Oaktown Traveler (way back up the thread) sounds EX-a-ctly like my American friend who's lived in Switzerland for 20 years now, regarding the need for professional pedicures, horny ole feet, etc.

Separately, in my experience shaving select body parts does not necessarily signal well cared for feet. There's some incredibly groomed Euro-women who do not shave under there arms, for example.

Stevie: You appear to have plenty of spine when you are anonymous why don`t we agree to meet and we will see who wets their pants. Bigotry seems to be one your character traits I would bet cowardice isn`t far behind.

Capo--you continue to crack me up :-)

Thanks to every respondent for your well-meaning advice (and this doesn't apply to you snotty respondents). Regardless of what anyone else has said about the sincere advice each of you has given, I'm more prepared to consider my fashion and shoe options than I was before asking. I've obtained a decent list of shoes to consider as well as a lot of thinking points about being comfortable being myself wherever I am based on what you've said. I feel like I've gotten to know several of your personalities just a little and I'm looking forward to reading more of your insights in other areas. Thanks for helping me maintain cuteness and comfort, along with my sense of humor. I had lots of good laughs with you (and some AT you).

It was fun, amy, and I hope your write when you come back and tell us all about your trip (which will no doubt be wonderful) and what you wore :)
Ciao~

Buon viaggio Amy...September is a perfect month to travel..
The weather is great, still very sunny, but not hot, and less people around also..
The kids are making themselves ready for school and many family are back home from their summer holidays..

Also you have time to learn enough italian to go by, unless of course you already know the language..

Dont forget to bring a small dictionary and remember when you need help in finding something, have your most sunny smile ready..it always works..
ciao,
Kismet

I've found that the best way to determine dress for a vacation in Europe is to check out the clothing and shoes in a foreign film. The most informative is that wonderful opus by Pierre Leconte - "Ridicule".

If I may steal from Janet Maislin's review in the NY Times:
-----------
Among the film's more piquant historical touches are a scene in which deaf-mutes mocked by these aristocrats wind up having the last laugh, and another in which a visit is paid to the French court by an American Sioux warrior, whose regalia is duly criticized. ''And yet, he almost makes us look ridiculous,'' one of the film's foppish characters observes. No one really listens.
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Ahhh...

Your typing fingers are crossed and the girlish giggles, taunting and the school yard games continue.

So...as for your heartfelt and sincere apologies to me...I accept them in the exact same spirit that you offered them...

I say, let's kiss and make up!!!

I have turned around...

You may start the kissing now!

actually, I just bought a pair of Born shoes - very comfy & dependable when flying. the last thing you want is a Choo or Manolo spikey heel getting caught under the rudder pedal! holy canoli, can you say uncoordinated turn? talk about putting yourself into a spin!

then again, it's hard to be fashionable when you have 100LL running down your arm. peee-ew!!