HappyinHeels

RonC- OK, you don't have stiletto boots for Michigan Avenue but how about pumps for State Street?? That's actually where more shoe stores are anyway. Anytime anywhere my friend. HappyinHeels

Hi There Heel Lovers!!

I made my first online purchase in nearly two years because this wedge simply was nowhere to be found in SE Wisconsin/NE Illinois. I's also the first time I have tried shipping from DSW.

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/two+lips+day+wedge+sandal?prodId=220671&category=dsw11cat260004

All I can say is that this shoe is as cute in-person, and on my feet, as it looks on the website!! I love the tri-color design, the 2"/5 cm platform and the 6" /15cm wedge heel which has some multi-color detail not readily visible on the website unless you zoom in. One thing of note though about DSW shipping. Fedex apparently has partnered with the US Postal Service for partial delivery of packages. This package went from DSW's main warehouse in Columbus, Ohio to a Fedex facility in suburban Milwaukee and then to our local post office. It took five days from the time of the order. All the times I have ordered from Bakers the shipping company was also Fedex but the order would ship from St. Louis via Champaign,IL and Chicago and then to a Fedex facility in Oak Creek,Wisconsin. Then from Oak Creek via Fedex truck direct to my house. But the DSW method was different. The point is that you may track your shipment since a tracking number is provided only to find out that your package is spending a good two days at the local post office. These wedges only go to size 10 but they fit well enough ) I have them on now) to keep and enjoy. Anyways, there's my latest tale of shoe shopping.

HappyinHeels:wavey:

Lovely heels there Borg..the denim pair has to be from Bakers and I missed getting those because they didn't have them in size 11. I drive in heels every day to and from work and have done so on long trips as well. I currently wear a 5.8" wedge sandal I got at Forever21 for just $25 for everyday driving. I also keep a pair of knee-high boots with a 5" chunky heel and a nude/blush pair of pumps in the trunk in their original boxes underneath a couple jackets to keep the shoes in good condition. This way if I want to stop at a few stores or just take a stroll in a county park or at a wayside I have the option of changing shoes, jackets, etc. As for shopping in general, and heel shopping in particular, it is amazing when you are wearing the product!! If you are only wearing heels at home you are missing some quality time in other venues!! HappyinHeels

I have kept my legs smooth and moisturized and been painting my toes since about 1995. There's nothing quite like going for a walk and seeing the sun dance across your nicely-polished toes!! HappyinHeels:wavey:

While I prefer the overall look of a horseshoe-shaped heel I have bought a few heels this past year that were completely round and they looked cute as well. Probably come down to the outfit you have on. HappyinHeels:wave:

secondreaper, Being only 26, and divorced, you have your whole life ahead of you so I wouldn't get frustrated and anxious over what heels you suddenly want to put on your feet. Understand that your love of high heels is not a new thing, rather something you have felt for a long time. What you do want to do is figure out how you can work this part of your personality into your life without it dominating your life. As others have said, this forum covers an array of people from men and women that just like high heels, to people who blend various male and female clothing into a look they create for themselves to those that go through the complete transformation and dress as the other gender. What we ALL share in common is the love for high heel shoes and boots and the the positive effects it has on us. I am a big proponent of buying your heels IN PERSON for I believe you'll have a more rewarding shopping experience by creating a rapport with sales associates and ensuring the best possible fit of the heels you buy. Above all, YOU must feel comfortable about the decisions you make and what you wear. A common theme in this forum is CONFIDENCE, you'll be so much better off when you do everything with it than without it. It may not be football but that game has lessons for life in general. The famous Vince Lombardi was heard telling his Packers teams; "When you guys make it into the end zone act like you've been there before." Now apply this to how you'll approach shopping for high heels. Go into the store CONFIDENTLY, and act like you've been there before. Confidence is, quite literally, the life blood of anyone's successful endeavor, whether it's running a business, running for office, raising a family, or managing your career . We all wish you well and stand willing to help. HappyinHeels:wave:

Hey there everyone!

I bought this shoe last year at DSW in pewter but this year they have brought it back in nude so I HAD to go after it. Classic and sexy styling says it all!

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/zigi+soho+staple+pump?prodId=206513&category=cat20006

It is just like the "VICTORIA" that Bakers was selling, very similiar bottom and a 5.6" stiletto heel but $20m cheaper and available in size 11!!!! I think that is an advantage that DSW has over Bakers even though I do like the styles Bakers has and the personal service from the staff.

HHDude-

You had better get over to the nearest Bakers and try on some heels-you don;t know what you're missing!

HappyinHeels:wave:

Jen-Brin, You may or may not have found the shoes you were looking for but let me offer you some help as well. A good friend of mine has a shoe store in Chicago and I have learned a lot about his business over the last seven years as I have about women's shoes in general. Many very similarly-styled or exact copies of shoes show up in different stores all over the place. One useful thing to do is note the brand name of a shoe you've seen but, perhaps didn't buy at the time, and look for it at other stores you shop at or search for it online. Many websites like zappos.com, heels.com, macys.com, etc. are sorted by brand name and further sorted by heel height, color, design, and by size. I found such a shoe, a wedge being sold by Macy's, on zappos.com by remembering it was made by Mia and that it was a wedge. I then entered the desired size (10) and up it came! Knowing the brand name and overall style, peep-toe or closed-toe pump, wedge heel, ankle strap or slingback, platform or not and then looking for color and size. Sometimes knowing the manufacturer helps but this is more helpful if a merchant looks it up for you since you would not normally have access to their catalogs which are for vendors only. I have also learned that given the choice between buying online or buying in-person I'd go for buying in-person. You get a more personal experience and it ensures a better fit. I shop for heels in-person all the time and so do many people here. We are ready to help anyone who seeks it and there is a wealth of information here. I seriously think you will not find a better general information site covering many types of high heels as this one for the shear breadth of the audience (worldwide), ages of the people here, and the fact that, although commonly associated with women, high heels are very much appreciated and worn by the men on this site. They are extremely interested in the product and are highly motivated to know all they can about it. So, let your fingers do the searching then let your toes do the smiling as you find the shoes you are looking for. The "chase" for the perfect heels is an enormous amount of fun for sure. HappyinHeels

Ron C, You have gone from a lonely dirt road to a paved suburban street on the confidence scale! What could be next...stepping high in stiletto boots on Michigan Avenue?? While this reply could be tailored to anyone in the Chicago area it also serves as a notice to all others out there wondering about what is possible. You can ALL go as far as you want..you just have to try!! HappyinHeels:wave:

I was first interested in high heels the first time they were on my feet as a young farmkid in 1970. As the 1970's progressed and heels got higher I only became more restless buying my first pair in 1978. Of course I was also interested in a few accessories as well HappyinHeels:wave:

Black is the most common color of high heel shoe I have but recently have added some electric blue suede pumps, three different red pumps and sandals, and some two-tone sandals for warmer weather. The edgiest pair of heels I ever wore though was a pair of Sunset Strip platform sandals with an 8.5" stiletto heel in metallic gold which matched the metallic dress. I wonder if anyone could have every possible color??? Part of the fun I suppose! HappyinHeels:wavey:

I don't feel guilt, since I am doing nothing wrong in buying a product legally and using it as designed. I only wish I had found this site sooner and started wearing heels in public sooner. Now, I can't imagine not buying my shoes in person and enjoying the shopping experience. The only ingredient missing is meeting some of you to share it with! HappyinHeels:wavey:

When I went shopping this past Monday, 21 FEB, I had EXACTLY the experience that Bernheels relates. Tried several shoes and a woman or two saw me but didn't react but then of course I wasn't really looking up. They just go along clutching their purses and try on shoes at random. Like Ron C. I was at DSW as well recently and tried on at least five different pairs and walked out with some nice 4.75" taupe wedge sandals and some really cool denim sandals with a reverse ankle strap that ties on back of the ankle with a sleek 5.5 heel. They were a perfect denim match with the 14 MEDIUM Lee jeans I was wearing that day. The point here is that we are not exaggerating our experiences--just get out there and shop,shop,shop without fear. Women are totally cool to be around in the store and you need not worry. HappyinHeels:wave:

Hi All!

As expected I went shopping on Monday, a federal holiday, and the stores were pretty empty! Got this first pair at DSW in Chicago (Clark and Belmont store) which is a nice cumfy pair of wedges sandals in taupe. Great with all kinds of jeans and more.

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/zigi+soho+sandra+wedge+sandal+?prodId=216310&category=dsw11cat260004

The second pair is an edgy (sexy as hell) pair of 6.2" wedges which I got at Bakers at the Woodfield Mall store which I had never visited before but the downtown store is closed for renovations. They are definitely a wow shoe and thecoolest wedge I have ever seen from Bakers.

http://www.bakersshoes.com/p-195805-FIONA.aspx?c=274

Peek and opine if you like.

HappyinHeels:wavey:

If you can wear some curvy bootcut women's jeans and a pair of 5-6" stiletto pumps or some non-stretch (and my legs can't breathe) guy's jeans with tennis shoes or Docker's type loafers now which of these feels better on you and makes your heart beat a little faster?? Women's choice of fabrics, colors, and styling is exactly why we love their stuff so much. Men's stuff is depressingly utilitarian. The % of men that shop the women's side of a store is way higher than most people ever imagined...just take the time to survey some sales assistants and you'll see for yourself. HappyinHeels

I also really enjoy peep-toe shoes. Wearing them obviously requires confidence in the look of one's feet since that is where attention will be focused. If one takes the time to get a pedicure where the entire foot is cleaned and massaged then add some nice color to your toes then the peep-toe shoe is the perfect venue to showcase your efforts. I like seeing painted toes shining in the sunlight and appreciate the effort anyone puts into making their feet look nice irrespective of actual gender. Wearing heels is just an extension of that. HappyinHeels:wavey:

I adore shoes with ankle straps and particularly the slingback design. This type of shoe is wonderful for putting in the car and are so quick to put on and take off. The ankle strap does add something to the overall look of the shoe and probably does help direct attention to your feet, pedicure, etc. It also adds stability for walking, dancing, and overall movement. I know some are crazy about mules but those strike as a better shoe for around the house. HappyinHeels:wave:

ALL, Most of the reason I buy heels in-person now over two years ago is exactly this kind of personal interaction. I find you get to personally experience new people and ensure the best fit by trying the shoes on the spot. One can go wearing all guy's clothes or you could even put on your favorite boots or other such heels and go shop where you like. Going to a store like Bakers and having the salesgirls look at my feet and ask what I am wearing is very nice indeed. If I'm not wearing heels then they are just glad to see me as I am a regular, and informed customer, who happens to be male. We need as many people here as possible to be as confident as possible when out there shopping. Monday is a holiday here and I will be shopping at my nearest Bakers and looking at the latest spring lineup. I highly recommend this to others. You can wear the heels or not to the store or wear other feminine clothing or not but the ONE requirement of all is confidence to assert yourself in the retail environment. Once salespeople in any retail establishment know you are confident they will believe you to be sincere. They will enjoy selling to you and you will enjoy buying from them. It's just that simple.In this type of economy any customer traffic is good but confident and sincere customers are a retailer's dream. Roniheels has lots of experience wearing and buying heels and can be considered good source material for this topic. I have learned much the last two years buying in person at places like Bakers,DSW, Macy's, Charlotte Russe, and just two weeks ago at Forever21 (as I was turning 51!). I bought some tan wedge sandals with 5.7" heels and a nice long sweater. No comments and no problems. The point is to present yourself confidently and engage people earnestly and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. No BS!! HappynHeels:wavey:

demoniaplatforms, IF I were to tuck a pair of high-heel boots into pants I'd have to choose a black boot with a stiletto heel tucked into some skinny Gloria Vanderbilt or Levis (blue) jeans. There's just something about black in a boot that is positively alluring!! HappyinHeels:wave:

I agree with heelman500 in that a myriad of wedges for casual wear and pumps with very high heels will dominate 2011. I do think the difference in 2011 will be in more vivid colors than 2010 and I think you'll see more high end wedges which would be suitable for occasions where casual wedges may not work. I also agree that seeing people wearing 5-6" heels is quite commonplace now but not so in the mid 1990's. If only more MEN wore 5-6" heels then we'd really a fashion trend for 2011! Here's hoping!! HappyinHeels

UK Sensation, Looking at these fabulous pumps makes me think of either estresmodes.com located in Spain or lapiazza-highheels.com located in Germany. They have invested a lot of time and money into the the actual molds so they can turn out amazing shoes with amazing heights of heels. Take a close look at that those two sites. They are both expensive but I understand the quality is the finest in the world and the fit is devine. I hope this helps. I could definitely see those pumps on my feet! HappyinHeels:wave:

Like HiStiletto my need to wear heels stems from an almost infinite desire, but in my personal case, to express the varying degrees of femininity inside me. I keep my legs smooth, toes polished, and underdress so wearing heels is a natural extension of it. I know others here feel the same. I realize, though, this site is dedicated to all that like heels whether or not they want to wear anything else feminine or just wear heels as guys or blend masculine and feminine styles. Ideally, it would be nice if men, who lead quite utilitarian lives, enjoyed the same fashion freedom that women avail themselves of every day. Every guy who steps out, be it in sandals,wedges,pumps, or boots, is SOMEONE STANDING UP TO BE COUNTED. It can, and will, change but only if we all strive to do it together! HappyinHeels:wave:

I'm wearing the neutral-color wedges with 5.75" heels I just got at Forever21 a few days ago with some stretch Levi 526 jeans. I redid my toes, waited for them to dry, then put the wedges on before I came over to the computer. Now I've got something new to look at while I see what's new here too! HappyinHeels:wave:

You see a pair of high heels and instantly start matching them with potential outfits! HappyinHeels

WOW!! It never seems to amaze me how much some want to look toward some phantom authority to magically wave a wand as if to say; "OK, guys it is now deemed acceptable for you to wear high heels, tuck your jeans into your boots, wear nail polish, etc"... Did women wait for the green light?? No they did not!! You have got 75-80 years (more or less) on this big blue planet to have as much fun as possible. Think just how much of life is spent waiting for stuff to happen. Wear what you like and what is comfortable and/or stylish but wear it confidently and smile and the world will get used to it!! The free market will sort this out but if more men openly dress the way THEY want, then designers and companies will respond in kind. To do anything less is marginalizing yourself. Get off your duff and get out there and live life to its fullest and quit waiting and wondering because you'll grow old and wish you had done much sooner. HappyinHeels:wave: