Musings from a Sole Diva

Give a girl the correct footwear and she can conquer the world.

- Bette Midler

What is it with women and shoes, anyway? Have you ever wondered why we are attracted to and feel compelled to purchase so many of them? Is it our womanly right to have as many shoes as we desire (or can afford)? Why are the words "women" and "shoes" forever linked in infamy? And why do men need 3 only pairs of shoes when the correct number for women is infinity? Am I the only person who thinks of such things? Probably, but indulge me anyway! Let’s take a peek at why, intentionally or unintentionally, every woman channels her own inner Imelda Marcos.

If the Shoe Fits…

Unlike men’s clothing, women’s clothing sizes are inconsistent and all over the place. What may be a size 6 in one designer may be a size 8 in another. There is no consistent method used for creating women’s clothing, and we all are shaped differently. What happens when you think you are a size 10 but instead a 12 fits because of the designer you selected? It doesn’t make you feel good, does it? If you’re like the rest of us, you probably feel disappointed, your self image is shaken, and you may want to rush into a crash diet, right?

For whatever reason, we internalize our clothing size, beating ourselves up if we aren’t the size we think we should be. Feeling rejected, we may find ourselves in the shoe department. Here, if we try on a pair that is a little snug, chances are we won’t have a full-on identity crisis like we did in the fitting room, right ladies? We just go up a half-size. We think of this as the manufacturer’s problem, not our issue. Problem solved - and another pair finds its way into in our closet.

Therapy for the Sole?

I happen to think that there are two things that never reject women – food and shoes. We use both for comfort and as positive reinforcement. Not that either is particularly healthy for us. I would rather have a smokin’ pair of strappy stilettos over a piece of cheesecake any day, but different women use different diversions to get through tough times. A relationship gone bad, issues with friends, and strife at work all seem to be lessened with a little momentary splurge.

But when you come down from the high from your funky new Marc Jacobs stilettos or when the sugar rush wears off, you’re still left with a problem that isn’t remedied. So the diversion of buying new shoes or indulging in some serious caloric intake won’t make the challenges of the real world go away. It just lessens the impact for an hour or two. Problem not solved – but somehow we still end up with more shoes.

The Shoe Hoarder

Psychological factors aside, there happen to be legitimate reasons why we seem to require a lot of shoes. We have a vast array of clothing needs that are very different from men. While traditionally, guys have the option of wearing pants most of the time, or shorts sometimes, women need different shoes for pants, capris, short skirts, long skirts, casual styles, dressy styles, and the list can go on and on. We need specific shoes and heel heights for our diverse wardrobe. Not to mention basic colors and accent colors, and different shoes for the cold and warm seasons! What does this turn into?

A wardrobe full of shoes, of course! Problem solved?? Fortunately, we are limited by budget and space, and eventually one or the other will run out! Hopefully this will happen before the A&E camera crews make their way to your house.

MY TRUE SHOE CONFESSIONS

Here’s some stuff I’m not too proud of, but feel I feel the need to get it off my feet….

1. I buy knockoff shoes (sometimes)

Yes, this is the same person who said don’t, under any circumstances, buy a fake bag! A knockoff shoe merely means that a style a famous maker created is produced with a slight variation in style and typically, with less expensive materials. You would be surprised how many high-end and low-end shoes are made in the very same factory, but the label makes all the difference in the price point! On frivolous shoe purchases, such as the 4” faux pony hair leopard peeptoe Steve Madden knockoffs I bought, I spend as little as possible. Shoes like this will spend most of their shelf life in your closet, so I would advise skimping on fun accent shoes such as these.

2. I don’t care what my shoes are made of

I’m a vegetarian - almost a vegan. Have been since I was a kid. But I will buy almost any kind of animal skin or fur to wear on my feet without thinking twice! They just have to be cute. (Next thing I know, PETA will be aiming buckets of paint at my feet!) I don’t care to own a leather coat, I would never wear real fur, but basically I would wear endangered snow leopard cub fur-lined boots if they looked cute enough.

(I am joking, of course. I would never wear endangered snow leopard cub fur! But I do have a couple of non-endangered skins and hairs that I’m not too proud of as a bona fide veg – sorry! I assure you they are really cute though!!)

3. I buy quantity over quality

There are 5 Basic Shoe Styles that every woman should have in her closet. This is where to be sure to buy quality since these are your workhorses and should last for several seasons.

1) Tall black or brown boots 2) Basic sneakers 3) Flats or loafers 4) Basic black stiletto pumps and 5) Strappy metallic sandals.

Once the basics are taken care of, I’m all about quantity, quantity, quantity!! The more shoes, the merrier!!! (Yes, I have a problem – but at least my feet always look good!!)

***

It’s funny that almost every guy I meet thinks his woman is the only one with a truckload of shoes. I assure them that while yes, we all love shoes (some of us more than others), the clothing that we wear necessitates at least seven pairs of black heels (I am such an enabler!) as well as various combinations of boots, sandals, flats, wedges, platforms, mules, etc, etc.

I tell them that we need our shoes because they complete our outfits. What I don’t mention is that in some bizarre cosmic way they may also complete us.

Kristen Kaleal is a wardrobe stylist who knows that the day she can no longer pull off five inch heels is the day that she will have to admit she is short. And that will not be a happy day. But until then, she's walkin' tall and writing quirky things about herself in the third person.

Winter ReBoot

(I'm also rebooting this column, first published 12/10/09)

 As I was grudgingly going through my boot collection in preparation for Jack Frost hitting the Midwest this week, I remembered a helpful tip I learned a few years ago. 

We're all looking for ways to reuse, renew and recycle these days, so here's a way to recycle your old magazines and keep your tall boots in shape.

It's simple. Roll up a magazine (I like "meatier" mags like Vogue or O) and put one in each boot. 

The boots will stand at attention ready for you, whether you wear them on a daily basis or need to store them during the warmer months.

This technique is a far more reasonable alternative to pricey boot trees:

 

If you look at this the way I do (and I really hope you don't), the money saved on buying boot trees will allow you to BUY MORE BOOTS!

Mmmm.....warmer months........

Stop taunting me, Atlantis commericals. 

I may just have to take you up on a winter mini-vacay.

I'm ready for it after a day and a half. 

What a whiner!

Stand Up & ReBoot

As I was grudgingly going through my boot collection in preparation for Jack Frost hitting the Midwest this week, I remembered a helpful tip I learned a few years ago. 

We're all looking for ways to reuse, renew and recycle these days, so here's a way to recycle your old magazines and keep your tall boots in shape.

It's simple. Roll up a magazine (I like "meatier" mags like Vogue or O) and put one in each boot. 

The boots will stand at attention ready for you, whether you wear them on a daily basis or need to store them during the warmer months.

This technique is a far more reasonable alternative to pricey boot trees:

 

If you look at this the way I do (and I really hope you don't), the money saved on buying boot trees will allow you to BUY MORE BOOTS!

Mmmm.....warmer months........

Stop taunting me, Atlantis commericals. 

I may just have to take you up on a winter mini-vacay.

I'm ready for it after a day and a half. 

What a whiner!

How to invest in shoe booties

Hi Kristen! I have a seasonal fashion question for you (I know you can help): I want a pair of shoe booties but I don't know what to buy. I want to get the most for my money and wear them with skinny jeans AND casual dresses/skirts... Any suggestions?

My best advice is to treat buying a fun but basic item like booties just like buying a basic pair of pumps.

First, choose a color that will match tights and the majority of your skirts and pants - preferably black or brown - whatever you tend to wear more. Either color goes with denim.

Do you like suede or leather? I prefer the look of suede over leather, but it has to be treated very carefully, so that is a consideration. You will also want to purchase a bootie without a lot of decoration. The less embellishment on them, the more versatile they will be and the more outfits you can wear them with. Sounds like you want to make them an investment piece, so we want to make sure you get a good return on that investment.

I suggest buying booties without a cuff or ruching, both of which can make your ankle and calf look thicker. The sleeker the transition from leg to boot, the slimmer your leg will look.

Open-toe booties or ones with cutouts are trendy, but not practical for the cold, of course. Even with tights on, who wants soggy toes?!

Here are some to think about.

Nordstrom - Enzo Angiolini 'Kaleb'

Macys - Meyer Ankle Boot (Max Studio)

Zappos.com - Joan & David / Hartman

The cuff on this one does the opposite of a thick horizontal ankle cuff. It will actually make your leg look longer and slimmer!

Or you can throw caution to the wind and go for some serious shoe candy!

Agh! To die for.....

The Sandal Pledge

At the start of sandal season, every woman needs to take a good look at her feet!

As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the Rules
when wear sandals and other open-toe shoes:

I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over
and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.

I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free.

I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.

I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.

I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker,
mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into
place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.

I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr.
Scholl's if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low
price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This
is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk
properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down
with me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell
and begin to look like Vienna sausages.

I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she
asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that
her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look
good.

I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip
and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT
to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.

I will promise to go my local nail salon at least once per season and
have a real pedicure (they are about $20 and worth EVERY penny).

I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs
of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals.

- Anonymous

Musings from a Sole Diva

Give a girl the correct footwear and she can conquer the world.

- Bette Midler

What is it with women and shoes, anyway? Have you ever wondered why we are attracted to and feel compelled to purchase so many of them? Is it our womanly right to have as many shoes as we desire (or can afford)? Why are the words ‘women’ and ‘shoes’ forever linked in infamy? And why do men need 3 only pairs of shoes when the correct number for women is infinity? Am I the only person who thinks of such things? Probably, but indulge me anyway! Let’s take a peek at why, intentionally or unintentionally, every woman channels her own inner Imelda Marcos.

If the Shoe Fits…
Unlike men’s clothing, women’s clothing sizes are inconsistent and all over the place. What may be a size 6 in one designer may be a size 8 in another. There is no consistent method used for creating women’s clothing, and we all are shaped differently. What happens when you think you are a size 10 but instead a 12 fits because of the designer you selected? It doesn’t make you feel good, does it? If you’re like the rest of us, you probably feel disappointed, your self image is shaken, and you may want to rush into a crash diet, right?

For whatever reason, we internalize our clothing size, beating ourselves up if we aren’t the size we think we should be. Feeling rejected, we may find ourselves in the shoe department. Here, if we try on a pair that is a little snug, chances are we won’t have a full-on identity crisis like we did in the fitting room, right ladies? We just go up a half-size. We think of this as the manufacturer’s problem, not our issue. Problem solved - and another pair finds its way into in our closet.

Shoe Therapy
I happen to think that there are two things that never reject women – food and shoes. We use both for comfort and as positive reinforcement. Not that either is particularly healthy for us. I would rather have a smokin’ pair of strappy stilettos over a piece of cheesecake any day, but different women use different diversions to get through tough times. A relationship gone bad, issues with friends, and strife at work all seem to be lessened with a little momentary splurge.

But when you come down from the high from your funky new Marc Jacobs wedges or when the sugar rush wears off, you’re still left with a problem that isn’t remedied. So the diversion of buying new shoes or indulging in some serious caloric intake won’t make the challenges of real world go away. It just lessens the impact for an hour or two. Problem not solved – but somehow we still end up with more shoes.

The Shoe Collection
Psychological factors aside, there happen to be legitimate reasons why we seem to require a lot of shoes. We have a vast array of clothing needs that are very different from men. While traditionally, guys have the option of wearing pants most of the time, or shorts sometimes, women need different shoes for pants, capris, short skirts, long skirts, casual styles, dressy styles, and the list can go on and on. We need specific shoes and heel heights for our diverse wardrobe. Not to mention basic colors and accent colors, and different shoes for the cold and warm seasons! What does this turn into?

A wardrobe full of shoes, of course! Problem solved?? Fortunately, we are limited by budget and space, and eventually one or the other will run out!

KK's TRUE SHOE CONFESSIONS
Here’s some stuff I’m not too proud of, but feel I need to get off my chest….

1. I buy knockoff shoes
Yes, this is the same person who said don’t, under any circumstances, buy a fake bag! A knockoff shoe merely means that a style a famous maker created is produced with a slight variation in style and typically, with less expensive materials. You would be surprised how many high-end and low-end shoes are made in the very same factory, but the label makes all the difference in the price point! On frivolous shoe purchases, such as the 4” faux pony hair leopard peeptoe Steve Madden knockoffs I bought, I spend as little as possible. Shoes like this will spend most of their shelf life in your closet, so I would advise skimping on fun accent shoes such as these.

2. I don’t care what my shoes are made of
I’m a vegetarian - almost a vegan. Have been since I was a kid. But I will buy almost any kind of animal skin or fur to wear on my feet without thinking twice! They just have to be cute. (Next thing I know, PETA will be aiming buckets of paint at my feet!) I don’t care to own a leather coat, I would never wear real fur, but basically I would wear endangered snow leopard cub fur-lined boots if they looked cute enough.

(I am joking, of course. I would never wear endangered snow leopard cub fur! But I do have a couple of non-endangered skins and hairs that I’m not too proud of as a bona fide veg – sorry! I assure you they are really cute though!!)

3. I buy quantity over quality
There are 5 Basic Shoe Styles that every woman should have in her closet. This is where to be sure to buy quality since these are your workhorses and should last for several seasons.

1) Tall black or brown boots 2) Basic sneakers 3) Flats or loafers 4) Basic black stiletto pumps and 5) Strappy metallic sandals.

Once the basics are taken care of, I’m all about quantity, quantity, quantity!! The more shoes, the merrier!!! (Yes, I have a problem – but at least my feet always look good!!)

***

It’s funny that almost every guy I meet thinks his woman is the only one with a truckload of shoes. I assure them that while yes, we all love shoes (some of us more than others), the clothing that we wear necessitates at least seven pairs of black heels (I am such an enabler!) as well as various combinations of boots, sandals, flats, wedges, platforms, mules, etc, etc.

I tell them that we need our shoes because they complete our outfits. What I don’t mention is that in some bizarre cosmic way they may also complete us.

Look thinner without setting foot in the gym

I was quoted in this month's West Shore Magazine about three ways to quickly dress thinner:

DO IT...when getting ready (5 minutes)

Look thinner without setting foot in the gym. Kristen Kaleal, a Cleveland-based wardrobe consultant, shares three ways to use your wardrobe to shed unwanted pounds.

Grab a long necklace. “Anything vertical will make you look thinner,” says Kaleal, who adds necklaces should hit right below the bust line. “The whole thing is you don’t want to accentuate the bigger part of your body. You don’t want any line to end up on the bigger part of your body.”

Slip on some nude shoes. “Those are really hot for spring. And they should be hot all the time because they really make the legs look longer and thinner,” she says. Unlike gladiator shoes that wrap around your leg and can make you look stumpy, nude shoes (heels preferably over flats) elongate your natural shape, making your legs look like they flow into the ground.

Accentuate your skinny bits. Your neck, forearms and calves are three of the thinnest parts of your body. So show them off and drop 10 to 15 pounds in the process, says Kaleal. Pull back your hair to accentuate your neckline. Highlight your forearms with a three-quarter-length-sleeve shirt. And thin your legs with a skirt that ends right below the thickest part of your calf.

- Beth Stallings

*Credit to Lynne Marks, AICI CIM for those "skinny bits!" I use them all the time!

Inside Business (2/2009)

Changing Your Business Life: Spruce Up Your Wardrobe
by Eric Broder

In an economic downturn, your wardrobe may have to take a hit. That belt you’re tightening ... you didn’t pay full price, right? “It’s not so much about scaling back what you buy and how you shop, but being smarter and more conscious about where your wardrobe dollars are going,” says image consultant Kristen Kaleal.

Buying new. Take it down a notch from the pricey stores. Hit Nordstrom Rack rather than the mothership, or try Filene’s Basement. Invest first in the basics — “nothing too hip or trendy” — based on your industry. Suits, jackets, pants and skirts should be in timeless colors: black, navy, brown, gray. Then come the accessories, which include shirts and blouses. “I’ll only buy something if it goes with three other pieces in my wardrobe,” says Kaleal. And if you’ve got to have your designer wear, get it at the outlet store or on eBay.

Make ’em last. You’ll extend the life of your suits by only dry cleaning them every three or four wearings. Invest $15 in cedar shoe trees, which can double the life of your shoes. When they do finally wear out, take them to a shoe repair shop —they’ll live anew.

Look in your own closet. You’ll be surprised at how much more you have, Kaleal says. Mix and match pieces for a new look. Women can quickly update an older outfit with accessories from a discount store — earrings, necklaces, scarves and bags. It’s change on the cheap.

KK: Shoe Pundit

Let them have their political discourse...

and I will provide the shoe commentary!

I don't normally discuss politics in my little blog, but I wanted to mention that my philosophy is to check out the shoes first, ask questions later.

And I was quite impressed by Sarah Palin. Why? Because I liked her shoes.

I looked at her feet this past Friday and saw not a boring pair of black pumps, which is what I totally expected, but a pair of sexy red peeptoes. And you can't wear peeptoes with hosiery, so that means she tossed aside the pantyhose as well. (Women around the country, you may cheer now - this may have been one of the first steps to finally getting rid of the bain of our existence.)


So I decided to see if McCain's running mate was a bit of a shoe maverick as well. And it appears that she is....

Not sure PETA would approve of the bear (or the crab), but I dig the shoes. I mean, a governor looking all business on top and then wearing red flip-flops?

New Alaska quarter? Check. Sexy boots? Check. (I think the jacket is awful though.) Hey, there's that bear again!

And no, I am not voting for anyone's feet, but as a fashion commentator, I needed to mention that I am impressed by her shoes. It's not what Laura Bush would wear. And that's a good thing!

Tonight when she accepts the nomination for VP, I will be tuning in. For the footwear.

***

BTW, I have heard of her referred to as both a VPILF (thanks, Campinelli!) and McCain's trophy VP. To me, she just looks like Tina Fey.

Mini-Me Missy

This is my stylin' niece Missy trying on Aunt Kristen's sexy shoes today.

(Pic snapped with BlackBerry, hence it is crappy.)

I tried on a Croc today

I have never liked those things since I first saw them.

I have to go to a dog event tomorrow and I wanted to buy some no-frills shoes. (As you may have guessed, all my shoes have frills.)

A few cuter pairs of Crocs have come out recently. I decided to see what they were all about.

So I tried one on.

Like a knee-jerk reaction, my foot rejected the hideous piece of aqua rubber, kicking it five feet away, without my brain even being consulted.

For the nanosecond that it was on my foot, it seemed comfortable enough. They would certainly be smart if there is any mud at the polo fields, where the event is.

Alas, even though I beat up my feet with some of the super uncomfy shoes I wear, my feet cannot bear to look like crap.

Feet 1 - Crocs 0

So I guess I'll be wearing the comfy old standard tomorrow - my sparkly lime flip-flops.

I Want:

Anthropologie Sculpted Flower Boots

My blonde cowboy boots, which I have given much love to over the last couple years, have just about had it.

I saw these and it was love at first sight.

Unfortunately, they have a $500 price tag, which I will not spend for shoes - and it doesn't matter how freakin' adorable they are. Take the price down about $300 and we'll talk, Anthropologie.

Seriously - how does that company know exactly what I will love???

Take ANYTHING but the SHOES!!!

I was watching E's Denise Richards: It's Complicated this morning. I have no idea why. It's not good - or insightful. And I think she is more than a bit vacuous.

But I did get some blog fodder.

After doing an interview for a Redbook cover, Ms. Richards went to review what occurred with her widower dad, who is living at her house. He told her she swore quite a bit during the interview. She said, "No I didn't!" and of course, E! edited in all the clips of her bleeped four-letter words, which completely proved her wrong.

Apparently, each time she swears, her dad makes her give up a pair of shoes.

So they went into her closet and selected 12 designer pairs and took them to Goodwill.

Next time I'm in L.A., I need to hit that store! I mean, she was giving away Prada, Jimmy Choos, Dolce & Gabbana. I'm sure her feet are bigger than mine - but still, that gave me an idea! Thrift stores of the stars! This one must be close to her home in Calabasas.

Keep on swearing, Dense!

Oops, I meant Denise. I guess maybe that typo says it all.

I (Heart) Free Shoes

I admit....I would make a terrible politician. Why? Because you can bribe me with shoes.

I was contacted by an L.A.-based PR company working for Marshalls, who told me that if I agreed to blog about the Marshalls Mega Shoe Shops, they would send me gift certificate for shoes.

Well, I went to Marshall's (I had visited their Mega Shoe Shops many times before) and it was like I had never before seen shoes.

Mind you, that is why I know I am have the perfect career for me - every time I go into a store, it's like I have never seen clothes or shoes before. I become completely dumbstruck. Even if it's Old Navy or Charlotte Russe - two places where I don't even buy anything! I'm like, "OOOOH -- CLOTHES!!"

I came out of Marshalls with two cute pairs of shoes - black and straw-colored giraffe print Madden Girl pumps ($24.99) and cork platform slides from Via Spiga ($29.99). They have a zebra print on top and a triangle-shaped toe area. Very sleek yet casual. The nice platform makes me feel taller.

I don't make it into Marshall's too often, simply because the other discount standby (TJ Maxx) is closer to home. (They have the same parent company.)

I do get asked quite a bit where to get this or that. And now I know that for a really great selection of cute shoes (and great labels too), the Marshalls Mega Shoe Shop is the place to go. I was really impressed!

And I'm not just saying that because I got free shoes :)

Let this be a lesson - if you ever want me to champion a cause for you, shoes are the perfect bribe!

I got the coolest thing yesterday!

At Tar-zhay!

It's a magnet, where you put the "today I feel" flower over the appropriate shoe.

Is there a shoe personality for "frazzled?"

After a long Cleveland winter, we’re finally starting to believe that spring is here. At last, we can say buh-bye to the heavy sweaters and boots and a happy hello to our spring garb.

If you don’t want to spend a bunch of money to update your wardrobe right now (and who does?), here are 5 super quick pieces that will help you step into spring style!

1. Yellow Accessories
Yellow is white hot for spring, but not everyone wants to look like a full-out lemon or banana! What's the solution? Just add a shot of yellow somewhere in your outfit. What shoe diva can possibly resist these adorable yellow slingbacks!?

2. Peasant Top
Flowy, fun and cool for when the weather gets hot, the peasant top has become a staple. Pair it with a skirt, jeans, capris or even shorts!

3. A Fun Clutch
Leave your big bag behind and try a casual clutch for day or evening. Trust me, you will feel like you lost 20 pounds off your shoulder! To compliment all the bright colors we’re seeing right now, try a neutral color or an exotic print, like snake.

4. Ballet Flats
I can’t imagine a better shoe for spring. Ballet flats are in season after season for a good reason – they’re comfy, easy and elegant. Just slip them on with jeans, slacks or capris and go. Bold colors and patterns can add some excitement to a basic outfit.

5.Multicolor Necklace
Is there an easier and cheaper way to add a pop of spring color to what you already have? Probably not. If bold geometrics aren’t your thing, find an inexpensive colorful necklace that you love!

My Feet, the Pope & other esoterica

It's beautiful today. My feet are freshly pedicured (pretty red toenails) and ready to take on the world in some sexy shoes. I was excited to wear my favorite sparkly lime green platform flip-flops on a little walk through the grass with my dog today. Bailey has spring fever, and only going outside with me seems to help it, much to my chagrin. I have work to do!!!

Pope Benedict XVI is in the U.S. right now. This is very exciting. I grew up Catholic (went to Catholic elementary school and to a Jesuit college - John Carroll), but now I don't know what I am exactly. Maybe I'm the catch-all phrase "spiritual." But having the Pope here and seeing the excitement of the people greeting him was a really good thing. It seems to be a reassurance that there is still good left in the world. I had tremendous respect for John Paul II, despite my misgivings about a lot of the Catholic doctrine. Perhaps it was from my grandparents, who revered him. First, it was because they are devout Catholics, but they also took great pride in him because he was the first (and still only) Polish pope. So there was a special connection there. Gram always referred to him as "our" pope. I don't think Benedict XVI will ever be "ours." He's German.

I respect Benedict XVI because he is a renowned scholar. From college, I have learned to respect those who study religion, because I have seen that they do so from a "world" view, not just from the point of view of their own religious persuasion. He seems to understand the importance of inter-religion dialogue. Everyone thinks their views are correct, but all that really matters is that you're a good person, right?

So as a casual onlooker - not a religious person - I actually like seeing the Pope treated like a rock star in our country.

On a completely different page, I'm so glad Jen Toohey enjoyed our shopping adventure yesterday. I loved hearing her talk about it on the radio!!!

I'm starting to volunteer at the Art Museum soon! I'm really excited about this as my degree is in Art History. And while I never planned to make art my life's work, I use a lot of the principles I learned studying art in my image and style business all the time. I definitely developed my eye for color and pattern (I have always been inspired by Matisse, Dufy and Miro) from my art background. I miss the museum terribly since it has been closed for renovations. It seems like forever already. I used to just take a day whenever I was feeling stressed and stroll leisurely through the galleries. Starting with contemporary, I would move backward through time, and ultimately end up in the African gallery. I collect African tourist art. I have a special affinity for it (despite disliking the African, Pre-Columbian & Oceanic art course I took in college).

And finally...
My friend Raven is starting a wrestling school down in Georgia, and I just wanted to wish him luck. His classes start on May 6th. I hope it's a success!

And....
I finished one of the three books I promised to complete! If you ever want to know what your dog is thinking, just ask me! I'm now a dog behavior expert after reading one book! Yep!!

Or should I say "Yip?"

Squealing in the Dressing Room

I rarely speak of my adventures with clients. But yesterday was extra-special and it deserves a space in my blog.

I was driving down to Canton yesterday morning when I realized just how much I am living my dream. I get to shop for a day with a client (and get paid very well for it) and then go to Nordstrom, where I was hosting an event that evening.

Last week, the amount of clothes I took out of my clients' closets was astounding. Most of it had to go to Goodwill because it was so old and used and worn that Dress for Success would not have taken it.

W. had not been shopping for herself, besides what her mother-in-law had bought for her, in around five years. She was an accountant, and now she's a stay-at-home mom. But it's tough to feel great when your wardrobe selections are nil.

There were "corporate" clothes and "run around with the kids" clothes. And not much else. She's young and cute, has beautiful "Autumn" coloring and nice little bod. She's ready for fun!

So we spent a day at Macy's. We bought several pairs of jeans in different dark washes, a tan trench that she absolutely loved, blouses, basics, pants, "hot mom" clothes and the cutest black cotton dress ever.

Imagine someone so excited about her new wardrobe that she was skipping out of the dressing room and squealing with delight!

Her signature color is red. I had to make her buy another pair of "fun" shoes because I knew that the crimson slingbacks were gonna get beaten up real fast.

Her signature accessory is a cool "statement" bracelet. Her wardrobe basics are brown and black. And she loves fun prints that show her fun and quirky personality.

It is so rewarding for me as a personal stylist to have a client see how beautiful she can look. My question was, "Did you KNOW you could look this hot?"

Her answer was "Who wouldda thought!?"

Sore, sore, sore & crabby

I've been lifting weights like a fiend (well, at least for me) for the last 2 months. I've been able to increase how much I'm lifting considerably in the last couple of weeks. Maybe I'm turning into the incredible hulk or something (hehe). Fortunately, I'm really getting solid, not bulky. But I do keep flexing an unhealthy amount because it makes me feel like an awesome bodybuilder or something.

The increased weight factor is making me hurt, which is expected, but it makes me grouchy too. And having to go out shopping - anywhere - during the Christmas season annoys me too! Best Buy. Ugh. TJ Maxx yesterday too. GRRRR. So many people, all over the place. But mainly, in my way!!!

Good thing I found out my grinch name, which is Woefulbeast Rottenshorts. Yeah, that's me alright. It was made worse by the SNOW when I opened the door this evening. I was not expecting this. In fact, I went out this morning to Target (before the gym) in flip-flops. Bad Ms. Rottenshorts!! I can't help it! As long as there is no precipitation and it's over 40 degrees, I'm in flip-flops. Or at least shoes and no socks, which I also did today.

I have to put those silly flip-flops away already. Or they will have to pry them off my frostbitten feet.

Requiem for an Old Friend

I received an email this past week from my friend Sandy stating that my old stomping ground, Dallas Shoes, was closing. It sounded like the clearance had been going on for a little while already and I should hurry up if I wanted to get some good stuff before the end.

I used to cut classes during college and go shopping at their old location on Rockside. That was perhaps the greatest predictor of my future career. Screw higher learning, give me shoes!

Dallas closed once before. They used to have several locations. Then one of the parters apparently reopened with just the one big store in North Randall by the mall. Now that store is closing.

There was a sign on the outside of Dallas Shoes that said, "Grand Opening - Fur & Leather Outlet." So I went in, and other than the front right side of the store being partitioned off with fur and leather coats and all the security that comes along with them, the store looked exactly as it has always looked. Still has tons of shoes, clothes and accessories.

Shoes and boots, clothing and accessories were 30% off, sandals were 70% off. Sadly, I had about 5 pairs of shoe boxes stacked up, but I ended up with none. No shoes for KK. Sad day :(

There wasn't a single pair that I couldn't live without.

I did find a cool orange "Serengeti Tours" T-shirt (I dream of going on safari one day), 3 winter hats and a scarf. My collection of winter accessories has grown by leaps and bounds in the last two years. I was having a good hair day until I started trying on wool hats. Can you say "static electricity?!!" My hair went wild!

I was talking to a couple of the sales women who have worked there 17 years (wow!) and 2 years, respectively. They were both sad and saying they didn't know what they were going to do, so I took down their info and said I would see if any of my retail connections would help them find other jobs. That's really awful news just before the holidays.

I am still looking for my elusive cute winter shoes (that are not boots). Going shopping tomorrow with Leslie the Search Guru at Great Northern, so perhaps I will find some. I haven't checked DSW yet. They also have a K&G out there with women's clothes, so I will stop in there too. And they have a great Marshalls. I'll also probably pop by Stein Mart in Westlake too while I'm way out west.

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Confidential to my dear LML: I hope you are feeling better soon, babe. I know this is hard for you. You'll be OK.