Fall Fashions With Long Tall Sally- #BlogPOPEvents $125 Giveaway 9/10

The following Blog POP! Events post is sponsored by Long Tall Sally.

Momma Told Me: Fall into fashion.

Fall.

Some people, in some parts of the country, swear it is already beginning to look and feel like Fall. Other than the collection of yellowed leaves fallen on the ground outside, there is little indication Fall is on it's way here in SoCal. One might even argue that the foliage is just a result of the drought we've endured through one of the warmest, driest, years in recent local history. You see, while I am a SoCal native who lives in her flip flops and happily trounces down to the garage in short shorts, I do not care for the hot and the dry.

And that, my friends, is precisely why I will be taking 10 days off, and away mid-September.

While some long for the sway of palm trees and the sound of crashing waves, I'd rather visit the South Pole (quite literally.) And, though my dream vacation is to one day backpack through Ireland and Europe, September 11th I will be setting sail for my dream cruise. I just may sip a few Pina Coladas poolside on the deck of our cruise liner, but you won't find this fair skinned girl anywhere near the tropical beaches and hula dancers. We've got Mexico to the South, Hawaii to the West, and I'm headed North for the Fall.

Yup, you guessed it, I'm headed to Alaska.

Beautiful, cold, vividly bright through all hours of the day, sun tan on the rays reflecting from glaciers, Alaska. My first cruise. My dream cruise. It will also mark my first International endeavor, departing Washington and landing it's final port in Vancouver. Since we'll be dropping anchor on a Friday we've arranged to spend 2 days in Canada at the end of our journey where the exploration won't stop as we explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and cross a 430 foot suspension bridge (circa 1889,) suspended 230 feet above the Capilano River. Of course that will be a cake walk after our rain-forest ziplines in Juneau!

As fun as vacations are, they can also be quite a bit of stress.

While I've been planning on this cruise for over a year I only just realized I don't have any appropriate attire. The closest thing I own to a coat is a zipper hoodie sweater, and my footwear situation was even worse. Though we'll be on the boat, or in various port towns, for the majority of our journey, some of our more adventurous excursions will require 'real people' clothes, as I like to call them. These is where the flip flops must retire, I'm afraid. For my time in town, in Canada, I've picked out an outfit directly from Long Tall Sally's Fall collection.

I had a chance to take a sneak peek at some of  Long Tall Sally's Fall 2015 highlights and immediately fell in love with the dark palette and urban inspiration. For those who don't recall, Long Tall Sally is THE destination for fashionable and flattering clothing for women 5'8" and taller. They also happen to be the exclusive online retailer for Barefoot Tess shoes (stylish shoes for women size 9+,) and, if it weren't for them I likely WOULD only ever wear flip flops. But I digress, the Lace Yolk Sweater in Khaki immediately caught my eye for it's gorgeous green hue and nape of the neck keyhole detailing. I knew the color would be flattering to my complexion and hair color, and a great pick to stay warm this Winter and on my cruise.

New to Long Tall Sally for the season are Super Soft Legging Jeans. These aren't your Walmart's jeggings, folks, these are butter-soft, extra thick, super flattering skinny jeans that compliment all the right curves. I think I just might live in them while in Alaska and every wardrobe should have a pair in each color. For this outfit I've styled the legging jeans inside my Barefoot Tess Jasper Boots (in Mushroom,) though here in California I'll wear them loose around the ankle with the boot tounge relaxed and hanging out. I cannot gush enough about the comfort level and fit of these boots- I only wish I'd been bold enough to grab the Doc Marten-eque Pink/Black floral style.

I know, I know, I'm going to need a lot more than one beautifully styled outfit to get me through 10 days abroad, but it's one heck of a start- And Long Tall Sally certainly has me covered, if I can only decide on the colors and prints in my favorite items! Now, tell me, is it Fall yet where you are? Do you have any exciting adventures planned for the upcoming season?

What Daughter Says: Every season, just like every shape and size, has it's flattering prints and styles. Fall, for me, means comfort.

Enter below for your shot at a $125 Long Tall Sally gift certificate then hop along to the other amazing Blog POP! School Rules event giveaways on the LINKY!

$125 Long Tall Sally Giveway With Spring #FashionistaEvents

The following #FashionistaEvents content was sponsored in part by Barefoot Tess through Long Tall Sally, who provided the following products for feature and giveaway. All photos + thoughts contained below are property Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: There's no normal in fashion.

Trying to put on a sports bra like it's a medieval torture device, cramming one's feet into shoes that are knowingly a size too small because you can 'handle the pain for a little while,' and ripping out hems to lengthen trousers are some of the frustrations women of varying lengths and shapes have to content with. Just as a 5'4" woman would seek to increase her height with 4-5" heels, and a flat chested lady stuffs her bra, those endowed with a few extra length/inches/curves face their own fashion dilemmas. Unfortunately falling on the 'extra' side of the tracks is often much more expensive, time consuming, and even plain unfashionable. If you or a women you knows struggles with 'longer than average' feet, tall stem-like legs, or a few extra curves Long Tall Sally just might be the fashion lifesaver called for!

It's no secret on Momma Told Me that I was plagued blessed with size 12 (US) feet. At age 9 the plight was real and I was forced by my mother to shop in the boys shoe department for all footwear. As I grew older I resorted to wearing flip flops everywhere because the experience of shopping in store for shoes in my size would nearly bring me to tears. Much like walking into a Victoria's Secret with a size 48 DD bust (no matter your waist size) shopping for shoes in store for me is wholly disappointing. Cute shoes everywhere I will never see in my size. Thank the shoe lords for Barefoot Tess, a brand I have championed and purchased from for years, and one of the only brands specializing in women's shoes exclusively size 9+.

Well, recently Barefoot Tess merged with Long Tall Sally to become the globally recognized one-stop-destination for flattering clothing ans shoes for women 5'8" and above All of my favorite Barefoot Tess shoes are now sold through Long Tall Sally at one complete destination where I can put together the perfect outfit for my shape and size with no embarrassment, crazy measurements, or hassle. Even more exciting for the footwear challenged, Barefoot Tess now carries almost all their styles in sizing up to 15 US!

I recently pulled together some Spring color block fashions with a Red, White and Blue theme from some items I already had in my closet and some new Long Tall Sally finds. The Textured Zip Cotton Mix Boyfriend Jacket in Klein Blue immediately caught my eye while browsing the new arrivals. With light venting in the back and an easy to wear cotton blend this jacket is the perfect accessory as we transition out of cooler days and into warmer nights. I especially love the added touch of the silver zipper detailing on the front pockets, adding just an extra hint of class.

For me, I noticed the LTS clothing tended to run a little loose (a size big) and found that the size 16 Boyfriend Jacket was a much better fit than the 18 pictured here. The length on the sleeves is built for a longer frame overall and my arms tend to run a little shorter than my legs in proportion. I paired my Brea Patent Leather Barefoot Tess pumps with a little red dress for a casual night on the town look and love how versatile this jacket is to style for dress or casual events.

While I normally gravitate towards gorgeous heels and strappy shoes with bright colors, I've been trying to avoid extended wear of heeled shoes since hiking in wedges last Fall (I know, I know, but this goes back to the shoe plight of a size 12US figure.) When I saw the new Barefoot Tess Petunia Slip On Sneaker in Nude, I knew I had to have them. Not only did they have a thick rubber sole to withstand extended wear, but the insole and outer cushioning was ample for comfort. the polka dot print was also just too playful to pass up. These fit perfectly and were ever so comfortable with no breaking in required!

Whether you have ladies feet size 9+ or super long model length legs, Long Tall Sally and Barefoot Tess have you covered with their affordable in house designs and great deals on major labels. Head on over and check out the new Spring inventory today for gorgeous cuts, flattering pants, and beautiful shoes. Returns are always simple through the LTS website and their Inspire Me tab is brimming with great outfit and trends inspiration! Enter below for a shot at a $125 shopping spree and follow the brands on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest to be the first to know about new arrivals!

Shop Long Tall Sally now and save 10%, plus enjoy FREE Shipping with exclusive code MT10 now through March 26, 2015!


What Daughter Says: Find your fashion no matter your fit, because you deserve options too!

Barefoot Tess has generously offered a $125 gift certificate for shoes, clothing, and accessories on LongTallSally.com to one lucky winner!

Blog POP! @Barefoot_Tess Summer Shoe Fashion + $75 Giveaway~ 8/23

*** I received the following shoes complimentary, in exchange for my original photography and opinions. No further compensation was provided. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me 2013.

Momma Told Me: Beauty comes in all sizes, even feet.

I am not a fashion blogger. I get a lot of great opportunities with some wonderful beauty and fashion brands, to feature here on Momma Told Me, and oftentimes turn them down. Don't get me wrong, I love putting on makeup and dressing up as much as the next girly girl, but I have a few confidence problems when it comes to turning the lens onto myself. Sure I've had my typical struggles with image, including weight. But, nearly 50lbs lighter than I was this time last year, that's quickly fading into an issue of the past. No, what haunts me most now is an issue I've had since I was a child; generously portioned feet. Every woman with a size 10+ foot knows the peril of shoe shopping. In high school I had to buy my prom shoes at Sketchers (comfy, yes, but hardly designer heels). Finding a size 12 shoe on a store shelf is nearly impossible, let alone one that actually fits my personal style or tastes.

Three years back, by a pure stroke of luck, I discovered the answer to every girl, with 'generous' feet like me's, shoe shopping prayers. Through my adulthood I'd been shopping for shoes at Torrid or Lane Bryant; where larger shoe sizes were readily stocked, but such apparel was designed for larger shaped women. While the shoes fit in length, nearly all of my heels from these brands have ample sway room in width and heel. I have long, slender, feet. These two factors don't make for the most graceful swagger, if you catch my drift. Created by a similar endowed woman, Barefoot Tess is the answer to the rising demand for extended size footwear (that is shoes that exceed the typical 2-9 sizing model). Not only does this online webstore contain some of the hottest shoe brands (Blowfish, 9 West, Sorel), but they design their own in house brand of Barefoot Tess shoes. Barefoot Tess label shoes are like a reverse exclusive club of fashionable flats to heels for size 9+ only!

Over the past few years I've had the honor of owning over 10 pairs of Barefoot Tess shoes in size 12. I've ordered leather pumps, cowboy boots, stylish sneakers, leopard print booties, killer wedges, and colorful sandals. I've had a few sizing slipups over the years; in which I promptly returned the chosen style for a half or alternate size due to fit. The customer service with this company is truly wonderful; no questions are asked, they simply work to get the perfect pair of shoes on their customers' feet. In recent orders I've noticed the website has undergone some serious improvements, including the addition of real customer feedback and reviews, and 'fit notes' that give prospective buyers and idea of what to look out for. IE: These run a little narrow in the ankle, the fabric stretches over time, order a half size up.

Just in time for Summer this year I hit the latest additions to the Barefoot Tess range in search of some new kicks to show off my (see through) ivory legs. I decided to try B.F.T. Cozumel wedges and Valencia Black Clogs for two dramatic day to night styles. I fell in love with the beautiful neon orange, teal, pink, and yellow hues on the Cozumel wedges instantly, they reminded me of Miami, or Mardis Gras, and begged a light and flowy sundress. This also fit me perfectly, with a little extra room in the toe; so as to create a platform for my feet, rather than a precarious ledge. (If you've ever had your toes 'hug' the edge of a shoe, you know what I'm talking about.) The strap fit a little snug on my ankles, but proved to stretch in time, and were much lighter to wear than my other similar style wedges.

The Valencia Black Clogs are not my typical pair of shoes; thus they make a great addition to my 'collection.' While some of my friends have classified them as 'mules' (indicating they are to be worn by a much older woman), I think they look pretty cute with some dark denim and accents of animal print. I love the stud detail and the man made upper is very gentle with long-term wear. The wooden base does make a little bit of noise when walking on certain surfaces, but are not at all as severe in comfort as one might expect a clog to be. This particular pair fit me a little snug upon first wear, but the material does seem to give as they are broken in. I am happy to report both of these pairs were a huge success in my eyes, and I can't wait to see what the brand has in store for the Fall!

What Daughter Says: Don't let a number tell you you don't deserve gorgeous shoes, shop Barefoot Tess.

One Momma Told Me reader will win a $75 Gift Certificate to BarefootTess.com! Hop along and enter the other event giveaways found here.

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.