Fairhaven Coin Program

This is so exciting!!! Fairhaven has become one of the few areas to be a part of the Hometown Coin programs. This program was started in Anacortes and it is a fun way to help support locally owned businesses. In Fairhaven there are 20 businesses participating and here they are -

• 12th Street Shoes
• 13 Nails & Spa
• 4 Starrs BTQ
• A Lot of Flowers
• Bay to Baker Trading Company
• Bellingham Tennis Club
• Blue Horizon
• CreativiTea
• Fairhaven Fish & Chips
• Fairhaven Toy Garden
• Katie's Cupcakes
• Pacific Chef
• Paper Dreams
• Reference Media
• Southside Trends
• The Barbershop
• Three French Hens
• Village Books
• Wild Blueberries
• Whimsey

So in a nutshell how this works - you go to any of these businesses and spend a certain amount (amounts vary by store) then you get to have one of these cool coins. The coin can then be redeemed in any of the businesses for fun discounts. These discounts will change all the time so it will be fun to find out what it is. Right now, we are offering an additional 10% off any of the boots that are already on sale. Since most of the boots are 30-40% off now, not a bad little additional savings.

The Bellingham Herald just ran an article on it today - check it out -

Herald Story

You can also check out the Scribulz blog below. These are the folks that put the program together. Fun idea! Enjoy!

Scribulz Blog

Last Day of Shoe Cheer

On the last day of shoe cheer, my shoe love gave to me...
free mini stuffed stocking with every purchase!

Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Eleventh Day of Shoe Cheer

On the Eleventh Day of Shoe Cheer, my shoe love gave to me...
Today is Slipper Day! 10% off Haflinger slippers and a free gift with any Haflinger purchase. Great way to keep your feet cozy! These slippers are amazing! 100% boiled wool and they are washable. I put mine in the dryer although Haflinger will tell you to leave them out to dry. Wonderful slippers!!!

Tenth Day of Shoe Cheer

On the tenth day of shoe cheer, my shoe love gave to me...
It is Dansko Day! Free gift with every Dansko purchase today.

We have cute little eco-totes, notepads and t-shirts to give away today!

Ninth Day of Shoe Cheer

On the ninth day of shoe cheer, my shoe love gave to me...
it is stocking stuffer day! 10% off all Bombay Duck products.

Bombay Duck makes shoe key chains, notebooks, place card settings, and luggage tags. All sorts of great little stuff for your favorite shoe lovers stocking!

Eighth Day of Shoe Cheer

On the eigth day of shoe cheer, my shoe love gave to me...

free mini shoe chocolates with every purchase.

The little chocolates are too cute for words. Each pair comes in either a shoe or a handbag. I made them all especially for you! Please enjoy!

Seventh Day of Shoe Cheer

On the Seventh Day of Shoe Cheer, my shoe love gave to me...
10% off your entire hosiery purchase, when you buy three or more pairs of socks or tights.

We will also be open tonight until 9pm. From 6-9pm we will be serving some very festive holiday beverages. Come join us for some late night shopping and Holiday Cheer!

Sixth Day of Shoe Cheer

On the sixth day of shoe cheer, my shoe love gave to me....
lots of yummy cupcakes! It is cupcake day! I made them special just for you all to enjoy. They are little ones so you won't feel like you ate too much!

Glad you all enjoyed the coffee cards yesterday! They were a big hit. Can't go wrong with the Rustic Coffee Bar.

Fifth Day of Shoe Cheer

On the fifth day of shoe cheer, my shoe love gave to me...

Rustic Coffee Card with every purchase over $50.

If you haven't been to The Rustic Coffee Bar in Fairhaven, you need to check it out! The place is just beautiful! Nice fire to sit by, free wi-fi and of course great coffee and treats. I tasted their gingerbread biscotti yesterday and it was awesome! I highly recommend it!

Fourth Day of Shoe Cheer

We had such an entertaining day yesterday, Baby K had to come to work with me because most of my staff was stuck due to the snow. She did lots of rearranging at the store. Shoes on the floor, business cards everywhere, she even hid her binky in a customer's shoe. Good Times!

On the fourth day of shoe cheer, my shoe love gave to me...a free gift with any boot purchase. Krista has made the most amazing Gingerbread men to give to everyone. They are amazing! Do come in and try one!

Third Day of Shoe Cheer

On the third day of Shoe Cheer, my shoe love gave to me... purchase a gift card today for $50 and we will add $10 to it. For every $50 after, we will add another $5.

Today should be entertaining, Baby K is at the store with me because of the snow. Kelli & Krista couldn't get out of their neighborhood this morning. We will see how it goes today. So Baby K is going to run things today. She is just a little slow getting shoes, so please be patient. : )

Second Day of Shoe Cheer!

On the second day of Shoe Cheer, my shoe love gave to me...10% off red & green shoes and accessories today! We will be open 12-5, even with the snow.

Guess this means I have to get out my fun, fuzzy purple boots! I usually only wear them to the Husky games, but with this snow, it is time to bring out the big guns! Pop on in and grab a cup of Joe or cocoa - it will be nice and warm inside!

First Day of Shoe Cheer!

On the first day of Shoe Cheer, my shoe love gave to me...
Free Workout DVD with an Earth Shoe purchase.

Earth had this video specially made for them. It shows you exercises that you can do in the workplace. There are exercises for guys and gals. Earth says that you can burn more calories with their shoes because they have an incline in them. Worth a try - who doesn't want to burn a few more calories during the day, especially during the holidays : )

Twelve Days of Shoe Cheer

Hello Shoe Lovers!

To celebrate this holiday season, 12th Street Shoes is bringing you the Twelve Days of Shoe Cheer starting on Saturday, Dec. 12th. Each day up until the 24th, we will be having a different fun promotion in the store. Lots of excitement, so pick a day and come join us! We wish you all the best this holiday season!

On each day of Shoe Cheer, my shoe love gave to me...

Sat., Dec 12th: We will be serving yummy orange juice until noon and giving away a free workout video with every Earth shoe purchase.

Sun., Dec 13th: 10% off all RED & GREEN shoes and accessories.

Mon., Dec. 14th: Purchase a gift card for $50 and we will add an additional $10 to the card. For each $50 after, we will add $5. (Purchased Gift cards must be used after Dec. 25th)

Tues., Dec 15th: Free gift with any boot purchase.

Wed., Dec 16th: Free $5 gift card to the Rustic Coffeehouse with every purchase over $50.

Thurs., Dec 17th: Cupcake Day - come enjoy some yummy holiday treats all day.

Fri., Dec 18th: We will be open until 9pm for some late night shopping. From 6-9pm we will be serving yummy Peppermint beverages. All day enjoy 10% off your hosiery purchase when you buy 3 or more pairs of tights and socks.

Sat., Dec 19th: Free pair of mini chocolate shoes with every purchase.

Sun., Dec 20th: Stocking Stuffer Day! 10% off all Bombay Duck products - shoe key chains, note pads, place card holders and lots more!

Mon., Dec. 21st: Free gift with every Dansko purchase.

Tues., Dec 22nd: Slipper day! 10% off all Haflinger slippers. Free gift with Haflinger purchase.

Wed., Dec 23rd: The last day of Shoe Cheer, Free mini stuffed stocking with every purchase.

We hope you enjoy all the days of Shoe Cheer! We do offer free gift wrapping with any purchase. We wish you all a wonderful holiday! We will be closing early on the 24th at 4pm and closed on Christmas Day.

"A History of Shoes" Pics

We had a great time this weekend with our "A History of Shoes" exhibit. We had lots of compliments from folks that came through. We even had a couple of pairs of the very first Hush Puppies ever made. You can see them in the photo above. Our rep. even let us borrow a travel case that, back in the day, the reps took door to door when they sold the shoes. It had a bottle of dirt that they would put on leather samples to show how well the leather could be cleaned. Very fun!

One of our customers let us borrow a pair of vintage boots that she owned from the 20's. They were absolutely beautiful. Only problem is that they didn't have zippers - those weren't invented until later : ) So if you wanted to wear them, you had to lace them all the way up. Oh My!!

Our very good friend, Jorge Campos, who owns Sandy & Vale's shoe repair downtown, let us borrow a few of the shoes that he had handmade. They were amazing! He would like to do more of this type of work but he doesn't have the equipment to do it. He left his sewing machine in El Salvador when he left and the cost of a new one is about $1000. We are going to help him try to find a used one. We thought about having a fund raiser to help him raise enough money to buy the machine. He is so talented and I personally would love to have a pair of shoes made by him!

Our RMSA rep, Randy Irving, let us borrow some shoe lasts that his father had. Randy's father was a shoe designer in the 60's. The shoes that he designed were incredible and Randy said they would have sold for $20 a pair. Of course the samples were a size 4, my big old foot would never fit into that. Too bad - loved them!!!

"A History of Shoes" - Fairhaven Walk About

12th Street Shoes presents...

“A History of Shoes”

Fri. & Sat
Nov. 27th & 28th
5-9pm

During the Fairhaven Walk About

Come enjoy a journey back in time as we share
with you how your favorite shoe brands
started. We will explore the history of a
woman’s first love with fun facts, photos
and vintage shoes.

For more information about the Fairhaven Walk About
please visit www.fairhaven.com

Pajama Party Debrief!

We had a great time at the Pajama Party yesterday! Thank you everyone who stopped by. Reference Media let us borrow one of their big flat screen TVs so we got to watch one of my favorite Holiday movies, Elf, all day long. Love it!!! There were lots of treats. Krista made gingerbread men which we gave to each customer with their purchase. We had fun door prizes and of course the cutest slippers from Haflinger. Baby K even made an appearance in her pjs. She loved the chocolate. : )

Thank you to Covet, who let us borrow their pajamas. I ended up buying the ones I was wearing. They were just too cute and I couldn't give them back. They were leopard print lounge pants with a black snuggly top. Decided to stay in it all day today too : )

Good times...good times!!!

Chocolate Shoes!!!!

One of my favorite chocolate shops, Chocolate Necessities, has asked us to sell their chocolate shoes at our store. If you have never tasted their chocolate, it really is to die for!!! These shoes are so very cute! They measure about 7 inches tall. They really are just the cutest things ever. I have eaten a couple of them - oh my they are good! A customer even gave one to the shop as a thank you gift for providing her great customer service. They retail for $30. I great gift for any shoe lover on your list. Lots of different styles to choose from. Yummmy!!!!!!!

Pajama Party!!!

Pajama Party
Saturday, Nov. 21st at
12th Street Shoes

Need an excuse to stay in your pjs all day? Come join the gals at 12th Street Shoes for our Pajama Party! We will be showcasing the Haflinger slippers and all our cozy socks & tights. FYI - special orders can be here in time for Christmas!

Enjoy hot cocoa & coffee from The Rustic Coffeehouse. Night time fashions from Covet. Raffle prizes given throughout the day. Free gift with every purchase and lots of delicious treats to enjoy!

Dare to join us in your pjs and receive 15% off your Haflinger purchase. Come join us for slippers, food and fun!

Handbag Swap October 24th

Handbag Swap at 12th Street Shoes
Saturday, Oct. 24th
Noon - 1:30PM

Is there a handbag sitting in your closet that you know you'll never use? Bring it to 12th Street Shoes on Sat, Oct. 24th between Noon-1:30pm for our 'Handbag Swap'.

It's a great way to update your closet with 'guilt-free' shopping. Your handbag gets a new life with a proud new owner.

Remember, the nicer the purse - the better the trade. Tell all your friends because the more participants, the better the selection. There is no cost to participate, only requirement is that your handbag be gently worn.

If you don't find a purse to swap, donate yours to the YWCA & receive 10% off any new handbag
in the store. Trade-in’s will be taken all day.

Trunk Shows! Yeah!

We had a great trunk show this weekend with Sofft shoes. It was a fabulous day - the sun was out and the rep, Cat, was highly entertaining. Since we just did a trunk show, I have had many people ask, "What exactly is a trunk show?". Trunk shows are just a way for a shop to showcase more items from a specific vendor than they can normally carry. It is a great way for shops like us, small boutiques, to be able to show customers more of what vendors offer. Since we are a small boutique, we just can't carry it all. So when you have a trunk show, the vendor comes and brings either samples or extra product that you don't normally have in the store so customers can touch and feel all the items that normally would just be seen in a catalog.

We have had trunk shows with accessory vendors, where they bring one of everything in the catalog and you can buy the items right then and there. With items that have to be sized, like shoes, it is harder to bring in all the sizes in all the colors, so the rep will bring in one size samples of verything they offer. We then fit you in the stock we have a special order the other styles for you. Also, one of the other great benefits of the trunk show, is that you have the rep right on hand to answer any and all questions that you may have about the brand. It is especially fun when you have a rep with lots of personality, like Cat from Sofft, it makes the day a lot of fun.

Chocolate, Bubbly & Shoes!

Fall Fashion Show 2009

We had a fantastic time last night at our Fashion Show! Thank you everyone who came! We tasted some amazing chocolates from Chocolate Necessity and the gals modeled fun fashions from Southside Trends. Sarah and Baby K have fun walking the catwalk!
Whitney always looks great! Here she is modeling the new Sofft patent pumps. Love the Chianti color!
Very yummy chocolate from Chocolate Necessities. Life doesn't get much better than chocolate and shoes!
The vintage looks are back again this Fall. Alyse looks fabulous in the little retro boot from Born.

Sofft Trunk Show

Söfft Trunk Show
Saturday, Sept. 26th at
12th Street Shoes in Fairhaven

The Söfft representative will be at our Fairhaven store from 10am to 4pm with all of the shoes from Söfft’s Fall 2009 Collection.

Söfft shoes come in an extensive array of pumps, flats, and boots to complement any look. They are glamorous shoes, distinguished by impeccable features and enduring comfort.

No matter the occasion, there is something for every woman in the Söfft Collection.

Come in and see what Söfft has to offer for Fall. If we do not have the exact color or style in stock, we’ll happily order it for you. Free gift with every Söfft purchase.

Don’t miss this fabulous event!

BB Begonia Eco-Tote

I feel compelled to talk about my new little BB Begonia tote. I have purchased one of the "Save a Bag" totes from the local market, but I always either leave it at home or forget it in my car. So at one of the markets Krista & I saw these little bags. They come in a million colors and retail for around $10. We bought them on a whim. To be honest, we were attracted to all of the fun patterns. Now that we have them, I can't say enough good things. I love this bag!!! The best part about it, is that it rolls up and fits nicely in your purse. I now never forget it! Look at how cute it is rolled up!Today I was at the hardware store, and I got to use it because it was in my purse. It is so much fun! So I have been wondering, there are so many little "eco-totes" on the market now, has it made a difference in the number of plastic bags used at the grocery store? Which is worse for the environment to produce, the plastic bag or the eco-tote? Love to know the answers, maybe Google or Bing can help me out.

Fairhaven District-Wide Sidewalk Sale This Saturday!

Come join the Fairhaven merchants on Saturday, Sept. 19th for a district-wide sidewalk sale. There will also be a Salmon BBQ on the Village Green. KAFE radio will be broadcasting live in front of the Fairhaven Toy Garden.

12th Street Shoes will have special $20 and $40 shoe tables out in front of the store. Extra discounts on select accessories too! Rain or shine the sale will go on! Just check under the white tents for special discounts. Hope to see you all there!

For more information, please go to
www.fairhaven.com

BBJ's Reader"s Choice Awards WInner

Thank you, thank you for voting us your favorite!!! I can't tell you how happy that makes us! Thank you again!!!!

Portland Shoe Show Wrap-up

Still feeling a little tired from the drive home yesterday but we had a great show! We picked up some new lines, Fidji, PG Lite, Gabor and Victoria handbags. We also are going to bring back Simple shoes which we haven't had in the store in awhile.

The pace of the Portland show was much different than Vegas. We got a lot done in a very short time and we weren't side-tracked by casinos and shows : ) We were able to revisit Spring orders and change them up. Can't wait to show you the new Indigo line-up.

I was pretty lucky at the show, I won the $50 raffle and Hush Puppies gave me a free pair of shoes. Lucky for me - I was Cinderella and fit into them so they came home with me.

We also added a couple of shoes to our Fall collection - check out this beauty from Hispanitas. WOW! She is just gorgeous!

We are also bringing in PG Lite Happy shoes. Their slogan is "This is what happy looks like" They are so much fun - tons of patterns and colors. Yeah! I have wanted this brand for awhile so I just can't wait to finally get them in the store.

Portland Shoe Show Day 1

Had a very fun day at the Portland Shoe Show today. We picked up a few new lines, Simple, Fidji, PG Lite and a new handbag line - Victoria. Victoria is 100% made in the USA. Beautiful leather. Can't wait to get them in the store. It is going to be fun to have the Simple shoes back in the store. It has been awhile since we have carried them. They are back to having their cute little tennis shoes. Yeah!

We also have added Fidji for Fall. We have had so many customer requests that we had to add them. Here is a sample of what is to come:The pictures never do the shoes justice. They are so beautiful! Each of us ordered pairs for ourselves from the in-stock sheets. We just couldn't help ourselves.

We had a wonderful dinner out tonight as well. Portland is a great city. The whole crew came. Good times, good times!

Fall Shoe Trends

It is that time again - we have to put away our sandals and pull out our boots. So, are you wondering what will be in for Fall 2009??? You are going to love it! This season is all about being a girl! Lots of very feminine styles - gone are the unisex and manly looks. Vintage is still in - take a look at these Sofft & Born boots - very retro.

The colors this season are jewel tones - lots of eggplant, crimson, and emerald. Very rich! Grey is huge too! Suede is still hot! Lots of grommets - metal details. Patent leather is very big! The best part is that it isn't just black - chocolate brown patent - purple patent - oh so nice!

There were so many great shoes & boots to choose from this year. We had to be conservative with our buys because of the economy so if you don't see exactly what you are looking for - make sure you ask because more than likely we can special order it for you!

My First "Handbag"

As I was cleaning out my closet the other day, I came across the only "handbag" that I possessed when I bought the store six years ago. My "handbag" was actually an Eddie Bauer canvas wallet that I clipped to my belt loop. How is that for a fashion goddess - not only did I only carry a wallet but yes, I did loop it on my belt loop. Oh My!!! So tacky!

I have come a long way in the last six years. I can't tell you how many handbags I own. My favorite is a Seahawk metal purse that I bought from a vendor at a trade show. He said he didn't sell his samples, but when I told him the story of how in my wedding vows, I made my husband promise to take me to the Super Bowl if the Seahawks ever went, he agreed to sell it to me. This picture doesn't do it justice, but the purse has rhinstones all over it too. I get stopped at every Seahawk game we go to. This purse cost me $150 in cash - luckily, I had won that amount on a slot machine (I was in Vegas) and I handed all of it over for this bag. I love it!!!

I now love handbags! When Kelli & I went to the accessories market a few years ago, one of the showrooms was giving away free handbags to the first hundred people that came through. Poor Kelli, I made her get up at 6AM so we could get one of them. When I told her why we were getting up so early, she thought I was joking, but I just had to have it!

My closet is now full of bags in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Here are just a few of them. It is just like Christmas when a vendor pops into the store to show us bags. Big question, do I use them all??? Oh, I try! I think a handbag is such a fun way to spruce up an outfit. Which is why I have so many or at least that is what I tell myself!

Publish Post

Closet Limitations for my Shoes

So yesterday, I was asked to be in a commercial promoting Fairhaven. We filmed it today. I was filmed coming off the train at the Fairhaven station and then going into the Chrysalis Hotel. I asked what I was supposed to wear and was told this - wear a skirt - no black, no red, no white, no tiny patterns, no bright colors and no plaid. So I spent an hour and a half in my closet debating what to wear.

As I went through every stitch of clothing that I owned, I realized that just about everything in my closet fit the list of "what not to wear". All my skirts are black or black with tiny patterns. Most of my tops are white or black. It made me realize that I need to revamp my closet!!! Of course, I was feeling "fat" too, so that made it even worse.

I ended up in a skirt that I haven't worn in a million years, for good reason. Good news, I did have on fabulous shoes! I went with my old stand by - the chocolate brown Cordani sandals, the Patty. I believe I have a picture of them way down below in the blog. I have decided that my closet overhaul needs to center around my shoes. There were so many shoes in my closet that I wanted to wear today but I had nothing to match them. It is so sad that such beautiful shoes just sit on a shelf. Maybe I should rent them out, so they get to go play every now and then!

I do wish someone would come into my closet, look through all my shoes and then tell me exactly what outfit would go with each pair of shoes. I truly love shoes, but I don't always do them justice. I would just love to look fashionably sassy every time I went out the door! Either that or please, next time you see me, just look at my feet : )

Shoe Show Day 2

Krista & I had a great second day. It started off with a wonderful breakfast in the VIB lounge. Off to see some amazing shoes by Romika and Dansko. Some people we met from a shoe store back east gave us a ticket to go to the Executive Club for lunch. It was a private dining room with a chef that made pasta right in front of you - it was pretty sweet!

We found a new line called Spring Step. Oh, they were great! We liked the Picante collection. Fun colors and unique styles. Just awesome! There are some pics below. We have to have them for the shop. We also loved what we saw from Dansko! Yeah!!! They finally stepped it up. Their Spring is just fabulous. It is going to be tough to choose.










We ended the day with champagne & treats in The Box. A special little area for new designers. We really like Chocolat Blu. Great brand. We will be bringing them in for the first time this Fall and I have high hopes for those shoes.

Tomorrow it is all about the Venetian. We just found out that the boys from Detny are not at the show and I am so disappointed. Was looking forward to that pick me up in the morning. If you have never seen them - look them up! (Shane & Shawn) They are worth a look!!!

Shoe Show Day 2

What a fun day! I just love to see all the new and exciting trends for next year. Looks like there is going to be lots of gladiator styles - so get used to them. I was never a big fan but they are starting to grow on me. Lots of metallics and tons of bling! Even the conservative brands have bling. It always amazes me when you go to the show that you end up seeing the same types of trends with every vendor. Each brand had a gladiator - everyone had metallic colors. Lots of patent leather too. Spring 2010 is going to be good.

Krista & I are also VIB buyers (Very Important Buyers). We have no idea how we got that designation but we love it! You get to go into a special lounge where they give you swag, they have food and free internet acecss. It makes us feel so special.

My favorite shoe today had to be the shoe below from Sofft. Oh my - it was just so pretty. I want the light grey metallic color in my closet now! I have to have it. It was just so pretty on! I just can't wait to see what fun styles Dansko & Fly London will have. Should be a good day!

Shoe Show Day 1

Krista & I had so much fun today! We attended the National Shoe Retailers Conf. here in Vegas. We learned about hiring great people (we are in the process of hiring two new people - so very timely). And also how to best support those that currently work at the store. At the end of the day, we attended the New Balance cocktail party - oh so much fun!!! They had both an Elvis & Tina Turner impersonator. They were great! The food was fantastic. Highly entertaining! Tomorrow we start at 9am and have appointments on the hour every hour until 6pm. But don't worry - you get so jazzed after seeing all the new shoes! Can't wait!