FastFreddy2

Just about all the shoes I couldn't (too small now) or wouldn't wear (heel too low or patent court) have gone. I've maybe 3 pairs worth very little, I could pass on and lose no sleep over it. Some I did well with, others - not so good. But I'm creating some space, and winning some brownie points for selling rather than buying. Mrs Freddy should do well when her shoes go up. She is happy to throw anything she doesn't like, so anything sold will be a step up from there. [Mostly unworn, or worn once - twice tops.] That aside, my visit wasn't very far from you. (Not looking to pass any further detail on you or him .... ) Don't think I've mentioned this place either. Perhaps I should?

Some related news ..... As before, 4 pairs sold, one pair returned. Looking at the purchase history of one of my bidders for boots I'd offered for sale, I made enquiries about size and fit of a style he had bought that I liked too. I arranged a 'try on' session, as my bidder was a helpful and pleasant owner. Although I posted his purchase before visiting, he wanted to return his purchase. I don't offer returns, but he wanted to return them anyway, and wasn't looking for a refund either? I said I would offer them to another bidder, and refund against the sale if the offer was taken up. [i didn't want to offer a refund at this time, though I hoped to be able to. I use expensive/safe carriage, and this formed 40% of the the purchase cost.] I met the buyer, who I can tell you, had a small but truly wonderful (and expensive) collection of high heeled boots. I tried on several pairs, and the one (really) expensive pair I'd like to own that I had travelled to see. [i have a plan....] Some of those I tried on, were too small for my host, and he gave them to me! Of course I was tempted to be coy, and refuse them, but ..... One pair almost fitted on shoe size, and another pair were just too nice to refuse! I accepted the gifts, which were offered to me because they needed to go to a good home. I was, and am, grateful. Not only did I take back the boots bought from me, I brought back 3 more pairs of thigh boots too. Consequently, I did a full refund on his original purchase. Another bidder took them immediately when I offered them, so I have still reduced my original wardrobe by one pair. Having had time to 'play' with the new acquisitions, I may not keep them. All three pairs are too large for me, though all 3 pairs were too small for the previous owner. Two pairs are not high enough either, if I'm honest. The third pair, which I really like, are patent. No walking out in those either. In fact they are so nice, even Mrs Freddy said; "They're pretty, it's a shame they don't fit me." Not had her in them yet, but I'll add a photo when I do. After the 'try-on' session, we went out for a very short walk, him in 6" heels, and me in the 5" heels I'd arrived in. Didn't go anywhere we would be seen, as I understand it was his first visit outside in heels. I'm hoping to meet up again, with maybe have a longer period out and about. If I sell the donations on, the money will go toward another pair of boots. [Hopefully the style I was shown during my visit, that are waaaaay outside my usual budget.] If we do meet again it would be nice to go out with me wearing 'silly high' heels that fit, and by way of showing my appreciation, take the donor out somewhere for him to wear his heels too. [On a practical note, he would not be able to drive in the boots he wore, and lacing them up in a car before a walk, just wouldn't be practical.] I suppose some will be wondering why the donation? Well, experience suggests that not everyone is happy to sell on auction sites. One of the buyers from the last group of 4 sold, has subsequently made his feedback [with purchasing history] private. This would be because he's bought some heels, and had feedback that ties the shoes to him, which he didn't want. Although I list privately, it is possible to find a purchase like these through feedback. Still not a problem, as long as no one mentions what the listing was for. For example: "Thanks for buying, I hope you enjoy the boots", tells a third party (wife/girlfriend) everything they need to know. And everything you may not want them to know ... So I was given the boots, because the alternative was possibly to throw them? Charity shops would have little use for a size UK9/UK10 thigh boot. [From a moral stand point, even though I'm sure they'd sell.] Either way I'm obliged for the gifts, and will do what I can to make good on the gesture. He's a nice person to talk to, and I'd welcome a second visit. Which brings me back to Thursdays visit. The fella I had a meet with several weeks ago, has tried to re-join, and as best I can tell has been waiting 2 weeks to get back in. Obviously new members not a priority? And after 2 weeks of waiting, I guess most would give up? He's still around though. I've had a lot of contact, and we are meeting again this Thursday. We have planned a 'walk about' around the shops in London. I will also be bringing the heels he bought off an auction site with me, that I agreed to have delivered to my address, so his purchase remained discreet. No issue with him wearing/owning heels, but volume of heels (ie budget), as with most of us, a whole different issue. It could/would be with Mrs Freddy too of course. She knows I've money invested in heels, but wisely doesn't care to ask. She's pleased I'm selling some on. Not for the [little] money it recovers, but for the space the sales produce. I don't know if it is 40 pairs of mine sold, but must be close. Including those sold for her too, it would be well over 40 pairs, with another 10 to 15 pairs between us to go. I've re-listed the expensive styles I didn't sell before, and again have many watchers with even more 'views'. Hopefully, the watchers will become bidders. .....

I'd be impressed if he was looking to wear 6" Stripper Grade heels for a 12 hour shift in a pub. There is a reasonable argument for not wearing heeled shoes anywhere in the work place due to H+S concerns, and I do know of at least one retail store that has a [global] limit on the heel worn by its employees. I also know (and have mentioned before) it's a rule not rigidly enforced, especially with the Beauty and Cosmetics staff. :-o In my past (long) working life I've been a union shop steward, a staff rep. I've a couple of management diploma's, and have run a couple of small company's. "No" isn't a word I've been trained to use either side of the discussion table. There's little to differentiate between an apparently safe 2 inch heel, and inappropriate 3 inch heel as construction, fit and design will be more import. In this instance I'm not nor likely to be, privy to detail. This isn't so important I'll be losing any sleep over it, but the opportunity for some sexual equality in the work place, has been lost. I would have been a lot happier [and optimistic] if word had it the fella was now wearing a moderately heeled clog or mule when behind the bar. That said, I've seen plenty of dropped bottles and broken glass behind bars, so maybe a moderately heeled boot would have been my targeted compromise. But how far should the H+S ethic go? Reinforced toe capped boots only? They would certainly be the most appropriate choice given the working environment.... But mostly I've seen lightweight sandals in use. I would wager that no-one would be stopped from wearing flip-flops in this sort of environment. Hence my line of thinking going down the discriminatory route. H+S could be the reason for the refusal, but I suspect it isn't. Sadly. And again, I'd always be looking for a compromise. Happy staff work better. ....

I too enjoy walking in heels, and maybe it's the thing I enjoy most about them. Sure I like a high heel, and a shoe or boot with a nice shape, but the best bit is the walking in them. When leaving a part-time job around 2 or 3 years ago, often at 2 or 3am, I would use the longest/quietest route home I could. The walk just a little short of 2 miles. Bliss! At the time I'd gotten fairly fit I was walking so much, and may explain the slender shape of himself [blacksheep] in his pictures? Not only the bravest here, but the fittest too?

Don't get 'miffed' very often but had a short conversation tonight that I found quite irritating. A relative of a friend of mine runs a pub. One of his staff is not only openly gay, but does like to camp it up a bit. I mention this, because it means none of the regulars are ignorant to his lifestyle. Apparently, he was at Gay-Pride, dressed up [i believe in a dress] and more importantly, in high heels. If I have it right, he showed some pictures around the bar some days after the event. There were no comments passed to me, that any of the regulars were offended by this. Seems the fella then asked the boss, if he could wear heels behind the bar. "No" was the answer. I'm not sure this reply is even legal [discriminatory], unless ALL staff are banned from wearing heels at work, which seems unlikely. It would seem he was refused because it wasn't deemed 'appropriate'. Since no-one gives a monkeys about the gay/dress bit, how can wearing heels be less socially acceptable? I used to frequent a computer component retailer not that far from where I used to live. I once watched a fella of truck driver statue, come in wearing make-up and long hair, to buy some parts. I don't remember anyone even taking a second look. (Other than me. ) Around 6 months later, the same person was working behind the counter. Still with make-up, still looking like a tattoo'd lorry driver which they might well have been, in a previous existence. Again, no-one took a second look. No-one cracked a joke [ie made sarcastic remark] and from what I could tell, no-one was much interested. And why should we be? So I'm upset with this pub-manager. If he didn't live so far away, I'd put him on my 'banned' list.

Again, not how it would have gone over here. "Oi mate! D'ya know you put ya girlfriends shoes on this morning?" Already been said a couple of times, but you are probably the bravest person here. Keep up the good work!

With the new season styles about to come on stream, I'd suggest you hold off for a bit. I'm with other responders, the heels would be much more attractive if they were black. If you were to paint them, or have them painted/coloured, I think they'd look a lot more 'subtle'. Over here. men don't tend to wear suede shoes ... And I've bought/returned well priced/attractive shoes in black suede, because they looked too dark? [if that makes any sense?] That said, I do like the look of black suede and can understand why you find them attractive. I'd still suggest holding off for a couple of weeks, unless they are on sale and getting low on your size. In which case you'll have to follow your heart and buy them.

The Olympus Tough 820 has been reduced in price to £219-95. On paper at least, this is the camera that ticks all the boxes. Waterproof, so no extending lens. Works in low light [iSO 6400, though 3mb picture at that rating.] And if I buy at the right store. it comes with a 2 year warranty. Done deal?

Think the mystery is solved ...... As a reminder, shyguys' Charlotte Olympia photo >> Clicky << Opening scene, screen captured shot from my Bicester video. ["Last minute meetings" thread] >> Clicky << Name over the shop front now is Havaianas. The flip-flop [beach shoe] company.

The Bicester visit... We arrived at Bicester, a little later than planned as the Navigator [Mrs Freddy] kept being distracted by the Driver. [Me.] Consequently, we took one or two wrong turnings getting there. Plus, we stopped for 15-20 minutes to look around a motorbike garage that was open, which we passed and returned to. I'm almost in the market for a bike, but not for £10,000 I'm not. It was a was a warm sunny day, perfect for shopping outside. We arrived and found a car space in a good position quite quickly. We walked into the shopping 'street' by walking through a Coffee/Sandwich shop. As soon as I walked into the place I got noticed by a large lady sat between us and the exit opposite. I'm pretty sure she didn't stop looking at my shoes the whole time I walked past. Rude? At the time, I was glad I hadn't put on my higher heels. We walked through and into the street proper. Here is a very short video, showing the scene. >> << Fortunately most of the shops were open until 7pm, which meant that we got to visit all of those that were of interest. [Meaning, every shop that had anything to do with woman's clothes or shoes.] I tried to take discreet photo's with Mrs Freddy's new inexpensive camera, with mixed success. As the front lens extends a little, it was important I was careful if I took a photo of someone other than us. We visited many shops, and one of note was Versace. Mrs Freddy tried on and was quite determined to buy, some white sandals reduced to £60. However, being a UK7 they were a size too large and try as she might, they just wouldn't stay on. Another pair I liked were reduced from £1700, down to £700. there weren't many places with that sort of pricing level, but there was enough for me to realise I probably wouldn't be spending any money there. Summer isn't a great time for me buying the style of footwear I can wear out, but Mrs Freddy will buy anything she likes, especially if it's a bargain. With one exception [Versace sandals] neither of us saw anything we wanted to own. We even spent some time in Vivienne Westwood at 6.45pm, with herself trying a dress and top in an effort to spend money, but we still left empty handed. Whilst it was a nice day out for us both, I have my doubts we will visit again. There was a time when this sort of place was the only venue for seriously reduced prices. High street brands, my usual choice, often come with 'outlet' sections these days. Almost every one of the larger Marks and Spencer has one for example. Other brands often have a 'clearance' section where items are sold at significantly lower prices to get them out of the door. M+S and New Look, now make sure they stay out by having a No-Returns-Policy on goods sold in this way. One of the male staff in Dior looked to be wearing a ladies slipper, but other than that, I saw no other men in heels. Even the lady shoppers, came in flats. The few exceptions, I tried to 'snap'. Photo's: The Freddies footwear. Mrs Freddy trying in some ornate but pretty shoes: One Two Three. Another girl in the same store: Trying a heel (who also came in flat sandals.) While those not in heels mostly wore wedges ..... One lady in a court shoe. Wedge 1 Wedge 2 Wedge 3 - Two images of the same (stunning) girl. Really high shoes too. Before leaving we had an almost mandatory sandwich from Pret A Manger. We sat in the last of the sunshine, with my heels on show to people either side of us. It wasn't until we were about to get in the car, my heels got looked at by a store employee leaving her place of work by the store rear door. By this time I had spent almost 4 hours walking around in them, and had gotten a lot less self-conscious. It had much less impact, than being spotted on my arrival. We'll go back, but maybe next year? ......

Indeed it does, thank you. For my part, the report reads as a horror story. Thankfully it's in your past, but I'm sure a memory that must send a shudder down body every time you recall it. Running the event through my mind certainly produced that effect on me. Frightening.

A constant worry for me. That said, I have a (continuing) problem getting pictures of myself (and others) in heels, so I'm hoping the difficulty involved means possible 'snappers' are not going to be successful. Given the light levels in your picture, getting a photo of you in boots even at distance, would not have been difficult at all. While not being ironic, you are a trendsetter, and maybe should expect to be 'snapped' while carving your way as a fashion statement. As we've both said, you are a brave man. Keep up the good work.

Image quality is excellent, with the background less distracting than some others photo's, and looks to be quite a pleasant place to be at. The whole outfit/ensemble works well together. The colours and shapes all compliment. Not sure about the camera case? Being held like a handbag ... But the whole outfit really does work. If you went out walking dressed with boots on the outside of your jeans as your picture, you are a braver fellow than me. A write up of your 'adventure' or time out, would be very welcome.

Read that way makes grammatical sense, but suggests E had her good leg broken? I thought it was two separate remarks because of the line break?

None of us have small enough feet, though HH4evr1 tells me he has a UK6 (W). I would be very happy to have the same size.

I'm always happy to be near water. A Marina sounds great, so much to stimulate the senses. Usually comes with long flat areas for moving boats and people around. Perfect for wearing heels of any [sensible] height. A cafe of waterside bar, great for people watching as they stroll past. Every person telling their unique story by their walk and attire. Sometimes from who they have as company, or from their choice of pet they might be out walking. Not understanding this though? Unless it meant a slippery or uneven surface caused a mishap?

Possibly this was one you had in mind? >> Blogspot <<

Tried on a pair of courts at Zara today. Only EU41 size in the styles I liked available: While they were an EU41, I wouldn't consider them to be a UK8. Zara, along with Dune and Topshop would say it was an 8. NEXT, Marks and Spencer, ASDA, Tesco would all say a 41 was a UK7. I could get my foot in the shoe, but it wouldn't be comfortable to wear, so the £60 shoe stayed in the shop. In the numbers game, we are not (yet) significant enough to cater for. I think the mainland Europeans have smaller feet than us Brits. Maybe we ran around in bare feet for longer, I couldn't say. The result of this is, the larger Central and Eastern European [Japanese, Chinese, South American] markets don't need the larger sizes us well fed western Europeans need. Seems that here in the UK, some popular budget lines are available in [real] UK8's, and some styles even go to UK9's. I added a link elsewhere for a source of trendy styles, at street prices, with shoes styles up to a UK10. The tide is turning, though slowly.... .....

Class!

Not finished editing the few pictures I got at Bicester, so 'report' still on the To Do List. Got to provide an entertainment day for my 'walking in heels' girlfriend. Lakeside Shopping Mall is looking attractive. Free parking all day, lots of shops. Likely to be a bit of a childrens playground during the day as schools are still off, but I would wear my lower [4" heel] Harley D boots anyway. Plan B would be an afternoon trip to London. £10 congestion charge, and a drive around finding a suitable parking space. Sounds like an easy choice when I write about it this way... But London 30 miles, Lakeside 50, and most of the Lakeside trip is on the M25. The UK's longest/largest car park. Decisions, decisions ....

So ..... no sales today then? I'll just have to play with my Cinderella shoes on my own ....

Still too much money. I could afford a picture of them though ....

I'm obviously labouring a point here ...... 3 uploaded on 21st May. All jeans over boots. 2 uploaded on 22nd May. 1 off jeans over sandals. 1 off jeans over courts. 1 uploaded 12th August. 1 off jeans inside boots. 6 in total. So I can only see the one recently uploaded image, of the jeans tucked into boots? Am I seeing all there is to see? (Someone please? ) .....

Just read in one of the Sony user forums, they are not going to release the TX200V in Europe. Are they nuts? Available on an auction site, grey imported from abroad ..... At around £300 which is a good price. But ..... If it goes wrong? Looks like the Olympus Tough 820 or 620 it is then. Was at Bicester yesterday. Taking photo's inside shops was almost impossible. Light levels not great [auto-focussing difficult.] Security people watching your every move. Probably not a stopper, but made me feel uncomfortable. Me in heels as a kick-start to that feeling. Very few shop windows with products in them. Didn't see the Charlotte Olympia shop. It's not on the hardcopy shop listing we picked up. Not mentioned on-line either, but it's plainly there somewhere? Full report on "Meetings" thread.

6 pictures in total, found in gallery. No new ones, except the one 'jeans inside boots' piccy uploaded on the 12th of August? " a couple of pics of my older calf length stiletto heed boots worn with trousers inside my boots" I can only see the one? I'll have another look. P.S. Nope. 1 picture of jeans in boots? As long as I can see everything that's there, I'm good. But reads like there should be more, and I can't see it?