Ms. Klise is wearing the Electra in snow leopard.  Photo credit: Joyce McMurtrey.  

Welcome to the first post in our new blog series, In Her Shoes, where we will be profiling the stories of real women who wear ANYI LU. We’re honored to feature the children’s book author, Ms. Kate Klise for our debut interview. Ms. Klise is an example of the kind of busy, successful woman who needs shoes that both look and feel great. She's written 30 children's books, including the 43 Old Cemetery Road series, and one adult book, In the Bag. If you would like to read more about Ms. Klise and her work, click here. 

You’re a children’s book author. How exciting! Tell us about your work.

I love my job. Isn’t it surprising—and wonderful—that even in this digital age, something as old-fashioned as a story can still satisfy a child? 

Why are book tours important for authors? 

Here’s the thing about writing: Unless you’re J.K. Rowling or John Green, if you want to make a living as a writer, you have to spend a lot of time on the road, promoting your books in schools, libraries, and bookstores. It’s great to connect with readers, but being on the road can wear you down. I never risk checking luggage, so I’m often living out of a carry-on roller bag for a week at a time.

How do you pack for these trips?

Strategically. Shoes are a big challenge because they take up so much room. But I had an epiphany in 2011. I was traveling a lot that year and getting sick to death of the mishmash of clothes and shoes in my suitcase. So I called Nordstrom and made an appointment with a stylist at the nearest store, which was in Cincinnati. When I arrived, a pair of ANYI LU open-toe slingbacks was waiting for me in the dressing room. I confess I was a bit skeptical of the chunky-heeled, tri-colored shoes, but the stylist told me to try them on with dark jeans and a short, fitted jacket. That’s when I was hooked. Not only did the shoes look great on my feet, they felt unbelievably comfortable. More comfortable, in fact, than the flats I was wearing when I walked in. I bought my first pair of ANYI LU shoes (the Megan) that day and three more pairs since then. They’re my go-to shoes for traveling because I can pack fewer clothes and rely on great shoes to punch up any outfit.

What’s the takeaway lesson?

It’s taken me decades to learn what every European woman knows: Buy fewer things of better quality. I’ve spent a fortune on cheap and moderately priced shoes that I end up leaving in hotel rooms because they hurt my feet. Now that I’ve discovered ANYI LU, I know I can pack one pair of gorgeous shoes and wear them all day, every day, for a week at a time, all the while looking and feeling my best. This is how I put my best foot forward.

If you would like to be considered for our In Her Shoes series or know of a woman you think should be considered, please email Kristen at kristen@anyilu.com.