~ By Alana Albertson
I just returned from a glorious weekend in my favorite town – Carmel-by-the-Sea.
An artist’s enclave, I was charmed by the storybook cottages, many galleries, and dog friendly shops and restaurants.
But the highlight of my trip – the ultimate chick lit lover’s souvenir.
A high heel shoes permit! Though many people think it’s a myth, Carmel-by-the-Sea bans ladies from wearing high heels. So to strut in your Louboutins, you must get a permit. I strolled into City Hall and the lovely City Clerk took my driver’s license.
I think I’ll frame it!
Alana Albertson is the President of RWA’s Chick Lit Writers Chapter and the founder of Academe Advantage, a college admissions & test preparation company. A recovering Chick Lit author, Alana currently writes contemporary romance and young adult fiction. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, seven-month old baby boy, and a menagerie of rescue pets. When she’s not spending her time needlepointing, dancing or playing the drums, she can be found watching episodes of House Hunters, Big Love, or Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. Keep up with her at alanaalbertson.com.
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Hi Jeff,
Sorry I didn’t respond earlier on facebook.
No – they don’t prohibit men from wearing boots with heels. It does seem sexist.
They don’t make any revenue on this – the permit is free. I think they were initially genuinely trying to prevent women from suing. Carmel is known for its crazy laws. For years, there was a law banning the sale of ice cream because they didn’t want it to spill on the street. Former mayor Clint Eastwood overturned that one.
I had asked about this on your FB note but can’t recall seeing your reply: Do they prohibit guys wearing boots with 2 inch heels?
Seems rather arbitrary for them to single out the ladies.
Or is it just a thing to get extra revenue and some notariety?
Of course, I can’t wear cowboy boots anymore anyhow, so I guess I could schlep into Carmel without brushing against the law.