skirtcafe.org

Bob wrote:They were shorts, not a skirt. And no nail polish at the time. I was relating to how sometimes fashion-conscious women will compliment you, and how that can feel affirming.

Quite right, Bob, I was just thinking that, after reading the previous posts. Mostly women appreciate men who are willing to show their true inner colour. Whether it be manly or any nuance other than that. Although men may be attractive in a sexual sense if they show how much testesteron they have, probably in being what I would call Macho, super manly, which isn't always found to be pleasant. People, men included are I think more apreciated when they open up, dare to be vulnerable, show a less agressive, more friendly, "soft" nature, character. I think that when men openly show their body ( and inner character ) by means which were otherwise only done by women, are very welcome as those men are possibly less ( sex) driven to prove that they are men. It is difficult to put in words, so I hope readers will understand. Women have a culture of being dressed "vulnerable" and unpractical, paying attention to details, making themselves attractive, which is not ONLY for the sake of sex driven men, and when done of free choice must be wonderful. That is a way of living that most men don't even seem to realise exists, let alone even think about venturing into. I am not into makeup but can understand the deeper meaning of doing such things as nail polish. It is natural for people to want to show off, and just like many people now have piercings nail polish can be fun too. It is nothing only for women, but something men are not used to doing. There is no shame in it, and it is not un manly. Once more men start to realise that, as I see it, it will even for the diehard macho not be "threatenig" or a sign of some mental lapse, whatever.

Understanding the workings of our male / female society helps to break down any barriers that we thought were there but were actually only in our minds. Once we can talk more in a person sense instead of a male / female sense then many issues will dissappeer. I am glad more people think that way, see crfriend's quote. It is a very intense learning experience at the present, and for some seems very difficult to break loose from years of manly indoctrination which may impede that persons openness in thought. Not saying that how somebody thinks should be any thing else.

Quote Crfriend: So, let's drop it with labelling things like colours. It's divisive, it's pointless, and it's needless. For that matter, let's drop the notion of labelling things "masculine" or "feminine" period.

One thing is a fact, men who dress any thing other than men in pants, but do it with respect, and do it proudly are in turn respected by most ("normal") people. Just like walking with your toe nails done, if it is done well, you look the part, healthy, proud, self confident, then who could think otherwise than it is OK for you to walk that way. That means "acceptance" from strangers, the public, something that makes it easier to go skirted in public with pride and not be ashamed or scared to show it. Note I am not saying that anybody "should" get his nails done, but for those who were unsure, go ahead, but do it goed, make sure your total look is always correct and personal enjoyment should be yours.

I see that we have some very prolific people on this site! Many of you have done a very admirable job of stating why men 'can' wear fashions that others might consider for women, and I applaud you.

I think someone (not me, but I wish it was) said it well when they stated that women wear whatever they want to, be it men's shirts, jeans, shoes, hairstyles and even suits. And we admire them for it and think they look darn 'cute'! It was not always this way, you may recall seeing pictures of women in the late 1800s wearing collars up to their chins, full dresses down to their shoes, and high button shoes up to their knees - and this was even on hot summer days! Well ,they got smart and changed their fashion trends through a lot of experiemntation and boldness. I salute their efforts and all the negatvie crap they had to endure through it all!

Now, I see it as men's turn to take a little liberty in how we protray our sense of fashion. Look at nature. The male is brighter and much more colorful than the female. Well, I think that men can be much more expressive with the use of colors and styles without having to feel like they are compromising anything about their sexuality.
The use of nail polish is one way that I have chosen to tell others that I am not a boring, typical guy. I wear it on my toes and the shade I choose is reflective of how I feel. Not much different to why women wear it. I also do something that I think it a very important key to being seen as 'tasteful' - I do get professional pedicures at a salon so that my feet and nails look smooth and worthy of anyone's attention. The polish just adds to the treatment and looks good on my feet, as it would on anyone's feet if they took the time to receive proper care and grooming.

A number of you have mentioned the compliments that you receive by others (especialy women) on your polished nails. Well, women do notice those things because they understand what it takes to care for and groom your body. And they appreciate others who are also sensitive to this because they spend a lot of time and money on this stuff. What do you hear women talking about among themsleves a lot of the time? Their looks and attire. Are they overly vain? A few certainly are, but most are just interested in looking good, and they feel good when they are attractive and feel appreciated. Well, men can enjoy similar appreciation, and they do when they pay attention to how they look. For example, what woman wouldn't want her man to have smoother, nicer-looking feet? Let's face it guys, most of our feet are just plain nasty and gross looking with our ragged, yellow nails and callouses!

So, if you have an interest in tyring something 'new' for you that makes you feel great, and also gets the attention of women who care, just try a professional pedicure. Then go buy a pair of nice sandals and then proudly show off your 'new' feet. And if you're up for it, try the polish. In all the years I have been wearing my toenails painted, the ONLY downside that I have ever come across is that it is truly addictive! And that is not such a bad thing at all...

My toenails are currently pale green metallic.

sasq

Here are some very important issues.
I would think the most being willing to spend the time at a pedicure, making appointments, and maybe the biggest, getting a pedicure costs money, something which although it is very good for the feet, costs money which we either can't miss or don't want to spend looking after ourselves. Most men just don't care. Shame may also play a part. Unrightly men may be ashamed to be "found out " by other men when they take good care of themselves, that being wrong, as it is not "manly" falling out of sync with the rest, even if "the rest" are just too dumb to realise that taking good care of your body is more " manly " than ignoring your state of health.

Again there is a question of choice, when you can think as an individual and choose, then you may choose not to do anything about your feet, and you may choose to have your fet pampered. If I could mis the money, I would get my feet looked after professionally, as I find it hard to get to my toes and feet, and it is much easier for another person to work on your feet.

If I could get a manicure on a regular basis, maybe I would colour my toe nails, there is nothing wrong with that for a man, it is pure fun, but I imaging that you have to keep up the maintenance on a regular basis. Women are used to doing that, men are not.

Jake K wrote: they got smart and changed their fashion trends through a lot of experimentation and boldness.

Not really Jake, World War 1 and 2 changed women's fashion trends. In World War 1 women were called upon to work in hospitals and behind the lines as nurses and other health personnel and, as their full dresses and tight bodices were not able to be worn in the "trenches" where they had to go to help wounded soldiers and they were given uniforms to wear, these uniforms were much less restrictive but still ankle length as it was considered absolutely satanic for a woman to show her ankles.

Things really changed for the better for women in World War 2, when all the men went to war and someone had to make the bullets, weld the tanks and do all the factory work the soldiers HAD done pre-war. The new uniform for women were coverall type trousers with an upper shirt and built in long sleeves. Women put a bandana around their hair, rolled up their sleeves and did the work. Hence the name "Rosie the Riveter" was born. After the war, many women didn't want to give up their trousers and many woman's organizations were formed. AND the rest is history!!

jamie001 wrote:I am sure that most of you have heard of OPI Nail Polish. The President of the company Suzi, runs a blog on the site. Please check out:

http://www.suzisbeautyblog.com/

Go to the "For Men" section and you will see the following article:

June 09, 2008
Toe Be or Not Toe Be
Rockers do it. Athletes do it. Even the guy in the next cubicle might do it. We're talking men wearing nail color on their toes -- and you'd be surprised at how popular the trend is. Think if it as "ink" for your toes, guys -- choose from super-bright shades (including blue, green, yellow) and dark tones, especially black (OPI Black Onyx Nail Lacquer is a favorite among the male-nail set). Plus, if your toenails could use a little improvement, Feet by OPI offers Nail Strengthener in Black -- not only does it look hot, it's formulated with liquid nylon to strengthen nails and help them look their best. Maybe it's just one toe, maybe all ten - but isn't it time you strutted your stuff?

I guess that I am ahead of my time. I have been getting pedicures and wearing red and pink nail polish on my toes and wearing open toe sandals for years.

Jamie, I've been seeing your posts in various places encouraging men to wear their toes polished, and I have to say that you're a great proponent of something that I also atrongly beleive in! Why shouldn't guys have great-looking feet? Based on my experience, and the many very positive comments I recieve, I would have to say that many women think it is awesome that a man would take the time to get a pedicure to clean up his feet, and even try polish!

I have been wearing my toenails polished for maybe five years now, ever since my wife introduced me to it. I've never looked back. It does not bother me in the least that it's not widely accepted yet because I think it's fun and harmless way for me to express my more creative side. And the fact that she likes it encorages me to keep them up. I really think it's gone beyond the 'only for women' stage now, somewhat like men wearing earrings and long hair did years before. I for one will continue to enjoy this practice, as long as I am able! Here are some pics too: http://www.flickr.com/photos/toepaintguy/

Enjoy being yourself!!

It's something I've thought of trying, but I have rather wide thumbs and big toes, and as such the corresponding nails are short and wide, which I don't think would look good painted.

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Confession here; I just bought a bottle of metallic orange nail polish just to match my favorite orange swim shorts and orange flip-flops!
Sasq

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Aside from my hyper-natural ability to grow body hair, I AM totally cute!
sasq

Funny that but really, for me, nail polish would be a great waste of time and energy. Toenails encased in work boots don't get seen and painted fingernails combined with maintaining a hydraulic disc plough ( or is that plow), wielding a shovel or a crowbar, fencing pliers et. al. just doesn't go!

Sarongman wrote:[... P]ainted fingernails combined with maintaining a hydraulic disc plough ( or is that plow), wielding a shovel or a crowbar, fencing pliers et. al. just doesn't go!

Well, I don't know about "doesn't go", but it would certainly be incongruous!

crfriend wrote:

Sarongman wrote:[... P]ainted fingernails combined with maintaining a hydraulic disc plough ( or is that plow), wielding a shovel or a crowbar, fencing pliers et. al. just doesn't go!

Well, I don't know about "doesn't go", but it would certainly be incongruous!

...and would probably generate the sort of "double take" that always makes me chuckle to myself

Have fun,


Ian.

Hi,

I think men can also wera nailpolish. I regularly wear pink shiny nailpolish on my toenails. It is however not so often that I can wear some nice sandals to show them off. My fingernails I leave as they are. That would be a little "to much" for me.

/Stefan