Morning all! <BR><BR>Leanore, I have no idea about the prices of shoes in the US, so can't compare. I'd bring some comfortable shoes and have a look when in Italy. <BR><BR>Not sure, we have the same brands here, but I do love Tod's. They are expensive, but worth every cent. Check the prices in the US and then in Italy. If they are cheaper over here, go ahead.<BR>As for other brands, Hogan's are very comfortable and trendy over here, alhtough not exactly loafers, but good shoes for long strolls. Guess, they are made in the US, so probably no interest to buy them here.<BR><BR>Prada shoes (mostly kind of bowling shoes) are very hip, but I am not really a Prada-type. I don't care about them. <BR>I prefer to buy what I really like and matches with my personal style and not what is particularly fashionable.<BR><BR>For more classical loafers, go for Ferragamo or Magli.<BR>The latter is not that much into loafers though, a bit too classic for my taste.<BR><BR>Other than that, you'll find tons on non-brands in various colours in Italy, cheaper and as comfortable and stylish as all the expensive labels.<BR><BR>And I agree with Uncle Sam, a strand of pearls is always nice. Kind of understatement!

Yeah, and a twin set to go with it. <BR><BR>

AH well, forget that odd Uncle Sam Leanore, just remember that you and I will have fun when you don that thong and we retire to our trapeze equipped suite in the Ritz in Paris...oh my God just the thought of it causes my heart to race...come on Leanore you hot mama you sultry kitten, join me in Paris and we can indulge in some real French tickling!

Of course this negates the slut factor of a tart in tight capris,low cut tight top,high heels and Pearls???<BR><BR>Or short shorts , halter top with high heels and Pearls???<BR><BR>Or how about a short tight red dress,stiletto heels, and Pearls?

A string of pearls and nothing else!

What is all this "dressed like sluts" business? <BR><BR>It's fine to object to people dressed in a manner you find unattractive and inappropriate, but surely you don't really think that dress is a reliable predictor of behaviour - or even an indication of intention? Many of the people wearing super-skimpy clothes, either in Europe or in the USA, are doing it because (1) they can't afford or don't know where to buy decent clothes, (2) they're young and want to wear what's cheap and trendy - some want to experiment with this type of look and see how far they can go. Some even think it makes them look older (which also has a utilitarian purpose in getting them into venues where they'd normally be turned away). (3) Most importantly, sometimes, it's far too hot to wear a lot of clothes. <BR><BR>On a personal note re (3) ... if I had a dollar for every yahoo in Northern California who whistles and yells cr*p at me because I'm walking down the street wearing a tank top and a relatively short skirt which I am not holding down with both hands, I'd be rich. (I am not talking about tight or see-through clothing, or anything which shows one's underwear - I'm talking about perfectly normal lightweight summer clothing which predictably enough happens to show a fair amount of non-erogenous skin.) I'm not going to put on long pants and a jacket just because idiots abound, so think twice about your own prudery before you have a fit about what other people are wearing. Normally, they are not thinking about you - lasciviously or otherwise - at all.

E-ask Uncle Sam,he is the one fixated on SLUTS!

Methinks that Uncle Sam is a slut!

congrats, you permitted Sam to establish the agenda for most of your discussion. you did you say you wanted him to depart. i'm confused. appears one or two may even be trying to appease him - foolish? his idea of style comes from a comic book - what he says about his wife, it's embarrassing, and I wish her all the luck she'll need being married to him, if she exists, which I have some doubts about. his style and tone are neanderthal, but he apparently isn't shy in the least. if he's stirring things up, they must be in some sad state. why don't you ignore him next time?

.... sigh, -- yes, Uncle Sam is from the great republic of Tejas. I shudder to think I may share the same space. US--you're not a Big D man, are ya?<BR><BR>

lord, don't talk to the nut - he'll go away, maybe. Hopefully. Where did he come from, he never travels.

x,<BR><BR>Interesting, you disagree with me and therefore I must be a nut that never travels.<BR><BR>Well, I may be a nut, the votes are currently being counted...but I do travel!<BR><BR>Have been to Scotland, England, Holland, Belguim, Luxemburg, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Lichtenstein, Czech Republic, and Slovack Repubic.<BR><BR>Your turn, where have you been outside of maybe Newark or Miami?<BR><BR>US<BR><BR>

RnR said,<BR><BR>"what he says about his wife, it's embarrassing, "<BR><BR>This was embarrassing?<BR><BR>"Sexy is the woman herself not the clothes. My wife in jeans and sweatshirt is sexier than some slut wannabe walking down the streets of Paris because my wife has looks, substance soul and class!"<BR><BR>Guess what nimrod, most of the women on this board would love to have a faithful (married for 29 years)husband willing to say that their wife looks sexy in jeans and a sweatshirt and that she has substance, calss and soul!<BR><BR>US <BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Well, congrats on 29 of bliss, Sam - and may you have many more. But, embarrasing: using your wife as a verbal blunt instrument in some meaningless harrange about wannabe sluts and the like - in a discussion of clothing! I find that strange. If you respect your wife, why don't leave her out of the tirade.

hi, Sammy - i've been all your places too - lots of times. plus all the other continents you so casually omitted - which i think i'll simply assume you've never visited. oh, newark and miami are good too. just a question: did you get to all those on one of those rick steves 10-day super trips - you know it's tuesday morning, it must be ..., it's tuesday noon, it must be ... you get the idea. worldwind traveller.

Good point, RnR. Some men like to wear their wives on their sleeve, calling them their "bride" after 30 years of marriage, etc. Or, like you say, using her as a blunt instrument (good description) to hit a point. <BR>Just because he thinks his wife looks sexy no matter what, he shouldn't use her to make the point that all other women are sluts if not dressed to his standards. Maybe they just have no taste, or poor taste, or different taste in clothes, and are perfectly decent women.

x,<BR><BR>No darlin, planned them all with my wife's help.<BR><BR>But your comment about Rick Stevs does say a lot about you..travel snob!<BR><BR>US

"he shouldn't use her to make the point that all other women are sluts if not dressed to his standards."<BR><BR>Can any of you people read???<BR><BR>I did not say that all other women are sluts because they are not dressed to my standards.<BR><BR>What is this 4th graders day on the net?<BR><BR>US

"My wife in jeans and sweatshirt is sexier than some slut wannabe walking down the streets of Paris because my wife has looks, substance soul and class!""<BR> <BR>Now how do you come to the opinion that the woman walking down the street is a slut wannabe? <BR>Because of her looks that don't meet your standards. You know nothing about the woman's morals.

Face it Sam, you stuck your size 11 foot in your size 14 mouth.<BR><BR>and while you are upset at someone calling you a nut,who are you calling 4 year olds?<BR><BR>Quit while you are behind.