Fashion V. Style

Time and time again I become frustrated with the Fashion world. Time and time again my closet seems to have nothing in it that I can wear and the season’s pieces are just out of my reach. So, I decided that Fashion wasn’t for me. Before you gasp and scold me forgiving up so easily hear me out.
Fashion is defined as a currently style or practice. Which means to be in fashion, is hard for a student and also means to be in debt. While I love everything about fashion, and I really do. I just can’t bring myself to reinvent my closet every time a magazine or celebrity comes up with a new hot trend.
Fashion to me is runway. Fashion to me is what is hot. Anyone can be fashionable. All it takes is a credit card, and the will to buy whatever a magazine tells you. If we look through the history of fashion has slowly changed. I mean thank goodness we no longer wear corsets. Can you say restrictive? But, no being Fashionable is not what I want.

What I want is something more refined and unique. I want to have style. I want to live my life in style. I want to define on my own terms about is and what isn’t “in style” for me.

I say personal style is obviously influenced by Fashion. It’s impossible to go to any retail store and avoid trends. What makes style unique is your ability to wear the pieces in your way. To pick out different pieces and dress yourself according to your own rules. Anyone can go to a Lookbook, pick out a look and wear them… It takes an ability to dress yourself for your own wants and needs. While Fashion is predicted, decided and ultimately out of your control.

Top 16 Uses for Shoes

Shoes are very versatile and have many uses. However, the fashion world would only like us mere mortals to believe that there is one use for shoes which is to wear them on our feet. However, I after nights of searching, asking the tough and hard hitting questions have uncovered the REAL uses for shoes. I am going to expose the top 16 uses for your generous collection of shoes. While their most common use is to be worn for function or fashion shoes have a number of uses that have been long covered up and kept from the public. I, Danielle Vanessa the Intern plan to expose the top 16 ‘other’ uses of shoes!

1. Anchoring a small boat to a dock
2. Hammering in nails
3. Door Stopper – Don’t have real door stopper on hand. Throw a shoe in there and continue on with your day.
4. Nifty candy bowl holder – Pretty, functional and now sweet. Just wipe the shoe out first… no one like’s foot smell.
5. Flower Planter – Shoes and flowers? What more could a girl want?!
6. Book end – Unstable? Put to shoes at the end of it.
7. Paper weight – Windy? Put a shoe on it.
8. Weight – Too lazy to go to the gym? Just grab those 80’s throw backs out of your closet and get to lifting.
9. Soup Ladle – Don’t want to wash the dishes? No Problem!
10. Bug Swatter/Killer – Scary Spider in the corner? No issues here just grab a shoe!
11. Handy Dandy back scratcher
12. Impromptu Mic (you can use it to sing like a rock star in the shower, or in the privacy of your own room.)
13. Incognito Money Hider (Ever been robbed? Want to prevent your rainy day money from being stolen?) Most robbers look between the mattress, toilet bowl, and freezer and in drawers. Your shoe will be a random and therefore safe place for your rainy day money.
14. Art – Place your shoes in thick edged frames and “frame” them. Take them down when you want to wear them. No one will be able to call you out on your shoe habits because it’s art!
15. SOS Flag – If you’re going through a natural disaster and need to let everyone know you’re in trouble and need help - just tie a white or cream colored shoe to the end of a stick and wave it around. Remember: Shoe’s save lives.
16. Toy Dog Bed - Have a toy poodle? Don't know where to put the little guy for his nap? Try a sneaker! They're warm, cozy and allow you to carry your little guy where ever you go.

Have you ever had to used a shoe for a more “creative” use than it was intended for?

For The Curious

The intern is actually away. Far enough away that my cellphone service is "pending" whenever I send tweets or facebook updates but close enough to get all my texts nine hours later (thi is truly the age of wonderous and reliable technology!) how am I sending this blog post you ma ask? Well... The internet connection here is what we'd call dial up. Because I'm away (I have pictures to show you guys when I get back!)I don't have a big story to tell on this wonderful Monday morning but I d have information to share.Information that is charming, surprising and even bit cool. The Bata Shoe Museum has a wonderful new exhibit: Footwear Through The Ages. My best friend had the wonderful oppertunity to go and explore the Bata and now I think I'm going to be planning a trip to the Bata myself.

For any of you looking to save on airfare, hotel and any othr costs you can check out thier totally awesome online collections. But seriousy.... From the tiny cellphone picture I got via SMM I have to say I was totally turning green! So please for all the shoe lovers out there take a moment and check out this totally cool an rather awesome exhibit preview :)

Big Brother: The Barefoot House

I’m a Big Brother fan. I haven’t always been a fan and I’m going to be honest for the first few seasons I wouldn’t watch it. I don’t know why and I’m not sure what inner issues I’ve had with it but CLEARLY my issues were resolved because now I can’t help but get in a fit when my favorite player is jerked around or voted off. The one thing that I’ve noticed for the long time on Big Brother is that they rarely wear shoes and when they do it’s a pair of UGG’s or flip flops. On special nights such as voting night they girls dress to the nines and usually wear a pair of heels or nice flats. I’ve always wondered why this is – I think the contrast from always seeing house guests in bare feet, flip flops or UGGS really messes with my mind when I suddenly see them dressed up. It’s like when your frumpy friend gets a well needed makeover. The other thing about this barefoot custom is that the men wear flip flops. I’m not sure about you ladies but a man in flops has always been something I can’t get down with. Especially when they wear a pair of flip flops with a hoodie and shorts. Why do it? Are you cold or are you hot? I just don’t get it. Seriously.

Feet have also played a very major role in Big Brother History:
- Rachel and Bredon’s showmance turn romance is notably famous for the moment Brendon pulls the cover over them so they can have their first makeout session without the world watching. The only part not covered? Brenden’s feet.

- Many of the competitors suffer from foot in mouth disease. This is a very dangerous disease and leaves competitors open to treachery, treason and high crimes of hypocritical acts.

Have any of you noticed the barefootness around Big Brother? Have any of you noticed how barefeet take a giant role in their social world?

Stolen Purse = Stolen Life

I was going to write a post on what I wore this weekend (I was invited to a party) however my purse was stolen and my ticket and all major I.D’s were in there. As a result, I’ve been home most of the weekend except for a movie (which I wore sweats too) and to go shopping (sweats again.)
However, having a purse stolen has really got me to thinking. I got up that morning like it was a typical day. I got ready, had my coffee and packed my breakfast and was off. When I got to work I placed my purse underneath the desk and my Blackberry in a drawer. When I went to go make my meal I never thought I’d come back to no purse. When it happened I first thought “oh my goodness why am I so forgetful?!?” and blamed my own absentmindedness. But as I looked and I didn’t find my beautiful Nine West bag I realized it was not my Twenty One Year Old mind going haywire but my purse was actually gone. Since that day I haven’t been able to do what I normally do and that’s LIVE. I can’t go out because I can’t prove I’m legal which is 18 here. I can’t apply for various school programs etc… and I’m slowly realizing that women keep their lives in a portable bag. Which for the owner that’s great and dandy but for anyone else looking for a portable bag that isn’t theirs to claim as their own it’s really an inconvenience.

What do I propose as an alternative?
I haven’t the slightest. Why? Because as a woman that loves shoes and purses (I beleive one cannot be without the other) my philosophy is that if you have feet and you wear shoes the next step is to find a cute purse or hand bag that compliments your shoes because you have an arm it can rest perfectly on.

So I propose we go out into the world as normal, with our bags attached to us and we keep living and if it’s taken from us we cry our little cry and then replace all our I.D’s ( my SIN card and passport was in there mind you) and we move on with our lives. Giving someone the power to render us useless over a bag is pointless…

And that is what I plan to do.

I already got myself a new bag and complimentary shoes.

What Not To Wear

We all love to showcase our fashion triumphs but today I’m going to share with you the biggest fashion mistake I’ve ever made.

Let me set the scene for you with a little picturesque description: I was a 17 year old High Student that was late for her morning job (yes! you read right a morning job that started at 5:30am.) More importantly it was a cold Manitoba winter morning. This meant that is was -40 without wind shield and in the -50 with it. While the bears, foxes, deer and other generic prarie wild animals had run for cover in the warmth of their dens, holes in the ground, gaves or where ever I was made to wake up at 5:05 and trudge to a neighbours house where I did morning proctoring. Loved the job. Hated the chilly mornings.

I had been dreaming well past 5:20am which is the time I usually left for work. And so I rushed out of bed, tripped over some random clothing on the floor and grabbed whatever was closest to me. This happened to be a t-shirt, a pair of 80's sweat pants, my uggs and a very puffy winter jacket.

The majority of the day is a blurr now but I can remember being pretty self concious even though I lived in a small town of maybe 2.700 people at the time. I remember thinking "What if people see me?" I'm kind of wondering who, I thought these "people" were but at the time I was really upset that I wasn't making a fashionable impression.I really wish I could relive that moment. Thinking about it now I’m still embarrassed but we live and we learn and hopefully we throw out the sweat pants that make us look like we just crawled out of the 80’s.

The wonderful hat that completed my fashion tragedy was borrowed from a school chum.

I used it to openly flaunt my shame and highlight my wonderful messy hair.


Do you have a fashion disaster moment you wish to relive? How would you change it?

To The Women of The World

Today is my Mother’s birthday. So why am I writing about her on a shoe website? Well.. My mother is the queen of high heels. Standing at 5’0 she has ALWAYS since the day I can remember worn high heels. No matter where she goes, what she is doing the lady wears heels and she struts proudly. I’m not sure when she fell in love with heels and I’m not sure how she came to find out about them. She was a country girl from a small rural Mennonite area... High heels were not plentiful. But my mother the Queen of Heels found them and obviously fell in love. She wears her heels till their worn and need to be thrown out. She wears open toe in bright in bold colors, sandals in bold patterns, and boots in various shades and of course pumps! Her selection is endless and her feet... well they’ve learned to live with it. But most of all... my mom wears all her heels with a smile even when her feet hurt.
I still remember always wanting to be able to do that. I tried for a few months and I just can’t. I walk way to much and sit way to little. I’m always on the go and heels are not conducive to walking through snow, slippery sidewalks, and stairs and beyond. I still want to be like my mom when I grow up. Just in way more comfortable shoes. I want to own the heels. But not wear them all the time. I’d like to embody her ability to wear the fashion forward heels without the painful smile on my face. But most of all I just want to smile as much as she does and laugh as loud and freely as she does. She’s a woman who truly loves life in her high heels and see’s the world from a slightly elevated point of view.
So here is to all women who wear heels everywhere and anywhere. To the women who wear heels to the zoo, on play dates, to school meetings, the movies, the park, on walks, to school, to work, grocery shopping and beyond. To the women who are far braver than I, who have a larger pain threshold and obviously no how to walk the walk and talk the talk without limping!

A special thanks!

THANK YOU!
I can’t tell you how excited I am. I’ve posting on twitter, Facebook and I’m even working hard on a Youtube video for Help The Intern. More importantly I wanted to say thank you to everyone that has followed me on Twitter, added me to facebook, sent me emails and especially liked the If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit Facebook page. All of your words of encouragement are wonderful! I have to admit I feel sort of silly sometimes asking people for help but… guess what? That’s what this internship what about. Getting over those silly fears, removing myself “the box” and charging ahead! I’m learning that putting myself out there isn’t as scary as I thought and that even “strangers” are willing to help you!

You're Invited

Mr. and Ms. Blog Reader

The honour of your noble presence is requested at the scene of fashion failure by

Danielle M.

You will be taken on an adventure through
the wonderfully confusing world of outfit coordination

It’s about 5:30pm on a Saturday evening. A month ago you received word that you were invited to a wonderful event that you’ve been looking forward to for months. The wonderful evening starts at 7:00pm. Two weeks ago you scurried through the mall looking for the perfect dress. And guess what?! You found the dress. You know the dress, oh boy you know the dress very well. It’s the kind of dress that hugs your curves (it seems almost magic…because sweetie this dress was MADE for you!), it’s the kind of dress that gives your body just enough “oomph” to turn heads and get a few smiles.

You’ve spent all afternoon getting ready. You put your hair up, because you wanted to project confidence as well as poise. Your make up is simple but your lips are a bold and beautiful red. Your eyes sparkle with just a hint of shimmer and your blush is barely there and you look divine. With just a spritz of perfume and a smile of self approval to the mirror you run downstairs to have a congratulatory glass of wine. You’ve done well; you look gorgeous, you have your dress all planned out and you have all night to drink, dance and enjoy. You look at the clock and it says 6:00pm. Your personal moment of celebration turned into a party hour. You run upstairs with only an hour to spare you put down your glass slowly, raise from your seat and walk to your bedroom. You pull out the magical dress and slip it on. You put on your gold necklace and matching earrings, you’ve decided against the bracelet because you feel it may take away from the exquisiteness of your dress. You smile again with a sense of inner approval and you head back downstairs… You grab your purse, coat and keys as you head out the door you feel a cold and rough feeling on the bottom of your feet. In a moment of panic you the flip flop goddess, the girl with the closet full of gladiator sandals, UGGS remembers one thing: YOU NEVER BOUGHT A PAIR OF SHOES TO GO WITH YOUR DRESS!!! YOU FORGOT A KEY PIECE OF THE OUTFIT: THE SHOES!!!

What would you do in this situation?

I’m 100% guilty of doing this. Usually I’ll just grab the closet pair of heels or flats that I can find. However, the “look” I was going for usually is compromised because of this. Have you ever been so wrapped up in other aspects of your outfit that you forget about what shoes you’re going to wear? How do you successfully pull different pieces together to make an outfit?

Introducing ITSDF's Incredible Intern Part 5

TGIF! I'm absolutely thrilled that I've been able to introduce you to Danielle this week. Not only is she one amazing gal, but I know that the ITSDF internship and her love for fashion is going to take her very far in life!

Here are the last few questions that I have for Danielle, but I promise this is not the last that you will hear from her! Be sure to be on the look out for Danielle as she interacts on this blog, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites with us.

Now you can find out what Danielle's favorite shoe is! ;)

The craziest thing (g-rated) I ever did was… It’s funny I know there are plenty of things BUT I’m drawing a blank. A think the silliest thing I’ve ever done was run away from a Bee that was chasing me. I was working up North as a nanny and a friend and I decided to tan during our break. Well… We were sitting around peacefully soaking in the sun and this huge honker of a bee started buzzing around us. Well, I’m scared of all bugs! So I jump off and take off running and screaming with my hands in the air… the only thing I can hear is the buzzing of the bee behind me. Luckily after a few moments something else catches the bee’s attention and he goes off to do something else but my goodness was I freaked out. I packed up my stuff and went back inside!

My dream shoe is: Louboutins!!

 Sigh. This is my favorite pair of pumps and shoes too. I mean - 

can a girl truly ask for anything more?

Just to throw some temptation your way - 

here are some delicious Christian Louboutin pumps that recently have 

been up for auction on ITSDF's auction website! If the auction is 

over simply type in Christian Louboutin in our search bar

for new pumps that are currently for sale.

Also - click on the shoe. It will bring you straight to the shoe up for auction.

Thanks Danielle for answering these series of questions! 

I know I've enjoyed getting to know you better and 

I can't wait to continue to get to know you. 

Plus, I love that we have the same passion for fashion!

Introducing ITSDF's Incredible Intern Part 4

Happy Thursday! Is everyone looking forward to the weekend? I am!

Let's get going on our fourth post on Danielle, If The Shoe Doesn't Fit's intern. Tomorrow please come back for the fifth and final post and find out what Danielle's favorite shoe is! Let me tell you - it's one amazing designer! 

Here are some more questions for Danielle, continued from part three:

The super power I want most is… to read minds. That way I’d know what people really wanted rather than having to guess!

  

The best movie I ever saw was….. Schindlers List. Now I know what you may be thinking and I would have to agree to some extent BUT…. In context the movie is by far the most real, inspirational and beautiful example of human perseverance, kindness and beauty if I’ve even witnessed. I saw Schindlers List and have to saw that it taught me to love EVERYONE no matter what. To always fight for what I believe in and stay true to my morals and to forgive. 

My favorite book is: I don’t have a favorite. But the last book I read was: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

The food I can’t live without is: Oranges!

  Have a wonderful evening and happy almost Friday! I think I want to go and eat an orange now. :)

Introducing ITSDF's Incredible Intern Part 3

Hello! Happy Wednesday shoe lovers! I'm back with more questions for Danielle, and stay tuned to learn more about her incredible personality:

My favorite drink is… Pina Colada. It reminds me of a Tropical Escape.

I wish I was more…. Of a healthy eater. If you put a piece of cake in front of me… it’s gone within moments!

iPhone or Blackberry? Blackberry! I Love BBM.

I like…..Pine apple

I’m afraid of…..Spiders. Every last one.

My dream is to…. Be a lawyer in either the Entertainment or Fashion field.

I’d never in a million years…. Eat a chocolate covered bug. Ick!

I’d jump at the chance to meet… Ellen DeGeneres. I think we’d get along famously. 

The superpower I want most is… to read minds. That way I’d know what people really wanted rather than having to guess!

My music style is … I love everything! I’ll even admit I listen to country. But I turn the volume down so no one can hear!

My man style is … I like a guy that makes me laugh. I’ve never really dated a type. My man style is totally all over the place but I am a firm believer in smiling and laughing and if a guy can make me laugh. Well gosh he has my heart.

There you have it - a little glimpse into who Danielle is and wants to be. Stay tuned for our final set of questions that Danielle answers tomorrow. 

Introducing ITSDF's Incredible Intern Part 2

Thanks for those of you who visited yesterday's post. Today I'm back with a few more interview questions that Danielle answered. I just love learning more about her! Don't you?! :)

What are you hoping to gain from If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit as an internship?

That’s a hard question! There is so much that I’m looking to gain. First and foremost I’m looking to gain a better sense of myself before I enter the “real world”. I’d like the hands on experience with professionals while also making real and genuine connections. Not just networking in a business manner but making connections and keeping them. Second, I’d like to develop, improve and refine my social media skills. I’d like to become aware of my market on a more professional level and be able to draw up a social media marketing plan. Third, I love fashion and I want to work more on the business side of the equation rather than retail. While my studies don’t include fashion or give me an ability to study fashion in any way an internship with If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit allows me to work on something that is fun and is just for ME! :)

 What are your goals for If The Shoe Doesn't Fit? or What will you be doing as the Intern for If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit?

My goals for ‘If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit’ would be to gain more recognition on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook etc… and to be a recognizable online auction site to a larger population. I’d like more people to use If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit and spread the word that If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit is a reputable, fun and valuable resource for shoe lovers of any budget.

Thanks for answering our questions with some amazing answers Danielle! I love social media too and I can't wait to see you interact with everyone on Facebook and Twitter. :)

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post with more incredible answers from Danielle! :)

Introducing ITSDF's Incredible Intern!

I've been dying to introduce you to If The Shoe Doesn't Fit's intern. A lover of Shoes (of course!) Danielle is ready to give us a glimpse into who she is and what inspires her love for shoes and for life! Stay tuned for the next four days to be introduced to Danielle with a series of interview questions. 

Please give her a warm welcome! 

I just adore her fun personality and her love for cake. I have just a slight cupcake addiction right now so it felt nice to read that I share the same habit as Danielle.

So without further ado, I'd like to introduce If The Shoe Doesn't Fit's Incredible Intern!

Please tell us about yourself.

Here I am in a pretty big nut shell: My name is Danielle and I’m 21 years of age. I attend the University of Winnipeg and I’m majoring in Sociology and Communications. I’m a lover of cake and chocolate milk. I have an obsession with coffee to the point that it may be unhealthy and I love my sleep. I try to work out everyday even though sometimes the only exercise I get is opening the refrigerator door! I've been camping once and even that was enough to kill it for me. I wish I was more in tune with my outdoorsy side but right now all I do is recycle. In hopes of maintaining the environment so one day I can explore the great outdoors! I’m a pretty sarcastic person with a really random sense of humor. I’m easily the loudest person in the room!

I'm your average rebel I like to live life on the edge by J-walking whenever possible, sometimes I forget to hold doors open for people (I’m sorry if you ever walk behind me! It’s not intentional), I walk uber-fast which makes it hard for me to slow down. To top off that insanely daring list I like 3 creams in my coffee instead of 2. I wear heels in winter and that really adds to my on the edge life style.. You never know when your gunna slip and sprain an ankle! When I'm not studying I do enjoy a bunch of 'things' I like to spend time with my friends, shopping, eating cake, kayaking, and I'll trying anything once.. Like camping for example.

When did your love of shoes begin?

My love of shoes began with my first pair of black patent leather shoes my mom bought for me when I was about six. I NEVER wore pants and I saw other girls wearing these shoes and one day I picked my shoes out while at the store with my mom and ever since then… I’ve been buying shoes!

 Now I haven't seen Danielle's closet but I'm sure we both are wishing our closet looked like this! Sigh, we love shoes so so much!

Stay tuned to learn more about If The Shoe Doesn't Fit's Incredible Intern tomorrow night around this time with a new post and new questions!

{All photos are from We Heart It and if you click on the photo it will bring you straight to the source!}

Initial Thoughts

Shoes. While they’re undoubtedly a necessity, they’re also the subject of many a splurge, the talk of countless conversations among girlfriends, sometimes the reason given for an outstanding athletic performance. They’re made to protect feet but also to decorate them.

People of all walks love them and for lots of reasons. They’ve been embedded into popular culture. There are entire movies based around them: The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, The Devil Wears Prada, The Christmas Shoes, and In Her Shoes. Musicians have been writing and singing songs about them for years: Elvis had his Blue Suede Shoes and The Beatles had an Old Brown Shoe, KC and the Sunshine Band had Boogie Shoes, Nelly had an outright obsession with his Air Force Ones, and Nancy Sinatra had a one wicked pair of boots.

Walk a mile in my shoes, wouldn’t want to be in his shoes, goody two shoes, who’s going to fill their shoes… there are lots of sayings we use about shoes; in fact, shoes have infiltrated the way we talk. If someone said, “I would kill for some Jimmy Choo’s” or “Check out my new Nike’s” most people would know exactly what they’re talking about.

Bowling, ballet, baseball, skiing, skating running, climbing, hiking, the beach, the bath, the bedroom; for the work room, for the weekend… each sport we do, each place we go, a person needs a different pair of shoes for every little thing they do. It’s no wonder there is such an obsession with shoes!

And while everyone needs them, some of us want them just a little bit more. Some people want 100 pair; 300 pair, 1000 pair! We want shoes in leopard print and purple patterns and every imaginable height heel. We want shoes for $1.00 but we'd pay $1000 and eat less (it makes the shoes look better anyway). We want vintage as well as new and special releases. We want to bronze them (it started when we were very young...), and we want to display them like art. We want the funky, the freaky, the fabulous. We wear odd sizes, or average sizes, it doesn't matter. Our boyfriends and husbands think we're crazy, our girlfriends think we're goddesses. What can I say, some us were born to be shoe addicts, and we've learned to live with it.

Take a breath… all you Carrie Bradshaws of the world, there is now a place to connect shoe lovers everywhere.  If The Shoe Doesn't Fit, is an auction site for shoe lovers.  A place to sell, swap or shop for shoes and shoe accessories, and this is the site's blog, dedicated to connecting all those people, whose lives are touched by shoes, in some way, for whatever reason. 

I hope you'll join me, and our contributing bloggers in a conversation as we chat about shoes, life, and everything in between. 

(Note -- portions of this post were originally posted on Speaker In Heels)