I consider myself a definitely wedge connoisseur… All wedges get a fair chance in my world, and each get the same amount of respect.

Well, until the bar is raised, anyway. Then it’s time, again, for the world of wedges to step up their game. This bar-raising occured promptly after I set eyes on the Quail Boots from Naya.

The leather feels so soft and buttery (cliché as it might be, it’s the damn truth), and the color was the perfect shade of putty (or “Lunar Taupe“) mixed with mud that I love. My favorite part of the boot, though – that wedge. It reminded me of the Diane Von Furstenberg wedges I fell in love with last year, with their rustic, driftwood feel and detailed layers. Also well worth mentioning – the arch support is beyond satisfactory (which is nice when you’re 3+ inches off the ground).

For those who aren’t familiar with Naya and their fierce dedication to sustainability, this is some of the only leather I’m okay when it comes to shoes. Their dying methods are eco-friendly and conscious, as they use vegetable tanning processes that are much more gentle on the environment (thought admittedly still not good). They use as many recycled materials as possible and carry that philosophy to their packaging, which prevents them from pushing one of my biggest buttons: ethical designers and retailers who use excessive shipping materials. Ugh.

Admittedly, though – I have beef. This won’t come as a surprise to many women, but… my calves, ladies. I can’t count the number of times an argument between my calves and boot shafts have resulted in bloodshed [sidenote: possibly because there aren't any?] and this boot was no different. I managed to surgically insert my leg into the boot for these photos, but it was a very tight squeeze, and my calves are about 16″.

Were my calves an inch or two smaller, I would be wearing these boots until they were forced from my loving feet. The comfort level is high, the design is spot on, and the sizing is pretty typical – and not necessarily bad! Just bad for me.

I’m pretty sure that these boots would be my “wear over jeans” and “wear with tights” and “wear with dresses” boots. Mostly I just want wake up in the morning knowing that I have a ridiculously good-looking pair of boots that will go with just about everything I own waiting for me in my closet. Isn’t that the best feeling ever?

If you love these, they are available from the following retailers:

• Amazon
• Piperlime
• Endless
• Zappos

We received a complimentary pair of summery Naya wedge sandals in exchange for reviewing the above boots.  Look for them next summer!

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The end of the year is so dangerous for me. It’s especially dangerous this year: I’ve just resolved that I’d like to buy a house, which means “save save save”…which actually means “quit buying all the things on the internet.”

But mooooooom, LovingEco is having a saaaaaale.

LovingEco, an ethical sample sale website that we adore so much we partnered with them in September, is currently offering eight different brands at up to 90% off. Some of our favorites are likely to sell out fast.

 
I love sassy models.

I want to wear the Long Sleeve Lengthen Tee (priced at $32 – 57% off) to work on my off days. Haven’t slept? Wear an over-size (but slim-fit) tee and pretend you’re still in pajamas. Woke up with a headache? Curl up with your hands shoved into the sleeves and make your most pitiful face.

So basically I want to wear it every day.

I’d obviously pair my sleepytime shirt with these vegan ballerina flats by Kailia. Be still my heart! They were originally $119 – now only ten bucks!

The sale of this limited edition necklace by actress Maria Bello and her non-profit organization, We Advance, supports women in Haiti. Each piece is handcrafted from recycled materials, and gives you an “ethnic” look without forcing you to jump on the cultural appropriation train. At $32.95, this necklace is more than 50% off.

Vaute Couture (pronounced “vote” – think “haute” with a V) makes all of its products without the use of any animal products, byproducts or suffering. I love the shirt on the right – called “Friends, Not Entertainment” – and the script on the left is delicious. Both shirts are on sale for $28.80.

There’s a lot more LovingEco temptation to be had: PeaceBOMB bracelets, Blissoma skincare, Cityzen Green clothing, and Sword + Fern necklaces. It’s all just becoming too much for me. Time to remind myself of my goals by looking at pictures of my dream house…

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I now own yet another pair of oxfords.

What you are seeing are Lindsay’s feet (plus her amazing socks and new red skinnies) in a pair of Wanted Graham Oxfords. We spent hours – hours! – at our local DSW trying on every shoe known to man and posting them on Broke & Beautiful’s Facebook, but I fell in love with this pair. I knew I’d buy ‘em the moment I saw them.

I’ve worked through a grey pair of Wanted oxfords, was gifted a pair of blues (which are currently on sale for less than twenty bucks!), and am not the proud owner of these silvery-cream babes, and really, it’s because Wanted shoes are vegan, but they don’t really look vegan. They don’t do that plastic creasing thing that makes me scrunch up my face and wish for real leather, even though nine times out of ten real leather isn’t even close to ethical. (Exceptions: ethically-sourced, vegetable-tanned leather and re-purposed scrap leather. And for vegans, that still ain’t enough!)

Oof, I love that heel.

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Another designer crosses the threshold of sustainability in this past fashion week, and we really, really hope it sticks!

Manolo Blahnik released their first eco-friendly, sustainably produced shoes to date in a partnership with super-chic designer, Marcia Patmos (M.Patmos). And they are dreamy.

I’m willing to say, publicly, that these might be the perfect spring shoes. Not just because they are unbearably gorgeous in shape, but they’re the perfect set of colors to transition into fall afterwards. (Imagine that pretty, pale yellow against maroon or royal blue tights – amazing, right?)

The various pieces used to create these beauties are inspiring. Cork, raffia… discarded Tilapia skins? Usually, I’d be grossed out, but thinking about how a by-product of the food industry could replicate the luxe of snakeskin with less product waste… That’s pretty sweet. (Not like Tilapia skins are going to stay on the planet forever, but it’s still very inventive!)

Please forgive me for cutting out the rest of the M.Patmos collection from this post – I’m just hyper-focused on these saucy gam-gems. (Yeah, I went there.) While these are as interesting and responsible as ever – they’re still Manolo Blahniks - and that means that each style of the set are retailing for $825 and should be properly coveted until a discount is achieved (at least for this broke girl).

“I am always researching sustainable materials and developments. I love the idea of tilapia skin because it is a by-product of the food industry that would otherwise be discarded, but it’s actually a beautiful material perfect for small leather goods,” Patmos said of her decision to incorporate the material into her offerings with the shoe designer. “I love bringing the idea of sustainability into the luxury market — it doesn’t have to be limited to T-shirts and grocery bags.” - wwd

I can’t wait to see these in person! I will absolutely be haunting the Manolo Blahnik site until they materialize.

Would you wear these eco-shoes?

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I stumbled across Saucony years ago while at the mall with my family. That day I picked up a pair of bright pink and black Jazz Originals, and wore them ’til they died a cruel, shoey death. Then I picked up a pair of green and orange Low Pros – a little less cushioning, a little more mellow of a style. Now those sneakers are almost treadless, and it’s time for a new pair.

A simple Shopstyle search for a new pair of Sauconys led me to a fantastic realization: Saucony now offers its Jazz Low Pro in all-vegan materials.

Women’s Vegan Low Pro in Tan/Purple

Saucony’s Low Pro Vegans are made using canvas and hemp instead of leather or suede, and still have the same top-notch support and construction as their other low-pro shoes. The come in women’s and men’s styles, and a ton of colors. I’m only posting my favorites because, well, I’m selfish.

Men’s Vegan Low Pro in Brown

All of Saucony’s vegan styles run at around $55, which is a solid standard price for a good sneaker. They never look as cool off of feet as they do on – to me, anyway – and I LOVE the way they look under wide- and flare-leg jeans.

Women’s Vegan Low Pro in Charcoal/Orange

Men’s Vegan Low Pro in Green

Remember: these come in a million colors, including classic black. I like them as an arch-supporting alternative to Simple Shoes and other “vegan converse” look-alikes. (Though they’re pretty cute, too.) What do you think? Would you wear these for weekend errands or trips to the dog park?

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I know it feels like summer is fading away – it’s as good as gone now. Sad, but true.

It’s also the season of “I’m not walking around in the rain with these shoes.” I’ve embraced closed-toe already, and that doesn’t just mean heels. My trusty sandals and flip-flops have gone into hibernation until the temperature gets over 60 again.

That means: I need new casual, run around town, take the garbage out, cleaning day shoes.

Unsurprisingly, the first thing I think of when I think of “affordable, casual shoes” is “plastic, made in China, plastic.” There is so rarely any care or consciousness put into sneakers, and when there is, they usually come out looking like the plain oatmeal of the shoe world.

Enter: Simple Shoes.

It looks like a “real shoe” doesn’t it?! It’s the Simple “Aloha” in Charcoal/Snow White ($60).

Not only is it one of the cuter sneaks I’ve seen lately, but it also…

• Has been made from certified organic cotton, and eco-certified suede.
• Includes stripes made from recycled tires.
• Uses organic cotton laces.
• Has a biodegradable outsole created from recycled rubber.
• Includes inserts created from recycled paper.
• …will begin to biodegrade in 20 years!

What could make this shoe better? Why, various colors and styles, of course! Oh, and a completely affordable price point.

Simple “Aloha” in Charcoal | $40.99

Simple “Aloha” in Goat | $60

Simple “Aloha” in Snow White | $36.99

What a wonderful find! I have the charcoal and pink version on my wishlist already… Thought, I might have to collect them all.

Which are your favorite Simple Shoes? What do you think of this style?

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I’m going to wear so many pairs of socks and tights this year.

Though my “tights and scarves drawer” is all but overflowing, I have a list of colors I absolutely need:

• Sheer gold tights (preferably patterned)
• Sheer olive green tights
• Plum and/or maroon crew socks
• Grey socks and tights, in every style imaginable (always, forever grey)
• Forrest green knee-highs and crew socks (a pair each of patterned and sheer ones)

If I have anything to do with it, these will all be made of bamboo lyocell and recycled or organic cotton, and they’ll be worn with everything, from boots to oxfords to sandals.

Yes, sandals.

One of my favorite socks and sandals images: Burberry S/S 2010

I’ve been itching to try this sandals-with-socks trend, and am as of this moment wearing the wedges I bought this weekend with my putty We Love Colors tights as a kind of introduction to the style. Really, this trend is perfect for me: I’m always cold – even in summer – so the more clothes I can layer as we move into winter, the better.

Holistia Organic Cotton Ribbed Cuff Socks: $6 each of 3 for $15

The current incarnation of the socks/sandals style started up a few years ago – on Spring ’09 runways – but ladies have been wearing them since the 1940s. It can be done well, but only with confidence…and shoes that don’t stain whatever’s beneath them.

Holistia Organic Cotton Crew Socks: $6 each of 3 for $15

Along with the organic styles above (available at Nordstrom) Sock Dreams is the absolute key to fun, sustainable socks. They even have an eco-friendly section, so all you’ll see is organic, recycled and sustainably-produced footwear!

Heaven, right? All of these socks are made of bamboo, organic cotton or recycled materials, and they’re all available via Sock Dreams. I am showing you less than a fifth of their available eco-friendly selection (and that’s not including all of the color combinations available for each style) so head to Sock Dreams’ eco-friendly section and enjoy the (almost overwhelming) selection!

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Some people make shoes out of crappy materials and call them “vegan.” I’m not talking about those today.

I’m talking about those boots that are intentionally vegan – animal-free, made by companies who give a damn – that you can wear as we head into fall.

(Seriously, all I want to wear every damned day is boots. Boots and pants. Boots and dresses. Combat boots. Grannie boots. Wedge boots. I might need an intervention. Actually, no. Let me have my obsession. Join me if you’d like.)

There’s a difference between boots that are intentionally vegan and those that happen to fall under the vegan heading. Companies that create intentionally vegan boots are concerned about quality and durability; accidentally vegan boots are made by companies that only care about their bottom line. (Translation: accidentally vegan boots still use cheap, bad for the earth materials…just not animal-based ones.) Intentionally vegan boots are outside the box, so their styling is often outside the box too; accidentally vegan boots are churned out as poorly-copied replicas of whatever is going down the runway.

Ew.

But intentionally vegan boots are more expensive. We all know this. Sometimes we cry about it. So my goal for the day is to find as many on-trend vegan boots under $250 as humanly possible. (Because let’s face it: well-made leather knee-high boots would run you somewhere around $200 anyway.)

Peep Toe

Cri de Coeur Allison ($375 $220) and Skate ($130)

Time for an admission: I’m not into peep toe booties. When fall hits here, it’s going to hit hard, and I’m going to be cuddled up in the warmest portions of my wardrobe, showing less skin than an albino in the sun. This includes my toes.

…but I still really like peep toe booties, and hope that you’ll wear them for me. The Allison is a special favorite of mine – a way to follow the animal print trend quietly, and without too much fanfare. And Cri de Coeur? Perfection. They’re one of my top-of-the-list “save money because you must own these” brands. (They’re also great with color – both of the above booties come in three different color schemes.)

Shooties

olsenHaus Jean-Claude ($260 $143) and Christo ($148-$158)

So much perfection. Cannot contain. olsenHaus: please let me live in your basement.

It always surprises me when I realize how much color has affected my interest in a shoe. I saw the Christo in black and was bored out of my skull, but the moment I viewed it in coral I was sold.

Wedges

Cri de Coeur Erin ($390 $229) and Sara ($390 $229)

My personal favorite makes its appearance. Wedges are comfortable, striking and also the best things ever created. God was having a really good day when he came up with this idea. (He also decided to make the Erin in leopard print and the Sara in a patent creme color. Great choices, boss.)

Kick Your Ass Boots (Punk/Biker Style)

Cri de Coeur Rebel ($165) and Dynamic ($165)

One of these Fridays I will wear stud-heeled boots to my day job. Everyone will love them, and no one will tell me they’re not appropriate for the office. Then they will promote me and give me a raise.

Yep.

(Both these boots come in black and brown, and the second pair laces up in the back, which I love.)

Kick Your Ass Boots (Short Boot Style)

Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 ($114) and Cri de Coeur Lure ($120 $48)

Why yes, those Dr. Martens do come in their classic cherry red color. (Oddly enough, so do the Lures.)

Knee High Vamp Boots

Cri de Coeur Stephanie ($340 $136) and Brilliance ($88)

Oh yes. This is happening. You love it.

Faux Fur

Cri de Coeur Wendy $290 $116) and olsenHaus Peace ($360 $211)

You read that right: fur. Faux fur, of course, so you can enjoy the upcoming furgasm all the designers are having this year without actually hurting any animals. As much as I try not to project the idea of fur as a clothing option, I love the second pair so much. I can’t wait until the idea of imitating animals is assumed to be a (synthetic) celebration of their beauty, and not the practice of literally wearing their skin!

Are you planning on buying new boots this fall? Which style suits you best?

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If you’re a major designer, and you’re thinking about creating an ethically-conscious collection, I have one suggestion: do it right and partner with someone who knows what the hell they’re doing.

On that note: thank you, Convert.

Here’s a snippet of Convert’s philosophy, in the owner’s own words (emphasis mine):

“I want my customers to discover great fashion at Convert they want to show off, and know they are helping the planet as an added bonus.

Since the inception of Convert, I have been working directly with a number of non-eco-conscious vendors, asking them to think about how their products effect the environment and what they can do to reduce their impact. If I find a line that has great style, and will promise me they will make an effort to be sustainable in the future (i.e., in the next season or two), I will carry the line. And that may mean a number of things, be it switching to domestic organic cotton or bringing some manufacturing back to the USA. Change sometimes comes in small, but dedicated steps in the right direction.

Bottom line, the more you shop here, the more clout I have to get more apparel and accessories companies to do the right thing. You care about what you put into your body, now care about what you put on it.”

Lindsay and I love that kind of transparency, and it seems Jeffrey Campbell does too: the brand created a new collection – all vegan, all sustainably-produced – exclusively for Convert.

You can find Convert at 1809B Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and online at ConvertStyle.com.

Images via ConvertStyle.com.

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There are some boots that I really want.

They’re adorable, and they’re wedges, and they’re on sale, and they’re…leather. Not even sustainable veggie-tanned leather – or at least they’re not advertised as such. Just…leather. Boots.

Damn it.

As soon as I realized this, I started looking for vegan alternatives…and found nothing like the pretty leather boots I want. I did, however, find Punk.com.

Punk.com has an entire section of punky vegan shoes.

T.U.K. Glitter: $45 // Rocket Dog Rave Heel: $59

Keep in mind that, not being the punkiest of people, I am probably posting the most tame shoes from Punk.com. If you’re rolling your eyes, please visit the site, because then you can’t blame me if they’re not hardcore enough for you.

T.U.K. Peacock: $50 // T.U.K. Showgirl: $48

Peacock feathers or comic heroine boobs. Choose your weapon.

 
Volatile Savannah: $70 // Wanted Prague: $70

A vegan punk shoe post isn’t complete without at least two pairs of boots, right? Punk.com also has vegan Dr. Martens.

Dr. Martens 1460 8-Eye Vegan Boot: $125

See?

Iron Fist All Hope Abandoned: $30 // Iron Fist Lacey Days: $52

1. Day of the Dead shoes! Best.

2. At first I typed “Iron Fish.” I’m pretty sure this would also be a good shoe company name.

3. As for the pair on the right: Lindsay says that if it was appropriate to put heels on babies, she’d put these skull-stiletto-peep-toe-booties-with-doilies-on-top on her baby. If she had a baby.

We both think the skull fabric would look amazing in sneaker form. Get right on that, Iron Fist (Fish).

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