RW's at 40+

[Turboguy]

Not really, class and sophistication is not just like beauty.  It's a more universally understood quality.   A sane person who lives in a double-wide does not think it's a grand house, he knows it's really a just trailer house.  T/G, you can continue to fool yourself as long as you want to, however, you will always strike me as a double-wide kinda guy.  Lost and confused, with no idea about what class and sophistication really means.  Your posts here reveal much.  But it's not your fault, you are conditioned by your social environment to think that way.  No matter how successful your business is, you will always be "small town".  Your Wal-Mart shoes say everything.

Actually jb I look at double wides about the way you look at WalMart shoes.  jb, if I felt like wearing $ 300 euro shoes I could buy a 100 pair tomorrow without putting a dent in my bank account.  Well, maybe a little dent.  

Class is not the same thing to all people.   Some people consider someone to have class if they live in a big house and drive a fancy car.  That person could really be in hock up to his ears and really have no net worth.   Some people consider someone who treats others badly and looks down on people as having no class.  That is actually a very common interpretation and has nothing to do with lifestyle.  

KenC said class and sophistication were the key things he was looking for.  That is fine.  As David said we are all different.  To me those were low on my list of priorities.  They are also low on my list of life goals.

I set my own standards for my life.  I am quite happy just the way I am.  I don't need "things" to make me happy.  I don't need to have the best of everything to give me a feeling of self worth.  As it is, I can do whatever I choose.  I can travel as much as I want.  I can buy anything I want and pay cash.  I don't own anyone anything.  No loans, no mortgages, no business debt, no credit card debt and a nice comfortable net worth.  I have a business I really enjoy that has been quite successful.  

The same thing applies to my ideas of myself as a person.  I am quite happy with who I am.  I try to treat people well, to be helpful to be a good person and if someone doesn't like it, tough.  That is their problem.  

When I think back to it, the most expensive shoes I ever bought make me laugh a bit when I think back on it.  Two weeks after I bought them they fell apart.  I took them back to the shoe store and complained.  They said "Oh, you probably wore them outside.  These shoes are designed to be worn in an office with carpet."  They did finally give me another pair which also fell apart in two weeks.   Actually I find the WalMart shoes far better than the Nike's and other name brands I have bought at 4 times the price or so.

PS.  I just glanced at the posts that were made while I was typing this and the ones that fell apart in two weeks were Florsheims, just for the record. 

[David1963]

Not really, class and sophistication is not just like beauty.  It's a more universally understood quality.   

Class and sophistication span economical lines.  I find that more people who have money or some form of status look down on those who don't, not publicly of course but in their circles, more often than someone from a lower economical standard looking down on those below them.  I also see that more people in the lower economic level are more willing to help or give than those above them.

What has that to do with RW over 40, my impression is that they are more giving and less snobby than the younger ones.

Your Wal-Mart shoes say everything.

Not as much as this quote.  Note the above comment.

[Louie]

    Hey Ken,

     I have been to that outlet store many times, I do believe it to be in Cabazon!

[ConnerVT]

(I wear them because I need a EEE fitting not because they're "medium priced, semi-dressy")   

It's been said that the first thing RW look at is a man's shoes.  Don't worry, the RW will love you!  After all, you know what they say, "Big feet... Big shoes..."   

[Kuna]

It's been said that the first thing RW look at is a man's shoes.  Don't worry, the RW will love you!  After all, you know what they say, "Big feet... Big shoes..."   

hahaha...  It's a MYTH damn it!   

Seriously though... I'm happy to be judged on shoes etc...  I'm a bit of a pedantic bugger when it comes to shoes, nails, etc. 

27 days to go...   

[CaptB]

jb,

I don't think Iolani ever went to Tver. He did look at the website before I left and said....."can you go out with this woman on the LTP site......for "me". I said "sure".....and had her contacted before my trip. She was actually my first date the day I arrived. I arrived in Tver at 5:00 pm......and my interpretertold me I had a date with her at 8:00 pm. A model, a cheerleader.....a doll......all rolled into one. But at dinner.......I was'nt impressed. She was rough.....no manners.....there for the meal. I hoped things would be better on my visit. The next day......thankfully it was. I met four gorgeous, intelligent, funny, educated women......
aged 34 - 38. Areally good day!

Iolani.....if you remember his TR........was primarilly going to St. Pete to visit an RW. She was beautiful........but no chemistry. She insisted they stick to their plans and see the sites etc. Basically she was unhappy......and complained about absolutely....everything! She did'nt like the food.....did'nt like the flowers......did'nt like his suit. Actually she reminded me very much of a doctor one of your friends used to date.........in Moscow Finally.....after about five days together.......he told her he had had enough of her BS. He thanked for her time.....called his back-up plan in Moscow.....and departed that day. Something I......er......your friend...... should have done with the doc in St. Pete.

He met "N" (his back-up plan) in Moscow that evening. She was attractive, happy to see him, friendly, outgoing........they hit it off as friends first. But somewhere along the way he became hooked.......and so did she. They have been married now for quite a few years.....with a child or two. Thank god........for a back-up plan.........you'll never know.


Capt B

[Gator]

T/G,

I hope Santa brings you a good pair of shoes.

You perhaps spent more on shoes than I did over the past 10 years (excluding golf shoes and including podiatry services).  I spent $125 on Ecco (for Russia), $60 on two pairs of Crocs (great for Florida), and $100 to have three pairs of Church’s re-soled.   I think I buy shoes as per KenC’s and JB’s quote of Russian saying.  The mattress is another item where it pays to not be frugal.

[Gator]

KenC and JB,

You both mentioned about not buying cheap.  I marvel at how RW shop.  I usually go to a store I trust, and shop by brand, color and style.  RW are a light year past me.  First, they trust few stores.  They of course consider color and style, yet they examine material (not just that it is wool but quality of wool), engineering, quality of construction (stitching, etc.), …everything.  They look for things for which I have no clue.   When you have little money you need to exercise care. 

Maybe it is just the two RW with whom I went shopping:  one a fashion model for 14 years) and the other studied fashion.  Yet, when with other RW/UW, I have seen them exercise great care on small purchases.

[viking]

Perhaps we can start a new topic on shoes and people with foot fetishes.

[Gator]

Viking,

In this thread "shoes" have been a surrogate for something larger.  And yes, we have said enough on shoes.

Foot fetishes would be cool.  Now that Albert has left, is there anyone with any knowledge on the subject.

[jb]

Gator,

You have just described my wife's shopping habits.  She buys clothes with an eye for wearing them for several years.

Guys, I don't brag about the cost of my footwear, like kuna mentioned, I have to have a EEE wide, my foot looks more like a swim fin.  I'd be crippled trying to wear an off the shelf cheap shoe from Wal-Mart.   Mostly I wear boots.  Several pairs I've had for 10 or more years and when they require attention I take them to a boot maker and have them repaired.  A decent handmade boot will cost between $500-600.
http://www.affordablewesternwear.com/product_info.php/products_id/13941   Lucchese is a San Antonio bootmaker and I've been wearing his boots for the past 30 years, before that it was Tony Lama.

It's not a fetish to want to be comfortable.  If my feet are hurting, I'm miserable all over.

[Turboguy]

T/G,

I hope Santa brings you a good pair of shoes.

That would be nice, hopefully he will get the same kind WalMart sells.  I would be very disappointed if he brought me a pair of Lucchese boots.  I like my feet to be comfortable.

I think foot fetishes sounds like a great topic.

I agree with you on matresses.   

[Gator]

Okay Viking, back to 40+ women, makeup and photos. 

The most revealing photos are casual, untouched photos taken in the bright sun with eyes squinting.

This 40+ woman has some makeup as seen in the winter photo, yet she knows the “natural look” is fashionable – no pancaking (which would be evident in direct sun) and minimal eyeliner.   





The second photo is with no makeup, not even a smear of eyeliner – she has just washed her face (notice the water droplet from her chin).  This woman is fabulous without makeup in my opinion, but some men will want makeup.  My ex-fiancee (who looked great without makeup) is disagreeing with her new boyfriend who wants her to wear heavy eyeliner to show her beautiful eyes.

[/flash]

[jb]

I would be very disappointed if he brought me a pair of Lucchese boots.

See how you are?

What you don't know is that a pair of well made boots feel like you are walking around in house slippers all day.  I have a couple of pairs of oxfords, brown and black, but rarely wear them, I'm a lot happier in a boot.

On matresses. I recommend the Simmons Beautyrest.  I'm camped out in a motel now and awaken every morning with a stiff back.  It's a terrible bed.

Gator,

That is simply a stunning woman.  I love that impish grin in pic #2

[Louie]

JB I agree she is beautiful, and picture #2 is my favorite too, Talking about mattress's I bought a Custom Comfort there hand made here locally in Laguna Beach, and like your boots there is no substitute for quality, I didn't like the mattress at first and complained, the owner called me and i told him I wish it was a little firmer in the middle ( I've had 2 back surgeries) but liked the way the rest of the mattress felt, this man sent his drivers over picked up my mattress put stiffer springs in the center portion, and delivered it back to me, No charge! how about that for customer service, oh and the mattress is like sleeping on a cloud

[jb]

( I've had 2 back surgeries)

Ouch~!

[KenC]

Class and sophistication span economical lines. 

I agree completely.  A person doesn't need to be wealthy to have class or sophistication.
 

I find that more people who have money or some form of status look down on those who don't, not publicly of course but in their circles, more often than someone from a lower economical standard looking down on those below them. 

Unfortunately this is true in some cases and I believe it to be human nature.  It isn't only the rich looking down though.  It is the middle class that is looking down on the poor too.  There is a whole pecking order to this.  people tend to judge others by what they hold most importantt.  If money and wealth is important to you (as it seems in your case) then you will tend to think yourself better than those that have less and be jealous of those with more. 
 

I also see that more people in the lower economic level are more willing to help or give than those above them.

I idsagree with this.  Charitable people come from all economic backgrounds

What has that to do with RW over 40, my impression is that they are more giving and less snobby than the younger ones.

Wrong conclusion, sorry. An older woman (especially from the city) will have been exposed to much more through her life experiences and will tend to be more discriminating in her tastes and less likely to be impressed with minor improvements in her lifestyle.

Not as much as this quote.  Note the above comment.

There is nothing wrong with people on a budget trying to save money by shopping at discount stores.  Been there done that.  But there is a word to describe a successful business owner with a great balance sheet and income statement shopping for shoes at Walmart: CHEAP!  Turbo is a paradox in his spending habits for sure.  He will throw tens of thousands of dollars jetting back and forth to Russia, yet won't buy a decent pair of shoes.  God bless him, but it isn't how I  or many others would do it.
KenC

[Turboguy]

there is a word to describe a successful business owner with a great balance sheet and income statement shopping for shoes at Walmart: CHEAP!  Turbo is a paradox in his spending habits for sure.  He will throw tens of thousands of dollars jetting back and forth to Russia, yet won't buy a decent pair of shoes.  God bless him, but it isn't how I  or many others would do it.
KenC

OK, well, let me backtrack a little.  For the first half of my working life I had to "dress up" for my job.  Everyday was suit, tie, nice dress shoes etc.   I rather enjoy not having to do that any more so the shoes I am talking about are ones the FSU's call "sports shoes"  To be quite honest if I find shoes that are name brand that look better, wear better of last longer I will buy them.  I have had my share of Nike's etc.   I don't find that at all.  A big part of what you pay for Nike's shoes are to pay for advertising to see them on Michael Jordan's foot.   The WalMart shoes likely come down the same line, are made of the same materials and last every bit as long.  Actually I find them to be better.

Perhaps someone who shops at WalMart is cheap but considering it is the most popular shopping destination in the world and the prices are often 40% below what you pay elsewhere (I could site a lot of examples) anyone who has only been in a WalMart two times in his life is either a. stupid, b. wasteful or c.  hates shopping and never goes in any stores.

I spend my money where it is important to me.   The shoes I wear when I mow my grass or go to my office are not important to me.   My trips to see VWRW and anything relating to her are important to me.   We all have priorities and shoes for everyday wear are not one of mine.

I guess here could be something said for my spending ideas being a little different though.  I have mentioned part of this before but I actually paid more for the TV in the living room of my house than I did for the whole house.   I had said a long time ago that I bought my house for $ 3900.00.   That really wasn't true.  It was really $ 3100.00 plus $ 800 to transfer the deed.   I got a heck of a buy and it is a nice house.   Don't picture me living in a shack.  I am not.

[vwrw]

From KenC:
Lena leans over and tells me that "if that %#*&# (woman) looks at you again, I am going to %$#@#  her ass"  Huh?  BTW, the "other" woman was 20 years older than Lena and rather plain looking, but was paying a little too much attention to our table

KenC, if you consider it is a class and sophistication woman’s behavior then I am proud I am not class and sophistication. I prefer to be lady everywhere and always.

From KenC:
Turbo is a paradox in his spending habits for sure.

KenC, I open a secret for you the most I like Turbo beside me without any clothes and shoes. Maybe now it will be not paradox for you why Turbo do not care what shoes he wears. KenC,You see  if person himself is a brilliant he does not need expensive things to feel self – worthy.

[jb]

Oh,,, I dunno,,, I guess I'd rather be judged by the company I keep and the quality of the whiskey I drink, than by the cost of my clothes.

[viking]

Old saying

A man is judged by his clothes when he walks into a room and by his words when he leaves.

Didn't Gandhi wear cheap sandals? (this should create some conversation).

[Turboguy]

I think VWRW gets my vote for best post of the thread.   I will also add that she has always been totally a lady anytime she has been with me.  Well, perhaps there are some times that she has been totally a woman too.   I would be quite surprised to hear something like Ken's wife said come from her.

Oh,,, I dunno,,, I guess I'd rather be judged by the company I keep and the quality of the whiskey I drink, than by the cost of my clothes.

jb, I think perhaps I need to change my opinion of you.  To me you seemed like someone who is very intelligent but looks down on other people a lot.   I am not sure exactly what you meant by the quality of the company you keep.  Perhaps you meant the 65 Mexicans there with you now or perhaps you mean the company of people you keep company with on the interenet, like me, VWRW, Alfie, El Rock, PG etc.   One way or the other it is nice that you feel that way.

Nice comment Viking.  Lotta truth in it.

[jb]

T/G,

If you had any friends as good as my 65 Mexicans you'd be lucky.

You forgot to ask about what kind of whiskey I drink.

[Turboguy]

Sorry for the oversight jb.   I am not sure I would know a good whisky from a bad one but just in case I ever need the name of a good one I will ask you.   Actually I am not much of a drinker.  I did have a couple at our company Chirstmas party Saturday which were the first since the same party last year.   

If I had to guess what you drank, I would say Jim Bean (or is it Beam)  since they call it JB.

[jb]

Actually, I wouldn't serve Jim Beam to my worst enemy.  That's a terrible drink.

My taste runs to single malt scotch whiskey, like "The Glenlivet' and "Glenmorangie" and "Bowmore", just to name a few. Everything must be at least 12+ years old.  These whiskies go down like a fine cognac.  You don't need to drink a lot to enjoy a good drink.