Sustainable Shoes for Spring

Posted on April 25, 2013 by admin

Ok now spring is finally here. I spent part of yesterday getting my tootsies into perfect condition and toe nails painted ready for some lovely spring shoes. I would have to be pretty brave to wear sandals today (and I am not) but I can always hope for a heatwave in the next few weeks, even if the weather doesn’t reach tropical temperatures then I will still be swapping in my boots for a lighter pair of spring daps (that’s West Country for trainer!)

So here is my round up of my favourite Spartoo shoes including summer sandals, trainers and shoes, all from the fantastic green (Sustainable/ eco) section of course.

Birkenstock have been making shoes since 1774, so it goes without saying that they pretty much know what they are doing by now. I have had a pair in the past and they are super comfortable but the new Papillio collection is also very stylish and a little more feminine than their mainline collection. I love the floral print on these great for wearing with dresses, shorts and jeans, even on those days when you haven’t had time for a manicure.

I am completely in love with Swedish Hasbeens and whilst the really high heeled styles are amazing and great for creating height on someone as short as me (5ft 2), I have decided that flatter styles are a much more practical alternative for day to day wear. I love the quirky chunky style of them.

My favourite sustainable shoe brand Dream in Green have really excelled themselves for Spring with a fantastic selection of shoes to choose from. I love these ballerina pumps, so versatile and a great alternative to the Melissa ballerina pumps that I virtually live in.

Also loving these by Dream in Green for adding a casual edge to skirts and dresses.

What do you plan to wear on your feet for spring? comfy flats or leg lengthening heels?

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Sustainable Shoes – Casual and Comfy

Posted on February 8, 2013 by admin

I definitely love wearing heels as much as the next girl but the lifestyle I lead at the moment which consists of walking long distances in an attempt to keep fit combined with long periods sat at my desk wearing means that I hardly get a chance to wear the high heels that I already have so I certainly don’t have any need to buy any more. What I do always need more of though is comfy casual shoes which are good for walking in.

Amongst their fabulous collection of green or eco friendly shoes, Spartoo have plenty of stylish casual and comfy options including boots and trainers

These Simple trainers not only look great but are made with respect for the planet using organic cotton for the uppers and recycled rubber for the soles.

These Dream in Green boots look super comfy as well as cosy. They are made from vegetable tanned leather by one of my favourite sustainable shoe brands, Dream in Green.

These Po-Zu shoes would look great with a dress when spring finally arrives. They are completely biodegradable and are ethically made in Portugal using Hemp, cork and natural latex. They also have a coconut husk foot mattress for extreme comfort.

These Snipe shoes have a nautical feel about them and would be great for wearing with jeans. They are made in California using eco friendly manufacturing techniques.

How often do you where heels? do you find yourself wearing flats all of the time because it is more comfortable.

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Timberland Earthkeeper

Posted on November 27, 2012 by admin

Timberland EK Bethel Buckle Mid Lace Boot

My pick of winter boots from Spartoo shoes for this month definitely has to be from the Timberland Earthkeeper Collection. The Timberland Earthkeeper Collection is a great example of how a big brand can implement sustainable practices and still make great products. I also love how practical, durable and long lasting Timberland boots are but they are also very stylish and the traditional styles are iconic.The Earthkeeper collection features at least 50% recycled materials with their lining s being made form plastic bottles and the soles from Green Rubber. They also have an ergonomic insole for amazing comfort.

Whilst the yellow boot is the most well known Timberland design, they also have many other styles so don’t be put put off if the Lumberjack look is not for you.

Timberland as a brand are committed to reducing the impact of their operations and are really transparent with their website clearly detailing both their goals and progress with regard to both social and environmental. The metrics that they are measure include all aspects of their operations from use of eco conscious material to environmental performance of their tanneries, emissions at every stage of the process and social performance of factories. I definitely feel confident that Timberland are not just paying lip service to the issues of ethics and sustainability.

What do you think of Timberland, would you wear them?

I hope that you are having a good week.

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Winter Boot Picks

Posted on October 31, 2012 by admin

A good pair of winter boots or shoes is an essential part of my winter wardrobe with key requirements usually being warmth and comfort, an on trend look, versatility to go with a variety of items in my wardrobe. When the weather gets really cold I love to wear a longer pair of boots either with a skirt and tights or for tucking in skinny jeans or leggings. I also love a pair of ankle boots with a small heel for wearing with boot cut jeans and trousers. Over the last few years I have been particularly taken with wedge ankle boots which are probably the easiest type of heel to walk in and great for adding a bit of height.

Here are some of my favourite winter boots at Spartoo.co.uk (which by the way all have a minimum impact on the planet!)

Timberland are a well known brand that have really made a big commitment to sustainbility particularly with the Earthkeepers Collection, they also happen to have some fantastic winter boots. I love these EK Bethel Buckle boots from the Earth Keeper Collection. They have a recycled sole and ergonomic insole and are made from at least 50% recycled materials.

Another favourite eco brand of mine is Dream in Green. They have a strong commitment to sustainability and they always have some great styles. I love the vintage feel to these Brigno boots which is a result of the vegetable tanned leather that has been used to make them.

These boots by Snipe which are great for a casual weekend outfit. Snipe shoes boast both friendly product design and manufacturing processes.

What do you think? do you like an of these boots or brands?

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Pin It

Six Items Challenge Update – Week One

Posted on July 8, 2012 by admin

I am now exactly one week into the Six Items Challenge which I am taking part in for the whole of July with Labour Behind the Label to try and raise awareness of the plight of real people working in the fashion industry and their struggle for better rights and working conditions. You can check out how the others participating in the challenge are getting on in the Six Items Challenge Blog.

This week hasn’t been too bad with the main challenges being the weather. Feeling cold in my choice of summery clothes and struggling to get clothes washed and dried ready to wear again, resulting in me resorting to drying a pair of leggings with the hair dryer, were probably the low points. On the plus side I managed to get ready pretty quickly each morning as I didn’t have much to choose from.

Her are my outfits for the week featuring the six items – a really old black shift dress and t shirt, a dress by Komodo, leggings from People Tree, Green Printed Dress from Monsoon and patterned trousers by ASOS Africa.

The necklace and bracelets were presents and the shoes are from sustainable shoe brand Melissa.

The scarf is from a vintage fair, the handbag from a charity shop and the necklace a present from my mum.

This necklace was also a present from my mum.

The belt was from the high street and the necklace from ethical jewellery brand Made UK.

The scarf is vintage and the shoes and tights from the high street.

The scarf is from a vintage fair and the necklace also from ethical jewelery brand Made UK.

Now I have worn all of the basic outfit combinations once comes the challenge. I am going to need to get creative and imaginative with accessories this week in order to make some different outfits.

I hope that you have had a good weekend!

With warmest wishes

Ceri x

Candy Coloured Shoes From Dream In Green

Posted on March 8, 2012 by admin

I just wanted to share the lastest collection of shoes from ethical shoe brand Dream in Green. If you read this blog regularly you will probably have seen that I have posted about them quite a bit in the past. I have a fantastic pair of ankle boots from the brand which feature in loads of my outfits. I love that they are so wearable and comfy, I can easily wear them for walking the girls to school and yet they still look really on trend.

For spring and summer, they have an amazing collection of wedge heel sandals, ballet flats and boots in delicious candy shades as well as some more neutral coloured pairs that will go with just about everything.

Tahiti

Cook

Anapurna

Makalup

Delos

Hadas

I think my favourites are the turquoise Anapurna boots. Which do you like best?

Keep your eyes out for my ethical outfit competition next week where you will have the chance to win £100 of vouchers for Spartoo to spend on Dream in Green shoes (or any other shoes / handbags of your choice from the site).

I hope you are having a good week!

With warmest wishes

Ceri

Pin It

Sustainable Shoes for Spring and Summer

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

I am pretty sure that spring will be on its way soon and we will be able to pack away winter boots for a few seasons in favour of lighter and more strappy footwear (I am ever hopeful!). I have in the past mentioned that Spartoo has a fantastic section for green or sustainable shoes. The most exciting thing is, that at the moment almost all of the shoes are on sale or offer. Here are just a few of my favourites:

Court shoes Dream in Green BARCELONA 109745 350 A Sustainable Shoes for Spring and Summer

Feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz with these classic court shoes by my favourite eco shoe brand, Dream in Green. They are so perfect for wearing with retro style and vintage dresses and skirts.

These leather sandals are by Greenfit are made from all natural materials with wooden soles. They are high quality shoes made in modern styles using traditional techniques.

If you are looking for something a little quirky and different, the eco shoe brand Think has a good selection. I love the colours and shape of this pair. They are made from 100% natural materials including vegetable tanned leather.

For comfy and casual shoes for spring and summer, Simple shoes are fantastic. They have a range of different styles but these are my faves.

What do you think? would you consider buying eco/ sustainable shoes? Do you like any of these?

With warmest wishes

Ceri X

Pin It

30 Days of Ethical Fashion – Melissa Shoes

Posted on December 28, 2011 by admin

Melissa shoes have earnt a name for themselves as one of the trendiest vegan shoe brands around. They are known for their brightly coloured moulded plastic styles and designer collaborations.

Probably the most well known of the designs is the Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon, a sling back high heel adorned with either a heart or wings. Other key styles include the Vivienne Westwood booties, wedge boots and classic flat ballet pump styles.

Melissa shoes are also sustainable. Although plastic is not always though of as the most eco friendly of materials, it does last better than many other materials and in the case of Melissa shoes is also partly recycled and recyclable. They are made in Brazil, in a socially and environmentally responsible factory, where waste and water is recycled as much as possible. Melissa shoes also smell good enough to eat.

I have a cream pair wedge style brogues from the designer collaboration with Alexandre Herchcovitch and never fail to get an admiring compliment when I wear them out.

You can buy Melissa shoes at Fashion Conscience.

melissa feeling vegan shoes ethical fashion 30 Days of Ethical Fashion Melissa Shoes