Yamyam

Definitely had several experiences like that. I remember several conversations with assistants, all of whom were doing their best to help me out. At one point, a while ago, I was in Schuh, and I had one assistant finding a pair of popsox, as I had thick blokey socks on, and another suggesting an alternative style to the one I was trying on. Everyone, including one male assistant, was just helping me out as if this is something entirely normal and everyday. I've worst experience I've ever had is the stereotyped "completely useless" assistant, who will just take the shoes, zap the barcode, charge you, then go back to staring into space. But even that hardly ever happens, and I've tried all sorts! The secret is to go for it! Confidence is everything (once you can fake that, you're sorted )

I've got three pairs of wedges, one 2" and two around 4". I wear them outside sometimes when I'm travelling, but not all that often. I work on-site for a very conservative company, and any hint of not being normal would earn me an *immediate* P45 . If it wasn't for that, I'd go for it more.

Just getting up my courage! I have a couple of pairs of plain wedges that I plan to wear out. I'm having trouble finding trousers to hide them, so the few times I've been outside I've let the whole heel show. And I don't think anyone's noticed yet! But then, I'm a long way from wearing them all day. Perhaps when I find some longer trousers .

Yeah, the sizes do seem to vary. I've got some size 7s, some size 8s, and I nearly bought a pair of size 9s, as it was the only size I could get into in that size. I think it depends on how narrow and/or pointed the shoe or boot is. Wider styles are easier than ultra-pointed ones for me, as I've got slightly wide feet. But trying them on is so much fun I can't complain !

I find just going in, having a browse, and then buying what you want works. I've been giggled at once, and stared at once, but I've managed to buy loads of pairs of shoes without any other problem. I always go somewhere with female assistants, but apart from that, just go for it. I think if you look confident, people will just leave you. If you look suspicious, that's when people will watch you. Brantano is great, as is my local Bacon's. I travel sometimes, so I get to check out lots of different places. (But I daren't go in my local Asda, because that's where I do my weekly food shop!)

At the moment I'm getting into 4" wedgies. I've got a couple of pairs with quite a narrow wedge, and I'm just eyeing up a new pair with a wedge about 1 inch wide. I think they'll look a bit more subtle on the street. Roll on the sales