2008 - The Summer of HappyFeat

[HappyFeat]

Today, I decided that I was going to take heeling to a new level. In the past, I have usually ventured away from home, where it is not likely that anybody I know would notice. Since I have been experimenting a lot recently with styles and places, I am beginning to identify my comfort level. I started by going to the bank. I have been a customer at the bank I use for many years, so everybody knows me. Ironically, the teller working today was a person that I used to see when I would go to a couple of local clubs wearing heels. We chatted a bit and it was very nice. She told me she was moving and invited me to come for a visit to which I replied that I would love to do that and would even get a new pair of shoes. On my way out, she noticed my shoes so I hiked up my pants a bit to give her a better look. She winked as I said goodbye. After the bank, I headed for Starbucks. I was very happy that this particular store is staying open since the one closest to my home has already closed. I ordered a coffee and set down to do some computer stuff. Typically I either set outside or at a table, but today I decided to set in one of the easy chairs. This exposed my feet to anybody who could see and I was in full view of the customers coming and going. Sitting in Starbucks. I did get a fair amount of attention. No comments, but everybody who worked there, three young women and a young man have all walked by and casually checked out my shoes. A couple of customers have noticed as well, but I received no comments from anybody. I must have stayed in the store for nearly 45 minutes. It is hard to believe that I ever got nervous wearing heels out! I decided to cruise the mall since I was in the neighborhood. Since I am a bit tight for cash, I skipped the Macy’s clearance rack altogether. I browsed the bookstore and a few other shops. People were noticing, however not overtly until I passed a couple of old women who I could see looking and making a gesture with their fingers about how high my heels were. Other than that, it was a typical boring mall stop. I stopped on my way home at a store to get a drink and saw a very nice dressed twenty something woman. She was wearing a white blouse, black pin stripe pants and white pointed toe pumps that I am pretty sure were by Rampage. She was with a couple of older guys and they were talking quite intensely. When I passed by her I made eye contact and smiled, but the guys kept her involved in their conversation. I desperately wanted to comment on her shoes and tell her how nice she looked, but really didn’t have the chance. As I was walking out, she pointed my shoes out to the guys she was with like it was no big deal. I was surprised at how much attention the shoes I have been wearing out get. I have worn 4-inch pumps, peep toes and sandals that don’t get nearly as much attention as the loafers. But for now they are my favorite heels. However, I am becoming much more comfortable in my own heels, so to speak. I only seem to notice reactions in the context of acceptance. In the big picture, the number of places that I am not comfortable wearing heels is becoming quite small.

[Bubba136]

Good outing, HF. Congratulations! ( it get's easier with each trip out, doesn't it ?)

[JeffB]

I was surprised at how much attention the shoes I have been wearing out get. I have worn 4-inch pumps, peep toes and sandals that don’t get nearly as much attention as the loafers. But for now they are my favorite heels. However, I am becoming much more comfortable in my own heels, so to speak. I only seem to notice reactions in the context of acceptance. In the big picture, the number of places that I am not comfortable wearing heels is becoming quite small.

And, in turn, your horizons are expanding in regard to your outings as your confidence grows. Good for you, my friend! It's adventures like yours that gives nervous newbies the inspiration they need to venture out as you have. Keep up the great work as I enjoy reading your exploits!

[HappyFeat]

Though my experience today really doesn't constitute an "outing," I did have a pretty neat experience. I was out with my girlfriend, who has spent the year or so struggling to lose weight. Finally, she is seeing some progress so she needed some new clothes. We went shopping and while she tried on clothes, I ran between the dressing rooms with suggested items and fetched items in similar sizes. After several hours of combing clearance racks, she bought several dresses, blouses, skirts, and pants for less that $200! Well, eventually we made it to the shoes. She couldn't find anything to her linking on the clearance racks for her, but I modeled several pair. Her main comment was that she wished we could share shoes and how great they looked on me. It was fun and I hope to do it again with her soon.

[johnieheel]

However, I am becoming much more comfortable in my own heels, so to speak. I only seem to notice reactions in the context of acceptance. In the big picture, the number of places that I am not comfortable wearing heels is becoming quite small.

My feelings excatly!

[HappyFeat]

My summer has continued on quite nicely. Though I have not had the opportunity to have an extended outing for some time, I have made the best of it. It may be until next week until I can set aside an entire day for heeling, but I am making the best of what opportunities that I am afforded. Last week, I tried something new. I went out in heels for at least 2 hours a day and visited the same places each day. Monday through Friday, I went to the post office to ship items I sold on e-bay, went to the coffee shop, and went to a local convenience store. One three of the days, I went to Target to drop off or pick up film. Each day, I started about 8:30 AM and returned home about 11:00 AM. I wore dressier clothes each day, except Friday when I wore a pair of draw string linen trousers. (And yes, I wore some form of hosiery with each outfit except on my 'casual' Friday.) Below, I have posted pictures of the shoes I wore on each day: Monday - Bandolino loafers 2 1/2" heel brown patent Tuesday - Enzo Angolini caramel pumps 3" heel Wednesday - Nine West loafers black 3" heel Thursday - Nine West pumps black 3" heel Friday - Rampage pumps brown w/patent 3" heel I chose each pair because I wanted an understated look. My logic was what shoes would look best for a traditional male wardrobe. I will say that the shoes I wore Monday got the most attention, though they were the lowest. (Actually I have worn these a lot recently and LOVE them...I may try to find them in black or navy blue as well...) The most interesting experience was leaving Target after I picked up some pictures. I walked by a group of employees who seemed to be just milling around chatting though the store was packed. As I was leaving, I looked back and one of them had their cell phone out and appeared to be taking a picture. I really didn't care, but you would think they would have better things to do like, I don't know, THEIR JOBS! Anyway, each day at the coffee shop, I know people noticed but as the week went on I simply didn't care. I always set in an easy chair in plain sight of everybody, so any fear that I ever had has disappeared. Thanks for all of the feedback and my summer continues...

[CassieJ]

Thanks for the recap. I spend most weekends in heels and go to the mall, lunch and dinner and shopping all over the place. I have my wife with me for support. I wear 4" or higher heels, sometimes with a block, sometimes a stiletto heel. Most of my public wear shoes look like men's shoes, they just have a heel. The Nine West Menswear collection is a great example. Today, I spend 6-7 hours at the outlet mall and area mall in 4" Sketchers beige boots. Under long jeans, no one can tell they aren't men's shoes unless I sit or purposefully expose the heel. Even then, many think they are men's boots, they just have a taller then usual staked block heel. I have no apprehension at all wearing these. I have a pair of Enzo 4.5" heels that look like a men's shoe with a tall stiletto heel. I wear them a lot and most people never notice. Keep us updated!

[radiodave]

Congrats on your outings HF. That seems odd that the loafers attracted more attention than the others, that's not what I would have expected. I've been trying to wear heels in the evenings after work, but I have yet to really make it mainstream and go out in public more. My public outings have been more sporadic.

[highestheels]

radiodave, You are doing better than me I am still trying to pluck up the courage!

[HappyFeat]

In my years of heeling, today was by far the best experience that I have ever had. The afternoon started out simple enough by simply continuing last weeks experiment by taking a package to the post office. I had decided to take my experiment to the next level by wearing more visible heels. My outfit: Black striped Gap shirt Gray Gap trousers (I had just found the shirt and trousers at a thrift store this weekend) Bandolino "Iliza" Mary Janes with a 3 inch heel (I mentioned buyng these at the Bandolino store in a previous post) Black Trouser Socks The post office was not busy at all in the late afternoon. I simply went in, shipped my package and left. Nothing exciting to report except that I have been in the same place six of the last eight days wearing heels, simply going about my business. Since I was dressed and felt that I looked decent, I wasn't ready to return home. I decided to check out a new shopping center not far from home. I cruised the lot and decided to check out the Lane Bryant store. For those of you who may not be familiar with Lane Bryant, it is a fairly quality retailer that caters to plus size women (U.S. sizes 14-28, I think). Last fall my girlfriend bought a pair of wide leg trousers that I thought were pretty hot and wanted to see if they had been marked down. I went in the store and the clerk asked if I needed any help and I simply said that I just wanted to browse the clearance rack. As I looked, I found the pants in a 16 Tall, which I was pretty sure would fit. I looked in my pocket and only had $10, and the pants were $20. I figured that I would check again tomorrow when I remembered to bring some money. As I was heading out of the store, a clerk whom I had not seen earlier asked me if I had ever been fitted for their jeans. She said that they have several men who buy their jeans and asked if maybe I would like to try. I decided that it might be fun to see how they worked. She measured me around the waist, told me that I would wear a "3 Yellow" in their "Right Fit" line and asked if I would like to try them on! Now, I have tried on women's clothes in department stores before, but I always went to the men's department to do so. I almost always try on shoes, but I have NEVER tried on women's clothes in a store that catered specifically to women. I assumed that it was possible, but I had just never asked or thought about it for that matter. She simply escorted me to the dressing rooms, unlocked a stall and handed me two pair of jeans. I undressed, a slipped on the boot cut jeans first. I was amazed at how GREAT they looked. She knocked on the door and asked to see. I slipped my shoes back on and she said "Those fit perfect and look GREAT with those shoes!" I was simply stunned. It was the first time in ages that somebody saw my shoes and simply just accepted me for being myself. She may have been trying to make a sale, but that comment alone has changed my world! When I tried on the flare leg jeans, she knocked again and asked to see how they fit. This time she made me come out into the store and showed the three other clerks how great they fit (and they do fit great!) I asked to try a pair of average length jeans since the tall came to the floor in my heels. They also fit incredibly well, but were about two inches shorter, fully exposing my shoes. She said that I could wear "something a bit lower" with those, but recommended that I get the tall and wear men's boots if I were in a situation where I couldn't wear heels. I decided that the jeans were a must have. There is no way to understate how perfectly they fit my body. But again, I had no money with me, so I asked if she could hold them and I would be back tomorrow for them. I asked if she would be working, because I wanted to be sue to give her he sale if they had commission or a quota to meet. She said yes and I promised her I would be back. I went home with my head in the clouds! What a wonderful experience. Since I am not one for delayed gratification, I decided to return after dinner. I did change my outfit a bit. I put on higher shoes if I decided to try on other trousers. I wore the same shirt, but changed my pants. Outfit change: Same shirt as above Polo painter pants in white Nine West "Lucero" Pumps 4 1/2" heel (My favorite shoes...they are the ones in m avatar) When I returned, the clerks greeted me warmly, one shouting to the back of the store "I KNEW he would be back for those jeans tonight!" I told them that I wanted to look at the slacks on the clearance rack and one clerk asked if I would like her to start a dressing room for me. I said sure and picked out a few pair in sizes 14 and 16, with average length and tall. While I was dressing the clerked who helped me with my jeans knocked on the door and told me they have slacks cut like the jeans - Lane Bryant's "Right Fit" line,but they weren't on sale. I told her that I would stick to clearance for now. I tried on the wide leg pants and simply LOVED them. They almost look like a full, floor length skirt or opaque harem pants. I had to have them. I tried a couple of others that just didn't quite work. I went back to the rack and she asked me if I was doing OK and if there was anything else that I would like. I told her that I would love to try the "Right Fit" slacks. Well, once I tried those, I knew they were a must have as well. I bought a pair in black and one in dark gray. Since it was getting close to closing, she had me come out and show the other clerks. They were amazed at the fit and how they looked on me was the best they had seen. One girl even told me how jealous she was of my legs and asked to see my butt in the pants. I bought one more pair of wide leg cut pants in a khaki as well and decided that it was time to check out. As I was being rung, a girl came in and handed an employment application to the clerk. I asked her if they got much of a discount and she said they get a very nice discount. I asked her if they hired men and she said that they do and I told he that I might apply. When she was done ringing, I had two pair of jeans and four new pair of trousers. The total was $160 and I got coupons for a sale at the end of the month. We chatted a bit more and she told me how amazing I walk in heels and that she can't even wear them that often. She told me that they were not noticible and she only noiced because she cold hear them. I said that I usually don't wear them for periods that require an extended period of walking/standing. She told me that heels are perfect for my frame and they simply look good on me. I thanked her and the other clerk still working for all their help and promised that I would be back. I am oping for another outing tomorrow, but I need to decide on which bottoms I am going to wear! Attached below are the variations on the outfits I wore today:

[johnieheel]

HappyFeat,

What a great story. I love how open you are with us about your rapidly expanding self confidence and how genuine your posts are. Great reading material that I hope continues for many years to come.

Sincerely,

kneehighs

I totally agree with kneehighs HappyFeet. That is one cool experience and very inspiring. Keep um commin.

[radiodave]

Excellent outing HF! Glad you're having such good experiences and good reactions. Keep it up! Congrats!

[Bubba136]

Great outfits. Can't find fault with them. Thanks for recounting your experience.

[shyguy]

Another in the long list of inspiring posts here of late. Thanks to all you guys who post your experiences, and blaze the trails. Those helpful and non judgemental clerks deserve the recognition too. Great customer service. Thanks for sharing HF

[HappyFeat]

...Those helpful and non judgemental clerks deserve the recognition too. Great customer service...

Actually, I did the store's online survey as well as e-mailed the district manager to fill her on in the wonderful shopping experience! I think it is vital for all of us to recognize outstanding customer service when we get it.

[liveinheels]

I agree also the sales staff that has helped me have been outstanding we should let them knoe that they are doing a good job!

[Bootking]

A fascinating outing; maybe I'll be next! It is amazing how one never knows what pleasant and unexpected encounters one can have. Have fun!

[JeffB]

Pretty good, pretty DARN good! That was quite an amazing experience you had, my friend. I'm sure you felt as good as you looked, if not better! More power to you!

[HappyFeat]

I got out for another adventure yesterday. Though it was not as incredible as my last experience, I had a couple of hours to kill and what better way to do it than wearing heels! My outfit: Burgundy Clayborn thin sweater Wide Leg Khaki Trousers with a very subtle herringbone pattern Brown patent Bandolino "MacDougal" Loafers I really wanted to wear one of the many pair of trousers that I bought at Lane Bryant on Tuesday. The pair that I chose came from the clearance rack and the only pair of 16s was average length. Because of this, I really didn't want to go with too high of a heel because it was my goal to build the whole outfit. Though I tried on other heels with the pants, these seemed to work best in my opinion, at least at that time. One sidebar- Though I have worn slacks and jeans that were cut for women before, I typically only wear men's pants. (I really miss the pockets when I don't have them.) However, after buying the pants this week, I absolutely LOVE pants that were actually designed with wearing heels in mind. For me it only is logical (not to mention I think they fit as well or better than men's trousers on my frame.) Since I didn't have too much time I wasn't very creative in my outing planning and woun up at a mall outside of Pittsburgh that I frequent a lot and have posted previous outings about. When I arrived, I gathered my things and got out of the car and headed toward Macy's. I very attractive young woman was walking toward me and spoke to me as if she knew me. I smiled and returned the greeting an kept walking. Once inside the store, I realized she was the clerk who sold me the very shoes I was wearing! I could have kicked myself for missing a great opportunity to talk to her. I went into Macy's and headed for what else- the shoe department. This particular Macy's has a huge clearance section and I always love to start there. However on this day, it was packed mainly with women well into their 80's. I really didn't have the patients to fight my way back at the moment so I headed into the mall. I stopped in several stores including the Gap, Hollister, and of course Lane Bryant. The service at this mall typically isn't outstanding, but I was always asked if I needed help, in that pasing way that even if you say yes, the clerk will take it as a no. I really didn't mind however. After browsing for an hour or so, I stopped by the Bandolino store where I bought the shoes I was wearing. The clerk in the store was very nice and told me that all sale shoes were an additional 20% off and if I wanted to try anything just let her know. Well, they had the shoes I was wearing in Black and Navy as well. I told her how much I LOVED them and asked if they had either or both in an 11. She went and fetched both for me. Without hesitating, she set them on a bench and I set down and tried them on. Even though other customers came and went without asking for anything, she made sure that had her undivided attention. I said I would take them and she set them on the counter. Next she asked if there were any oher styles that i was interested. I picked out a navy slingback, but they only had it in balck, but I tried it anyway. When I tried it, the elastic sling had too much give an she said that a lot of customers had mentioned that. After trying a couple of other styles, the clerk went in the back and brought out about 6 pair of 11s for me to try. I obliged her and she critiqued each one for me. In the end, I wound up buying only the two pair of loafers, that with the discount came to les than $40 total! I thanked her for her attention and outstanding service and headed out. What was amazing about this experience is that at no point was she uncomfortable, impatient, or judgmental. In fact she gave me better service than she would have other customers, I am willing to bet. It was just a normal thing for a guy to not only wear heels, but to try them on an buy them. Since I bought two pair of shoes already, I decided that I would skip te Macy's rack. Afterward, I wanted to get something to eat, but alas I really hate eaing alone. I decided to go to Starbucks and get a drink to tide me over until later. I got my drink, sat in an easy chair and read the paper. Many people came in, most noticed, but there were absolutely no shocked reactions. Before heading in for the evening, I put some fuel in my car and the only attention I got was from a car load of teen age girls (who sat in the car while what appeared to be one of their mothers pumped the gas). The were falling over the seats to look at me and I simply acknowledged them with a wink. The looked back with big smiles that almost seemed to be "You Go Boy!" And I will continue to.

[HappyFeat]

It has been a long time since I have posted my outings, so I thought I would offer an update. Since summer is winding down and my work load is really picking up, I haven't had an extended outing for a while, but I have had a few since my last posting. My best recent outing was last week when I went back to my local Lane Bryant store where I bought a couple pair of jeans. I wore my LB "Right Fit" boot cut jeans, a white dress shirt and a pair of brown round toe pumps. Since I have been to the store a few times while heeling, all of the clerks know me by name and are quite friendly. My intention was to order a pair of wide leg trouser jeans and look at the clearance rack. Of course without even asking the clerks started a dressing room for me and I started trying on pants. Since I had coupons for $25 off every $50 the clerk kept checking my total every time I set an item aside for purchase. At one point I needed to find $20 worth of merchandise to maximize my discount so I had to dig the racks for more. Each time a new customer came in, the clerks would ask me to model my jeans, so I would pop out from the racks and give them a twirl. It was quite fun and their reactions were very supportive, though nobody commented on my shoes, which really weren't that fancy anyway. I still needed to spend a few more dollars, so the clerks dug through a bin and got me three pair of nylons! In the end I bought 6 pair of trousers, two pair of capris, two pair of crop pants, and a skirt. With the coupons I had my purchases came to a grand total of $80. The clerk checking me out told me that I was their store's best customer. Tomorrow I may go back up in my trouser jeans and show them, since the came in the mail this week. Also since my last post to this thread, I found a pair of Nine West pumps at Macy's that I have an identical pair and I LOVE them, I decided to grab them. I was out in simple shorts, flip flops (very nice flip flops) and a sports shirt that day but the clerk asked me if I needed a footie to try them on! I was totally shocked because this has never happened at Macy's. I usually ask for one if I want to try them on, but a clerk had never just assumed the shoes were for me. I told her that I have an identical pair that I have almost worn out so I am sure they would fit. She told me that they are "sexy" shoes and could understand why I would want another pair. I thanked her for her service and left the store. I did log on to the Macy's Web site and gave her positive feedback for her outstanding service. I have worn heels almost every day in the last few weeks, even if it is just a trip to the gas station or the grocery store. I love my new trousers and they fit me so well, plus having pants that work well with heels seem to make all the difference in the world. I will post some pictures of my outfits if I get a chance and plan at least one more outing before the Summer of HappyFeat comes to an end. And has it ever been a great summer!

[HappyFeat]

A quick look at the calendar reminded me that the summer is winding down. This weekend will mark the start of Autumn, bringing the Summer of HappyFeat to its end. However before that could happen, there was time for one more outing! Today's Outfit: Off White Banana Republic Sweater Lane Bryant, Right Fit "Lafayette" trousers Steve Madden "Loucee" Black Patent Mary Jane Pumps with a 3 Inch heel Lane Bryant Off White nylons I got up early today and was greeted with a phone call. My stylist called to cancel my appointment for a hair cut and pedicure. The ped could wait, but the hair on the other hand need trimmed badly. I decided that since my day's plans were shot, that I would take advantage of the opportunity and make a day of it. Since I had so many planned outings of the summer canceled at the last moment, luck was on my side today. I dressed and was out the door by 9:00 AM. I drove to a nearby town where I heard they were opening outlet stores. I arrived just after opening and browsed the place for a while. Since my pants are normal length, just enough of my heels were showing and I was getting a bit oc the "click, click" I knew I wasn't under the radar today. In fact, I was feeling quite confident and daring. I looked at the Coach store, the Lane Bryant outlet, Bass, Eddie Baur, Guess, but I spent most of my time in the Nine West store. Since the outlets are new, they don't have a lot of stuff on clearance, but there were some good deals. The clerk was quite helpful and I tried on several pair. The outlet store is more or less self serve, but some of the shoes in the right sizes often required some help. I may have been in the store for an hour or so, and was using the benches right out in the open to try shoes. I did buy a pair of brown pumps and black sling backs because they were at almost giveaway prices. I chatted with the clerk about shoes for a bit and headed on my way. Since I still needed a haircut, I stopped by the mall I pas on my way home. As I was walking the mall, I stopped in a department store that as having a huge sale and bought a pair of Sam and Libby round toe pumps for $5! I usually only buy leather shoes, but these are great for heeling, escpecially since I like to avoid overly pointed toes. The clerk in the shoe department didn't seem overly friendly and wasn't very helpful. I fond a mall salon to cut my hair next. Getting a hair cut while heeling has been one of the things I wanted to do for a long time. Of course, the mall salons are not very condusive to conversation since two other men were getting cuts in the chairs to my imediate left and right. I chatted with the stylist about shopping, weekend activities, and the like. Since I was carring my bag with my new pumps in side, she asked me what I had bought and I told her. She said she doesn't often wear heels herself since she worked on her feet all day. She shampooed me after the cut and gave me a scalp massage to die for! I have gotten a lot of hair cuts but never has anybody rubbed my head for a full 10 minutes! Of course I gave her an overly generous tip. After the cut I browsed a bit longer, bought a birthday card, and movd on. I stopped at TJMaxx, but they really aren't carriend too many 11s anymore. being at the outlets got me thinking about buying a purse. Since I am wearing so many trousers designed for women these days, I don't often have pockets and it is stil too warm for a jacket. So, I brosed the purses at TJM and bought a black nylon bag that isn't terribly dressy, but would be good for outings in case I needed it. My last stop was at the Lane Bryant store, but I have pretty much drained their racks in the last couple of months. The best thing about today's outing is that I was quite aware that people were noticing and I could have cared less. Nobody commented directly, or even indeirectly for that matter. I was too busy doing my thing to notice. Below are pictures of my outfit and shoes. Please post any thoughts. I will post a summary to the Summer of HappyFeat in the near future.

[Bubba136]

Thanks for recounting your day for us. It appears that you had more than your share of shopping for one day. Was there any reaction from the two guys in adjacent chairs to your shoes when you got your hair cut? I know from personal experience how easy it is to forget that you're even wearing high heels when you are concentrating on something else. It often happens to me when I am at the mall or shopping with my wife. And, when I am in that mind set, the last thing I am aware of is my high heels and the people surrounding me.

[HappyFeat]

Was there any reaction from the two guys in adjacent chairs to your shoes when you got your hair cut?

I didn't notice any obvious reaction from the guys next to me, though I can say I was aware of them and was also aware of the fact that I was wearing heels at that time. In reflection, I never would have gone into a place that had even a couple of "tough guys" (they were both getting buzz cuts) in it (my own prejudice I must admit), so I was petty happy with myself for just going about my business.

Also, I am pretty sure that the stylist gave me extra attention and was trying to get me to talk about my fashion statement during the process, but being in such close quarter with others made me a bit apprehensive to do so.

One of my observations about heeling is that people alone will be quite accepting and think it is cool, but when the group grows to more than one person, it is more likely people will act more aloof. The irony is that people would not admit on the spot that a guy in heels is really cool, even if it is an opinion they hold themselves. Its almost like when doing something different, people return to being 2nd graders.

[jwhite44]

HappyFeat, very enjoyable to read your posts. Two thoughts come to mind: 1. Although it's obvious you try to get bargains whenever possible, I'm wondering how your budget is holding up. Do you ever say after a purchase, "I wish I really hadn't spent that money."? 2. Have you even gotten any positive compliments from guys while in heels? I'd think that getting a comment from "one of your own" would be extra special. I look forward to ongoing updates.

[HappyFeat]

Thanks for the feedback and support.

1. Although it's obvious you try to get bargains whenever possible, I'm wondering how your budget is holding up. Do you ever say after a purchase, "I wish I really hadn't spent that money."?

Actually, my budget (if you can call it that) does suffer. But I am a shop-a-holic. With the shakes most of the time. I would love to find a shopping buddy. Many people say they want to go with me, but they never seem to...

2. Have you even gotten any positive compliments from guys while in heels? I'd think that getting a comment from "one of your own" would be extra special.

I have actually, but not recently. The last time that happened was when I was walking into a bar wearing a pair of 2 1/2 inch navy blue slingbacks. Really all that was visible was the semi-pointed toes. A young guy was smoking on the step and he gave me a rather sincere "Those a great shoes, guy!" I said thanks and headed on in.

Come to think of it, a thread on positive responses from guys would be interesting...

[gwl1]

A thread on positive responses from guys would also be rather short! LOL GWL

[HappyFeat]

Well, the summer has come to an end and I am beginning to feel a bit of a chill in the air. Fall is here, I am breaking out my boots and bringing the Summer of HappyFeat to an end. I want to thank everybody who gave advice, support, input, and criticism to my endeavors. Though I have been heeling for years, I wanted to use the summer to become a better heeler and I believe I have. Since I am a teacher, I approached the summer as a research opportunity or a learning experience and here are some things I learned: 1) I can wear heels with confidence anywhere I choose any time I want. 2) Most people don't notice other people, no matter how they are dressed. 3) The people who do notice react out of curriosity more than anything else and most react positively. 4) I REALLY need to lose some weight! Looking at pictures of myself make me want to improve how I look, including my body. 5) I look better in women's jeans than men's jeans. 6) I prefere shoes with a rounder toe unless the occasion warents a dressier shoe. 7) Sales clerks generally provide OUTSTANDING service and tend not only to be nonjudgemental, but quite supportive. That I need to relax and slow down, not only while heeling, but in life in general. 9) That finding very nice shoes for very reasonable prices is quite possible if you look enough. 10) That hosiery is a very important finishing touch. 11) There is always more room for shoes in the closet. 12) That I like life a whole lot more when I am wearing heels! Probobly the most important lesson that I learned is that you can do about anything if you do it with gusto and confidence. I plan on spending a lot more time in heels. Maybe I will start an adventures thread...

[Bubba136]

Probobly the most important lesson that I learned is that you can do about anything if you do it with gusto and confidence. I plan on spending a lot more time in heels. Maybe I will start an adventures thread...

You are correct here, HappyFeat! Just remember, it was the pioneers that took the arrows for the rest of us. And, that's the way it was, moving west!

[hhboots]

I am just now catching up on this thread. You have had some very nice stories and inspiring words throughout this thread HF. I am very glad you have been enjoying your summer outing experiences and shared them so well. Also, I redid my avatar a few days ago, and I didn't realize I seem to have inadvertantly taken inspiration from HF's avatar, as it has a similar theme it looks like. I plan to redo mine next week with a better camera, that was a blurry cell phone shot, poor lighting conditions, then touched up (basically removed color) to try to help the picture not look so crappy. Anyway, I'll try to not make the new avatar I make next week not look like a HF ripoff if at all possible.

[5.5 Thrill]

I too have just read the whole thread, fantastic!! I agreed that stockings are a must, and when you started wearing them your look improved alot. I enjoy going out wearing my MJ's or knee high boots both with 5" spike heels and I don't notice to much being noticed but, that's not why I heel, I heel for my own enjoyment. BTW just because it is not summer doesn't mean you can't still heel. Take care. 5.5 T