Puffer

9 hours ago, Rockpup said:

Steve Madden has a couple heeled boots. 

https://www.stevemadden.com/products/viper-black-leather

https://www.stevemadden.com/products/richie-black-leather

it's odd that the prices for mens boots are a lot higher then their womens models. 

Quite apart from the silly prices, the first Madden pair would suit Frankenstein's monster and the second offer nothing that is not already available elsewhere.   But heels are heels ...

The Vasini boots look good but are again far too expensive.

10 hours ago, at9 said:

Twinkle, twinkle little LED

How I wonder if you're dead.

This side of The Pond we say it as both the word LED and "ell ee dee".

The wiki entry for TTFN https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TTFN states what I believe is the correct origin, the BBC WW2 radio comedy "It's that man again", usually abbreviated to ITMA. The Winnie the Pooh film reference is given (it's not in the books) but the surprise was its use in Batman in 1966.

10 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

I might have figured SF would provide a link to Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh. I can't say as I am surprised that you don't recognize the Disney animated version, as it bears (no pun intended) little resemblance to A.A. Milne's books, especially in that few second clip.

One interesting abbreviation I have run across is the initialism LED, or Light Emitting Diode. Or I should say, it's an initialism here, but in Asia, everyone seems to pronounce it as a word, making it an acronym.

I've never heard anyone in the UK call an LED a 'led', but no doubt some do.

Yes, 'TTFN' did indeed feature prominently in ITMA and I'm sure that was indeed its origin.   There were a number of other catchphrases in that extremely popular programme, most of which have survived, even though used by people who (like me) were born well after the programme last aired.   I blame my late parents (both fans of ITMA) ...

As to 'Tigger', I should perhaps have recognised the character and the setting but have never seen the film - perhaps just as well.

17 hours ago, SF said:

cartoon

Ha ha!   I don't recognise the cartoon, but interesting that it seems to be better known outside the UK than I expected.

2 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

...

I'm going to tag @Puffer on this one, because this is probably right up his alley. I didn't actually invent this "acronym." Or maybe I did. As I'm sure you are quite aware, being a fashion enthusiast yourself, OOTD is as common as dirt on many social media platforms. Like I said previously, I had to change it to reflect one-seventh the frequency.

On a slightly different subject, we call these things "acronyms," but they are not truly acronyms. That definition may be changing as people, including me, slightly misuse it, but what we really mean is "initialism." To be a true acronym, the initials must form a sort of word that you say, kind of like "LASER, SCOTUS, SCUBA," that sort of thing. An initialism is an abbreviation where you say the letters, like "FBI, DIY," and quite possibly "OOTD." OOTD is an interesting one, though, because at least as I use it, it's only in writing, as "Outfit Of The Day" rolls off the tongue quite easily, perhaps rather more easily than saying, "oh-oh-tee-dee." "Eff-bee-eye" is obviously more handy than saying "Federal Bureau of Investigation" every single time.

I could go on to examine the fact that Americans will call air-conditioning "A/C," whereas Brits will tend to say "aircon." Both are shortened forms, and some might point out the the initialism "A/C" might be mistaken for "Alternating Current," whereas "aircon" cannot. However, in real life, this never happens. Y'all ave a good day.

How can I not respond, although I'm not entirely sure what pearls of wisdom you expect me to add to your explanation of the various types of somewhat disparate abbreviation?

In my book, an acronym is as you say - initial (or more) letters forming a pronounceable word.  ('Radar' is an example of the latter: ra(dio) d(etection) a(nd) r(anging), where two letters in 'radio' are both used.)   Sometimes, not all letters are used (particularly if representing  conjunctions), as in NASA - which would be NAASA if the 'and' was also represented.

An initialism (such as FBI or BBC) uses initial letters (and sometimes others) and they are pronounced separately.   They may be separated by full stops (periods) but that once-universal convention is increasingly ditched.

A basic abbreviation (sometimes called a contraction) is simply a shortened form of a word in which certain letters apart from the first (and often the last) are omitted, as in 'Dr' (doctor) or St (street or saint).   Here again, the convention of always adding a full stop (period) after such is no longer as common as it once was, particularly when both the first and last letters appear.   (I am aware that it remains common in the US (or U.S.!) for the stops to be included.)

A contraction (properly so-called) is a combination of two words into one, where one or more letters are omitted and represented by an apostrophe, as in don't for does not.

In my UK experience, we would usually say aircon but write either aircon or A/C;  the control in a car is usually labelled A/C.  We use AC as an initialism for alternating current and often use A/C to mean account.

There is quite a lot more that could be said about these and other forms of abbreviation - but I guess you have had quite enough excitement for one day.

TTFN,

Puffer

[TTFN is possibly unknown outside the British Empire.   It stands for 'Ta-ta for now', i.e. 'Goodbye for the present', and I believe was a catchphrase originating in a wartime radio comedy programme.]

42 minutes ago, mlroseplant said:

...

Part of my problem is that I am naturally bow legged, which is not a great thing for presenting in heels, but it is a fault that I believe I can overcome.

I am not exactly bow-legged but I do find that I tend to wear my shoe heels down more on the outside back, which is not exactly uncommon.   The effect is significantly greater when wearing heels higher than about 4" and does not help my gait.   I would appear to be 'suffering' from supination, which goes along with high arches, although I'm not sure if my arches are truly 'high'.

I don't know if there is a cure, or any simple way to improve my gait in heels.   Possibly a tapered insole that is thicker on the inside?

I should be interested to know: (a) if you find the same with heel-wear; (b) if the problem is more pronounced with increasing heel-height; (c)  how you think you can overcome it as you suggest.   Maybe others here have a view too? 

13 hours ago, HappyinHeels said:

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Whilst passengers are owed professionalism in the exercise of border inspections they are NOT given a pass if they slap, obstruct, or assault bystanders in a border area.

...

In my limited experience (and based upon that of others), US border officials are not noted for their understanding, patience or good humour.   I can quite understand an adverse reaction to being 'slapped' by a passenger, but is there really justification for a knock-out blow?   If they are also armed (are they??), I hate to think what might also happen.   In the UK, I think it likely that a similar incident would result in detention (handcuffs?), courtesy of the nearest police officer summoned by the border official.   (I hope to fly out of London Gatwick in less than a fortnight - not in heels! - and will keep all this in mind.)

It is not really clear what is happening here, other than an apparent refusal of a man in heels to comply with airport security.   You have been warned!

10 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

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The only other thing to note about these sandals, other than their simple design, is that the heels themselves do not neatly fall into a category, as we've talked about elsewhere. Measuring 7/16" (11mm) in both transverse and longitudinal directions, they are probably ever so slightly too thick to be called stilettos, though their general shape and feel definitely makes them close cousins with the stiletto.

...

 

 

Imho, they are far better candidates to be called 'stilettos' than many others seen advertised as such.   Nice sandals anyway.

9 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

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These Maddens shown in your picture are good looking! They look a bit like Dr. Scholl's with a wedge bottom. I have a soft spot in my heart for Dr. Scholl's. It brings back childhood memories.

Sandals like these are still available from various sources, but often at what seem excessive prices.   These are Berkemann Hamburg (from Amazon):

5 hours ago, Pumped said:

Ran across a deal on a pair of Steve Madden Brenna platform heels. Yep, another black pair of pumps!

Steve Madden Brenna

They are definitely NOT sandals.   I am shocked that you would sully this thread by mentioning them here!   😆

I am another who enjoyed some interesting (and usually amusing) exchanges with Megan a while ago.   May she rest in peace.

Both are mules because they are backless, but more specifically sandals because they are both backless and open-toed.   Sandals trumps mules!

10 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

... It's been all downhill ever since....

I suppose that is true if you consider the angle of your feet!

4 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

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I have not attempted to repair the damage yet, and would welcome any suggestions you might have about methods. They are fake patent leather bottoms with canvas straps.

...

Depending upon the degree of gloss, I can only suggest a suitable oil-based paint might cover the scratches.   You could try a black spirit marker if you just want to eliminate the light-coloured marks.   Either way, I doubt that much of the damage would remain obvious.

Going back to your recent comments about closed-toe mules, my eldest stepson's wife was wearing these Jimmy Choos today as she set off for a friend's wedding.   I think she wore them for her own wedding in February - but, if so, they were totally hidden under her long dress - which rather defeated the object!   A very thin 4" heel and a sharp toe.   Elegant, although I think an open toe and/or a thin slingback would be better (and she is a regular sandal wearer).   She is neither a wealthy woman nor a spendthrift fashionista and I can't help thinking that the money apparently spent (at least £600 in the UK!) could have been put to better use, including to buy several pairs of stylish shoes and sandals of good quality.

8 minutes ago, mlroseplant said:

Here is a model that is riding the cusp of sandalism or not. Maison Ernest puts this in with the sandals on their website, but does not actually call it a sandal. To me, it looks like an open toed pump from the outside, but a sandal from the inside. Kinda cool! Model name is Plaisir. It comes in both 10 and 12 cm flavors.

 

I agree on all counts.   A very nice-looking open-toed court shoe.   In the press, or in catalogues/websites, I think that is how it would be described (i.e. NOT as a sandal), but the all-embracing term 'shoe' seems to be (mis)used for almost anything these days that is not clearly a boot.   There is certainly a thin dividing line between shoes and sandals, with heels irrelevant.

11 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

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Now take it a step further with the close toed slingback, and eliminate the sling, making it a mule. Not a terribly popular style, but it had its moments in the early 2000s in my area. But, is it a sandal? Despite the fact that probably 75% of the foot is uncovered, I would say no, and I can't tell you why.

...

If the vamp of a closed-toe mule (effectively a court/pump with the back removed!) is not perforated or otherwise fails to expose the foot/toes, it can hardly be a sandal by either your reckoning or mine.   Our views differ only to the extent that you consider an open toe to be essential on a sandal (if that is still your position); I don't.

18 hours ago, Cali said:

So @Puffer are these sandals? Open toe perforated (with a back) or the open-toed backless mules.

 

How about these?

...

They would all appear to be sandals by Melrose's definition or by my wider one.   I'm surprised you have to ask.

Some people might regard your second pair as peep-toe shoes, given that they are not very 'open', but in my view they are a variety of sandal. 

But this is where it starts to get interesting - or difficult:

 Clearly a slingback shoe (court/pump):    

Clearly a peeptoe shoe (court/pump): 

But put the two components together and you have what most would call a sandal: 

On 5/7/2022 at 9:46 AM, mlroseplant said:

Now that I have time to think about this, I definitely have my own opinions about what constitutes a sandal. For one thing, it has to show toes. The phrase, "open-toed sandal" is redundant to me. There are several examples that would like to prove me wrong, but I am entitled to my opinion. However, if some entity could actually throw me in jail because of that opinion, I will recant. I'm not THAT principled.

Yes, you are certainly entitled to your opinion and I tend to agree that a 'sandal' ought to show toes - and properly too.    But as, by definition, a sandal would generally be considered as nothing more than a light shoe with piercings or openings (not necessarily revealing toes or heel), I don't think you can be right.   

Below are examples of closed-toe sandals.   That on the left is a man's 'fisherman' style; OK for walking but hardly attractive imho; not one I would wear.   On the right are the sort of traditional children's sandals that are still (just about) seen in the UK.   Well, I suppose that one might just catch a glimpse of toe-upper in some of these but I rest my case.

And I now suppose that we need to consider the status of mules and slides.   In my book, a mule is well-recognised historically as any item of backless footwear, but if also open at the front it will (also) be a sandal.   A slide (which seems to be a newish and superfluous term) is seemingly an open-toed mule, usually but not always with a single strap - so is also a sandal.   And a flip-flop (or thong, to some) is a slide that has a toe post.   So, I wonder what we should call these 'sandals' (which I have heard described as 'toe-wrap'):   

2 hours ago, Pierre1961 said:

That’s sad. Because it seems there is a lot of nice “clean” men here nowadays. 

Like this? 

I was surprised to note from my credentials that I joined in 2004.   Seems like only yesterday; perhaps I was dozing - maybe I'm Rip Van Winklepicker?

7 hours ago, VirginHeels said:

Thanks, will enjoy it. I’m working tomorrow, so can’t wear them. Bloody flat safety shoes for work 😔.

Don't get me started on politics, I can rip a hole through them all.

At least the lovely Nicola (!) is usually in decent heels!   (SNP = Stilettos; no platforms)

I too have often wondered why there was not a 'new sandals' thread.   

The problem might well be definition - here we go again!!    What is a sandal, as compared with a shoe?   Open toe/open side shoes are not sandals, but add an open back or sling back and they almost certainly become sandals, at least in common parlance.

It's no good looking at newspapers or fashion magazines.   There is no consistency in terminology at all, with many obviously sandal styles being described as shoes.

I'm not looking for a debate here - but on the other hand ...

You would have to be blessed with green toes, rather than fingers, surely?

There does seem to be a growing trend for women to go barefoot in closed shoes and boots as well as in sandals.   It would seem that, in the UK at least, sales of stockings are negligible (outside glamour wear) and those of tights (pantyhose) declining other than for some formal occasions.   All part of the shift towards casual - often sloppy - dressing.

In my view, sandals should be worn barefoot, by both sexes.   I enjoy sandals when the weather allows, the briefer and barer the better.   And open-toe shoes barefoot on women.   I have also seen a trend for men to go barefoot in 'normal' shoes - typically loafers but also sometimes plain lace-ups; a look I find hard to acknowledge as either flattering or comfortable. 

13 hours ago, VirginHeels said:

Recently, it’s been “cold but dry” of 14-16c, that’s warm for us so summer, only had rain for 3 days in past 4 weeks. It’s to be 17c on Monday, dry seemingly.

Im Scottish, so don’t mind the cold. I’m feeling the Khaki, heels and a hoodie. Look good, but relaxed. After all, we have ditched the masks and all but gone and put fingers in our ears and gone LaLaLaLaLa to the pandemic.

This look will have the heel fully exposed. No where to hide. A confidence bump. I’m gonna drive in them too, so more new heeling experience.

Enjoy your trip - but I hope not literally!   And please let us see a pic of your outfit when you tell us how it went.

You might want to wear the boots tomorrow if you go out to vote - you will be in good company with an assortment of strangely-dressed individuals (quite apart from the candidates)!