Tuesday, November 29, 2011

House Party Shoes!

So I'm having a huge house party this Saturday night... I do this twice a year, it's my chance to catch up with family and friends and see everyone. OK, and let's be honest it's also my chance to let loose and overindulge a bit! And by a bit - I mean to excess... but enough said about that...

Every time I have one of these parties, I start the night off in a pair of amazing shoes that I love - usually my newest acquisition like these which I adore -

Luichiny Kir Sten (Women's) - Multi Rock Glitter

But after about three or four Milky Way Martinis and a couple of hours of visiting, I can't walk in them, let alone stand in them - so I don't look so sophisticated any more.  Instead I end up barefoot or in my fuzzy slippers!

This party I'm thinking of trying to wear some cool shoes with lower heels: comments and input appreciated!

I could try these Chinese Laundry flats:

Chinese Laundry Addie

Or these from Chinese Laundry:
Chinese Laundry Glamor

But I'm not sure either feel dressy enough for me.

These are cute - but I'm not sold on the color:

Erna - Bronze Mauve Glitter

I like these J. Renee - cuz they still have a heel...
J. Renee Rosina (Women's) - Gold Glitter Fabric

This pair of J. Renee looks kinda vintage to me... so maybe I could build an outfit around them...

J. Renee Affair (Women's) - Gold Dance Glitter Fabric

Bottom line - I dunno what I'll be wearing on Saturday - for shoes or an outfit - but I'll definitely be having fun. Any suggestions or ideas appreciated!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello Everyone

I just wanted to stop by today to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! While it's probably a mad rush for the hostesses, I hope that you enjoy the special times with loved ones.

We don't do Thanksgiving in South Africa and I wish we did, as I think it is awesome to remember the things we should be grateful for. That feeling of goodwill and happiness makes for a happier atmosphere for everyone and all is good for at least one day.

In this spirit of Thanksgiving, I am so grateful that I have been blessed to be a part of If The Shoe Doesn't Fit for more than a year. During this time I have met two amazing ladies, Ellen and Sierra who have been a pleasure to work with and who have become special friends.

I'm also incredibly thankful for all our loyal and fun followers who have been a part of the success of the company.

I'll leave you with this poem:

May your stuffing be tasty 
May your turkey plump, 
May your potatoes and gravy 
have nary a lump. 
May your yams be delicious 
... and your pies take the prize, 
and may your Thanksgiving dinner 
stay off your thighs! 
-Unknown
And now I'm off to enjoy my normal old spaghetti dish.... :(

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Frumpy mumzies should practice wearing heels once in a while

And I speak from experience...

Working from home and running after my kids all day means that I have to ensure that I wear comfortable shoes - when I actually have time to put shoes on. The sad truth is that I tend to lean towards the frumpy side, which wouldn't be a problem if I weren't a business woman too.  I absolutely adore heels, but the opportunity to wear them does not represent itself often.
Ellie Flamingo-415 (Women's) - Black Sequins
I was so excited to be invited to a business networking breakfast this week for 2 reasons:

1)  A break from the mundane
2)  The delicious food the hotel is known for, enjoyed with a spectacular ocean view

However, this was not on my mind when I put on my highest heels, which I used to wear with no problem years ago.  It felt uncomfortable right away, but I thought I would keep it on and hopefully adjust to it.

But, oh dear, was that the worst idea or what?

I wished the time away and walked so carefully so as not to slip that it was the only thing I could think of.

Afterwards, I approached Ellen for advice and this is what she said:

It’s really about learning to shift your weight in a different way.  Most of us are back weighted meaning we tend to lean back a bit when we stand and walk – and when we put on heels they automatically shift us forward.  This feels awkward and so you have to find a new balance point – for some people it means leaning into the shoe, for others it is leaning back a small amount but these are subtle adjustments to your posture – and once you get used to it walking is easier.

So as an early New Year's resolution, I have decided to invest in some better shoes to wear around home to get used to heels.


Funtasma Anchor 22 (Women's) - Blue/White PatentThis might just be a stylish "trainer" shoe - the strap means that the shoes will not go flying as I walk - LOL!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Working on My Fitness with Speedy Athletic Shoes

Through the years I've gone through many athletic shoes. It's hard finding the ideal pair that are comfortable for your feet and makes you feel speedy while working out. During High School I wore Nike shoes. I thought they were really comfortable, but that was when I was under the influence on what my parents thought I should wear. Not that I have anything against Nike (I actually have a pair of shoes in the mail that should be arriving soon...) but later after college I fell in love with different brands of new athletic shoes as well.

Then after college, I started to run half marathons. I ran a total of 3 half marathons until my right leg developed tendonitis. Unfortunately today I've been unable to run marathons after injuring my leg. However, I still try to workout 4-5 days at the gym. It's hard with running though, once you have to stop it's hard to retain it. Hence why I don't run anymore (more than 1-2 miles), except if you count the elliptical or the stair master, ha ha.

But back to shoes...when I started running half marathons my boyfriend suggested that I were Asics. I fell in love with ASICS. Not only were they comfy, but they didn't give me blisters during my runs. One pair of shoes in particular I wore during two half marathons. You're only supposed to wear a pair of running shoes for one half marathon, but I loved this pair so much that I wore them for two. Since then I had to let my favorite pair of shoes go. I have a hot pink pair left and a basic pair of Asics and they both are great.
So know that you know the history of my athletic shoes...what shoes do I want in the future? Well, you already know that I have a pair of Nike shoes coming in the mail. I got them on sale from Bloomies. The second pair I want is the pair that you see above: Asics GEL-Finite Black/Hot Pink. I LOVE the hot pink on them!! For one last pair that I want...

A pair of Nike Free shoes! My brother has a pair of Nike Free shoes and they are so lightweight! I'd love to purchase a pair of these in the near future. Even though I don't run as much as I used to, I still like to wear comfy running shoes to the airport and of course to work out. They're even great to run errands in!

Tell me about your favorite pair of athletic shoes!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Yellow Shoes - A brave fashion statement

I have never been a huge fan of the color yellow, so when I dreamed about yellow espadrilles last night, I thought I should do a post about it.

The color yellow symbolizes joy, happiness, betrayal, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard and friendship. Those are some mixed emotions, which probably explains my dream. 

No matter how you feel about the sunny color, it would seem to be a popular choice these days, based on all the different types of yellow shoes I found at some popular online stores. To spread some sunshine this Christmas season, buy a pair of yellow shoes for your loved ones, especially in parts where the weather is cold and white outside. Click on the images to take you to the stores.


Demonia Indulge 2000 (Women's) - Yellow Stretch PatentOh, I love love love these!!!


Jessica Simpson Tania (Women's) - Fluorescent Yellow Lemon/Terry Cloth
  Yellow Jessica Simpson wedges with my favorite Hibiscus flowers on!





Lotto Torcida Tre NU TF (Men's) - Vibrant Yellow/BlackSporty yellow shoes for the man in your life.





Dolce by Mojo Moxy Isadora (Women's) - YellowOne word: WOW!!!

Do you have any yellow shoes? What style?



Sunday, November 13, 2011

Funky Shoes - Would you wear them?

Funtasma Circus 25 (Women's) - Red/Blue/Yellow Patent  Crazy hairstyles, weird nail polish and cool clothes - those were the things we did as teenagers.

When I was young cool shoes like these were not around.

I absolutely adore the pair to the right, but I do wonder where I would wear it to and what with - other, of course than a fancy dress party.

The bottom pair would work with jeans, I guess.

There is no denying that these shoes are bold and it would require a bit of confidence to stroll around in them. You will certainly make an entrance to remember.

My question to you - would you wear them?  What will you wear them with?


Cape Clogs Puzzle Piece (Infants') - Multi Yellow/Red/Blues

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Jessica Simpson Discount!

Get $20 off purchases of $100 or more at JessicaSimpsonCollection.com. Enter Code JSCNOV. Valid through 11.30.

We've shared our appreciation for Jessica Simpson styles in several past posts so we wanted to share a discount code with you so you can take advantage of some of her fabulous styles! Enjoy!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Review of Two New Comfy Late Fall Shoes

Recently I found myself in TJ Maxx looking at shoes. I've been looking for two different types of shoes lately and I was lucky enough to find both of them in one trip! I have a hard time purchasing shoes for their full price, so instead I always try to find them on sale.

So you are probably wondering what I was looking for. Well, the first pair of shoes I was looking for were moccasins. I think they are the comfiest shoes and worn with the right outfit, they look so adorable! The second pair of shoes that I was on the hunt for was waterproof boots or rain boots. I'm not a huge fan of the really tall rain boots so I was looking for something shorter and stylish.

What did I find? 
The first pair I came home with is a pair of Sporto boots. This pair of warm boots are exactly what I was looking for. They're comfy, cute, and I love the plaid lining. I wouldn't recommend wearing them for a mile walk or more (I tried this while I was at my cabin in Idaho with my mom and they started rubbing against my heels.) But they are great for briefly walking in the snow, slush, or rain without worrying about getting your feet wet. They are also ideal for cold, rainy, or snowy climates.

Plus they keep your feet warm, but I think next time I wear them I'll wear them with thicker socks. I think that might help with the rubbing problem I encountered. They didn't rub on my calves though and my toes had plenty or room. These shoes are great for ladies with thicker and athletic legs like me. :)
 Sorry this picture is a bit upside down. It came from my Droid phone. :) 

Here's a few pictures of my moccasin shoes by Minnetonka.
I think these shoes are extremely comfy and I love the design on the toes. They are made out of leather and the beading details are just gorgeous. I'm usually a size 8 but I managed to fit into a size 7 1/2. I admit I haven't worn these yet but tried them on at the store and I loved wearing them. I think they will go perfectly with a pair of jeans and my new Free People tops for an uber-chic look.
Have you bought any new shoes for the fall and winter time? 

What brand name and how do you like them? 

I'd love to hear all about them!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Shoe Buying Basics

As most readers have probably realized by now, I have been living a rather sheltered, reclusive and eccentric lifestyle up until now. But enough of that now - I need a change!

In order to make this transition into the sexy, energetic and hip mommy I would like to be, I need your advice.

I have been given an awesome gift - shoe vouchers! The plan is to purchase a few pairs of basic shoes to fit in with my new lifestyle. When I say basic shoes, I mean shoes that are versatile and suitable for a range of occasions.

My new lifestyle will include exercise, socializing, entertaining, smart-casual training sessions and excursions for school with the kids. Any suggestions on must-have clothes and accessories to match these shoes will be most appreciated. I am very indecisive and not quite in the position to buy one in each color.

Also, since I am short and chunky (at the moment - busy losing weight), I will need transitional shoes and clothes.  If you think anything will make my legs look bigger (I have huge calves) or be uncomfortable - please advise!


Chinese Laundry Willy

I love these, but they are so delicate that my wide, flat feet will simply rip them apart in a day. Perhaps the pair to the right will be better able to handle my weight. Additionally, the ankle strap is great for breaking up cankles.

Black is very practical, but what other colors are great and match with everything?
Chinese Laundry Shameless


New Balance Classics NB410 Womens Athleisure Women Grey/PinkOf course we have to fit a pair of NewBalance trainers in there somewhere! 




Oh yeah! I can see myself traipsing around museums and factories and wherever the home school excursions take us in the shoes below!


Dr. Scholls Jayleen Athleisure, Flats Women Grey/Pink
For casual girls' lunches or chilling at home, I think these
leopard print ballet flats will do the trick.





Aerosoles Bec 2 Differ Flats Women Leopard, Grey Fabric, Black Combo

Over to you - what are your favorite basic shoes?