JeffB Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Well done HappyFeat :-) Reading you and JeffB, it looks like you really enjoyed wearing a skirt. I wish one day I could do the same... I'm sure HappyFeat would agree with me on this in that it takes a special sort of mindset and courage to break with convention and wear a skirt in public. Not all of us are bold enough to do that, but for those who can, it opens up all sorts of new and exciting vistas in the realm of men's fashion freedom which is what this website is all about. I don't want to LOOK like a woman, I just want to DRESS like a woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn HH Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Happyfeat:-) Great guns fellow, you look very comfortable in that outfit and it sounds like you had a fantastic time that day. More power to you in a skirt.and heels and I'm sure that you will duplcate that outing again and again. It sure gives you the power to wear anything you want at anytime and anywhere under any circumstances comfortably. BTW...is that topcoat male or female? It sure compliments the rest of your outfit with a different pattern against your black ensemble. Cheers--- Dawn HH High Heeled Boots Forever! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeat Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 Well done HappyFeat :-) Reading you and JeffB, it looks like you really enjoyed wearing a skirt. I wish one day I could do the same... JeffB put it well in his response and I agree totally with what he said. Keep in mind it took me a lot to build up to going out in a skirt. I am not sure if I will do it regurally as JeffB does, but I will do it when I choose simply because I like it and frankly there is absolutely no reason for me not to. As JeffB put it, this site is a lot about supporting one another and frankly I have learned a lot about "skirting" specifically from Jeff's experiences. If it is something you really want to try, do so when you are ready and circumstnces permit it. Happyfeat:-) BTW...is that topcoat male or female? It sure compliments the rest of your outfit with a different pattern against your black ensemble. Cheers--- Dawn HH I am not sure. I bought that coat at a thrift store in the men's section last year and love it. Frankly what attracted me to it was its quality (Austrailian wool and maybe 30 years old) and its gender neutrality. As it turned out it is a great coat to wear with a skirt...just long enough. Style is built from the ground up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootking Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Another barrier broken - excellent! Great look HappyFeat (I can't find those darn boots in my size)!! It's all about the heel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffB Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 JeffB put it well in his response and I agree totally with what he said. Keep in mind it took me a lot to build up to going out in a skirt. I am not sure if I will do it regurally as JeffB does, but I will do it when I choose simply because I like it and frankly there is absolutely no reason for me not to. Couldn't have said it any better myself! Why should men be denied the privilege of wearing skirts if that's what they want to do? I mean, the activity doesn't hurt anyone, brings occasional amusement to some but is otherwise ignored by the rest of the world. So, why not? As JeffB put it, this site is a lot about supporting one another and frankly I have learned a lot about "skirting" specifically from Jeff's experiences. If it is something you really want to try, do so when you are ready and circumstnces permit it. And I've been inspired by others here who've thrown caution to the winds and decided to live life by their own terms and not in the way society wants us to. I'm glad that others here have learned something from my experiences as I've learned from other members. That's the true beauty of this most unique community! I don't want to LOOK like a woman, I just want to DRESS like a woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielp6406 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 ...Why should men be denied the privilege of wearing skirts if that's what they want to do? ... I really "want" to try it but doing it in public is another story... Thanks to this forum, I am wearing heels to work for a few months now. A few weeks ago, I started to wear block heels in public (Shopping centers etc). I would NEVER imagined doing so in my life ! And I enjoy it a LOT. Again, thanks to this forum ! ...Keep in mind it took me a lot to build up to going out in a skirt... I am just "beginning" to think about it...I really like the look of a skirt with high heel boots. I guess it must be very comfortable and very light to wear... You are an "experienced" heeler: May I ask you how long it took for you to decide to wear a skirt in public? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeat Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 ...Thanks to this forum, I am wearing heels to work for a few months now... Before I answer your question, I just wanted to say that I think its really cool that you can wear heels to work. I could never do that in my current job, though I have thought about getting a part-time job where I could wear heels. I thought about applying to Lane Bryant, but the manager told be though she would hire me in a heartbeat, I would only be aloud to wear my "boy clothes" if i was working. The manager at the Nine West outlet and I talked about me working for her in the summer, but they are on a hiring freeze. However, either place would not be a great place to wear heels since retail shifts require a long time on the feet. Your confidence in wearing heels to work is quite impressive to me. I am just "beginning" to think about it...I really like the look of a skirt with high heel boots. I guess it must be very comfortable and very light to wear... You are an "experienced" heeler: May I ask you how long it took for you to decide to wear a skirt in public? Well, I have worn a skirt out a few times previously. Years ago, I traveled a lot for my job and would wear a skirt late at night while driving. In the last few years, I went to a few gay/alternative bars where I could wear a skirt without TOO much fear. But those outings were always at night, usually quite late, and in a less than traditional setting. (Ironically, I just found out that most of the people there thought I was married for some strange reason.) My recent outing was my very first time out in a skirt in a public setting during daylight hours. That's the long answer. The short answer is that it is something i have wanted to try for the last several years, but it was only in the last six moths or so that I seriously considered doing something about it, and I finally got around to it. Style is built from the ground up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffB Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Well, I have worn a skirt out a few times previously. Years ago, I traveled a lot for my job and would wear a skirt late at night while driving. In the last few years, I went to a few gay/alternative bars where I could wear a skirt without TOO much fear. But those outings were always at night, usually quite late, and in a less than traditional setting. (Ironically, I just found out that most of the people there thought I was married for some strange reason.) How interesting, the contrast between us in the this matter. I'm not a night person, so I just went out in broad daylight on my very first outing in a skirt back last August. The notion of being seen by others didn't bother me, I figured I'd be pointed at, laughed at, the whole nine yards, when that didn't happen, my confidence was bolstered, particularly to the point where I went to New York City in a skirt a few days later, and I haven't looked back since. My recent outing was my very first time out in a skirt in a public setting during daylight hours. That's the long answer. The short answer is that it is something i have wanted to try for the last several years, but it was only in the last six moths or so that I seriously considered doing something about it, and I finally got around to it. And wasn't it great fun, eh? I don't want to LOOK like a woman, I just want to DRESS like a woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielp6406 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Thank you HappyFeat for taking the time to reply to me in such details. Can't wait to read your next outing... BTW, tomorrow I will wear at the office the boots you see on my avatar. Note that I will put them on once I am in the office. Still too much ice and snow outside... Happy heeling all ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeat Posted February 12, 2009 Author Share Posted February 12, 2009 I got an e-mail from my boss today saying the meeting scheduled for this afternoon was canceled, meaning that I had the afternoon from 2:00 PM free and decided to take advantage of my free time to do a little heeling. Since the notice came late, I didn't have much time to prepare. The weather was unseasonably nice, so I gave serious thought to heels and pumps, but couldn't put together an outfit that I really liked so I opted to wear sandals. The outfit was a black Banana Republic shirt with horizontal stripes, winter white Lane Bryant "Houston" trousers, and gold Nine West "Yendler" sandals. These are very strappy sandals what really expose the feet. Only about a 3 inch heel was nice for the inseem of my pants and the color matched my nails quite well. My first stop was Hallmark to buy some cards for Valentine's Day. The store was pretty crowded, but everybody was fairly focused. Though I was quite close to many other customers, none reacted to my shoes, which surprised me. When I went to check out, I stood back from the register giving the clerk the full view of my shoes, but she didn't react until I left. When I got to the door I could hear laughter and the clerk's cowerker was pointing my footwear out to her. I didn't think much of it, but I was happy to get the first major reaction out of the way. My next stop was a craft store. Many people, mainly women, noticed but didn't give much of a reaction - a little double take then back to their business. A couple of teenage girls kept bumping into me in various isles, though both noticed, they didn't react any more than always making eye contact and acknowledging me when I was near them. I wanted to buy some craft paper for shipping some items I am selling on eBay, but it was very expensive in the store. I did as the clerk for help, but there were no other options. After the craft store, I went to the Shoe Carnival. It had been years since I shopped there, but I saw Nine West boxes on a table out front an it piqued my interest. I browsed the store and didn't see too much in an 11, and was about to leave when I discovered an isle with very cheap shoes. They were a brand called Villager by Liz Clayborn and only $10 a pair. They were leather even! I tried on about a dozen pair and bought a pair of blue patent peep toes with a 3 inch heel and a pair of brown leather Mary Janes with a 3 inch heel. Both clerks and two customers walked down the isle while I was trying them on. When I checked out, I had picked up the wrong shoes in one box. I told the clerk which ones I wanted and we had a great talk about the brand and the shoes I selected. Another customer, a very attractive brunette fell in line behind me and we talked about the perils of owning too many shoes. At this point, I realized that I was beyond comfortable, I was totally relaxed and having a great day. I went to Pier 1 imports next. The doors were open, letting the breeze blow in nicely. I was greeted by a woman in her 30's who commented on how nice a day it was. I responded to her that, yes it was beautiful and I couldn't pass up a chance to break out the sandals. Though I was fishing for a response, she didn't oblige me. We chatted a bit as I browsed and I continued on my way. Since I was in the neighborhood, I spent a good half hour browsing DSW, though they were quite limited on 11's. Most of the staff was busy stocking so, I didn't have any reaction from them until I left when one young female clerk watched me walk to the car. Of course I waved at her to let her know I knew she was watching. She just smiled and went back to work. Something I have noticed when shopping for shoes is that other customers notice, but they tend to be mesmerized in their own search and a guy in heels is just competition for a bench, or that pair of to die for sling backs. In essence, "just one of the girls." I looked at Catherine's, a plus size store that i had heard of but never had visited. I looked around, but found that their styles did not suit my taste. I'll just stick to Lane Bryant for now. I went to the Bath and Body Works to check out their sale merchandises and had a lovely interaction with the clerk, though she said nothing about my shoes. She did notice, was a bit shocked, but was very friendly. A woman in her 70's and I talked about air fresheners and change purses, which was my first positive interaction with somebody of that generation while heeling. I bought some body scrub, talked about the products and headed on. It was getting late by this time, so I wanted to get to the other side of town before rush hour, so I left that shopping area. On my way home, I stopped at Starbucks. I didn't have any hesitation at all about stopping, getting out of the car, going in, etc. There was a young guy, tank top, muscles, shaved dome, lots of tattoos with his girlfriend at the table next to the door. This is the exact kind of guy who unnerves me a bit when heeling. His girlfriend noticed right away, he glanced but that was it. I was pretty relieved. Before ordering, I headed to the restroom. On my way one of the staff looked right at my feet, looked me in the face, and then right back at my feet. No other reaction, just the double take. When I came back to order I was in line behind a gorgeous, petite brunette. She was dressed professionally- crisp blouse, a line skirt, black nylons, black pumps- like I said, gorgeous. We made eye contact, she ordered and went to the restroom herself. Her order came up before she returned as did mine. I stalled around the front area until she came back. Again we made eye contact, she spoke and smiled. This was it, I was hoping. She grabbed her drink, and left the store. I was hoping she was going to stay a bit so I could get an opening. She did notice my shoes, for sure and I know she was intrigued. But since she went out the door opposite where I was standing I knew it was just a nice interaction, nothing more. While I was waiting for her another young woman was on her telephone staring at me intensely. I browsed a couple of kiosks to let her have a good look. She kept staring, I kept showing, but she was never getting off the phone. When I left, the pretty brunette drove by, but she was on her phone by then. I am pretty much in favor of banning cell phones in public places. My last stop of the day was Lane Bryant. The last time I was in, I was told to come back this week because they would be marking down additional items. None of my favorite clerks were in, though the people working are nice, they just don't go out of their way for me when I shop. I bought two more skirts- a black on black pinstripe similar to the gray one I posted recently and a black nylon one that fits me very nice. I am now up to about 10 skirts, so I need to get out there an wear them. Today was one of the best days of heeling I have ever had. I can say that I am totally at home in heels and love them regardless of the style. I know the sandals were terribly over the top, but I was in an over the top mood. They would be better as evening shoes, but I think strappy sandals look great with trousers. Th down side is that I have family coming in and out for the next couple of weeks, so I don't know when I am going to make it out again. But it was great to be out today. Attached are pictures of my outfit and sandals. Style is built from the ground up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maximilian Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 What an exceptional outfit. Those sandals are HOT!!! I love strappy sandals as well but feel that they are too over the top for me to wear in public. They would be better as evening shoes, but I think strappy sandals look great with trousers. I also think that you're overdressed to the spots you visited. The ensemble is more suited to a lounge/salsa bar. I also have that problem since some of the looks I like are too fancy for the day to day places I go to and are only suited for evening outings. Your confidence inspires me. Keep up the good work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootking Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Great look HappyFeat and great shoes; they go together very well. You looked as if you're ready to take the next cruise!! It's all about the heel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puffer Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Very nice sandals, HF - unfussy, elegant and revealing. That style always look good on a woman and you wear them very well too with your smart and co-ordinated outfit. I can't remember if you have told us already but do you wear heels and feminine clothes etc when with close friends or work colleagues? If so, what is their reaction? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffB Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 HappyFeat: Congrats on another great outing in a stylish outfit! Those sandals looked pretty darn cool. More power to you, my friend! I don't want to LOOK like a woman, I just want to DRESS like a woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubba136 Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 I really like the outfit. Especially the sandals. As far as being overdressed, I think you like nice just the way you were dressed. I would however, if I were you, polish your toes. Somehow, your feet look a little naked.... Being mentally comfortable in your own mind is the key to wearing heels in public. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffB Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 Seems like just another woman who is waiting for a man to open them up to new exciting experiences, you know, open them up to a part of themself that society tells them to repress...you know, the part of herself she's kept locked away for so long because she's always been told it's wrong for people to act that way, dress that way....you get the drift. Get her to be aware of and enjoy that part of herself around you and it won't matter what you wear. You never know, you might wind up in heels in a bathroom stall in public with this girl.... EDIT: maybe we should start an Academy of How to Talk to Women....I've met a lot of guys on this forum who I really liked, but when it came to the ladies, you could hear the crickets chirp. That's what I find special about your posts...the interaction with girls goes beyond just exchanging formalities, it gets into deeper territory. Bravo! Sounds like a good idea. I'd sign up for the course. While I think (heavy emphasis on "think") I could handle myself relatively well, I'm not afraid to admit I could use a little help here and there. Heh! I don't want to LOOK like a woman, I just want to DRESS like a woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeat Posted February 16, 2009 Author Share Posted February 16, 2009 A big thank you to everybody who replied to my last posting. Since there were so many posts, I selected a few to reply to that involved specific questions or comments. In all of my previous outings, this one is by far my favorite and the one that has made me the most content. Thanks for all of the critique ans support! What an exceptional outfit. Those sandals are HOT!!! I love strappy sandals as well but feel that they are too over the top for me to wear in public. I also think that you're overdressed to the spots you visited. The ensemble is more suited to a lounge/salsa bar. I also have that problem since some of the looks I like are too fancy for the day to day places I go to and are only suited for evening outings. Your confidence inspires me. Keep up the good work. Actually, I agree with you on both counts- too over the top and too overdressed for strip mall shopping in the afternoon. Ironically it was what I was going for when I selected my outfit. For some reason, my mood that particular day was to just push everything as far as I wanted, so I went for it. After my day in gold strappy sandals (and the blister the strap dug into my left big toe) I feel like I can do almost any outfit without any hesitation or reservation. My personality is over the top in a lot of way, but by really getting "out there" my confidence grows exponentially. I just think that it was a few short months ago, I really tried to consider whee I went, how visible my shoes are, etc. and now I have had consecutive outings in a skirt and sandals. I officially feel free to do what I want and where i want and how I want. Though I will likely save the gold sandals for that salsa bar in the future. Very nice sandals, HF - unfussy, elegant and revealing. That style always look good on a woman and you wear them very well too with your smart and co-ordinated outfit. I can't remember if you have told us already but do you wear heels and feminine clothes etc when with close friends or work colleagues? If so, what is their reaction? No, actually I don't wear heels around any close friends or work colleagues at the moment. One reason is that I really don't have any close friends locally and my work colleagues really are not open minded people. I teach and a few students have seen me in heels, but that's about it. Also, I don't share my heeling with family. These are not things I am terribly proud of, but it is what it is. I really like the outfit. Especially the sandals. As far as being overdressed, I think you like nice just the way you were dressed. I would however, if I were you, polish your toes. Somehow, your feet look a little naked.... Yep, I was way over dressed. Not to mention sandals in February is a pretty big faux pas, but as I said above sometimes I just go a bit overboard and last week was pretty out there. As for my toes, they are actually polished. The color is very subtle and I am in full agreement that I should have gone a bit bolder, but then again I didn't plan on sandals when I got my last pedicure. This is only the second time I got nail color. Last December, I had a deep reddish purple and it worked very well for my first outing in sandals and polish. This time I got a very pale gold color that doesn't attract much attention at all. I may get color one more time before Spring and will likely go bold again. I am still experimenting and will eventually find something I like that adds that finishing exclamation point. Seems like just another woman who is waiting for a man to open them up to new exciting experiences, you know, open them up to a part of themself that society tells them to repress...you know, the part of herself she's kept locked away for so long because she's always been told it's wrong for people to act that way, dress that way....you get the drift. Get her to be aware of and enjoy that part of herself around you and it won't matter what you wear. You never know, you might wind up in heels in a bathroom stall in public with this girl.... I was picking up on a vibe that she was at least intrigued and liked my look. When I saw her I did not flinch or shy away. I know eventually I will make that "contact" with somebody and I have patients and persistence on my side. My thought was that even if nothing happened, she was opened up to a world that she did not even know was an option. I the end, isn't that what we as guys in heels are trying to do anyway...make our statement an acceptable norm one person at a time? EDIT: maybe we should start an Academy of How to Talk to Women....I've met a lot of guys on this forum who I really liked, but when it came to the ladies, you could hear the crickets chirp. That's what I find special about your posts...the interaction with girls goes beyond just exchanging formalities, it gets into deeper territory. Bravo! I don't know about that...I have learned a lot from everybody here as well so in some ways, I am using lessons learned by others and just going for it. As far as talking to women, I think the guy who posted in another thread him and some beauty taking shots out of each other's pumps is already dean of that school. I would be happy to be an instructor, but kneehighs has already blazed a few million trails... When I started this thread, I had a discouraging posting from another member that any flirtation with sales people was merely an effort to sell me shoes or clothes. Basically the post was good natured, not wanting me to get too excited and wind up being hurt. But after giving it some thought, I think a lot of guys think that women would never like a guy in heels. This got me to thinking: Heels don't define me. I am pretty much the same person in men's shoes (or barefoot for that matter) as I am in gold Nine West evening shoes. I wear heels because I like them, they look GREAT and it really is a fantastic way to get past all sorts of crap that is wrapped up in boy/girl interactions. My wearing heels in public pretty much announes that I am an individual, that I am confident, that I am unconventional, and that I really don't care who approves of me. When it comes to dating, romance, or whatever we call it we are all socialized to pretty much lie about ourselves in so many ways that something will always come up. We try to look wealthy, clean, macho, whatever...evenaually you get outed. Here's my two cents for the "Academy," be yourself and have the confidence to make them want you more than you need their approval. As I said before, they cute brunette at Starbucks was a great encounter even if it led to nothing. But so was the other girl on the cell phone who kept staring at my feet or the woman behind me in line at the Shoe Carnival who talked with me about owning too many shoes, and on and on and on. Eventually one will be so intrigued and confident enough to follow through on their impulses. I know it isn't for everybody, but when I got the courage to move from the shadows into the light, my entire outlook on file has evolved for the better. In my mind, I still have a long way to go, but I know I get closer every time I step out in a pair of high heels. I don't yet know when my next outing will be or where it will take me, but I can't wait to find out. Style is built from the ground up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puffer Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 As for my toes, they are actually polished. The color is very subtle and I am in full agreement that I should have gone a bit bolder, but then again I didn't plan on sandals when I got my last pedicure. This is only the second time I got nail color. Last December, I had a deep reddish purple and it worked very well for my first outing in sandals and polish. This time I got a very pale gold color that doesn't attract much attention at all. I may get color one more time before Spring and will likely go bold again. I am still experimenting and will eventually find something I like that adds that finishing exclamation point. I saw in the pic that your nails were subtly coloured, HF (and am surprised that Bubba didn't). I think the colour rendering was a little out, however, as I didn't realise that it was pale gold - and your feet looked a bit redder than I'm sure they really are (even when bare in February!). Although I don't lacquer my nails, I feel that a frosted or pearlised colour would pass muster almost anywhere: anything from 'barely there' mother-of-pearl to a deeper silvery-rose, or a pale silvery-blue or grey. The more solid and darker colours (crimson, purple, black etc) always seem to shout too much for my liking, on women or otherwise, and are less tolerant of any nail imperfection. Thanks for answering my question about your dressing in company. And don't just keep those gold sandals for dressy nights out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffB Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Yep, I was way over dressed. Not to mention sandals in February is a pretty big faux pas, but as I said above sometimes I just go a bit overboard and last week was pretty out there. I've always found a self-critique to be important to one's personal growth. I've also wondered about being overdressed when out and about, especially on Sundays when I'm sporting a short skirt, hosiery and heels when not even women bother with that stuff as they stroll around in sweats and sneaks. I try as best I can nonetheless to blend in with my surroundings. Hide in plain sight. Perhaps we both have to work on that. My wearing heels in public pretty much announes that I am an individual, that I am confident, that I am unconventional, and that I really don't care who approves of me. Brilliant commentary! Absolutely brilliant! We all know that universal acceptance of men who choose to wear women' shoes will probably never happen in our lifetime, and I could care less. I'm all about being myself, living my life the way I choose to, not how society chooses. I know it isn't for everybody, but when I got the courage to move from the shadows into the light, my entire outlook on file has evolved for the better. In my mind, I still have a long way to go, but I know I get closer every time I step out in a pair of high heels. I don't yet know when my next outing will be or where it will take me, but I can't wait to find out. Amen, my brother! If it weren't for this website, I'd probably be in the closet today instead of having evolved into the person I today. I know my own journey still has a ways to go, and I'm eager to see where the trip takes me. I don't want to LOOK like a woman, I just want to DRESS like a woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeat Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 After work today I had a bit of an impromptu outing. I got a call from the Lane Bryant store I frequent telling me that they had received a huge shipment of clearance merchandise from a store that had closed and that the most expensive item on the rack was $12.99. It is great being a preferred customer! When I got home I changed into my gray skirt, to go with my black Banana Republic turtle neck I wore under a sweater and black tights I wore under my trousers to work. I completed the outfit with my Steve Madden black patent Mary Jane's with a 3 inch stiletto heel and my wool top coat. As usual, they were very excited to see me. My favorite clerk was in and she immediately told me she loved my shoes. She then told me the winter white jacket that I had been waiting to be marked down was on the rack, asked me what size I was looking for in pants and said she wold go in the back to find anything that isn't out that I might want. As I browsed, I talked to the other clerk, hung my coat on the corner of the rack and preceded to try on jackets. The first clerk returned with a huge stack of trousers and started to sort through them. Other customers milled by paying only minor attention to me. After about 20 minutes, the first clerk picked out some trousers for me to try and started a dressing room for me. She stood outside my door, even though there were a lot of other customers for me come out and model for her. I did find one pair of flat front trousers that are fantastic and I added them to the stack with my jacket. I put my skirt back on and returned to the floor to look for some other items. I tried on a few more jackets, but the fit just was never right. The white jacket really doesn't fit too well either, but I had the pants to match so I could deal with that. When I found this little lacy skirt, her eyes got huge and she said "I had to try it!" So what the hell, I did. Again she followed me to the dressing room sat outside and waited for me to model. She was amazed at how great it looked and told me I had to have it. She began recommending outfits...a black jacket, boots, sandals, a crisp white shirt and on and on. I gave her a twirl and decided that it was fun, though I doubt I will ever have a chance to wear it anywhere. As soon as I got back into the dressing room the other clerk knocked and asked me to show her. Again, outfit suggestions, how wonderful it looks, etc. So, I decided to buy it. I had a coupon, so I found another black dress...more line a long tee shirt...for $10, a couple of tops, and a very nice long navy blue skirt. My skirt collection is getting pretty big and considering that I only shave in the winter (I like hairy legs with my shorts) I am sure that I won't get them all in before the "season" ends. The two clerks and I discussed going out together (my favorite clerk is married, sob) and I even agreed to be the designated driver. Maybe it will work out, but it is fun to be invited. I spent nearly two hours in the store and had a great time. After LB, I went next door to the Shoe Department to browse. The clerks commented on my legs and said they wish they looked as good in a skirt. The told me they hadn't gotten a lot in but one clerk showed me a few new pair. None were my taste and none were in an 11 anyway. We chatted a bit and I moved on. It was getting pretty late at this point, so I stopped by Panerra Bread, got a hot cocoa to go. I did get a few turned heads, but the girl who waited on me was very pleasant. The funny thing is I feel totally at home in a skirt and heels. It wasn't long ago that there was a certain "thrill" to heeling...kind of like doing something taboo or an excitement of breaking a barrier. I don't know exactly how to explain it. Now, I feel like I can go most anywhere wearing whatever and not even think about it. For example during my last outing, my thoughts were more about how silly it was to wear sandals in February in the northeast U.S., not about the fact that I was wearing gold sandals, with nail color, with a 3 inch stiletto heel, etc. All I can say is that this is getting really good! Attached pictures are of my outfit, my outfit with the top coat, the off white jacket paired with the matching pants (with a blue tee and blue suede pumps), the silly lace skirt (with red Nine West sandals), and the navy long skirt (with red Bandolino pumps). Style is built from the ground up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffB Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 HappyFeat: Bravo to you, my friend! Bravo! The outfit in the first picture was very sharp and stylish, and you certainly wore it well. The other pics were pretty cool too! Sounds like you had quite an enjoyable time shopping for more stuff to stroll around in. I greatly admire you for that. The funny thing is I feel totally at home in a skirt and heels. It wasn't long ago that there was a certain "thrill" to heeling...kind of like doing something taboo or an excitement of breaking a barrier. I don't know exactly how to explain it. Now, I feel like I can go most anywhere wearing whatever and not even think about it. For example during my last outing, my thoughts were more about how silly it was to wear sandals in February in the northeast U.S., not about the fact that I was wearing gold sandals, with nail color, with a 3 inch stiletto heel, etc. All I can say is that this is getting really good! Couldn't have said it better myself! I feel the exact same way! The taboo quotent that came from being a male wearing a skirt and heels in public was present in my thinking as well, like I was crossing a line I had no business crossing, but I did anyway, and didn't give a damn what the world thought either. I'm glad you're enjoying the experience as much as I am. More power to you, my friend! I don't want to LOOK like a woman, I just want to DRESS like a woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootking Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 the silly lace skirt (with red Nine West sandals). Looks damn good!! It's all about the heel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiodave Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Nice pictures HF! Sorry I've been out of the loop for a while. I must say, the sandals and skirt are a big jump, but you pull them off well. Makes me a little jealous! Nice legs! Maybe when it warms up a little more I'll be making some more outings again. Anyway, keep it up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeat Posted February 19, 2009 Author Share Posted February 19, 2009 Always on the lookout for new and different places to heel, tonight I decided to go to a public library for a lecture on Abraham Lincoln. The lecture was a professor from a small college in Eastern Pennsylvania and had been originally scheduled for last week but was postponed due to weather. Though I am a bit of a history buff, the primary reason I went was to wear heels in a new setting. Since I wasn't sure of what I was "heeling" into I went fairly conservative- brown Polo sweater, the gray herring bone trousers I bought at LB last night (size 14 and they fit GREAT, I must be dropping a few pounds) suntan knee highs, and brown mary jane heels I bought while heeling the day I was out in sandals. I waited until the last minute to enter the library, since I really didn't know what to expect. The crowd was what I expected, older and mainly female. I also anticipated running into somebody who would recognize me, another big step for me heeling, but I really didn't care. I am getting more comfortable and love wearing heels and hating to hide it form many parts of my life. The lecture was quite interesting, focusing mainly on Lincoln's leadership style and his handling of the Civil War. I did learn that he was never a member of a church and though spiritual, did not trust organized religion. He did not have a minister deliver a prayer at either of his inaugurations. But I digress... I set in the back, by myself, mainly because I was trying a bit not to be noticed, but I would have set in the back anyway. After the lecture, I milled around, had some refreshments, and left without talking to anybody. Most of the people (about 50 people attended) left immediately afterward. A couple people on the staff noticed me, did double takes, whispered between themselves, etc. but said nothing directly to me. Feeling like I had made a pretty big step, I left the library and headed home. I had a wonderful evening and my confidence is growing! The pictures attached are of my outfit and my shoes. The shoes are Villager by Liz Clayborn, which I bought at the Shoe Carnival for $10. Though they are "cheap" shoes they are leather and are very comfortable. The more I get out, I begin to wonder how I ever let my inhibitions keep me from this in the past... Style is built from the ground up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootking Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Another barrier broken - kudos!! It's all about the heel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffB Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 HappyFeat: Your latest outing sounds like quite an interesting time. It never would've occured to me to go to a library. Very interesting indeed! Certainly gives me ideas as far as new places to go in heels! More power to you, my friend! I don't want to LOOK like a woman, I just want to DRESS like a woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubba136 Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Hmmm! New places to wear heels? Thighbootguy wears his to the Art museum and other members wear heels to the bank, why not to the library or to the court house to pay your taxes or to the motor vehicle department to renew your automobile license plates? All good choices where you can appear in public with confidence that you won't stir up adverse reaction. Being mentally comfortable in your own mind is the key to wearing heels in public. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeat Posted February 22, 2009 Author Share Posted February 22, 2009 Hmmm! New places to wear heels? Thighbootguy wears his to the Art museum and other members wear heels to the bank, why not to the library or to the court house to pay your taxes or to the motor vehicle department to renew your automobile license plates? All good choices where you can appear in public with confidence that you won't stir up adverse reaction. Actually, I have worn heels to museums, the bank, to pay utility bills, and to the courthouse to pay taxes. Funny you should mention those places. A library was high on my list for a long time, but I just never had much of a chance to go. In fact, I have worked in many libraries and it is not uncommon to get people who are out of the ordinary or avaunt-gard in their fashion choices or behavior. Public libraries are as diverse as the public they serve and I would recommend anybody to try it. Another place I used to go a lot in heels was the post office. Yesterday I had to take several packages to the post office to be sent, and even though I hadn't been inside since last summer, when I walked in the clerk look right down at my feet. I wasn't wearing heels, but it is amazing that not only had I been noticed I was remembered. I love looking for new places to heel. But here in lies a dilemma for me. Just like the post office yesterday, if I return to a place where I had commonly worn heels when I am not wearing heels, it is almost like a disappointment to people. It is like after a while people EXPECT to see me in heels. As strange as it sounds there are places that I will go only while wearing heels. I know this may seem strange to many people, but it is a little nuance to heeling I did not anticipate. Style is built from the ground up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 As strange as it sounds there are places that I will go only while wearing heels. I know this may seem strange to many people, but it is a little nuance to heeling I did not anticipate. I can understand that and in the same way certain locations is a NO NO. Not that I am that established in my heeling but some places seem more right or when without "I should be in heels here" Keep on leading Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyFeat Posted February 26, 2009 Author Share Posted February 26, 2009 Life has been terribly busy recently and I haven't been able to make it out much in heels. Its just that time of year for me, moving in too many directions to speak and almost all of those directions do not allow me to do so in heels. But today was a very nice day and a new show opened at the arts institute in my town, so I decided to cut loose for a bit. I dressed simply - black sweater, gray Lane Bryant trousers (which are too big for me), my Nine West "Gooro" boots in faux snake skin, and my latest purchase - a small Coach lather bag in black. Though I have gone out in a skirt, sandals, and other "over the top" combination recently, I had yet to carry a purse. So, I figued I would give it a try since the weather was so Springlike I didn't want to bother with a coat. Since the show opened last weekend, I didn't expect there to be many people at the gallery. I had forgotten than the gallery also held classes during the week and I arrived about the same time many classes were getting started. I was a little nervous, but not enough to slow me down. Though my pants have a straight leg, they are talls and covered most of my boots. To a casual observer, they actually look a little ( a very little) like snake skin Western boots, so I just entered the building with confidence. There were several people milling around, mostly women, over 50, but here were a few very attractive women in their 30's - probably desperate housewife types. Though I made eye contact and spoke to a few people, none seemed to notice my footwear, but my bag did get a couple of long glances, which did not suprise me. Also, since most people were otherwise engaged in getting someplace on time, they really didn't take time to linger on anything, let alone me. Things settled down quickly. An earthy women, in her late 30's was setting at a desk overseeing the exhibit. I went to her desk, she glanced up from her magazine and offered me a printed pamplet to the exhibit. I opened my purse, took out a five and dropped it in the donation box. She thanked me but didn't say anything else. Probably a volunteer, she didn't really seem like she wanted to be bothered. Besides, she did not strike me as anybody who would be intersted in Nine West boots ot Coach bags, used either by a man or a woman. I browsed the works - all local art from people who had never exhibited before. Though the work was done by amatures and adult students it was interesting and fun. I really liked a couple of black and white photographs and of course thought I cold do better. Maybe I should man up, grow a pair end enter next year. For about 45 minutes, I was the only person at the exhibit, much as I suspected, but an older couple came in. We spoke as we passed each other while looking. The really cool thing was the stilettos on my boots made a soft, but audible "click, click" as I moved on the hardwood floors in the large rooms. When I left, the clicks got the attention of the woman working at the desk, who looked over her magazine as I walked out. Though she didn't react I could see her eyes follow my feet as I left the hall. Though it was only about an hour, It was very nice to get out again. Style is built from the ground up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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