Isabel Marant’s trending hidden wedge sneakers add a new twist to the most American of footwear styles.

 “All the other kids with the pumped up kicks, you better run, better run, outrun my gun.” If “Pumped Up Kicks” became that song perpetually stuck in your head last year, prepare yourself. Because the about-to hit-the-masses-in-a-big-way sneaker wedge is sure to be accompanied by a glut of fashion stories invoking the lyrics of the Foster the People’s hit.

Adding some leg-lengthening glamor to a high top sneaker was the genius idea of designer Isabel Marant, who debuted her Bekket and Willow models last year. Before long celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Dakota Fanning and model Miranda Kerr were wearing them, and Beyoncé even wore a pair in her Love on Top video. Starting at a whopping $760, the styles are already sold out. Retailers were hot on the trail quickly creating replicas of the shoes.

In the 1950’s, James Dean – seen here in Jack Purcell sneakers – the Rebel Without a Cause star inspired rebellious teenagers to wear the sports shoe with their jeans rolled up as street wear.

Fashion’s talent to keep a basic style perpetually trending has never enjoyed more success than in the field of sneakers. When you consider that the original rubber soled “plimsols” was first conceptualized as early as the 18^th century and we’re still begging for the latest style 200 years later, it’s testament to their inherent appeal – and the endorsement campaigns they’re famous for.

Baby’s out of the corner and discovered Ked’s were perfect for Dirty Dancing in.

Known as sneakers because they were so quiet, a person wearing them could “sneak up” on you, the first mass-made brand was Keds made by the U.S. Rubber Company in 1917. By 1923, an Indiana hoops star named Chuck Taylor endorsed some basketball shoes, and the Chuck Taylor All-Stars went on to become the most famous athletic shoe in history and set a precedent for high profile celebrity promotions.

Grunge King, Kurt Cobain
 wore his in concert in the 1990’s.

Following in Chuck Taylor’s footsteps, Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan I’s hit the shelves in 1985. Despite being fined every time he wore them while playing with the NBA (only white shoes were allowed on court) the shoes are widely considered the most famous sneaker ever made. Nine years after Jordan’s retirement, the Air Jordan’s remain Nike’s top selling signature basketball shoe.

President Obama clearly happy about Spike Lee’s gift of a custom pair of Air Jordan Spizikes that were made bearing the presidential seal.

Want to catch up on some more fashion history?

Now & Then: The History of the Statement Outfit.

Now & Then: The History of Flared Pants

Now & Then: The History of the Ballet Flat

Now & Then: The History of the Breton Shirt

Now & Then: The History of the Platform Shoe

Now & Then: The History of the Pencil Skirt

Now & Then: The History of Skinny Jeans

Read more Now & Then articles here.

The post Now & Then: The History Of the Sneaker appeared first on EcoSalon.

Next time you and your friends want to get away, go on an eco-friendly adventure.

Oh, the girls trip. If you and your friends are thinking about skipping town, avoid the all-inclusive resort trips, pretend Vegas doesn’t exist and steer clear of cruises. Instead, set off on a true adventure at one of these eco-friendly destinations. Because girl getaways on cruises are so 1988.

SeaHorse Eco Safaris

(Above) Attention equestrians: South Africa is calling. SeaHorse Eco Safaris offers adventurous, educational horseback experiences in Vleesbaai, a breathtakingly lovely coastal town. Spend three, five or seven days on a riding/yoga adventure. A lifelong horse lover, the owner and guide, Cornelia, focuses on providing the best experience for both riders and animals. On horseback, you’ll explore Renosterveld landscapes, the coast and the dunes learning ecological facts along the way. Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, tortoises, porcupines and more.

What to know: Groups are limited to four, $98 – $120(varies based on season) per person, per night. Includes beach house accommodations, riding, yoga and food.

Bison Quest

The name alone makes me want to book a trip to Bison Quest in Townsend, Montana. The ranch and camp are primarily wind and solar-powered, the veggies are organic and while the main dish for many will actually be bison, vegetarian meals are available. Learn from wildlife biologists, participate in wildlife studies, interact with the herd, visit Yellowstone, hike, canoe, go white water rafting and more. And, never fear, you and your pals can get your spa fix with botanical facials and a visit to a traditional Native American sweat lodge. Check out the Modern Homesteading Package if you’d like to learn to garden, add solar panels to your home, keep chickens and more.

What to know: All-inclusive, most three-night trips are about $2,000/person, but packages vary. A percentage of your deposit will be donated to students at Fort Belknap Community College on the Fort Belknap Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Reservation.

Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge

Nothing says girls’ getaway like a yoga retreat. Grab your mat and head to Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge, Costa Rica. Wake up to a healthy breakfast then head outside for a 90-minute yoga class. Spend your afternoons hiking, surfing, kayaking or touring the gardens to learn about tropical fruits, spices and herb. Wind down with a restorative evening class. Ojo del Mar is situated between beaches and the tropical rainforest on the Osa Peninsula, home to more than 350 species of birds, 115 species of reptiles, 750 species of trees and 10,000 species of insects. Be sure to take time out to explore the 100,000 acre Corcovado National Park.

What to know: Shared accommodations, $1250-$1400 buys you six nights, three meals a day, two cooking classes, two yoga classes a day and taxi transfers. No TVs, phones or air-conditioning.

Tundra Buggy Adventure

Party with polar bears on a Tundra Buggy Adventure in Churchill, Manitoba. Adventurous groups can book a stay at the mobile Tundra Buggy Lodge while those who like their travel a little less rustic should check out the Churchill Town and Tundra Experience – home base will be a hotel in town and you’ll head out in buggies to bear-spot. The organization is committed to preserving the environment and well-connected to local conservation groups. All of the trails you’ll travel were naturally-formed. Parent company Frontiers North also supports and contributes to researching ecosystems to ensure its tours don’t negatively impact the environment or the animals.

What to know: These trips are pricey—about $5,000 CAD – and you’ll want to pack warm clothes.

Mountain Lake Conservancy and Hotel

If you’re like me, Dirty Dancing was your first lesson in sexy (hello, Solomon Burke!), your first introduction to abortion and the first time you realized traveling without parents would be awesome. In Pembroke, Virginia, you and your friends can experience a Dirty Dancing weekend at the eco-friendly Mountain Lake Conservancy and Hotel where the movie was filmed. Join Conservancy naturalists to learn about the cycles and history of the lake, flora and fauna and Appalachian culture. Hike to breathtaking views of Bald Knob, Bear Cliffs, and the Old Golf Course. Make all the “Nobody puts Baby in the corner” jokes you want, you’re in a safe place.

What to know: Fly into Roanoke; rooms start at $230/night.

Get ready for your trip with these eco-friendly travel tips and 10 songs to inspire travel.

Photos: SeaHorse Safaris, Bison Quest,  Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge, Tundra Buggy Adventures, Mountain Lake Hotel

The post 5 Eco-Vacations for Women Tired of Cliche Cruises Together appeared first on EcoSalon.