Posts tagged shoes
Eco Friendly Shoes
01 week ago
Over the last few years I’ve become more aware of what effect I’m having on the environment. The idea of being “green” encompasses a lot of things – turning our televisions and computers off completely rather than leaving them on standby, buying local produce so food miles are reduced, choosing organic because of concern over the use of chemicals, that sort of thing. But what about my shoes? Are they environmentally friendly?
The other day I noticed that Spartoo have a category of shoes that are considered green. I’ve thought in the past that eco-friendly shoes tend to be a bit hippy in design – strange colours and patterns and perhaps a little frumpy in style. But as I browsed this category I was really impressed at the range of shoes available, and found myself wondering what made the selection better for the environment than my leather Dr Martens or canvas Converse.
Brands in the green category include Birkenstock, who’s brand manager Christina Piazza is quoted as saying: “Our products and production processes have always been sensitive to the environment. This sensitivity extends into everything we do — in our manufacturing process we strive to create minimal impact on the environment.” On their website they point out clearly that they are not new to the “green” bandwagon – they have been eco friendly for 230 years.
Other brands included in the category include Dream in Green and Snipe (and others too), who also make known their environmentally friendly values which are very commendable. I’m not saying that other brands, like some of my favourites, aren’t environmentally friendly – no doubt many have similar values and suitable production practices, but I find it interesting when a company stands up and says “this is us, this is what we believe it, come with us”.
Would you choose an “eco-friendly” shoe brand over another simply because of the values expressed by the company? What do you think makes a shoe green?
Disclaimer: I have a partnership with Spartoo which involves me writing posts about shoes available from their online store. I have not been told what to write about and I have been no less honest as a result.
Shoes – A Wedges Compromise
13 weeks ago
The other day I wrote about my inability to walk in high heeled shoes these days (see here), and while I have been trying to retrain my feet by wandering around the house in them (yes, I am wearing my green suede courts as I run about my house trying to get everything ready for my motorcycle trip starting tomorrow), a number of you suggested that I chose some nice wedges as a compromise.
I never need any encouragement to browse for new shoes, but in the interests of blogging (and not shopping… honest) I had a look to see what wedges caught my attention.
I spotted these first. A nice thick cork wedge, chunky straps without being over the top, a great orange colour. And I love that they say “have a nice day” on the insole! I could wear these.
Another traditional sole this time with rope outline – you know these Hush Puppies will be really comfortable, maybe even for all day wear.
Raffia wedges have a county-feel to them but I don’t think I’ll be walking over a green meadow in these UGGs any time soon. They are very pretty, though.
I still like a court shoe and these by MTNG would give me the height nice and safely… hopefully! The burnt brick red is a really great colour too.
The thing about wedges is there’s a whole load more shoe to go pattern-crazy on – just like these 70s inspired courts by Desigual. I’d recommend a pretty “plain” outfit to go with these!
If the psychedelic colours of Desigual aren’t your thing you can still go a little bit crazy in wedges with these Lola Ramona bow wedges – and why not!
Disclaimer: I have a partnership with Spartoo which involves me writing posts about shoes available from their online store. I have not been told what to write about and I have been no less honest as a result.
Shoes – Flats for Going Out
111 month ago
I discovered the other evening that I have forgotten, completely lost the ability, to walk in high heels. I wore some old faithful black courts out for a meal with friends, and by the time I’d walked from my car to the pub where we all met my feet were killing me. I was very sad. Okay so I’ve not worn heels this high for months and months, but these were comfortable shoes I’d worn all day in the past, they’re not even that high anyway, so I didn’t expect to hurt after just a few hundred metres.
I see two shoes options open to me. One is wear high court shoes lots more to get my ability back again. The other is give up and buy some nice flat shoes to wear out. I’m not completely sure which to go with yet… but it was a great excuse to browse the flat shoes category on the Spartoo website! What do you think to these options?
These Bronx silver flats have lovely sparkly stars and dots which would make them the perfect finishing touch to lots of different outfits. And silver goes with pretty much anything.
This ballerina slipper from Ash is unusual – I love the cut out design, with the studs that continue to be a trend. Certainly more interesting than a plain flat shoe.
These red Pataugas shoes with strap are oh so cute – especially with the decorated toe. A Mary Jane will be a comfortable shoe for all day but this model would also brighten up your feet for an evening out eating at your favourite pizza parlour.
If you feel the need to stick with black then these Shelly shoes have got to be the perfect choice for wearing instead of heels. Black patent, cute strap, perforated design, little red heart – what more could you want?! This is a really girly shoe that even I could wear this summer.
So what would you do? Give your gorgeous heels away and settle for flats on a night out? Or wander around the house in your favourite shoes until you can make it from the car to the restaurant and back without grimacing?!
Disclaimer: I have a partnership with Spartoo which involves me writing posts about shoes available from their online store. I have not been told what to write about and I have been no less honest as a result.
Shoes by Coca Cola?
22 months ago
When I was a teenager – 17 or 18 or so – I had a pair of Coca Cola jeans. No really. I loved them. They had a fabulously flattering shape, low on the waist, skinny through the thigh, opening out into an understated flare at the ankle. They had that Coca Cola logo thing on the pocket and a bit of red at the hem too. They fitted a treat. Then they didn’t. I kept them for ages in the hope I’d once again get back into them. Once I realised I had no hope I put them in a charity bag. It was a sad day. My favourite ever pair of jeans.
Why am I telling you this? I spotted some Coca Cola sandals on the Spartoo website and it brought memories of those jeans flooding back! Naturally I could happily wear a pair – I am sponsored by Coca Cola after all! But could you? Is it ok for drinks companies to make shoes?
And they’re not understated either…
…these espadrilles are in the brand’s bright red and include a massive Coca Cola logo on the back. And these wedge sandals don the brand equally as obviously.
How about these more vintage looking ballerina flats? Would you wear these?
I think of the styles currently online my favourite are these trainers. The most discrete of them all I actually really like the colour combination and they look comfortable too.
So would you?
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Spartoo but I have not been told what to write about and I have been no less honest as a result.
Green Shoes for St Patrick
03 months ago
Happy St Patrick’s Day! A perfect opportunity to stereotypically post about my favourite colour – green! And my favourite topic… shoes!
Naturally I will start with a pair of Dr Martens. I’m not sure I’ll ever get tired of their timeless style. I love wearing them and love seeing people style them.
As the weather is supposed to be getting warmer how about some comfy pumps to keep our feet cooler but that will still look grand with a pair of socks?! I think between these Vans and Converse I prefer the Converse – they appear brighter and chunkier.
I am not at all sure about these weird and wonderful Eject shoes. I kind of like the styling – inspired by rock climbing shoes – but I don’t think I could wear them. They are the sort of thing that get a second look from me because they are so unusual. Maybe if they didn’t have the daisies? No, I don’t think I could.
Have a great St Patrick’s Day!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Spartoo but I have not been told what to write about and I have been no less honest as a result.
Shoes: It’s Springtime!
23 months ago
Hooray for the sunshine! We’ve seen the bright yellow thing in the sky for four days in a row now… I’m not getting too complacent but is Spring actually on the way now?! I do hope so – I love the winter, and the snow, but I’m done with it now!
In the spirit of spring time and colourful happiness I thought I’d have a look for some suitable footwear for the season. We’re nowhere near wanting flip flops or pumps with no socks just yet, but some patterned boots or colourful shoes would go down a treat.
I saw these black patterned Dr Martens on a friend’s blog the other day. She commented that she associated DMs with skinheads wearing jeans and braces… I have never been a skin head and have never worn braces, but you all know I do love my Docs and there is ALWAYS room for another pair in my collection. These have got a real feminine charm to them and although they may be covered in a flowery pattern they aren’t too girly for my geeky liking.
Flowers feature on these court shoes by Rocket Dog too… I think these daisy shoes are really cute. I’m not sure if I could pull off the super girly flowers, but I know if I saw them in real life, even on someone else’s feet, they’d bring a big smile to my face.
Finally here are some light coloured plaid Converse. It’s spring time – we can put away all those dark coloured pumps and get something much lighter and brighter out. No flowers here either, but perfect for getting outside on sunny spring days.
What will you be wearing on your feet this Spring?
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Spartoo but I have not been told what to write about and I have been no less honest as a result.
