The High Heeled Ruminations Of Melrose Plant

[Cali]

I had a pair of older heels brake when I got out of the car at work two weeks ago.  I had to wear my running shoes.  I got so many questions of "are you all right?" "Why no heels?". It like I am expected to be in heels.

[mlroseplant]

11 hours ago, Puffer said:

I can't recall you ever commenting specifically on the reaction you get, or have had, from your church congregation (whom I assume are nearly all 'regulars') to your 'unconventional' footwear.   I'm sure they are (almost) all decent and polite people and probably would not be critical or worse, at least to your face, and of course they are by now well-used to seeing you thus shod.   But surely there were some raised eyebrows and questions, at least 'in the beginning' (as the good book puts it)?

Oddly enough, this topic just came up a few days ago with some congregants, and to my knowledge or theirs, no one has ever said anything bad about my shoes. This is at once surprising, and yet not surprising. Those who would have objected did not ever do so out loud, and they are now no longer with us, via the fairly recent schism in the (no longer) United Methodist Church. Besides, I took my approach very gradually, as I did when learning to wear heels. I started out with heeled oxfords and a suit every Sunday, which you wouldn't really notice anyway except for a slightly higher than normal heel. Then I went to 3 inch block heels, and so on and so forth.

The only people I ever recall who said anything are some older ladies who were always interested to see what I was wearing this week. I made it a point not to repeat very often just for these ladies. I don't believe any of them are still with us, due to natural, non-political reasons.

[Puffer]

21 hours ago, Cali said:

I had a pair of older heels brake when I got out of the car at work two weeks ago.  I had to wear my running shoes.  I got so many questions of "are you all right?" "Why no heels?". It like I am expected to be in heels.

If the car was still moving when you alighted, I imagine your older shoes did have to brake.   Have the running shoes got brakes too - 'brake shoes'?   

[mlroseplant]

I imagine the running shoes are for a Fred Flintstone type situation. More surface to surface contact.

I am thinking we won't hear from Cali for at least a couple of days. He's bound to be completely fried from sitting in a metal tube for 16 hours or so, traveling to Oz. I know I would be.

[mlroseplant]

I did not take any pictures this week. I just didn't feel like it. They all pretty much look the same anyhow. That is one of the downsides to social media--people expect for your life to be exciting and dynamic on a long term basis, when in fact, it really isn't.

However, I do have two things to report: 1) It has definitely been the Year of the Band-Aid. I've used more of those suckers to stay functional than at any time in my life. I bought a box of 100 several months ago, and it's almost gone now. I've even started taking notes so that I can remember what shoes require what Band-Aids and where. I am not sure why my shoes have started eating more holes in my feet this year, but I have a couple of guesses.

a) I have walked more this year than any year since 2014, and since I own so many pairs of shoes, I have walked in a greater variety of different shoes than I ever have in the past. Proper vetting is not always possible. b) I walk more 2+ mile walks than I used to. I have discovered that shoes seem to fall into three distinct categories: 1 mile shoes, 2 mile shoes, 3 or more mile shoes. You can easily understand 1 mile shoes, but it is counterintuitive to think that there is that middle category where they feel great after 2 miles, but then somehow wear a hole in your foot on the third mile. I have several pair that do just exactly that (unless one has taken careful notes and has applied a Band-Aid to the proper spot prophylactically. Then they're just fine).

2) I got a comment from a man yesterday in the grocery store, and a very public one at that. I had to stop by very quickly and get three items because I had failed to meal plan properly earlier this week. It just so happened that I stopped by on my way home from mowing one of our customers' lawns, so I was in my grubbies. One of the male managers at the grocery store shouted out, "WHERE are your SHOES?" It took me a second or two to figure out who said it, and what the heck it was all about, and then I realized I was in my working clothes. I said, "Well I just got done mowing, and even I don't do that in high heels."

[Cali]

On 9/29/2023 at 2:33 AM, mlroseplant said:

I imagine the running shoes are for a Fred Flintstone type situation. More surface to surface contact.

I am thinking we won't hear from Cali for at least a couple of days. He's bound to be completely fried from sitting in a metal tube for 16 hours or so, traveling to Oz. I know I would be.

Oh if was just 16 hours. Just spent over 40 hours straight on planes and in airports.

Can you say cancellations and delays.  VERY LONG delays.

On 9/28/2023 at 2:41 PM, Puffer said:

If the car was still moving when you alighted, I imagine your older shoes did have to brake.   Have the running shoes got brakes too - 'brake shoes'?   

I imagine some of our 'English" English speaker might call them trainers.

Or even call @mlroseplant a sparky.

On 10/4/2023 at 2:57 AM, mlroseplant said:

2) I got a comment from a man yesterday in the grocery store, and a very public one at that. I had to stop by very quickly and get three items because I had failed to meal plan properly earlier this week. It just so happened that I stopped by on my way home from mowing one of our customers' lawns, so I was in my grubbies. One of the male managers at the grocery store shouted out, "WHERE are your SHOES?" It took me a second or two to figure out who said it, and what the heck it was all about, and then I realized I was in my working clothes. I said, "Well I just got done mowing, and even I don't do that in high heels."

You should have told him they didn't pay for aerating.

PS...I'm back.

Edited October 8, 2023 by Cali

[Shyheels]

That’s a horribly long flight to start with and the inevitable delays and screw ups only add to the misery. Ive don’t it more times than I can count, and in two occasions have dine two-round trips in little over a fortnight. I hope you had a good time in Sydney.

yes they are “trainers” in England (and Australia) and electricians are indeed “sparkles” in both countries

[pebblesf]

On 10/4/2023 at 5:57 AM, mlroseplant said:

I did not take any pictures this week. I just didn't feel like it. They all pretty much look the same anyhow. That is one of the downsides to social media--people expect for your life to be exciting and dynamic on a long term basis, when in fact, it really isn't.

However, I do have two things to report: 1) It has definitely been the Year of the Band-Aid. I've used more of those suckers to stay functional than at any time in my life. I bought a box of 100 several months ago, and it's almost gone now. I've even started taking notes so that I can remember what shoes require what Band-Aids and where. I am not sure why my shoes have started eating more holes in my feet this year, but I have a couple of guesses.

a) I have walked more this year than any year since 2014, and since I own so many pairs of shoes, I have walked in a greater variety of different shoes than I ever have in the past. Proper vetting is not always possible. b) I walk more 2+ mile walks than I used to. I have discovered that shoes seem to fall into three distinct categories: 1 mile shoes, 2 mile shoes, 3 or more mile shoes. You can easily understand 1 mile shoes, but it is counterintuitive to think that there is that middle category where they feel great after 2 miles, but then somehow wear a hole in your foot on the third mile. I have several pair that do just exactly that (unless one has taken careful notes and has applied a Band-Aid to the proper spot prophylactically. Then they're just fine).

2) I got a comment from a man yesterday in the grocery store, and a very public one at that. I had to stop by very quickly and get three items because I had failed to meal plan properly earlier this week. It just so happened that I stopped by on my way home from mowing one of our customers' lawns, so I was in my grubbies. One of the male managers at the grocery store shouted out, "WHERE are your SHOES?" It took me a second or two to figure out who said it, and what the heck it was all about, and then I realized I was in my working clothes. I said, "Well I just got done mowing, and even I don't do that in high heels."

I would consider this a compliment, and a quick/great "come back" indeed.

[Shyheels]

Yes not a compliment at the very least a sign of good natured acceptance 

[mlroseplant]

I submit once again, this week's church outfit. It is very similar to an outfit I wore last spring, only without the jacket. That was kind of unwitting, because I'm still struggling to get my wardrobe back in order after having to move the whole thing hurriedly due to our plumbing problem of this past summer. I'm hoping to use this opportunity to get rid of a lot of things, but it hasn't worked so far!

I am wearing one of my favorite shirts in salmon (from some hole-in-the-wall shop in Vietnam), along with maroon pants from Costco. As I recall, these were sold as "ankle pants," so they fit me just fine as regular pants, no alteration necessary. I have found this is a decent strategy now that I no longer have a trusted tailor. The shoes are called Caressa, and according to the label, they are made in Spain. With a moderate 4 1/8" heel, they are easy to live with, and they didn't eat any holes in my feet, at least not in about three hours of church duty.

[Shyheels]

Very nice!

 

[Jkrenzer]

Those are fine looking heels

[mlroseplant]

A long overdue trip to Costco in my Mia animal print mules. I believe they are my only closed toed mules that you wouldn't call a clog, and I believe they are also my only animal print shoes, period. I tell myself every so often that if I took the initiative and wore heels this high more regularly, I would eventually learn to walk in them. I think I did ok once my ankles got good and loose after a while.

[Jkrenzer]

Excellent relaxed look. The heels don't seem to be higher than many of your open toed mules.

[mlroseplant]

@Jkrenzer, you are mostly right, these mules are 4 1/2", which is pretty typical for most of my single sole mules. However, most of my casual shoes have a bit of a platform, so appear higher than they actually are.

I did something that I haven't done in years on Sunday. I wore the same pair of shoes two weeks in a row. The horror! But I had a very good reason for doing so.

Every year about this time, our church has a joint service with the local college in their chapel. Normally, I throw on my choir robe in the background just before we have to sing, as I find it very difficult to play guitar in a choir robe (arms are too full and flowing). However, this Sunday I had no such instrumental duties, and would be wearing my robe for the entire service. I decided that my Caressa mary janes were a perfect match, color-wise, for the robe, and that I'd wear the matching pants too. It met with enthusiastic approval from those who notice or care about such things.

It also had the side effect of proving these shoes for walking. You see, the college chapel is less than half a mile away, and it doesn't make any sense to drive there unless one has something substantial to carry. One thing I can say is that on a college campus on a Sunday morning, a guy walking down the street wearing a choir robe and carrying a black folder does not draw the least bit of notice, heels or no heels.

[Jkrenzer]

Not wrong, color match is dead on. Even matches well with neighbors roof.

[mlroseplant]

I had fun dragging out some shoes that I haven't for a while. Sometimes I think I am getting better at this heel thing, and sometimes I don't. These Nine West Bellafina pumps are perhaps slightly dated, but I haven't worn them but a handful of times over the years. They are way more comfortable and walkable than I remembered. I should wear them more often. I did, in fact, go grocery shopping in them, and I got asked what my pronouns are by a young fellow who works at the establishment.  I shouldn't be surprised about that anymore, but I still am. I know it's rude of me to look over the tops of my glasses with that look that says, "Don't ask such silly questions, young man.  .  ." I explained to him that although I may be an honorary member of the LGBTQ community, I do not technically meet the requirements. I don't think a girl has ever asked me what my pronouns are. Maybe they are more intuitive than boys.

[Jkrenzer]

Interesting question. I've never been asked that before. 

Yesterday a guy complimented me and asked how high my heels were. Of course I replied, 5 inches.

[mlroseplant]

Speaking of 5 inches, my Steve Madden Klory pumps, that which I have called my perfect pumps after a long search, approach 5 inches, but do not reach it. What I can't understand is why I think it is a great idea, given my duties, to wear such shoes to church. I can sort of walk in them, that's not the real problem. It's the standing for an hour, and THEN trying to walk in them while carrying instruments and equipment. Luckily, that stuff is never on camera. I have become rather proficient at standing still in heels, something I used to struggle with quite a bit. I have little idea how you manage to wear 5 inchers every day. Mad props to you!

[Jkrenzer]

They key for standing in heels is not standing still. If I have to stand in one place I have problems. I can walk all day, but being erect and stationary not so much.

Great look my friend, those shoes are fire.

[Puffer]

Interesting to compare the Bellafina and Klory shoes, with a similar rise.   The look of the Bellafina, with its platform, heel shape and rounded toe is simply not in the same league as the Klory, imho.   The Bellafina simply lacks (in one word) 'elegance' and, if it was a human, I might struggle to give it the right pronoun!   

[Bubba136]

On 10/22/2023 at 6:29 AM, mlroseplant said:

I had fun dragging out some shoes that I haven't for a while. Sometimes I think I am getting better at this heel thing, and sometimes I don't. These Nine West Bellafina pumps are perhaps slightly dated, but I haven't worn them but a handful of times over the years. They are way more comfortable and walkable than I remembered. I should wear them more often. I did, in fact, go grocery shopping in them, and I got asked what my pronouns are by a young fellow who works at the establishment.  I shouldn't be surprised about that anymore, but I still am. I know it's rude of me to look over the tops of my glasses with that look that says, "Don't ask such silly questions, young man.  .  ." I explained to him that although I may be an honorary member of the LGBTQ community, I do not technically meet the requirements. I don't think a girl has ever asked me what my pronouns are. Maybe they are more intuitive than boys.

What an elegant look.  As shown in some of your past photos, your taste for assembling outfits is beyond compliment.  I don’t doubt for an instant that each Sunday the curiosity of your fellow attendees is aroused as to what look you will be sharing at that day’s service.  Having followed you since your beginning here, and given the “larger than normal attendees role” you assume, I am seriously curious at the amount of attention and feedback you’ve gotten over the years regarding your wearing high heels.  

[Mr. X]

great outfits lately.  Looking good my friend.

[Jkrenzer]

Everyone gets excited about classic pumps buddy. 

[Shyheels]

Yes you really do put in a lot of effort to create a look that goes a long way to making heels for men seen credible and stylish. Well done. 

[mlroseplant]

Thank you all for your compliments. I guess this must have been a pretty good outfit because my fashionista friend from college said it was probably her favorite outfit that I've ever worn. Not bad, considering I am terrible at planning these things. I'm usually ironing something 30 minutes before the service begins, if that gives you any indication about how I put an outfit together on Sunday mornings.

Standing still is an interesting subject to some. Even Jenny said way back when that it was to be avoided at all costs. As I remember, she even had specific techniques and exercises to deal with standing. For those who may not know, Jenny's High Stiletto Heels was the predecessor to this website, sometime late in the last century. For me, standing still is not an option. Those involved in live TV have known this for years, but those of us new to the whole livestream thing have never thought about it until recently--actions and mannerisms which you would never notice in real life show up bigger than big when the cameras are rolling. I am not sure if the camera really adds 10 pounds to your weight, but it sure does notice every funny face you make, every time you bend over to pick up something you've dropped on the floor, and certainly rocking back and forth on one's heels to the point of distraction. That doesn't even count musical mistakes. In addition to that, everything is recorded for all of history and you can't get rid of the videos, ever. They are out there, somewhere.

[Jkrenzer]

12 minutes ago, mlroseplant said:

Thank you all for your compliments. I guess this must have been a pretty good outfit because my fashionista friend from college said it was probably her favorite outfit that I've ever worn.

It's the high classic pumps. Beautiful shoes make all other aspects better and classic pumps, no platforms, are the most attractive of all heeled shoes.

[mlroseplant]

On 10/23/2023 at 8:46 PM, Bubba136 said:

What an elegant look.  As shown in some of your past photos, your taste for assembling outfits is beyond compliment.  I don’t doubt for an instant that each Sunday the curiosity of your fellow attendees is aroused as to what look you will be sharing at that day’s service.  Having followed you since your beginning here, and given the “larger than normal attendees role” you assume, I am seriously curious at the amount of attention and feedback you’ve gotten over the years regarding your wearing high heels.  

It may be that people privately look forward to seeing what I have thrown together on any given week, but it is rarely mentioned by anyone. In fact, if anyone says anything, it's usually my 82 year old mother, and she never has anything negative to say. She likes it when I wear red, for some reason.

If I compliment somebody else on their outfit, then maybe I might have a short conversation. A few months ago, I bought my first pair of Mary Janes, and when I walked into the sanctuary, I passed one of the members of the other band that plays at the so-called "contemporary" worship service right before me. I said, "Hey Marcia, check these out! I thought of you when I bought them. I believe they've got your name written all over them." And it's true--they do look exactly like something she would wear. Only hers would undoubtedly have a somewhat lower heel.

Again, believe it or don't, it just doesn't come up very often.

[HappyinHeels]

Mlroseplant, 

Agree with those who like your outfits. Those Bellafina pumps are just like my Bakers “Peyton” nude pumps with 6” heels. Never wore them with a hot pink jacket but have with dresses, some slacks like Mr Krenzer, and just recently with some bootcut jeans. Keep your part of Iowa stylish by doing your thing. Your townsfolk are counting on it! HinH

[mlroseplant]

13 hours ago, HappyinHeels said:

Mlroseplant, 

Agree with those who like your outfits. Those Bellafina pumps are just like my Bakers “Peyton” nude pumps with 6” heels. Never wore them with a hot pink jacket but have with dresses, some slacks like Mr Krenzer, and just recently with some bootcut jeans. Keep your part of Iowa stylish by doing your thing. Your townsfolk are counting on it! HinH

Haven't seen you in an age, HiH! Greetings from Iowa. I had ask Uncle Google about your Bakers shoes, but I can see the similarity. One has to conclude that it is a somewhat dated style these days, but still quite presentable under the right circumstances. There are several major designers who still offer the same basic style, so SOMEBODY is still buying it. I do have to agree with Krenzer, Puffer, Kneehighs, et al., though. For dressier occasions the single sole pump looks, well, just better somehow. The platform looks more casual, which is fine, because I happen to wear heels in casual situations.