The Jaunts of JeffB!

JeffB · 19th October 2008, 13:53

10/18/2008

While I don't get out in heels as much as I'd like, certainly not as much as, say, HappyFeat, but I'm doing what I can in my own way. In any event, I thought I'd start catalouging all my outings here, starting with a trip I took to the mall yesterday.

This was pretty much a spur of the moment idea to go out since I haven't done so in a while (in fact, I can't remember the last time I went out), so I put together what I thought was a sharp looking outfit for my little trip to mall where I do the bulk of my heeling. Below is a picture of said outfit:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...andlance-1.jpg

A black leather jacket over a black turtleneck, jeans and, in something of a departure for me since I've never done this previously, black patent pumps. A couple of weeks ago, I bought a pair of Payless Lance Flex pumps which I think look super sharp, so I decided to wear them to the mall, something I've never done before. After arriving at the mall, it took a few minutes to muster up my courage before getting out of the car, and I found that humorously ironic. After all, prior to yesterday, I've been out and about in skirts, including a trip in one to New York City for Pete's sake, and yet, it took a wee bit of effort to expose myself to the world once again in women's shoes. Taking a few deep breaths, I left the car and went into the mall for my adventure.

Being in the King of Prussia Mall, one of the largest malls on the East Coast and in the country, I was exposed to a huge crowd of people of all ages, as is my usual procedure, I walked through the mall at a slow, leisurely pace, standing tall, posture perfect, acting for all the world like I belonged there like everyone else. Given the length of my inseam, there was no doubt that people saw I was wearing pumps, but I didn't care. You see, you absolutely CANNOT wear high heels in public and worry about being seen. Like it or not, you WILL be seen, you WILL be stared at, you WILL get double takes and wide-eyed stares, you WILL be pointed at like an oddity, and, on occcasion, you WILL get snickers, giggles or chuckles. There's just no avoiding that. period!

Lunch at the food court was a mob scene as it was crowded, but I remained calm, cool and collected as I stood in line at Chick-Fil-A for their chicken salad sandwich which I love. After getting my order, I went to a table to eat, sitting down, I'm sure everyone around me could see the heels, but I didn't care, I just took my time eating and enjoying my meal. This was followed by more strolling to my favorite places to shop, mainly for comics, books, magazines and DVD's, covering pretty much the entire length of the mall, and, for the most part, I went ignored, if anyone stared or gaped (and sure that was the case), I ignored them. At one point, I sat on a bench and crossed my legs (like a woman) so people could see my noticeably shiny pumps. I didn't care.

After some three or four hours, I called it a day as I had to get back to the house to watch Penn State play Michigan. All in all, it was good outing, and an uneventual outing as well. It's not often I've gone out in pumps, but I must say it was a goodly amount of fun.

Thighbootguy · 19th October 2008, 17:07

JeffB-

I am looking forward to following this thread.

The outfit looks great, as expected. I’m sure you know my recommendation before I say it but, for the rest of the community, it sure would look great with your thigh boots.

Your comment “you absolutely CANNOT wear high heels in public and worry about being seen. Like it or not, you WILL be seen, you WILL be stared at, you WILL get double takes and wide-eyed stares, you WILL be pointed at like an oddity, and, on occasion, you WILL get snickers, giggles or chuckles. There's just no avoiding that. period!” is absolutely right on the mark. The rest of the advise is - so quit worrying about being seen and enjoy your heels! It is instructive to new heelers that even JeffB finds that “it took a few minutes to muster up my courage before getting out of the car.” And that you found it “humorously ironic” illustrates that you have both feet planted firmly on the ground (physically and metaphorically, even if they are in heels).

Like I said, I am looking forward to following this thread.

**HappyFeat** · 19th October 2008, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffB

While I don't get out in heels as much as I'd like, certainly not as much as, say, HappyFeat, but I'm doing what I can in my own way. In any event, I thought I'd start catalouging all my outings here, starting with a trip I took to the mall yesterday.

Yes, I admit that I have gotten out a lot recently, which has been way too much fun. I have been accused of being a bit obsessive, to which I reply, "I an not, let's go shopping!"

Anyway, I have you to thank for so much positive reinforcement and support that have allowed me to grow and develop as a person - a person on high heels that is.

And from my perspective, this thread is looooooooong overdue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffB

Being in the King of Prussia Mall, one of the largest malls on the East Coast and in the country, I was exposed to a huge crowd of people of all ages, as is my usual procedure, I walked through the mall at a slow, leisurely pace, standing tall, posture perfect, acting for all the world like I belonged there like everyone else. Given the length of my inseam, there was no doubt that people saw I was wearing pumps, but I didn't care. You see, you absolutely CANNOT wear high heels in public and worry about being seen. Like it or not, you WILL be seen, you WILL be stared at, you WILL get double takes and wide-eyed stares, you WILL be pointed at like an oddity, and, on occcasion, you WILL get snickers, giggles or chuckles. There's just no avoiding that. period!

I agree entirely with this thought, which got me to thinking...If heels come in so many styles, colors, etc. they are designed to be noticed. Unfortunately, when a man wears them, they are accompanied by the collateral shock reaction. As Johnieheel said at the NE Ohio heel meet, its just human for people to react in strange ways the firts time they see anything. In the end, its something that you either get past or you don't, but it will always bee there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffB

After some three or four hours, I called it a day as I had to get back to the house to watch Penn State play Michigan. All in all, it was good outing, and an uneventual outing as well. It's not often I've gone out in pumps, but I must say it was a goodly amount of fun.

You could have stayed out a bit longer, since I assume you are a Penn State fan (King of Prussia doens't seem like a hot bed for Michigan fans). The first half really didn't appear to be much you would have wanted to see.

Your outfit looked great! I love the pumps with the jeans. Way to show off your heels! Now it would look good as well with a killer pair of knee boots...

Thanks for the thread, and the story!

roniheels · 19th October 2008, 17:50

Jeff...

You are the man! I really liked the outfit you wore with your high heels. You looked great! And yes, I'm sure with a man your size seen in public wearing high heels, you will get some reactions. But I love your attitude and you like many others inspire all of us to wear high heels in public in many different places to enjoy all of the reactions we receive.

Congratulations on your outing and best wishes on future outings.

jwhite44 · 19th October 2008, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffB

10/18/2008

...black patent pumps. A couple of weeks ago, I bought a pair of Payless Lance Flex pumps which I think look super sharp, so I decided to wear them to the mall, something I've never done before...

JeffB, how were the Flex pumps to wear? I bought a pair of them also, thinking they'd be a comfortable pair of heels if I ever had to wear ones for a longer time.

Have you been to KofP in a more discreet outfit? I'm hoping that boots and long-length jeans will provide enough concealment to be able to wear them in a mall without extra attention.

JeffB · 19th October 2008, 18:18

Thanks for the comments, my friends! I greatly appreciate them!

TBG: I'm glad you liked the idea of this thread which, admittedly, I should've thought of doing long ago. Oh, well, better late than never. Heh! Yeah, the irony of what I experienced in my car yesterday, mustering the nerve to step out after my trip in New York made me chuckle because I was less concerned about being seen in a skirt than in high heels. Go figure. Yeah, I still come down with nervousness, even after all these years. Guess that's just a normal reaction. By the by, the thigh boots ARE coming!

HappyFeat: In a way, reading your remarkable adventures spurred me to create this thread, so you inspired me just as much as I inspired you.

Quote:

I agree entirely with this thought, which got me to thinking...If heels come in so many styles, colors, etc. they are designed to be noticed. Unfortunately, when a man wears them, they are accompanied by the collateral shock reaction. As Johnieheel said at the NE Ohio heel meet, its just human for people to react in strange ways the firts time they see anything. In the end, its something that you either get past or you don't, but it will always bee there.

Brilliant commentary, my friend. Couldn't have said it any better myself, and you're absolutely right, for men to wear women's shoes in public, even sedate colors like black or brown means we ARE going to be noticed, either for good or for bad, it's up to us to determine which way that will go. As for the Penn State-Michigan game, yeah, that first half was butt ugly for the Nits, but they rebounded nicely in the second half when it mattered most.

roniheels: Thank you! I do as best I can! Having the right attitude is the only way to go when it comes to what we do, otherwise, we'd all still be deep in our closets, never getting to enjoy the joy that comes from wearing heels in public.

JeffB · 19th October 2008, 18:35

10/19/2008:

A short outing to break in the Payless Jamie pumps I bought yesterday. Here's a couple of pics of my outfit:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...andjamie-1.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...andjamie-2.jpg

Black leather jacket over a gray turtleneck, jeans, off-black knee highs and the Jamie pumps. I motored a few miles to a small strip mall in the Western 'burbs and walked to a Borders bookstore to hunt for the new Sports Illustrated. Wearing the pumps is quite enjoyable, the shiny faux croc print is really cool, the rounded toe makes the shoes comfortable to wear and the thicker, 4 1/2 heel makes a pleasantly sharp, loud sound on pavement, which is how I like my heels to sound as the pumps are easy to walk in, and that made me feel great.

Strolling through the bookstore, no one gave me the time of day, even though I stood out height-wise. Twenty minutes later, I was out the door, but instead of going home for lunch and NFL time, I had some spare time for a side trip to a larger nearby mall for a little wandering. Unlike King of Prussia, the Springfield Mall was smaller, and on a late Sunday morning, quiet in terms of crowds, so I was able to stroll through the mall and, of course, no one made an issue about the shoes I had on, the heels noticeably loud on the tile floor.

Overall, I was in that mall for a solid half hour before I decided to call it a day and head back home. Two outings on back to back days, not so much as a peep from bystanders, not that I expected any, still, it would've been nice for someone to ask about my footwear so I could engage in conversation. Oh, well, perhaps next time.

pumplover · 19th October 2008, 21:36

JeffB, you are the man!

Being a huge pumplover myself, I would love to do what you are doing. However, unless I can beat my pride, I just cannot leave the house. Im not sure if things are different in the US to the UK, but no doubt as soon as I hit the streets in the UK, there will be camera phones targeting me from all directions.

roniheels · 19th October 2008, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffB

10/19/2008:

A short outing to break in the Payless Jamie pumps I bought yesterday. Here's a couple of pics of my outfit:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...andjamie-1.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...andjamie-2.jpg

Black leather jacket over a gray turtleneck, jeans, off-black knee highs and the Jamie pumps. I motored a few miles to a small strip mall in the Western 'burbs and walked to a Borders bookstore to hunt for the new Sports Illustrated. Wearing the pumps is quite enjoyable, the shiny faux croc print is really cool, the rounded toe makes the shoes comfortable to wear and the thicker, 4 1/2 heel makes a pleasantly sharp, loud sound on pavement, which is how I like my heels to sound as the pumps are easy to walk in, and that made me feel great.

Strolling through the bookstore, no one gave me the time of day, even though I stood out height-wise. Twenty minutes later, I was out the door, but instead of going home for lunch and NFL time, I had some spare time for a side trip to a larger nearby mall for a little wandering. Unlike King of Prussia, the Springfield Mall was smaller, and on a late Sunday morning, quiet in terms of crowds, so I was able to stroll through the mall and, of course, no one made an issue about the shoes I had on, the heels noticeably loud on the tile floor.

Overall, I was in that mall for a solid half hour before I decided to call it a day and head back home. Two outings on back to back days, not so much as a peep from bystanders, not that I expected any, still, it would've been nice for someone to ask about my footwear so I could engage in conversation. Oh, well, perhaps next time.

Two days in a row! You are inspiring to us all. I have not walked through a large busy mall yet, just some of the smaller ones. I love Borders, so that is my next goal to go in high heels.We all love the stories of your experiences. Please keep them coming, and all of us that wear high heels publicly will do the same. Thank you again.

danielp6406 · 20th October 2008, 00:44

Way to go JeffB and a very nice outfit

My next going out will be at the shopping mall but I don't have the "nerve" to do it yet...
If you have some courage to spare, maybe you could give me just a little bit of it ?

19th October 2008, 13:53	#1 (permalink)
JeffB I'm a Gold Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: United States Age: 51 Posts: 3,445 Thanks: 842 Thanked 807 Times in 340 Posts Blog Entries: 8 I am Male Rep Power: 45	The Jaunts of JeffB! 10/18/2008 While I don't get out in heels as much as I'd like, certainly not as much as, say, HappyFeat, but I'm doing what I can in my own way. In any event, I thought I'd start catalouging all my outings here, starting with a trip I took to the mall yesterday. This was pretty much a spur of the moment idea to go out since I haven't done so in a while (in fact, I can't remember the last time I went out), so I put together what I thought was a sharp looking outfit for my little trip to mall where I do the bulk of my heeling. Below is a picture of said outfit: http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...andlance-1.jpg A black leather jacket over a black turtleneck, jeans and, in something of a departure for me since I've never done this previously, black patent pumps. A couple of weeks ago, I bought a pair of Payless Lance Flex pumps which I think look super sharp, so I decided to wear them to the mall, something I've never done before. After arriving at the mall, it took a few minutes to muster up my courage before getting out of the car, and I found that humorously ironic. After all, prior to yesterday, I've been out and about in skirts, including a trip in one to New York City for Pete's sake, and yet, it took a wee bit of effort to expose myself to the world once again in women's shoes. Taking a few deep breaths, I left the car and went into the mall for my adventure. Being in the King of Prussia Mall, one of the largest malls on the East Coast and in the country, I was exposed to a huge crowd of people of all ages, as is my usual procedure, I walked through the mall at a slow, leisurely pace, standing tall, posture perfect, acting for all the world like I belonged there like everyone else. Given the length of my inseam, there was no doubt that people saw I was wearing pumps, but I didn't care. You see, you absolutely CANNOT wear high heels in public and worry about being seen. Like it or not, you WILL be seen, you WILL be stared at, you WILL get double takes and wide-eyed stares, you WILL be pointed at like an oddity, and, on occcasion, you WILL get snickers, giggles or chuckles. There's just no avoiding that. period! Lunch at the food court was a mob scene as it was crowded, but I remained calm, cool and collected as I stood in line at Chick-Fil-A for their chicken salad sandwich which I love. After getting my order, I went to a table to eat, sitting down, I'm sure everyone around me could see the heels, but I didn't care, I just took my time eating and enjoying my meal. This was followed by more strolling to my favorite places to shop, mainly for comics, books, magazines and DVD's, covering pretty much the entire length of the mall, and, for the most part, I went ignored, if anyone stared or gaped (and sure that was the case), I ignored them. At one point, I sat on a bench and crossed my legs (like a woman) so people could see my noticeably shiny pumps. I didn't care. After some three or four hours, I called it a day as I had to get back to the house to watch Penn State play Michigan. All in all, it was good outing, and an uneventual outing as well. It's not often I've gone out in pumps, but I must say it was a goodly amount of fun. __________________ Skirts and high heels: They're NOT just for women anymore! And yes, those are MY legs! Last edited by JeffB; 19th October 2008 at 18:01.

19th October 2008, 17:07	#2 (permalink)
Thighbootguy I'm a Gold Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ky, USA Age: 63 Posts: 1,770 Thanks: 188 Thanked 540 Times in 257 Posts I am Male Rep Power: 27	Great Thread! JeffB- I am looking forward to following this thread. The outfit looks great, as expected. I’m sure you know my recommendation before I say it but, for the rest of the community, it sure would look great with your thigh boots. Your comment “you absolutely CANNOT wear high heels in public and worry about being seen. Like it or not, you WILL be seen, you WILL be stared at, you WILL get double takes and wide-eyed stares, you WILL be pointed at like an oddity, and, on occasion, you WILL get snickers, giggles or chuckles. There's just no avoiding that. period!” is absolutely right on the mark. The rest of the advise is - so quit worrying about being seen and enjoy your heels! It is instructive to new heelers that even JeffB finds that “it took a few minutes to muster up my courage before getting out of the car.” And that you found it “humorously ironic” illustrates that you have both feet planted firmly on the ground (physically and metaphorically, even if they are in heels). Like I said, I am looking forward to following this thread. __________________ I have no expectations and I’m still disappointed.

19th October 2008, 17:50	#4 (permalink)
roniheels I'm a Gold Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: United States Age: 56 Posts: 3,926 Thanks: 700 Thanked 275 Times in 190 Posts I am Male Rep Power: 43	Re: The Jaunts of JeffB! Jeff... You are the man! I really liked the outfit you wore with your high heels. You looked great! And yes, I'm sure with a man your size seen in public wearing high heels, you will get some reactions. But I love your attitude and you like many others inspire all of us to wear high heels in public in many different places to enjoy all of the reactions we receive. Congratulations on your outing and best wishes on future outings.

19th October 2008, 18:35	#7 (permalink)
JeffB I'm a Gold Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: United States Age: 51 Posts: 3,445 Thanks: 842 Thanked 807 Times in 340 Posts Blog Entries: 8 I am Male Rep Power: 45	Re: The Jaunts of JeffB! 10/19/2008: A short outing to break in the Payless Jamie pumps I bought yesterday. Here's a couple of pics of my outfit: http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...andjamie-1.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...andjamie-2.jpg Black leather jacket over a gray turtleneck, jeans, off-black knee highs and the Jamie pumps. I motored a few miles to a small strip mall in the Western 'burbs and walked to a Borders bookstore to hunt for the new Sports Illustrated. Wearing the pumps is quite enjoyable, the shiny faux croc print is really cool, the rounded toe makes the shoes comfortable to wear and the thicker, 4 1/2 heel makes a pleasantly sharp, loud sound on pavement, which is how I like my heels to sound as the pumps are easy to walk in, and that made me feel great. Strolling through the bookstore, no one gave me the time of day, even though I stood out height-wise. Twenty minutes later, I was out the door, but instead of going home for lunch and NFL time, I had some spare time for a side trip to a larger nearby mall for a little wandering. Unlike King of Prussia, the Springfield Mall was smaller, and on a late Sunday morning, quiet in terms of crowds, so I was able to stroll through the mall and, of course, no one made an issue about the shoes I had on, the heels noticeably loud on the tile floor. Overall, I was in that mall for a solid half hour before I decided to call it a day and head back home. Two outings on back to back days, not so much as a peep from bystanders, not that I expected any, still, it would've been nice for someone to ask about my footwear so I could engage in conversation. Oh, well, perhaps next time. __________________ Skirts and high heels: They're NOT just for women anymore! And yes, those are MY legs!

19th October 2008, 21:36	#8 (permalink)
pumplover I'm a Silver Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: England Posts: 109 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts I am Male Rep Power: 5	Re: The Jaunts of JeffB! JeffB, you are the man! Being a huge pumplover myself, I would love to do what you are doing. However, unless I can beat my pride, I just cannot leave the house. Im not sure if things are different in the US to the UK, but no doubt as soon as I hit the streets in the UK, there will be camera phones targeting me from all directions.

20th October 2008, 00:44	#10 (permalink)
danielp6406 I'm a Gold Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 1,285 Thanks: 314 Thanked 392 Times in 276 Posts I am Male Rep Power: 14	Re: The Jaunts of JeffB! Way to go JeffB and a very nice outfit My next going out will be at the shopping mall but I don't have the "nerve" to do it yet... If you have some courage to spare, maybe you could give me just a little bit of it ?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Where is JeffB?	BobHH	Hellos, Goodbyes & Introductions	2	3rd January 2006 22:45