HappyinHeels

Hi All,

I picked these mid-calf boots up at DSW in Milwaukee the other day as snow snarled the rush hour and I wanted to wait it out. I bought them in black and they come in black and pewter (a variety of silver in this case). Nice and manageable 5" heel and very comfortable as I discovered in the store!

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/g+by+guess+detrot+boot?prodId=209907&category=dsw12cat1000011&brand=

I really think many of you could wear a boot like this as you shop this year. No doubt it would put a little spring in your step!

HappyinHeels

All the time. This weekend I'll take a spare tractor to our land in far northern Wisconsin. A 330-mile (550 km) ride without ever leaving the state and will wear either my 5" Zoey boots with a thick heel from Macy's or a new pair with a wool fabric that goes up to the knee, I got them at DSW in Chicago on Saturday and they have a 5.5" stiletto heel. Will have to dress warmly though as temperatures are not expected above 20F (-7C) at any time this weekend. HappyinHeels:wave:

The biggest thrill to date was my first Halloween party in Oct. 2005 in Chicago sponsored by a high heel store no less. I wore a medium length wig, large hoop earrings, makeup and eyeshadow, career-length nails and metallic-red toes, a bra, an ABS gold metallic dress, a dress watch, and gold platform sandals with 8.5" stiletto heels. Standing around in a circle while having smoke and admiring each others' heels (both real girls and temp girls) was relaxing and amazing at the same time. Definitely worth the time I spent to look that way. HappyinHeels

HEELSTER, You make good points. There are venues that hae popped up in the last 1-2 years where some companies have portals that allow you to model clothes you have bought on your latest "haul" from aprticular store. You photograph yourself (or get others to do it with you) modeling clothes or shoes and post it on that company's website which ostensibly gives the company a glance at how everyday people assemble their look instead of looking at uber-skinny supermodels and gives the customer a sense of satisfaction by giving them a creative way to enjoy their new purchases. A store I frequent, Baker Shoes, has a site just like this, called shoeternity.com where women model shoes they either bought at Bakers in most cases, or at other stores, and they model these shoes with other pieces of clothing they've usually also recently bought. A guy could, just as easily model some heels combined with other articles of clothing and watch and see what happens. This is the fastest and most efficient way I know of to convey exactly what you are saying here. While I not yet uploaded any photos of myself this way I have written emails to Bakers headquarters in St. Louis stating trends I have noticed and their legions of overlooked "new customers". I complimented them on their line of styles but criticized them on the dearth of shoes readily available in size 11 and not allowing their store managers the latitude to order what they see is selling the best. So, mu suggestion is for a number of forumers, men, to upload photos onto these websites shwoing how you wear your shoes, no chopped off heads or any of that crap. Only if the companies see that men love their product as well will the machinery of fashion be retooled in our favor. Which is exactly what we want, right??? HappyinHeels

I will go back to something I have said in various posts which is a sort of common denominator which serves me well and, I firmly would serve us all well. That is, if more of the world accepted each person AS IS, no trying to modify their style or culture to fit any certain label and as long as the person is doing nothing that is illegal or injurious to others, imagine the barriers that would be crushed and the good that could be done. All the energy that goes into repressing human beings and defending class boundaries could have been channeled into curing diseases sooner and inventing things that benefit all of us. Without WWI and II, apartheid, military dictatorships, and communism we may have been watching big screen TV's and talking on cell phones in the 1960's instead of in the 21st century. Think of these things as you struggle to figure out if someone is "gay" or not based on what shoes, pants, shirt, etc. they wear. What's the prize if you're right or the penalty if you are wrong and why does it matter?? I don't wonder if a girl who passes by me is a lesbian if she has short hair and is wearing guy's jeans and basketball sneakers. I'm sure, 100% positive in fact, that all she wants is the common decency any human being wants. The best way to approach anyone appearing different to you by way of attire is to compliment them of their choice of attire. The endless pursuit to try to label everyone or "figure them out" robs us of the most obvious of opportunities to have a conversation with a complete stranger (and quite possibly a very engaging person) standing right in front of us. All we have to do is try. HappyinHeels:wavey:

I think for the guys heel height might certainly seem like an addiction since the shoes (in general)we would all like to wear are not widely accepted for wear by men hence the stigma and perceived potential negative bias towards us. Most male heelers and crossdressers alike tend to favor much higher heels than the average girl because wearing heels for the girls has no stigma, they just do it as a normal part of their lives. So, while not an addiction, I think heel height does figure prominently into many of our shoe purchases. All my heels are above 4" and go up to 8.5" HappyinHeels:wave:

Hi Shoe/Boot Lovers, I currently have 35 pairs; 12 pumps (6 closed-toe and 6 peep-toe) 5 boots 8 wedges 10 platform sandals Heel heights vary from 4-8.5" (10-21.3 cm). I do far more scouting and evaluating stores than I do actual buying. One reason is space to store them but also to look for places and opportunities to share with you all. I fully advocate buying your heels in-person for better fit and a better overall shopping experience. HappyinHeels:wave:

I'm sure the people that monitor London's thousands of street cameras also love Oxford Street as they get to watch the spectacle unfold. Don't think I get ever get used to the density of cameras that they have there. My question is does Oxford Street afford men the environment to wear their heels as well or is that just wishful thinking?? HappyinHeels

S E D U C T I V E HappyinHeels

Ah, yet another royal wedding. I didn't watch the one between Diana and Charles in 1981 and will not watch this one either. Thought Diana was another pompous royal until I saw she was actually a very decent human being but the rest of them are like a ball and chain on Great Britain. I just cringe at the idea of a group of people that are treated better than everyone else...and at taxpayer expense. But, hey if you want to fawn over them step right up!! HappyinHeels and glad to be NOBODY'S "Subject"

Mr.X, Go out and enjoy your shoes, life is a one-way adventure lasting 75-80 years or so, have fun while you're in it!! Saw the banter about Chinese vs European manufactured shoes. Everyone knows how widespread Chinese-made shoes are but I just returned from South America where I didn't see any among the shoe stores I checked from Colombia to Brazil to and only the occasional pair or two in Peru. What I found was either Brazilian-made shoes and boots or, in the case of Colombia and Peru, shoes and boots made in that country. Brazilian-made shoes and boots are well-made and quite affordable. In fact, what I noticed most was that everything imaginable from computers, to air conditioning units, to clothing and footwear was all made in Brazil. It reminded me of a time when the US made everything it put on the shelf. This may explain why Brazil was less affected by the global economic recession in 2008 and 2009 than most countries. HappyinHeels

smilin' guy, They do look nice and fashionable for sure. Don't worry about the price, you paid the sum WILLINGLY, so don't now feel guilty. As far as any remaining trepediations it sounds like you already "road-tested" them and came out no worse off. You may consider buying some bootccut ladies' stretch jeans which should allow whole boot to be worn underneath the jeans and would also allow only an inch or so of your heel to show if you'd like to go that route. Either way, you've invested A LOT into your footwear so go enjoy them!!! HappyinHeels

bootmebaby, Yes, Rio de Janiero was nice and I certainly see how the world will enjoy themselves when the city hosts the 2014 World Cup finals and then the 2016 Olympics. Truth is the weather was very comfortable with highs 77-83 and very few sunbathers on either Copacabana or Ipanema beaches. This does change on the weekends however. The only breathtaking (literally) place on the trip was arriving from Lima at sea level into Cuzco which sits at 11,400 feet in southern Peru. Once you spend a few days above 7500 ft. then Cuzco is no problem. The whole continent is amazing which is why I recommend it to anyone. 30 years of working, putting up with traffic jams, spinouts snow drifts and black ice, frozen windshield wipers, and taking a bag lunch allowed me to save the money and gave me perspective to take and enjoy such a trip. HappyinHeels

jwhite44- I got the red Victoria since I have that shoe in white, blue, and black and was really curious how their size 12 might fit since it had never before been offered. The "PEYTON" just looked like an awesome shoe. We'll see how the heel measure up when it arrives. Keeping in touch with people while on vacation is probably easier in South America than in North America as internet cafes and internet stations in hotels and hostals appear much more common then up here. I suppose it's beacause of the assumption everyone either has a laptop or cell phone with them. There were times I was WAY OFF THE GRID (by design) which is exactly why one goes on vacation.. Think I might tackle a couple of 18,000+ ft. mountains in Peru next time I'm down there. HappyinHeels

Hi Everyone,

Just returned from three weeks in Colombia,Brazil, and Peru so I wasn't on hhplace and just bought my first pair of shoes in 6 weeks. After checking a number of Bakers stores I found only the State Street (in downtown Chicago) store had the "PEYTON" pump which the store associates say has a full 6" heel. They had all three colors but no size 11's so I ordered them online yesterday. They should be at my door by Wednesday.

http://www.bakersshoes.com/p-185735-PEYTON.aspx?c=296

While at the State Street store I was also able to buy, this is not a mistake, the "VICTORIA" in SIZE 12. I had said before I went on vacation that the Bakers website listed the red Victoria up to size 12, a first for that company and now I have the actual shoes. I wore them on the drive home. While 11 is my ideal size, the "VICTORIA" was always snug on me in size 11 but the 12 fits very well.

http://www.bakersshoes.com/p-140391-VICTORIA.aspx?c=296

[ So, I am pretty happy about the red VICTORIA and the PEYTON which is on its way.

HappyinHeels:wave:

For some reason the red VICTORIA didn't want to attach so here it is;

1_140391_SW_25~RED.JPG:

It say I already attached this shoe under "Shooping for heels,try them on" but I don't see that and I don't know what difference it makes. Maybe a tech-savvy person make explain how images can be moved from one thread to another.

happyinHeels

Hi All, Back from three weeks in sunny ( and warm South America)and back into the cold Wisconsin winter air. I am curious how many of us will don our heels, probably boots I imagine, while we do Christmas shopping?? I wore my Zoey boots with 5" heels I got at Macy's in October to Gurnee Mills ( a northern Illinois mall) on Wednesday while shopping for something else. Really comfortable and warm!!!! HappyinHeels PS- I was in Colombia,Brazil,Argentina, and Peru and saw heels of all heights. I saw more wedges in Brazil than anywhere in my life. Rio de Janeiro is like wedge heel and there are such a density of shoe stores!

Don't fall asleep with heels on as much as some of you but the last time it happened was this past summer after spending the whole day as a girl. Wig, makeup, manicured nails, a nice salsa dress and...those 6.0" stiletto heel sandals (fuschia-colored "TEAGAN" sandals from Bakers). That was a great way to end a good day. I see what girls go through to look good! HappyinHeels

c heels, I too, am surprised by your treatment at either Aldo's or Macy's which are two stores regularly applauded by forumers here for the good service they show towards male heel shoppers. But corporate policy and an overall positive environment cannot stop the occasional narrow-minded bias that creeps into the retail industry. What helps correct this is education through direct contact. When you get crappy service you can walk out. It's quick and easy but leaves the door open for the person to do the same thing to someone else. Or, you can confront the situation by getting the person's name and speaking with a manager on-site or noting the store location, time of day, employee name, and basic facts of the encounter and communicationg these via email or a written letter to the corporate headquarters. If you don't demand your right as an equal consumer then you are marginalizing yourself and possibly others that may be shopping for the same thing. i used to buy heels either online or at a friend's store in Chicago that caters to a lot of guys who like heels but that's not mainstream. I've since, over the last two years, bought lots of heels at stores lie Baker's (known for their 5-6" heels) and am known by first name and try on heels in the store and many times in front of other women with no ill effects at all. Walk confidently into the store of YOUR choice, tell the first sales associate that comes near you what you are looking for and chances are you will have a great experience. They are there to help you and make a sale. Anyone not understanding that should not be working there. It's that simple. Chin up and heels high!! HappyinHeels:wave:

HEAVEN2010, I don't think anyone could have better explained how this forum works and answered your question than at9 did. This is indeed a forum about fashion, specifically the wearing of high heel shoes and boots by both women and MEN without regard to sexual orientation...we just like to add a few inches to our stature and we banter about where to wear them, with what, etc. There are guys who wear only unnoticeable heels up to 6" stiletto heels in full view and girls who do the same thing. The point of this forum is gain knowledge through interacting with others the world over and you will, GUARANTEED, build your own self-confidence in the process. It would be nice if your girlfriend accepted you, AS IS, but this is something only you can answer. Welcome and enjoy yourself here for as long as you want. HappyinHeels

What you all have stated about the operational premise of an outlet mall is quite accurate but I would add one other component. That is the construction of these malls usually takes place near an interstate highway corridor, either a single very busy artery or the intersection of two such highways and on the periphery of a large metropolitan area or just inside a neighboring state to take advantage of a lower sales tax. There is such an outlet mall named "Prime Outlets" just south of me along Interstate 94. It is located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin just two miles north of the Illinois/Wisconsin border. The sales tax in Illinois varies from 7.5-10% but the sales tax in WIsconsin is 5.0-5.5%, an added incentive. There are even better examples such as outlets in extreme eastern Pennsylvania catering to customers from pricey New Jersey and New York who take advantage of paying ZERO sales tax on clothing, shoes, and furniture in Pennsylvania. The one thing I have noticed about shoe shopping at outlets is that sizes are more limted than in the mainline stores. HappyinHeels

BritSpike, As many on this forum will attest to, I have posted often about my Baker shopping experiences. As it happens I dropped by the Bakers store at Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee this afternoon looking for the Peyton pump since it looks fabulous. They did not yet have in the store. One of the asst. managers asked my opinion about a new platform boot they just got in. She was concerned the platform was a little high for her but I said with the cooler season upon us, parties, etc. I thought the boot may do better than she thought. I wore my Zoey knee boots ($99 at Macy's) with 5" chunky heels into the store under my bootcut jeans. Didn't buy anything but chatted with the girls there. Everything is different when you know about shoes and boots whether it's interacting with staff or other customers. I have tried on many different styles of pumps. peeptoes, wedges, and boots at Bakers in front of other customers and staff and have had nothing but great experiences. The same coule be said of Macy's, Aldo, and others. DSW is always a great store since the boxes of shoes are on the display floor and nearly all styles go to size 11. Same thing, I glide through the store and, if I see something I like, I try it on without worrying who might see me and this is the important point here. Many here go shopping in male mode or perhaps wearing some heels and go about shopping for heels the same way the women do. What I want you to take from this post is this; walk confidently into the store of your choice and, when you are approached, tell the SA exactly what you are looking for. Don't say you're just browsing or that you are buying for your wife or girlfriend. That crap doesn't cut it. Women, by and large, are attuned to their surroundings and will know who you are shopping for by your initial demeanor. Once the truth is out the matter of helping the customer is front and center. The will bring you several boxes of shoes which you should try on right then and there. Buying heels IN PERSON, whether surrounded by other women or not, is fun. It shows you have a common interest in shoes like they have.

Maximilian eloquently stated what I have always encouraged in others; Show confidence in your stride and the world walks with you! Well said MAX (Maximilian-Albertan eXtraordinaire) HappyinHeels:wave:

That photo didn't attach the first try so I came back to put it here;

http://www.bakersshoes.com/product.aspx?p=140391

HappyinHeels

ALL---

This is added encouragement for those lamenting the scarcity of shoes and boots in sizes higher than 11. Yes, brick and mortar stores are not easy to find but here are some to look into;

DSW-While DSW usually stocks all their styles through size 11 on the display floor you may indeed find a few 12's in the clearance rack. This is because I learned that RETURNED SHOES go back there. One could order a an 11 or 12 online and, when it gets returned to a lcal DSW store, they put it in the clearance rack so it doesn't take up display floor space.

SHOE CARNIVAL- This is a store many may overlook but your chances of finding 11's and 12's here is much higher. The prices are great too! This is a good store to check about six months after some styles launch at stores like Bakers or Steve Madden since you will pay much less.

SKYSCRAPERHEELS-2202 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL- 773-477-8495

or on the web at skyscraperheels.com. Gary Page is the owner and he does do shippng to many different states. He carries shoes up to size 17. Yes, read that again, he carries shoes up to size 17. A personal visit there is always preferable so you know what will work for you then you could order over the phone after that. This part may be the best of all; nearly ALL shoes and boots he sells are MADE IN THE USA. Most shoes are under $79 and most boots are under $150.

BAKERS- Many here may be familiar with Bakers and may lament that they often don't have size 11 in the store and so you have to special order which a lot of people don't want to do. The personal service is great but this sizing issue has bothered me so I have written again to the St. Louis headquarters about it. I stated that I had been a customer for a while (and even have their discount card) and that my survey of various store managers showed a great number of requests for size 11 or bigger. I happened to be told by one manager that they have just launched size 12! I checked the website and, sure enough, there it is the VICTORIA pump which is one of their hottest selling shoes of all time available online in red and taupe!!!! I am no claiming credit for this but Io believe the sum total of feedback from many may have gotten thinking. They just launched the red and didn't previously have it in size 12. I have included the link and photo here;

http://www.bakersshoes.com/product.aspx?p=140391

As far as online such sites as electriqueboutique.com, snaz75.com, heelsforyou.com and howcool.com carry sizes up through at least 13.

I hope this gives the frustrated a chance to smile and hope anew.

HappyinHeels

I first slipped on a pair my Mom's D'Orsay (size 6!) pumps in 1971. I bought my first pair of heels ( a size 10 pair of wooden sandals with a 1" platform and 4" heels) from a Kresge store that was going out of business in 1978. I tried on my first pair exactly when I wanted to. I wish I had probably publicly worn them all along. But times change and I don't think anyone should worry about wearing heels once you remove the doubt from your own head HappyinHeels