Cali World

[RonC]

What you're seeing seems to be the norm, though I must admit to having seen three different women wearing stilettos that I estimated at about 4" in the last week.  I hadn't seen three women in heels in the last four months or so, so it was a surprise and a pleasant one at that.  I just wouldn't expect to see a lot of heels any time soon though.

[mlroseplant]

On 4/23/2021 at 4:39 PM, Cali said:

Today was a errand day.

I got my Charles David wedges in the mail last (see below) from DSW, but they didn't fit so I decided to take them back in person and see what was happening at the local DSW.  The woman who took them back asked what was wrong them and I told her they just didn't fit.  Her said " too bad because they are really cute." They were a cute snake print but as I always say, "life's too short for heels that hurt."

After returning the heels I took a walk around the store to see (and try-on) at what they had on their floor.  This DSW has about 60+ aisles of shoes, typical 36+ aisles are women's.  Today there was only about 32 aisles of women's shoes, 15 aisles devoted to athletic or sneakers. Another two aisle were flat sandals. Only two aisles with real heels. Sad state of shoes. I tried on several pairs but nothing fit.

After another stop, I ventured to my local boutique. They know what I like and when I entered the empty store the manager told be they had gotten anything in my height in the last month. She also said that they can't keep sneakers in stock. Again too bad.  But just outside the store, I did see a woman walk past me in 4 inch block heels. 

The next stop was costco and in the store I saw a women in red velvet knee high boots with a slim 4 inch block heels.

I can't think of the last time I bought sneakers. I know I've been wearing the same pair for going on 10 years now, and it looks like it. I did buy a couple of pairs of those Nike Sky Highs back in 2016. I bought them for a very specific purpose, and the purpose no longer exists. Nevertheless, I should attempt to bring them back into service. There is nothing wrong with them, I just don't really like them, mainly because they're high top.

I have also seen a very few heels around town lately, but I don't go anywhere near  a business district during business hours, so the heels I see are worn casually at Costco or wherever. Wedges and chunkier heels are all I've seen so far this year. However, *I* did wear stilettos to Costco last week, so maybe that counts for something!

[Cali]

 

On 4/27/2021 at 3:25 AM, mlroseplant said:

I can't think of the last time I bought sneakers. I know I've been wearing the same pair for going on 10 years now, and it looks like it. I did buy a couple of pairs of those Nike Sky Highs back in 2016. I bought them for a very specific purpose, and the purpose no longer exists. Nevertheless, I should attempt to bring them back into service. There is nothing wrong with them, I just don't really like them, mainly because they're high top.

Sneakers where my entry into women's shoes.  I was looking for shoes that were made to fit my foot instead of trying to fit my feet to sneakers. I came to the conclusion that I had feet shape more like a woman so I bought a cheap pair of women's sneakers and they fit better than any pair of men's ever had.  I haven't bought any men's shoes since then.

 

================

There's a thread of whether your heels have distracted anyone but I can't find it.  But here today's story.

We have a open air Sunday farmers market held in the corner of a shopping centers parking lot.  This morning, a woman walking towards me spotted my heels and then tripped over a speed bump and another guy walked into a bush when he turned around to get a better look at my wedges.

[Cali]

So a new thing for me at Costco. The membership woman checking membership cards at the door told me she doesn't know many customers, but she knows me;  I don't need to show my card.  Wonder why?🙃

Edited June 22, 2021 by Cali

[mlroseplant]

12 hours ago, Cali said:

So a new thing for me at Costco. The membership woman checking membership cards at the door told me she doesn't know many customers, but she knows me;  I don't need to show my card.  Wonder why?🙃

My Costco gal told me it was because of my wonderful smile (I was wearing a mask at the time). I wonder why she didn't like to say the real reason out loud? What she should have said is that she knows me because I am the guy with the striking Asian wife who never wears the same dress twice to visit Costco. That in and of itself would be highly distinguishing!

Edited June 23, 2021 by mlroseplant

[Cali]

I'm in high heels almost every time I go out and even around my house.  As a result I get comments about once or twice a week.  Last week it was while waiting in line at the Post Office when a woman several people behind me told me she loved my wedges.

Today I was pumping gas (petrol) when a car drove into the adjacent aisle. I could tell that the passenger was talking about my shoes to the driver.  After the driver got out to pump their gas, the passenger lower her window and told me how much she just loves my heels. I smiled and thanked her.

 

Edited July 8, 2021 by Cali

[Cali]

I got good news.  I visited the shoe boutique in town the other day.  The manager came over to talk with me. She knows that I want at least a 4 inch difference between the toes and the heel. They only had one model in that range but not in my size.  But here's the good news.  Since our state is opening up a bit and women are going back to work, she said that the women have been asking for heels again.  So the next shipment they have already ordered will have a lot more heels, higher heels.  I hope you see this trend in your neck of the woods.

[KneeBooted]

6 hours ago, Cali said:

I got good news.  I visited the shoe boutique in town the other day.  The manager came over to talk with me. She knows that I want at least a 4 inch difference between the toes and the heel. They only had one model in that range but not in my size.  But here's the good news.  Since our state is opening up a bit and women are going back to work, she said that the women have been asking for heels again.  So the next shipment they have already ordered will have a lot more heels, higher heels.  I hope you see this trend in your neck of the woods.

I know you’re not terribly far from me. What store are you visiting?

[Cali]

Wait for the next shipment.

[spikesmike]

Cali : Since you only show your from the U.S.A..  The neck of the woods for others could be China or Europe .   Mike

[Cali]

Mike:  That's why I hope this trend to higher heels is taking place in your area as well.  Don't forget about our South America and Australian and New Zealand members.

[mlroseplant]

15 hours ago, Cali said:

Mike:  That's why I hope this trend to higher heels is taking place in your area as well.  Don't forget about our South America and Australian and New Zealand members.

As I posted elsewhere, I did see a number of heels out at the farmer's market the other night, and I have noticed it on multiple weeks. Well, they call it a farmer's market, but it's much more like a weekly street festival than it is a farmer's market. Maybe heels are making a comeback! Nah, but it's fun to say.

[Cali]

I stop by the boutique shoe store downtown. The manage and a worker were working on a display between customers. The manager complained that their dhippments of ordered heels are being delayed.  Their shipment of ordered heels that was scheduled for delivery on August 1 might coming around Sept. 15.

She is getting the Jessica Simpson Fall and Winter catalogs and the next time I'm there she'll let me order from it at dealer prices.

[VirginHeels]

There is a global supply chain shortage at the moment. Building materials and semi conductors are the largest hit, many other items are also being tanked. The Evergreen Evergiven in the Suez incident is still to properly clear, and the fact there’s a global container shortage.

In short, this shortage will continue for the next couple of years.

[Cali]

I got a wild look the other day from a passing car while loading sacks of concrete into my SUV in my 4 inch wedges.  I've been getting those long looks and stares lately were you know they are going to talk about you as soon as you leave the area.  At least they now have something to talk about.

[Cali]

Got a whisper compliment today. I was walking out of the Post Office while this woman was walking in.  I was a foot or two pass her and I heard this very very faint "nice heels."  That's the softest compliment I've ever gotten.

[Isolathor]

2 hours ago, Cali said:

 That's the softest compliment I've ever gotten.

Maybe it was the most honest compliment, because it wasn't meant to please You but the expression of a momentary feeling of someone. 👍

[Cali]

The Re-Learning curve.  

I have been lazy for the 7 – 8 months and have been wearing my Steve Madden Estrellas everywhere.  I just love these mules and even with the hundreds of miles these have seen, I not ready to give them. I can slide them on as I get out of bed.  I even have another new pair in a box in the ‘Heel Library’.  You can see from the photo below the contrast between the two pairs.  But they are “short”, only a little over a 3.5-inch difference between the heel and the platform.

However, we are expecting a period where we will be getting rain and the open toe just wont work. So, I pulled out a pair of black Nine West Kimy leather knee high today, see photo in boot thread.  They have a 4.5-inch heel and no platform.  That inch is significant since it been a while, I wanted to get use to them again. I plan to wear them to the doctor’s tomorrow (the front desk staff will go nuts.). So, I wore them to run some errands and then around the house for 4 more hours.  By that time I was use to the height again.  Below is a picture of my wine colored pair.

[Cali]

** Unicorn Sighting **

Today at the doctor's office one of the receptionist had booties with about a 1 inch platform and a 5+ inch heel.

 

Of course, I had my black knee highs boots on.

Edited October 22, 2021 by Cali

[mlroseplant]

No way! Did the staff still go nuts over your boots?

[Cali]

Not much, most of the front desk staff were in a corner in a meeting. But two medical assistants helped out.

[pebblesf]

13 hours ago, Cali said:

** Unicorn Sighting **

Today at the doctor's office one of the receptionist had booties with about a 1 inch platform and a 5+ inch heel.

 

Of course, I had my black knee highs boots on.

Yeah buddy, lovin those boots!

[KneeBooted]

On 10/20/2021 at 5:01 PM, Cali said:

The Re-Learning curve.  

I have been lazy for the 7 – 8 months and have been wearing my Steve Madden Estrellas everywhere.  I just love these mules and even with the hundreds of miles these have seen, I not ready to give them. I can slide them on as I get out of bed.  I even have another new pair in a box in the ‘Heel Library’.  You can see from the photo below the contrast between the two pairs.  But they are “short”, only a little over a 3.5-inch difference between the heel and the platform.

However, we are expecting a period where we will be getting rain and the open toe just wont work. So, I pulled out a pair of black Nine West Kimy leather knee high today, see photo in boot thread.  They have a 4.5-inch heel and no platform.  That inch is significant since it been a while, I wanted to get use to them again. I plan to wear them to the doctor’s tomorrow (the front desk staff will go nuts.). So, I wore them to run some errands and then around the house for 4 more hours.  By that time I was use to the height again.  Below is a picture of my wine colored pair.

How does the Kimy fit around the calf?

I don’t think I’ve seen that style before

[Cali]

14 hours ago, KneeBooted said:

How does the Kimy fit around the calf?

I don’t think I’ve seen that style before

I got these last year (Nov. 2020) on a black Friday special from Macy's.  Liked them so much that I got a pair in Wine (dark red). They are snug (not tight) on my calves, but I have large calves.

 Heel height - 4.33"
 Shaft height - 15.36"
 Shaft circumference - 12.6"
 Shoe width - Medium
 Zipper closure
 Round toe
 Leather
 Spot Clean
 Imported

========

The unicorns must have come out from hiding.  Saw at least 5 women in Costco in 3.5 plus inch boots over the weekend. The most at one time since forever.

Today at my doctor office a women came in with 5+ inch heels (3/4 inch platform) OTK boots.  I did get a chance to talk to her, but as we pass each other (me going out and her going, I told I liked her boots.  She responded that she liked my boots as well.

The down side, the doctor had crocs on. UGH!!!!

Edited October 25, 2021 by Cali

[mlroseplant]

20 hours ago, Cali said:

I got these last year (Nov. 2020) on a black Friday special from Macy's.  Liked them so much that I got a pair in Wine (dark red). They are snug (not tight) on my calves, but I have large calves.

 Heel height - 4.33"
 Shaft height - 15.36"
 Shaft circumference - 12.6"

 

I don't see how this could possibly be right. As you can see below, my calves are bigger than that. I realize there's nothing in the photo for context other than the tape measure, but you know from many other photos that I don't have anything even approaching big calves.

[Cali]

5 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

I don't see how this could possibly be right. As you can see below, my calves are bigger than that. I realize there's nothing in the photo for context other than the tape measure, but you know from many other photos that I don't have anything even approaching big calves.

My calves come in at 15+ inches, they use to be larger around 17 inches. When I injured my calf I had a 28+ inch circumference calf for a month.

What shoe manufactures label as the Shaft circumference is the smallest circumference which occurs at your ankle. On these boots, at the top, the shaft opens to 16 inches. 

=======

I have had 6 women and one man tell they liked my heels in the last two days.  They must be putting something in the water around here.

Edited October 26, 2021 by Cali

[mlroseplant]

20 hours ago, Cali said:

My calves come in at 15+ inches, they use to be larger around 17 inches. When I injured my calf I had a 28+ inch circumference calf for a month.

What shoe manufactures label as the Shaft circumference is the smallest circumference which occurs at your ankle. On these boots, at the top, the shaft opens to 16 inches. 

=======

I have had 6 women and one man tell they liked my heels in the last two days.  They must be putting something in the water around here.

This would explain why I find most boots unsatisfactory. The foot part may fit, but the rest of them is simply way too big. I measure 8 inches just above the ankle. The only boots I've ever seen that slim are fetish-type boots, and you know how you and me feel about that.

[Cali]

8 inches, @mlroseplant that's tiny.  Mine are over 10 inches.  I know of many small/short South American women who are 'jealous" that I can find heels; they complain to me that they have to shop in the children's section to find shoes, so heels are almost impossible for them to find. 

[Cali]

It's been awhile since I have written here.  I guess since I have been working from home for the past 21 months, I have had few interactions with the public in general.  

The other day I needed to replace the laces on my Soda Agenda booties.  You use to be able to find shoe laces everywhere, not any more. After failing to find them at several stores I end up at a small family run store in the mall.  They had a spoll of round nylon lace and cut and made me a pair or laces, then gave them to me for free.  While that was happening I had a conversation with one of their sales associates while she was fitting a woman customer. She wanted to know how high my heel was (5 inch with a 1.25 inch platform). I told her it was about a 3.5 to 3.75 inch rise, and then she told me that she could never walk in heels that high. 2.5 inches was her max and she feels like she is about to tip over at that height. How many times have you heard that? At that point I had to interact with the person making my laces and the conversation ended.

[pebblesf]

19 hours ago, Cali said:

It's been awhile since I have written here.  I guess since I have been working from home for the past 21 months, I have had few interactions with the public in general.  

The other day I needed to replace the laces on my Soda Agenda booties.  You use to be able to find shoe laces everywhere, not any more. After failing to find them at several stores I end up at a small family run store in the mall.  They had a spoll of round nylon lace and cut and made me a pair or laces, then gave them to me for free.  While that was happening I had a conversation with one of their sales associates while she was fitting a woman customer. She wanted to know how high my heel was (5 inch with a 1.25 inch platform). I told her it was about a 3.5 to 3.75 inch rise, and then she told me that she could never walk in heels that high. 2.5 inches was her max and she feels like she is about to tip over at that height. How many times have you heard that? At that point I had to interact with the person making my laces and the conversation ended.

Sounds like she might have a balance issue, which I seem to be developing as well.  I had a nice compliment a few weeks back, was out and about waiting for a light to turn when a young lady caught up to me saying she liked my boots and how well I handled them, that was a nice compliment for sure.....