Seen out and About

[Cali]

I just returned from our spring state-wide convention in a swanky hotel in southern California. One night, last time we where down here, there was a special Bogadi park zone outside that hotel where the convention was held. And there were several cars parked in it. This Friday I saw 50 to 60 4" stilettoes, at least  30 4" block heels, many many tall wedges.  Late teens to old ladies.  High heels are not dead in this area. Many more high heels at the convention than in past years.  More in Cali World later.

Edited April 27 by Cali

[Cali]

I have been seeing more and more heels at work. Mostly 3+inch block heels, but heels none the less.

[Shyheels]

Still very few along the towpath, although I’m in a town now - about 15,000 population - so perhaps …

[Cali]

Several (4) more tall stilettos at a meeting today, one with spikes.  Only 30 people at the meeting. Been seeing at least 2 tall stilettos every day this week. 

[mlroseplant]

Does this mean we are officially in a recession?

[Cali]

6 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

Does this mean we are officially in a recession?

I need to see an average of 6 stilettos a day for a recession.  But we are on the way.

[mlroseplant]

I took the day off so I could take care of some things. While I was in the grocery store, I saw an older lady (by older, I mean at least as old as me) wearing OTK snakeskin boots with 3 1/2" block heels and a demin miniskirt. I have no idea who she is, but I have this feeling I've seen her before. I was in no mood for unnecessary interaction on that occasion, so I passed up the opportunity to learn more, despite the fact that I was wearing heels myself.

[Shyheels]

Sounds like an interesting person! I like her sense of style 

[Shyheels]

Out and about - silly photographer in heels (me). I went out in the evening with my camera and, given the dry weather, and not too rough state of the towpath thought I might just risk wearing heels - in this case ankle boots with 3.5” block heels. The walking wasn’t too bad although complicated by carrying a tripod and with a heavy camera bag slug over one shoulder. The funny part came when I was changing lenses, standing in rough ground in 3.5” heels and bending over to pick out lenses from my bag, on the grass. Especially with a dodgy back. And trying to be quick with the light changing rapidly.

Next time I’ll stay with my low heeled knee boots! 

[mlroseplant]

Sometimes I wonder if I ever got the chance to wear heels to work whether I'd regret it or not. I've come to the realization that they're not practical in all situations.

[Shyheels]

Definitely not! 

[Cali]

I walked the Avebury Henge and Stone Circles outer henge in ankle boots back in 2019. I also had a damaged peroneal tendon at the time. It was not fun.

[Shyheels]

I'm quite familiar with Avebury and the henge - its a beautiful walk, as is the one out to Silbury Hill but not one that would be advisable in heeled ankle boots! 

[Cali]

At least they were block heels, not stilettos.😀

[Shyheels]

Yes, stilettos would be a real disaster there. And on a towpath too. 

[Shyheels]

An interesting article about a Swedish actor turning up at the Cannes film festival in a pair of (low heel) thigh boot by Saint Laurent. What was interesting about the article is that the writer did not disparage the idea of men in tall boots, and indeed went into the history of boots as a masculine fashion, and threw the story forward by suggesting that maybe tall boots could be coming back into style.

I certainly hope so, and found the tone of the article encouraging. The boots pictures are not to my personal taste although there is nothing outlandish about them. It would be nice if this story did indeed herald a return to tall boots for men.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/20/style/alexander-skarsgard-thigh-high-boots-in-cannes

 

[Puffer]

Yes, an interesting, non-judgemental and literate article which could indeed promote the look.   The boots themselves are not very appealing - a rather heavy 'shoe' with a wader shaft attached - but I suppose that was to get away from the look of the typical female thigh boot which some men would find off-putting.   Maybe something like these would be better - sleeker but still discreet, and with potential for a higher heel if desired:

Edited May 21 by Puffer
Pic added

[Shyheels]

Yes those are nice. I’ve seen Leviticus Boots website. More elegant than the ones in the article. I was encouraged by the tone and the hope that if tall boots in general can become accepted as men’s wear, that will open the door to a wider range of styles.

[pebblesf]

4 hours ago, Puffer said:

Yes, an interesting, non-judgemental and literate article which could indeed promote the look.   The boots themselves are not very appealing - a rather heavy 'shoe' with a wader shaft attached - but I suppose that was to get away from the look of the typical female thigh boot which some men would find off-putting.   Maybe something like these would be better - sleeker but still discreet, and with potential for a higher heel if desired:

Those boots are amazing

[Mr. X]

On 5/20/2025 at 5:32 PM, Shyheels said:

An interesting article about a Swedish actor turning up at the Cannes film festival in a pair of (low heel) thigh boot by Saint Laurent. What was interesting about the article is that the writer did not disparage the idea of men in tall boots, and indeed went into the history of boots as a masculine fashion, and threw the story forward by suggesting that maybe tall boots could be coming back into style.

I certainly hope so, and found the tone of the article encouraging. The boots pictures are not to my personal taste although there is nothing outlandish about them. It would be nice if this story did indeed herald a return to tall boots for men.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/20/style/alexander-skarsgard-thigh-high-boots-in-cannes

 

The boots are not my cup of tea.  But if it helps are cause, so much the better.

[Puffer]

Another pair that would look good on men.   Believed to be by Biondini, but not sure if still available.

[Shyheels]

Yes those are very nice - a bit high for my tastes, I like just over the knee, but the heels and overall styling are very nice indeed 

[pebblesf]

18 hours ago, Puffer said:

Another pair that would look good on men.   Believed to be by Biondini, but not sure if still available.

Now these look great and fit nicely

[mlroseplant]

Yes, even if the caption is inaccurate. Shouldn't that read "World of High Shafts?"

[mlroseplant]

While out shopping the other day, I saw a woman wearing shorts with knee high boots. The boots are what I would call flat, but they did have modest separate heels maybe 1 1/2" tall. Her top was long sleeved and sort of flowy. The shorts were short, but not shockingly so. I approved of her outfit in theory, but something seemed a little off. It was when I met her in another aisle that I realized that the woman had to be at least 60, and possibly more. She was with another younger woman who appeared to be her daughter. The daughter was dressed normally for an American in sweatpants and a t-shirt at least one size too big.

Because of hair dye and good physical appearance, I had at first assumed the woman was much younger, and yet there was this indescribable quality that made me think, "Why does this outfit look less than awesome on her?" Don't get me wrong, I'm not being ageist, I don't believe there is an age when women should dress a certain way, or stop dressing a certain way, but this was not really happening for her, even though I cannot point to any one thing.

I wouldn't have thought another minute about this encounter, which did not involve any conversation or contact, but here I am, days later, thinking about it for one rather selfish reason: Do I look like that when I'm out and about? I know I shock people for a completely different reason, but I think I do the shorts thing rather better. Perhaps I am delusional, as my wife has insisted I am for some time.

[pebblesf]

22 minutes ago, mlroseplant said:

While out shopping the other day, I saw a woman wearing shorts with knee high boots. The boots are what I would call flat, but they did have modest separate heels maybe 1 1/2" tall. Her top was long sleeved and sort of flowy. The shorts were short, but not shockingly so. I approved of her outfit in theory, but something seemed a little off. It was when I met her in another aisle that I realized that the woman had to be at least 60, and possibly more. She was with another younger woman who appeared to be her daughter. The daughter was dressed normally for an American in sweatpants and a t-shirt at least one size too big.

Because of hair dye and good physical appearance, I had at first assumed the woman was much younger, and yet there was this indescribable quality that made me think, "Why does this outfit look less than awesome on her?" Don't get me wrong, I'm not being ageist, I don't believe there is an age when women should dress a certain way, or stop dressing a certain way, but this was not really happening for her, even though I cannot point to any one thing.

I wouldn't have thought another minute about this encounter, which did not involve any conversation or contact, but here I am, days later, thinking about it for one rather selfish reason: Do I look like that when I'm out and about? I know I shock people for a completely different reason, but I think I do the shorts thing rather better. Perhaps I am delusional, as my wife has insisted I am for some time.

Don't do that to yourself.  You have taken good care of yourself and look better than many younger folks.  So sorry the wife isn't a bit more supportive, I have similar issues with my better half.  

[Shyheels]

It needn’t have been anything physical, like her fitness level or body shape, nor about her age. It was probably just a look that didn’t suit her. That happens. Maybe it was something that jarred just your personal aesthetic, or perhaps it would have jarred lots of people. The point is, it’s no good projecting that into yourself. There’s no way you can make such comparisons.

I certainly don’t think you’re delusional, or if you are then I happen to share the same delusion as I think you look quite presentable in heels, always thoughtfully put together - and I say that as someone whose own personal tastes do not run to sandals or pumps.

telling someone they are delusional in terms of their style or appearance and its affect on others is undermining and cruel. And irrelevant as the only opinion that matters in this situation is you. If you like the way you look, or how it makes you feel that’s what matters.

And the same with the woman in the boots and shorts. If that look expresses what she feels about herself or wants to say, that’s what matters.

[mlroseplant]

22 hours ago, pebblesf said:

Don't do that to yourself.  You have taken good care of yourself and look better than many younger folks.  So sorry the wife isn't a bit more supportive, I have similar issues with my better half.  

 

10 hours ago, Shyheels said:

I certainly don’t think you’re delusional, or if you are then I happen to share the same delusion as I think you look quite presentable in heels, always thoughtfully put together - and I say that as someone whose own personal tastes do not run to sandals or pumps.

telling someone they are delusional in terms of their style or appearance and its affect on others is undermining and cruel. And irrelevant as the only opinion that matters in this situation is you. If you like the way you look, or how it makes you feel that’s what matters.

Using the word "delusional" is a translation from my wife's English to the King's English, but I think it's a pretty accurate one. The only thing that has changed in the last decade is the scope and intensity of her disdain. Before, she believed that every single person was staring at me every minute we were in public, and probably pointing and laughing. Now, she believes that every person who gives me a compliment is merely teasing me. There is, of course, a kernel of truth to both of these. I'm sure that a small percentage of the time, both are true. Let's face it, I'm not for everyone.

[Cali]

As a person who wears short shorts with knee high boots and a Hawaiian shirts occasionally in the summer, I see nothing wrong with the look, EXCEPT the height of the boots. But at 70, I could be delusional (but I doubt it).

Edited 4 hours ago by Cali

[Shyheels]

I was talking to some people at the boatyard this morning and heard that in a conversation the other day I was described as the guy in the green boat who always wears tall boots. I’m getting known …