Heel-Lover

Hi, All is ok for me again. It shook pretty well but what isn't busted now can stand up to it, so ther wasn't much disruption in most areas, only the Eastern side got filled up with liquefaction again. Like a sheep I did my 100m sprint when the first quake (of 4 hit) yesterday. I was in the control office at a Distribution Centre doing some work on a database when everyone just up and ran the hell out of the place! I just followed the staff that work there... Nothing to do after that as most places/ malls large buildings legally have to evacuate pending engineering reports and access back on-site so I went to a bar at the far end of town! We were having a few drinks, and I was carrying 3 pints of beer to a table when the 3rd quake hit. I didn't fall and I didn't spill a drop! I got a bit of flack for my attire, but in a friendly sort of way if that makes sense. As for the bar/restaurant well... most of everything was tipped upside down etc.. Got to give the staff due credit because they evacuated and we all sat in the outside courtyard, soaking up the sun having a few drinkies... and within 2hrs they had the place operating again! Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi there, as an avid fan of stilettos I agree. A skinnier figure is required to wear stiletto styled heels. I'm lucky that I am skinny so can get away with some pretty feminine heels on my feet. I really doubt I would have the confidence to dress as I do if I had a bigger torso, or thicker legs and ankles. Its a tough thing to sort of say but heels aren't easy to coordinate. 'Womens' fashion is harder because the styles are diverse and you need to choose what suits. Stilettos don't suit all. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi all, Levante Velatissima - 10denier firm fitting hold-up stockings. Great durability and extremely sheer. Reliable hold-up, welt is lace but very subtle. Good range of neutrals and browns to suit you skin colouration. Levante Backseam tights - Pantyhose.. full sheer leg right up with back-seam right up so they are good with really really short skirts....Not that good - these get little imperfections in the stocking such as a small horizontal line and other imperfections as you wear them. Most of my sheer-er stocking s don't every do this. Charnos - 7 denier - extremely light weight sheer stocking (A pretty lace top on it). The hold-up is non-rubberised so great for people with reactions to the usual grips in stockings. Very light weight on and good length. Only half as durable as the Levantes. The standard stocking is great because it too has long leg length and a Lace Top to suspend from so its pretty and practical. Voodoo Killer Legs - Sheer Hold-ups - 10 denier hold up with shallow lace welt. Durable, some inconsistencies in quality. I have returned quite a few pairs. I have found that wearing them I can see some shade/ tone variations on my legs, the leg is not a perfect tone, and I think this stands out with these sheers (only noticeable with barely black - and I have very pale legs) Otherwise great for the price. Leona Edminston - Pins - Patterned stockings, mainly nets or polka dots etc, high waist, sheer full leg, so also gives the options of higher hem-lines. Quite warm in my mind, so I avoid these in summer. Gerbe Carnation - has to be suspended only. Extremely sheer, non stretch but has the sexiest fully fashioned cuban heel and back seams. When wearing heels I can feel the seam on the sole of my foot from under my toes up the hill under my arch and under and around the heel of my foot before it continues up the back of my leg. I feel really special in these, and they are durable, they stretch as you wear them. I find their firmness means I do need to check my back suspenders as they loosen during the day.. Waxed legs essential with these. Gio Fully Fashioned - Contrast Seams and long leg length. Must be suspended, not too demanding on your suspender belt as they are more stretchy than the Gerbes. Due to the sheerness waxed legs essential, and hint of roughness catches them and they wrinkle. La Perla - 15 deniers - they don't do super sheer stockings, I only have their stockings and they have beautiful welts but they are quite warm on... Not good in my mind for anytime but winter. Only good if you're showing your legs from the knees down.... allowing for a vent in a skirt then you'll be showing these welts they are so deep... pretty but they should be out of sight. Transparenze - 10 denier sheer hold ups. Fantastic multi-tone lace welts, sitting high on your thigh, they have great length, deepish welts, something you're not afraid to show a little of if a hem creeps up. They would be my sexiest hold-ups. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi Jeff, Well done. Rockin' a great outfit. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi, as others have said a handbag is practical because it keeps everything together. Once your used to carrying one it is easy. It does take getting used to it, in order for you to look relaxed with a bag. A shorter strapped bag is my preference because you can sit it oveer your shoulder (just) and tuck it under your arm, but it easily sits at your elbow and doesn't hang to too low, which is great for accessing stuff in your bag while standing in a queue etc.. Black would be the staple colour. I believe the bag does need to coordinate. I have many many bags (as well as shoes) and the most versatile bags I have are multi-textured bags in many colour tones. Several have cream/ bluggage brown/ black colours/ panels in them in different leathers/ fabrics as well as all the usual ornamentation such as big buckles or crystals and logos. When pairing a bag I go for colours that pick out part of my outfits be it a tie/ belt or my shoes. It makes so much sense having a handbag, just make sure you get one with good internal pockets and also a light coloured lining (so you can find things in it!). I wear skirts mostly now just because I really enjoy them paired with heels, but I still carry my handbag when wearing pants. I wouldn't be without a bag now. some examples of coordination based on stuff Ive worn recently, navy skirt suit, bright pink shirt, brown croc handbag and bright pink pumps black flared mini skirt, bare legs with suede black pumps with crystal bows, black fitted short sleeve top, black handbag with silver buckles/ logos and grey embbossing black cowl neck top (fitted), cream flared mini skirt with black check lines, bare legs, black slingbacks and a cream handbag navy skirt suit, white shirt, red tie, red pumps and red handbag brown skirt suit, cream floral shirt, cream handbag and beige mules black skirt suit, sheer black stockings, patent black pumps, lilac shirt and black handbag dirty styled fitted jeans, cream pumps, cream handbag and a fitted floral shirt (tucked in) brown A-line skirt, brown d'orsays, cream cross-over top (bow at the back) and multi-toned brown/black cream handbag black skivy top, black A-Line skirt(with red&white flowers on it), thick red high waisted belt, brown/black/white handbag and red slingbacks. Navy shift dress, beige pumps and beige handbag Jeans, Brown Croc Pumps, Brown Handbag and dark Navy fitted jacket (above waist) Beige Shorts, Denim pumps, Denim coloured tight top, brown/black/white handbag Hope this helps? Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi Bladerunner, If you're wearing very high heels you just have to bend at the knees when walking down a steep slope. I live in a hilly city and wear all heel heights and the higher the heel the more it is an issue (obviously) and I have learnt that the best thing to do is to walk down the fall-line of a slope straight downwards. Steep sideways slopes are every bit as much of a nuisance so I avoid these even more so, slight sideways angles can be dealt with in stilettos easier than chunkier heels but there is no easy answer with heels and hills. The worst I find is a downhill street with a pavement that also slopes towards the roadside steeply! Horror for us high heelers. I find I avoid 'known/obvious bad high heel spots' and have worked out my own route everywhere based on experience. I always have a pair of flats with me and am not ashamed to slip them on and carry my heels. Cheers Heel-Lover

Also, I tried the 'housework in heels' tactic, and pulled a muscle or something in my ankle when I squatted down! How do I squat properly in heels and a skirt without straining the back of the ankle?

Hi,

As a long time public high heel wearer (and skirt wearer) I can offer some advise on becoming comfortable with taller heels... it just takes time depending on your own natural flexibility in your ankles/ feet in particular. If you can't stand in your desired heels on a hard surface and lift yourself up on tip-toes so that your heels lift 1/2 inch or more of the ground then you couldn't walk in your heels for any long distance gracefully. (thats my judgement anyway).

If you can't do as I suggested then likely you will tire very quickly, get wobbly ankles, sore knees - and likely you won't be able to keep your knees straight - or you will tend to turn your toes inwards to compensate - which is another sign heels are too high for the wearer. Turning your toes in is a bad habit to get into in heels (can lead to rolling you ankles).

Practice with what you know you can manage, enjoy the feel and knowledge that you are graceful. No bad experiences is the key. No one looks fantastic when they look uncomfortable in heels they can't manage. The heels might be beautiful but the overall picture is not.

The advice of all to date is good, alternate heights, wear higher than normal heels around home for short times to increase your flexibility. Wear your desired heel height out an about for shorter trips. Do wear your heels on harder surfaces because this is sooo much more demanding and realistic than wearing at home.

When I squat in a skirt I always walk forward, stop with both feet parallel and close together (but not quite touching) standing tall with my weight on both heel and toes equal. Then I lean both ankles inwards just slightly till my heels touch, bend at the knees and let my bottom drop down to my heels (while keeping my back straight). I keep my knees together while doing this, and depending on how high the heels are sometimes I find I roll forward just on to my toes as I do this, so the weight ends up mainly on my toes (exp. with the lower heels, very high heels remains evenly distributed when squatting.

This supports the ankles and knees.....

Good Luck!

Cheers

Heel-Lover

Hi, Well said Jeff. I agree with this. Just go straight in a get what you need to get done done. Be proud of the fact that they're your boots. Be confident but curteous. I get my high heels repaired all over the place. I often 'steal the thunder' from the issue by wearing another pair of heels when I take shoes in for repair....and I have some pretty girly shoes to take in... and I never have had a bad experience yet. regards Heel-Lover

Hi All, I flick this message out to clarify some points - I have a lot of knowledge and experience in this area and want to pass this on in the hope it may help others. I am going though some issues at present because I have been wearing very high heels for literally years now, and I am having troubles when walking in flat shoes. I can run in flat shoes but not walk as the muscles used and motion is different. What I have been advised by sports medicine specialists and physios is that shortening of the achilles tendon happens if you have been permanently wearing heels, the higher your heels the more the shortening. This shortening actually makes high heels easier to wear and flat shoes difficult. Similarly for the hamstring - and all connective tendons/ligaments in the area they can shorten from heel wearing, and they can tighten if you're very fit - and tightening obviously is a separate issue but has similar symptoms. Straightening your knees in heels is not to do with the tendons/ligaments/muscles on the back of your legs, its simply to do with your foot and ankle flexibility, nothing else. Shortened tendons do not affect you wearing higher heels than normal. The only way to increase the flex in your foot and ankle (and therefore wear higher heels) is by stretching, this happens over a very long period of time of deliberate stretching for flexibility - and it happens indirectly when you wear high heels, so the more you wear heels the more you get flexibility and strength to cope with wearing higher heels. Once you have the flexibility you now need to gain strength so that you don't get shaky ankles etc after a block or two, because thats exactly what happens if you're wearing heels that are too high... Probably explains why the more you wear high heels the higher they get, your neutral position sort of adjusts to the height - so to get the high heel feeling again you keep buying even higher heels. Or thats how I have found it anyway... Shoemaniac - I think you've benefited from general flexibility work at the Physio that has now meant you can stand in those heels, not sure how walking gos for you, but I would imagine if you haven't been wearing that heel height much then you'll tire from walking quite quickly, so if you practise getting around in them on short jaunts, or wear them whenever you have a lot of short walks to be done in a trip then your ability in them will grow quickly. Personally - I try and wear my highest heels at least once every two weeks, for varying times, sometimes all day, or maybe just for the evening so that I keep pushing my flexibility. My highest heels are always too high for me to able to walk more than 2-3 blocks in but aren't too high for me to able stand easily in... If you're going to wear heels you have to move well in them, you have to look at ease with them. (esp. if you're a guy!) regards Heel-Lover

Danielp Yup should have tucked the shirt in better in back - come to think of it - i should go out and get some fitted shirts made for shirt wearing....

Anybody out there have done same?

Hi All,

I wear skirts all the time out and about and I avoid that style of shirt precisely because it looks large on the top half.

Based on what I have experimented with and found looks good (in my opinion) on me is:

If you want to wear that style of shirt then pair it with a tailored jacket that fits closer to your body. A straight skirt - which I think is what that skirt was, or the even more fitted pencil skirt needs a snugger fitted upper half. The tighter the skirt the more important the fit of the top half.

If you don't want to wear a jacket then if I might be so bold as to suggest a cowl neck top style - it does not appear feminine yet "is" and is tailored snugly, it can sit over the top waistline of the skirt, and if in a bold color you can color block, eg red top, black skirt, red pumps...

Lastly - a flowing on the knee A-Line skirt suits all body types, pair that with a snugger top and it looks great...It gives the impression of some hips, rather than just a straight line.

Cheers

Heel-Lover

Hi Speightsey, sorry to hear of your dilemna/ predicament you find yourself in. There are a handul of us here across the ditch in NZ. I have met up with a couple of the guys on a couple of occasions. All the best Heel-Lover

Hi Jeff, Well done. An excellent outfit in my opinion! I can't do thighboots (just haven't the courage - sounds weird) but you're an inspiration and I think I should give it a shot. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi, I don't think they're passe because many women wear them here. I always wear an ankle bracelet if I'm bare legged when in heels (which is most of the time). Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi All, I would recommend going down the hairless path. I prefer the hairless feel. It felt weird to start with, but now I am used to it I would never go back. I don't get any flack for it. I have shaved, use creams and epilated. I still have my epilator but I have decided for time and convenience to go and get my legs waxed becuase its far quicker and a better end result than epilating as well. I use my epilator to touch up any areas as required. Waxing and/or epilating are so much better than shaving because the hair regrowth gets finer and paler, which in turn is less noticeable and pulls out easier etc etc.. It gets progressively easier the more you wax/ epilate. I wear skirts with heels and often want/need to show some leg (depending on the skirt hemline!) so I put a lot of effort into my legs. Heels look good, but good heels on groomed legs looks better. I never compromise on my legs if I want to be seen in heels. Sounds a little crazy coming from a guy but I think it part of wearing heels. Just my thoughts. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi Blacksheep, I don't measure my walks as such, because I spend so much time in heels its too complex to drill into. I wear heels all day, usually approx 6inch super skinny stilettos without platforms. You know - similar style as the heels I've worn when we've had some catch ups. The longest walk in one go that I can recall an approximate distance on would be from a Restaurant/Bar in Belfast back into the city central- approx 3k I have been told. I was in a group and we'd had a few drinkies (so chose not to drive!) and were going to out on the town. That was in a pair of red 6inch pumps The highest I have worn would be 7inches which is a ludicrous height, and I could only walk 3-4 blocks in those! My arches/ ankles are so flexed in these its crazy. The style of heels and surfaces walked on play the biggest role in determining how far you can go. I was in Auckland City the other weekend at the Sky City Casino, staying in a hotel just 2 blocks from there, and that walk on those pavements with their changing cambers, manhole covers, concrete, ceramic tiles then asphalt surfaces forever changing, as well as uphill and downhill etc.. It was hard work travelling just two blocks in a pair of evening shoes!! I was so pleased to get my heels off, my ankles were very tired. Mind you I was pretty drunk at the end of that evening but it doesn't usually mkae too much difference to how 'tired' my feet get. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi folks, I would agree with the sentiments re bags. I wear skirts almost all the time I wear heels and I have been carrying a handbag (different styles) for 2-3 years. They are so practical and I carry the handbag whenever I wear heels now, even with jeans/ shorts. You can accessorize with a handbag and heels, and it adds another dimension to an outfit. The only things I would say re carrying a bag are: 1.get a light lining so you can find stuff 2.look for internal pockets/ shape etc (which is why I prefer short strapped hand-bags) Have fun Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi All, I think some great comments have been passed thus far. As Roniheels and Jeff B have said, let your walk be what feels right, and if it becomes more 'feminine' looking then so be it. As long as you look good, and feel confident then you will portray this, others will notice this confidence. I don't think you can loose. I think the risk of trying to walk in a studied way - would likely appear more 'unnatural'. I think higher heels require a more 'feminine walk' because it just feels right. I like to be able to strut a bit (if I feel like it). If I wanted to have a covert walking style then I wouldn't wear heels, I think the way I walk in heels is a key piece of my image, and I know I am good in heels, and this also gives me more confidence. Cheers all. Heel-Lover

Hi, I've been heel wearing for many years now. I get tightness in my tendons and its hard to wear flat shoes. It always feels like Im walking up a steep hill when Im wearing flats. I am completely comfortable in any situation, in any heel height/style. I usually wear stiletto pumps/sling/mules for work/evenings. Due to my reduced flexibility I own very few 'mens' shoes and a lot of lower heeled pumps/ casual heels now for comfort. As a result of continual heel wearing I had an injury to my left foot, from which it took me 18months of training to recover. I can advise anyone that dedication to wearing high heels has its risks, and the biggest thing I have learnt is NOT to step straight out of really high heels, especially if Ive been wearing them all day. Make sure you stretch your calves/ achilles tendons regularly. I have always been very fit, and fitness does not help because it naturally makes your connective tissues/ fibres tighter, so stretching is definitely the key. Being fit (and not flexible) will likely increase a wearers chances of tendown/ligament injury. I love my heels, and am not hindered in any way by them. It does take dedication to be into heels. I wish everyong else the same satisfaction I get. Cheers Heel-Lover

Good Choice, The shoes are lovely! Classic Peeptoe is a sexy shoe, with a knotted vamp and discreet platform! Very nice - and a sexy fine stiletto profile.... Well chosen, I am sure she'll like them rgds Heel-Lover

Hi All, I think all heel wearers experience similar emotiional feelings but the physical wearing is hard to compare because most men here just don't really wear heels enough. I have worn heels for long enough now (and very openly) and I am accepted for it. I truely understand the issues associated with heels, the joy they bring a wearer - or in many cases the fear of heels in public. Heels draw attention (they are the ultimate accessory) and regardless of whether you a man or woman you will get attention for wearing them. How you deal with this and feel about this will differ but you will recieve attention, so you both need confidence in yourself. Heels give an experienced heel wearer (experienced as in able to walk in them - and accustomed to being seen in them) even more power/ confidence in themselves. I think heels make the wearer feel good about themselves and more confident. They also look better! (a matter of opinion I suppose). This is all the emotional level associated with high heels. What about the physical in terms of how they fit etc etc.. Well this is bound to be similar. The only difference here I would say is that most guys tend to go for the hooker/ drag style shoes that are readily available in medium-larger sizes on the web? Many of these shoes are heavy, not made well, don't fit nicely. Every pair of these styled shoes I tried (but none for at least 7 years now) have not fitted me well, they've all pinched or felt tight in spots, or had heels that were placed in what now seems a weird/unatural position? - so I've only bought top quality shoes since then. Good quality heels are more elaborate (admittedly more feminine), weigh less and fit well. I think if men and women are truely wearing comparable shoes then the feelings will be similar. What about actually wearing heels - men vs women.... One thing that often bugs me is the assumption that putting a heel on is wearing a heel - and/or a quick stroll is wearing a heel. Wearing heels is walking on all different surfaces, and in particular give Marble/Glass/Ceramic floor coverings a go! I doubt men will truely appreciate how ones feet feel after spending a day in heels. Your feet don't need to hurt but they will be tired. You get used to the tired feeling. Depending on the shoe style will also drastically determine how your feet feel at the end of the day. I think most men would find that the heels they 'wear at present' aren't wearable in a real situation, and then the comparison cannot be done. Men will get bunions/ shortened achilles etc just as women will provided they spend day after day in heels as well. Men do not have the same flexibility in our bodies as women do naturally, this also applies to mens feet - hence men cannot slip on a pair of 4inch heels and have the arch & ankle flex to be able to walk heel toe - heel toe without bending the knees and/or turning their toes in. Like anything there are exceptions, some women don't have the flexibility either, and anybody can exercise or increase their flexibility over time by wearing heels and gradually getting higher. I know that it took me literally years of wearing lower heels to be able to honestly say I could now handle a 4inch heel as well as any one else. I had the motivation to do it because I like heels and wanted to be able to wear very high heels, and I'm still going at it today. So for both men and women the motivation to wear heels has to be the same, they're not easy to wear, can be a bit of a nuisance at times/situations (with experience you subconciously learn to deal with stuff/ avoid things) but there is something in ones personality that flags a dedicated heel wearer vs a casual heel wearer. That propensity must be similar trait as well for men and women. Anyhoooo enough ramblings from me. Happy heeling Heel-Lover

Hi All, All the listed places are fine. As others have rightly stated, a busy environment is actually 'easier' and you learn that its all about your own self confidence. I've worn pumps in all the listed places, even in some red-neck pubs/bars when I've been travelling across country and its surprising how little negativity I get (hardly ever happens). I also wear skirts with heels so I present a polarised picture, top half/ bottom half thing going on ... but I've really learnt its all about my self confidence above all else. Cheers Heel-Lover

I find it is a subconcious sort of thing. I just find I do it. I will deliberately 'play to the gallery' if I get a few stares etc...must be the inner exhibitionist in me... and it can be a good conversation starter. cheers Heel-Lover

Exactly, I have buckles on back straps, not elastic inserts. rgds Heel-Lover

Howdy, Kitten Heels are wonderful. They add a little more style to a flat. For those who wear higher heels most of the time they are essentially a flat, so its a chance to vary heel heights but still do so with a feminine style. Not so important to most guys here because (and I might be wrong) most guys here focus on higher heels only. They are a nuisance because they are unstable sideways more than a higher heel but you get used to it, and its part of the fun of different shoe styles. I think everyone tries to judge a kitten heel alongside a stiletto, they just can't be compared, they are for different occasions (and outfits) Wear high heels ALL the time and the point of flats and kitten heels becomes obvious. I know from experience. rgds Heel-Lover

Well said! I agree! I love my heels, and its the variety of choices I like. Heels add an emotional quotient to shoes that I never experienced with typical mens footwear. As well as the physical attributes of heels (what I can personally wear/manage and terrain where I am going) there is the emotional level (how I know they'll make me feel), and then there is style/fashion (shoes appropriate for outfit), so I choose shoes on a combination of all 3. As an aside: For those who compete on heel height alone - they should try some stiletto kitten heels (under 1inch high) because I believe they can be every bit as tricky! Half of my slips/close calls have been in these styles! Cheers Heel-Lover