The Oakland Shop Girl Challenge

Yeah, I said it.  I'm challenging you.  I'm challenging you to collect gently worn shoes from your friends, your customers (if you're a business owner), your mom, your dad, your kids, your hair stylist, your co-workers, your neighbors, etc. and then I'm challenging you to bring those gently worn shoes to my store (by February 20), or take them to your local Finish Line where they will be donated to Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization whose quest is to collect 1,000,000 pairs of shoes for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.  Go ahead.  I dare you.  Consider the gauntlet thrown.

Shoes Glorious Shoes

Ooooo.  I love shoes, don't you?  And like a few of my girlfriends in particular (you know who you are...laughing), I would be embarrassed to tell you how many pairs of shoes I actually own:  Flats, high heels, boots, sneakers, sandals, flip flops, yada yada yada.  I've got some really cute ones in spilling out of my closet, but I have no problem admitting that I usually wear the same 2 or 3 pair on a weekly basis.  Right now, sneakers are what I wear more than anything else, but that's because I've just recently turned into a gym rat.  Otherwise, I wear flats most of the time and save my bad a** shoes for when I go out on a date with my husband or when I'm out with girlfriends.  On Tuesday, I'm going to The Shoe Show in Las Vegas (just for the day) to start my search for the bestest cutest most wonderfulest shoes with heels that are 2.5 inches and under and I'm super excited!  Can you imagine looking at rows and rows (and rows!) of shoes in a place 1000 times bigger than the biggest DSW shoe store?!?!?  I'm afraid I won't be able to stand it.  But I'm going anyway.  LOL.  See you when I get back!

Helping Haiti

oo la la! is collecting gently worn shoes at the store through January 31.  Your gently worn shoes will be donated to Soles4Souls for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Please see store schedule for drop-off hours (!) particularly during the week of 1/25/10.  I have donated much of my time during that week to Girls, Inc. of Alameda County for No Name Calling Week and don't want to miss your visit!

Rules of Engagement

About 5-7% of my customers are men.  Some gentlemen buy gift certificates for their wives, loved ones, daughters or secretaries while some gentlemen actually enjoy shopping and are very clear about making their own selections.  Right before Christmas, a gentleman came in to the store and bought some things for his girlfriend.  He was obviously very anxious and somewhat indecisive while he was shopping and after repeatedly leaving the store (3 times!) and coming back, he told me that he was going to be popping the question (yes, that question) over the holidays and he just "wanted to get it [buying a gift] right."  Awwww.  I was instantly enchanted.  He had already bought the engagement ring but he said he still wanted to buy her something nice for Christmas.  I probably don't have to tell you that every female customer in the store melted just a little bit.  I made him promise me that he would bring her into the store as soon as he could and today was the day.  They're a darling couple, in their 40s, neither ever having been married, and they are definitely in love.  And yes, he even got down on one knee.  She flashed her ring, they kissed, he blushed, they smiled and then they left.  Awwww.  She told me she doesn't like to shop, but she's got a man that does (he even bought her a cute little tattoo tee that was on sale for 10 bucks while he was here today), so I expect I'll see him again.  I'm just so happy for them, I wanted to share.  Cheers...to love.

Ready for the Next Level?

Oakland Magazine:  "Next Level ...one of the 10 workouts worth falling for..."

I started working out this week and everything hurts.  Ouch.  But I brought it on myself, so I'm not complaining...owie...much.  To be honest, I love my work out at Next Level Fitness and the results I am certain I will see within the next few months.  After several attempts to find the best trainer for my needs, I found Abu at Next Level and I am tickled pink. The classes are semi-private; typically with only 3-5 people at a time and my personal training sessions make me feel great (after I'm finished).  In the past, my most successful fitness routine has been with a circuit training program and that's exactly what you get at Next Level's classes.  I'm definitely hooked.  If you need a place to work out, check out Next Level...and don't be surprised if you see me in fitness gear at the store from now on.  It's just me...ouch...trying to stay in shape.

Happy New Year!

From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to thank you for all of your kindness and ongoing support.  I simply could not do it without you!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!