Cali World

[Cali]

I was just on the phone with a friend for 30 minutes discussing stilettos.Then she sent me the following link.

Have a good laugh.

https://dwpinsider.com/blog/heels-cinderella-will-also-be-jealous-of-worlds-10-most-expensive-heels-to-consider-for-your-wedding-day/

[Shyheels]

Quite an astonishing collection of heels to say the least! A couple of them seem almost barbarically vulgar - definitely a good chuckle to be had there though. 

[Cali]

I just got back from a professional conference with 250+ representative from around the state. This conference was held in a LARGE Hotel in a rich area in southern California. This fact will be important later in this ‘article’.

Of course, I wore heels every day. To go with the other stories, I just read on this forum, today I also wore my leather pants and bodysuit to debate in. (BTW the leather pants were a hit and there is plan for a group leather pants day at the next big meeting.) About 30 women wore block heels over 3 inches all the time.  Last night at the reception, many more wore heels, including 10 stilettoes.

BUT that’s not what this story is about. It about seeing HUNDREDS, yes, HUNDREDS, of heels.

On night this Hotel also had reception for something, what it was for I don’t know, but judging by the number of Bentleys and Roll Royces their attendees arrived in, I think it was a reception for SIGNFICANT (5 figure or more) donors to some charity. They were dressed up to the nines. Very few women had flats, and only a few had kitten stilettos. Most wore 4+ inch heels, 80% or more stilettos. So, I saw HUNDREDS of high heels during in a short period of time.

And now for a laugh.  I had to wait for the rest of my contingent to come down so we could go to dinner. I was sitting there by the elevators (their event was on the second floor) with other representatives waiting for the rest of their groups. One of the women I was sitting with remarked “ýou can almost hear that woman say ‘OW’ ‘OW’ ‘OW’ ” … as she walked by.

[bluejay]

Cali,

Leather and heels are a natural go together. Each one compliments the other. I'm the same, wearing fauxe leather leggings with heels, pumps, ankle boots and knee boots. I love them all.

Happy Heeling,

bluejay

[Shyheels]

I love the idea of leather trousers - I don’t own any though 

[Cali]

I had several people (mostly women) tell me I look fabulous. I just said WTF and went bold with my professional peers. And it paid off. 

 

20 minutes ago, Shyheels said:

I love the idea of leather trousers - I don’t own any though 

They are not real leather trousers, they are faux leather. Many are coated leggings or jeans, but they give the impression of leather. Maybe @bluejay can add more about them.

Edited November 19, 2023 by Cali

[Shyheels]

I wouldn’t mind faux leather. But all I ever seem to come across is leggings, which don’t appeal to me. I’d love to get a pair of nice real- or faux-leather jeans. I think they’d go well with my chunky heeled ankle boots. I love the look.

[Puffer]

I quite like the look of leather or faux leather trousers, although I don't own any.   But I think that a man so clad could attract quite a lot of adverse attention from many people - more perhaps than if he was wearing obvious high heels.   They have a certain 'reputation' in the UK, unless worn by e.g. young (or once-young, now faded) pop singers and the like.   A shame, however; leather can look very smart.

 

[Cali]

1 hour ago, Puffer said:

I quite like the look of leather or faux leather trousers, although I don't own any.   But I think that a man so clad could attract quite a lot of adverse attention from many people - more perhaps than if he was wearing obvious high heels.   They have a certain 'reputation' in the UK, unless worn by e.g. young (or once-young, now faded) pop singers and the like.   A shame, however; leather can look very smart.

 

What can I say, I'm long pass being just a senior citizen.

[Shyheels]

Hold in your mind the poem Warning by Jenny Joseph and go for it! Or I shall if I can find a pair I like (and can afford, in terms of real leather!)

[bluejay]

Cali,

 The fauxe leather leggings are from Hue called Body Gloss. I have them in several colors, including black, grey, and burgundy. I love the skin tight, shinny look of them and yes I do get compliments wearing them. I'll put in a link for them.

https://hue.com/body-gloss-leggings/#

Happy Heeling,

bluejay

[Cali]

Mine are from Express and have a zipper and button closure, but no front pockets.  Got to keep those flat front look with pocket seams.

I have had mine for 4 years, but have only worn them a few times.  

They are similar to these but with no front pockets

 

https://www.express.com/clothing/women/super-high-waisted-faux-leather-'90s-slim-pant/pro/07472330/color/Pitch Black/e/regular/

[Cali]

I had a heel malfunction at an airport this week.  I think my heel go knock ascue on the escaltor. When I went through TSA I notice it and I thought I had fitted it when I put them back on post TSA.  However, the heel pad was missing when I got to the gate.  Luckly I had  a pair of running shoes with me.

Next, where do I find a replacement for the heels for these booties.

[Jkrenzer]

Which booties. I have many tips available.

[Cali]

They are from Soda. I also have anpther pair where I have worn out the heel. I would love to find a source for this heel type.

Edited November 26, 2023 by Cali

[Puffer]

6 hours ago, Cali said:

They are from Soda. I also have anpther pair where I have worn out the heel. I would love to find a source for this heel type.

You have asked this question before, in 'New Heel Tips'.   As I said there: 'Easier [than filling the cavity with a mixture of epoxy and sawdust] is to shape a piece of softwood to fit the cavity and wedge/glue it in.   Then add glued-on rubber or composition heel piece, preferably also nailed into wood with brass nails.'

I have done this successfully on a couple of pairs with hollow plastic heels.   I have yet to find a source of moulded plug-in replacement top pieces, whgich obviously come in a myriad of shapes/sizes/fittings to suit the original boot or shoe.

Edited November 26, 2023 by Puffer
typo

[mlroseplant]

22 minutes ago, Puffer said:

You have asked this question before, in 'New Heel Tips'.   As I said there: 'Easier [than filling the cavity with a mixture of epoxy and sawdust] is to shape a piece of softwood to fit the cavity and wedge/glue it in.   Then add glued-on rubber or composition heel piece, preferably also nailed into wood with brass nails.'

I have done this successfully on a couple of pairs with hollow plastic heels.   I have yet to find a source of moulded plug-in replacement top pieces, which obviously come in a myriad of shapes/sizes/fittings to suit the original boot or shoe.

And even if you could, why would you? Those stock heel tips are crap! Although I don't do it myself, and after 11 years I seriously doubt I'll start, Vibram or other such material as replacement heels is superior in every way to these little things with nubs on them that come from the factory.

One question, though. Why specifically softwood?

[Jkrenzer]

I have only stock up to 12mm across. I think you'll need a cobbler for these. They often use larger parts then grind and buff to the shank shape. 

[Puffer]

11 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

And even if you could, why would you? Those stock heel tips are crap! Although I don't do it myself, and after 11 years I seriously doubt I'll start, Vibram or other such material as replacement heels is superior in every way to these little things with nubs on them that come from the factory.

One question, though. Why specifically softwood?

11 hours ago, Jkrenzer said:

I have only stock up to 12mm across. I think you'll need a cobbler for these. They often use larger parts then grind and buff to the shank shape. 

I quite agree about the pathetic quality of (most) moulded top pieces and I was not seeking a source other than out of curiosity.   But, if they don't exist, I must question how a cobbler would replace worn/missing heels without adopting a solution such as mine, as simply cutting a larger piece of suitable material to size does not solve the fixing problem into a hollow heel.   I use softwood (as distinct from hardwood) simply because the right sort of offcuts are always to hand in my workshop and shaping is easy.   I can't see why a harder wood 'plug' would be beneficial as it is only there to be a foundation for the new top piece to be screwed or nailed into.    I suppose that one could put plastic wall plugs into the exiting holes and screw through the new top piece into them, but my solution is somewhat stronger.

[mlroseplant]

12 hours ago, Puffer said:

I quite agree about the pathetic quality of (most) moulded top pieces and I was not seeking a source other than out of curiosity.   But, if they don't exist, I must question how a cobbler would replace worn/missing heels without adopting a solution such as mine, as simply cutting a larger piece of suitable material to size does not solve the fixing problem into a hollow heel.   I use softwood (as distinct from hardwood) simply because the right sort of offcuts are always to hand in my workshop and shaping is easy.   I can't see why a harder wood 'plug' would be beneficial as it is only there to be a foundation for the new top piece to be screwed or nailed into.    I suppose that one could put plastic wall plugs into the exiting holes and screw through the new top piece into them, but my solution is somewhat stronger.

I'm probably headed up to my cobbler this week or next. I will ask Marty how he deals with this issue. Somewhere in my collection I must have hollow heels like that, but nothing that I wear regularly.

[Cali]

2 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

I'm probably headed up to my cobbler this week or next. I will ask Marty how he deals with this issue. Somewhere in my collection I must have hollow heels like that, but nothing that I wear regularly.

Thatwould be quite informative.

[Puffer]

11 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

I'm probably headed up to my cobbler this week or next. I will ask Marty how he deals with this issue. Somewhere in my collection I must have hollow heels like that, but nothing that I wear regularly.

I would have expected several of your wedge heels to be of similar hollow construction, and need reheeling from time to time.

9 hours ago, Cali said:

Thatwould be quite informative.

I get the impression that you are not looking for a DIY remedy, Cali; am I right?   What I suggested above is quite easy to do with basic tools.

[Cali]

6 hours ago, Puffer said:

I get the impression that you are not looking for a DIY remedy, Cali; am I right?   What I suggested above is quite easy to do with basic tools.

I'll will probably do a DIY on them, but I am extremely busy right now. I have the tools, wood, and other supplies, the only thing I lack is time. 

[Puffer]

4 hours ago, Cali said:

I'll will probably do a DIY on them, but I am extremely busy right now. I have the tools, wood, and other supplies, the only thing I lack is time. 

Looking again at your particular heels, you might find it helpful to push a plastic wall plug or length of dowel into each peg hole, and nail thru new top piece into each one, as that will give a good 'spread' of fixings.   Ideally fill the void with scrap wood, flush to surface, and glue on top piece before nailing - which will improve stability (and deaden sound).   Let us know how you get on.

[Bubba136]

I have the same problem with two pairs.  A pair of boots that I’ve hadrs and a pair of penny loafers that I wear a great deal. I took them to my local cobbler only to find that he had gone out of business. The nearest shoe repair shop was a 50 mile drive from where I live.  So I googled Amazon and found a heel repair kit that included heel pads that could replace those that were damaged.  I cleaned all the plastic edges of the heels with sandpaper and placed the new pads over the heels and trace the heel outline on the pads.  Then I cut the pad to conform with the shape of the heel.  The replacement pads are self attaching with adhesive on the bottom.  As an extra step I put some gorilla glue on the plastic edges and then place the pad over the heel.  I have worn both pair several times over the past three weeks. So far so good. Their repair job seems to be working.  But who knows how long this fix will last.  

[Puffer]

Bubba136: You don't say what size and type of heel required a new pad (top piece), but I'm guessing it was a hollow one similar to that shown by Cali.   If so, I am sceptical that the thin edges of the moulding will give enough contact surface for the glued pad to remain firmly attached for very long - but time will tell.   That is one reason why I advocate filling the void with wood and ideally nailing too.

[Bubba136]

You are right, Puffer, they are the same type of hollow plastic heels that Cali is dealing with.  And, like you, I am also skeptical as to how long the fix will last.  My hope is that it will last until I have a good reason to make the long drive into the city and have them properly repaired.

[Cali]

This must be the "Year of the Broke Heel"

We had a Holiday Party at work today. When I entered the room a short upper managment woman came over and asked why I wasn't wearing red heels. (A little background, we both like high stilettos heels and we frequently compare heels when we see each other.) I told her "I only have suede red stilettos and it was suppose to rain this afternoon", and it did, "so I worn my JS black faux suede knee highs this morning." (I guess I have to wear the red stilettos to the retirement party next week.) She showed me her red sparkley stiletto booties. ....and then ....

she told me a story about a heel that fall off a pair of booties just like what happened to my booties.

so it's the 

"Year of the Broke Heel"

Edited December 8, 2023 by Cali

[Shyheels]

It’s nice to have company in your misadventures. And very nice to have someone to chat with who shares your tastes and fashions 

[Cali]

It's almost a "club" of high heel wearers. ALways checking out each others shoes when we see each other. Even the President told me she liked my boots when we meet at the elevator.  After almost 10 years of wearing heels to work, I am a known person throught the place.

Edited December 8, 2023 by Cali