RonC

5.00, like new on ebay. Just had to have them. They fit great and I can't wait to wear them out shopping.

Nice choice, and the price is right! Hope you get to take some pics while out and about in those. Would enjoy seeing that!

I agree with the idea of being there at opening time. Not only is the store apt to be a lot less crowded, the clerk/shopkeeper is likely to be in a better mood not yet having had to put up with the public in general yet!

er... 1100 pairs.

I hope you're just counting how many you've ever owned. Because to store 1,100 pairs of shoes, you would need a warehouse! No one (beyond maybe the queen and Bill Gates at least) could have a large enough house to maintain 1,110 pairs of shoes....lol

I personally do not understand why so many have a problem with driving in heels. I have been doing just that for a good 40+ years now, and I have never, ever had a problem with wearing heels and operating a car. Now don't get me wrong, I am talking typical womens shoes with heels in the 3-4" range with thin soles. There is absolutely nothing that would create a problem for me driving in shoes of that nature. Now, I have never had a pair of platforms, so that could be something totally different. I would think that the movement from gas to brake pedal could definitely create a problem, as, if the foot is not lifted far enough, it could easily catch the side of the brake...not a good situation. Nor have I ever tried 5-6" heels, though as long as the ball of the foot can be used to operate the pedals, I don't see a real hazard there, but I would need to try that carefully before being fully confident. That being said, I also have never driven a bus, so I don't know how the pedals feel or how the spacing is around the pedals. But I don't think I'd be thrilled to know that my bus driver, be it male of female, was wearing 5" heels with platform soles.

I typically wear a US women's 12. As indicated by others, there are some 11's that I can fit into, and I had a pair of Nine West shoes in a 12 that were so tight I couldn't wear them bery long. So it's a crap shoot as to what might fit. I was in the Skycraper Heels store in Chicago the other day, and I tried on three pairs of pumps that were between a 12WW and 13WW that were both too short and too tight. The shop keeper said that the shoes from some of the foreign importers (and I guessing China or Taiwan here) always run small and narrow, and that they are working on getting them to make better and more consistent sizes. Actually, if I could pick a size that fit best, for most styles it would be an 11 or 11 1/2 WW. But most of the styles that are available in true WW widths are, may I say, old ladies shoes (I know, there are some out there that aren't, but just go take a look on Zappos and see what pops up in those sizes...lol). The moral of the story is to try them on!

It's such a dangerous thing for me to pass my favourite store...couldn't help myself! I first saw the first of the two pairs, i actually went in to get the second pair since i already knew them and REALLY liked them from the adverts of the store. But when i came along the first pair i found them so cute i had to have them. The second pair of from the Cindy Crawford collection of the store. They are real leather and the finish is great! And they where quite cheap for real leather heels. Ugh, i hope i can keep myself from buying more heels for a while.

Very nice heels. I'd love to have both pairs for myself. What store are those from, and do they come in big sizes (I mostly take a 12 US womens, but can squeeze into some 11's)

I'm right there with you Aussieheels. At the age of nearly 59, I've been buying myself heels for nearly 43 years now. I've had so many paris that I couldn't possibly add them all up, but if I simply averaged 5 per year that is 215 pairs. And it could be more than that! At present, I possess only six pair. As I have very limited access to storage, the rest go regularly to the Salvation Army boxes in town. I'm keeping the shoe companies in business with my buy and purge cycle! I would very much love having some of them back, and can think of a couple pairs of Proxy brand pumps I had in the early 1990's that I would really love to still have. Oh well.......

Wow, I have to think back a long way to get to my first time. I recall not yet being married, living at home, going to college. Probably late 1960's or very early 1970's. I had purchased a pair of pumps with about a 3/12 inch thin heel and cross straps on the instep - from Montgomery Wards if anyone remembers them. By that time, it was getting hard to find thin heels, as the hippy years were setting in, with block and low heels becoming prevalent. Interesting that in those years, womens heels were probably mostly lower, while mens shoes were getting higher heels! These were not my first heel purchase, but the first ones I decided to actually walk outside in. I went to a neighborhood not far from where I lived and decided I would take a walk around the block. I picked a spot near a train station with mostly apartments so no one would think much of me parking my car and then walking away from it, and act that would be considered odd in a single family home neighborhood. While wearing mens clothes (jeans) and a winter coat, I also had a scarf. I thought perhaps if I wrapped the scarf around my head, I would be less likely to be noticed. It was probably late afternoon or early evening, still daylight. After driving around the block to make sure it was empty, I stepped out of the car with my heart racing like mad. I managed to get to the corner when an elderly gentleman came around the corner. I tried not to look at him, but as I neared, he asked my why I was wearing a bubushka (sp?)! I found it interesting that the first thing he noticed was not my shoes, but the scarf wrapped around my head. I didn't answer, just kept walking, scared shitless! I'm sure he eventually noticed my heels onced I passed by, but at least he didn't follow me! Anyway, that was my first. Later, after being married, I also tried the dress in women's clothing thing, but I think I wasn't too good at that and was certainly made more than once. But it was a thrill to go out in nylons, heels, and a skirt! That was back when I was not only young, but much thinner as well!

WaHoo! Thanks Beverlyheel. I cannot get enough of that woman! And she walks in those heels like they're a pair of house slippers! Yikes, she's hot!

Thanks to all for the nice comments. Danielp6406, I say reasonably comfortable because a size 11 is really a bit too small for me. I wouldn't want to go out walking in these, but for an hour or two around the house, I can manage. Actually, I'm finding that for in-house wear, I actually get some bit of enjoyment out of having shoes that fit a bit snug. Can't explain that, but I do. As far as the pciutres go, yes, I am using a mirror. Camera is auto-focus, so I can't do it manually. I think the real problem here is that the camera went to digital zoom. Digital zoom tends to be grainy in most instances, so I'm hoping that was the problem. This is a new camera, and I'd hate to have it be bad!

Nice shoes, imroter!

Bought these the other day at the ridiculously low pricew of $5. Made by Nina. Size 11, 4" heel. I know not everyone like peep toes, but these are realtively comfortable and I love the two small straps across the toe area. Sorry about the blurry shots. Don't know why that was happening! The last one at least is clear.

HF, good to see you back! Sounds like you're having fun!

RonC- Thanks for your idea. I actually bought a dress and an electric blue blazer there to go with my electric blue Victoria pumps I got at Bakers last December. They used to have a nail technician there a few years ago but she moved on so I assumed the makeover service went as well. I'll have to give them a second look. It would be much easier to have a night out in Chicago than to travel several hours somewhere else. I'm sure it'll all work out!

HappyinHeels

They definitely still have the makeover service. Never done that, so I know nothing of personnel, but I know they still off the service. See their web site Q & A area for some additional info.

Not sure if I should put this here or in the "try on before you buy" thread, but on Monday I went to the outlet mall where there is a Nine West outlet among other stores. I went into Nine West and found the size 12 section, and they actually had a few pairs that I liked. In general, I need a size 12, though I will preface that by saying that my feet are actually different sizes. But in most womens shoes I need a twelve to accomodate my right foot. So, I was still feeling a little bit apprehensive about trying on shoes, but decided to at least make sure the right shoes fit, which, on the pair I picked, did just fine. So I picked up those and, at checkout, the clerk reminded me that there was a buy one, get one at half-off sale, asking if there was something else I might want. Standing there, I spotted a very nice pair of sandals on the floor behind the counter and noticed they were a size 12. I said if those are a 12, I'll take them, as sandals always fit. I didn;t try them on. Alas, when I got home, the left shoe on the pair of slingback pumps was litterally falling off my foot, even though the right shoe was actually a bit tight. The sandals had a t-strap that extended from the toe strap up to another strap that ran across the foot at the instep. Much to my chagrin, I could not get my foot fully into the shoe, as that instep strap was way too short for my foot. I was so sure both would fit, and seeing as how I have to still conceal my shoe collection, I had already rid myself of the boxes and packaging before I got home, so I couldn't return them. That will teach me to try before I buy, and try both shoes as well. At least they were on sale, but it is $50 out the window. What a dummy! All because I was feeling a bit shy in front of the sales clerks that day.

DDWW, I just wanted you to know that I really like the red pair in your post!

ALL--

I'm looking at any events I could attend in mid-May where I could go get makeup and nails done then go out for a night. I'm close to Chicago but also know of a store in te Detroit area that does makeovers and takes you out. I might just as well settle for getting together for coffee or a meal with some of our forumers here. I have my own clothes (and shoes of course) which I'm dying to wear out where it counts since I haven't had a chance to fully dress (and REALLY REALLY enjoy those heels) in over four years now. Going out fully-dressed or just in your heels like many here do is one thing but isn't it SO much more enjoyable when enjoyed with others?? Any ideas or suggestions now is the time!

Thanks!

HappyinHeels

HappyinHeels,

If you're close to Chicago, give Transformations by Rori a try. They are in Arlington Heights, a northwest suburb, and in addition to the clothing store and wig shop, they do make-up sessions, etc and sponsor nights out. Look them up on the web, you might find what you're looking for. I've been in the store looking for shoes, but I'm not really a full dress-up type, so I do not have personal experience on their services and nights out events, but everything I've read has been absolutely positive.

Just a note to those that have large feet and may be situated in the Chicago area. I was in the Nordstrom Rack store in Northbrook this morning, and they actaully had about a rack and one-hal;f of size 13 shoes, and even several pairs of size 14. WHile the selction was not great, there definitely were a couple pairs of pumps with heels in the 4" plus range. Myself, I wear an 11 or 12. I tried on a couple pairs today, but nothing suited me. If you happen to be looking for a platform with a five inch or so heel, they have several pairs of those on the racks. I'm not much for platforms, so nothing really caught my eye today. I also tried on heels at a Stein Mart, and good old Payless. It's getting really difficult to find size 12's (and even much in 11's) at my local Payless stores.

Hey Ron, the Payless I go to is in the middle of a largely african american sector of the city. The folks there wont do anything to you but you will probably be a bit uneasy if you dont look like everyone else. That is perfectly fine. Either way, the store has a great selection of women's shoes from 10's all the way up to 13's. I must let you know though, the 13's section is only about 30 pairs of shoes or so in size (about a rack with 6 rows) where as the size 12's have maybe 3 racks and the 11's about 5 racks and so on. You can pay to park for a little under a half hour with 2 quarters ($1.25/hour). The address of the payless is 1 South Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL on the corner of madison and pulaski. If you go there around 10 in the morning you will probably find very few people shopping. The store is relatively large compared to the other ones I have seen.

That is a pretty rough neighborhood. I suppose that 10:00 AM is ok, but I personally would not shop there. The Payless on State Street in downtown Chicago also does carry some 13s, and is a much better bet in terms of shopping safety and comfort.

What about these ?

A mix of sandal and boot !

Sorry to all that like this style, but I myself find the boot/sandal styles to be not only rather silly, but also unattractive. I just don't get it. Especially if it's during hot weather. Why would anyone want that?

1 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago IL. Near Madison.

That neihborhood is a bit on the rough side, a high crime area. Wouldn't recommend spending much time there.

Hi,

You guys have shopped in some very nice shoes here !!

My latest: http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/footwear/item10026835.aspx. Masculine. High. Cool. High quality (probably). Quite expensive too, but got them on sale. Eagerly waiting to receive them tomorrow.

Happy Heeling

-k6ps

Wow. I know we all have our likes, but those those are interesting at best. OK for a guy I guess, but if I saw a woman wearing those, I run the other direction.

So today, I went to a Payless store in the middle of chicago and bought 2 pairs of heels. Both are size 13 Woman's US.

The first pair (black with pink insole) looks really nice. Unfortantely, they feel a bit loose without socks and the back slips off frequently. Furthermore, My feet are narrow so they end up slipping through.

http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?skuId=075771100&productId=66642&subCatId=cat220016&catId=cat10088&lotId=075771&category=&catdisplayName=Womens+

The second pair is much nicer though although I'm dissapointed that they have a small platform. Still very nice though. They fit like a glove. i love them! http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?skuId=075939100&productId=66683&subCatId=cat10284&catId=cat10088&lotId=075939&category=&catdisplayName=Womens+

Also, I tried both pairs inside the store. There were few people shopping and no one looking in my area (since the shoe sizes were so large as it is.

What was interesting was that the lady who cashed me out was the same lady that rung out my flats i bought back in October. She remembered me and was happy to see me again.

It's interesting to note that although the extra sizes (13) are not shown online, they still exist, the heels I bought today are proof.

Regen, I too am in teh Chicago area. May I ask which store you went to in Chicago? I haven't seen much in the way of 12s, much less 13s, so I'd like to try that store myself. Thanks

And to think that someone will actually find those attractive and be seen in public with them on....that scares me!

US women's 12 for the most part. Sometimes an 11 works, especially in a wide width. My avatar picture probably describes my favorite shoe style the best..black patent classic pumps... I do like a variety of styles though I prefer the more delicate, feminine looking shoes rather than anything with a chunky, heavy look. Heels don't need to be stilettos, but I am partial to the thinner type. Shape of heel is important to me, again, I point to my avatar. T-straps rate high, and I like bows and buckles in the toe area of the shoe. A peep-toe with a bow is most enjoyable. Sandals are great on a woman with nice toes, but really don't look that good on my obviously male feet. I must admit that I'm not looking forward to the next couple years if what I'm seeing hitting the stores now is any indication. Don't like the gladiator look at all! And personally, I've seen enough platforms to last two lifetimes. I don't mind a small platform, but anything much over a half inch I believe looks way too cumbersome, no matter what the heel height.