My testimonial and recollections of the 2008 HeelMeet:-
I enjoyed the whole thing and thought that it all went extremely well.
From the details posted beforehand, I expected there was to be a tightly-run programme of events throughout the day.
That wasn't the case and it was more of a free-form affair with the usual drinking, circulating & socialising. Absolutely fine by me though, as that's what I was there for.
That said, I did try on a few of Dr Shoe's 'bring & buy stall' items. A couple of pairs fit me pretty good but they were too fetishistic for me to consider making an offer on them.
I enjoyed all the meeting & chatting with new members and the 'heelmeet virgins' that attended, as well as saying hello to some long time members that I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting before.
I chickened out of the group photos. Again. Next time I shall be more prepared and will bring a balaclava with me (or a cap & sunglasses at least).
There was some excitement on Bladerunners' departure –
I accompanied him to the adjacent NCP carpark for a quick viewing of some surplus-to-requirements footwear in his car. Both of us strolled out of the Miller in our highly visible 4" stiletto heeled boots (mine £16 from Schuh; his £130+ from Vivienne Westwood!).
Just as we turned the first corner, a posse of approx. 10 hoodies suddenly appeared heading directly towards us.
"Shall we leave it?" says Bladerunner. "Nah, let's just go for it!" says I.
This, BTW, was my first ever full-daylight, public place, street-heeling experience!
We sauntered past the posse. One of their number took a sideways glance at our footwear. Nothing else happened though. Kind of disappointing in a way!
On my way back from the carpark, I had to walk by a couple of other people. No idea whether they noticed anything unusual as I click-click-clicked past them both. Nothing was said and the police weren't called out to investigate so no drama at all really.
Following an enjoyable afternoon drinking, snacking, swapping experiences and finding common ground with the other guys, events were enlivened by the arrival of two Miller bar girls. Their reactions to a pub full of stiletto heel wearing guys were totally cool. One girl even tried on a few of Dr Shoes’ sale items and posed for photos in them.
As the day drew to a close, the usual dilemma arose – whether to join up with those heading for an evening meal or to hit the shops on Oxford Street. I chose the latter as I still feel that the shoe shopping trip forms an essential element of a heelmeet. I also thought I’d probably end up staying out long past my curfew time if I went somewhere for more sitting, talking & drinking.
Shakedown & I headed for the tube and hit the Oxford Street crowds for a quick look around. This resulted in another first for me - - - 7:00pm shopping in and around the Oxford Street department stores whilst wearing 4" stiletto boots.
I really enjoyed it, particularly the pavement excursions.
Were there any reactions to this bizarre & unusual sight? Well actually, I only spotted two:-
1. A security man in Debenhams who’s eyes alighted on, and remained glued to, my footwear as I walked past him.
His face was absolutely blank; it was as though he was at a complete loss in processing the visual information presented to him.
2. Three teenage girls outside Selfridges who followed closely behind us, nudging & whispering to each other. As we slowed down (we'd decided to go back in the opposite direction), they passed by and one of them cast a curious look back in my direction. I caught her eye and smiled at her and she looked away quickly as though embarrassed about something!
I also tried on some cheap plastic knee boots in an asian-owned discount clothing store.
I had a sales chap fetch them in my size. When he re-appeared, I asked "have you got anywhere I can try them on".
He said follow me, led me back upstairs and pointed to a footstool next to the shop entrance! I'm getting braver but I've not reached that level yet matey!
So, despite my loud declaration during the heelmeet to (a) stop buying cheap plastic stuff and (b) stop buying knee boots, I went straight ahead and bought them for £15. D'oh!
Anyway, here’s looking forward to the 2009 Heel-Meet and hopefully a good many mini-meets before that one.