Gated

Apricot Sleeveless Lapel Vest - She In (shown in size Large)/Michelle Suede Mesh Booties (Comes in sizes 11-14 and 11-12W, Shown in size 12. Also comes in Burgundy) - Smash Shoes/Dress - Next Tall/Belt - H&M

You can rock this affordable, fierce vest ($21.99) multiple ways but to achieve this look, wear a basic foundation and some statement shoes like the Michelle from Smash Shoes. Add a belt for a little flare in a metallic of your choice.

Photo Credit: Marc Allen

There will be people who try to put limits on your style because they don't think that they can pull it off and in-turn project their insecurities onto you. Leave that madness behind you as you walk away in the fiercest way possible. When you accept them, it festers and paints your insides in the saddest of shades. The moment you accept that lie it begins to deplete your self-esteem immediately. Protect your self-worth. It's in your arsenal of essentials that will strengthen your path in this thing called life.

When I wore this vest for the first time, this lady told me, I love that you wear things that standout even at your height. Even? Lady...that was a dig. I recognized it, smiled and said Always and then left it right where she stood. I didn't waste anger on her or the time and weight it would take to carry it with me. I actually appreciated it because it gave me a platform to provide this point to you:

You are the gatekeeper.

One thing that comes with this beautiful height is a peanut gallery that can't have it and will remind you at every turn. They can say some idiotic things but at the end of the day it's the strength of your shield that matters.

Am I always this strong? No. Everyone has their days as well as a period of growth to gain strength BUT the more you practice this the taller you will stand every day, in every way.

OK Ladies, now let's get those gates in formation! :-)

Ibena Love

Ibena Laser-Cut pump - Eleanor Anukam Footwear (shown in size 12)/Coat - Next Tall/Dress and Ring - Forever 21/Oversized Metallic Clutch - Target/Hair - Perfect Locks

Photo Credit: Meg Russell Photography

When you come across a new shoe line that is just for us...you must scream it from the rooftops! Well...

ELEANOR ANUKAM FOOTWEAR IS HERE!!!

Girl...let me tell you. The new shoe line from Eleanor Anukam comes in sizes 9-13 and is hot on another level. Not only does the line have these beautiful laser-cut pumps, they also have an array of fashion forward styles in both heels and flats and are constructed in the highest of fashion. I could go on for days about the craftsmanship however this video shows you better than I could ever explain it...

Wasn't that just breathtaking? Side note: These green babies are next on my list followed by the same pair in all black.

My first pair are the Ibena Laser-Cut pumps in nude (also comes in black). They are showstoppers. You really don't have to wear much with them because they are the outfit. From the detail to the perfect neutral color to the fit, these pumps pack a tall style punch. 

Upon first wear there was a little discomfort (that new-shoe moment) but it quickly went away and I fiercely walked all over the place in them. As you can see, when I wear them, I rock simple pieces with clean lines because the shoes really do speak for themselves. I am in serious love with the Ibena and the entire Eleanor Anukam Footwear line. They are crazy good, in our size and made impeccably well...what's not to like? Side Note: The box they come in is sturdy, pretty and enclosed is a durable shoe bag. You have to appreciate a shoe line that pays attention to all of the details!

So that is the skinny on an exciting new footwear line that is awesome enough to make shoes in sizes 9-13. I hope you like them as much as I do! So...what do you think?

TOP 5 SHOE STORES FOR THE TALL AND FABULOUS

Hey now!

OK...so I can admit it. My LINKS page is terrible right now. I simply have not had the time to update it. But I want you to have amazing access to the best Tall links so I am going to start posting Top 5's in all areas of Tall. From shoes, to pants and maybe even men (#eyecandy)...I will be posting about the best of the best.

With that said, what better place to start than SHOES. They will change your life won't they! I don't care what you have going on...slip on a pair of hot ones and everything goes BOOM.

Without further ado (and in no particular order)...here are my Top 5 brands that sell amazing shoes for us...

SMASH SHOES

Smash Shoes busted on to the Tall shoe scene and has been putting out FIRE ever since. They carry up to size 14, are very well made and the customer service is amazing. What I love about the line is that they are not just the basics. Yes, they have a classic pump (which I want in every color), but they also have styles that standout. Smash Shoes is definitely not the brand that just gives us the bare minimum. They actually create styles that we will covet and can't wait to be seen in. Make sure to check them out. Btw, just in case you are wondering, the over-the-knee boots really do go over the knee...yippppeeee!!!

Want another chic option? Nine West has a great selection of shoes up to a size 12 but you have to act fast because they fly off the shelves.

LONG TALL SALLY

By far, Long Tall Sally has the best selection in shoes up to size 15. They carry a ton of brands that usually don't have shoes in our sizes and then their in-house brands (BFT and LTS) are constantly putting out shoes that hit major trends. I am loving what I am seeing for this season and kudos to Long Tall Sally for giving women that wear up to size 15 haute shoes to rock!

Looking for a steal on shoes? Check out Payless. They come in sizes up to 13 and the price points are on point (especially when they have BOGO). Quick tip: Always Google coupon codes before ordering for extra savings.

SHOES OF PREY

This is the bespoke leader for us as you can custom design shoes (in a plethora of styles) up to size 15 and they even have HALF SIZES. It's a super fun process and for a shoe that fits your foot specifically, the price points don't break the bank. They have also partnered with Nordstrom so that you can actually go into a store and build them onsite at select locations.

They have an amazing contest going on right now where you can win 52 pairs of custom shoes. What!?!? Absolute shoe Heaven. Check out the winner from last year (above) and make sure you enter...I know I am (crossing all my long fingers and toes).

Another bespoke option: Poppy Barley specializes in custom boots (they also have fantastic shoes) in sizes up to 13.

NORDSTROM RACK

Sugar pie, honey bunch...you know that I love you! I can't help myself...I love you and nobody else...I seriously break out in to song when I step up in this building (you can order online too). Racks on racks on racks on shoes at great prices and a lot of them in our size! You can actually walk in and cop a pair (usually pairs). Some stores even carry up to size 14 and they have large size shoes sales (let's change the name Nordy's) that are worth the wait in line.  Create an account and they will send you all of the info.

Don't see what you need at The Rack? Never fear. Go on Nordstrom.com for more options and they will send them right to you. They have a great selection (at higher price points than The Rack) up to size 14.

TORRID

Torrid has wide options, in great price points, up to size 13. Now, I have a narrow foot so I have never tried them on BUT I have many friends that have and love them! They have a little bit of everything and are definitely worth a try. I wish they made non-wide shoes because hunni, I would rock them to the hilt!

Want another wide option? Lane Bryant has shoes in sizes up to 12.

Now, there are my 5 (well really 10 but who's counting). I want to know your go-to shoe brand for us. Please leave it in the comments below:-) Share with your Tall sisters!

SMASH

SMASH SHOES (left to right, top to bottom): ROLLIE in Leopard/AMBER in gold/AMBER in nude/AMBER in silver/ROLLIE in black/PLEI in white/PLEI in black patent/PLEI in florescent green. All styles come in sizes 10-13 with price points ranging from $49-$99.

I live for a lot of things and one of them is a beautiful shoe. So when I stumbled upon Smash Shoes on Instagram, I was elated! Not only to do they have a line of classy and sassy shoes, they offer them in sizes 10-13! When I saw the sizes I did the same happy dance that I do whenever I discover a new tall find...

Courtesy of FunnyorDie.com.

It's crazy because DJ Jazzy Jeff comes out of nowhere with a drum set and everything.

Anywho, I can see myself wearing these cuties in so many situations. From the Leopard Rollie ($99) with a constructed midi and an oversized sweater to the nude Amber ($79) with pretty much anything, multiple pairs need to be rocked in the near future.

So that's the 411 on the the debut Smash Shoes line. If you have already had the pleasure of trying them on your footsies, share with your tall sisters. We need to know all about it!

Blanca

TALL Asymmetric Body Concious Dress - ASOS (size 10) (Also comes in a strapless version HERE)/Neck piece and cuff - Forever 21/Shoes (size 12) - Preview International via Nordstrom Rack/Clutch - Thrifted

Photo credit: Shannon Warf 

I live for an amazing white dress. They are super hard to find because white isn't the most forgiving color in the world. The wrong cut and you will grossly misrepresent yourself. That's why I absolutely fell in love with this white hot dress from the ASOS Tall line (did I mention it's only $41.92).

It has super clean lines, the fabric is very forgiving and the arms are super long! Bottom line, it's a show stopper. Now, please believe I have a nude body shaper on underneath. Not so much for the shaping but for the foundation. After all, it's a white dress and my Mama would kill me if I didn't wear something underneath to make sure you couldn't see through it. Slips are not my thing, so I opted for the body shaper (that I picked up from Target for $16.99) and it worked out beautifully.

With a dress like this...who really need accessories!? Thus I opted for simple, metallic pieces that compliment but don't steal the show. I love a great metallic piece because it gives a pinch of pizazz but still keeps it neutral. 

What do you look for in a white dress?

Soled Out

Ashton Textured High Heels Sandal - Sole Society(size 12)/Print Jersey Pant - Long Tall Sally (size M)/Oversized Pocket Tee - Long Tall Sally (similar HERE)/Clutch - H&M/Fedora - JCP/Necklace - Thrifted 

Photo Credit: Janet Fong

Hold on....wait for it...SOLE SOCIETY HAS SIZE 12'S!!!

Yes hunni. You read that all the way right. Sole Society now has some amazing styles in sizes up to 12 with more on the way.

I received my first pair last week and I absolutely LOVE them. They are the Ashton, in pale almond, in size 12. They fit perfectly (true to size) and were comfortable on the first wear. Do I need to mention that they are HOT? I mean just look at them. Buckles, straps and texture...oh my!

They are constructed very well and the buckles are adjustable but once you adjust them, there will be no need to buckle them again because there is a full zipper in the back that makes them easy to put on.

I can't wait to try other styles. You want to see them? Click HERE for all of the Sole Society shoes in sizes up to 12.

I am also obsessed with these Print Jersey Pants from Long Tall Sally. They are SO comfy (you feel like you are wearing pajamas without the embarrassment of wearing pajamas) and add a little punch to your casual wear. That, combined with the awesome length, makes them a win-win in my humble opinion.

Excited about the new Sole Society extended shoe size options? Don't forget to share...we need to stick together tall dolls:)