Sante + Wade

Large size women's shoes in up to UK size 11

She is a woman who is used to STANDING OUT from the crowd. She wants it all -comfort, style and choice- and she doesn’t want to be labelled. NO COMPROMISES.

At Sante + Wade, we want this journey to be about CELEBRATING all sizes, from EU38 to EU46. What our customers have in common is a positive attitude to owning their individuality and not conforming to old stereotypes. We know women come in a variety of shapes; and really, we are indifferent to your size because we are all invited to the ball! We got it, you are looking for the shoes you want, not the shoes that fit; and if prince charming won’t deliver, you’ll do it your own way.

OUR STORY

SANTE + WADE is a story about passion, innovation, and friendship. 

Shola Asante, conceived the brand after trying and failing repeatedly to find footwear that fit and reflected her sense of style. An alumni of the footwear development programme at Taftc in Singapore, she further cemented her technical skills with one-to-one coaching at a luxury footwear consultancy.

Agnès Cushnie joined shortly after, using her expertise in the fashion industry to further develop the idea into a business model. A career in marketing and creative design helped to hone her craft, in particular a ten year tenure as head of the Agnes Valentine fashion label. 

Actress and TV presenter Marcy Oni completes the team. An influencer in her own right, she uses her footprint in social media to understand and respond to customer needs in emerging markets. 

Our customer is a modern woman whose shoes help her navigate a busy lifestyle. She wants choice, comfort and quality with no concessions. She inspired us to develop a range embodying this spirit.

PASSIONATE ABOUT BREAKING RULES

Tall women shouldn’t wear heels? Wide-fit shoes can’t look feminine or sexy?

We started Sante + Wade to challenge these outdated perceptions because we believe every woman should experience the emotion that comes with finding something beautiful that fits perfectly.

That’s why we create high-quality shoes at a fair price to accommodate the needs of women with longer or wider fit.

Our proposition naturally lends itself to the needs of those with a contemporary lifestyle, with shoes that take them effortlessly from one occasion to the next.

At the heart of our brand is a commitment to encourage women from all paths to stand out and be bold.

CRAFTED IN ENGLAND + MANUFACTURED IN EUROPE

We care deeply about all the steps that go into creating our shoes and pride ourselves on a relentless focus to deliver outstanding quality and comfort.

From the beginning of this journey, we partnered with luxury European consultancies, to ensure we bring the highest levels of craftsmanship to our product design process.

Our product development starts with the creation of bespoke lasts in the UK. Our shoes are then handmade at a Portuguese factory with decades of shoemaking pedigree. Their workmanship and attention to detail brings to life our design ethos;combinining splashes of colour and lavish textures with timeless silhouettes. We use only the finest European leathers and components on our products.

Social responsibility is high on our agenda and our first initiative in this area is a commitment to use shoe boxes made of 100% recycled materials, as well as packing tissue produced from well-managed forests and/or recycled materials (FSC certified).

OUR VALUES

FEMININE + CELEBRATORY

Clean lines, vibrant colours and unusual prints 

DISRUPTIVE + PROGRESSIVE

Focusing on wider and longer sizes, while providing exceptional levels of comfort

Visit the Sante + Wade website

“Sarah loves to dream and Plus size modelling was a part of that dream. Sarah is a professional plus size model, blogger, beauty diversity advocate and public speaker. Her passion is to help women see their true beauty regardless of their weight. Sarah’s personal story of beauty for ashes is at the core of her journey for helping women discover their magnificence and excel from within.

Sarah openly shares her journey of surviving abuse, self-hatred and sadness to thriving in a place of joy and self-love to give other women hope that they too can overcome anything and see beauty in themselves.

On June 30th, she was crowned Miss Plus Canada 2014 in Toronto, Ontario. Sarah was also awarded People’s Choice and the Talent Award where she shared her journey from abuse, self-hatred and sadness to a place of joy and self-love.

The couple of years have been full of exciting events, modelling, appearances, speaking engagements and encouraging others to love themselves, just the way they are. She has also ripped the runway in several local and international shows including Full Figured Fashion Week, Montreal Plus Fashion week, and Caribbean Plus Fashion Week.

Giving back is important for Sarah because in her darkest hour, the love and support from those around her helped her to see her true worth and push her forward.

Sarah lives in Toronto, Ontario and currently works in the non profit sector at Frontstream – a software company that works with non profits who fundraise online. Sarah is passionate about working with some of North America’s top charities as they develop their online strategy and implementation plans to grow their fundraising efforts.

She also volunteers at WINGS Maternity Home in Ajax as the Executive Assistant, Event & Fundraising Manger and as a mentor to the young moms who live in the home as well as the 50 community moms WINGS supports. WINGS is a very big part of Sarah’s life and considers it her second home. Be sure to check out the W.I.N.G.S. Maternity Home Website for more information about what they do (www.wingsmaternityhome.com). Please consider making a donation to this amazing cause!

Although Sarah models fashion, her heart’s desire is to be a woman clothed with strength and dignity and laugh at the future with no fear – no fear of what if’s and what next.”

Visit her website

Älter werden…

Ich werde dieses Jahr 30! Also genau der richtige Zeitpunkt, um über das Thema Alter nachzudenken. Man ist so alt wie man sich fühlt?! Oder wie war das? Na ja leicht gesagt, aber in der Realität oft anders. Ältere Frauen in peinlich kurzen Gürteln als Rock oder Kinder in sexy Outfits, das passt einfach nicht.

Siezen? Duzen?

Woran merkt man, dass man richtig erwachsen ist? Wenn man auf einmal von Jugendlichen und Kindern draußen gesiezt wird. Am Anfang seltsam und eher einem Affront nahekommend, ertappe ich mich jetzt sogar manchmal - je nach Situation - bei dem Gedanken „Wie unhöflich!“, wenn mich ein vorlauter Teenager einfach duzt. Dabei bin ich von Natur aus eher der Duzer - allein schon durch das Internet und die ganzen Social Media, da ist das oft üblich.

Ich finde sowieso, dass man sich je nach Situation auch unterschiedlich alt fühlen kann. Es kommt halt immer auf die Leute und die Umgebung an. Seit ich selbständig bin, ist es mit dem „nicht-so-erwachsen-fühlen“ schlagartig vorbei. Bei mir ist es das Schuhbaby, bei anderen das richtige Baby. Plötzlich hat man Verantwortung, die man zuvor in dieser Schlagkraft nicht hatte. Dennoch kommt der "Ach, ich bin doch noch gar nicht so alt“-Gedanke immer mal wieder kurz zum Vorschein. Wenn ich mit meinen jüngeren - oft noch Studenten - Freunden unterwegs bin zum Beispiel. Da gehöre ich ganz normal dazu und bin für einen Augenblick wieder ein bisschen zurückgesetzt in alte Zeiten. Das man das überhaupt schon so sagen kann. „Alte Zeiten…“

Früher war das mit dem Alter eh noch etwas ganz anderes. Da freut man sich und ist stolz auf jedes Jahr, das man älter wird. Wenn man dann aus den Wachstums- und Entwicklungsjahren raus ist, denkt man sich „Waaas? Schon wieder ein Jahr um?“. Panik.

Wie schnell die Zeit vergeht...

Als kleines Kind wollte ich den Erwachsenen nie glauben, dass die Zeit später schneller vorbeizugehen scheint. Aber sie hatten Recht, von Jahr zu Jahr geht die Zeit gefühlt schneller um. Klar, Kinder erleben viel intensiver, lernen noch viel und entwickeln sich - da kommt einem alles langsamer vor. Wir dagegen nehmen so viel auf einmal wahr und denken in ganz anderen Zeiteinheiten. Manchmal sollte man sich vielleicht doch noch einmal ein Beispiel an den Kindern nehmen, entschleunigen, Zeit anders wahrnehmen und einfach mal einen Tag die Käfer beobachten oder so. Könnte mir auch nicht schaden.

Wir Selbständigen haben ja in der Regel eines nicht: Zeit. Und trotzdem jede Menge zu tun und Termine über Termine. Und weil es noch nicht genug ist, nimmt man sich noch ein paar Projekte dazu. Wie zum Beispiel Blogbeiträge zu schreiben. Hihi, verrückt. Statt Käfer zu beobachten, könnte ich vielleicht auch einfach mal wieder ein bisschen drauflos malen. Das macht mir nämlich auch Spaß, schon immer. Auch als ich jünger war.

Ach, jaaa. Damals, als man als großes Mädchen einfach immer für älter und verantwortungsbewusster als gleichaltrige, kleinere gehalten und auch so behandelt wurde. Als man als Kleinkind von Erwachsenen diskriminiert und blöd angemacht worden ist. Weil man noch auf Mamas Arm war oder einen Schnuller im Mund hatte. Als man bei Spielen bei Stadt-, Kirchen- und Siedlungsfesten von Erwachsenen angemeckert und des Lügens bezichtigt wurde, weil man angeblich schon älter war und deswegen verschärftere Regeln gelten würden. Als man beim Kindergartenfest als Einzige nicht im Zirkuskarussell aus kleinen Schubkarren mitfahren durfte, weil man schon zu groß sei. Als Leistungen und Vernunft immer erwartet und als selbstverständlich angesehen worden sind und man im Gegensatz zu den Kleineren nicht dauernd gelobt worden ist. Als die Kleineren aufgrund des Niedlichkeitsfaktors bevorzugt und teilweise für gleiche Leistungen besser benotet worden sind. Klein und niedlich, das ist wie bei Katzenbabies oder Hundewelpen. Das weckt den Beschützer- und Helferinstinkt.

Mit zwölf wurde ich schon gesiezt

Es wird automatisch versucht, es den Kleinen einfacher zu machen und sie zu bestärken. Die Größeren, die eh schon durch ihre Andersartigkeit aus der Masse stechen, könnten das aber auch mal ganz gut gebrauchen. Zumal diese doch in der Regel vor allem im Jugendalter bedeutend zurückhaltender und sanfter sind - ich wurde ja mal als Schaf im Wolfspelz bezeichnet. Und bin oft wegen meiner zurückhaltenden Art (man denkt ja, als Große sticht man eh immer so hervor, ob man es will oder nicht) eher übersehen worden.

Die Kleinen dagegen drängen sich manchmal gerne in den Mittelpunkt, damit sie eben nicht übersehen werden. Das ist ein bisschen wie bei den kleinen, wild bellenden Hunden. Aber es gab natürlich auch lustige Seiten: Als ich mit zwölf im Restaurant gesiezt wurde und mir ein Schnaps nach dem Essen angeboten wurde und sich mein älterer Bruder “Und du? Willst du einen Lutscher?“ anhören durfte. Ich lache noch heute darüber. Damals, als man einfach nie nach einem Ausweis gefragt worden ist. Nirgendwo. Während kleinere Mädchen es oft hassten, mit 18 noch ausgepickt und nach dem Ausweis gefragt zu werden, fand ich das ganz witzig. Underage-Stempel gab es für mich nicht.

Als ich Anfang oder Mitte zwanzig war, kam dann der plötzliche Umschwung. Auf einmal hielten mich alle für jünger! Crazy. Kannte ich so gar nicht. Und ich musste das allererste Mal meinen Ausweis in einer Bar zeigen - für ein Bier! Ich habe mich kaputt gelacht. Und so ging es weiter. Meistens hält man mich für Mitte zwanzig. Bei Businesstreffen ist das eher andersherum - die meisten gehen nicht davon aus, dass man sich so jung schon selbständig macht. Im Schnitt bin ich dann also wieder so alt, wie ich wirklich bin. Prima, dann passt es doch!

Ich finde es aber teilweise auch schwierig, das Alter abzuschätzen. Je nach Sonnenbank- und/oder Schminkstand und Umgebung kann man sich da schon einmal vertun. Und wenn ältere Menschen versuchen einen auf „jung“ zu machen, geht das oft eher nach hinten los. Ich halte auch nichts von diesem Jungend- und Schönheitswahn. Schrecklich, wenn diese operierten Gesichter alle ähnlich gruselig verzerrt und ohne richtige Mimik sind. Ich finde ja Lachfältchen bei vielen ganz bezaubernd. Das gibt dem Gesicht so einen sympathischen Ausdruck. Falten zeigen einfach wer wir sind und was wir erlebt haben. Und ich sage ja auch immer „Lieber alt werden, als früh sterben“. Veränderungen gehören da nun einmal dazu.

…aaah, ich muss mal eben in die Drogerie flitzen! Ich habe eben eine neue, krasse „bald-bist-du-30-Falte“ entdeckt… Vielleicht sollte ich so eine Hy-aal-o-glatt-Creme oder wie die heißen doch mal ausprobieren! ;)

6'1 1/2" Sarah is the owner of Schuhe Grossartig, a German footwear company dedicated to women with larger feet.

Visit the Schuhe Grossartig website

Big girl, you are beautiful…

Weihnachtszeit ist Essens- und somit Kilozeit. Sprich, man ist froh über kaschierende XL-Pullis, lange streckende Strickjacken und bauschige Mäntel. Herrlich, einfach wild drauflosfuttern, was das Zeug hält und die Zeit mit Lebkuchen, Weihnachtsplätzchen, Adventskalenderschokolade und Glühwein genießen.

Ich kann nicht mehr richtig atmen...

Aber von wegen, Pustekuchen. Mein supertoller streckender Mantel geht fast nicht mehr zu. Und es ist erst Anfang Dezember. Schock. Alarmstufe rot. Mein Kleiderschranksortiment enthält generell ein breites Größenspektrum, denn Frau schwankt gewichtsmäßig. Viele kennen das. Aber wenn die größten Sachen, die man hat, so richtig eng sitzen und man sich weder traut tief ein- noch auszuatmen und man sich in diesen nicht mehr so ganz wohl fühlt, dann ist es höchste Zeit die Reißleine zu ziehen und etwas zu tun. Denn nackt herumlaufen ist auch keine Lösung. Back to nature ist in diesem Fall nichts für mich.

Als 1,60 Meter großer Mensch schnappst du dir einfach eine Kleidergröße größer. Sitzt, passt, wackelt, hat Luft, weiter geht es. Als große Frau, die sich generell schon am Rande des normalen Größenspektrums bewegt, gestaltet sich das Ganze etwas komplizierter. Spezialläden für Dicke oder Curvy Girls bieten leider selbst heutzutage eher das Modell bunter Sack an. So zumindest meine Erfahrungen. Wenn ich mir aber was Weites, Untailliertes, was auch noch zu kurz ist anziehe, kaschiert das nix, sondern macht mich zur unförmigen Tonne. Von curvy siehste da nichts mehr. Das ist also alles Mist.

Am besten ist es natürlich, es erst gar nicht so weit kommen zu lassen. Aber was willst du machen, wenn du nicht als langbeiniges Topmodel, sondern als kräftiges Curvy Girl mit Veranlagung zum Overcurvy Girl und Liebe zum Essen geboren worden bist? Ich kann echt einfach immer essen. Ob es mir gut geht oder schlecht. Man kann mich mit Essen sogar richtig glücklich machen. Das ist schon fast ein bisschen krank. Aber Hallo?! Lecker essen?! Was für ein Genuss! Ja, wie bei allen Sachen, kommt es natürlich auf die Menge an. Das hat momentan leider etwas Überhand genommen –Stress und so, Ihr kennt das. Deswegen kommt man dann leider auch nicht mehr zum Sport.

Gut, dass es Fitnessstudios gibt!

Gut, dass man im Fitnessstudio angemeldet ist. Die Geräte freuen sich auch so richtig, wenn sie endlich mal jemand verschont und fernbleibt… Zack, bist du im Teufelskreis drin! Aber nicht mit mir. Ich habe die Reißleine gezogen! Essen ist keine Lösung. Essen ist keine Lösung. Essen ist keine Lösung. Und Sport ist kein Mord!

Der Plan: Wieder „nur“ drei ordentliche Mahlzeiten am Tag, nichts zwischendurch und möglichst wenig Kohlehydrate abends. Ist natürlich zu dieser Jahreszeit besonders schwierig. Deswegen hatte ich nach ersten Erfolgen auch schon wieder einen Mega-Rückfall. Wenn es mit dem Weglassen des „Zwischendurchgeknuspers“ schon nicht klappt, wäre regelmäßiger Sport ja immerhin ein Anfang. Aber das ist natürlich gar nicht so einfach mit all den Terminen. Und der Überwindung. Egal, wir haben schon ganz was anderes geschafft. Also, auf in die Muckibude zum Hulken. She-Hulk, ich komme! Naja, demnächst irgendwann zumindest.

Wenn das an den Geräten wenigstens richtig Spaß machen würde. So wie Tischtennis oder Handball oder Volleyball. Ihr seht schon, ich entspreche dem „Große-Menschen-Klischee“ und mag Ballsportarten. Aber entgegen der Frage, die immer alle große Menschen zu hören bekommen, habe ich noch nie Basketball im Verein gespielt. Damals, damals als ich noch jung war, habe ich Tischtennis gespielt, kurz parallel Volleyball und nachher Handball. Als ich mein Studienjahr in Spanien war, war ich sogar mit lauter kleinen Spanierinnen im Uniauswahlteam. Das ist alles Sport, der richtig Spaß macht! Tja, leider ging dann erst das Knie kaputt, dann der Rücken und schließlich die Schulter. Für so ein lädiertes Ding fallen dann die coolen Sportarten also leider weg. Und dieses bissl Gymnastik, was man immer macht, kann man ja nicht als Sport zählen.

Also, auf in die Muckibude

Tanzen macht mir ansonsten noch Spaß, schön zur Musik auspowern! Heftige Sprunggeschichten und so lässt man dann halt einfach weg. Leider sind solche Kurse oft etwas zu früh für im Einzelhandel arbeitende Menschen und als Selbstständige fehlt mir da auch einfach die benötigte terminliche Flexibilität.

Mir bleibt also nur das Hulken in der Muckibude.

Apropros -kennt Ihr das, wenn Ihr Euch zwischen all den gestylten, zwei Köpfen kleineren Trainingshäschen wie ein Fremdkörper vorkommt? Wie jemand, der verrückterweise wirklich nur zum Sport herkommt und nicht zum Flirten oder Muskelpakete aufreißen? Wie jemand, der aus diesem Grund auch ungeschminkt in Sportbuchse mit langem Schlabbershirt drüber erscheint? Ich kenne das nur zu gut! Und Mädels, macht mal Eure Haare zusammen! Sport mit offenen Haaren geht gar nicht. Das finde ich auch immer in Action-Filmen so witzig. Die Heldin turnt und kämpft da immer mit offenen Haaren und meistert alles perfekt. Dabei stören offene Haare total – sie schränken das Sichtfeld ein, sind immer im Weg und können leicht irgendwo hängenbleiben. Mal davon abgesehen, wie verdammt warm das mit offenen Haaren ist. Schwitz... Also wenn Ihr mal auf der Flucht seid, denkt immer an ein Haargummi.

Die Trainingshäschen-Ausrede kann ich auf jeden Fall nicht mehr verwenden, in meinem aktuellen Studio sind zu meinen Zeiten eher ältere Leute da. Herrlich, ich sage es Euch. Alles total entspannt. Da fallen mir meine Größe und meine unstylishe, etwas zu kurze Trainingshose gar nicht mehr so auf.

Ihr seht schon, ich kriege das hin. Anfang des Jahres bin ich wieder voll in Form. Und bis dahin tänzele ich einfach noch eine Runde weiter zu Mikas "Big girl, you are beautiful".

6'1 1/2" Sarah is the owner of Schuhe Grossartig, a German footwear company dedicated to women with larger feet.

Visit the Schuhe Grossartig website

"Helena has always avoid wearing high heels because everybody told her that she was too tall anyway. Then she tried on a pair of Louboutins and doesn't want to take them off". I found this quote on Facebook and shared it immediately because I could sympathise.

I know this from my youth

Somehow it reminds me of my past... and it reminds me of other tall gals und women I know. I noticed that I am not the only one because there was a lot of agreement. It's probably got something to do the fact that a lot of tall women were lacking self-confidence when they were young... and some are still lacking it today and are not at peace with their height. Why is that so? What can I say? When you as a child are approached aggressively by adults who claim you are too old to be in Mum's arms... or are generally treated like a much older child you suffer to a degree. It's not productive.

When you are taller than your teacher at elementary school and your feet are big enough for you to wear Mum's shoes it's party funny - but not all the time. Tall always meant that you had to behave "older", more sensible, more grown up. Teacher's treated what your achievements as not worth mentioning whereas the smaller, cuter kids enjoyed all kinds of protection and received a lot of praise.

Clothing - a pain in the backside

When you are tall you stand out. Especially when you are surrounded by short and tender people - and you feel it even more. Don't get me started on boys. They often just reached your belly button and because of societal norms you rarely felt at ease around shorter guys. Another important factor that makes life difficult for tall girls is the fashion industry. Every woman knows what it's like to wear something beautiful and sexy. She feels desirable, beautiful and, of course confident. I know it's not only tall women who have problems finding clothes that fit but pants that are too short can't be easily lengthened and the "I'm a little too cuddly here" or "too small there" problems others have just add to the dilemma.

I'm really pleased that tops have become longer (especially the sleeves). Even when shorter clothes were fashionable they were always a little too short on me. They weren't exactly comfortable and - considering my physique - they didn't look too good on me. Apart from the length of tops their cut often caused me problems as well. And when I was recently complimented on wearing a "great top" I had to laugh while thanking the person. It was - and many of you may know it - actually a dress... but short enough to fit like a top.

The topic: shoes

Even worse are the problems tall women encounter when looking for shoes that are large enough. Ever since I was a teenager I had a love-hate relationship with shoes. You wanted to love them but in fact you hated them since you couldn't find a nice pair that you really liked. I could never find a nice pair of shoes when I wanted to go dancing as a teen. Sure, you could find shoes in your size but they looked like your granny would wear them. And you would never feel comfortable when wearing them. My Mum once bought me a pair of shiny men's shoes with a buckle which I wore with my dress. You can imagine that I didn't enjoy putting them on. And I didn't wear them very often either.

You may say that is not really ideal but then tall women stand out positively... and are pretty much treated like goddesses. And how many short women would love to be tall and want to stand out from the crowd. Indeed, that is the case. But first you need to realize that there are positive aspects to being tall. After all you have mainly experienced the negatives. You need to enjoy standing out and not think "Oh no. Everyone is watching me because I'm not normal but trampling along like a giant."

We need to be comfortable in our skins

How does this work? When we feel good... when we wear the clothes we like. When we can find feminine shoes that are fitting for the occassion, suit our type and our mood. I often talk to women in my store who never wore a pair of beautiful women's shoes before. Their faces light up, they start smiling. They feel like a different person. Beautiful shoes are a symbol for femininity and add to your self-confidence. That way women can finally get past comments like "Wow, she is huge. Is that a guy?" and finally clearly hear compliments like "Wow, what a woman!".

So love yourselves the way you are... don't allow society or the fashion industry to bring you down. Embrace being different and make it a positive in your life. We are grand.

About the author: Sarah Brabender lives in Essen, Germany, is 6'1 1/2" and is the owner of the recommended footwear store Schuhe Grossartig

This one is from 2012 but still makes for an interesting read

Today show bosses have reportedly demanded that new host Savannah Guthrie wear smaller heels and lower her anchor chair so she does not tower over co-host Matt Lauer.

'Guthrie's height has become an issue,' sources told the New York Post.

Guthrie, who started hosting alongside Lauer in early July to replace the diminutive Ann Curry, admits she towers over 5ft 11 Lauer when she puts on heels.

Read the full article

In an essay for The Cut, Ann Friedman paints a pretty off-putting picture of what it’s like to be a 6'2" woman: fielding daily comments and personal questions (“How tall is your boyfriend?” “Do you ever wear heels?”), getting gawked at by strangers and children. “My height is something I discuss every day,” she writes. Sounds exhausting.

Being a very tall woman is assumed to be such an undesirable condition that one-third of pediatric endocrinologists in the U.S. offer growth-suppression treatments for girls on track to reach 6' or above. But are all tall women really dissatisfied with their height? In a 2007 paper for the Journal of Adolescent Health, a team of sociologists and psychologists, led by Janet Lever of California State University, explored women’s feelings about their height.

Lever and her colleagues conducted an online survey (on MSNBC.com and Elle.com) of over 30,000 women of varying heights, and found that the women who were happiest with their height were between 5'7" and 5'11": 80 percent of the women in this range said they were content with their stature. Even among women 6' tall, over three-quarters -77 percent - said they "felt okay about their height"; among women 6'1" to 6'3", that figure dropped to around 60 percent. Feeling too short was a far more common complaint: only 37 percent of 5'1" women reported feeling satisfied with their height, and even among women 5'6" to 5'8" - solidly above average - a large majority of those who are dissatisfied want to be taller, not shorter. “Our data indicate that dissatisfaction with tall stature is not nearly as widespread as is commonly assumed,” they conclude.

Read the original New Republic article

See Just How Drastically Women's Heights Differ Around the World

Where do you stand?

By Christina Heiser, February 11, 2016

Chances are, your girlfriends run the gamut of heights (we all have that barely 5' pal and also one who towers over everyone else). So what's the norm?

The average woman in the U.S. is 5'4", according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And heights totally vary around the globe, as you can see from the image above. The shortest ladies come from Bolivia — they stack up at just 4'8" on average — while the tallest hail from the Netherlands, at 5'7" on average.

Then there are the extremes.

Read the full article (incl. graphics and pictures)

Hey there! My name is Ashley, I was born and raised in Ohio and I'm currently standing at 6'6 3/4" (flat footed). I just turned 19 in late August.

Like anything else in life, having height comes with its advantages. I'm hard to lose in a crowd, I'm the first person little old ladies in the grocery store ask for help from, and I make my own fashion statements by wearing capris and flip-flops in 10 degree weather. There are plenty of disadvantages too, but I've really grown to love my long legs. Growing up was tough. I reached 6ft at the age of approximately 11 and since middle school I had high school coaches breathing down my neck for an opportunity to have me (and my height) on their team.

Each time I had to disappoint and inform them that I had Marfan Syndrome, a heart problem I was diagnosed with at the age of 7, shortly after my 7ft father passed away from complications surrounding it. My heart problem restricts me from most all physical activity, which unfortunately shot down my dreams of playing professional basketball early. In addition to that, I was teased relentlessly for years. Kids at school showed no mercy and many days I came home in tears. 

My experiences growing up have taught me to keep my head up and smile. I'm a beautiful young woman who was blessed with an incredible mother who instilled in me integrity and respect. I'm now blessed with an amazing husband who is 5'8" and stands by my side at all times. Sure, the stares and comments are still annoying but I can't let myself get down over others' curiosity and sometimes ignorance. I'm currently living on the East Coast where my husband is stationed. I'm pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and am hoping to live overseas in a few years.

My favourite quote is: "Sure, they glance because they're curious... but they start staring because they're jealous." 

All the best
Ashley

Stephanie's Basics

Name: Stephanie
Birthday: July 2nd, 1984
Height: 6'0"
Location: United States

About me

I LOVE being tall. I wouldn't have it any other way. I am a six foot blonde and I dig the attention. I work at a law firm downtown and love to dress up. Allot of people tell me that I should wear flats, but I cannot resist my heels. I am an average of 6'4" on a daily basis. I don't know what I would do without my legs... I never have to ask anyone to get anything for me, Haha.

I was born in Houston, TX, but have lived in Cincinnati, OH since I was 5 years old. I work downtown at a law firm as a receptionist. I like to go swimming, read, rides ATVS, and play paintball... I love to play rough and show the boys that the girls can play just as hard as them.

I just recently got married: my husband is 6'2" and definetely doesn't mind it when I wear my heels. My girlfriends think I am crazy wearing 3-4 inch heels out... but when you are already this tall what's a few inches, right? Plus they make my legs look even better. The only thing I wish for is a store here in Cincinnati dedicated to tall women... that would be awesome.

All the best
Stephanie

Gail's Basics

Name: Gail
Birthday: December 30th 1964
Height: 6'0"
Location: United States

I am Carolyn Gail Frazier, and I am a 6 foot wife and mother of 3 wonderful boys. I was born in Texas on December 30, 1964. I spent the majority of my school years moving from place to place because my Dad was in the service. Yes, at times it was difficult being taller than all my friends and all the boys. I remained pretty shy until I was out of school. During my childhood I had the nick name of "Clumsy Carolyn Gail". I still managed to grow up fine and I now have a degree in Business Management, but am happy to be a stay at home MOM!

I have learned to view my height as one of my many outstanding attributes. I do answer questions quite a bit about whether I played basketball and I quickly quip that I was not coordinated enough to play competitively, but my Mom was a big basketball star, she was 6' tall as well, but much more athletic than I. We have made our home in Missouri in my Husband's hometown. The kind of men I like are, kind, generous, and funny. That is why I married the man I did. We raise our children to respect others, work hard to be someone, and enjoy life. Our individual differences make our world a better place. What fun would it be if all women were 5'2" with eyes of blue??? We all need to embrace our individuality and be thankful for the differences we have!

All the best
Gail

Adeola's Basics

Name: Adeola
Birthday: January 12th, 1982
Height: 6'3" Location: USA

Hello my name is Adeola. I am currently 28 years old and I am 6'3" TALL. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria on January 12, 1982. I currently reside in South Carolina with my husband.  In researching info on tall women fashion, I came across your website, which I can admit, I have bookmarked and I am aggressively prowling through all the things I really didnt know, LOL.

I have always been tall, I was the tallest kid in MY ENTIRE SCHOOL up until I reached middle school where in the 8th grade, in which I PROUDLY regained the title once more ;-) In High School I was the tallest girl from 9th grade til graduation.

I am currently a professional athlete who has played all over the world and currently working on getting into fashion especially designed and catering to the long legged beauties such as myself.  I love being tall, its a gift and a blessing to be at my height.  I have embraced my beauties and my culture and nothing is better than when a beautiful regal women walks in the room and commands everyone's attention with her height alone, it speaks volumes to me every time, and I just shine my pretty whites and embrace it.  Hey it's something that my other 5'7" friends cant do... LOL.

I have a pair of many Christian Louboutin which are 5"  in size 12 and wear them proudly and I'm sorry I will not stop loving gorgeous and beautiful high heels cause  I STAND AT 6'3".  As the saying goes I'm closer to God in my heels. LOL. 

I have always been an ambitious and being at my height, it has definetely opened many doors for me.  Like, for instance, I attended a great college for FREE under an athletic scholarship to play basketball at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. I graduated with a BA in Communication Arts: Advertising and minor in Business.  The funny thing about sports, especially basketball, you learn quickly that you are not alone as being well over 6 FEET.  I am all for young females being active and knowing that they are not alone and that although they might struggle with self-confidence, sometimes what is perceived as lack of can always be your best quality.   Growing up and hearing stories of other  (famous) tall women such as Tyra Banks, Kimora Lee Simmons, Serena Williams, they too struggled with what are now one of their best features, THEIR HEIGHT AND BODY. 

I know when my athletic career is over with I will definitely pursue a career in fashion designing as I am currently and diligently working on it as I type this. I just finished my logos and signatures from guess whom, another friend who is over 6 FEET, who played at Stanford and also was a member and my teammate on the Nigerian National Women's Basketball Team.  As tall women we are talented, and the sky is literally the limit for us even more, my height as allowed doors to open up and even when they were not wide open and just a crack, GUESS WHAT my confidence and ability in myself allowed me to open.

The important thing I want other to take away from me is that, God has blessings in us all, and with us, tall gals... LOL!  Embracing our physique and stature and becoming encouraging and positive to others is the beginning. So embrace your height and if you are the only one then just know that you are just that UNIQUE IN BEAUTY, MIND, AND SPIRIT.

All the best Adeola

Name: Sini
Birthday: February 12th 1969
Height: 6'3"
Location: Finland

Hello, everyone. My name is Sini and I am from Finland. I didn't grow tall before I was 15, but then very fast to this height in about 2 years time. Even I am tall, I have enjoyed much more dancing and singing than basketball. That also I tried, when younger. I love my height and I feel feminine, even I am tall, because my persona is that. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable, when strange people mention about my apperance often, but I would not change it for anything.

Today I work as a professional artist and am somewhat known in my country. We all are born with qualities of our own and it is important to make the best of it. Life can be short and so many opportunities in the world. If people are not comfortable with our height,we can make them by being kind. It feels great to see here so many tall women! I am so happy! I am tall, but my foot size is not very big and I weigh 74 kilos. I like exercise, music, singing, reading and writing and of course arts. My way to look at life is that we have many choises and if one door closes, thousand open the same time. Of course I have felt sadness, loneliness and hardships in my time by 43 years of age, but I try to always find the light and new ways in most situations.

My height has helped me in my arts profession, since I keep speeches and present my art work to people. To be honest, even I am 6'3", I adore high heels! If one is this tall, might as well be that in style! Many shorter men have approached me and a tall woman always gets attention. At moments I would like to turn that off by pressing some "holiday now"-button, but mostly I love people's kind words and fun attitude about my height. It is not the height, the weight or anything as one feature in us, it is about the whole apperance and how we present ourselves. I would like to wish you all many happy hellos and keep the lovely postures proud!

Funny story

In 2002 I was sent as artist to represent to Shanghai. It was a great trip,wonderful art events,dinners,people,media. I loved it. In Shanghai, there is the a huge skyscraper called JinMao. At the time it was the third tallest building in the world. I had a Chinese sweet assistant, shorter than me, of course, with humour and wit.

I looked up high to the tall building JinMao and said, my gosh, that is a tall building. Chris said, yes, you looking at JinMao and the by-passers at you! :-) My hair was red then and many Chinese had never seen any foreigners, let alone as a tall a woman as me. To Shanghai, also tourists from China arrive, as it is a large and main gate way to the West in China.

So I replied to Chris: "Oh,I feel like a huge giraffe with neon light on her forehead in a zoo now,when people look at me all the time". Chris had a funny face and she said: "Yes they do - but to watch you is for free." :-))

Now that I've seen your site Joerg, I would like to be even taller!

Warm regards from Sini

Name: Jasmine
Birthday: June 4th, 1991
Height: 6'3"
Location: USA

Hi, my name is Jasmine. I've been taller than anyone that surrounded me. Lucky for me my mom put me into sports which helped build my confidence. My issue with clothing was and still is somewhat of a struggle. But with my skills in sports and funny personality I became the strong driven tall young woman that I am today. I'm 6'3" and I played basketball 4 years at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and now I'm heading overseas to Romania to play pro basketball for my first year. I'm an aspiring clothing designer for tall women just like me who love looking fabulous and who want to accentuate our height we were blessed with.

I've always loved fashion and I think clothes can do a world of change in a persons life especially for us tall women who get made fun of. The only people that picked up on me for my height were people who envied me and I want me to do that based on what I have to offer. Namely a great fashion sense, a driven personality and sense of humor. I want to have clothes that accentuate our "above average features". I'm all about empowering any girl who thinks of their height as a burden because one think I've learned is that you can use what you have to get where you want.

Growing up I was always a smiling goofy kid who loved to make friends especially with people around me. That's something that I take pride in. I love meeting new people and being memorable. Whether it's a warm hug, kind words or some advice that they might have needed.

I'm big on family and friends. There's nothing like accomplishing my goals and then having those smiling faces embrace you when you get back. There's no better feeling than setting a goal and conquering it. With or without a support system you can accomplish all that you want. I am a living testimony of that.

All the best
Jasmine

Hi, my name is Allysun, I go by "Ally" for short.. Although there is nothing short about me. I am 23 years old and I am 6'1" and I wear a size 12 shoe. Not fun let me tell you.. I have never been able to find cute "girly" shoes in my size and I sure as hell won't find a pair of pants that's long enough.. Not with a 34in inseam.

Growing up I have always gotten made fun of for being tall, considering I was taller than most of the boys in my class until about my Jr. year of high school, I was a very large, and easy target. I got the "how's the weather up there" or the "did you play basketball?" along with many others. I was actually in choir for all of my going to school years which was humiliating in and of itself simply because I was always in the top row of risers and right in the middle, sticking out like a sore thumb.

Although it may have been slightly humiliating at times, I stuck with it because It was my passion. My senior year of high school they even did the "Choir Awards" they were supposed to be funny little jokes about each student.. Most of them were fairly clever and funny.. Except mine... I was deemed "The Human Skyscraper".... Quite often I got asked if my parents were tall, thing is they aren't. I honestly don't know where I get my height, or my red hair for that matter.

Over the years I have found ways to overcome my "Tall Struggles" I have avoided wearing pants. I usually wear shorts or leggings. I don't really pay attention to the ignorant comments anymore, and I have learned to actually love my life as a tall woman. I still wear heels and I have gotten pretty good at finding shoes that fit. The only struggle nowadays is finding a man taller than me, and of course the fact that my hips and knees make me feel like I'm 50 some days. Over all though, I have somehow learned to enjoy being tall. I guess I have just accepted myself the way that I am. Hopefully someday I will find a man that accepts me as well.

This is an article about my great friend Sharran from London

I can say that Sharran is one of the sweetest, most caring ladies out there. Don't treat her as a "novelty". She's so much better than that.

Fact is: even tall ladies come in all shapes and sizes (Joerg)

"... There aren't too many women who reach their sporting peak by eating takeaways and fried chicken – and tipping the scales at a mighty 32 stone. But then there aren't too many women who take up sumo wrestling. In fact, the British female 'team' currently has just one member – 6ft mother of three Sharran Alexander..."

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Short Men Need Not Apply

By Brooke Bell, Staff Writer | February 5, 2019

When going to college, I thought about the location, school, volleyball team. But it went over my head to think about the average height of males where I was moving. But I should have taken note, because being a 6-foot-3 woman, I am most comfortable dating someone who is 6-foot-2 or taller. This, in the state with the shortest men in the country, is a challenge. 

I have tried being with a shorter guy, and it sank like the Titanic. He was a great guy. He had a nice smile, dressed well, had his life together, but he was a relatively short 5-11. At the time, I let it slide until he went to kiss me. He kissed my chin. At that moment I experienced feelings of laughter, humiliation, and manliness. I vowed that I would date someone above 6-foot. 

Reading this you may accuse me of being shallow. But after my experience of dating shorter, I finalized that I want a man taller than me. 

When I go to do the simplest of errands, like shopping for milk, it feels as if I am a walking exhibit at a museum. People are not nice, they stare, make comments, try to take a quick picture, or sometimes laugh. So, the last thing I want is to date someone who enhances the laughs, glares, and sly remarks.

Me, on the far right, crouching so I am not noticeably a foot taller than the rest of my classmates. (Photo courtesy of The Silversword)

Height is a blessing and a curse. When I go into crowds, I hunch so I don't block people's view, I say sorry uncontrollably when trying to find my seat at a game, when taking pictures I automatically go to the back so the height is even in the pictures, and when I am in a bar I find the nearest seat to sit down in so I am eye-level height with my friends.

My whole life I have been the "big girl," and the last feeling I want in a relationship with my significant other is to be the "bigger" one in the relationship. Being an above-average height gives off automatic masculinity, whereas, when dating a taller man, it gives the sense of safety, comfort, and normality. 

"I love your masculine body," I was once told by a 5-6 drunk girl.   

Some people can make height a sort of fetish. Many people stare or come up to me just to talk about my height. Shorter men will come up to me and say, "I just want to know what it's like to be with a tall girl." Height can be dehumanizing because that's all people see and automatically put stereotypes to it.

Don't get me wrong; I love my height and I am thankful for all it has given me, but it can lead to interesting and unwelcoming situations. I worked security at a bar in San Diego over this past Christmas break, and about every night a man would come up and tell me how fantasized he was with my height; the guy was always at least 5 inches shorter than me.

"Date shorter guys Brooke. He may be short but he could still be a good guy," says my Mom every time I bring up boy troubles. 

When people see a taller girl with a shorter guy, they typically point it out, laugh, and then comment on how unnatural that is. I stand there and laugh with them until I realize that one day that could be me. I tell myself love is love, no matter his height. As long as he's taller than me.

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6'3" Jheri reviews the book "Short: Walking Tall When You're Not Tall At All" by John Schwartz 

Before you think Jheri has taken leave of her senses, let me explain:

Mr Schwartz is a science writer and legal correspondent for the NY Times. He also happens to be quite short and decided to put out a book aimed at short teenagers. He did a great job, but there is something special. In doing so he came up with something that is useful beyond teens and for anyone who might be different - or who knows anyone who is different.

He is really funny and writes in the first person. He has a good elementary section on statistics and, more importantly, a piece on how to reason and be critical of information sources. There has been a lot in the press and spread over the Internet about how good it is to be tall - money making ability, promotion, etc. These studies were widely reported. I remember reading some of them in a book for tall people and, when I read them, I found a few that weren't saying what was claimed at all - they had been reported out of context or flatly misreported. The Short book goes into flawed reporting and how to detect it.

In addition to providing tools on thinking, he talks about how being different might forge a stronger person. It doesn't matter if you are thin, heavy, short, tall, red haired, or have any one of a number of physical characteristics. You can use them and hopefully make people understand you.

There are many issues to being different. It certainly feels good hearing what seems to be good news, but it is pretty hollow to think that you are part of a group that is better than other people. Especially when you look more closely and find that may not be true. What is important is finding there are special things about individual people and maybe being different can help you become one of those special people.

When I read it I saw a lot of myself, even though I don't happen to be a small statured male. Sort of damn Jheri, you came out pretty well despite the teenage years. I really wish I had this book when I was 12.

Sometimes the best way to come to grips with your own differences is to understand there are people who happen to be very different, but not in the same way you are different. Seeing how they succeed helps you understand and learn. After all, we're all just people.

I'd recommend this book to a tall teen way before The Tall Book. The age range is 11-14, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you give it as a present, you might want to take a read yourself.

Oh yeah - Mr Schwartz was much more successful at dating in high school than I ever was.

Here is an excerpt to give you an idea of how he writes: http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/books/ems/pdfs/ShortCpt1.pdf plus a review in the New York Times. 

Sigourney Weaver has been luckier than most Hollywood stars - because no one wanted to work with a six-foot tall woman at the beginning of her career. The Aliens star admits she'll always be grateful to the directors who cast her despite fears she'd tower over her leading men. She explains, "When I started, hardly anybody wanted to hire a woman who was six feet tall. "Which man wants to spend their shooting days on the set on an apple box just to be able to look into my eyes?" Weaver had another disadvantage - she was a woman who wanted a family. She adds, "I feel sorry for women like Katharine Hepburn. She might have won four Academy Awards, but she never got to enjoy what it means to be a mother. I find that very sad."

That's the full article... I found it here.

Singer Terah Lynn Is A Different Shade Of Blues

By Ldn-Post | June 24, 2021

Hailing from the mountains of the eastern United States, blues-country singer Terah Lynn has made her way to the airwaves of the UK.

First featured on MMH Home of the Rock Radio in 2020, her sassy break-up, blues single “Not So Nice” has Londoners tapping their feet. It was this radio debut that lead photographer Adam Kennedy of Blues Matters Magazine to include Lynn in his virtual photo shoot series during the pandemic. Since then, her latest single “Grave Digger” has done the same.

With a story as unique and intriguing as her voice, Lynn has been a construction and labor worker most of her life. It’s not quite what you would expect from a six-foot tall woman with supermodel good looks but somehow it fits.

In a world of glamour and glitz, oversized egos and put together wardrobes, you can often find Terah with messy, unkempt hair, t-shirts with the sleeves cut off and sporting a different ball cap every day. As she says “I just don’t have the attention span for all the upkeep.” It is that candid nature that makes Lynn so likable. She’s real, and you feel that in her music.

Lynn’s lyrics are intelligent and have a depth that is often lacking in modern music. She finds a way to tell a story in a true-to-self, witty way. Combined with her gritty, gravelly voice, she is the recipe for the star we didn’t know we needed.

Having recently relocated to Nashville, Lynn is starting to perform around Music City. When she isn’t singing, she supervises the lumber mill and works the machines herself building the iconic electric guitars used often in the industry she is just now tapping into. When asked what it’s like to work for such a well-known company, she says “It’s exactly what you would dream working for Gibson would be like. They care about their instruments, they care about music. I mean, who doesn’t want to build electric guitars for a living?”

In addition to singing, songwriting and running a lumber mill, Lynn also has two businesses of her own. Bridge Music Magazine is a labor of love she started at the end of 2020 to create a publication where “artists can support artists.” She has interviewed artists from all genres and walks of lif all over the world. “We are still building it,” she says “I want to make it a place where indie artists get the support and recognition they deserve. It’s not easy doing this thing on your own.”

Then there is Indie Design Co, Lynn’s graphic design company geared towards creating album covers and social media promotion packages for independent artists at a great price. “It’s hard enough trying to afford recording and everything else it takes to start yourself in the music industry, why make it hard to get a good album cover?”

Terah Lynn truly is a jack of all trades, an artist for the artists. As she says, “I want to give the support that I would want to receive.” It is that attitude, hard work and giving nature that lead us to believe that Lynn will soon be on top of the game.

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