Get Your Bids In

In conjunction with STYLE YOUR SOLE, we have invited several local businesses and organizations to participate in the TOMS cause by donating a pair of decorated shoes to a silent auction which will benefit FRIENDS OF TOMS, a non-profit organization that helps to coordinate and fund TOMS shoe drops. The generous folks who have indulged us with their creativity are:

Beulah's, Enid, Flying Frame Studio, Fredericksburg Academic Boosters, Fredericksburg Art Gallery, Haberdashery, InSight Gallery, Jayne Maret Jewelry, Joseph Cohn, M.D., Miss Rhonda's School of Dance, Morgan Mohon, Nature By Design, Red, Silver Creek Restaurant, Sprout, The Good Art Co., and The Roadrunner Inn.

We are currently accepting silent bids in person, by email (shoproot@yahoo.com), or by phone (830.997.1844.) The auction will close at 8 pm on Friday, June 5th, 2009, at which time, the shoes will be sold to the highest bidders. In the meantime, we'll update the blog as the bids come in. Remember, for every pair that is purchased, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. On top of that, the winning bids from this auction will be collected and donated directly to the charity that helps make it all possible. Get your bids in, and get yourself a pair of shoes that will scream of your good taste and philanthropy.

{UPDATE: The auction was a success! We raised awareness and enthusiasm for the brand, as well as $488 for the Friends Of TOMS charity. A hearty thanks to everyone who participated, spread the word, and showed support.}

SOLES GOT STYLED

It was a close call. An unexpected delay in our shoe shipment caused a panic the week leading up to STYLE YOUR SOLE. And on the morning of the event, we still hadn't received our shoes. The inventory we had on hand wasn't near enough for the turnout we were expecting. Just 3 hours before our guests were to arrive, we were starting to concoct Plan B, and UPS rolled into the back door, toting 13 cases of TOMS. Ah, the relief! STYLE YOUR SOLE was a success and we're so glad our shoes came in time. STYLE YOUR GENERIC WHITE TEE SHIRT FROM WALMART wouldn't have been half as fun.

Thanks to all who helped make it happen, especially the attendees, the sponsors, Paige Conn, Emily Dunn, and my husband Sean, who set up, cleaned up, and put up with my bossing, even though it was his birthday.

Whoops!

It seems as though one pertinent detail was left off of our Summer Soiree invites...Accidental oversight?...Or clever marketing designed to direct traffic to our new shop blogs? You'll never know.

But I will tell you that the party is on Saturday, May 30th. The fashion show starts at 5:00 sharp. So be there or be square...without a chair. (Seats will be limited.)

Tell Your Friends

I'm In for 3!

We're all tired of the negativity in the media, so here's a fresh and proactive effort to boost this rotten economy. I always try to shop locally, and don't know what I would do if anything were to happen to my favorite brick and mortars. (Wouldn't life be dull if it were all Gaps and Walmarts?) I'm not advocating spending frivolously, nor am I bad-mouthing the big boxes out there. But right now, while our purse strings are tight, we should all try to spend a little more thoughtfully - and locally - whenever we can. Don't just hunker down and wait for things to change, participate in it. A little effort can go a long way. I encourage you to get out to your favorite mom and pops or other independent establishments and show your support. I'm certainly going to.

Belts by Kim White

Belts are an important accessory this season...worn through the loops of your favorite jeans, slung low over an easy dress, cinched tight at the waist to show off your curves. They add just the right touch to all the season's best looks, from loose denim, to floral sundresses, to high waisted skirts. These leather belts by Kim White arrived today. There are so many great styles, it's hard to choose my favorite. You must come see them in person...The quality is amazing, the leathers smell so good, and they are sturdy and versatile, just like everything she creates. That's why we love Kim White!

TOMS Tally

To date, we have sold a total of 330 pairs of TOMS shoes! That translates to 330 needy children who have received a new pair of shoes, thanks to TOMS and the thoughtful purchases of our Root customers. We have been busy here, crafting a wall of paper dolls to symbolize the impact of your generosity and involvement in the cause. Come by and check out our handiwork and the mass of paper dolls which represent the number of children who have received shoes, ONE FOR ONE. Don't bother counting them - they're all there - 330 and going strong. It's an impressive number, but we still aren't satisfied. Let's keep the momentum going and see just what this little shop in our small community is capable of. Save the date for our STYLE YOUR SOLE party on Thursday, May 21st. More information will soon follow - so stay posted!

Must Have...

A new summer bag...in a bright color...made of sumptuous leather...with clever compartments...and pretty floral lining.
{Assorted colors, shapes, and sizes available.}

When Packing for Australia:

Think comfort and versatility... (a lightweight tunic, skinny white jeans, sparkly TOMS, and a colorful clutch)
(pretty top, khaki scarf, boyfriend jeans, and bright sandals)

(a loose layered tee and vest, a simple scarf, boyfriend jeans, and comfy TOMS)

(a feminine top, flowing skirt, leather belt, and little bag)

(a striped top over a simple tank, skinny jeans, and bright sandals)(a floral maxi dress and flat sandals)(a watercolor top, a skinny scarf, white jeans, and coral thongs)(a vibrant tank dress, patent leather flats, and a halter vest)(an olive tee shirt dress, a floral tunic, and gladiator sandals)

(a strapless tiered dress, a beaded necklace, and gladiator flats)

(a red tuxedo tee, boyfriend jeans, and royal patent flats)(a pocket tee shirt dress and colorful flats)

(a yellow v-neck, a maxi skirt, and beaded sandals)