New Member's Heeling Story...

[Rockbass19]

Originally posted on my welcome posting today but figured it belonged here, too... Well, my decision to finally wear heels in public just came about in the last 2 weeks, and I actually have you guys to thank because I've been reading your posts over the last couple weeks and you guys truly inspired me. I've tried "closet cross-dressing" around the house (which my wife is actually ok with), but really I did it for the shoes. I look horrible in a dress, and worse with a wig and make-up. So I decided that if I couldn't "pass" then I'm giving it up. I cleared out my closet today, actually. I'm a women's size 13 WIDE, and I prefer heels 3 inches and less, so they're super hard to find, even online. There's no way I could hide a pump or anything like that, but I thought boots were possible so I decided to just go with boots since they can be easily hidden from sight with a longer pair of jeans. I actually wanted to buy a pair of the Rad Hourani high heel boots for men but they're like $800, so no way. So, a couple weeks ago, while shopping online, I checked out Zappos. Well I probably don't have to tell you all how expensive they are BUT I did find something I liked in my size, but I'm a cheapo so I wasn't going to spend $150 on one pair of boots. So I checked out the other "full figure woman" online stores and discovered that Avenue carried my size. So, one day I stopped in at an Avenue store to check it out. I said I needed some glam-rock like boots for a band I was just hired into. Although that was a lie - I am the leader of my current band and we only do SOME glam-rock stuff. Anyway, the saleswoman seemed happy to help and asked me what my size was, and I, of course, played dumb. I told her my men's size was 11W, so she pulled out some women's 11W's, as I thought to myself "HA, YEAH RIGHT" but I went along with it since "I had never done this before". I'm not only a musician, but apparently a good actor, too! So we tried on the 11's - no way in hell. We went to the 12's - better but still really uncomfortably snug and toe crushing. Last shot was the 13 and BINGO - perfect fit. So, in my size 13W, she brought me faux-suede black ankle boots with a 2.5 inch thin heel (not quite stilletto, but close), a pair of faux-suede black knee boots with a 2 inch wedge, a pair of black faux-leather biker-looking boots with a 2 inch block heel, and a pair of brown faux-suede knee-high boots with a 3 inch thin heel (again not quite stilletto but close). In the open store with only 2 or 3 customers, I started to try them on. First I tried on the ankle boots and liked them. The saleswoman said that they looked really good on me "considering". I tried everything else on and I made it seem like the 3 inch heel boots were a little too high for me (again, good acting) and told her the biker boots were a definite YES but debated about the others. Then I saw the sign - "Boot Sale! All boots $20". So I told her I would take them ALL and told her I would probably be back to return whatever "my band" didn't approve of. Instead of spending $150 on one pair from Zappos, I was coming home with FOUR for $80. I do love me a bargain. I only showed my wife the biker boots, which I will be wearing for band performances. The other 3 are hidden in my closet. I haven't broken the news to her about my wish for public heeling. Gotta do it at the right time. A couple days ago the wife and I went to the Jackson NJ outlets and visited the Lucky Brand Jeans store. I needed new jeans anyway, due to dropping 33 pounds since October (yay, me!). I am normally a 30 inch length, however I wanted some jeans that were a little longer for obvious reasons, so I bought 2 pair of men's jeans with a 32 inch length. I used to be a 40 waist, but now I went down to a 36! (again, yay, me!). I also stopped at the Levi's store and got a couple more pair of jeans, but in straight leg - same length - 32 inches. When I got home I tried on the jeans with my heels. I discovered that: 1. I did not like the boot cut, and 2. If I wanted to wear the 3 inch boots, I actually needed to get a 34 inch length, because the heel still easily showed with the 32 inch jeans. So I needed to head back to the store to make an exchange. Here starts today's heeling adventure. I put on my new black-ish gray Levi's jeans, a black t-shirt, black leather jacket, and then the black biker boots with the 2 inch heel. Great match. The jeans covered the heel PERFECTLY, almost down to the ground. I thought I looked damn good (like a rockstar - that IS what I'm going for), so off I went. The drive to the outlets from my house is about an hour, and I had never driven in heels before. I guess going with the 2 inch heels was good for my first time driving. But these boots, to me, really do look like a cross between a men's biker and cowboy boot, so I did not feel like I was wearing women's boots (though the inside animal-print faux-fur lining would say differently, I guess.) Well they were warm anyway, as today was a very windy and cold day here in NJ. As I got out of my car, I pulled my jeans down a little to make sure the heel was covered, then started walking from the parking lot to the store. I noticed that my heels made a "clack" (not a "click" like stilletto's, but I'm also a bigger guy so maybe I just naturally "clack"...LOL...). I have heard other men's "clacking" before with cowboy boots so I didn't think anyone would notice or care. I walked into the store, where the clacking seemed louder, and quickly made my exchange. I left the store and no one noticed anything. It was great! I hopped back into my car and started heading home, but I didn't want to go home just yet. I reminded myself that I really wanted to pick up a leather vest for band performances. So, I headed to my local biker shop. When I got there, I was the only one there. Once again I "clacked" in the store, but nothing was noticed. The saleswoman was helpful in showing me what they had. They had something in my size but it was boring, and I wanted something with a little more detail. So I left the biker store and headed home. When I got home, I tried on my 3 inch heels with the 34 inch length straight leg jeans. PERFECT, and the jeans didn't even ride up when I sat down, so I'm ready to heel in those babies! Looking forward to reading and telling more stories!!!

[ilikekicks]

Sounds like a very interesting day of things. If you dont mind my asking, what type of music do you play?

[Histiletto]

Hey Rockbass19, It sounds like you had some fun in setting up for great heeling adventures. From former postings and personal experience, it is a good idea to keep your wife in the loop as you are making these decisions to wear heels, especially in public. Her awareness and input is invaluable and immensely important to the relationship. Her trust in you depends on your trust in her. Happy heeling in the band.

[Steve63130]

Rockbass, Welcome to this forum and thanks for introducing yourself. Sounds like you're diving right in without hesitation, and you may even have some support from your wife. Take it slow and carefully so she can adjust your wardrobe changes comfortably. Her biggest fear may be that all of the sudden, this is not the guy she thought she married. If she's insecure, address it quickly and openly. Good luck and let us know how all your heeling adventures go. You're on the right path! Steve

[FreshinHeels]

nice one Rockbass19, keep on heeling!

[ShockQueen]

Sounds like a wonderful outing, and you are so lucky to have an Avenue store to go to! Colour me just a touch jealous here, but am VERY happy to hear that things went well. Looking forward to hearing more!

[Rockbass19]

Sounds like a very interesting day of things. If you dont mind my asking, what type of music do you play?

My band is a cover band. We play rock style music.

[Curt]

That's how I started with heels. Playing in a band with snakeskin cowboy boots. Then I went on to the 70s platforms. And all of a sudden the heels got taller and skinnier and I find I don't have to hide them, and they are very comfortable. If motley crue can wear heels, so can I!

[Stilletto2004]

Way to go man! Keep it up, it only gets easier.

[HappyinHeels]

Rockbass19, I am very glad that the postings here helped you conquer your fear. I see that you cleared your closet of all other things and have settled on boots. Everyone has to find exactly where they are on the gender identity spectrum and it sounds like that's what you're doing. We are all a little different that way but I think we all have a common denominator-There is a part of us that needs to express ourselves through some article, or articles, commonly linked only to females. I may be underdressing, wearing pantyhose, women's watches, keeping one's toes polished, or simply wearing some sexy heels but we all share this and heels are the favorite way to do it hence our forum. But more than anything else, our purpose rests upon understanding and eqality. The understanding we foster among ourselves and ultimately among the world around us. The equality we now expect as consumers and human beings. I'm glad you found an Avenue store. I found the only one left in Wisconsin and have visited there several times wearing my Outer Edge jacket, a knit cap from Bakers, bootcut Merona jeans from Target, and either pumps or knee-high boots with stiletto heels. Both heels were at least 5" and were marginally hiden by the jeans. I shopped, chatted with the store staff about the weather and my shoes, and I left happy both times once with a cowlneck sweater and the other with a tunic top. I am more of a freestyler and like to mix items of both. A couple times a year I get completely dressed up if invited to a certain social event or an occasion comes up to go shopping somewhere on the road. It seems after a while some people come to appreciate seeing my heels as much as I enjoy wearing them. It all cmoes down to CONFIDENCE DISPLAYED + DIGNITY RECEIVED = HAPPINESSS ACHIEVED. Keep us informed of the heeling mileposts along your highway of success. HappyinHeels