The Happy Feats of HappyFeat

[Mr. X]

Sounds like you had a great time. The pics look great. Especially number 3. You are really working that dress. Way to go!

[danielp6406]

What an amazing week end HappyFeat ! I like the capri look very much. Glad to see everything was OK on Saturday night. And be careful with that drunk guy if you go back to this bar...

[Bootking]

Hi HF,

While pic #1 is not bad at all, pic #3 blows 'em all away. Amazing how one can surprise oneself?

[scrappycoco]

I can agree with just about everyone here when I say #3 was i think the best!

[stefan]

I can only concur. Number 3 look sensational.

[Maximilian]

That's quite the Saturday night lol. You look F#$%&*g awesome in that dress! The thought of you restraining that guy in that outfit made my evening. Great job!

[JeffB]

And be careful with that drunk guy if you go back to this bar...

I agree wholeheartedly. There are few animals on earth more dangerous than a man with a wounded pride. And once he sobers up and learns he'd been restrained by a guy in a dress, he's gonna be absolutely mortified!

[danielp6406]

Greatings HappyFeat :-)

What JeffB is saying is so true...

IMHO maybe you would like to go back to this bar in "regular" attire to see if this guy is still there.

Maybe he was so drunk he won't recognize you but his friends will...

( I just want to continue reading your amazing stories in this forum ! )

[Mae]

Re: Friday - I had a few errands to run and decided that I should look nice while doing them. I wore a raspberry dress shirt, gray Lane Bryant trousers with wide legs and a nice cuff, black patterned trouser socks, and black Nine West "Appleaday" with a very small stiletto heel. I hit the post office, paid a couple of bills and went for an early lunch. Since my outfit was fairly conservative, I really didn't draw much attention except for one man who stared at me for a long time, which I am hoping was because of my shoes because otherwise he was really creeping me out. The one interesting thing about these shoes is that I slipped off the heel several times on tile floors, which never happens when I wear a higher heel. I just thought that was fascinating.

Actually, I am going to have a different opinion than most of your responses. I loved your "Friday" outfit. That is how I like to dress when I go out. It looks sharp. I also love the loafer style pumps. I have at least a dozen pairs of that style of shoe....but mine are all with a chunkier heel. I also love to read about your adventures. If you have more of the loafer style pumps, please post those pictures as well.

[Dawn HH]

Happyfeat:-) I must totally agree with the other posters comments. Pic #3 is a knock-out outfit. And restrainig a drunk while wearing it? Whoa fellow!!! It just goes to show that looking good, having great balance in 3.5" heels while hanging onto a drunk and restraining him all at the same time, well what can I say except, you the "Man"! It serves him right and after he sobers up, I hope that his drinking buddies give him his just desserts for years to come. Wow!!! What story!!! You do like to live dangerously---dress and heels and all, don't you? Cheers--- Dawn HH

[HappyFeat]

Wow! Thanks for all of the great comments, complements, advice and discussion. This will likely turn out to be the proverbial "wall of text," but I just wanted to reply and give some feedback to these discussions. I have been quite busy over the last few weeks and I am hoping to get out again VERY soon, since it seems that I may be suffering from high heel withdrawl. So, here goes:

On the Capri pants and Aldo slides:

This was my first time with true Capri pants and I think they are wonderful. I have worn gauchos, but they are much looser fitting and a tad more on the flamboyant side. Also, I have been experimenting some with slides this summer and have found them surprisingly easy to wear and quite comfortable.

...While pic #1 is not bad at all...

I was pleasantly surprised at how well it turned out. What was even better was how good it felt to wear. I was very concerned since I don't normally have that much exposed foot or shoes for that matter. I will play with the Capris a lot more in the future.

My vote this week is “door number one.” I think the white Capris look great. Maybe its because the cuff is where a pair of boots should be, but that is just my biased preference.

This is a great comment because after looking at the picture, I think I will try the Capris with a pair of knee boots this fall. Of course they won't look like Capris if I tuck them, but it will be a pretty cool outfit. These are way to skinny to not tuck them in boots, so maybe I need to find a pair with a slightly wider leg for a slightly different look. Thanks for the idea!

HF: Great looking outfits there. For some odd reason, pic number one reminds me of something Mary Tyler Moore used to wear on the old Dick Van Dyke Show (the theme song just started playing in my head). HA! ...

Actually, it is funny you mention that because, I really was going for an early 1960's look. I love the clean lines and general elegance of the fashion of that era, so I guess I pulled it off - this time. Looking at the picture, maybe I do need to get a sting of pearls to add that missing touch.

Mary Tyler Moore really looked good on the old Dick VanDyke show so that is high praise to HF!

Personally, I think Mary Tyler Moore looked great not only on the Dick Van Dyke Show, but on her own show and still looks great now. I loved her (along with Stevie Nicks and Sally Field) as a kid. The comparison is quite well taken!

For the Dress:

You look F#$%&*g awesome in that dress!

That is the single best complement I have received in writing! Also, considering that you do a dress pretty well yourself Max...

As for pic number three----WOW! I can only hope I can look a fraction as good in a dress as you do! Once again, WOW!

The trick is finding the right dress and letting it do the work. I have found knit or sweater dresses do the best for me since they really don't have a predefined waist. I am just too tall for most dresses that have a waist built in. They are also a bit tight fitting and even with a little extra girth like I have at the moment tight actually works better for me. However Jeff, with your legs nobody is going to be paying much attention to the dress.

Sounds like you had a great time. The pics look great. Especially number 3. You are really working that dress. Way to go!

I think you make a great point. I felt really good and the dress made me feel better and "working it" as you put it I have found is the difference between being more than just a "guy in a dress."

The dress also looks good but, as others have mentioned, you gotta have the figure for it to wear one. I’m afraid that the fact that you “did win the regional high school wrestling title” still shows. Every time I try one I have to make a conscious effort to hold my stomach in (I’m not into corsets).

In addition to wrestling in high school I took ten years of dance including jazz, modern and ballet. Though I don't do any of that, some of the habits I developed then helps keep my body on the lean side, which does give a slightly more feminine silhouette which does help with the dress. However, notice that the picture I posted was a straight on shot. The side shots turn it from being a very nice outfit to a maternity smock. I don't do corsets either and have no desire to invest in lingerie of any kind, but all hail control top pantyhose when pulled up above the waist.

...pic #3 blows 'em all away. Amazing how one can surprise oneself?

This about sums up the dress. I didn't plan of wearing a dress or even going out for that matter, but when I pulled it together was was very pleasantly surprised. Not only did it look nice, but I felt great in a way that I don't often feel. In some ways, I was thinking that a dress felt so natural that it may be the garment that I like wearing bets. But moderation is the key...

On my activities while wearing the dress:

Good on you, HF Perhaps you and Stilettoscott should team up. I believe he used to work as a bouncer in a bar -- if I remember correctly.

Now, imagine the guys humiliation when he sobers up and realizes that he was "physically bested" in front of his girlfriend by a guy in bar wearing a dress and high heels? That should do a great deal to his "macho vision" of himself.....

I jumped in and restrained the drunk bastard until the bouncer came and, well bounced him

HF, WOW what an adventure. I would never have occurred to me to do that, especially in a dress and heels.

The really cool thing is I was able to do it and my shoes didn't even slide off. The straps on those slings are a bit stretched out and I actually had trouble keeping them from sliding off while I was dancing. So, I think I could do a pretty good job as a bouncer while wearing heels.

Maybe if Stilettoscot is up for it, we could go into business together. As for the guys humiliation, I hope he suffers a great trauma. There is no call for being an ass and starting something. I kind of live by the "I'm a lover, not a fighter" mentality, but I can take care of myself if I need to.

What I don’t understand is how “she didn't notice that it was a dress until I came outside.” Maybe some of KneeHighs charm has been transferred through the web and she was blinded by it.

Actually, I said she was hot and wearing great shoes, not that she was observant or particularly smart. LOL I get these kind of comments from time to time including having a clerk in a store asked me if I wore skirts while I was standing right in front of her WEARING A SKIRT. This particular girl however was fixated on my jacket, necklace, and neckline, so I will give her a pass.

I agree wholeheartedly. There are few animals on earth more dangerous than a man with a wounded pride. And once he sobers up and learns he'd been restrained by a guy in a dress, he's gonna be absolutely mortified!

Greatings HappyFeat :-)

What JeffB is saying is so true...

IMHO maybe you would like to go back to this bar in "regular" attire to see if this guy is still there.

Maybe he was so drunk he won't recognize you but his friends will...

( I just want to continue reading your amazing stories in this forum ! )

As for the guy being threatening to me, I am not worried about that at all. First, as circumstances would have it, I am not going back there for a while anyway since my weekends are being consumed with home improvement projects, travel, etc. I usually don't get out much in the fall. However, I would never let anybody stop me from going anywhere, however I am dressed. I have no desire to fight, but I can restrain almost anybody and he will just have to get over being tied up by a guy in really great shoes.

On my Friday outfit:

Actually, I am going to have a different opinion than most of your responses. I loved your "Friday" outfit. That is how I like to dress when I go out. It looks sharp. I also love the loafer style pumps. I have at least a dozen pairs of that style of shoe....but mine are all with a chunkier heel. I also love to read about your adventures. If you have more of the loafer style pumps, please post those pictures as well.o

Well, I am quite happy that somebody liked my more conservative look, since this is the look that I am more likely to wear out in the future. I have found that women's dress pants and a nice conservative shoes does make me feel well put together and "sharp." However, I have also notices that lower heels and even block heels seem to attract more attention for me that stilettos. Not that I mind the attention, its just that I find it ironic. As for pictures, I have posted several pictures of many of my shoes in this thread, but I will be posting more as I continue to get out.

Really? I consider this quite amazing, as one of the first things I think women question about a man wearing heels is his ability to protect them from potential physical harm, among other forms of protection a man may offer. I think this is an amazing example of having a wildly strong inner sense of self. Good job, color me impressed.

Actually, I have long given up trying to figure out what women think about a guy wearing heels. I have never thought about the protection thing, but then again many of the women I meet and talk to are more than able to protect themselves. I have also retain another thread that women may feel that a guy who is unconventional may not be able to earn money, or be accepted in the upwardly mobile corporate world. To each their own, but I probably wouldn't be interested in those women anyway. I know I am heading on a tangent here from your original intent, but it was a thought that just leaped in my head. I will say this, I did get my share of attention from the fairer sex that evening.

I do have a well developed (possibly overdeveloped) sense of self. The irony is that heeling has only made me feel more that way. That night was likely my crowning evening wearing heels, however you never know what happens next.

Thanks for all of the replies. You guys are great!

[JeffB]

The trick is finding the right dress and letting it do the work. I have found knit or sweater dresses do the best for me since they really don't have a predefined waist. I am just too tall for most dresses that have a waist built in. They are also a bit tight fitting and even with a little extra girth like I have at the moment tight actually works better for me. However Jeff, with your legs nobody is going to be paying much attention to the dress.

I must say you continue to inspire me with your excellent sense and style when it comes to fashion, and when you sported that dress, you really blew me away, and got me to thinking if I could pull off that look as I definitely want to take a crack at wearing a dress, provided I can find just the right one. Your suggestion about knit or sweater dresses is plenty sound, and I intend to follow that avenue of thought when I go shopping. Once again, thanks for the inspiration!

[Thighbootguy]

HappyFeat-

I liked the Capri pants so much I picked up two pair, denim and off white (haven’t found a pair of white ones yet). I wore them with a pair of black leather knee high boots with a 2” block heel under the pants and really liked the look. Most of the boot shaft is visible so you get to make the “I’m wearing boots” statement but it is a subtle difference from boots over jeans look.

[JeffB]

HappyFeat: Lost in all the talk about how great you looked in that dress (admittedly, I'm kinda jealous, heh!) were those sharp looking slingbacks you sported which complimented your dress to perfection. Bravo on those cool shoes! Looking back on that outfit, I'm going to have to see if I can get my hands on a pair of slings which I'm sure I can make work just as well as you did.

[HappyFeat]

Its been quite a while since I have posted any outings. Since my last outing posted, I have had only five. At the end of July, I bought a new house and it has taken a lot of my time and I still have yet to get Internet access at my new home. Until I get some more work done, I will be posting quite sporadically, but I will be checking in from time to time and try to keep getting out and posting my outings. Since I am lucky to get out once per week, I am really missing wearing heels. But for now, its mainly loafers for work and steel toe workbooks at home...The first two outings were pre-move, so my "studio" was still in place. The final three were in my new house. None of the outings were as exciting as my last one I posted, but they were still outings none the less.

Monday, July 27 - A simple outing to get breakfast and review some documents. I wore a blue striped Geoffry Bean oxford that I left untucked, white JCrew "High Heel Flare" jeans, white trouser socks and old Nine West round toe d'Orssay style pumps. I really didn' get much attention, save the obligatory long glances. I went onto Lane Bryant, but nobody I knew was working and I am really not that excited about any of their styles at the moment. Besides, their prices have been quite high as of late.

Wednesday, July 29 - I wore a khaki Clayborne suit, suntan knee highs and blue Bandolino "Sneakpeak" pumps. The most eventful part of that afternoon was stopping at Panera for lunch. While I was waiting for my order, I was making eye contact with a very attractive woman in her 40's who was having lunch with a woman I suspect was her daughter. Since we were separated by a divider there was no way for her to see my feet. I knew it would be good when she did. I got the reaction that I expected, a glance, a long curious stare and then she never looked my way again. As we have discuseed before, most women are put off by guys in heels, though I have been quite lucky in finding the few who think its OK. I did get some other looks, a smile from a woman who was wearing nice shoes herself, but that was the most eventful part of the day.

Wednesday August 12 - After a two week break form heeling, I was dying to get out again. I wore a simple outfit, black oxford shirt, long Lane Bryant bootcut jeans, and black Nine West "Gillman" slingbacks. My day started at the Bandolino store. They really didn't have much in and the clerk that day was far from helpful. I went to Aldo, where the clerk I am friendly with was working. Though they had a big sale sign, nothing was really that marked down. I did try a few pair, but Aldo runs small and nothing fit me very well. I browsed around to JCrew, Banana Republic, etc. but again nothing was too exciting. I went on to my favorite consignment store to drop off some old fall clothes. The store was busy and I really didn't get a chance ot talk to the owner, but I bought a very short black skirt to wear if I ever get a chance to go back to the club. By now my feet were killing me and I called it a day. Even after a couple of weeks off I was beginning to feel a bit out of heeling shape.

Tuesday August 18, 2009 - This day I wore a yellow Polo silk/linen blend short sleeve shirt, the JCrew high heel flare jeans, and black t-strap Nine West "Meyer" t-strap pumps. I went to another the Robinson Mall for starters. I started by going to Lane Bryant. I hand't been in this store for a long time. The manager greeted me since she had waited on me in the past. I browsed the clearance rack and really didn't see anything I liked. I went to Baker's next, but the clerk there told me that they didn't have any 11's in stock at the moment. I thought they were opening an Aldo at this mall, but as of yet, it is still not there. I went on to the oujtlets just south of town where I started at Nine West. The clerk there filled me in on the reasons the manager left, since she knew that I liked her. I did try some shoes, but again nothing was really grabbing at me. I went o to Lane Braynt, the Dress Barn and Donna Karen, where I really didn't see anything I liked either. However at the DK shop, the manager of Kapser who used to work at DK came in and told me to stop by her store. I did, she picked out some suits for me to try, which I gladly did. She came back and gave opinions and even offered me a discount. I told her about the house and she gave me her card and told me that when I wanted to find something, to call and see of she is in and she wold have things ready for me. I plan on do this sometime after Labor Day. I do love to model at the very least.

Thursday, August 20 - It was a cool day after a short heat wave. I wore a Perry Ellis short sleeve sweater, black Lane Bryant Houston trousers, black knee highs, and black Nine West "Lucaro" pumps. The highlight of this outing was going to the South Side. I went to the Steve Madden store, tried a couple of pair of new shoes. The clerk was very friendly, but didn't make suggestions, etc. Next I went to the Nine West retail store, where the clerk brought me several pair of 11's to try. I did get a new pair of black pumps for $30. I said they were boring (since all of the others were fairly exotic styles) but she said that the classics suited me. She knows who to shmooze a customer...

Well five outings, all retail oriented. Sorry no dresses, skirts, etc. but soon I will be back in full swing....

[Mr. X]

Always enjoy reading your thread and viewing the pics. None of your latest outfits really jumped out as a personal favorite for me. But I still applaud you for doing your own thing and not caring what anyone else thinks. Way to go! By the way, your jeans pic is probably the closest to my style, and the one that does it the most for me.

[Bootking]

Ladies and gentlemen, the winner is behind door #2

[JeffB]

HappyFeat: Welcome back, my friend! Another raft of nice pics displaying your unique style. Like Bootking, my fave is number #2! That suit looked absolutely great, and the pumps matched very well. Bravo to you!

[RonC]

Happy, I love those new t-straps. I haven't seen those at Nine West. Are they a current offering or maybe a past season style? Have to see if I can find them in a 12! I was in a Nine West outlet the other day and didn't really find much I liked. Tried on one pair of 11s and as usual, they were a bit snug for me. Only 2 pairs of 12s in the store, and both were butt ugly! Wish they would give us big foots more 12s in the stores! Hope the new place is great!

[HappyFeat]

RonC, these are an older style, I am sure since I haven't seen them in either a NW retail store or an outlet in the last year. I found them on e-Bay while I was recently selling some of my shoes. What intrigues me is I really like women's clothing that is inspired by men's wear. I guess that shouldn't be too shocking, I guess. Their style is called "Meyer" so maybe some Internet snooping will help you find them in a 12.

[danielp6406]

Well done HappyFeat :-)

I also like picture # 2.

You went to the Steve Madden store ?

They have very nice shoes and boots but unfortunately, nothing in size 11.

Aldo do run small in shoes but are better with boots and some open toe sandals.

Cant wait to see you next outing "in full swing"...

[HappyFeat]

Here are five of my latest outings. Recently, I have been pretty busy and I have had to settle for shorter outings. It has been quite a while since I have been able to go out to a club or anything and I am really missing that. However, I still like to make it out in heels as often as possible, so I pretty much try to make the most of what time I actually have. Most of the fun for me is taking the time to put together outfits. I really love the creative nature of freestyling, so finding a nice combo is an accomplishment in itself.

Though I am posting five short outings today, I have been out once in the mean time. I will post it with my next batch in the next week or so. One thing I have learned is that no matter how long you can get out, just getting out is such a great experience for me.

Tuesday August 25 - Yellow dress shirt, Lane Bryant dark denim trousers, and brown Nine West "Gaffer" pumps. Not having a lot of time, I stopped at the Robinson shopping area outside of Pittsburgh. This shopping center is pretty huge and is on my way home from work, so it is pretty ideal. My first stop was the Dress Barn. I have had some positive experiences at other Dress Barn stores, so I decided to check this one out. When I entered the store, I was greeted warmly, but the clerk disappeared after that. I didn't stay in the store very long and when I left I saw another person who I thought was a customer and turned out to be another clerk. She was putting together the window display while talking on the cell phone. When I left, she stared out the window at me until I got in my car and drove away. I just thought it was very strange. Next I went to Starbucks for a frap. I ordered my drink in the busy store not feeling like I drew too much attention. I sat down at a table next to a couple of smartly dressed women who didn't even turn their head in my direction. I am sure people noticed, but nobody seemed to make a big deal of it at all. Finally, I went to Barnes and Nobel. I just browsed the shelves and flipped through some books. Again, I didn't sense that I drew much attention at all. So in one 90 minute outing, I experienced one person who acted strangely and many people who may have noticed but didn't respond with anything more than a double take or the like. Heeling is such an interesting way to observe other people.

Wednesday August 26 - Pink dress shirt, black Lane Bryant "Laffayette" dress trousers, black sheer knee high stockings, black patent Nine West "Thyme" pumps. One of the things that I have been doing since I moved is scouting new places to heel. At the moment, most of my heeling is retail, but for now its what I have time for. I tried a shopping district called the Homestead Waterfront. It is billed as being "high end" but really isn't terribly upscale. My new house is close to it, but in traffic it takes about 25 minutes to get there, so it truly isn't what I would call local, but a place I can go on occasion. One of the reasons that I wanted to go was to visit the Lane Bryant store. The store itself is quite nice with a larger selection than most stores. However, the service was not what I expected. The clerks didn't even recognize that I existed. No help, nothing. I had only experienced this once before shopping in LB where the staff usually bends over backward to help me. It turns out that there was a reason for that. It turns out that the manager there used to mange the South Hills store in Pittsburgh, the only other LB where I was ever treated rudely. In fact she was working then both times. Anyway, I browsed for a while and observed the people and went on my way. I went to the Yankee candle store next door where the clerk was quite attentive and helpful. She told me she "liked my outfit" and I thanked her but that was about it. I went on to the Ann Taylor Loft, where their sale markdowns are extremely deceptive. The staff was nice, but not very helpful. Most of them were college age women who were more interested in socializing than being helpful. I went onto the Dress Barn where though a better experience than the store I was in the previous day nothing really grabbed me. My final stop was Marshall's to look at the "Mega Shoe Clearance." I tried on a couple of pair and chatted with another customer who was also trying on shoes. I bought a pair of Naturlaizer peep toes for $15. The most interesting thing happened as I was leaving the store. A little girl, maybe three spots my shoes and says to the woman with her (possibly her grandmother), "That man is wearing high heels!" The woman with her says "yes he is" and they continue on their way. They learn young, don't they?

Monday August 31 - Tweed blazer, blue oxford Polo shirt, khaki Lane Bryant "Houston" trousers, sheer suntan knee high stockings, and brown patent wing tip Rampage "Klassy " pumps. My shortest outing this time was just a trip to the bank. I have worn heels each and every time I have been in this branch. Though they have never been mentioned, they are usually noticed. I deposited my paycheck and ordered new checks with my new address. I chatted for a few minutes with the tellers and left. I hit Starbucks before going on to work. Most of the people in Starbucks were guys, and many looked at my shoes. One young woman also noticed, but was engaged deeply in conversation with another woman, so she didn't do more than glance. After that, I changed my shoes and headed onto work.

Tuesday September 1 - Gold Geoffry Bean dress shirt, white Lane Bryant "Houston" trousers, black Naturalizer "Courtney" d'Orssay style t-strap peep toe pumps. A just had to debut my new shoes. Though it has been cool in the mornings, these late summer days warm up quite nicely, so a day out in open shoes seemed quite logical to me. Also, since summer is coming to an end, I wanted to wear these white trousers one more time. I think I can pass them off as a winter white, but not for an everyday outing. Feeling a bit bolder than I had in recent outings, I decided to return to the Homestead Waterfront shopping area in general, but the Lane Bryant store specifically. They had a pair of denim gauchos that would be great with boots this fall on the clearance rack and I wanted to get them. I wasn't going to force the issue on trying them on, especially since I yet again had trouble finding a helpful clerk, but I did get my questions answered. After buying the gauchos and feeling pretty good about myself, Barnes and Nobel I went on to Barnes and Nobel and looked for some books for my step-father's birthday. I browsed the store for about a half an hour and made my list to compare with Amazon.com prices. I did get some attention from a Starbucks.

Thursday September 3 - Blazer, raspberry Geoffry Bean dress shirt, tall Lane Bryant bootcut jeans, Nine West "Rocco" tan d'Orssay t-strap pumps. I was presented with an opportunity for a longer than typical outing, but didn't get much time to plan where I wanted to go. I wound up going to the mall at Robinson, on the west side of Pittsburgh. Of course, my first stop was Lane Bryant, where a very perky African-American clerk was very helpful and showed me a lot of things new in the store. Their new trousers are gorgeous! I wound up buying a linen top, that could double as a dress. However on further review, I really didn't like it and plan to return it. Now I have a plan for another outing! I went to Macy's, where the shoe prices are still high and they really didn't seem to carry many 11's any more. While shopping there, one customer kept looking at my shoes with a high degree of fascination. She was being waited on, and I didn't get a chance to approach her, but I did linger a bit to see if I had an opening. Next, I went to Baker's, where they are basically giving shoes away in the clearance section, but alas, the only 11's they had were quite ugly. After Baker's I headed to Aldo, which just opened up this week. The clerk working had been transferred from the South Hills store, where I remembered her. We had a fantastic conversation and she showed me some things that were pretty cool, but were either way too expensive, too small, or just a style a bit wild even for me. I ended my outing by going to Starbucks, where a table of women stopped me on my way out and told me how much they loved my outfit and shoes. Of course they asked the typical questions...how often do I wear them, if I am gay, when did I start, do i wear them to work, etc. I answered them chatted for a bit, we talked about shoe shopping, etc. and that was that. A great way to end an outing.

I had been worried that I was losing my mojo, but my last two outings really helped me get it back. Since I have moved and the bars have closed where I used to frequent, and frankly not being able to check in regularly to HHPlace, I was wondering if I was losing the desire to heel. Well, life circumstances may change from time to time, but the desire is always rich and strong. Though my outings may be different, and less frequent, I will always be out there.

[Mr. X]

More great outings and pics Happy. I am in your boat lately. My outings are very limited at the moment but it's not the size of the outing that matters. It's the outings themselves that matter be them big or small. I get just as much pleasure from a 5 minute outing in heels as I do from a hours long outing in heels. As long as I am out in heels. It's not the size of the dog in the fight but rather the size of the fight in the dog.

[JeffB]

Greetings, HappyFeat! Glad to see you're still in the game. Given that I only go out once, maybe twice a week if the stars are properly aligned, it's made me realize that the quality of the outings are more important to me than the quantity. So, don't fret if you can't make it out as much as you would like. As for your latest pics, they all look great, my fave is number two with the dress pants and black patent pumps. I've sported similar outfits back in the day when I wore heels regularly at my old workplace. Seeing that pic, it almost makes me want to go out in pants. Almost! I fear I might suffer withdrawal symptoms if I didn't wear a skirt on a jaunt! Heh! Anyhoo, keep up the great work my friend!

[Bootking]

Ah, how true, the fading of summer and all of those good things that go with it; but the winner is Door #4!!!!!

[roniheels]

Greetings, HappyFeat! Glad to see you're still in the game. Given that I only go out once, maybe twice a week if the stars are properly aligned, it's made me realize that the quality of the outings are more important to me than the quantity. So, don't fret if you can't make it out as much as you would like. As for your latest pics, they all look great, my fave is number two with the dress pants and black patent pumps. I've sported similar outfits back in the day when I wore heels regularly at my old workplace. Seeing that pic, it almost makes me want to go out in pants. Almost! I fear I might suffer withdrawal symptoms if I didn't wear a skirt on a jaunt! Heh! Anyhoo, keep up the great work my friend!

I share Jeff's sentiments. As I view your photos, I notice that you and I have similar tastes in high heels and the outfits we wear with our high heels as we go out in public. I too go out for a day or two a week spending the day in high heels in public and you and Jeff have been such an inspiration to me and have given me ideas as to where to go and enjoy the day in high heels. Keep us posted on your continued outings and keep having fun in high heels.

[HappyFeat]

Well after a lot of bellyaching on my part, I did get out for three outings this week and two of them were close to the standards I set for getting out and about. JeffB is absolutely right about the quality of outings makes all the difference, as opposed to the quantity of times out, however I have become quite spoiled. This week allowed me to have a little of both.

First of all, to me getting out more really gives me a chance to play with my style and try to get a really fantastic outfit put together. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don't, but for me it is really about experimentation. Second, I really like outings where there are people to interact with. In the past, I think it was more about judging reactions, but now its just more about going out as myself, meeting and talking to interesting people and doing it in heels. If people notice, that's fine but its just really cool dressing how I want and being as casual in interactions as possible. I guess its kind of realizing that people see you in heels, you might as well be open to interaction. Besides its just plain fun. Finally, I think heeling has just become a hobby to me. I am happy when I do other things I enjoy and heeling is simply one of those things I love to do, so having a nice relaxing time away from work or other projects is very important to me. ANd doing it while looking good is a bonus.

Here are my latest outings:

Friday September 4, 2009 - Since it has been a cool summer, the days have really had the feel of a premature fall. The mornings are cool, but the sunny days warm up by the afternoon. Of course all of this makes it tough to get a perfect outift. Today I elected to wear jeans and a blazer, which is a fairly typical outfit for me. I matched a classic navy blue blazer with a bright red dress shirt, light rinse Lane Bryant flare jeans, red patent peep toe Bandolino "Riana" pumps. The jeans were a tall length, which covered the shoes mostly, giving just a hint of the red patent and the open toe. The red shirt didn't really match the darker red of the shoes, but it was close enough for what I was going for: Casual, but classic, great for a day of errands and shopping.

The bulk of my day was spent at the South Hills mall. The great thing about these pumps is they are very comfortable for walking long distances without being too frumpy. I wanted to check out the Bandolino store first and on my way, I was stopped by a woman at a kiosk across from the store. The girl was selling skin care products for a company from Israel. I had been stopped before, and it is really more of a hassle, because they engage in a "hard sell." Typically, the sales people are Israeli nationals, likely students. She gave me demonstrations of cleansers, creams, soaps, and nail care kits, etc. All were quite pricey and seemed to work nice. She just kept trying to sell, and I kept not buying. Though she did notice my shoes, saying that I could use the nail care products on my toes, she made not direct reference. The other thing about going through this is that everybody walking past glanced at me while I was being demonstrated. After about a half an hour, I was finally able to escape. It was cool for about the first 10 minutes but after that the charm kind of wore off. I mentioned before that I was looking for casual interaction and that's what I got.

After I got away, I did make it into the Bandolino store. Of course nobody I knew was working and there was nothing I really liked in a size 11. The clerk did tell me that they are getting in boots over the course of the next few weeks, so I should keep checking back. After Bandolino, I went to the JCrew store. I have shopped here before and bought a couple pair of clearance white women's jeans earlier this summer, so the associates are beginning to recognize me as I come through. Of course most of the items on clearance are still way to expensive and no other jeans are even marked down, but I did start chatting with the clerks. One of them even was making suggestions for tops. I did try a pair of jeans with a couple of tops as well. The clerks seemed to enjoy my company and though the didn't ask me anything seemed to like a guy customer that was willing to try things outside the men's department.

My next stop was the Limited. I had never been in the store before, but was feeling up to something new after the JCrew experience. I knew that they made quality stuff, but had never given any thought to checking them out. The greeter was a beautiful young woman, though not a tiny woman. My guess is that she was maybe a size 12. She asked me if I was looking for anything in particular, and I told her that I had never been in the store and just wanted to see what it was like. I asked her if they went up to a size 14, and she said they did, and that their pants also came in lengths. At this I knew she knew I was shopping for me. Must have been the magic of the red shoes. I went to the clearance racks and indeed they had some nice stuff. The store was quite busy, mostly late 20 somethig professional women. The four or five people working in the back of the store were not terribly helpful and I just browsed for a bit. The one thing I have learned about heeling is that sometimes I need to go into a store a few times before the staff really warms up to me. Maybe next time.

Next I went to Macy's where there was nothing flying off at me in the shoe department. I browsed the clothes for a while, but I really prefer to buy any clothes at smaller stores where the service tends to be a little more personal. After Macy's I decided to get a haircut. I went to a trendy salon in the mall. The girl who cut my hair was very chipper and personable. When I walked in she said to me "Nobody is allowed to look cooler than she does!" I took that as a great complement. She took my jacket and went on and on about how great I looked and how much she loved my red shirt. She washed my hair, spent a long time cutting and we talked about her neighborhood, my neighborhood, and all sorts of topics. I did notice that the other stylists were mingling around, each trying to get a look at my shoes, etc. It was quite a wonderful experience.

Afterward I went to Aldo. The clerks working were not ones I knew. But a very attractive petite brunette came out in a black babydoll dress and blue peep toe platform pumps and asked to see my shoes! She said that she loved them and red is the best color for heels. I said that I like being out of the ordinary and she said that ordinary wouldn't suit me. She showed me a few things and left to help another customer. The other clerk brought me a pair of peep toe booties, that were a bit small. We chatted for a bit and I left the store feeling pretty wonderful.

My final stop for the day was Home Depot. I had read about guys heeling to such stores, and had never really given it any thought, but I was feeling pretty high and confident at this point. I went in bought a few tools, including a 2 lb drill hammer, some paint and paiting supplies, and a 50 pound bag of basement sealer. I really don't know if I got any attention, but I am sure I did. I really didn't care. It was a fantastic new experience and the end of a great day in heels.

Thursday September 10, 2009 - I had planned an outing on Wednesday, but didn't get a chance to make it out. My Thursday outing I had planned another extended day exploring, but due to being a bit scattered, I didn't get started until much later than I planned even on Thursday. I hate to waist a good outfit on a fairly short outing, but life being what it is, sometimes that's what happens. I wore a pale pink dress shirt, charcoal grey Lane Bryant "Houston" trousers, sheer black knee high stockings, Steve Madden black patent Mary Jane Pumps. These are one of my favorite pairs of shoes, but for some reason I don't wear them often. I was excited that I had found them and HAD to wear them.

The purpose of my stop was to return something I bought at Lane Bryant last week. I went to the store, made my return and browsed the clearance rack just to be sure that I didn't miss anything. The clerk who helped me was quite nice, but was busy helping someone most of the time I was in the store. After LB, I went to Charlotte Russe, which is another store I hadn't tried yet. I went to the shoes, a clerk asked me if there was anything I want to try, just ask. I browsed a bit, only to find out that a 10 was as large as they carried. Everybody was very nice and showed no sign that a guy shopping for himself was out of the ordinary.

My next stop was Banana Republic, where a young African American man working greeted me with "I love your jacket." I told him that I found it at Goodwill and we had a nice chat about thrift store shopping. Being a bit effeminate, I thought he might be trying to flirt with me or something, but that didn't turn out to be the case. I headed for the shoes, and found a great pair of grey peep toe sling backs in an 11. The better part was that they were in an 11. I walked up to the counter with the shoe to ask for the other one and the girl working at the counter got the young man to go look for the mate. His eyes almost shot out of his head! It was pretty funny actually. In disgust, he went to look for it while I browsed the clearance racks. After about 15 minutes the female clerk brought them out and asked if I wanted to try them on to be sure. I took the box, sat down tried them and chatted with the girl for a bit about the fit, other styles, etc. The young guy walked by and shot me an amazingly nasty look. I thought I guess that I just wans't butch enough for him, which gave me a warm internal chuckle. Part of getting interesting reactions is just being open to them.

Finally, I went to Starbucks before heading home. I got a frapichino, read the newspaper and relaxed a bit. Most of the time I was thinking of an outfit that I could wear with my new shoes! There were a few glances, but nothing out of the ordinary, but I did have a nice, though abbreviated outing.

Friday September 11, 2009 - It took me less than 24 hours to get out in my new shoes. Gray is such fun color to play with so I pulled out my gray blazer, matched it with a white with gray pinstripe Kenneth Cole shirt, dark Lane Bryant Denim trousers and of course my new Banana Republic "Riley" peep toe sling backs.

My first stop was to a shopping are with a high ned shoe store. The reason for my stop wasn't so much about looking for shoes, but to see if I could see the woman who manages it. She is a tall brunette who I enjoyed meeting a couple of times before. She was working and her boss, the owner, was out for the morning, so we browsed the store together and got caught up. She is a single Mom se we talked about her kid, the house, the fact that it was too cool this summer to really take advantage of the swimming pool, about my trip to the beach this summer, my new house, etc. She pointed out "fun" shoes and of course there were nothing in my size. She told me they were having a trunk sale in a couple of weeks at their other store and she maybe having a party. Though she didn't directly invite me to either, it looked like she was wanting to do so. I will stop back next week to see her again and see if she still might do that.

Next, I went to the consignment store that I frequent to drop off a few pair of shoes and see if they had anything new in the last couple of weeks. The owner, always excited about getting my old shoes because they sell well, insted that I try on a dress that had just come in. It was a black halter dress with a sheer black nylon shaw that drepaed over the shoulders and a jewled choker. Of course I had to have help getting it to fasten properly and the owner obliged. After I got it on, I modeled it for her and she just kept going on and on about how wonderful it looked, though I didn't think it was really my taste or style. She said it would be great for Halloween, which it would be if I was into Halloween. She pulled out about a dozen other items for me to try and model for her, which I obliged. We had a lot of fun playing dress-up and chatting and even shared a glass of wine. Though it was fun, it was a bit strange, and far from an everyday occurrence. Again, having interesting experiences, like getting interesting reactions, is just being open to it.

Well, that's it for this week. I wanted more excitiement and that's exactly what I found.

[radiodave]

Thanks for sharing HF! Sounds like a nice experience at Aldo. I haven't quite gotten up the courage to visit Home Depot, but sounds like it was pretty uneventful.

[Dawn HH]

Happyfeat:-) With our vacation and all else that has happened in our lives since---I have gotten away from posting a bit on the Forum, but I am catching up quickly now. Even though your outings have been less and shorter than you usually do, your enthusiasm for finding great outfits to match your footwear carries on. You have a most interesting collection of heels to wear. As usual, I enjoy you letting us see just what you do wear on your outings and the stories that go along with them. Keep them coming and thanks once again for sharing them with us all. Cheers--- Dawn HH

[Bootking]

HappyFeat, glad you finally hit Home Depot as you have crossed another barrier. I've done Home Depot and Lowe's, just not recently. Door #1 this time!