be arriving and departing in heels of some sort.

I wanted to expand on this a bit as it leads to a point worth making. @Shyheels is correct in noting women's clothing offers far more choices in terms of colors, cuts/styles, fit, versus men's clothing. As a result, women do have far more ability to express themselves in what they wear whether it is in a professional, business casual, or a relaxed setting. This, in turn, leads to greater acceptance of what women "can" wear in professional/business casual settings when compared to men. I make my case via a pair of camouflage pants. I have struck up a casual friendship with a woman who works in another unit in another part of my office building. She often dresses in what I would describe as "relaxed professional" attire - well fitting jeans, a solid color sweater, "appropriate" make-up and accessories, and modest trainers (for footwear - no flashy colors, etc.). One day not too long ago, she was wearing a black sweater, matched with camouflage dress pants, and black loafers. The pants were clearly dress pants due to their cut, style, and fit - they were certainly not fatigues nor aerobic style tights/leggings. I commented to her that I not only loved her pants but that she wore them into the office in a very stylish manner. She mentioned from where she purchased them (which was a higher end department store) and a short time later, I purchased a very similar pair but from a different store. When the weather warms a bit, I intend to wear them to the office with a some sort of maroon or black top and loafers or kitten/low heels. I expect that no one will notice/care and if I do so and head out somewhere after the end of the day, to receive a compliment or two. I would tend to believe that as women have far more latitude to express themselves via the clothes they wear, wearing a pair of camouflage dress pants to an office will not receive much attention. If a man, however, should do the same, that would clearly be noticed and depending on a variety of factors, may very well be frowned upon even if a relaxed dress code where in place. I will not be shy in suggesting that when it comes to attire in professional environments, women have a much greater ability to express themselves via the clothes they choose to wear. I am indicating that, yes, there is a double standard in place where, in certain situations/environments, male conformity in attire is expected or even demanded. Not that I am at all trying to disparage, belittle, or insinuate any negative comments towards anyone, but at my building, the only men I occasionally see in camouflage attire are the heavy maintenance workers (e.g. HVAC, plummers, etc.). Although my superiors have established a reasonable dress code for all employees, I would tend to believe that a man wearing camouflage fatigues to the office would not be welcomed. This is the result, in part, of certain clothing holding certain stereotypes for men and women. Camouflage pants/shirts, etc., for a man are "automatically" fatigues but more 'houte couture' for women. Just to prove my point, I recently purchased a well fitting, knee-length camouflage skirt I wore to the office yesterday with rather plain, 3" heel, knee high black leather boots. From my point of view, I felt the outfit looked quite fashionable but I did not receive any comments on the outfit as there were very few other individuals in a work station (still digging out of a snowstorm and arctic cold). I would also make the same argument for animal print clothing and cargo pants as well.

Well, congratulations for a job well done are in order! Should anyone ask me how many miles I walked in any specific pair or all of my heels this year, my answer would be far more modest, probably along the lines of "Thursday...!" Like you, however, I am under a polar vortex and it has been rather chilly around my part of the world. And, and, AND to top that, this past Sunday/Monday, the central midwest/plains got hammered by a major snowstorm which dumped 9.5"/24cm of snow on my area. In fact, my little hamlet received the most snow of the central Illinois area. Winners! Unfortunately, the snow has hardened and turned to ice, so the areas that are not well plowed are very slick and will be for the foreseeable future. Thus, until the spring thaw starts in about 2.5-3 month, my outdoor footwear will be my heavy-duty Timberlands or Hunter boots. I will have to limit my looking pretty to the indoors for the time being.