LLXLLQ: Focused on Shoes

LLXLLQ. Designer Italian shoes, size 10-11 (including half sizes).Last weekend I had an amazing experience.  I attended a focus group for a new shoe line called LLXLLQ.  The line of shoes is Italian made, sizes 10-12 with HALF SIZES.

The group consisted of moi, 5 other beautiful tall ladies, 2 of the owners and 1 moderator (the only guy in the room *brave man*).

Part of the LLXLLQ focus group. We had a fabulous time talking about fabulous shoes.We talked about our sized shoes for hours but it was so refreshing, it felt like minutes.  I use ‘refreshing’ because all of us were on the same ‘shoe page.’  Think about it.  When was the last time that you were in a room where EVERYONE was going through the same problem as you.

Almost never.

We talked, we laughed and at times even got mad together.  Why is this still something that we have to struggle with?  Are there more options…yes.  Can we walk into any store and find the size we are looking for…no.

The fierce shoes I wore to the focus group. They are not LLXLLQ but I had to show them because they are some of my favs! I couldn't walk into a focus group about shoes without representing my collection well:)During our talk, we found some common things that we love and some that we hate:

LOVE

  1. Trying on shoes in person.  We like to feel the quality and try the fit before we commit to buying it.
  2. If we shop online, we love free shipping and free returns.  It’s almost like shopping in person with some pesky waiting time in between.  It’s not ideal but we are not spending any extra money to get the shoes that we want.
  3. Shoes in ALL styles.  We don’t want to settle because the selection is low.  We want to be able to find what we need, when we need it.
  4. Videos.  If we shop online, we need to see our shoes in motion.  We are WAY more likely to buy if we see the shoe on and in action.
  5. Amazing return policies.  Please don’t give us 14 days to send something back.  We have busy lives and a quick turnaround for returns will make us pass on the shoes.
  6. Sales! Who doesn’t?

HATE

  1.  Do not, by any means, call our shoes large or plus.  We don’t need a word to describe our shoes.  Just provide them in our size and keep the descriptions to yourself.
  2. Shoes that do not come in half sizes.  We are thankful for the emerging selection BUT half sizes are a big plus because most of us are not a ‘true’ size. Half sizes = happiness.
  3. Only shopping online.  We need a preview for purchases.  If we have a chance to at least try the fit, we are more apt to make regular online purchases.  Pop-up shops are our friends.

I found myself getting emotional throughout the focus group because although we have come a long way in tall fashion (thank God), we still have so much more to go!  You are not alone in this.  We are going to make this change together.  I will make sure of it!

Do you agree with the focus group?  What did we miss?  Let me know in the comments below.

LLXLLQ

The next day I had the pleasure of going to an LLXLLQ sample sale.  It was great because prior to the sale they have you fill out a form and specify all of the shoes that you want to try on and they are right there waiting for you when you walk in!  There were also tons of other styles to choose from and try on.

While all of them weren’t my particular style, there were plenty of pairs that I liked including the pretty pink pair that I ended up taking home with me.  They hit two of my must haves in my shoe collection: a pink shoe and a shoe with a bow.

My LLXLLQ shoe selection. The Harriet. Also comes in suede yellow. $155. I absolutely love them.  They are so comfortable, great quality, are a true size 12 and have pretty packaging (which is something I really appreciate) as well.

The overall line had a little bit of something for everyone.  From prim and proper flats to studded pointy toe heels, there is a pair for a plethora of tastes.  LLXLLQ also hits a big point on the ‘LOVE’ list with free shipping and free returns in the US.

The main thing that I covet about the line is that it comes in half sizes.  Hands down, this is a HUGE problem that we still face and LLXLLQ is taking that head on.

So, if you are a size 10-12, check out LLXLLQ.  If you are in or close to the Bay Area, you can check them out in person by scheduling an appointment at their shoe closet in Palo Alto.

What do you think…are you going to add LLXLLQ to your list?

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Hello beautiful people:)

As you know, I was a part of an amazing article in the Oakland Tribune about footwear for our fabulous length of feet.  I got a lot of emails about this photo that accompanied the article:

Photo Credit: Ray ChavezEvery one of them wanted to know about the outfit and shoes.  Ask and you shall receive...

Dress - Alyx from JCP/Neck Piece - Ross/Tights - George (size 4) from Walmart/Handbag - Thrifted/Shoes - J. Renee 'Rattle' from Barefoot Tess (size 12)

Photo credit: Kate Bowyer (YBowyer Photography)

I love a great black and white dress.  So chic and timeless.  It's a garment you can wear for every season and on different types of occasions. This one is an Alyx dress from JCP that I picked up for $35.  I love that it shows off the legs:)

The TIGHTS! Walmart special.  Yep. I said it.  The Walmart 'George' brand tights in size 4 fit amazingly well.  They are long enough, have just the right amount of control and come in great patterns and colors.  They run about $5.

The bag is thrifted.  I am slightly obsessed with thrifting now and picked this baby up from the Salvation Army for $3.99.  Tip: check your local Salvation Army for discount days.

Neck piece anyone? I got it at Ross (jingle voice).

Last, but certainly not least, the amazing shoes!  I am in love with these.  They are the J. Renee 'Rattle' heel from Barefoot Tess.  The beauties I am wearing are in a size 12.  They also come in red and will be getting size 13's in very soon.

I have to say, I love this look and will be repeating it:)

No Small Feet

It's not everyday that you open up the newspaper and see yourself staring back at you.  Sunday was the exception to the rule because I opened up the pages of the Oakland Tribune and boom, there was tall ol me:)

TallSWAG was featured in Sunday's Oakland Tribune.I was honored to be interviewed by Jessica Yadegaran from the Bay Area News Group.  The topic: your favorite and mine...SHOES!  She wanted to know where to find them in our size and more importantly the changes that have been made in tall fashion to enable us to find them. 

I am so thankful for people like Jessica who highlight the changes that need to be made in our society.  There is absolutely no reason why it should be hard for anyone to find clothes or shoes.  We are not the 'standard' size that the 'industry' has set and there should be choices for EVERYBODY.

Speaking of choices, here are some that were highlighted in the article. 

Barefoot Tess happens to be one of my favorites and both of the shoes that I am wearing in the newspaper article are their beauties. The shoes featured in this photo are 80%20 Seanne Wedge booties.  They come in sizes 11-15.  

Photo credit: Ray ChavezThe flats I am holding in this photo are the B.F.T. by Barefoot Tess Kingston flat.  They come in 4 colors, sizes 11-14. 

Photo Credit: Ray ChavezThis was also taken during the shoot.  It didn't make it in the paper but it's in the online version of the article HERE.  These are some of my favorite shoes this season! The J. Renee Rattle heels also from Barefoot Tess (can you tell that I LOVE me some BFT:).  Right now they are available in 2 colors (red and black) in size 12 however you can pre-order a size 13.

Photo Credit: Ray ChavezI am so thankful to Jessica Yadegaran for writing this article and including TallSWAG!  I would like to give a special thanks to my fabulous friend Susan Forbes who told Jessica about TallSWAG which resulted in being included in the article.  I can't thank you enough!

Ladies, please know that our feet are amazing!  They keep us from falling over and no matter what the size, it's my mission to show you that there are FIERCE options out there.  Wear your size and rock it well...TallSWAG it all day!

TUTZglam

When I hear the name Shyra Ely-Gash many words come to mind: FIERCE, strong, confident and fashion-forward to name a few.  She’s an accomplished WNBA player but that’s not the only success this remarkable, tall woman has in her bag.

Shyra looking absolutely fierce. Photo Credit: Noved Foto MediaRecently I talked with Ms. Ely-Gash about all of her amazing feats including her most recent venture, TUTZgalm.  There is a mini-launch for the site this Friday and I for one can’t wait to shop til I drop!  What is it?  Read away…

Alicia Jay: I always have to start out with the question we all know so well, how tall are you?

Shyra Ely-Gash: I'm 6'2”. 

AJ: LOVE IT! So...do you like being tall?  What is it about being tall that you like?

SEG:  I love being tall, I'd actually like to be an inch taller. I love the attention and the athletic advantage. 

AJ:  Attention is definitely something we know all about!  Love the good but sometimes there is annoying attention too.  Have you had any bad experiences related to your height?

SEG:  I can't recall any really bad situation regarding my height except bullying in school but everyone goes through that. I guess not being able to shop freely is a frustration of being tall.  Thankfully, tall women have alternatives now. 

AJ:  I know we all can relate to that and thank God for the alternatives we have now!  I love seeing you rock them in your blog Hoops Meets Heels…what inspired you to start it?

SEG:  Thank you! I love TallSWAG! I created Hoops Meets Heels because I was in dire need of some type of self-expression. I have an artistic mind and Hoops Meets Heels is my world. My blog represents me, everything that inspires me, my eye, my interests, and my projects.

AJ:  Speaking of interests and projects, you are a very busy woman!  What do you do for a living?

This picture definitely defines Shyra's style and love for the game. Photo Credit: Noved Foto MediaSEG:  I am a professional athlete in the WNBA and Europe and a business owner. 

 AJ: Both of those sound exciting! If you had to pick the most memorable moment in your WNBA career so far, what would it be?

SEG:  My most memorable WNBA moment is being drafted by the San Antonio Silver Stars as the 14th overall pick in 2005.

AJ:  Being a fan, I know that the League definitely missed you last season because of the injury to your ACL…how is the rehab coming along?

 SEG:  I am on target and expected to be released in January. I'm getting stronger and have every intention of playing professional ball again. 

AJ:   That is great to hear!  Now that we know all about your hoop game, please tell us about the business side.

SEG: Before I even picked up a basketball, my dream was to own a fashion empire. I've always wanted a career in fashion.  I started Styles By Ms. Ely, LLC in 2009.  Nikki Caldwell, head women's basketball coach at LSU, was previously my coach at UT.  When she landed the UCLA position, I said Wow! This gorgeous woman on this awesome platform, she should shut the game down! I just called her up and pleaded my case and thankfully she supported me. She encouraged me to make it official because in all actuality, I have been styling people my whole life.  I've always been the person people in my circle would come to for fashion advice. Styles By M.E. was inevitable and something I've always had my eye on.  

AJ:  Can you tell me about some of the people you style?  Is there a client that sticks out?  Why?

SEG:  Nikki Caldwell and Tasha Butts of LSU are the most notable coaches I've worked with.  I've worked with a number of WNBA players.  Nikki and Tasha stand out to me the most because they were my first high profile clients. They gave me a great opportunity and the room to grow as a business woman. I'm really thankful for their support. 

AJ: So, we have talked about the clients you style, but what about your own personal style?  What are your favorite things to wear?

SEG:  My favorite thing to wear is probably shoes. I'm a shoe freak! I have too many. I believe they make or break your look.  

AJ:  I couldn’t agree more!  Who do you look to for style inspiration?

SEG:  My style icons are definitely Grace Jones, Solange, Rihanna, J-Lo and June Ambrose.

AJ:  What a great group of women!  If your new venture TUTZglam is anything like any of their styles, I will be a daily customer!  For those who don’t know, please tell us about the fashion site.

SEG: I'm super excited about TUTZglam!! TUTZglam is my e-closet boutique. It is my way of honoring my great Aunt Tutz, from whom I gather a wealth of inspiration.

It has always been a dream to own and operate my own boutique.  I have a collection of clothing that I have built over the years. I was going through my closet for donations and I realized that I had so many pieces that were brand new with tags attached.   I was already in the process of opening an urban, hybrid-type e-boutique catering to long-legged ladies. The idea just came to me to offer some of my clothing.  

In the past several months I have been exploring the world of thrifting and vintage wear. Can we say ADDICTED?? So, I thought that would be a unique dynamic to incorporate everything.

The ultimate goal of TUTZglam is to expand into a multi-dimensional e-boutique.  Every item is hand selected by me. Additionally, TUTZglam will serve as a handy tool for SBME, providing a complete wardrobe styling experience. 

TUTZglam. Click to visit. The soft launch is Friday, November 9th.AJ: Just hearing that makes me giddy inside!  When does the TUTZglam experience start?

SEG:  I'm having a mini-launch for TUTZglam Friday, the 9th.  I plan to have a grand opening in December. 

AJ:  It’s already in my calendar…can’t wait!  You have so many accomplishments, what would you say is your biggest achievement?

SEG:  Big picture, my biggest achievement is probably where I am in my spiritual journey at this moment. In a business sense, it would be being a professional athlete and entrepreneur. 

AJ:  True achievements indeed!  I always have to ask this question…tell us something about yourself that people would not normally know.

SEG:  I’m the biggest goof and I love to sing.

AJ:  Wait…so you can play basketball, style and sing.  A true triple threat!  Thank you so much for taking the time out to speak with us, before we go, we have to know what your definition of TallSWAG is?

SEG:  My definition of TallSWAG is just owning who you are.  We're tall. It's who we are.  Why wouldn't I be proud to be me? I feel like height enhances beauty. 

Shyra rockin her T SWAG on her blog Hoops Meets Heels.I couldn’t agree more! It was truly a pleasure to interview Shyra and I can’t wait to see her fashion empire grow.

Remember to visit TUTZglam.com Friday, November 9th for amazing handpicked new and vintage fashions from Shyra herself!   

Connect with Shyra: @ShyShy43 (twitter and instagram). StylesbyMe.com. mselyglam.tumblr.com (Hoops Meets Heels).

The Shoe Fits

Warning.  You may pass out when you hear this so I would recommend sitting down.  Shoes of Prey makes custom shoes up to size 15.  Do I need to get out the smelling salt?

SHOES OF PREY DESIGNS. What would you create? Click the pic to check out some of their Hall of Famers.When I stumbled upon SOP I was elated.  There are many custom made shoe companies out there.  Most only go up to size 10 and almost all of them charge a months wages for a pair of shoes.  This company does neither.  They make up to size 15 and you can create a custom pair for at low as $140 (granted you could spend MUCH MORE on a pair but that's what they start at).  What if they don't fit?  No worries.  They will make you a new pair.  I know. It's amazing.

The process is easy peasy...

START HERE. Designing your own pair of Shoes from Shoes of Prey is easy and fun! You start by picking the style and the rest is up to you.

and the amount of work that they put in to a pair, is phenomenal.  This video speaks for itself.

I'm kind of obsessed.  If my bank account let's me, you may be seeing my own custom pair soon.  And of course, I will give you a full report:)