The Jaunts of JeffB!

[JeffB]

Mr. X: Pop of color, eh? Hmm! Interesting! Well, I'm always open to suggestions. What would have changed on that outfit? Kilty: Thanks for the kind words. I'm of the opinion that men only have these "options" if they choose to use them, but most won't. I'm comfortable enough in my own skin to wear skirts and heels in public and still be very much a guy, I'm just more unique than the rest of the crowd.

[skirtedvik]

roniheels: The pleasure was all mine!

Jaunt #159, 7/22/2012:

Just a short jaunt today, but it was enjoyable nonetheless as I took the Payless "Jefferson" buckle wedge pumps in brown for a spin, pairing them with a brown polo shirt, a 20 inch tan skirt from JCPenney and my black short strap handbag. In retrospect regarding that outfit, I should have a brown bag to match the shoes, perhaps I'll take that under consideration the next time I'm in a department store. Anyhoo, the brown Jeffersons were just as much a treat to wear as the black pair, stylish, comfortable and damn good looking on my feet. If only I had known long ago how much FUN it is to wear wedge heels! Something tells me I'm going to get a lot of wear out of the Jeffersons in the future.

Back to the outing, I headed westward to Springfield and Office Depot for a fresh ream of paper for my printer, when I entered, most of the sales staff were gathered some fifteen feet away for a meeting on back to school sales and such from what I overheard, a couple of them glanced at me as I walked past, nothing more. At the register with my purchase, I was treated like every other customer (though there weren't many of them at 11:45 on a Sunday morning) despite how I was dressed. After leaving, I walked a hundred yards to Subway for lunch, a couple of motorists driving by glanced at me in passing, other than a dropped jaw, no big deal. In Subway, empty of customers, I had a six inch Italian B.M.T. and a bottle of grape soda and it was a quiet lunch which I enjoyed with today's sport section.

My last stop of the day was to Best Buy as I hadn't been there in a couple of weeks and wanted to see what was new. After parking in the lot and walking towards the store, I did garner a couple of stares as I strolled in, I thought I heard a chuckle, but I wasn't sure, nor did I care. One of the goals of my outings is to be seen and gauge the reactions of those around me, I would say that a good 98 percent of the people in the store paid precious little attention to me. I often find myself idly wondering how many of the people who pass me by take note of what I wear on my little adventures, given how they're so absorbed in their affairs, and whether or not a middle aged black man in a skirt and high heels even registers in their minds. I'm sure I do to some and don't to others. It all depends on the person.

In any event, while short, this was still an enjoyable outing as I got to break in some new shoes and strut my stuff, casually of course. Heh!

Nice outfit and colours,Jeff!

[Thighbootguy]

Looking good!

I like the combination… even the flats.

Jaunt #159, 7/22/2012:

I would say that a good 98 percent of the people in the store paid precious little attention to me

I’m impressed… all the way up to 2% that noticed.

[SleekHeels]

Real nice outfit Jeff. A camel-coloured bag (and matching belt or even shoes) might be another alternative too.

http://shopsueyboutique.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/fall-2010-handbag-trends-camel-colored/

Or a pale shade of cream (lighter than the skirt) may be another shade that works too.

I'm sure you have no shortage if ideas, just not enough time to try them all !

[Bubba136]

Good looking outfit. I think you look much better in a short skirt than the longer one that you wore on your last outing. You look much more streamlined and I like the shades of brown you put together. Much more attractive, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing.

[JeffB]

Skirtedvik: Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated. TBG: I'd say that the two percent who did notice were a combination of puzzled and amused. That's okay by me. SleekHeels: Thanks for the link. Since I've come around to appreciating brown and tan, I'll have to buy a matching bag. And yes, ideas do abound! HA! Bubba136: Oh, I won't at all deny I look my best in a short skirt which shows off my long legs, but something about wearing long, gauzy skirts like what I sported on Saturday brings out my inner Bohemian.

[Mr. X]

Mr. X: Pop of color, eh? Hmm! Interesting! Well, I'm always open to suggestions. What would have changed on that outfit?.

I'm not even sure. A red/wine color bag perhaps might look good.

Edited July 25, 2012 by Mr. X

[JeffB]

I'm not even sure. A red/wine color bag perhaps might look good.

Hmm! Interesting! In any event, it'll certainly be quite a challenge to break away from carrying black bags around on my little adventures!

Edited July 26, 2012 by JeffB

[Mr. X]

In any event, it'll certainly be quite a challenge to break away from carrying black bags around on my little adventures!

I agree! I have a black camera type bag. And I always seem to use it no matter what I am wearing. I recently bought a tan bag, and that was a stretch for me. I can't imagine using colored bags. Plus I haven't seen too many colored "man bags". And I don't see myself switching to purses anytime soon...lol

[JeffB]

I agree! I have a black camera type bag. And I always seem to use it no matter what I am wearing. I recently bought a tan bag, and that was a stretch for me. I can't imagine using colored bags. Plus I haven't seen too many colored "man bags". And I don't see myself switching to purses anytime soon...lol

Carrying a purse around is no big deal, I never go on a jaunt without one! Meanwhile, perhaps I'll go shopping this weekend and see about picking up a brown or tan handbag. Maybe I'll see about buying another brown top as well. Should be interesting.

[Gudulitooo]

I'm loving the look! That tan number is gorgeous and shows off your legs so well! You'd have killer pins for a pencil skirt if you were to push the envelope that bit more.... having had a dig down the back of the internet, I see a few guys in London are already trying skirts as an alternative to the usual same old trousers

I just love this guy's confidence, plus the skirt looks great

Looking forward to the next jaunt

Kitty, Jeff,

I finally think this picture is real. What bothered me was the perfectly shaved legs.

It looks really well in the whole outfit.

In my opinion some skirts could look good with hairy legs (kilts or man skirts).

But with this one, and especially with the pumps, shaving is mandatory for the look.

[Thighbootguy]

Carrying a purse around is no big deal, I never go on a jaunt without one!

I now carry one all the time, heels or not. I either have all my stuff with me or none of it. There is no more "Oh I left my keys in my other pants"...

Mine is a conservative black purse with a long shoulder strap. I haven't noticed that it generates any extra attention at work or anywhere I go without my boots.

TBG

[JeffB]

Hey, TBG! Nice pic! You look very sharp! Meanwhile, I feel naked without a handbag when I go on a jaunt, it's become part of me and what I do as a freestyler. Never thought I would say something like that a few years ago.

Jaunt #160, 7/28/2012:

Just a short outing since the weather report was calling for severe afternoon thunderstorms, and I didn't want to be outside in all that. Anyhoo, since it's Saturday, I decided to go the purely casual route by wearing a blue campshirt, my 22 inch denim skirt, the Payless "Cori" wedge flats and a handbag. That skirt which I bought at JCPenney nearly four years ago is as comfortable to me as any item of clothing, male or female I've ever owned, I just feel so at ease and at home in that skirt which I've worn more than any other and remains as stylish to me now as it did way back in 2008. Oh, and taking into consideration that it was in the mid 80's with searing sunshine, wearing a skirt was also very practical as it kept me perfectly cool while out and about. I can't see myself bothering with jeans or even capris while the weather remains as icky hot as it's been, and that's fine by me!

My first stop of the day was to University City and a branch of my bank for some spending money, getting out of the car, I got a quick stare from a guy in passing but he didn't say anything. After tapping the ATM and getting back to my car, it was off to center city and my comic book shop, parking a block away (parking can be damn hard to find downtown), I walked to the shop, passing several people, none of whom gave me so much as a glance at how I was dressed, for sure the staff of the comic shop didn't care, given that I was a loyal and regular customer, and it was good to know I accorded that level of respect from the guys. From there, it was off to South Jersey where I stopped at Chick-Fil-A near Moorestown Mall for lunch, the place was fairly full and busy as I walked in, but again, practically no one gave me the time of day, not even little kids with their parents as the store had an attached play area for the tykes. It was kinda nice to be ignored. Heh!

My last stop of the day was to Best Buy where I spent a solid thirty plus minutes, wandered the aisles and grilled a salesperson about the reliability of plasma hi-def TV sets before going to the register with Blu-Ray versions of Wrath of the Titans and Smokey and the Bandit (yes, I liked that flick, so sue me). With the skies darkening fast, I hopped in the car and returned home. While short, it was another enjoyable outing, I've said this before and I'll say it again, it's important, no, CRUCIAL to effect a calm, cool, casual demeanor while out and about on your adventures, whether you're just wearing heels under long jeans, or exposing yourself to the world by wearing a skirt like I do. By showing the world that what you wear is no big deal to you will give others that same impression and they won't take undue interest in you. So, go out and enjoy!

[SkirtDude]

the skirt! Looks great - any more jaunts on the horizon? I wish I had your confidence

[tallguyinheels]

I too, am shopping for an additional purse or two.... I now have a dark brown pair of boots. I'm not sure if the belt matches the shoes matched the purse is required. I've worn a bright red belt with a black skirt and a black shoe (or boots) and black purse. I find that my smaller purse is very handy for most trips, credit cards, keys phone (gotta have an external pocket for the phone for easy access). The awkward thing - or perhaps interesting thing - about changing purses is that you do have to plan ahead to transfer the important stuff... When without purse I use a money clip for cash and a separate credit card holder for cards and drivers licence. Both are easy to swap from one purse to the other, as well. I'm thinking od getting a slightly larger sachel for my iPad this time around, but I still don't want it to be too bulky... I've been shopping for a week or so - now and then - still haven't found the right one.

[JeffB]

Kilty: Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. Oh, sure, there will be plenty of new outings in the future, lots of warm weather remaining this summer and beyond to flaunt my stuff in skirts! On the subject of confidence, it doesn't come easily, not even for me, but it can be achieved, so don't be down, just do the best you can and push the envelope as much as you can. You'll find that to be great fun! Tallguyinheels: Being kinda anal, I try to make sure my belt, shoes and handbag are color coordinated, I think it makes for a nicer overall image. Just like with shoes and skirts, shopping for handbags is a delightful experience, so many types, sizes and colors, it can be dizzying as I try to make up my mind as to what I'd like to have. At one time, I was content with having only black purses since I wore mainly black shoes, but since I've began wearing brown and tan shoes and clothing, it's now essential I have a bag to match. I have a fairly large bag for use when I take my iPad out, it's roomy and has plenty of space for it, wallet, keys and an umbrella which I never travel without.

Edited August 7, 2012 by JeffB

[JeffB]

Jaunt #161, 8/11/2012:

As folks here know well, I like to push the envelope every now and then on my little adventures, mainly to see just what I can, or can't get away with. And, to be honest, it's great fun to broaden the horizons in my freestyling. In this case, I decided to get dressed up for a visit to the local branch of my bank as I needed to obtain a safe deposit box for some important papers I didn't want to keep in my house. So, I headed out to the bank in my red campshirt, the 30 inch A-line denim skirt, the Payless "Jefferson" buckle wedge pumps and a black handbag. After arriving in the bank parking lot half a block away, I hopped out without a second thought, headed to the bank and walked in, pretty as you please. It was close to noon and there was a good crowd inside, and more than a few took notice of me, but I didn't take notice of them as I acted calm and cool like what I wore was no big deal, and it wasn't.

Taking a seat in the lounge area, a bank employee, taking no notice of my attire asked what sort of help I needed, I told her I was interested in opening a safe deposit box, she took down my information and told me someone would help me soon. As it turned out, "soon" was a relative concept as I waited for more than half an hour before I was waited on, during which time, I garnered stares and second glances here and there, including one young black man some ten feet away who occasionally stared at me with narrowed eyes every chance he got while he was being waited on. Didn't take a genius to see he disapproved of my attire, and that was the ultimate in hypocrisy on his part, because when he stood up, it turned out he was one of those urban guys who wore his jeans WELL below his waist, openly displaying blue plaid boxers, a "fashion" style I find hilarious. And he had the nerve to disapprove of me, and I was dressed more appropriately for my surroundings than him!

To make a long story short, I was finally waited on, and was treated with nothing but respect as I obtained my box, was told the procedure for using it, I put my papers in it and went on my way. Despite being there for nearly an hour, it was a good chance to gauge reactions of those around me, and, for the most part, no one raised a fuss. After leaving the bank, it was off for center city where I parked a block away from my favorite comic book shop and strolled there, garnering not so much as a stare from people around me. Oh, sure, people notice, they can't help but notice a middle aged guy in a skirt, but they choose to pay me no mind as they go about their own business and affairs. As usual, the guys at the comic shop also don't give what I'm wearing a second thought as I picked up the newest books. Then, it was over the bridge into South Jersey where I went to Sears where I looked for a brown handbag, but couldn't find anything I liked, but I did buy a nice brown skirt.

Then, I tried JCPenney and, much to my frustration, I couldn't find anything I liked there either, however, I did buy a brown belt to go with the new skirt and an interesting t-shirt that I'll show off on a future jaunt. In both stores, I shopped at my leisure, and no one paid me any mind, sure, there were glances and stares and a double take here and there, but nothing more than that, I was simply another shopper, and that's how I wanted to be treated. All in all, a good trip that I enjoyed.

Jaunt #162, 8/12/2012:

Back to back jaunts on an early August weekend. Ahh! What fun! For this short outing on a late Sunday morning, I headed out in a light purple polo shirt, a 20 inch dark denim stretch skirt I bought at Old Navy last month, the Payless "Cori" wedge flats and a handbag to match. The new skirt was both cute and comfortable to wear, and it has a slit in back. Whoo!! I decided to head west to Springfield, and my first stop was to the Target store at the Springfield Mall in search of a brown handbag which I failed to find yesterday in South Jersey. After parking, I hopped right out and walked in the store, I did get a few stares here and there as I made my way to the women's accessories section, and, after a good fifteen minutes worth of searching, I found a bag I thought would go well with the brown "Jefferson" pumps, I also found another brown belt that caught my eye because of how stylish it looked and took both to the register when I spent about forty bucks.

While I'm sure more than a few people took notice of me and how I was dressed, I took no notice of them as I went about my business, however, there were no gasps, giggles or guffaws (or the electronic clicking of camera equipped cellphones), and there were a goodly number of kids and teenagers in the store at the time, and that was good enough for me. After leaving Target, I headed down the road to a nearby strip mall where I had lunch at Subway, there were half a dozen people ahead of me in the store, but this group spent more time yakking with each than taking notice of me the whole time we were all in the store. My third and final stop of the day was to Best Buy for no other reason than to wander the aisles and be noticed, the store was fairly full for an early Sunday afternoon, but, just like at Target, I wasn't made the star of the show by scores of people gaping and gasping at me, sure, I got a few stares here and there, but nothing more than that.

But here's something funny, after going to the register with a CD of Foreigner's greatest hits (a spur of the moment purchase), the salesperson, a young black man complimented me on---wait for it---the sunglasses dangling from the neckline of my shirt, nothing about my skirt at all, when I told him I bought them at a drug store, he chuckled. Kooky thing, eh? Anyhoo, another enjoyable outing.

[FreshinHeels]

well done JeffB, you look smart

[JeffB]

well done JeffB, you look smart

Many thanks, Fresh! I appreciate your kind words!

[Shafted]

Love the sunglasses remark, Jeff. I've had similar responses to tees I was wearing with my skinnies and stiletto boots.

[skirtedvik]

Jeff,you look so natural in these outfits.

[tallguyinheels]

Jeff, I like the big wide belt, with the longer skirt. I have been experimenting with narrow belts (1/2" or less) and "normal 1" dress belts, and of courcse the 1-1/2 in-2 inch "jeans loop" belts. I've worn a wide belt - somewhat like yours with a short skirt but not with a long skirt - I love expanding the fashion envelope I'm comfortabler in.

Edited August 13, 2012 by tallguyinheels

[JeffB]

Love the sunglasses remark, Jeff. I've had similar responses to tees I was wearing with my skinnies and stiletto boots.

Yeah, I found it funny how the only thing that guy noticed were my sunglasses. Darn sure didn't see that coming! Heh!

Jeff,you look so natural in these outfits.

Many thanks. A compliment like yours makes me realize that I'm doing my freestyling right.

Jeff, I like the big wide belt, with the longer skirt. I have been experimenting with narrow belts (1/2" or less) and "normal 1" dress belts, and of courcse the 1-1/2 in-2 inch "jeans loop" belts. I've worn a wide belt - somewhat like yours with a short skirt but not with a long skirt - I love expanding the fashion envelope I'm comfortabler in.

This is just me, but I've always preferred wearing wide belts with long skirts and thin ones with my shorter denim skirts which I can run through the belt loops. The picture you provided looks very nice and could be something I might try myself sometime down the road. It's all about experimentation to see what both works best and looks nice.

[tallguyinheels]

Yes, the short blue skirt is certainly pushing it a bit. I had the encouragement of my hair stylist shop to try the look in public. all seemed to like it in the shop - end of January - I think. too warm for stretchy mini and tights in the hot Atlanta summer. Like you I'm more inclined to wear a loose skirt, linen or denim. I can't wait for fall though... I like dressing up a bit in a skirt.

[JeffB]

Yes, the short blue skirt is certainly pushing it a bit. I had the encouragement of my hair stylist shop to try the look in public. all seemed to like it in the shop - end of January - I think. too warm for stretchy mini and tights in the hot Atlanta summer. Like you I'm more inclined to wear a loose skirt, linen or denim. I can't wait for fall though... I like dressing up a bit in a skirt.

Well, I don't know what the weather has been like in your neck of the woods, but wearing a long sleeved shirt and tights up here in the Northeast would've been suicide, given the seemingly endless days in the upper 90's we've had. Still, that was a nice look, though one better suited for fall. Speaking of fall, I too can't wait for cooler weather in October or so to arrive so I can break out my calf length skirts which I can pair up with my high heeled knee boots. That's a fun and stylish combination that I enjoy wearing.

[Mr. X]

Nice outfits and nice read as always Jeff! I much prefer your short skirt outfits. But that would just be my way of dress, personally. But keep on keepin on, and helping the "cause".

[JeffB]

Nice outfits and nice read as always Jeff! I much prefer your short skirt outfits. But that would just be my way of dress, personally. But keep on keepin on, and helping the "cause".

Heh! You're not the only one here who's mentioned that they like me in short skirts! Well, there's still plenty of summer left for me to show off my legs. Meanwhile, I haven't thought about wearing jeans or my capris for weeks now as I'm just having so much fun wearing skirts to consider anything else.

[JeffB]

Jaunt #163, 8/18/2012:

With the weather nice and sunny today following a wild and stormy Friday night, I headed out on a new jaunt as I had to go to my dealership to have some minor work done on my car, so I donned my denim colored campshirt (I've come to love wearing these shirts and plan to find them in more colors), my 22 inch denim skirt, the Blondo 2 inch heeled loafers which I hadn't worn in a while and my Buxton Bag. The notion of wearing anything else (i.e. men's clothes) hadn't at all occured to me, and I had no hesitation whatsoever about going to the dealership in a skirt, it's just clothes after all. I arrived at the dealership around ten, parked, got out and walked in, pretty as you please, the inside of the building was mildly busy with customers being waited on, but no one paid me much if any attention. After walking up to the service desk to tell them what I needed done (my driver's side vanity mirror came loose from the visor), I was told I'd have to wait around an hour, so I retreated to the lounge to wait.

There were half a dozen people in the lounge area, almost all of them were watching TV and ignoring me, I picked up a two month old issue of Car & Driver and busied myself with that while waiting to have my car serviced. Little over an hour, and four car magazines later, I heard my name over the intercom, calling me to the desk, going there, I paid for the service, was given my keys and that was that. From start to finish, I was treated just as professionally at the dealership like everyone else, despite how I was dressed, and that meant a lot to me. From there, I headed into town as I was only three miles or so from center city as the crow flies, as is part of my regular routine, I visited my local comic shop, then headed out to the western 'burbs as I had a sudden hankering for a roast beef sandwich at Arby's, and the only store I knew of was in Springfield. There were little over a dozen people in the store as I walked in, placed my order and enjoyed a thick roast beef sandwich with curly fries and a soda.

Just like at the dealership, no one b gawked or gaped or bothered me as I ate, I guess I must not have been very interesting to them. After lunch, I headed to Best Buy, my last stop of the day, now that place was pretty crowded as I walked in, but that was no big deal to me as I wandered the aisles, doing my usual gazing at all the electronic gizmos. Meanwhile, I did get a few stares here and there, but I expected that sort of thing, but I was left alone the whole time. I mean, to be honest, is it really THAT much of a big deal if a guy is seen wearing a skirt? The only difference between that and a pair of shorts is one less opening to put your legs through. Not a long outing, but a pleasant jaunt in pleasant weather, just what I love, almost as much as I love wearing skirts in public!

[Mr. X]

Nice read again Jeff! Arby's and Best Buy! I think we are going to get along just fine....lol

[JeffB]

Nice read again Jeff! Arby's and Best Buy! I think we are going to get along just fine....lol

Glad to hear that, my friend! Great minds think alike!