I'm famous

Okay...maybe not.  But I've never been published before and in the land of blogs, I was published!  Woohoo for me!  Check it out here.

Thank you to Dave, the Self Enterpriser for letting me share my story.

This just in!

trend alerts – sheer trousers 
A staple upon the Spring/Summer runways 
and a subtle yet all-exposing nod to the underwear as outerwear trend, sheer trousers take to the streets of London. Layered over ribbed socks or leggings, slight, nebulous white chiffon is imbued with an Alexander Wang inspired sportswear influence. *


I have to admit, I'm confused.  I must be way behind the times because I didn't realize that underwear was becoming an outerwear trend.  Maybe tomorrow I'll sport my bra on the outside.  I'd hate to be out of style.  


If you are this brave I want to see you sporting the sheer trousers.  Stop by and you win a $10 gift card on the spot.


*article courtesy of www.trendstop.com

Wednesday's are Special

First off, we had a blast last night at Ladies Night Out.  Minor detail ~ I forgot to take pictures.  I'm so bummed!  It was just too crazy, busy, and fun.  Next time I'll make sure to have a designated photographer on site (do I hear the name Snapsister?).  Nevertheless, we had a great time listening to Jon Lovitz, hanging out, and trying on shoes.  Oh yes...and eating chocolate.  I ate WAY too much chocolate.  We had chocolate from Lynden Chocolate and it is amazing, I couldn't resist...all 40+ times.  It's definitely time to work on that self-control issue.

Okay, on to the Wednesday sale. I have some cute Dansko sandals that are feeling kinda low. Most of their friends have sold.  It's been a hard blow.  Their egos are shot.  They want a new home.  Are there some toes out there to befriend this sad pair?  Will you be the one to take them home, warm their soles, treat them fair.  I hope it is YOU!  I hope you're the one.  You won't be disappointed, for this sale will make you run.

Serena in Black by Dansko
Regular $110.
Today $75.
Only 2 sizes left. 

Dansko Serena

Size 40 $75.00 Size 41 $75.00

Don't forget....April 27th

I hope you will be able to make it to Ladies Night Out.  I don't think Jon Lovitz can make it so don't worry, you won't have to shield your eyes.

The evening will be full of fun, girls, coffee, chocolate, shoes and make up.  Really what else does a girl need?  Oh yes, of course, SALES.  Sales on shoes is right up there with chocolate.

See you there.

When ~ April 27th
When ~ 7pm-9pm

RSVP if you are planning to come.

Events, Events, Events...

Get your information here folks.  Lots is going on and you won't want to miss out...

Shop Lynden! Fight Cancer!

Relay for Life

Sole Obsession Footwear is excited to 

be a part of the 2nd annual 

Shop Lynden! Fight Cancer! Event! 

Put on by a local Relay for Life team ~ Marching for Mom and Dad.

On Saturday, April 24th Sole Obsession Footwear will be donating 20% of all sale proceeds to Relay for Life.

Join us and be a part of the race for the cure!

Where & When

105 3rd Street

Lynden, Washington 98264

April 24, 2010

10:00AM-5:30PM

__________________________________________________________________________________

Ladies Night Out!

A girl’s only event

April 27th is our 1st annual Ladies Night Out!

Mingle, relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, try on shoes, and sample Arbonne's Pure Swiss Skin Care.

As a special treat, all customers will be entered to win the Arbonne Hostess gift.  Show up and get your 1st ticket, buy something and get a 2nd ticket, book a party and get a 3rd ticket ~ 3 ways to get your name in the hat!

Sole Obsession Footwear will also be offering great deals on summer sandals as well as door prizes and a gift with purchase.

You won't want to miss out on the fun!

  

Where & When

105 3rd Street

Lynden, Washington 98264

April 27, 2010

7:00PM-9:00PM

Please RSVP if you know you will be attending.  

Saturday April 24, 2010

We interrupt our regular programming for a special announcement...

Saturday, April 24th

We are excited to participate in the 2nd Annual

Shop Lynden! Fight Cancer! Event!

Sole Obsession Footwear will be donating 

20% of all proceeds 

to Relay for Life*.

Join us in the fight against cancer!

*20% of total sale proceeds on April 24, 2010.

Wednesday's are Special

In honor of Earth Day April 22nd, we are offering Simple Sneakers on sale today (and we will continue the sale until Friday.)

All Simple Sneakers will be $10 off.
(including men's, women's, and kids)

These awesome shoes are made using recycled materials and provide comfort and support that is far superior to any other low-profile sneaker on the market.

Sport these Simple sneakers this spring/summer for a great look with shorts or capris.  They are comfortable enough to spend a day in Seattle, wear to the ball game, or plain just to look awesome.

Remember Jerrie?  She bought a pair last year at this time.  Check out her reviews here.

Come by, try them on, and experience the lush memory foam footbed for yourself.


O.S. Sneaker in Black                                             Satire with Ribbon Laces in Gray
Available in Men's only.                                         Available in Women's Only.
Regular $60.                                                            Regular $55.                        

Sale Price $50.                                Sale Price $45.

 













The Satire Elastic in Bison.                                              The Satire Sneaker in Black.
Available in Women's and Kid's sizes.                            Available in Women's only.
Women's - Regular $55.                                                   Regular $55.
Kid's - Regular $42
Sale Price Women's $45.               Sale Price $45.
Kid's $32.

                                                                      









We will not be offering a Pay Now button for this sale. If you would like to make a purchase but cannot make it to the store. Please contact us at 360-392-8659 and we can arrange for payment by phone and ship your shoes to you directly. Thank you.

Saturday

This weekend I joined a few of my shoe divas on a trip to Seattle.  We were on our way to meet The Pioneer Women at her cookbook signing.

I've never been to a book signing so I had no idea what to expect.
I apparently did not realize that when the ladies say we are leaving at noon, 5 minutes past is completely unacceptable.  They were ladies on a mission.  They were even more unimpressed when I made them stop at the local bookstore, Homespun General Store, so that I could purchase my own copy of the cookbook.  {We were heading to a book store in Seattle.}  But I'm a shop local kinda gal and if it was available in Lynden, I was going to buy it in Lynden.  The ladies did stop for me and I excitedly purchased my new favorite cookbook.  Chock full of the most delicious recipes that will ensure I never fit into my wedding dress again.

(Look at my huge grin...I told you, I love shopping local)

After the little delay we were on our way to the big city. I was full of anticipation and excitement. I don't often leave my small town or my store.

On our travels we discovered that everyone was wearing Sole Obsession shoes. A great plug for the store. These ladies know comfort and fashion and they all picked great shoes for our trip.  Tami was wearing her new Jambu Planet's, I chose my new favorite shoes, Leslie was wearing Privo's and Holly was sporting Dansko's.

What I love about this whole experience is that I may not have known these ladies if it weren't for Sole Obsession Footwear.  I love my job and I love that I get to meet great people because of it.

If you haven't stopped by the store before, come on in.  We may just become friends.  (Sorry I didn't mean to scare you away.  The friend thing is optional.)


Our trip was full of great memories.  To read more about it you can click over to my new personal blog for the full rendition.

My new favorite shoes

You may think that because I have a shoe store I get my pick of shoes.
If you think that, I have to tell ya, YOU ARE SO WRONG.  {Ahem} Sorry, I didn't mean to be so blunt.

What I mean is, with a size 12 foot I still don't get to pick any shoe I want.  Lots of brands don't even make a size 12 in ANY of their shoes.  I know it's shocking, it's an atrocity, it's scandalous.  But it's true.  And it's the sad straw that I have drawn.  Oh the deprivation, the tears, the nightmares...

All this to say that sometimes I am forced to choose fashion over comfort.  I know it's wrong.  I really do.  But sometimes I just can't help it.  A girl has to be a girl even with size 12 feet.  So recently I went on a shoe trying on spree at the store.  I tried on all the size 11's of my favorite cute styles to try and find one that might fit.  And I use the term fit very loosely.  I needed something to wear that was a little dressy, cute, girly, and didn't look like I was squeezing into something I shouldn't.  (Goodness knows I get enough of that in my jeans but you can't suck in your heels like you can your stomach.)  The hunt was on and I was not giving up easily.  I went through boxes of shoes.  I was by far my own worst customer.  And then I found the pair.  The one's that I thought would work.  I painstakingly checked my heels out in the mirror a million times trying to make sure know one could tell I was in a shoe one size too small.  I got numerous opinions from unsuspecting customers.

So without further adieu...here is my new favorite shoes.  I think they would be extremely comfortable if they were the right size and the arch actually was in the right spot.  But all that aside, I love them.  The fit my criteria and they make me feel girly.  It's a win-win.

(Okay minus the size too small they are a win-win).

The Touring by Jambu.  Cute and sassy meet comfort in one fell swoop!

You can buy your very own pair all week long on the "Shoe of the Week" tab above.  Trust me you won't be disappointed.

SAVE the DATE

Wednesday's are Special

If fashion is in the eye of the beholder, then you should all behold these Born sandals.
They are fashionable, yet understated.  Casual, yet elegant.  Simplistic, yet bold.  Clever, yet....okay you get the idea.
They are great and you should get a pair.
Simple as that.

So come by the store, try them on, and take them home at a great price.
Because Wednesday's are special and we like to keep it that way.

The Brienne by Born.  Available in Black and Lipstick.


Today's Sale Price $60.  Regular Price $85.

Black available in sizes 7, 8, & 10

Brienne in Black

Size 7 $60.00 Size 8 $60.00 Size 10 $60.00

Lipstick available in sizes 7, 8, & 9

Brienne in Lipstick

Size 7 $60.00 Size 8 $60.00 Size 9 $60.00

Dansko Press Room - Our Story

After yesterday's post I was asked about the history of Dansko.  

Dansko has a very cute little video that describes how their business started and where the construction for their ultra comfortable clog derived from.  

Check it out...Dansko Press Room - Our Story

CLARKS

A Brief History of Clarks

A family business for over 179 years, Clarks Shoes has led the way in shoe manufacturing, becoming one of the leading brands of shoes in the world. The success of Clarks Shoes can be attributed to the family behind the company. They have been, and are still to this day, committed to producing a high quality product for every man, woman and child in the world. Their dedication and hard work, coupled with their awareness of market trends and future technologies, has ensured the success and longevity of the Clarks Shoe Company. Getting its starts from humble beginnings, Clarks Shoes quickly and effectively moved forward, giving the company a place in the shoe industry for almost 200 years, surpassing any other.

In 1825 England, a man named Cyrus Clark decided to tan sheepskin rugs, and inadvertently set the wheels in motion for what is known as the world's #1 shoe brand, Clark Shoes. In 1830, Cyrus's brother James was to credit for creating the first sheepskin slippers using Cyrus's tanned sheepskin. With the purchase of the newly invented Singer Sewing machine in 1856, the brothers were able to ease the assembly of their sheepskin slippers for their consumers, and production began to thrive.

Soon after, William Clark introduced a line of foot friendly shoes named the Hygienic Line that followed the natural shape of a foot. This creation would soon prove to be a significant one, as the foot friendly shoe became what was expected of any shoe that Clarks produces. In the early 20th century, John, Roger, and Alice Clark respond to changing fashions by paying close attention to the development of women's shoes. Little did they know how large a market this would eventually become.

Following the end of Second World War, the 1940's became a time for Clarks Shoes to be seen around the world. This led Nathan Clark to create the Desert Boot in the early 1950's, influenced by the marketplace in Cairo. These boots popularity came from their simple comfort, and attitude. The Desert Boot was followed closely by Lance Clark's creation named the Wallabee. The moccasin style shoe had a large fan base, and later came to be known as a Clark Classic.

The 1960's proved to be a noteworthy time for Clarks Shoes. Their foot friendly, form fitting shoe set the standard for many shoe designs, including the children's shoe market. The Clarks Shoe Company enjoyed much success in this market. While always keeping an eye on the future, Clarks continued to conduct technological research that led to the discovery of polyurethane as a soling material. It is lightweight, and indestructible. P.U. technology, as it was called, continues to be used today in many of the Clarks Shoes, including Active Air, and Springer's. This new technology, coupled with the addition of air cushioning in the soles, secured the Clarks shoe brand as a one of a kind, comfortable shoe.

Today, the Clarks Shoe brand remains a leader in the shoe industry. They are the #1 shoe retailer in the U.K., as well as the leading children's shoe brand in the U.K. Due to their global expansion; Clarks Shoes is the world's #1 shoe brand. Clarks Shoes currently produces about 41 million pairs of shoes per year. Worldwide the company employs over 12,000 men and women, who tirelessly work to produce the high quality, comfortable shoes that Clarks has been known to provide.

In the end, it remains a fact that Clarks Shoes started with a man, and an idea, and continues to succeed the same way. In 2003, Lance Clark founded Soul of Africa. The people of South Africa are taught shoemaking skills, and the final products are sold in the U.K., while 100% of all the profits go to the people of South Africa to improve their way of life. Specifically, the money is used to buy furniture, and living necessities for the orphan children of South Africa that have had their families ravished by AIDS. The women that make the shoes have learned a valuable skill, and have steady work which benefits their families, which in turn nourishes the community. With about $250,000 already earned, the expansion to the U.S. promises to increase support and profit.

Clarks shoes continues to produce, innovative, comfortable shoes, including their well known Active Air, Waterproof for men, Flex 24, and Springer's for women. Clarks Shoes also has a line of shoes that have features designed for customers with specific foot needs. Clarks has also extended its product base to handbags. Clarks Shoes also provides advice for adult and child foot health, as well as shoe care. The company strives to provide all the education you need to purchase the best kind of Clarks Shoes for you, in order to promote a healthy, happy life.

By Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about fashion / Pictures inserted by Sole Obsession Footwear
(Find the article here.)

New pics

What do you think of the new header pictures?
A big thanks to my favorite photographer, Jodi, with the Snapsisters for coming to take pictures of the store.
They turned out great.

So Barefoot Day.  It's over and I am happy to be wearing shoes.

What did I learn?

1.  Wearing shoes is something I definitely take for granted.
2.   I need Botox in the near future.  The wrinkle (aka grand canyon) between my eyebrows has apparently grown overnight and may take over my entire face soon.
 3.  Shoes are essential in the world we live in.  Bare feet are dirty, dangerous, and it is just plain unpleasant to walk around without shoes.
4.  Somehow Torey managed to "wear" her own bare feet today.  Good job Torey.  (Did you catch it in the video when I commented that Torey wore bare feet.  Brilliant!)

Barefoot Day Pictures

This is Jerrie

This is Jerrie at Starbucks

This is Jerrie barefoot

I like Jerrie

Barefoot Day...in the morning

No shirt, no shoes, no service

Not at Sole Obsession....today if you come in
shoe-less you will get 25% off your purchase.
We are still holding on to the no shirt, no service policy.  No topless shoppers please.
Hope to see you at the store.

Tomorrow is coming quickly and I'm kinda nervous.
Its supposed to storm, for one, and my toes will be cold.  I don't like cold toes.
Two, I'm kinda germaphobic.  I don't like the idea of walking barefoot in public.  Its just EWW!
But I'm going to.
My friend Jerrie and I are meeting at Starbucks at 9am to start the barefoot adventure.  Jerrie says Starbucks has a no shoes, no service policy.  We're going to check out if it's true, even if you're barefoot for a good cause.
Come join us if you can!  The more the merrier.

Wednesday's are Special

I am having so much fun with my new found best friend, picnik.com.  It is amazing.  I can do all sorts of fun things with pictures and it doesn't take brains.  My favorite type of program.  I don't have to know how to use it, it just works.  Try it sometime.  I think you will become a fan too.

Anyways, on to the Wednesday sale...we all know that Dankso makes amazing shoes.  The comfort and support are unmatched.  So check out this cute new style.  Perfect for an evening BBQ, casual day at the office, shopping in Seattle, just about anything you can think of.  These sandals will be the ones that you pull out of the closet when you need comfort but don't want to sacrifice cute.

We only have two sizes left.
Are you a lucky size 41 (10) or 42 (11)?
Then today is your lucky day.

Walk away in style for only $88.00.
Regular Price $110.00

Serena by Dansko

Size 41 $88.00 Size 42 $88.00

Everyone is doing it...will you?

Thousands of Americans are signing up to go barefoot on April 8th.   Check out this article.

Will you join me? {FYI ~ that's this Thursday}

I'm ready...just check out these toes.





* Any big feet or long toe comments will be deleted.  Be nice people.  This is the first time I have publicly showed my feet to anyone willingly.  I usually try to hide them at all cost.  It's therapy and I'm stepping out cautiously.

Going barefoot for a day

Soles 4 Souls and Tom's shoes both have scheduled days where they are encouraging Americans to try a day without shoes. We don't usually think about what that would feel like but imagine riding a bike without shoes, walking to work or school without shoes, going to church without shoes...its a bizarre concept. Yet millions of people experience that everyday. That is why at Sole Obsession we are continuing to gather shoes for people in need. It seems like a small thing but a pair of shoes can literally change someone's life.

So what about you? Will you go without shoes for a day and see what life would be like? If you are brave enough to take the "shoe-less" challenge on April 8th, send me a picture or video of your experience.* All participants will be entered to win a $40 gift card to Sole Obsession Footwear.

Good luck...and watch out for uneven pavement. There is nothing like a stubbed toe to start the summer off on the wrong foot.



*If you submit an entry you are giving Sole Obsession your permission to use your name and photo/video on our blog. Thank you for participating.

Get crackin'

Stop by on Saturday, April 3rd.
Crack and Easter egg and see what % off you can win.
Save up to 50% off.
Happy Easter!








*valid on regular priced merchandise.  Limit one egg per customer.

My morning update

This morning I stayed in bed until 6:45.  I got up with the kids, got them all ready for school, and I am blogging with my coffee while still in my pajamas.  All is right with the world!  I think this is how our family is supposed to function.  I'm giving up trying to be the eager-go-getter that is up and at em' bright and early.  Sometimes you just need to let sleeping dogs lie and accept who you really are.  I don't do mornings and thats okay.

My 6am morning goal....aka Kelly floundering in chaos

Have you ever tried to be really organized, really planned out, and have it all blow up in your face?  That has been my week.  I decided, since I am a chronic over sleeper, that this week was going to be different.  I would get up at 6am and get myself moving so that my mornings wouldn't be so hectic.

The joke is on me.

I was up every morning by around 6:15 but instead of getting myself ready, my kids decided they would join me in my early mornings and be just as demanding as they usually are at 7am.  WHAT?!  I can barely do 6am on my own but having 3 kids around me too...NO WAY.  So instead of getting ready and being the nice sweet organized mom I had envisioned we have chaos!

Here's a snippet for ya..."Mom, I need a shower...No it's my turn that is why I got up so early...Mom, I'm starving I haven't eaten in 10 hours...Mom I forgot I have homework...You told me last night you didn't have homework...I know but I forgot {insert whiney voice}...Mom, I'm H-U-N-G-R-Y...Mom, I don't have any clean pants...Mom, I can't find any socks...Mom, can we have pancakes for breakfast?...Pancakes?  Are you kidding me?  Why is everyone up at 6:15am?"


I am so not over exaggerating.  This is my morning!  I think staying in bed until 7am is a much better plan. That way we only have an hour to behave chaotically.  Drawing it out is just silly, right?

PS. Did you notice how many times they say "Mom"?  Do they really think I don't know who they are talking to?