Shoes

Ever since I’ve been stuck wearing a suit 5 out of 7 days a week I’ve developed a sort of shoe fetish. Marc, Michael, and Christian… you know the drill. You can imagine my thrill when I discovered Charmoné a line of beautiful sexy shoes that are both sustainable and cruelty-free (bank account beware!!) Every shoe incorporates European design and quality while using only animal-free, eco-friendly materials. Charmoné believes that no one should sacrifice their style conscious just to serve their social conscience. The brand is focused on compassionate design. From the site:

COMPASSION FOR ANIMALS
This all started when a vegan friend, often clad in the latest, coolest, designer leather shoes, complained that all non-leather shoes were either a) ugly; b) poor quality; and often c) both! It got us thinking- why all the fuss about leather anyway? Isn’t there a way, in this modern age, to get away from using animal skins as the ultimate luxury? Traditionally, non-leather shoes were considered inferior due to poor construction, lack of breathability and generally being harder on the environment. We found a way to eliminate every traditional barrier by using high-quality Italian microfibers that are constructed exactly like leather, making them breathable, lightweight and colorfast. Not to mention water-resistant! So you can easily be a nice person while wearing killer heels. We won’t tell anyone.

COMPASSION FOR THE PLANET
How can you use synthetic materials and call it eco-friendly? Well, believe it or not, the process of creating microfiber is less polluting to the environment than the process of tanning, factory farming and processing leather. In addition, the materials are free from harmful PVCs, using instead a light polyurethane coating which is gentler on the environment. We also incorporate sustainable practices throughout the production process, from using last boards made from 70% pre-consumer waste to using recycled materials in our boxes, business cards and other printed materials. Who says it’s not easy being Green?

COMPASSION FOR PEOPLE
Charmoné shoes are made sweatshop-free in Italy and Brazil, ensuring you enjoy quality craftsmanship without contributing to harsh working conditions. In addition to minimizing the impact of manufacturing, Charmoné takes it a step further by donating 5% of all profits to charities that support people, animals and the environment. The first charity slated for donation is Women for Women International, a charity that provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources they need to move from poverty and crisis to stability and self-sufficiency. We feel incredibly lucky to be doing what we love and hope to help others do the same.

I’m running around like crazy today… more later!

You know how much I love shoes… right? Or maybe you don’t. It was a long process for me. At first I just didn’t get it.
Then I had to wear a suit every day and it was like, Eureka! … Sometimes a nice pair of Marc Jacobs is the only way to distinguish yourself from the grey-suit-wearing masses… you know?

For some really unique shoes, be sure to check out Jeffrey Campbell…

Based in LA, the line is created by Jeffrey himself with the help of his wife, Christine, and his small, but hard working staff. With strong ties to street culture, music and vintage inspirations, his collections have something to offer everyone. Each season the collection grows–offering Jeffrey’s spin on the hottest trends, and his updates to vintage classics of yesteryear. As seasons progress and fashion continues to change, the Jeffrey Campbell design team attempts to create shoes and looks which are innovative, fun and forward.

You can find his stuff online in various boutiques… check him out on KarmaLoop!

Ah my last day of vacation freedom has come and gone. I spent most of my day yesterday walking around my new neighborhood.

I rediscovered (have I told you that I lived here before?) my favorite little grocery shop, bought a yummy bottle of wine at this adorable little wine shop, worked out at the gym and learned a little bit about spontaneous celebrations. You’d think all that walking around would have killed my feet, especially since I was wearing an adorable pair of heeled sandals. No so with my latest shoe obsession, Asgi! Asgi is a new shoe company that creates comfortable women’s shoes designed in Venice, Italy. Asgi combines a state-of-the-art, patent-pending technology called Soleplex with stylish designs. Soleplex is basically a comfort technology that supports the natural contours of the foot. Unlike some other shoe companies that make adjustments to their shoes for comfort, Asgi decieded to work from the bottom up, building their style on this innovative technology.

The leading design director at Asgi, Maggi Mercado, has created a line of shoes that epitomize the notion of “technology wrapped in luxury.”  She currently lives in Boston (I’m telling you guys, Boston is where it’s at!) and has, along with the talented Asgi design team, created a fabulous fall collection that I’m sure you’ll love.

When I got my Gaia Wedges I was immediatley impressed. They’re stylish and amazingly flexible and comfortable. I love the sporty heel! The company is very customer-centered and you will love everything from the packaging to the shoes themselves. I got a sneak peek at the fall 2008 line and love Asgi’s take on the classic Mary Jane.

I could go on and on, but I am still trying to find my way in my new place, and somewhere around here is a suit I have to battle with this morning.  Stay cool (it’s supposed to reach 90 here today!)– more later.

I’m not much of a shoe person… but I almost fell out of my chair when I saw these adorable heels from Naugthy Monkey. The best part? They’re under $100! The floral tunic? Under $40! Both items are from the same place and, I’m not gonna lie, part of me wants to keep this on-line boutique to myself. I love going out in something no one else has and looking like I spent tons of money on it… especially when it was great deal (remember, I’m subsisting on a “public interest” salary here). But, in light of Ali’s suggestion that my readers would love her boutique, I thought I’d share.

LuLu*s started with the vision of providing the latest for the fashionably hip along with providing exceptional value, quality, and superb customer service. Since its’ inception in 1996, LuLu*s has grown from a mother-daughter dream to one of the web’s most outstanding shopping experiences. They offer a select choice of clothing, shoes and accessories. Their brands consist of emerging new designers and their buyers travel the world [lucky them!] so that you can find a style to call your own. They buy in very limited quantities and many of their items come fresh from our designers’ studios.

I’m literally obsessed with this on-line shop. Not only does it have some of the cutest things I’ve seen in a long time, its totally user friendly and fun to browse. They also add new items every week, which means you have an excuse to keep stopping by!

I need coffee… more later!

As soon as Chloe sent me a link to this site, I considered keeping it myself. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen such a great collection of vintage fashion! I kind of wanted to keep it under wraps, at least until I ordered what I wanted (specifically, I’ll be very upset if any of you score that adorable Moschino jacket she’s putting up on Thursday!!). But that’s not why I’m here. Plus, you all are so good about sharing wonderful samples and products with me, that of course I had to tell you all about the URBANcollection. Aptly named for readers of the site and generously shared by the infamous New York Chloe, this site is an Urban Socialite’s dream. Its so rare to find people who do vintage right. Dree does a fabulous job of not only finding great clothes, but shoes and accessories as well. She’s having a HUGE apparel update this Thursday, so be sure to stop by, or browse before you buy here (but seriously, that jacket is mine!).

In the spirit of sharing, MAC sent me samples their Moisturelush collection and I must say I’m more than pleasantly surprised. I’m really picky when it comes to moisturizers and though I’m a big fan of MAC makeup, I was skeptical (to say the least) about this new collection. I’m completely hooked on the eye cream. Living up to its promises, this cream rejuvenates, reconditions and refreshes. It visibly lifts and firms skin around the eyes and works wonders on early morning puffiness.

I would be lying if I said I was bored with fashion… at the same time, the cycle of buying it (or receiving it), writing about it and reading about it can get kind of old. There are thousands of fashion blogs out there (I remember when I started there were just a few) and there are only so many ways you can write about spending your hard earned money on clothes… As an art form I am still a fan. As cheap-mass-produced or expensive-limited-quantity items though, I’m over it. I’ve spent the weekend pouring over the fall fashion magazines. Those super thick, 1/2 full of advertisements gems that come out every August. As I finally reached page 840 of Vouge I came to the following conclusions: (1) Scarlett, Gisele, and (despite her taste in men) Kate are everywhere and we should all strive to look like them (2) Despite the fact I thought the overly-expensive bag thing was over, its not, and we should all still covet Louis, (3) Despite the obvious irony of Moschino’s slogan, I do appreciate the fact that they have Black models in their ads (with the exception of a small handful: Lens Crafters, Payless, Gap (actress) and Revlon (actress/ musician) there are very few in the magazine) (4) We (as a society) are way way too obsessed with material things. (Please read 1 and 2 with the appropriate level of sarcasm).

That’s not to say I don’t enjoy a good dose of retail therapy every now and then. But after 840 pages (ending with “$720 pair of Miu Mui pumps” exclamation point) even I was overwhlemed with a feeling of guilt. If you’ve seen Leonardo’s newest environmental flick, you know what I mean.

That’s why companies like Terra Plana are so special.

Since 2003, Terra Plana / Worn Again has been making good-looking eco-friendly shoes, in the UK, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Morocco and Mexico. They are always looking for new innovative ways of producing them. Their shoes are designed for “people who want good-looking feet, without a guilty conscience.” Worn Again is working - step-by-step - to show that this can be done - and that people want it to be done. The company has worked to engage with the existing system of production, while looking for more diverse production models, supporting local economies - and minimising the miles travelled by our shoes before they reach our feet. Mike Corbett, their new head designer, has been creating new products for the Worn Again range, including a fantastic summer sandal for ladies and men!

I guess what I’m trying to say is, if you’re going to succumb to the consumerism, at least do so with a clean conscious… and a reduced footprint.

Count your blessings if you don’t have to wear heels to work. I have shoe racks of the torturous contraptions. The higher the heel the better your legs look… or so they say. I say, what’s the point of great legs if they’re attached to a scowl… which is most likely the facial expression I’m wearing when I’m wearing heels. Good thing there are other ways to make your feet (and legs) look beautiful. Take for instance, the hot shoe brand, String Republic. Graphic artist Stéphane Bucco (internationally renowned as Sockho), created String Republic in 2004 to illustrate what happens when graphic arts and daily life merge. Bucco’s new line of shoes is inspired by the espadrilles his grand-father used to offer him every summer when he was a kid. By combining the espadrille with thirty internationally renowned graphic artists, he has created his own unique niche in the summer shoe market. With gorgeous colors and intricate designs, these adorable shoes are sure to go with just about any summer ensemble.

Back in the day I described my perfect shoe… the wearable track spike. Clearly the designers at Puma are avid readers of this site and they set out to please me with their latest collection. The Anwani, a comfortable slip on with “a sporty track-inspired outsole” is just what I had in mind. The shoe comes in silver, gold and black and is definitely a shoe after my own heart. Who knows, maybe after slipping on a pair I’ll be inspired to run that 55 second 400-meters after all…

To Shop:

Aimee g (formerly Sampleline by Aimee) is not for the faint of heart. With bold color combinations, textures that beckon the eye as well the hand, and shapes that are both sculptural and flattering, these are clothes that stand out in a crowd . But, while Aimee g’s clothes–and clients–are brazenly fashion-forward, they never sacrifice substance for style. “There is a practical side of me that needs something to be wearable,” says Aimee. She also is incorporating organic fabrics into the line. Aimee’s Midwestern upbringing also accounts for her down-to-earth approach to high fashion. She grew up in rural Indiana and began sewing at age 13 for 4-H. “I hated using patterns,” she recalls with a laugh. “But once I figured out I could make my own designs, I was set free.”

Now you too can set yourself free as Aimee introduces her line to Turtle Boston! Meet and greet the designer while you shop for great clothes March 5-6th. If you’re not in the Boston area, check Aimee’s website for a local shop near you!

______________________

Cool Product

If you’re anything like me you’re somewhat forced to wear high heels everyday. If you’re UNLIKE me (which most women are in this respect) you probably enjoy the whole shoe thing. I personally can’t stand shopping for shoes, but I think I posted about that a while back and won’t get into it again here. What I will say, is Insolia’s have made heel wearing somewhat more tolerable by adding extra comfort to even the most torturous shoes.

Isolia products fundamentally change the inside of high heel shoes, shifting weight off the ball of the foot back to the heel. It actually feels like you are wearing much lower heels which is a true comfort factor for many women. This weight shift improves body alignment and balance dramatically reducing leg and lower back fatigue while reducing pressure on the ball of the foot. Thanks to Insolia products, women no longer have to sacrifice style for comfort or comfort for style.