Shoe-of-the-day: MINK shoes

Mink shoes are vegan (basically not leather) shoes handmade in Italy. They do expressly state their eco-friendly goals on the 'Story' page (kudos!) but the thing I like most is that all the shoes are named after animals - this is the Armadillo.

Shoe-of-the-day: CYDWOQ Inc.

CYDWOQ Inc. is one of the most original companies I've found in my search for ethical/sustainable shoes. I adore the 'Metal' shoe in particular. Their designs are handmade and designed to last and they look unlike anything you would see in a modern shoe store - which I think is awesome!

There is a really cool documentary (short, like 5 min) on the company on Vimeo by Ari Balouzian that showcases many of the designs on film.

"Old world craftsmanship for modern feet."

Shoe-of-the-day: Beyond Skin

I originally found this company through a fave eco-friendly shoe and clothing website, The Green Loop. Beyond Skin is a UK company that was founded in 2001. I swear they used to have something to do with Natalie Portman (or that she had something to do with them) but I may have made that up in my head. Regardless, I wish I was closer to the UK as they have a great philosophy and beautiful designs.

Eco-salon article: Is Eco-fashion too expensive?

Stumbled upon an article on one of the eco-fashion related sites I frequently visit. The article asks six designers their opinion on the expense of sustainable fashion. The two main points I often find in articles like this are: 1. The materials used are generally more expensive. 2. The demand is not yet high enough to reduce price.

There are a couple good points though on the subjectiveness of 'expensive' and how eco-clothing is often seen as more lasting, not 'disposable' as other items can be.

Link to article: Eco Salon: Eco-fashion too expensive?

Treehugger: Edible fashion slideshow

So a lot of people have misconceptions about what 'eco-fashion' is and I think this feeds into one of them. While I appreciate some of the ideas behind these and how they're often trying to draw attention to waste and creative ways to use materials, sometimes I wonder if this actually hurts the cause instead of helping b/c it makes it seem frivolous and not particularly wearable.

Slideshow article at Treehugger.

Shoe of the day: Olsen-Haus killer red boots

Olsen-Haus is such a cool company - good design AND eco-friendly.

I love this 80s paint splatter look they had for some of their Spring 2009 collection.

Link: Groove Red bootie

Happy Earth Day!

This seems like an appropriate first post to explan my mind set and sense of humor.

Happy Earth Day, from Lewis Black and Spongebob Squarepants!

(Courtesy of Earth First, sarcasm to save the earth at its finest.)