The High Heeled Ruminations Of Melrose Plant

[p1ng74]

5 hours ago, at9 said:

Stealing is an interesting concept when you distinguish between bits and atoms. If you steal atoms (cars, books, wives etc) you deprive the previous owner of their use. If you steal bits this is done by copying (text, music, ideas etc) the original owner still has them. They may be of reduced value but the original owner can still play the music, read the document on a computer etc.

I'm no bible scholar but I don't think the concept of intellectual property is well covered.

Well there is the seventh commandment, thou shalt not steal, and even the tenth commandment.

 

3 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

If one continues reading past Deuteronomy chapter 22, it's addressed a few chapters later: "Thou shalt not sample classic rock 'n' roll for your hiphop record. It is an abomination."

But I love Eminem’s sampling of Aerosmith in Sing for the Moment!  He changes the bass progression in a very cool way. 

[Shyheels]

Yes, I’d say that between them the 7th and the 10th pretty well cover any form of theft humans are likely to think up.

Edited December 31, 2019 by Shyheels

[mlroseplant]

There was a discussion on @chesterx's thread, brought about by @RonC, who asked a question about why do I feel that I can't wear silver, strappy, sparkly sandals, when many of the other shoes I wear on a regular basis are equally as outrageous in other ways? I am trying to drag the conversation over here, so as to not talk about myself too much on somebody else's thread. It probably won't work, but out of politeness, I'm going to try. See the last page of chesterx's thread "My Outings.  .  ." for more context.

There are many styles of shoes I now wear that I thought I never would when I started heeling back in 2012. Among them are anything with a stiletto heel, and any open-toed mule. Both of those are now a regular part of my wardrobe. I used to wear extra length pants all the time. I do not anymore. So why not sparkly silver sandals? My coloring would probably look better in gold, but that's beside the point. The answer is, I guess there is no good reason, it's just that I've got some sort of mental hangup about it. Most of my shoes are black or brown, and many of my sandals are tan. There are some notable exceptions, like my red BCBG mules, pictured recently above, my Nine West platform sandals (dusty rose), and my perennial favorite BCBG white beaded mules, which do have shiny gold trim.

At what point does one stop pushing the envelope and just continue to dress the way he does presently? Is wearing silver sparkly sandals "pushing the envelope" in any significant way it hasn't been pushed already? At what point does one start looking ridiculous? Has this line already been crossed (At this point, I don't think so, but others may have different opinions)? Does any of this really matter?

Edited December 31, 2019 by mlroseplant
Clarity

[Pierre1961]

That’s a very logical evolution 

block to stilettos heels 

black or brown to flashy 

long pants covering the heels to visibles. 

Thats normal. 

Crossdressing starts when you are wearing only female clothes 

So,in my opinion,wearing silver sandals isn’t cross dressing but for sure pushing the envelope much farer than most of us including myself.

Pierre

[Jkrenzer]

Well said, can't argue with that. 

I have more or less followed the same path, other than block heels to stilettos. Have always been a stiletto guy.

I also think i have stopped my progression. Very high, single sole heels with ankle length jeans when casual or my dressier work attire which is slacks and a collared shirt.

[Pierre1961]

No real threshold. Just wishing to look like as a female 

It mainly depends on what is our mind. For some of us heels are a fetish,or just a style,or crossdressing  

What about men wearing women underpants,bras and others, but hidden?

Unavowed  crossdressing ?

My personal opinion : no rule . Again mainly stereotypes 

 

 

[Cali]

I started to wear women's shoes on a consistent basis back in 2011. (I had a 2" shoettie I wore from late 70's to the 90's when it fell apart.)  

It was after a third ankle reconstruction that I was looking for shoes that fit my very high arch and narrow heel foot.  All my Google searches ended up showing women's shoes. So I went to DSW and purchased a women's running shoe. The fit was better than expected - I got a better running shoe the next week.  Have not purchased a "men's" shoe since. I had always wanted booties, yes I was envious, so I went to Macy's and found some Booties with a 1.5" heel.  Then some booties with a 2 - 2.5 inch heels and some slouch boots. After over half a century I finally had shoes that fit!  I happy and satisfied with these. (I also had VS stilettos and stiletto wedges.)

Then in 2014 I had a medical need to raise a heel four inches for 6 months and so had to raise both heels four inches.  Since I already knew women's shoes fit, I opt for high heels over two plastic medical boots. After 4 months my friends notice that I was not in as much hip pain. After 11 years of constant pain it was gone! When I went back to shorter heels the pain returned within weeks.  Back to heels and the pain level started to reduced...hence I wear high heels until I can't.

I can say I went wild at first and have several heels that I no longer wear (see the "For Sale" Thread). I have learned more about my very rare type of feet, what type of shoes really fit my feet and what type has no chance (i.e. pumps). 

There are styles and colors that I would have never thought of wearing back in 2014 that I now have, see my Jessica Simpson Rachies in Shiraz Red. Since I have been wearing heels for over 5 years, I am much more confident to show them.  I use to try and hide them under long pants, except I wear shorts in the summer.  I know my taste will change over time as styles come and go.  I know I will always be buying new shoes because I wear them out.

What is crossdressing depends on who you ask. On one end of the scale the strict ones: wearing of any item by the opposite gender is crossdressing. By this definition most women crossdress at some time and any male here that wears women's shoes is cross dressing. On the other end of the scale there are those that say you must go the whole way, for men that would mean hair, makeup, breast, voice, ...

I blend clothing from all sides of the store, but display a masculine look.

Edited January 1, 2020 by Cali

[chesterx]

Personally I don't even think about it anymore. I never cared to put in the effort some cross dressers do, what with the wigs, makeup, padding, etc. I just love the look of feminine shoes. It got to the point I wanted to wear them in public. I took the plunge. I have started to wear other feminine attire, such as tops, but I'm doing so simply because I like how they look. I have no intentions of trying to pass as a woman. I may even try a skirt. Labels don't bother me as much when it comes to finally doing the things I've always wanted to do. The results have been very pleasant so far...

[Cali]

Here's an example of a pair of heels I might not have even tried last year and certainly not a color I would have worn two or three years ago. And never would have worn socks like these. So NEVER say NEVER, never! The "envelope" is always changing

Wore these today and eight women liked the heels and color. Had to laugh when two women almost walked into each other while staring at them; we where all going to the entrance of a store.  One women also loved the socks as well.

Edited January 1, 2020 by Cali

[JeffB]

An interesting chain of conversation that I find intriguing. Everyone here knows I wear women’s clothes top to bottom, openly and proudly as I evolved from a heeler to a fashion freestyler. Does that make me a crossdresser? Maybe, I’d say that depends on one’s own perspective, I don’t wear wigs, padded bras or makeup, and despite my infrequent dalliance with lipstick, I have no interest whatsoever in looking like a woman, all I care about are the clothes and shoes, and that’s more than enough for me.

As for the question of wearing sparkly, silver sandals, I’m of the opinion that shoes in colors like silver of gold should be saved for parties or similar social functions, not for more casual outings.

[RonC]

I don't really get into the definition of crossdressing.  One or two items or a whole look?  I guess I don't need to hear a label.  From my standpoint, the only reason I would ever want to go in a full crossdressed, try to look like a woman, mode would be so I could totally blend in when shopping for heels.  Feeling like I could try anything, anywhere, without the feeling of being odd and being watched and made fun of.  I know I should just go ahead and do whatever as some of us here do, but I am uncomfortable with that if there are others around.  I will try on in stores, but only if I can do so discreetly.  Not so much worry about employees but others shopping.  I know that's my problem, but I don't see that changing.  So I don't really think of myself as a "crossdresser" as I have no real desire for the whole "look", but I do enjoy heels and hose.  I am getting a bit more willing to wear heeled shoes in public, but still cover my heels with long pants in most instances.  Hard to teach this old dog new tricks!

[Pierre1961]

Hiding the heels is what I did for a long period. Now I realize that visible shoes draw less attention. But with block heels and all other clothes totally masculine. I wish i had the courage to wear stilettos boots  but didn’t take that decision yet 

@RonC I am also n old dog. Sometimes I wonder if wearing heels matches with an old face,despite of a slim body. 

So far I keep going. 

[mlroseplant]

On 1/1/2020 at 7:35 AM, JeffB said:

An interesting chain of conversation that I find intriguing. Everyone here knows I wear women’s clothes top to bottom, openly and proudly as I evolved from a heeler to a fashion freestyler. Does that make me a crossdresser? Maybe, I’d say that depends on one’s own perspective, I don’t wear wigs, padded bras or makeup, and despite my infrequent dalliance with lipstick, I have no interest whatsoever in looking like a woman, all I care about are the clothes and shoes, and that’s more than enough for me.

As for the question of wearing sparkly, silver sandals, I’m of the opinion that shoes in colors like silver of gold should be saved for parties or similar social functions, not for more casual outings.

I'm not really fussed about anybody's definition of crossdressing. In fact, the thought never even entered my mind until Pierre brought it up, almost as a afterthought, really. I don't know what your thought processes are when you're deciding what barriers you're going to crash through next, but my thoughts basically go something like this: "I like to see women wearing x. I find x attractive. Why wouldn't I want to emulate the look for myself?" X, of course, stands in for whatever, be it high heels, bright colors, long nails, dangly earrings, etc.

I must respectfully disagree with you about the sparkly sandals. I guess it depends upon the exact outfit, but I for one like to see shiny gold and silver shoes in a more casual situation. They are also great for parties, too! I'm just not too sure about wearing them myself. And there's the other side of the coin. "I like to see women wearing x. I find x attractive. I would like to wear x, but I'd look completely ridiculous if I did so." Years ago, I tried on some of my ex-wife's high heels when she wasn't around (we wore basically the same size). I still remember looking in the mirror, wearing those heels, and thinking, "You look *%^&ing awful! You'd make an absolutely terrible looking woman." And I probably did look awful. It's taken me a number of years to even learn how to stand in heels without looking like a dork, much less walk in them. Not to mention the fact that, well, who knows what else I had on with those heels? Probably some dirty, baggy jeans and a ratty t-shirt.

So anyhow, those are the two sides of my feminine dressing consciousness.

3 hours ago, Pierre1961 said:

Hiding the heels is what I did for a long period. Now I realize that visible shoes draw less attention. But with block heels and all other clothes totally masculine. I wish i had the courage to wear stilettos boots  but didn’t take that decision yet 

@RonC I am also n old dog. Sometimes I wonder if wearing heels matches with an old face,despite of a slim body. 

So far I keep going. 

I believe I have expressed a concern about certain items of my wardrobe being for kids. Well, I think of them as kids, but I mean young people. For example, when do I have to give up the tiny shorts? I guess as long as my legs don't look all gnarled up like a prune, I'll keep wearing them. I don't think heels have an age limit, but they probably do have a physical limit. I have known too many people this year who have broken hips, and that time of my life when I might have to worry about such things is really not all that far away, in the grand scheme of things.

[p1ng74]

15 hours ago, RonC said:

From my standpoint, the only reason I would ever want to go in a full crossdressed, try to look like a woman, mode would be so I could totally blend in when shopping for heels.  Feeling like I could try anything, anywhere, without the feeling of being odd and being watched and made fun of.  I know I should just go ahead and do whatever as some of us here do, but I am uncomfortable with that if there are others around.  I will try on in stores, but only if I can do so discreetly.  Not so much worry about employees but others shopping.  I know that's my problem, but I don't see that changing. 

I don’t think cross dressing will change this much, in fact it might draw more attention.  Women can shop in men’s shoe sections all the time too.  They are just shoes, not lingerie or anything like that.  You might attract some attention, but it’s not really justified.  Why let these thoughts from total strangers crimp your style?

[RonC]

9 hours ago, Pierre1961 said:

Hiding the heels is what I did for a long period. Now I realize that visible shoes draw less attention. But with block heels and all other clothes totally masculine. I wish i had the courage to wear stilettos boots  but didn’t take that decision yet 

@RonC I am also n old dog. Sometimes I wonder if wearing heels matches with an old face,despite of a slim body. 

So far I keep going. 

Yes, I think about the age thing often.  You rarely see a woman in her late 60's wearing heels.  Maybe a low heel or a chunky heel boot, but not stilettos.  So I do have an issue at times with thinking about "age appropriate" footwear.

2 hours ago, p1ng74 said:

I don’t think cross dressing will change this much, in fact it might draw more attention.  Women can shop in men’s shoe sections all the time too.  They are just shoes, not lingerie or anything like that.  You might attract some attention, but it’s not really justified.  Why let these thoughts from total strangers crimp your style?

I know what you are saying - hey look, a man in drag!  What I was trying to intimate was that it would be fun to be able to actually blend in, to pass as a woman, so there would be no question.  That could never happen for this ugly old dog, but it sure would be fun.  But then I'd also want to shrink my feet to at least a womans size 10 so I could find my size in just about any shoe I wanted!  Good luck with that, but hey, as long as I'm dreaming......

[Cali]

I'm in my mid 60's and wear stilettos block heels, wedges, etc. all the time and plan to into my late 90's if not longer.

[mlroseplant]

I made a reply to this conversation some 15 hours ago, but for whatever reason, it was censored, subject to the approval of a moderator. I have my suspicions about why, perhaps I used a certain word too many times in one post, but you guys know me, the reply contained nothing even approaching inappropriate. I shall wait this out to see what happens.

[RonC]

20 hours ago, Cali said:

I'm in my mid 60's and wear stilettos block heels, wedges, etc. all the time and plan to into my late 90's if not longer.

And you will be doing something women of that age won't be doing!   Lol

[Cali]

I might limit myself to block heels and wedges when I reach 90...

4 hours ago, RonC said:

And you will be doing something women of that age won't be doing!   Lol

 

[mlroseplant]

A little bit off the subject of heels--I decided to get my kid, soon to turn 11, a decent pair of dress shoes. He is U.S. Men's size 6 now, which I have always found frustrating when it comes to buying shoes. I am size 7, and that's hard enough when it comes to buying a decent pair of shoes. I looked through the "big kids" section, and the selection was just terrible. Clunky, square-toed, plastic awfulness. Then I thought, "You idiot! Why not get him some used women's shoes, size 8 on ebay, just the same as you do for yourself?"

After just a few minutes of searching, I came up with these Cole Haan oxfords, which are much more attractive and much higher quality than any of the stuff they have for "big kids." They look like they were barely worn. For about the same price I would have paid for that junk. No wonder younger boys don't like to dress up anymore!

[Jkrenzer]

Wow, very manly kids shoes.

[HappyinHeels]

Happy 2020 to All,

I believe we are all greater than the sum of a few misplaced labels. Such a discussion with women wearing pants and shirts and shoes clearly bought from the men's side of the aisle would never be held because, you know, women can wear whatever they want. How is it different with men??? Wear just the heels, mix it with a cardigan, or some skinny  jeans, or a long coat, or go all out and wear them with a skirt or a dress. An expression of one gender to emulate the other via clothing choices need not be met with suspicion or derision. Anyone seriously feeling threatened by one gender wearing clothing normally associated with the other gender has some insecurity issues which may well be their undoing. Freedom of expression is an easy sell when one immerses oneself in group think but the world at large is not like that. If we had no trailblazers then we, in all likelihood, would have little if any freedom. Dare to be different and live your life on YOUR terms.  Those who are secure in their own identity and place in the world should be no obstacle to you rather they may indeed be an inspiration. It all starts with that first step out the door. HappyinHeels

[CAT]

Very well said!!!!!

[HappyinHeels]

You're quite welcome neighbour! HinH

[mlroseplant]

17 hours ago, kneehighs said:

Nice shoes.  From what I understand, Cole Haan is a good brand.  I've never been a consumer yet though.  Will you tell him they are manufactured for women?  

He won't care. This is the kid who wore his mother's snow boots to school when we were surprised to find that his boots from last year were much too small. I even considered getting him some "Harry Styles" height heels, of which there are MANY in that oxford style (no pun intended). But nah, now's not the time.

[mlroseplant]

I have really been slacking lately. I haven't been exercising, and particularly I haven't been exercising my feet. This was driven home last Sunday when I had to attend all three church services because I was substituting in the band(s). I was at the church for five hours, much of the time standing. I don't often make a choice about my footwear based on things like this, but I sure should have this time. I chose to wear my Nine West Plantera loafer pumps, which have been a perennial favorite, but I have to admit that by the time I got home, I was ready to take those suckers off! In the past, they have been all day shoes with no problem, but I see I am no longer worthy of them. And yet, here I am, complaining to people on the internet about it, instead of doing something about it.

[HappyinHeels]

Well, exercise time may be coming as a possible storm arrives in the Midwest Friday into Saturday. Winter has been largely absent for the last five weeks just like last year. Of course last year we were visited by the polar vortex and I would swear "Life Below Zero" was being filmed right in my yard as the temperature reached -31F on 31 January. So sharpen those shovels as it may be needed. I have been doing some work in the basement as it has been a little breezy here. HinH

[Tech]

On 1/4/2020 at 3:12 AM, mlroseplant said:

I made a reply to this conversation some 15 hours ago, but for whatever reason, it was censored, subject to the approval of a moderator. I have my suspicions about why, perhaps I used a certain word too many times in one post, but you guys know me, the reply contained nothing even approaching inappropriate. I shall wait this out to see what happens.

Rather than just having suspicions, which only EVER breed negativity, why dont you just ask and clear the air? Drop me a PM and I'll tell you. :-)

[mlroseplant]

On 1/8/2020 at 5:43 AM, HappyinHeels said:

Well, exercise time may be coming as a possible storm arrives in the Midwest Friday into Saturday. Winter has been largely absent for the last five weeks just like last year. Of course last year we were visited by the polar vortex and I would swear "Life Below Zero" was being filmed right in my yard as the temperature reached -31F on 31 January. So sharpen those shovels as it may be needed. I have been doing some work in the basement as it has been a little breezy here. HinH

Yup, we got snow, but not as much as they were threatening. More concerning is the thick layer of ice we got before the snow. I actually wore almost low heels (2 1/4") to the grocery store yesterday. I guess I'm getting more timid in my old age.

[KneeBooted]

3 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

Yup, we got snow, but not as much as they were threatening. More concerning is the thick layer of ice we got before the snow. I actually wore almost low heels (2 1/4") to the grocery store yesterday. I guess I'm getting more timid in my old age.

I don’t recall if you’ve ever mentioned this before, but in the snow/ice conditions, have you ever considered getting some wedge boots that have a more traction friendly sole? You could still achieve a 3-4” heel height and hopefully have better traction in less than stellar walking conditions.