June 9th, 2011 by admin

I subscribe to no less than 25 high fashion blogs—packed full with gorgeous photographs of highly coveted pieces, fashion forward designs made with intricate details, and from the most luxurious fabrics.  I attentively read each word, absorbing every detail, drooling over the latest must-haves.   Sadly, I cannot afford a single one, so why do I torture myself?  Lots of reasons: personal inspiration, professional research, and frankly, even when looking at the most expensive, least attainable items—it simply makes me HAPPY!  I get a little adrenaline rush, that thrill of excitement that only comes with a hefty price tag.  Sure, I love a thrifty find as much as the next girl: a dress in a fun print I can wear all summer, picked up for only $25 at H&M.  With every compliment, I relish the surprise and jealousy that fills my friends’ eyes, at something so fabulous and yet so cheap!

But nothing compares to seeing that $3000 handbag that only the rich and famous can get their hands on, splashed across the pages of my Us Weekly. Neuroscientist Professor Gemma Calvert of Neurosense has the answer: We are genetically hardwired to be excited by high value-objects.  Looking at those designer labels lights up the part of our brain associated with reward, craving, and addiction.  Additionally, wearing luxury brands signals to others that we are genetically fit, because we have accumulated so many resources that we can afford to spend serious cash on something as “frivolous” (her word, not mine!) as shoes.  So there you have it–yet another excuse to embrace your shoe addiction–it’s only natural!

June 3rd, 2011 by admin

In our continuing series “BFT Fan Profile,” today we talk with, in her words” the “diminutive, 5’ 11,” Jill Wurm, 35, a Marketing and Communications Director and freelance graphic designer from Ferndale, Michigan. Jill says that if she could she’d wear a size 10 3/4 shoe, but makes do in an 11, has one husband, one sister, and three very large dogs: two Old English Sheepdogs and a Komondor.

I laughed when I read her responses. Customary fan profile “protocol” dictates that I take her answers and weave them into a story, but her answers are anything but customary so I’ll let them stand as written. Thanks Jill, you made this so easy!

BFT: Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Jill: One sister, she’s only about 5’8 and managed to have a tiny 9.5 shoe size.  She sucks – mostly for that reason.

BFT: Do you have any children? If so, are they going to be tall?

Jill: They better be. If I had to deal with it, so should they. My husband is almost 6’3 so we should be able to make something in a reasonable size.

BFT: Is the rest of your family tall or are you the rarity?

Jill: My mom is only 5’7 but my dad is closer to 6’9 although in his old age he’s slouched his way to an adorable little 6’6.

B FT: Who are your favorite shoe designers?

Jill: Jeffrey Campbell. I also still really like Fluevogs.  John Fluevog has done a great job evolving as a designer to stay current.  I wore his shoes as a punk kid in high school and now he makes edgy things that I wear to work.

BFT: Who are your favorite clothing designers?
Jill: I love Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, and Zac Posen.  I wear a ton of H & M stuff, though.

BFT: Can you describe your style? Is it edgy or casual or…?

Jill: That’s such a hard question.  I don’t think anyone that really has style can sum it up in a couple of words – I like stuff that’s interesting; ready to wear pieces but with an artistic flair; edgy/arty, though, not hippie/arty. It’s so clichéd to say “I like unique things,” but I guess I do. I have no issue trying things that other people won’t wear.  I’m tall, I can wear anything. Exaggerated volume, odd color palettes and extreme detail but I like pairing those things with more classic pieces like form fitting blazers, belted cardigans, skinny jeans and other pieces that give me a good feminine shape.  It’s about balance.  I think you can change any outfit with shoes.  What makes one outfit look dowdy can make another really edgy.  Creating the perfect combination is like an ongoing art project. It keeps my mind sharp.

BFT: What shoe is on your radar right now? Are you actively on the ‘hunt’ for a specific shoe?

Jill: I’m not actively hunting for a specific shoe because, to my wallet’s chagrin, I always seem to find what I’m looking for.  I’ve actually been trying to cool it down a bit but I really am interested in the Jeffrey Campbell Meeker ankle boot.

BFT: Which designer do you wish would make larger sized shoes?
Jill: I wish Jeffrey Campbell made more tall and knee high boots in large sizes.  I see so many cute options but it seems like they never go higher than a 10 and I just can’t squish in… and believe me, I’ve tried.

And we finish with my favorite question; the one that separates the men from the boys – so to speak – the shoe lover from the shoe collector.

BFT: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Jill: It’s so hard to say. I know it’s less than 400 but it’s definitely more than 300.  That’s not counting what I’m storing at my sister’s house…

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Jill Wurm, she’s my hero J

May 2nd, 2011 by admin

I love a shoe that can do it all.  Black-tie appropriate flats are tough to find, but once you find them, you really have a leg up on the short girls.  Because they’re flat, they can also be warn with more casual dresses.  Sometimes, and definitely in the case of these lace flats, they even work as a contrast to your ultra-casual weekend wear.  Check ‘em out!

March 16th, 2011 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

It’s weird. It’s fun. It’s a shoe garden.  Alamo Square in San Fransisco used to be an infamous spot. First, it served as a resting spot for travelers and their horses on the steep trail from Mission Dolores to the Presidio because it had a big shady tree at its center. Mayor James Van Ness declared Alamo Square a park in 1857, but the city was too frightened to take over the premises for a decade. “Dutch Charley” Duane, a violent boxer and gunfighter, squatted there and refused to leave. Fast forward to the early 2000s, David Clifton, a gardener for the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, began collecting discarded shoes on his trash-picking rounds. Instead of tossing them into the dumpster, he placed them around flower beds to protect his seedlings from off-leash dogs.  Soon this idea took off, people started donating their shoes to the effort, Clifton began planting all sorts of flowers in the shoes, and San Fransisco has a themselves a shoe garden.  You can totally try this at home!  And you don’t have to feel bad getting rid of your shoes because you know where to get beautiful new ones. (Barefoot Tess)

Pictures and Info from NYTimes.com

February 28th, 2011 by admin

Next up, in our BFT Friend Profile series, is a lovely lady from down under by the name of Julie Purcell. She is a petite 5’9” blonde, wears a size 12 shoe, and hails from Brisbane, Australia. This 29 year old, soon-to-be bride lives with her fiancé and two puppies named Bosley and Wookie. They are currently living with her “Mum” while they save for their July 30th wedding.

She says she is “the rarity” in her family when it comes to height. “My family is all relatively short. I towered over my Mum from the age of 15 and was the same height as my Dad by that stage, too. My brother is about the same height as me, probably just a little bit shorter. Everyone says I get my foot size from my Grandfather. They always say I have a “strong grip on the world.” The rest of my extended family is quite short as well. Growing up, I was always the tallest of my friends.”

Julie works in employment services helping people that have been out of the workforce, for an extended period of time, transition back into a full time job. “It’s very demanding work and you have to do it for the “love of it.” There are some really tough days but there are some amazing days, too. Seeing people make a real, positive change in their lives is heart warming.”

Our blushing bride favors a casual wardrobe when it comes to clothes; possessing an eclectic mix of styles. “I have everything from long maxi dresses to denim shorts, skinny leg jeans and big woolen tops. I love having a lot of different styles because I can dress to my mood. I do love black. Most of my wardrobe is black with accents of color. My ideal outfit is a black top with some color splashed across it, skinny leg jeans and a killer pair of heels. I like to use shoes for the element of color, they make an outfit! I love a dramatic shoe, especially those by Poetic License. I figure I am in a good position to really make a statement. I wore men’s shoes for too many years to shy away from a gorgeous pump now! I love the bright colors they use and they really design ‘outside the box’.”

Although ‘crazy busy’ with planning her wedding, Julie loves to shoe shop (don’t we all?) so we asked her if she has any particular shoe on her “radar.” She says she has several. “Since I’ve discovered Barefoot Tess, I actually feel that finding my dream shoe is a real possibility. I am actively looking for red glitter heels, but I would definitely settle for some in silver. I have always dreamed of having a pair and calling them my “Dorothy Shoes.” Also, seeing as our wedding is coming up soon, I’m always on the look out for some awesome statement making bridal shoes. I have been looking at Allan Pinkus recently because he makes AMAZING bridal shoes but of course they don’t make my size. I use them for inspiration instead. I have my eyes on the Queenie by Gwenyth in white with the black lace overlay. I just need to find a way to convince my fiancé that they are a must to compliment the dress.”

Whatever she said must have convinced him because as you read this, Julie’s Queenies are on their way to Brisbane. We’ve asked her to take pictures of herself, in her beautiful dress, with her gorgeously edgy, new shoes. We bet she’s going to make a beautiful bride. Congratulations, Julie!

February 8th, 2011 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

You know that great feeling you get when you’re watching a dance movie and you feel so moved that you think if you just up and danced you’d be that good?  I know that’s not just me. Everybody loves a good dance movie and I’m thinking if you wear Bloch shoes while watching, your chances of getting up and doing the dance will be just a little higher.

10. Saturday Night Fever–John Travolta is a loser in life, but the king of the club on Saturday nights. There’s a dance scene with Fran Drescher .

9. Flashdance–A girl who works as a welder by day and a dancer by night lives in a warehouse and wears sweatshirts cut at the neck. This is actually where that trend came from.

8. A Chorus Line–A bunch of Broadway dancer wannabes compete for some parts in a Broadway musical. They all want it real bad and they all dance real good.

7. Hairspray–A chubby girl who dances very well fights for integration on her favorite after school dance show. The original is smarter and funnier, but the remake is a musical, so tie.

6. Save the Last Dance– A ballerina moves to a rough area where the dancing is better than hers– and cooler. She gets a boyfriend, learns the cool dancing, and attains all of her life goals.

5. White Knights–Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines, Jerzy Skolimowski, Helen Mirren and Isabella Rossellini dancing. What’s not to like?

4. Stomp the Yard–Step and some really amazing hip hop will make you want to transfer to Truth University. Too bad it’s fake (the university, not the dancing.) I’m pretty sure they try to say Dr. Martin Luther King went there.

3. Black Swan-- A beautiful virgin ballerina with an overbearing mother slowly goes crazy to the story of Swan Lake. And it’s beautiful. Also, Natalie Portman is currently pregnant with the choreographer’s baby.

2. Dirty Dancing– Baby, her obnoxious sister, and their parents all go to summer camp together.  Baby falls for Patrick Swayze because like duh.  He teaches her how to dance dirty and spends a lot of time lifting her out of the lake.

1. Center Stage– A crew of young dancers compete for spots in a workshop that feeds into a company based on American Ballet Theatre, but they have all sorts of other stuff going on like bulimia and crushes and having to do that thing where you scrape the bottom of your toe shoes with a razor then wet them then light them on fire then sew ribbons on.

February 4th, 2011 by admin

We are starting a new series for our Barefoot Tess Blog. Several times each month, we’ll be spotlighting a Facebook friend we feel personifies the Barefoot Tess Woman. Today we are featuring one of our favorite friends. She’s a shoe lover and active participant on our daily wall. You’ve probably seen her comments and responses many times. Today, we feature Lilka Adams. She is 26 years old; a single Ad Sales Coordinator residing in the Big Apple. This self-described “lover of basketball” capitalized on her height at an early age, playing the game throughout her high school and college years. When asked about her size shoe, she says she fluctuates between wearing a size 13 and a 14, depending on the brand and style of shoe; suiting perfectly her 6 foot, 2 inch frame. Lilka inherited her tall genes from both sides of her family; a 6’5” father and a 5’9” mother. Although she’s the middle child, she is the shortest of her siblings; a 6’5”younger brother and a 6’3” “big sister.”

Style-wise, she considers herself a “casual chic kind of girl. Blouses with draping detail, a nice pair of jeans, and a blazer make my day. I indulge in Banana Republic, The Gap, and J.Crew…I really keep it simple.” She loves Matt Bernson and Dolce Vita shoes, but her favorite “designer of the moment” is Faryl Robin. “Her shoes are quite comfortable, and provide an edge that you can dress up or down.”

Wearing a size larger than a 10, Lilka knows how hard it is to find the perfect shoe. We asked her what shoe was on her radar. She said that she is currently on the hunt for several booties, one that “is trendy and edgy; with studs, platforms, and a high heel” for New York nights, and the other, “a nice, classic, casual bootie in black, cognac, or olive green for work but one that will be stylish enough to wear to events following my work day.” For the upcoming summer season, she’d like to find a classic thong sandal with a touch of bling, something with “small rhinestones or glitter going up the middle and the sides; that would be SOO dreamy!! I can picture it now with my loose flowing white dress.”

We all have designers we love. We also have a list of designers we’re lusting over. When we asked Lilka what designers she’d love to see make bigger sizes, she cited the “tall girl’s lament, “Honestly I don’t think I own that many pairs of shoes maybe 40-50, if that. With the look that I want, my pickings are slim, so I get what I can, when I can. Whenever a new pair of shoes gets delivered, my mom will say, “Another pair of shoes, Lilka?” Hey, when I find something I like, and it’s in MY size, how can I say no?? I may never have the opportunity to find a shoe of that nature EVER again. Right now, I’d love to find a pair of Jessica Bennetts, Corso Comos, Dolce Vitas, or Sam Edelmans. Honestly, I just want the cute trendy shoes that I see in size 6, in a size 14. I know I don’t want this tall stylista walking around in Magdesian’s all day. No disrespect, but I’m only 26. I don’t need my shoes to look like I’m headed to Tuesday Night Bingo.”

And that’s why we love Lilka. Thanks for being our friend.

January 19th, 2011 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

We’re huge fans of J. Shoes, so we’re pretty sad to see then go, but check out these newly marked-down must-haves available while they last. We don’t foresee them lasting long though, as they’re awesome and offered for an intense bargain. Lucky for you, we have to make room on our shelves for spring inventory, which is gorgeous.

The Bridle

These equestrian inspired boots are classic,

beautifully crafted, and perfect for a weekend

fox hunt in the country, complete with a mink stole

and a brandy nightcap.

$269

$99

The Meadow

These leather lace-up boots combine industrial

innovation and femininity, all the while

hearkening back to the days of flannel,

tattered cut-offs, and “My So-Called Life.”

Luckily, the flannel and the cut-offs are back in style!

$209

$99

The Empire

Fastidiously designed with an eye for beauty

and a mind for practicality, these lace-up

boots demand admiration and reverence for

their perfect construction, undeniable

versatility, and exquisite style.

$269

$99

January 18th, 2011 by admin

Katie Holmes, aka Mrs. Cruise, is starring in Ann Taylor’s newest ad campaign. Do you like the shot? [PopSugar]

Bored of your Snuggie? The “Forever Lazy”–a soft, fleecy one-piece for adults–is its latest competition. [Jezebel]

The three oldest Kardashian sisters have a new project up their sleeves. They’ve designed an affordable clothing line for Sears. [OK Magazine]

A Victoria’s Secret stylist reveals her secrets for getting hair catalog-model gorgeous. [Teen Vogue]

Princess-to-be Kate Middleton’s new favorite shopping destination isn’t posh at all: She’s been hitting up T.J. Maxx. [Slaves to Fashion]

January 6th, 2011 by admin

Going on vacation soon? Here are two stylish ways to look sexy–and covered-up–at the beach, as demonstrated by actress Chloe Sevigny and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. [Bazaar Blog]

Fashionista, couture, smoldering, and more words deemed totally over by the New York Times fashion editors. [New York Times]

Britney Spears loves to change her hair, and the next style she’s planning to get is super-long extensions. [Us Magazine]

Photo via JustJared

Talk about a massive hair change: Kim Kardashian’s now sporting cornrows and they are surprisingly chic. [JustJared]

This winter’s must-have is the Koolaburra boot. One newly-converted fan raves about their sturdiness, chic detailing, and about how comfortable and dry they make her feet. [Cheryl Shops]

Real people model their clothes and accessories on eBay to (sometimes) hilarious results. Click through to see some of the best (funniest) poses. [Racked]

Do you prefer square tip or round? Click through this slideshow to see what your nail preference says about your personality. [The Gloss]

If your New Year’s resolution is to try out a new look, here is a truly easy step-by-step tutorial on applying highlighter to your cheeks. [The Hairpin]

This should make shopping easy: the six top colors you’ll want to wear in 2011. [Refinery29]