TOMS

Rarely am I on the front end of a trend. However, I can finally say that I was onto something before it really took off!
A couple of years ago, I came across some information about TOMS Shoes. I knew of Blake Mycoskie's family because he is from Arlington and his mom actually wrote a cookbook about fat-free cooking that my mom bought (I was obsessed with it for a while in HS). Also, his sister is my age and went to my rival junior high and we had some mutual friends back in the day. You may have seen Blake and his sister Paige on the "Amazing Race" about 7 years ago. Anyway, I loved the idea of buying a pair of shoes and then some impoverished kiddo in another country getting a pair for free. What a great idea. Shoes are something that we all probably take for granted. So, about this time 2 years ago, I bought a pair of pink and navy TOMS. I haven't really seen many people wearing them at all, but last week, one of my students wore two different pairs. Yesterday, I saw a wireless phone commercial featuring Blake talking about his business. And today in the Walmart parking lot, there was a van covered in TOMS pictures. I guess the word has gotten out!
On April 16th, TOMS is sponsoring "One Day Without Shoes". I am not sure how much I can participate in this, but it's a great idea.
I can vouch for the comfort of TOMS personally...they are so soft and comfy. When I wear them, I get asked if they are house slippers--ha. This is the pair that I want to save up for...so cute and fun!