The NFL and Domestic Violence; It's Business, Not Personal

As one of the women who constitutes 45% of the NFL's fan base, Felicia Bennett can't be ignored.  Bennett wrote the book How To Stylishly Fall From Grace, which tells the story of a woman who heeds the warning signs of domestic violence.

"With the dominant color in the Baltimore Ravens' jerseys being purple, it's ironic that purple is also the color of domestic violence, " states Bennett.  The release of the videotape of Ray Rice violently punching out his then fiancée Janay brings domestic violence to the 50-yard line. Even more alarming is Janay Rice's rush to defend her husband.  It can no longer be deemed a business decision by the Ravens to let Rice go; it was personally offensive when they originally punished him with a two-game suspension.

This is an issue that the NFL is not new to, however. According to Slate.com, the NFL Player crime stats reveal that out of the 32 teams in the league in 2012, 21 teams employed someone who had been charged with sexual or domestic violence on their roster.  Those cases just didn't go viral, nor did the league feel they would affect their bottom line.

"When it comes to women, prevention is the key.  Also, from athlete's wives and girlfriends to fans, my hope is to inspire women who are in an abusive  relationships, but don't feel they can't get out of their situation," Bennett confirms.

Simply put, the best defense is a good offense.

(PR Log, September 10, 2014)

Love From Amazon Reviews

Check out the latest Amazon review on my book:

I absolutely loved this book! It was like reading my BFF's diary and finding out all the stuff I really wanted to know, only with her permission. What I found most refreshing about this book and Zoe, the main character, was the realistic story it told. No fairy-tale endings, no prince with a glass slipper to wisk her away, just real life - with all its ups, downs, ins and outs.

Too many books and movies try so hard to sell "the happy ending" but what was fabulous about this book was seeing Zoe persevere through her fascinating and often difficult cirucmstances and end up in some ways, right back where she started - just a lot wiser, a lot stronger, and a whole lot more self-assurred.

Most of our lives are probably a lot more like Zoe's than Cinderella's - I know mine is and so are the lives of my friends. So I'd encourage you to get a cup of tea and sit down for a great evening with a new friend...Zoe. You'll enjoy yourself.

YAY!!!

The Review Is In; Chicklit Club is a Fan!

Talk about a sweet Valentine's Day gift; Chicklit Club posted a glowing review of HTSFFG! With comments like, "Felicia Coley has made Zoe one of my favourite characters - ever", I'm one elated author!

Check it out here!

La Conséquence

The story I am writing exists, written in absolutely perfect fashion, some place, in the air. All I must do is find it, and copy it. ~Jules Renard

In other words, the sequel to How To Stylishly Fall From Grace is being penned...

We Have A WINNER!

Pedicure Cupcakes from Swanky Sweet Pea

Tracey Jones of GA knows that it's the most wonderful time of the year. As my book customer, she won a shoebox full of gifts!

~ A Silver Sparkle High Heel Cake Server AND Glitter Galore Handbag Holder from The Savvy Host

~ A pair of the NEW shade of Pink sole replacements from Save Your Sole

~ FOOTTEA foot soak from Tracy Stern

To help give heeling power (a portion of every copy sold benefits Say NO- UNiTE To End Violence Against Women), order your signed copy of How To Stylishly Fall From Grace by clicking below!!!

The Name of The Person The Book Will Be Signed To

So The Fellas Are Feeling Left Out....

You could win Assorted Pedicure Cupcakes from Swanky Sweet Pea

The men have spoken...

I never meant to aleniate, so this giveaway is open to everyone! After all, it does give guys one-stop shopping for the shoe lovers in their lives!

Through December 4, ALL customers who order a signed copy of my book* will be eligible to win this shoelicious array of gifts:

~ A Silver Sparkle High Heel Cake Server AND Glitter Galore Handbag Holder from The Savvy Host

~ A pair of the NEW shade of Pink sole replacements from Save Your Sole

~ FOOTTEA foot soak from Tracy Stern

To purchase a good read for yourself and/or as a gift and help a worthy cause (a portion of every copy sold benefits Say NO- UNiTE To End Violence Against Women), order your copies of How To Stylishly Fall From Grace by clicking below!!!

The Name of The Person The Book Will Be Signed To

*Book orders must be generated via the link in this post; Amazon orders do not include you in the giveaway. All book sales are final. Please allow additional shipping time for the signing.

Stored Thoughts

Sometimes my mind never shuts down.

Ideas, plots and characters seep into the crevices of moonlit hours. I realized a long time ago Post-Its have no leverage in these times. Scribbles, drafts and epiphanies look better in saved document format.

How cool is this digital tablet that records my drafts in hard and soft copy?
Acecad Digimemo L2 Digital Notepad

I'm Featured On a Philanthropy Site!

To read my interview with Black Gives Back about my hopes and goals for my book, click here!

The Winner of The Lauren Luna Custom Stilettos!

Talk about one happy book customer!

Vegletta E. Cook of Georgia was head over heels when she found out she was the winner of a pair of customized stilettos from Lauren Luna!


Something tells me she will strut them PROUDLY!

First Annual Atlanta Black Book Expo

What a day. From meeting, mingling and connecting with fellow creatives, to getting positive energy about my book's title, cover design and message, The First Annual Atlanta Black book Expo was a success for me!

I want to especially thank my amazing Sponsor Squad who made it all happen:

~ Carmen Steffens

~ Save Your Sole

~ The Savvy Host

~ shuzsociety

~ Pedisavers

~ The Sheek Life

~ Hair Stylist Ruth Hayes aka "Gigi"

Stiletto kisses to you all!

Order Your Copy of How To Stylishly Fall From Grace!

For your chance to purchase a good read, help a worthy cause (and become eligible to win FAB gifts), order your copy of How To Stylishly Fall From Grace by clicking below!!!

The Name of The Person The Book Will Be Signed To

Please allow additional shipping time for signing of your copy.

My Book Signing Is Part of a Stuart Weitzman Reopening Celebration!

on August 14, I will be joining in on the celebration for a remodeled Stuart Weitzman store! From 12PM-2PM, I will be signing copies of my book as part of the all-day reopening festivities for Stuart Weitzman in Lenox Square. Check out the reasons to attend:

~ First to see, try on and purchase from the FW 2010 Stuart Weitzman Collection

~ Wine and hors d'oeuvres

~ Swag



~ A chance to win a Walk The Plank shoe jewelry set from Litter SF ($98.00 value)

~ A chance to win a Stuart Weitzman handbag with store purchase ($600 value)

Special offer for Atlanta members of the Hello Stiletto Club: If you can't attend the Stuart Weitzman book signing, just click below for your book purchase. You will still be eligible for the Litter SF shoe jewelry giveaway, and your copy will be directed to you!

Name of Person To Sign Book To

Sponsors of the book signing are Coty Inc., Shoe Angels, Litter SF, Swanky Sweet Pea, Save Your Sole and The Sheek Life.

Zoe Is Handing Out Giveaways For Her Birthday!

The NEW Zoey Hot Pink Case From Rainebrooke Fits iPad, Kindle and Other eBook Readers

I'm getting the champagne cupcakes ready, because my book turns 1 on Friday! That's right; I'm celebrating the one-year milestone for How To Stylishly Fall From Grace. For those who have read the book, you know my darling Zoe deserves it. But I can't have a party without some giveaways, now can I?

For those who are arriving fashionably late, I have a chance for you to win a gift*. Starting today, July 27 through Saturday, August 7, your purchase of a signed copy of my book will enter you in a drawing to win a Zoey hot pink iPad case from Rainebrooke, the one-stop shop for pink laptop bags and cases! Consider it the fashion accessory for the well-read girl-on-the-go!

And for an exclusive giveaway for my Concrete Jungle readers:


Your order for a signed copy enters your name in a drawing for a chance to win a one-hour consultation with Shoe Me! What is Shoe Me!, you ask? It is New York’s upcoming premiere footwear concierge service. Who wouldn't want a private shoe stylist that delivers?!!

The launch of the site is coming shortly, but you can contact Founder Jordanna Stephen on Twitter or at jordanna(at)canyoushoeme(dot)com.

For your chance to win one of these gifts, order your copy of How To Stylishly Fall From Grace by clicking below!!!

The Name of The Person The Book Will Be Signed To

*Contest is for U.S. residents only. Please allow additional shipping time for book signings. All book sales are final.

Interview By Jill Exler

As part of her self-published authors interview-series, read Jill Exler's interview of me and my decision to become a self-published author here!

Digging My Heels Into The Atlanta Black Book Expo

How's this for some well-heeled advertising?

Not only does Artist Lauren Luna make customized kicks; she has the shoe game for stiletto intellectuals wrapped around her talented fingers!

Don't Want To Wait For A Book Signing?

Click below to order a copy of my book. I'll sign it and mail it you!

The Name of The Person The Book Will Be Signed To

My First Book Expo!

I am SO excited to be part of the First Annual Atlanta Black Book Expo!

Highlights From My Book Signing at Jedal Italian Fashion!

Atlanta Shoe Club Coordinator Amanda Viciana, Hair Extraordinaire Mandrill Hardge, me and Fashion Stylist Sheldon Horton

Talk about your shoe heaven!!!

On Saturday, April 24, Jedal Italian Fashion flung open their glass doors for customers to purchase signed copies of my book. Located in Atlanta's swanky Phipps Plaza, guest were treated to sweet treats from Chocolate Pink Pastry Cafe, along with flowing wine.


Dress For Success representative with me and Jedal Owner Jennifer Dainelli


I truly felt like Cinderella, thanks to the Glam Team of Mandrill and Sheldon! Sheldon dressed me in an amazing jersey knit LBD from Wilbourn Exclusives, which could be worn as a one-shoulder, halter or a grecian goddess look! The SATC Samantha Crystal Rose Flower Cocktail Ring was from Inside Crystal's Bag and the baddest fuchsia sandals to ever grace my feet - The Jedal by Marco Massetti from Jedal!


I want to extend a special thanks to Photographer Terance Johnson for his amazing bevy of images! More to come!

Can't Attend My Book Signing?

I have been receiving e-mails from those who won't be in Atlanta, yet want to know how they can get a signed copy.

Click below to order a copy of my book. I'll sign it and mail it you!

The Name of The Person The Book Will Be Signed To

Book Signing at Jedal Italian Fashion

Calling all Stiletto Intellectuals!

You are invited to attend my Spring book signing at Jedal Italian Fashion Shoe Boutique!

When: Saturday, April 24

Where: Phipps Plaza (on the second level above Tiffany & Co.)

Time: 3PM-5PM

Jedal Italian Fashion is hosting a spring book signing for How To Stylishly Fall From Grace. By purchasing the book, you will be giving "heeling power" to women affected by domestic violence, as a percentage of every copy sold benefits the women's fund of the UN's Say NO - UNiTE To End Violence Against Women.

There will be fab giveaways and refreshments for your enjoyment, not to mention the latest luxe Italian footwear of Jedal Italian Fashion! Followers of The Well-Heeled Society will be in full force, so come with your girlfiends to purchase your signed copy.

Jedal will also use this day of festivities to give back to Atlanta's less fortunate; a shoe drive will take place from 10AM-8PM to benefit Dress For Success.

Customers who donate gently-worn or new shoes will receive the choice between gift cards or immediate discounts on NEW shoes as detailed below:

~ Donate One Pair: Save 10% off of one item
~ Donate Two Pairs: Save 20% off of one item
~ Donate Three or More Pairs: Save 30% off of one item

OR

~ Receive a $25 Gift Certificate for every pair of shoes donated

Elizabeth Kelly, Executive Director of Dress for Success, will be in attendance to represent the organization in collecting the donated shoes.

Sponsored by Wild Woozle Soap Company, Denimocracy, Drudean's, My Shoe Angels, shuzsociety, Trading Phrases, Save Your Sole, Madame Madeline, däv Rain Boots and Accessories and Harney and Sons