Momma Told Me: plus shoe sizes

*** 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.