Men in Women's Shoes

[STEVIE]

Hi Ray
Thanks, but it's not that brave really.
The "girls' " styles are becoming very blurred gender wise, you mentioned brogues. Those were a wholly male preserve once upon a time.
Obviously, you know the Clarks, brand, the lady shoes I have bought from them fall under the "male tailored" category.
There is something of an irony here.
Anyhow, my plan is for a very full, wide skirt, probably midi. My usual flats, could make that look "frumpy", so heels are a possibility.
Nothing is decided but I have been promised some assistance from a female friend.
Just another step on my journey. The proof will will be in the dancing and pictures will be posted.
Steve.

[Ray]

Steve, I can understand why you may look to heels with a full skirt. Men's shoes may be a little clumpy. How does the skirt get its width? Ie what makes it stick.out? Also, what's a midi skirt? Knee length? I am fascinated by this outfit. It sounds more out there than your work outfits. Your female friend will, I imagine, be very helpful in coming up with a coordinated look.

[dillon]

I envy you who can "cross the aisle" in a shoe store. There are a few brands and styles that I'd like to experiment with. Alas, it will not happen.

[skirted_in_SF]

I would think mid-calf length would be called a midi.
I have one that is one of my favorite skirts to wear out and about. I like the length enough that I just bought two more.

[dillon]

I would think mid-calf length would be called a midi.
I have one that is one of my favorite skirts to wear out and about. I like the length enough that I just bought two more.

I may be dating myself back to the late sixties and early seventies, but midi was somewhere below the knee and above the ankle. Maxi was ankle to floor. Mini was well above the knee. Knee length was just called a skirt.

[STEVIE]

I guess I date myself here too, a mini sits from an inch or two above the knee to what my Dad would have called a "pelmet" or "glorified belt".
A "standard" skirt sits at the knee. As Dillon states, midi is halfway at the calf and maxi to the floor or heel.
The look, I'm going to try for is a real retro mix. Ideally, the skirt will be a full circle, very 50/60s. The alternative is a very full pleated one in a fairly weighty fabric. The important thing is that it "drapes" right not just for it to stick out.
The shoes, I want to try are from the crop of "chunky" heels that seem to be in vogue. They rather remind me of the "platforms" that were fashionable in the 70s and that's a plus for me. They were almost a true unisex item.
This is going to be a whole outfit project, unfortunately, still on a budget. That's where my friend comes in, she has an excellent sense of personal style and not "silly" with it. I cannot believe that she actually thanked me when I asked for her help.
The wedding is next year, so there is plenty time.
Hell, I'm probably planning as much as the Bride, that is seriously scary!
Now, enough already, go back to shoes!
I'm looking again simply because I bought a new skirt on Sunday, the two seem to together.
Steve.

[dillon]

Stevie, just remember that only the bride wears white!

[skirted_in_SF]

This is one of the mid-calf length skirts I just ordered:
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/stor ... kirt/65319
Since it is plaid, I guess it qualifies as a kilt. Right?

[r.m.anderson]

This is one of the mid-calf length skirts I just ordered:
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/stor ... kirt/65319
Since it is plaid, I guess it qualifies as a kilt. Right?

A kilted skirt at best (flat front - but what about the back - Pleats ?).
And the length on that thing - WOW !
There is an awful amount of room for concealment !

Nice tartan color combination really attractive !

Enjoy your skirt - ah er kilted skirt !

[STEVIE]

Dillon,
I have one instruction from the Bride, "Your skirt better not be short, you have better legs than mine"!
She's a good friend and has been very supportive from the start.
Steve.

[Gordon]

I go into Nordstrom Rack every once in a while looking for womens shoes that fit that I like and other reduced price clothing. I've bought tops, skirts and shoes there before. The shoes in my size (13) are very rare, at least ones that I would wear. Yesterday was a different story. I actually found five pairs that I could actual get my big feel into. I pared it down to two pair that I bought.

One pair is from Franco Sarto, they look similar to the first one. I couldn't find my exact shoe on the web anywhere. It has a 2 inch heel. I wore them the rest of the day going into a few other stores and out to lunch. I was wearing a knee length black knit skirt and black pantyhose.

LCX27LJ_mk.jpg

The other pair is the second picture. They are Jessica Simpson brand with a 5 inch heel.

JessicaSimpsonBinnie.jpg

I've never worn heels that tall before. What a difference from other heels I have. I have some booties with 2-1/2" and some with 3-1/2". The 5" ones will definitely take some getting used to. I been stumbling around in the house now for a while and am getting better at it.

Christopher James http://cjamesstyle.tumblr.com/ has been rocking some heels lately. So I thought I'd give it a go after I get used to them. I have a cream colored denim skirt that would go well with them.

[ChrisM]

I too like to wear high heels, but I find that many styles are a bit too high for me. So I have become rather proficient at shortening them.
You can knock about 25% off the height of a heel without ruining the look of the shoe - all it takes is a good bandsaw or a Dremel with cut-off wheel.

Be careful - the steel shaft inside the heel is VERY hard metal. Cut slowly. Also be sure to keep it cool, as a red hot shaft will end up melting the plastic core of the heel.

Before starting the cut, carefully pull off the heel cap (the black plastic tip of the heel.) Depending on the amount of taper in the heel, and the amount that you are cutting off, you may be able to re-use this heel cap on the newly shortened heel.

Of course, you may get a few looks from the guys in the machine shop. But mine are used to me now.

Chris

[skirted_in_SF]

Chris - I laughed out loud at the last line of your post.

[r.m.anderson]

Something about cutting the rug on the dance floor - but what is this cutting the heels in the machine shop ? LOL !

[Gusto10]

The other day I mentioned the boots I bought. Just you give you all an impression, I have deleted the carpet. In the mean time I have worn them for a few hours and was hesitant to take them of.