Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what your day-to-day life looks like?
I'm a full-time creative living in Michigan with my husband Kyle and our Shiba Inu named Finn. I'm a former English teacher with a lifelong love of dress-up, and I started my fashion and lifestyle blog With Wonder and Whimsy ten years ago now. I spend my days shooting style campaigns for brands, drafting lifestyle and travel content for my website, and planning my next theme party.
How would you describe your personal style, and how do you express it through your footwear choices?
My personal style is playful and feminine, and I draw a lot of inspiration from 50s-60s fashion and Parisian chic style. I love classic black and white paired with soft pink, florals and pastels, and whimsical motifs like polka dots, ruffles, and bows. For me, sweet little ballet flats and retro Mary Janes are always in style, but right now they're super trendy too, and I love that Wydr is tackling these trends in wide fit styles.
What does a typical day in your life look like, and how does your footwear play a role in it?
Because I'm shooting fashion content almost daily, the shoes I choose to complete my looks need to be current, versatile, and on-trend. I work from home, and my home is nestled in the cutest little downtown, with all of my daily necessities within walking distance. So it's important that my footwear not only reflect my personal style but also be able to put in some mileage around town.
What were some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced with finding footwear that fits in the past?
Anyone who's ever shopped for wide fit shoes already knows this: your options are so limited compared to what's available in standard widths, and more often than not, the selection is underwhelming. Most brands don't get it. They either don't provide wide fits at all, or we get our choice of a few measly options that offer nothing in the way of style or personality. I want the same cute shoe options I see from my favorite designers and department stores, just in a wider fit.
Do you have any memorable stories or experiences tied to the footwear you’ve worn over the years?
When I was in college, I searched for months for black leather knee boots in a wide calf. They were super trendy at the time (and let's be honest, they're timeless too), everyone on campus had them, and so did all the shoe stores at the mall, just not in a style that fit me. When I finally found the one wide calf pair that fit, they were wayyyyy out of my budget. My mom, who was all too familiar with my struggle, offered to help me pay for them.
On the first night I wore those boots, I went to the mall with my college friends. My roommate was trying on some pieces at a popular straight size store, and I was waiting outside the fitting room for her since I couldn't fit into anything myself. A sales associate came up to me and complimented my boots, gently asked me if they were wide fit, and then excitedly inquired where they were from because her friend had been searching for a pair for weeks as well. We bonded over these wide calf boots, and I was happy to pass on a tip to someone else who might find it helpful.
While our wide fit shoe options are better now than they were back then, they're not much better. That's why it's so important to spread the word about the resources we do have: plus size fashion creators like myself and also wide fit footwear brands like Wydr. The conversation I had with that sales associate way back then is so similar to conversations I have today with women online who are looking for advice on where to shop and find the styles that fit their bodies, lives, and personal styles.
I had no way of knowing it then, but that interaction in the fitting room 20 years ago was a prelude to the kind of work I do now and to the power of fashion to boost a woman's confidence.
What are the top three things you look for when choosing a pair of shoes?
They've got to be cute, comfortable, and versatile!
How did you first come across Wydr Studios, and what made you decide to give it a try?
I first came across Wydr Studios on Instagram where their boosted ads kept popping up on my feed. I was so grateful that the algorithm was finally feeding me content that was helpful and hit its target demographic! I was super impressed with their selection of trendy styles, with options for work, the weekend, and special occasions.
What stood out to you about our footwear compared to other brands you’ve tried?
I've been so impressed with the quality of Wydr shoes! Looking at the website, you can see that their shoes are fashionable, but you can't see quality and comfort. You can only experience those things for yourself, and my Wydr shoes are the most comfortable in my closet!
While I appreciate that my favorite plus size clothing brands also offer a limited selection of wide fit shoes, they have not proven to be the highest quality in my experience. Clothing is clearly the priority of these brands, as it should be, but you can see (and feel!) that their shoes are an afterthought. They typically only last one season and start to break down after a few wears.
My Wydr shoes stand up to the quality of my favorite higher end department store brands, and I've learned that that's because Wydr uses the same manufacturer as these trusted department store names.
How has wearing our shoes impacted your daily life or activities?
Since receiving my first pair of Wydr shoes earlier this summer, I've added two more pairs to my closet, and they've become some of the most-worn styles in my rotation. I'll find myself planning my outfits around a particular pair of Wydr shoes, especially if I'm planning to do a lot of walking that day. I'm not really a sporty sneakers kind of girl, so I want the walkability of a sneaker in a dressier silhouette, and Wydr offers that.
What are some of your favorite activities, and how does your choice of footwear support these?
I love playing the tourist in my own town, so I'm always out exploring new restaurants, shops, and seasonal attractions and festivals. My husband and I travel frequently as well, and we prefer to stay in walkable city centers so we can explore the surrounding area on foot. When it comes to finding shoes that match my lifestyle, I like a dressier silhouette that provides all-day comfort for meeting my daily step count.
What role does comfort and functionality play in your footwear decisions?
While I'm drawn to style over comfort and functionality in my footwear, it's the latter two that'll make me return to a brand again and again.
What advice would you give to someone who struggles with finding the right pair of shoes?
If you're having a hard time finding shoes that work for you, you need to cast a wider net. Chances are, there's a boutique brand out there that may work for you. You just need to find it! Following fashion influencers who share your body type and pain points when it comes to clothes shopping is a great place to start. Searching hashtags on social media for terms like wide fit footwear, wide shoes, walking shoes etc. can help you discover both content creators and brands that might be a good resource for you.
Ask creators, family and friends, and online discussion threads for their recommendations. And when you discover a new-to-you brand that seems like a good fit, read up on their return policy and give them a chance. Even a pricier pair of shoes is worth it if they fit and last. And while you may spend more for that single pair of shoes, you'll end up saving more in the long wrong because you won't be wasting your money on shoes you don't love or wear.
How does the footwear you choose reflect your values, such as sustainability, quality, or fashion?
Quality, sustainability, and fashion are all qualities I value in the items I select for my wardrobe. I'm drawn to fashion first and foremost, but if I like a particular style and feel like it has long-term potential, I'll see if I can find a version from a high quality brand I trust. I'm willing to spend a little extra for quality pieces from sustainably-minded brands. And shoes are definitely an area of my wardrobe where I prioritize quality and comfort. Once I find brands I know I can depend on, I go back to them again and again.
In what ways do you see footwear as more than just an accessory—perhaps as a reflection of identity or a means to tell your story?
When it comes to shoes, I'm always looking for the perfect blend of fashion and function. As someone who loves fashion, my signature style is a key piece of my identity. Getting dressed is a form of self-care and self-expression for me. I want shoes that match my personality but that also fit my on-the-go lifestyle: exploring my neighborhood, hanging out with family and friends, and traveling with my husband. I want shoes that make me feel true to myself so I can show up for my life with confidence and in comfort.
What would you say to someone considering trying Wydr Studios for the first time?
I would encourage them to go for it! We plus size shoppers have seen so many wonderful plus brands close in recent years. So it's important to support the brands that are out here trying to support us and cater to a gap in the market. Wydr shoes are a bit spendier than other wide fit brands, but those brands don't promise the quality, comfort, and selection that Wydr offers. And Wydr's pricing is right in line with the department store brands with which they share manufacturers. Plus, your experience can go one of two ways. You try them out, it's not a great fit, and you move on in your search. Or you try them out, find a great fit, have a new go-to brand you can count on, and you can then spread the word to inspire others to see if Wydr is a good fit for them too.
What is your favourite pair of Wydr shoes till date and why?
My favorite pair of Wydr shoes (my favorite pair of shoes - period!) at the moment is the Aria Mary Jane. They are so comfortable, they are so cute, and the glossy patent leather looks so polished and chic. They look fab with a pair of cropped black pants and equally chic with a little dress. Plus, they have a convenient slip-on strap that stretches to go over the heel. There are adjustable buckles to get your perfect fit, but you can adjust those before you put them on. They're just effortless to wear and yet look so polished and pretty. They also look expensive and like they're from some fancy French brand. You'd never look at them and think 'that's a wide fit shoe' because they don't look clunky or dowdy which is traditionally how wide fit footwear has looked. They're so sleek!
