Spring Fashionista Event: $125 Barefoot Tess Giveaway~ 3/18

 The Spring Fashionista Event is FINALLY HERE, and we've got 2 wonderful giveaways to share with you! If you've arrived here, for the web's only all fashion, and only fashion, blogger event, you're truly in for a treat with over $20k in prizes, across 115 blogs! Your hands will be aching for days to come, just trying to get all those entries in! This event would not be possible without our wonderful organizers; Still Blonde after all these YEARS and Modly Chic , with co-host Ksquared Glamour.

Momma Told Me: They don't make that style in your size.

'They' always say it takes a little pain to look 'that good'. There's one particular fashion curse I've spent my entire life battling, and I have to agree, it's been painful. I'm of course, referencing my 'clown feet'. Those who've spent their lives wearing flip flops to prom because there aren't any cute shoes in their size, who secretly pause by every high end boutique window and imagine if only they were 2 sizes smaller, know a fashion discrimination of a different kind. For me, it has been a bigger lifelong battle than my weight; my shoe size. And there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. Did you know Jenna Elfman, Angelina Jolie, and Kate Winslett all share the plague of non-standard shoe sizing. The only difference, for them, is that they can afford a closet full of personally tailored shoes; I'm not quite as lucky. And with the process of evolution continuing as it tends to, the increase in prenatal vitamins, or just plain 'something in the water' is turning out more and more women with 'plus size' feet. For those unfamiliar, a non-standard shoe size is typically anything above a 9. This gray zone is where the Payless aisle drops to 2-3 of last season's most hideous styles, and designer names are almost non-existent.

If you're an equally cursed shoe shopper you know the shame, embarrassment, and down right frustration of passing display after display of chic shoes- knowing none will ever fit. It's a sort of blatant discrimination to those who are foot challenged; instead of shoes that are out of budget, it's shoes that aren't even made in my size. I, at least, deserve the option to consider how to carefully balance my credit cards and pick up a third job to cover the cost of a Manolo Blahnik (don't I?) I first became aware if this trend entering high school, already 2-3 years younger than most of my peers, and unable to find fashionable footwear in my size. I was mortified while shopping 'back to school', when Momma drug me into our local Sketchers to purchase a pair of sneakers. The last thing I wanted was to wear 'PE' shoes every day. Then, my first HS dance found me in tears, ready to forgo the event all together after an entire afternoon and 2 shopping outlets turned up nothing but a hideous pair of metallic sandals my mother was determined to see me wear. I can still remember her holding up the tacky plastic pair of ill fitting bargain bin shoes and when my Momma Told Me "It's this, or you're going barefoot!"

Of course, looking back now, I can't hold a grudge against my mother- she truly did try. I went on, in adulthood, to grow tired of the endless searching myself, wearing heels 2 sizes too small to my own wedding (insane, right?) Surprisingly it's a compromise more and more women are forced to make in the name of fashionable feet. As if shoes can't be tormenting enough with their straps and micro heels, thousands of us are forced to wear sizes that don't properly fit! In the spirit of remedying this epidemic, Barefoot Tess was born; an online emporium of shoes sized 9+. Finally an exclusive shoe club made just for people like me. Let the reverse discrimination begin!

Not only can shoppers choose from an impressively comprehensive catalog of top designers such as Corso Como, Ed Hardy, and Blowfish- they can shop Barefoot Tess' exclusive line of ever-growing designs! The real life woman behind the brand, Tess, is a sort of All American every woman- struggling to balance her life and career between hunting for fitting footwear. She's fashion savvy, yet diverse in function, and loves shoes with the same passion as many other red blooded women. Tess wants the same envious shoe closet her size 6 and 7 counterparts enjoy; whether that means a collection of sandals and wedges or runway heels and boots. And she's too busy juggling her exciting life to scour websites, wait on inventory orders, and call stores! With the help of her mother, in 2005, Tess launched the one stop alternative sizing shoe-wear site, Barefoot Tess, and my feet rejoice!

 Last year Barefoot Tess introduced a collection of country/cowgirl inspired selection of waxed canvas, animal friendly boots. I was sent a stunning pair of Nashville Boots in tan, with a pull on style that is casual and fiercely flirty. This particular style runs a size smaller, for most, though the actual calf and leg area seems wider, order a half to a full size up to allot for the pull on wear. With a 1.5" heel and intricate scroll stitching these kicks are comfortable enough to wear casually with a pair of leggings and a breezy dress, a flowing skirt, or some skinny jeans. You don't have to be a cowgirl to rock this style this Fall! As a well endowed (in the feet) kind of gal, I often struggle to find affordable Western style footwear. Buying larger sizes in leather can run over $300 a pair, and these Nashville boots are not only leather free (easier to care for and break in), but half the cost.

Aside from the special sizing, there are a few very special things I particularly love about the Barefoot Tess concept and execution. First, if you fall madly in love with the selection or variety on Barefoot Tess, but happen to be one of those blessed with 'normal' feet, the company kindly forwards you to Lori's of Chicago. For the rest, finding that 'sole' shattering (no pun, okay, maybe some pun intended), life changing shoe couldn't be simpler. Shopping online through this website is a breeze! Simply choose to shop according to Size, Style, Price, or Designer, than get to browsing hundreds, if not thousands, of the world's hottest footwear trends. You'll never find a style that isn't made in, at least, a 10! Of course, alternative shoe sizes for women are a hot commodity, so inventory and availability may change- just keep on shopping!

Once you've found something that catches your eye, and it shouldn't take long, click on over the the style's product page. There, you'll find comprehensive international pricing, color choices, styles in stock, multiple product views and photos, and true sizing measurements. I especially enjoy the customer review section which ranks the styles' accuracy on aspects such as sizing, width, and comfort. To round off the review, you'll even find notes on the customer's service and delivery experience. Shopping for shoes online has never been this in depth, or this easy (and fun too!) Just in time for Spring 2013, the Barefoot Tess line has expanded with brand new, highly flattering, ankle booties. The cut on these shoes is extraordinary, and wide to accommodate those with width sizing needs. You'll also find the above Brooklyn Wedge Sneaker offers an eye catching and edgy style that translates well to a busy lifestyle. With the easy slip on Velcro straps these wedges ad a little lift in posture and extra comfort.

 I am entirely in love with Barefoot Tess from shopping experience to service, and I highly recommend it for anyone touched with larger feet, or loved ones who suffer with the same setbacks when shoe shopping!

What Daughter Says: Never compromise with style friendly footwear again. Ever. Just shop Barefoot Tess!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win a $125 Barefoot Tess Gift Certificate, good for shopping on BarefootTess.com! Please enter via the Rafflecopter Form below then visit our second event giveaway for Electric M|V|M|T.  Every entry in a Spring Fasionista giveaway enters you to win a $1200 Grand Prize Package including White Gold and Citrine Stone Necklace from Emma Parker Diamonds, $100 Amazon GC, $250 GC from Midnight Velvet, and $250 in Shoes from Bobbi-Toads. For every giveaway in the Spring Fashionista Event that an entrant enters, the gain one entry toward the Grand Prize Package. Claim your entries here: Spring Fashionista Grand Prize.
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Giveaway begins March 7, 2013 at 12:01 AM EST and ends at 9:01 PM PST on March 13th, 2013. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid within the US. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor. Still Blonde after all these YEARS , Modly Chic, Kquared Glamour, Spring Fashionista Giveaway Events or the Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Full Contest Rules and Entry Requirements can be viewed here.
As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.