Cool Kicks for Large Feet.

Do people even call them kicks anymore? Am I showing my age?  Alright, I'd better get to the point.  Those of you who read the Blog regularly know I get much of my style inspiration from GQ.  It's a bit fashion forward so I always try to temper the advice for the "average" male.  The latest headline that caught my eye was their fall lookbook featuring "pumped up kicks" [I guess people do still call them that]!  The editors of GQ have this to say:

"Stylish guys are fetishizing sneakers like never before, and designers have stepped up big-time. There are futuristic neon running shoes you can wear with a suit. Retro-inspired sneaks in shocking new colors. And a bunch of exclusive releases you'll see here for the first time—all of them fly."

See the whole slideshow here.

I've always been a fan of cool sneakers (or tennis shoes--where you're from dictates what you call them!).  I think real "running shoes" belong in the gym and nowhere else.  But what do you wear when you want to be comfortable?  Surely not your dress shoes.  Enter a stylish sneaker not really meant to work out in.  Sneakers no longer have to be sloppy. No need to pair with a track suit.  You can easily wear sneakers with jeans, cords, or even dress slacks.  I know this flies in the face of most guys' philosophy on shoes.  Black/Dressy.  Brown/Dressy.  Sneakers.  Hopefully by the time you finish viewing these cool picks you'll add one more pair to your list.  Keep reading for cool kicks available in large sizes. Here goes:

Vans Chukka. Up to size 16.  They come in TWENTY colors and are currently on sale. 

Tweed/Texture:

Patagonia Maui Larry. Up to size 15 in two colors.

Creative Recreation Solano. Up to size 15 in two colors.

Cuttler Felt Wool Boots. Up to size 12- I know that's not very "large" for a man...but I couldn't help but include them!  

Hi-Tops

Ugg Brockman in Black Leather.  Up to size 18.  They also come in an awesome shade of rust called "grizzly leather." 

Puma Vettura Classico Mid. Up to size 14. 

Lacoste Newton Mid VY2. Up to size 14. 

Military Green

Impulse Men's 3/4 Canvas Boot. Up to size 15.

Clark's Desert Boot. Up to size 13.

Palladium Pampa Hi. Up to size 14.

Converse Men's All Star Clean Mid. Up to size 13.

Stay tuned for a few other trends including, look for less, retro runners, rock star kicks, and Chuck Taylors.

Must Have Accessories for Men Part II

I mentioned in Part I that I had five more awesome accessories to put on your "must have" list.  I lied- I have six.  You're welcome ;)  So now that you've ordered your new (or updated your old) hat, shades, tie, tie bar, and watch, here are a few more items to acquire:

(and in case you didn't see Part I, I've included my inspiration image again)

Fun Socks: Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Argyle Socks- So they aren't quite as "fun" as the guy in my inspirational image but seriously this guy is having a bit too much fun!  I thought I'd choose something a bit more classic but still interesting.  Plus I have too many pairs of argyle socks to count.  I can't get enough.

Leather Belt: Men's Tumbled Dark Brown Leather Belt- There is something about a leather belt...They just get better with age. This one is casual but could be appropriate for 'business casual' as well.  Even though it's pretty classic something about it seems trendy.

Pocket Squares: Club Room Pocket Square, Silk Plaid Pocket Square- I'm not gonna lie; the thought of handkerchiefs kind of grosses me out.  BUT I followed 'fun guy's lead and decided to go with it. I am in the baby/toddler phase with my kids and always have a burp cloth on hand.  This is just a grown up's burp cloth.  Now that I think of it, it sounds super convenient.  

Bag: OLD LEATHER COLLECTION - MESSENGER BAG - I am salivating at this bag.  I've said before that I have no idea how men don't carry purses.  I'm sure you guys think it's silly but sometimes I look at my husband with his keys and wallet bulging out of his pockets and think, "just get a man's purse,will ya?!"  This bag is so classy and the leather just oozes more character the longer you have it.

Grenson Shoes: Rockport Almartin Oxfords or Rockport - Proper Place Almartin (Chili Leather) - Don't be afraid of the name. It's just a fancy name for oxfords.  The first pair is most similar to fun guy's but of course they only come in sizes up to 13. But this "chili" pair is a close 2nd and comes in sizes up to 16.  That's more like it right?  

So did I miss any must have accessories? Feel free to share those you can't live without in the comment section below.

Men's Winter Boots

It's time to purchase some men's winter boots. We thought we'd give you a rundown on our top 5 men's winter boots available in larger sizes.

ECCO Track II Moc High 1954 available to size 14.5 with great waterproofing and comfy with high reviews.

Timberland Direct Attach 6" Soft Toe

available to size 15. Nice insulated work boot with watertight seal.

Danner Desert TFX Rough Out GTX 8" available to size 15, ultra comfy and long lasting.

Columbia - Bugaboot Omni-Tech

available to size 17. Stylish and always popular and can withstand sub zero temps.

Sorel - Caribou available to size 17. Rated to -40 degrees. They have a removable felt inner boot.

Be sure to check out our men's large size shoe page for current coupons and discounts.

Women's Large Size Shoe Deals

Don't miss the Barefoot Tess specially marked women's shoes deals of the Century with women's large size shoes marked down to incredible prices. Hurry as these shoes are flying off the shelves.

Diary of a Tall Fashionista: Large Shoe Size, Great Shoe Buys

By Tiffany DeLangie - Tall Fashion Writer for Tall Clothing Mall

My only solace that summer is over is that fall has come. And with it, ubiquitous fashion magazines boasting the season’s must haves, gotta haves, wish you had. While I generally pore over such magazines, I’m especially voracious for the shoe section. If jeans are my first love, shoes are a very close second. I won’t even admit to how many pairs I own, partly because I lost count quite some time ago. Due to my collection (“collection” sound so much nicer than “obsession” doesn’t it?!) I am always eager to read what the “experts” are saying about shoe trends and how to apply them to long legs, and let’s face it- big feet. Typically I write very favorably about our good fortune in the height department. But let’s be honest. Sometimes the price we pay is looking longingly at the size 8 section while cursing our genes, or if we are freaks of the family as I am, just cursing in general. But just because we have big feet, ahem…non petite feet, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the season’s hottest trends.

I could write a novel about the many styles, designs, trends, shapes, colors, textiles, genus, species, and families of shoes. And though it would be fascinating, I’ll spare you the delightful details. I’ll just talk about a few of my favorite styles. Now this one may be disputable, but my absolute favorite fall staple is a pair of warm, cozy, and comfortable Uggs. I’m aware that every fall, some fashion columnist deems Uggs “out.” Yet, I argue that this trend has staying power. People are still splurging on the real thing, or buying every kind of knock off known to man. So apparently their appeal has yet to wane. Next is the riding boot phenomenon. Who knew equestrian wear could be so fun? Like Uggs, I suspect there will be those who label these “so last season,” but again I beg to differ. Casual boots of all styles are a staple for your fall wardrobe.

What I appreciate most about both Uggs and riding boots are that they look great on long legs and big feet. Most women might avoid cutting the line of their legs nearly in half but we have a few inches to spare. Both of these styles also typically come in flats and large sizes. Another flattering trend for tall women is ballet flats which are showing up all over the place in fall textures like tweed, patent leather, and faux animal skins. I won’t lecture those of you who do not wear heels; I understand the temptation to avoid all the unoriginal comments about already being tall enough, not “needing” heels, the air up there, yada yada yada. Regardless, I am six feet tall and I refuse to give up heels. Um, does the word “glamazon” mean anything to you?!

For those of you who are a slightly bolder and like not only a high heel, but unexpected details, you will be pleased to find that of bows, jewels, peep-toes, updated oxfords, and retro shapes. To make your foot appear smaller try round toes, the recent “cap toe” trend, with the toe in a different color than the rest of the shoe (the caveat is these heels are typically higher), color blocks, and banded flats or Mary Jane’s. These styles break the foot into smaller parts and trick the eye. No ladies, there are no Spanx for feet. I googled it.

All advice aside, if you are obsessively self conscious about your feet…they will appear bigger (terribly silly pun intended). So the balance is to wear trends that flatter, but not focus on the negative. While I have a weakness for fashionable trends, I refuse to be enslaved by them. there are a variety of options in terms of large sizes, styles and trends, so shop around until you find the perfect pair (ok, let’s be realistic- the perfect pairs) for fall.

Visit Tall Clothing Mall. to see our women's large size shoe trends.

Women's Large Shoes on Sale

Just in time for back to school shopping, starting today hundreds of styles of shoes are now $9.99 at Shoetrader.com! Shop early for the best selection; quantities are limited to stock on hand. Sale begins 8-1-08, ends 8-31-08. To make this shoe deal even sweeter, take an additional 15% off your order of $75 Offer expires 8-10-08; use source code 941098 at checkout to get the discount. Also get free shipping and free returns. Shoetrader has women's large size shoes up to size 14 and they also carry many widths from extra narrow to many wide size shoes.

Internet Shopping 101 (Plus Our Recommendations for Shopping for Tall Clothes)

I really enjoyed this mornings Today show segment called "Internet Shopping 101" with Stacy London from TLC's "What Not to Wear."

The recap:
Look for websites that give you the most information. Use your favorite search engine and search for the item itself. Also, search for your favorite designer. Many great websites will pop up that you may not have found before.
1. Finding the Right Fit:
Recommended website: Nordstrom.com has a body measurement guide in their dress and customer service sections and you can have a live chat with a customer representative while you are looking at the item itself. (We love Nordstrom for tall designer pants, plus size clothes, and large shoes.)
2. Websites That Offer Accessories:
Zappos.com has 3 million items, over 1000 brands. You can search by shoes by color, by size and heel height and they also have great bags. (We love them for large shoes.)
Bag, Borrow or Steal lets you rent bags. This is a great option for special events.
Max & Chloe.com lets you shop for accessories by price. (Take $10 off orders of $100 or more with coupon code: T7PR8)
3. Plus Size Clothing
Lee Lee's Valise.com is a great plus size store. (We also recommend our plus size section at Tall Clothing Mall.)
4. Fashion Trends
Revolve Clothing.com is a website that has head to toe looks called lookbooks. This offers you one stop shopping for complete outfits.
We also recommend the following stores for one stop shopping for tall clothes:
Eddie Bauer just about anything you click on, offers you the rest of your outfit all put together for easy shopping.
FashionChateau.com has a nice lookbook especially for women's tall loungewear and tracksuits with inseams up to 40" long.
Shopbop.com also has a trendy lookbook with many tall designer jeans and longer length tops.

The bottom line is that you can find everything you need shopping from the comfort of your home.
Another tip, make sure you shop with a credit card and not debit card just in case anything could go wrong, you don't want someone having access to your bank account.

Kathryn Kerrigan Shoes for Large Feet

Many of you have sent me emails saying how much you love Kathryn Kerrigan shoes. I found this beautiful peep toe slingblack shoe available at Barefoot Tess and I may have to get myself a pair. It comes in sizes 11-14 in tan, red, turquoise and black. Utterly refined, without a hint of snobbery. This shoe says "I work hard for my money, but I know how to spend it." $249
Visit Tall Clothing Mall's Women's Shoe Trends for more great styles in large shoes.