This has really made me think about the things I say and what is said to me. Yesterday, I wore my silver clogs to church. I have worn them countless times, but mostly with my white jeans to give a longer leg line. This time, I wore them with (very) red jeans -- and got a lot of comments about the clogs, I guess because they showed up more. No one said a word about the loud jeans. I complimented the stranger in front of me on the color/fabric of her topper, saying that I thought it was the perfect choice to set off her reddish hair, esp. in the sunlight. But generally, it's footwear that I notice, admire, and comment on. I suppose, part of it is envy because I have such fussy feet and am so limited in what I can wear.

I do have a pair of $23 bright blue faux suede booties that will get comments even if they are mostly covered by jeans. Comments from across the street. Comments even from men. I know now to expect for them to be noticed so I have to be in the mood not to blend in when I wear them.

Thanks for all the replies.

Marley, I think it is a matter of confidence too. I'm exiting from a phase where my confidence has been shaken in different ways.

However, it has been interesting for me to note the different types of compliments and how my presentation elicits different kinds. I'm still sorting a style direction and I've been wondering about the balance of conventional figure flattery and trends and the use of statement items and when I do/don't want to elicit attention.

I mostly dress for myself and have been surprised when folks make comments. For example, I like red, but red seems to draw attention and, as an introvert, attention can be uncomfortable. If I am feeling particularly introverted, then I can set the red aside for the day :), but I also think it is a good exercise to push myself a little.

Great thread, Tania! In general, I'm dressing to highlight me, instead of my clothes. I'm going for a cohesive look. Sometimes statement items end up wearing me instead of the the other way around, or attracting more attention than I'm comfortable with. I want the kind of look that might not get noticed at first (or from across the street), but upon closer inspection, looks nice and well put together.

Indeed an interesting thread - sorry for coming in so late! I am the odd duck I guess who find comments from complete strangers, and especially men, disconcerting. I don't understand why one woman would say "wow I love your shoes" to another they don't know. Unless I'm in a clothing store where it kind of gets a pass to talk about that sort of thing, I don't like strangers commenting on me like I'm some kind of animal in a zoo. I NEVER say anything to someone I don't know - because why would my opinion matter to a stranger? There is no context there.

Sometimes I mutter to myself sarcastically " oh thank god, now I can sleep knowing you like my hair" etc after getting a comment in a grocery store. Man, why am I so cranky?

I think it's a personal space issue with me, and my requirements are those of a typical introvert.

Interesting post...