Vince Camuto Boots @PetiteFeetSale

6 styles, perfect for Fall/Winter 2011- selected by the designer himself, Vince Camuto!

My picks...

KARENA

SKYLAS

Shop other styles from Vince Camuto and much more at the Petite Feet Designer Shoe Sale from October 6th to 10th.

Sam Edelman Booties @PetiteFeetSale

At the last Petite Feet Sale I fell in love with the Lorissa pumps by Sam Edelman. Now, I'm on a mission to find the bootie version (perfect for fall). By the end of next week I'm going to need a shoe closet as big as Kim Kardashian's!

LORISSA

RENZO

RENZO

Sam Edelman Wedges

VALIN

ZOE

(LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these "Zoe" ankle booties)

FASHION MEETS BASKETBALL: Rachel Roy + Amar'e Stoudemire Collaboration

This fall, Rachel Roy collaborates with power forward, Amar'e Stoudemire for a limited edition capsule collection. Fashion and basketball come together to create the ultimate mash-up of casual, cool, courtside must-haves. See the sports-inspired line and shop the new collection HERE.

Heat Rocker Tee
$49.00

Heathered Heat Sweatshirt
$89.00

Denim Motorcycle Jacket
$149.00

What do you think of the collection? Hot or Not?

Pauleanna

Words from Shannae...

Hey Ladies,

I know its been a while since I've popped up on here, but I am going to do my best to integrate regular posts into my new routine :)

Maybe its the Pisces/Dreamer in me, but the thing I've missed the most about blogging was reflecting on quotes and words of inspiration...

So herein, is my first quote in what seems to be a bajillion years!

"Change is inevitable and everyone is replaceable -- even you"

I don't want to come across as a cynic, but I just feel that it is always important to have a strategy in place should things not go as "planned". Whether it be the woman who gets blindsided by the husband who leaves her, the celebrity that goes from the A list to the Z list or the girl who ends up getting caught up in lay-offs during a recession.

In times like this, always remember;

1. You're the sh$!#t - no really, you are - believe in yourself and know that regardless of the cards you are dealt, you can and will overcome your situation. In that same breath, don't think that you are so good that you are "untouchable". Anything can happen, but remain confident that you can handle whatever comes your way.

2. Save your money - I know you've all heard this before, but SERIOUSLY its important to put money away every month. Enough so that you have at least three months income saved in the event of a crisis. I lived crazy and spent like a wild animal for most of my twenties and then finally it hit me; I'M ALMOST 30! That realization felt like a tonne of bricks in the face so without further due I started saving.  The good news is - I made it a priority, was consistent with it and in less than a year - i've put away three months income and have even started investing! (What does that mean? You can do it too! Its really not that hard - just focus focus focus).

3. Don't believe what people say, believe what they do - Yes, change is inevitable and everyone is replaceable, but sometimes you can get a pretty good idea of  your fate and plan accordingly if you are good at reading tell-tale signs and strategizing.

Those are my two cents!

Meet me in the comments if you want to chat more :) 

Shannae xo

NEW MUSIC: "Do It When The Rest Won't" - Tika Simone

I am sooooo late, but better late than never :-) - What Women Want wants to give a BIG shout out and congrats to our girl Tika Simone. We are bumping this track in our car on the way to work, in the bedroom when we're getting ready for a girls night out and even gave a copy to our mama's - that's how much we support and love you! oxoxxo Can't wait to hear more!

Ladies, what do you think of this single? Love it or hate it?

My Petite Feet Sale Wishlist

Like many of you shoe-a-holics, I too am counting down the days until I can shop till I drop at the Petite Feet Designer Shoe Sale! These shoes from Jessica Simpson's collection are all must-haves on my wish list....

VADIO

ELY

KIT/VANESSA

Let us know what shoes are on your wish list...
See you all at the sale on October 6th.
Happy Shoe Hunting!

POETRY: "10 Things I Want To Say To A Black Woman" By: Joshua Bennett

If Shannae were a shoe... (@PetiteFeetSale) :)

I'd be the Sam Edelman Lorna Aged Metal pumps with stud detail!

Why?

Because they:

are Pretty from the inside out

Stand Out of The Crowd, 

Look like you wouldn't want to rub them the wrong way and;

They are a bit rough around the edges...

See you at the Petite Feet Sale on October 6th! And maybe you'll find these very shoes there!

NEW MUSIC: We Found Love - Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

New York Times Best Selling Author "Sistah Souljah" is Coming to Canada!!!

I have been waiting for this moment since I first read "The Coldest Winter Ever" when I was 15 years old. Sistah Souljah is FINALLY doing a book signing here in Canada. Peep the details below:

p.s. I'm such a huge fan. If you see me, don't be too shy to say hello. I'll be the first one in the line who is camping outside of Chapters Bookstore lol.

Friday, September 30th, 2011 7:00pm
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
University of Toronto
252 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6 Canada (Books sold by A Different Booklist)

Saturday, October 1, 2011 1:00pm
Chapters
Market Hall, 52 Quarry Edge Drive
Brampton, Ontario
L6V 4K2

Will you be attending?

The Petite Feet Sample Sale is Baaaaa'aaaaaack...

Hey Mamacitas!

The Petite Feet Sale (The Biggest Sample Sale in Canada for shoe lovers) is back in full effect.  In a mere TWO WEEKS we will be getting our shoe games crackin' at the BEST shoe sale that Toronto has ever seen!

RSVP TO THE EVENT HERE!

For those of you who have followed this blog for years, you know how much I love this sale, not just for the amazing deals but because its an all girls shoe shopping extravaganza! I've met ladies there, and made friends over the years, so if not for the shopping, come for a good time!

Below are pictures and videos of the fun that I've had at previous sales - Its not to be missed!!

and last but not least...

Are you a VIP yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Become a VIP by signing up for the Newsletter HERE

VIPs get access to the shoe sales on the first day and advance shopping allows you to have more variety of shoes with a greater chance to have them in your size. 

Even better, you get a $10 coupon that we will share with you a few days before the sale.

Share this post with all of your friends on Twitter & Facebook so that they can be VIPs too!

See you all very soon!
Shannae xo

Pauleanna Reid's words...

Name: Pauleanna Reid

Occupation: Professional Writer, Public Speaker and Executive Director of What Women Want

Age: 23

Zodiac: Scorpio

I say: "Do one thing a day that scares you." - I read this quote somewhere several months ago and it single handedly changed my life, so I am adopting it as my own just for today. What I love about it, is that it has pushed my limits personally and professionally and I now have a better and more interesting approach to how I view situations. Try it! Make an effort to actually do one thing a day that scares you - You will grow to new heights and feel great in the process.

MOVIE TEASER: WWW Recommends "Footloose"

City kid Ren McCormack moves to a small town where rock 'n' roll and dancing have been banned, and his rebellious spirit shakes up the populace.

Director: Craig Brewer
Writers: Dean Pitchford (screenplay), Craig Brewer (screenplay)

Stars: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough and Dennis Quaid

Nova Browning Rutherford - Woman with a Story

Pauleanna says: When I met Nova several months ago, we clicked right away and I admire her because she is a woman of enormous strength and beauty. Nova is a writer, public speaker and youth mentor and what I love about her the most is that she is so in touch with who she is. Everytime we chat I learn something new and she has opened my eyes to view things in a different light. She is incredibly down to earth and insightful which is why I am so excited to share her story with you - Enoy!

20s/30s/40s?
31. Not everyone makes it to this age, so I’ve learned to claim it.

What is your zodiac sign?
Spicy Pisces. 2-27.

What is your educational background?
Masters Degree in Street Smarts, Doctorate in Extracting The Message From The Mess. I studied Creative Advertising in college and I’ve completed writing courses at UCLA. 10 years in Marketing and Promotions must count for something.

Where were you born? Raised? Live now?
Chatham, ON is where I was born, Edmonton, AB and London, ON are where I was raised, Toronto, ON is where I ‘grew up’, Los Angeles, California is where I live now.

Single or Taken?
Married. So old fashioned. Ha!

First job ever?
Working in my grandfathers restaurant at age 9. I scooped ice cream, set the tables at weddings and did A LOT of dishes. I was paid in blank cassettes so I could make mix tapes from ‘Detroit’s Strong Songs’ FM98 WJLB. At 13 I was a corn detassler on a farm. Horrid. Started at 5am, walked the muddy fields in the hot sun (2 km long) and pulled off the 7ft corn stalks. A day labourer at 13.

First “real” job?
-The promotions department at Flow 93.5. I was one of the original staff when the station went live so part of my job was to drive the FLOW Truck, cover live-to-airs, hand out promo items and get the word out about this new station from Ajax to Albion Road. Going out Thursday through Sunday was a part of the gig. Good times. I met lifelong friends at that job and was able to work in radio – a medium I’d loved all my life.

Your 5 “must haves” of the moment?
HAIR MUST HAVE: Moroccan Oil hair products (Curl Control Crème, Shampoo, Conditioner).
WORK MUST HAVE: Beats By Dr. Dre ‘noise cancelling’ headphones.
’MONTHLY’ MUST HAVE: Trader Joes Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.
VISION MUST HAVE: DITA eyewear (Elan frames. Purple of course).
MUSIC MUST HAVE: ‘Dancehall Splurt’ with Robbo Ranx on BBC 1xtra

What are you currently listening to?
I listen to a lot of online programming from Europe. Nova Radio out of Paris and BBC 1xtra from the UK are favourites. I used to be a real music freak, but after working in the business I lost the ability to listen as a fan and found myself critiquing everything. But I loves me some Drizzy and Dancehall as both remind me of Toronto.

So what do you do?
I am a motivational speaker, writer and youth mentor. I operate But I Love Me More which now has six contributors compiling non-fiction motivational pieces, profiles, a Q&A / advice section and interviews. Speaking with young women and hearing their testimonials and encouraging ‘lightbulb’ moments is rewarding and healing. ‘I never thought of it that way’ are the best words I could hear. It makes my own dark days worth it so that I can speak from a place of sincere understanding.

(Nova speaking @ Girls Day - Grade 6, 7 & 8)

(Youth Mentoring Connection is the group that Nova and her husband volunteer with. Every year there is a 4 day, soul-bearing, life-changing retreat. This photo is on the final day of the girls weekend in the mountains of Big Bear, California. She is on the far left.)

Take us along the path (personal & professional) that took you where you are today.
Here is the condensed version. Worked in the music business. Saw a lot. Did a lot. Lived to tell the tale. Lost my passion for music a few years back – it just stopped being fun, even though the position I held at the time was a dream job (on paper). I’ve always been ‘the Miranda’ – the voice of reason, the person who gives advice and council and I’d been doing it for free forever.

I started a blog – for fun – and started to share stories from my own life while focusing on the lesson learned. Word got out, people started sending me their own experiences and seeking advice. Talk radio programs contacted me for a regular feature, websites wanted me to have a column and it started from there.

(Nova was asked by the United Nations Association to speak at the 100th anniversary of International Womens Day)

What’s the toughest thing you’ve been faced with thus far?
Professionally, walking away from the music business. It was all I’d known, all I’d loved and I had no idea how to transition from music snob to motivational speaker. I had to get to a place where my job title no longer defined my character. Still working on listening to music as a fan versus a critical ear.

In life, battling depression. Age 21-24. Rock bottom and almost no one knew. Constant internal and external sabotage. THEN a series of four traumatic incidences sent me into a tailspin, starting with 9/11. I’m a sensitive person and compounding that suffering with my own was just…too…much. Some ingredients to my healing were: Therapy combined with anti-depressants. Unwavering support. More therapy. Time. Time alone in nature. Finding a spiritual practice.

What did your parents want you to be?
Dad: Marketing Guru/Entrepreneur. Mom: Happy.

What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given?
“When you don’t know what you want, know what you don’t want.” – given to me by my dear friend Namugenyi Kiwanuka.

We all have moments of indecision (a Pisces flaw) and instead of whining, ‘I don’t knooooow’, rule out the things you KNOW you DON’T want. When we rule out the negative, the positive becomes clearer. I have used this mantra in every scenario, from picking out an outfit to choosing a date.

What advice do you have for women who want to follow in your footsteps?
If you follow in my footsteps, it will mean you have to walk through hell and I’d don’t recommend that. If public speaking does appeal to you, prepare to be vulnerable. Sharing the details of the most challenging years of my life is the hardest and most healing part of my job.

In order for your audience to engage you, they need to see you reveal yourself – an experience, a fear, a victory – what makes you relatable? Being vulnerable allows others to do the same and THAT is when the real exchange begins.

(Las Vegas Desert. Landscape photography has become a hobby of hers thanks to the stunning bio-diversity California offers.

(In 2009 Nova trained for 5 months and completed the DisneyLand half marathon (21km) for AIDS Project Los Angeles. One of her proudest moments)

Is it possible for a woman to successfully balance both love and career? Why or why not?
Of course. When she is able to FIRST care for herself the scales start to balance. She is then able to givegivegive to her partner, employees, clients, boss, children, in-laws, friends, family… but she must MAKE that time for herself to fuel up. Otherwise the scales will always be uneven and she will resent those she is spending time with because its time she isn’t spending on herself.

What’s next for you?
Continuing to grow But I Love Me More in the L.A / SoCal area while supporting causes I care about in my hometown Toronto.
The rest…you will see! : )

Where do you see yourself in 5 years... 10 years?
I’m learning that when you look way off into the future, and plan and prepare for those goals and results, you stop being in THIS precious moment. I won’t set any limits as life is long and who knows where 10 years will take me.

With all that said, in my minds eye I do see my future. Huge things. However, I will surrender that part to the Universe and work on winning THIS battle today. In the generalist of terms I see – motherhood, world travels, multiple revenue streams, a solid team, collaborations with my sister, and global activism.

And lastly, in your opinion, What do Women Want??
To be heard. Women want their voice to matter, to be respected, to be appreciated and considered. Women want affection, connection, security with a large dose of spontaneity. Women want to trust and be trusted. Women want good food, great sex and bad T.V. Women want to be supported by other women. Women want it all. Go get it!