To kick off '09...

For the second year in a row, I'll be starting my new year in Argentina on a Shoe Drop with family and friends. We will be headed to Misiones- the same region of the first Shoe Drop where we gave the first 10,000 pairs of shoes in 2006. Argentina is always such an energizing place for me: to be back in the same landscapes that surrounded me as I was developing the idea of TOMS; to eat the same incredible Argentine meals; to drive down the bumpy roads; to hang out with Alejo everyday; to see the smiles on the children's faces as they receive their shoes and I struggle to communicate with them in my broken Spanish. The Shoe Drop experience is the heart and soul of TOMS and we've made that experience accessible to not only our closet friends and family and our employees, but to everyone: Any TOMS fan who wants to personally give a pair of shoes to a child in need; any friend, mother, husband, sibling or colleague of a TOMS supporter who is seeking a life changing experience. I encourage you to look at taking part in a TOMS Shoe Drop.


We just released a few new dates for '09:

February 2 – 14, 2009

February 22 – 28, 2009

March 7 – 14, 2009

March 28 – April 4, 2009

April 18 – 25, 2009

You can learn more at FriendsofTOMS.org, and be sure to apply soon if you're interested in the February dates- these will for sure fill up quick!

Happy Holidays to all of you and your families,

Hasta luego

spend less . give more

I just posted an article on The Huffington Post about how to give more and spend less for the Holidays in conjunction with our 30k in 30 days campaign.

DIGG the article, watch the video, share with your friends!!

Thanks, everyone!

Fashion 411

Recently, I did a really fun interview with Barbra Horowitz for Karma Sol Radio. Barbara is a stylist, an author, a fashion correspondent, a closet organizer, a t-shirt designer, and an all-around great person... she definitely knows how to wear many hats, just like we all do at TOMS! She, along with co-host Guy Blews, interviewed me for her weekly spot Fashion 411, which has a fresh new fashion story every Wednesday. You can listen to the interview here (doesn't work for Mac + flash and/or certain browser combinations).

Thank You for the Holiday Video!

Thanks, guys!

When Hanson first approached TOMS in early 2007, we knew we had something big on the horizon. Hanson has created incredible music for the past decade, never shy to be innovative or independent. What was even more intriguing was that these three young men were also concerned about some serious issues. Throughout the years, they have developed a dedicated following, and now use this outlet to educate people about the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa.

Last year the band began hosting one mile barefoot walks across the US and Canada to bring awareness to poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa. After taking part in those symbolic walks, tons of Hanson fans joined the TOMS movement by purchasing TOMS Shoes, and some have thrown Style Your Sole parties- all to help us provide thousands of shoes to children in need. The guys even joined us on our Shoe Drop in South Africa in November 2007 to deliver 50,000 pairs of shoes!






This fall you can support Hanson's continued efforts by checking out the Great Divide shoe, inspired by Hanson's song of the same title. You can also take part in Hanson's Take The Walk campaign, which supports the TOMS One for One mission and provides other tangible tools to fight poverty and AIDS. For every walker who registers, Take The Walk gives one dollar to Friends of TOMS or one of four other key causes. Check out TakeTheWalk.net to learn more, purchase the Great Divide shoes (Hanson is even throwing in a special recording of "The Great Divide" with every purchase!), learn how you can join Hanson for a walk (or organize a walk of your own), or see their new book Take The Walk where you can view some beautiful photos of their trip with us to South Africa.

We're forever grateful to Hanson and their fans for supporting TOMS and our One for One movement!

I VOTED

Could TOMS Shoes sales predict the presidential race?

Yes, even TOMS Shoes has election fever. Two months ago we introduced our "election collection" and the the buyers (and voters) have caused many of the core sizes to sell out, but there seems to be a disproportionate amount of certain "styles" left. As of today, 43.95% of the shoes sold have been "Vote Democrat", while "Vote Republican" represents 26.91%, and the "Split Decision" has 26.91%. TOMS Shoes does not donate any money from these sales to the respective parties, but it does give a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. This is one policy that does not waiver.
Get out and Vote!