Happy Thanksgiving

Although we believe in practicing gratefulness year round, Thanksgiving is a time of year in which we can really stop to appreciate all of the people and things in our lives that bring us joy. We believe its a time of self-reflection--it means something a little different for everyone.

At Village Shoes, we took a moment to reflect on this joyous season, and we thought we'd share a few thoughts with all of you.

Stacey: "This Thanksgiving I am grateful for the ability to spend time with family. I am also grateful for all the lessons this year has brought me and my ability to grow and always keep pushing forward."

Liz: "Thanksgiving is a time to surround yourself with those you love, stuff your face, and revel in the tradition and gratitude".

Jessie: "It's easy to get caught up in the daily complaining cycle, so during Thanksgiving I like to take a moment with my friends and family to say out loud what we're all thankful for. This year I think I'm going to say opportunities".

Have a joyous and thankful Thanksgiving everyone.

Love,

The Village Shoes Team

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Going Home: Tips to Survive the Trip

  The holiday season is just around the corner and many of us will be hopping aboard planes or getting behind the wheel to visit with our families and friends.

Whereas spending the holidays with the people you love is a blessing, actually getting there can be a pain. We've pulled together some of our favorite tips to make your trip a little more enjoyable.

What to bring:

• Wear comfortable clothing while traveling—but don't limit yourself to sweats! Leggings with a tunic and boots, a cozy maxi dress, or a simple tee and jeans are all comfy without compromising on style.
• Having a unique bag can make it easier to locate at baggage claim, and easier to find in a dark cluttered car.
• Bring items that are multi-functional and can be easily mixed and matched.
• Keep important items (like cash, tickets, credit cards, passports etc.) in a smaller bag in your suitcase or purse so they can be easily accessed.
• Wear a scarf on the plane or in the car. You can use it as a pillow or a small blanket during the trip, and it’s a versatile and warm accessory to jazz up your outfits while you're there!
• You only need two or three pairs of shoes for most trips. A comfy casual for travel and walking, something a little more formal, and an tennis shoe (for those morning runs you promise you'll take).

  

We had so much fun putting together these travel sets. Here we have a bag by Leaders in Leader to hold all your carry on needs, a pouch by Will to keep necessary items ready for easy access, Viscose and Cashmere tights by B.ella to keep you warm and beautiful two tone metal earrings for a versatile accessory while on your trop. For shoes, we picked the Kool by Boss & Co-- a super comfy waterproof boot with a hidden side zip so you can get them off easily for security. For the more formal shoe we chose the Maple by Chocolat Blu--this beautiful italian leather shoe can be dressed up or down, and the stacked leather chunky heel makes it more comfortable than you would expect.

We couldn't leave out the guys! We chose an army green weekender by Jessilyn Blake with plenty of space and extra pockets. She makes a matching pouch that is great for holding tickets, sunglasses, and other important items. The Adora hat makes for a great versatile accessory and can help keep you warm if you're headed home to snow. For shoes, we picked the Frye James Lug Chukka. Sophisticated in appearance but hardworking underneath, the rubber lug sole makes them comfy and adds traction. Put some waterproofing spray on them and you're ready for anything. If you need to go to a more formal party, opt for the J-Shoe's Men's Charlie. The brogue detail makes it formal, and the textured leather makes it cool.

How to pack it:

• Roll your clothes rather than folding them. They'll take up less space in your suitcase so you can save room for any goodies you’re bringing home.
• Keep all spill-able/liquid items sealed in plastic baggies in case of leakage. Bring a few extras for accidents or new items.
•  Use a pill container or straws and buttons to keep your jewelry from tangling.
• Pop a dryer sheet in your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh
• Wrap your shoes in shower caps (which you can buy at the dollar store) to prevent them from getting your clothes dirty
• Wrap small fragile items in rolled socks.

Flight Tips

• Take an empty water bottle that you can fill once through security
• If you’re traveling with a friend or significant other, bring a headphone splitter. In-flight movies are more fun when watched together.
• If you don’t have a travel size or sampler of your favorite cosmetics, store a small amount in a contact case. 
• Avoiding alcohol, getting some exercise, and getting plenty of sleep can help you combat jet lag.
• When waiting in the security lines, chose the line with the fewest children and the most business men, it'll go faster.

Pit-stop!

• Pack nutritional snacks. It’s easy to end up at McDonalds when you’re tired and it’s late. 
• Get the wifi password to most cafés by checking the comments section of Foursquare
• Have meals frozen and ready for when you get home. You won't feel like cooking after traveling all day.

What are some of your favorite tips and tricks?

Safe and happy travels, 

Jessie

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Makeover!

We thought it was time to retire our old layout and bring in something fresher just before the holidays. We're still working out a few kinks, so if you're experiencing any difficulties, let us know and we'll work on getting it fixed as soon as possible. Comment here or on Facebook to let us know what you think!

-The Village Shoes Team

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Find your LBB (Little Black Bootie)

For fall and early winter, nothing is more verstatible, more practical, or more stylish than the...

LBB

(Little Black Bootie)

Like our old go-to LBD (little black dress), the LBB never fails us. She is always there ready and waiting for any outfit or any occasion. She is equally as comfortable with your favorite boyfriend jeans and a cozy sweater as she is paired with tights and a flirty dress (date-night anyone?).

In our minds, the LBB is the hero of the shoe world. She saves the day when we just have nothing to wear. Wear them to the office. Wear them with a floral skirt. Wear them with sweats (they’re in fashion now). Wear them on the red carpet. Wear them with head-to-toe black. Whatever your style, this will become your go-to shoe.

In the words of Mr. Dior:

Here some of our favorite heros:

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Halloween Parade!

Every year Ashland holds an enormous Halloween parade so the kids can trick-or-treat and everyone can see all the amazing costumes. Here are some of our favorite snapshots:

Everyone gearing up for the parade.

EVERYONE came downtown to see the spectacle.

Erika and Lizzie handed out candy to trick-or-treaters...

Like this cute little devil!

Some unique costumes were spotted...

And some beautiful costumes were seen.

And we got a few visits from our lovely friends.

  

And their FABULOUS shoes!

We hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween as much as we did!

Love,

The Village Shoes Team

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