Boutique Talk & Birthday Giveaway

So many boots they couldn't all fit into one post!

This time Monique takes centre stage in these Rieker Booties & Fossil bag. She can correct me if I'm wrong but I think this was Monique's favorite combination. I heard her exclaim more than once 'I just LOVE the key!!' about this cool Fossil bag & that red zipper detail had us both swooning.

Rieker Kadie bootie $140 & Red Leather Fossil Purse $180

Truth be told, I've eyed the Fossil 'key' bag up more than once in tan, purple & mustard! The fact that there are so many colours to chose from might be the reason I don't have one yet... choices, choices...

This next look is La Canadienne's Red Patent Leather (Waterproof) “Tula” bootie.  Take note people... I'm wearing a heel! I seemed to have discovered that I actually can walk in a small heel or wedge, thanks to Natalie's advice.  I haven't worn even a small heel in about 15 years since I had an accident, breaking my ankle.  The weakness in my ankle has meant no heels (and no derby with Monique... yes another awesome derby girl!!!).  These patent red leather boots were too good not to try on just for a photo though...

La Canadienne Red Patent Leather (Waterproof) “Tula” $265
Cabrelli Red Cheetah Clutch $55

Turns out, if the bootie (or boot) comes up high enough it is just the support my ankle needs to let me walk with a bit of heel! Just the sheer glee of walking in these fabulous Victorian inspired booties almost had them walking right out the door with me...

Rieker “Thelma” $155
Fossil Grey Leather Purse $200

So for our final look of the day, Monique tried the Rieker "Thelma" bootie (with another one of those fantastic Fossil bags... seriously Mon, just buy one!!) How awesome does she look, staring out that window (dreaming of a place where it wasn't snowing I'm going to assume)?
Thank you Monique for being such a good sport, trying on all these beautiful boots & trudging out on our first snowfall.

And now for the most exciting part, more exciting than all these fabulous boots to look at.....
Manchester Shoe Salon is giving all of my local readers a chance to win a $50 gift certificate in celebration of my birthday!!

To enter & win you must;

• be local (enough to travel to SJ & collect your prize)
• 'like' Manchester Shoe Salon on facebook & leave a comment on their wall saying that I sent you

For an extra entry you can;

• 'like' Full of Fabulous on facebook
• tweet about the contest (make sure to link to the blog & include @FullOfFabulous so I can find your entry)

The contest closes on my birthday, November 11th, at 11pm AST, 2011 (yep...11-11-11!) & the winner will be announced that weekend!

Good luck & stay fabulous....

Boutique Talk - Manchester Shoes

Can you tell it was a pay week? All of my posts are shopping related!
Sunday I went uptown (yes in Saint John we have an 'uptown' but no downtown...deal with it) with my friend Monique to visit my friend Natalie at Manchester Shoe Salon in Market Square.
Natalie is in most women's dream; living amongst the shoes.

Now I know from past posts that not all women have the shoe bug but a majority of my reader's seem to & most of the plus sized women I know do. My theory on it is this - shoes, bags, scarves, jewelry, & accessories in general are a 'size doesn't matter' purchase. It makes us bigger girls feel like the 'rest' of consumers. You can wear a size 22 dress and still be the perfect size 6 or 7 shoe with endless possibilities before you. You can fit into an XL blouse in a handful of shops but you have bags & clutches in every conceivable colour.
I bet I'm describing at least a few of you...

There is a particular issue that can be difficult for larger sizes or larger legs & that is boots. So many women struggle in the store with zipping up that perfect knee high boot. It is heartbreaking to fall for a boot, find it in your size but as you slide your foot in & begin to zip  up the back or side, realize that the zipper only makes it halfway up.You will mostly be out of luck in mall shoe stores & big box retailers at that point but shoe shops like Manchester Shoes have so much more to offer!
Monique & I were like giddy girl's as Natalie laid out a huge selection of wide calf boots & adorable booties (fashion & waterproof) & we ooooo'd & aaaahh'd over their bags, scarves & clutches.
The three of us put together several pieces to highlight just a few things you can find at Manchester Shoes. Take a look...

Blondo Tall Black Riding Boot (Waterproof & Wide Shaft) “Viviane” $225

Totally waterproof, wide shaft & made in Canada... not sure a boot gets much better than this Blondo Tall Riding boot! Monique thought they had a cool rocker look to them & I can't say I disagree.
I've honestly never had a boot this high on & although I've known there were wide calf boots, I hadn't come across them til Manchester Shoes.

Really liking the look of my lace tights with the boots. Rocker chic?

Next we got Monique into some Remonte Dorndorf booties!

Zipper Zig Zag purse $70

This is the same designer as my recent bootie purchase  paired with a Joanel 'Zipper Zig Zag' purse. Monique is like me, caught up in the details, so she loved the zippers on the bag & folds of the boots.  Booties like these are a fabulous alternative to a full sized boot if you are worried about wide calves or want something with the fashion of a boot but without the bulk.

Remonte Dorndorf Tan Slouch Bootie “Federica” $170

Afterwards I tried on this 'brown' pair of Aerosoles boots which really have an almost olive colour to them, which is gorgeous. These boots have a zippered calf extension which you can adjust as needed to expand the boot AND.... these gorgeous boots are only $140!! 

Aerosoles Tall Brown/Olive (Wide Shaft Extension Zipper) “Mezzotint” $140

I couldn't pass up the chance to pair this with one of the many Fossil bags in the store. This canvas one looks great with the colouring & texture of the boots.

Fossil Brown/Olive Canvas Purse $105

Stay tuned for my second post featuring MORE fabulous finds from Manchester and a very special birthday giveaway....

(If you want to stay a step ahead of the game.. .make sure you like Manchester Shoe Salon & Full of Fabulous on facebook *hint hint* )