Ahnu shoes work hard and play hard – just like you.

Walk new ground: This is Ahnu’s core philosophy as a shoe company, and it couldn’t be more fitting. Even their name, “Ahnu,” derives from the goddess of balance and well-being in Celtic mythology, and this is what the brand is all about: Their highly collaborative team works together, plays together, and balances their business goals with social and environmental responsibility. Ahnu is basically one of those dream companies that sounds like it could turn into a pumpkin after midnight.

Founded by Jenny Fredericks and Jacqueline Van Dine, they took their love affair with outdoor activities and combined it with their experience in the industry to create a line of shoes for fashionistas (and fashionmistas, HA) who prefer trails over treadmills. Joined by Jim Van Dine, they combined their passions to create aesthetically pleasing kicks that are equal parts fashion, function and philanthropy.

The ultimate product goal for Ahnu shoes is to achieve uncompromising footwear performance. The company works with leading biomechanists, designers and athletes to create footwear with just the right amount of traction, grip, flexibility and durability for your outdoor activities. Whether you’re a trailblazer, surfer girl, or yoga lover, there’s a shoe for that.

Ahnu even pioneered Numentum Technology, which is a “neutral positioning system engineered to encourage your foot’s natural biomechanics. It is designed to center and guide the foot to promote an efficient, stable and balanced stride.” (As someone who constantly trips over herself, you have no idea how excited I am about this.)

Not only are the fashion-forward (and many are totally vegan) shoes made in the USA, they’re created using some of the toughest factory standards in the industry. And the company’s environmental contributions don’t end with footwear: Ahnu has created a line of ah-mazing yoga gear I can’t wait to splurge on — even the catalogs and packaging are made of certified post-consumer recycled fibers!

Best of all, the more the company grows, the more it partners with like-minded organizations to give back and make a difference in people’s lives. Since founding in 2007, Ahnu has contributed more than $250,000 to charitable organizations such as:

• The Wilderness Land Trust, which focuses on purchasing and preserving wilderness.
• The Breast Cancer Fund, the only national organization focused solely on prevention, to work toward a world where we’ve stopped breast cancer before it starts. The Breast Cancer Fund works to identify and eliminate environmental causes of disease.
• Soles4Souls facilitates donations of shoes to those in need worldwide, and has given away 5.5 million pairs of shoes since 2005.

Long story short, Ahnu is one giant leap for shoes and shoe lovers. (Sorry, I had to.) Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some shopping to do.

Do tell: Which of Ahnu’s shoes have caught your eye?

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Image: Ahnu

The post Ahnu Shoes: The Right Fit For Putting Your Best Foot Forward appeared first on EcoSalon.

The EcoSalon Fair Trade and Fabulous Fall Box is here! 

Embrace fall’s cooler weather and shorter days with EcoSalon’s Fair Trade and Fabulous Fall Box. Trust me, you do not want to miss this one. As Senior Editor of EcoSalon, I see a lot of amazing products. But the eleven brands I have pulled together here are a cut above the rest, offering some truly unique and fabulous finds with a focus on Fair Trade, organic and just plain fantastic benefits. This box is worth more than $544! It’s all yours for just $129 + free shipping. (For you math geeks, that’s a 76 percent savings!)

SOLD OUT!

Get ready for Fair Trade Month (next month!) with some of these gorgeous fall fashion finds, skin care products to keep you glowing through the change of seasons, and some really good for you herbal products to balance you through the transition into winter.

There are only 40 Boxes available. Well, make that 39, because I am buying the first one, dear readers! So we have 39 Fair Trade and Fabulous Boxes for you. (I’m even thinking about buying a second one for holiday gifts!)

Beginning Monday, September 8th, we will reveal three to four brands per day. The Box will go on sale Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 8 o’clock am Pacific Time. So set your timers and mark your calendars–these will sell out fast. The holiday season is just around the corner too, so buy several of these for truly unique and meaningful gifts. Check back daily to see the latest reveals. Read on to discover today’s products! 

 INDIGENOUS Fair Trade Organic Tassel Scarf

Made from the softest, pillowy 100 percent Organic Cotton on the market, this cozy scarf will keep you warm and stylish all through the fall and winter seasons and will quickly become your favorite accessory. From INDIGENOUS, the leaders in Fair Trade and organic clothing supporting artisan communities around the world. Feel absolutely luxe inside and out with this fall must. Nobody does organic and Fair Trade like INDIGENOUS. Color: Mink Brown.

Retail Value $99

AHNU Women’s Karma Textile Shoes (Gift Card)

The Karma Textile shoe provides a fun, new update in a pretty canvas textile for your favorite active slipon, only from Ahnu. Crafted in the USA from imported materials, this vegan silhouette offers style and comfort without compromising any aspect of yogachic. These travelfriendly flats are made for all-day wear, from running errands to traveling the world. The stretchy back heel provides a secure fit while making them easy to pack. The sculpted EVA footbed is wrapped in a vegan microfiber suede to offer a soft feel with every step. Each Ahnu purchase goes to supporting noteworthy charitable causes including the Wilderness Land Trust and Soles4Souls. Pick your color and size with a gift card to Ahnu.

Retail Value $90

AKOLA PROJECT Demi Paper Bead Necklace 

An Ethiopian hand-cast metal pendant plated with nickel/brass and hung on three strands of hand-rolled paper beads. Made with care by the dignified women of Akola, this Fair Trade necklace hangs approximately 34″ and comes in a linen bag. Don’t know about Akola yet? The company is a nonprofit and a business empowering women around the world with projects like the necklace you’re about to wear with a smile. It’s truly inspiring work that is redefining beauty and business. Colors vary: chartreuse, orchid or fig.

Retail Value $86 

SKINAGAIN Youth 

This is no ordinary anti-aging treatment. With a powerful blend of high-potency actives, SkinAgain’s Youth crème has been proven to immediately and noticeably diminish the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone and loss of elasticity. Look to Youth as an effective ally in restoring your skin’s natural suppleness. Perfect for any sun damage incurred over the summer and perfect for protecting your skin from the dry, blustery fall weather that’s on the way in.

Retail Value $64

FROM THE LAB Rejuvenating Face Cream, Under Eye Treatment and Hydrating Lip Primer 

Indulge your skin with From the Lab’s luxurious hydration and clinically-proven results. Rich and luscious, Rejuvenating Face Cream No. 594 revolutionizes skin care, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots within weeks. Stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to reveal smoother, firmer skin with No. 594, then follow with our exclusive pair of primers to effortlessly enhance your natural beauty.  Illuminating Under Eye Treatment No. 628 and Hydrating Lip Primer No. 629 feature an ultra-hydrating blend of raspberry stem cells coupled with groundbreaking technology to deliver the next generation of “under makeup” skin prep.

Every woman deserves access to luxury beauty at an affordable price.  While comparable products are valued at $240 or more, From the Lab’s direct-to-consumer model delivers uncompromised quality and efficacy without the unnecessary costs, and all of From the Lab’s selections showcase clean ingredients that are cruelty-free, animal-free, and free of harmful irritants and additions.

Retail Value $59.85

BUFF HER HOUSE OF EXFOLIATION Oatmeal Blueberry Cookie Facial Scrub

Buff Her House of Exfoliation are the makers of unique exfoliating food facial scrubs, handcrafted from natural and organically grown fruits and vegetables. Their adorable (and radically important!) motto is “Feed Your Freakin’ Face”! Buff Her believes the exfoliating or buffing process should be gentle, cleansing and really fun. To ensure that your skin loves this product, every ingredient is easily recognizable and natural, with proven skin beautifying and exfoliating benefits. (Sorry, those drool-worthy cookies not included! But you can make some scrumptious oatmeal cookie nibbles while you exfoliate.)

Retail Value $35

PACT Windmil Geometric Print Fair Trade Organic Leggings

Windmill geometric print for Fall 2014 in PACT’s signature long legging flattering fit. PACT leggings maintain their shape all day long and are super soft and comfortable with a perfectly cut rise (just below the belly button), and a wide waistband that doesn’t roll.

These adorable Fair Trade leggings are 95% organic cotton / 5% elastane. No pesticides, no fertilizers, no bleaches, no sweatshops, no nasty stuff at all. PACT’s organic cotton is grown using inputs and methods that have a low impact on the environment. This is the highest quality, long staple cotton blended with elastane; resulting in a durable, pill resistant fabric with excellent stretch and recovery that washes well.

Machine washable. Fits true to size. So soft and comfortable, you won’t want to put your pants on. Sizes vary.

Retail Value $34

LOGONA Mascara Volume No. 2

LOGONA mascaras can give your lashes luscious, expressive volume or a subtle, more natural look. In addition to making you look your best, your lashes are nourished with a natural anti aging complex of organic cranberry, organic apple seed and organic brown algae extract. In addition, they contain a unique blend of precious gems such as amethyst, amber and rock crystal – LOGONA’s treasure chest of knowledge and experience for your perfect look.

Like all LOGONA products, the Mascaras meet the strict standards for NaTrue certified natural cosmetics. They are completely free from synthetic colors, fragrance or preservatives. They contain no petroleum based ingredients and are made with plant oils and extracts from organic cultivation. Of course, no LOGONA products are ever tested on animals and are PETA approved cruelty free. Colors black or brown.

Retail Value $22

I AM LIQUID SUPPLEMENTS: Energized, Focused, Happy, Sleepy and Skinny

Herbal, Vitamin & Super-Fruit Formulas for Personal Transformation

I AM Liquid Supplements were created to allow you to quickly transform your body and states of mind, while nourishing yourself on a cellular level. Inspired by the classical principles of Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine, I AM refined that time-tested wisdom with the most advanced breakthroughs in nutritional science. These unique formulas combine the finest quality vitamins and minerals with wild-crafted, nutrient-rich botanicals – carefully extracted through a proprietary full spectrum process.

Lightly flavored and naturally sweetened without sugar, each I AM Liquid Supplement offers a unique tea-like taste experience with only five calories per bottle. You’ll enjoy freedom from artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors and gluten* – and experience the nurturing power of positive, life-enhancing ingredients.

I AM LIQUID SUPPLEMENTS. Simple. Delightful. Designed for your busy life.

Retail Value: $3.99/bottle ($19.95 total value)

LIVING LIBATIONS Maiden Fern Blushing Balm

Maiden Fern Blushing Balm will make you blush – literally! Living Libations’ innovative blush naturally increases circulation to the cheeks and lips, delivering a playful, rosy hue where you need it most. Maiden Fern Blushing Balm is the blush that blushes you. Warming botanicals increase circulation, bringing vitality to lips and cheeks. This natural blush’s warm, rosy hue is gorgeous on any skin tone.

This tint has been enriched with extractions of juicy roots, replenishing seabuckthorn berries, and special essential oils. All Pure Organic and/or Wildcrafted Ingredients: Golden jojoba, seabuckthorn berry, happy beeswax, stone root, rose otto, neroli, lavender, immortelle, carrot, ginger, cinnamon, peppermint, cayenne, and turmeric essential oils.

Full-bodied lips, fresh blush, and a dewy disposition are yours thanks to Maiden Fern Blushing Balm.

Retail Value $20

THREADS 4 THOUGHT Vera Neck Long Sleeve Organic V-Neck Tee

The Vera V Neck is Threads 4 Thought’s basic long sleeve V neck tee. Made from super soft organic cotton and recycled polyester, it’s the perfect basic tee for cooler nights that’s both comfortable and flattering. Slim fitting, with a gorgeous neckline and hem that hits below the hip, this simple, elegant tee can be worn to yoga, over a pair of jeans, or with a print skirt for versatile anywear style. Threads 4 Thought applies Fair Trade practices to its supplier and worker relationships, cultivating ethical and fashionable style. Colors vary: white, black, empress and pacific. Size: medium.

Retail Value $15

Total Value for the Fair Trade and Fabulous Fall Box: $544.80

Sale Price: $129 + free shipping! That’s a 76 percent savings. Seriously! Order now. They will sell out.

SOLD OUT

Offer good anywhere in the continental U.S. International shipping is not available at this time. Buy, one, two, or three boxes! Please allow up to three weeks for delivery. All sales are final. Due to the nature of this exclusive one-time sale, we cannot accept any returns or exchanges. Any inquiries or concerns regarding purchased Goodie Boxes must be submitted via Customer Service within 30 days from date of purchase. 

Find Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

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The post The Fair Trade & Fabulous Fall Box is Here appeared first on EcoSalon.