Step out in our pick of this spring season’s most stylish sustainable shoes.

We may still be in the midst of winter, but dreaming of a new pair of shoes perfect for warmer temperatures is guaranteed to put a little spring in your step. From black and white and a feminine approach to minimalism to punchy brights, radiant red and a playful new take on geometry – Spring 2013 fashion is loaded with feel-good features.

So shake off the winter gloom and take a look at our top 10 best shoes for spring that are vegan or otherwise sustainably made.

Image: Coclico

1. Coclico’s Oedo shoe is made from vegetable-tanned leather, ethically created by artisans in Spain. With a heel that is simple and modern and leather straps that reflect Spring’s 2013’s taste for impeccable, clean lines, the Parma Nude color is the perfect foil the season’s punchy primary colored trends.

Image: Net-A-Porter

2. Stella McCartney’s faux leather and mesh wedge espadrilles are a great way to incorporate the still-strong neon trend this spring. Wear them with a breezy cotton shirt and statement skirt.

Image: Elizabeth Katzman

3. With designers showing both midi and micro-mini lengths, the question is what to wear with Spring’s skirts? Elizabeth Katzman‘s cruelty-free Billy Faux Leather Brown Booties provide a great anchor to a feminine hemline.

Image: Convert 

4. Made from a synthetic leather basketweave material, Jeffrey Campbell’s vegan Everly Bootie is exclusive to Convert and adds an essential tough-looking but cruelty-free edge to every spring outfit.

Image: Melissa

5. The Melissa Jean + Jason Wu flat in red is sustainably crafted in Brazil from MELFLEX, a technologically-engineered injected thermoplastic, the cut out style mimic the geometric prints seen on the designer’s runways for Spring.

Image: ECCO

6. ECCO’s Owando Bow Ballerina in metallic silver is constructed for comfort with bow detailing that echoes the delicate lingerie tones of the season’s satin evening wear.

Image: Osborn

7. Osborn‘s handmade shoes are created by artisans in Guatemala from recycled and natural materials. The Soko Oxford features an exclusive print on linen fabric that dresses up even the most casual of outfits.

Image: Olsen Haus

8. Olsen Haus‘ Eternity bootie is a 100 percent vegan shoe that offers a primary pop of the color of the season, radiant red.

Image: Cri de Coeur

9. Cri de Coeur’s two-toned faux snakeskin and lush vegan leather Ditta Tassel Platform Bootie keeps 70’s luxe glamor alive.

Image: Beklina

10. A subtler take on the enduring sportswear trend, Rachel Comey’s contrasting leather slip on Corvus Sneaker features a short 1″ platform with metallic leather tongue.

Top image: Tumblr

The post Top 10 Sustainable Shoes for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

A list of the current, top sustainable shoe designers.

Beyond Skin, Brighton, U.K.: Ethical, organic, vegan and vegetarian. Made in Alicante, Spain.

Bourgeois Boheme, London, U.K.: Animal-friendly, vegan, ethically sourced faux leather and natural materials.

Calleen Cordero, Los Angeles, CA: Handmade by artisans, vegetable-tanned leather.

Cholesburys, England:Hand made in England, over 60% of components are recycled or up cycled, low Co2 production and new leather (the sandal insole) is vegetable tanned.

Coclico, New York, NY: Vegetable-tanned leather, ethically made by artisans in Spain.

Cri de Coeur, New York, NY: Vegan, recycled plastics, biodegradable low-VOC eco-PU, organic cotton, hemp, reclaimed wood, ethically made.

Earth Sandals, Waltham, MA: “The original wellness shoe.”

ECCO, Denmark: Innovative materials, devoted to sustainable manufacturing.

Elizabeth Katzman, Detroit, MI: Cruelty-free, vegan, member of 1% For the Planet, donated portion of sales to animal-rights organizations.

El Naturalista, Spain: Made by artisans, vegetable tanned leather, recycled and natural rubber outsoles, recycled insoles, manufactured following a strict Eco-Policy.

Form & Fauna, Mill Valley, CA: Biodegradable synthetic, organic cotton, hemp, vintage fabrics, scrap wood heels, water-based glues, handcrafted in the USA.

Kailia, Italy/United States: Vegetarian, cruelty-free, water-based glues, polyurethane soles, vegetable-dyed linings, organic linen/cotton, recycled materials, handmade in small European family owned factories.

Love is Mighty, New York, NY: Vegan, crafted by indigenous artisans.

Melissa, Brazil: Designer collaborations, natural, recyclable plastic, socially and environmentally responsible company.

Mohop, Chicago, Illinois: Made in the USA, sustainably sourced woods and components.

Naya, St. Louis: Vegetable-tanned leathers and linings, natural or recycled content fabrics, water-based cements, boxes made with 80% recycled paper pulp, soy-based inks and water-based glue.

Neuaura, Manhattan, NY: Made from quality and, whenever possible, sustainable materials. In addition, a portion of Neuaura’s production is made at a sustainable factory in Brazil and every year the brand donates 5% of their annual net proceeds to charities that preserve and protect the environment.

Nina Z, New York, NY: Uses wood grown according to EU standards so that every step taken supports forest regeneration, tanned hides harvested from European cows raised according to the strictest EU standards, rubber soles made from recycled rubber.

Novacas, New York: Animal-friendly, environmentally-friendly, and worker-friendly products, 100% PVC-free, ethically manufactured in Portugal at worker-friendly factories according to labor standards set forth by the European Union.

OAT Shoes, The Netherlands: Biodegradable, grows flowers, all-natural non-toxic materials.

Olsen Haus, New York, Miami: Vegan, recycled and natural materials.

Osborn, Brooklyn, New York: Each shoe is hand made and woven by artisans in Guatemala, recycled and natural materials.

Patagonia, Ventura, California: Vegan, recycled materials, bluesign Standard, Common Threads Initiative, Our Common Water Campaign

Rachel Comey, New York, NY: Ethically hand-made in Peru.

Swedish Hasbeens, Sweden: Made with sustainable materials like vegetable tanned chrome-free leathers, natural rubber soles and real cork.

Terraplana, New York, NY: Made from environmentally sustainable materials like recycled rubber, vegetable tanned leathers, and recycled fabrics, artisan techniques fused with modern technology.

Did we miss someone? Email amy@ecosalon.com with your tip!

ALSO CHECK OUT:
The Ultimate List of Conscious Fashion Designers (From A-Z)

The Ultimate List of Sustainable Handbag Designers (From A-Z)

Top Image: Calleen Cordero

The post The Ultimate List of Sustainable Shoe Designers (From A-Z) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Celebrate the first blush of spring by leaving dark winter clothes behind and opting for soft hues of pink.

At first blush, it seems like spring is here to stay. Before we bring out those summer whites, let’s go through a transition period where we leave those dark solids of winter behind and instead opt for different hues of pink. There is no right or wrong, every shade of pink is equally on trend this spring. Combine your pinks with other pinks or soft beige hues for that sweet spring look that we are all so craving right now.

Hewn Ring with Ruby by Dawes Design
Jennifer Dawes’ exquisite jewelry combines her love of ancient civilizations with current cultural influences to make pieces that are modern with a distinct heirloom quality. All pieces are handmade to order at Dawes’ studio in rural Sonoma County, California. Available in 18k yellow, white or rose gold.
$1,950.00, Green With Glamour

Cosí Nero Quasi Blue Short Jumpsuit
Part of eco-fashionista Livia Firth‘s selection for shopping site Yoox, this jumpsuit by Italian designer Federica Martin Wedard sneakily looks like just a pretty dress from the front. When seen from the back, you realize it, indeed, has legs. It’s made from 100% organic cotton bio-satin and decorated with hand-painted brush strokes.
$648, Yoox

Angle Tee by Indigenous Designs
This tee by Indigenous Designs is fairly made in Peru from 100% organic cotton jersey and dyed using low impact dyes. The delicious raspberry pink color makes it the perfect match for a pair of pale pink shorts (see below). The flattering V-detail in the front gives it a twist that is part super hero part vamp. We like.
$53, Indigenous Designs

Balance Heels by Olsen Haus
One thing you don’t want to do is finish off your blushy outfit with a black pair of heels, it’s way too harsh and takes away from the soft look we’re going for. Instead, opt for a pair of nude heels like these vegan beauties from Olsen Haus. The silver strap creates a nice contrast with the cork heel without demanding too much attention.
On sale for $90, Mission Savvy

The Short Short by IOU Project
A pair of pale pink shorts is definitely a must-have this summer. The IOU Project produces unique, handmade apparel based on fabrics handwoven in India. Each IOU garment has a QR code, which you can scan to find out more about the artisans who made these shorts – probably one of the few times when transparency is a good thing when it comes to shorts.
Approx. $87.50, IOU Project

Zoya Nail Polish in Jessika
Nail polish is without a doubt one of the biggest trends right now and it’s a really fun and easy way to pull an outfit together. Just make sure you reach for the non-toxic stuff, like this nail polish from Zoya. This hue is called Jessika and is a flattering girly pink nude that’s both professional and adorable.
$8, Zoya

The post On Trend: First Blush appeared first on EcoSalon.

Our top 10 vegan and sustainable shoes for getting your groove on this holiday season.

Are we mad? Torturing you with images of holiday party shoes just as you sit down for a Thanksgiving gorge-a-thon? Excuse us for our optimism, but we think picking out a pair of party pumps for this year’s holiday soirees might be the very best thing to cure your post-meal stupor. From color blocking to shimmering chevron stripes, leopard spot prints to richly hued velvet heels, you’ll be sustainably hitting every trend this year right under that mistletoe.

Here are our top 10 best party shoes that are vegan or otherwise sustainably made.

Stella McCartney High-Vamp Velvet Pump In Teal – A richly saturated teal velvet upper juxtaposed with a flashy golden sole will have you singing D.I.S.C.O. whereever you go this holiday season.

Melissa Shoes The Joy + Alexandre Herchcovitch – A product of the stellar collaboration between Melissa and Brazilian fashion designer Alexandre Herchovitch, these two-tone plastic oxfords with wingtip styling practically guarantees some late night Gene Kelly-esque toe tapping.

Jeffrey Campbell Martini Flat – For those serious booty shakers, a studded flat gives this fall’s trending slipper shape some serious edge.

Stella McCartney Acrylic Heel Color Block sandal – Forward thinking yet elegant, this Stella McCartney show stopper with translucent heel adds a blast of color to every LBD.

Olsen Haus Grace Shoe in Gold/Silver – The timeless zigzag pattern is a perfect match for a 60s style shift dress. The neutral tones in this shoe can be paired with an array of nightlife colors making this shoe a holiday essential for years to come.

Olsen Haus Angel Pump in Leopard/Red – Vegans rejoiced when this sexy shoe came on the market. The leopard print shoe is bang-on trend but yet so classic. The 4” heel is balanced with a hidden front platform to provide extra height and stability.

Beyond Skin Jolie – Silver glittery snakeskin give this black evening shoe just enough extra glitz amongst the sophisticated black base color. An ankle strap provides support and comfort to last on your feet all night long.

Melissa Shoes Electric in Gold – A remarkably comfortable heel that looks great with skinny jeans and party dresses infused with Melissa’s signature bubblegum scent so your tootsies will always smell great. Now that’s a party trick not many can pull off.

Beyond Skin Josie – A golden snakeskin sandal with a retro block heel looks great with tights or bare legs.

Coclico Coleridge Redbud – What could be more seasonal than deep plum suede shoe this year? With draping across the top of the foot and a zipper closure, these shoes also feature extra comfy padding.

The post Our Top 10 Best Eco Party Shoes appeared first on EcoSalon.

A truly iconic wallet is eye catching for all the right reasons.

After a decade of “It” bags have come and gone, a stylish wallet still catches your eye. Olsen Haus’ clutch wallet has a “Pure Vegan” label that deserves to be flashed as proudly as any other.

Functional with two main bill compartments and eight card compartments, it’s made from a buttery soft, high-quality leather alternative that’s cruelty-free. As any style setter knows, having the courage of your convictions is what truly iconic style is all about.

Price : $125.00

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

The post Lustables: Olsen Haus’ Chosen Wallet appeared first on EcoSalon.

Olsen Haus shoes are 100% vegan.

These Olsen Haus shoes are splattered with non-toxic paint in champagne, making for a unique pattern that turns out a shoe both edgy and sweet. Part of Olsen Haus’ shoe profits go to PETA, Farm Sanctuary, Greenpeace and the Theosophical Society to help promote animal rights and legislation.

$160

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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Dream. Compassion. Freedom. Instinct. Voice. These are the missions of Mission Savvy, an online eco boutique founded by green entrepreneur, fashionista and animal advocate Jennifer Miller. After years of heartache at the prevalence of animal abuse in our world, Miller put her savvy into action and founded Mission Savvy.

Featuring vegan, ethical fashions curated for stylish everyday wear, Mission Savvy donates 5% of all profits to causes that support animal conservation, health, emergency aid, and awareness. We are so pleased to offer a curated selection of designs this week, exclusively for EcoSalon readers.

Use the code “ecosalon” at checkout to receive 10% off in this very special collaboration. These are our select favorites, but the sale is happening sitewide so be sure to visit today!

Jenny Dress by Curator

The perfect warm weather LBD. The flirty A-line looks good on every figure. $110 before EcoSalon discount. $99 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Imago Jacket by Kelly Lane

A butterfly print blazer from Kelly’s “Butterfly Collection” we love. Sweetly retro and ultra-feminine. Enough tailoring for a smart fit, and enough ease for summer’s more casual style. $170 before EcoSalon discount. $153 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Balance by Olsen Haus

Vegan shoes never looked hotter. Sexy yet neutral to wear with everything all the way to fall. Doubly good because they’re made of recycled materials. $200 before EcoSalon discount. $180 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Romantic Pullover by Clary Sage Organics

Slouchy pull-me-close perfection. The Clary Sage sustainable line supports local California organic cotton farmers. $75 before EcoSalon discount. $67.50 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Abalone Dress by Feral Childe

Hello, girl! That’s Miller herself modeling this dress and the other selected items. From their Spring Collection, a journey through Roman seaside town Tarquinia, including this watercolor collage dress. $85 before EcoSalon discount. $76.50 using promotion code “ecosalon” at checkout.

Editor’s note: EcoSalon collaborations are always fresh – and exclusive for you. Visit weekly for new flash sales, deals and discounts from the best conscious brands.

The post A Curated Sale with Online Eco Boutique Mission Savvy appeared first on EcoSalon.

Haruku ballet flats (above) by Hetty Rose, made from vintage Kimono fabrics.

“Fashion is about two things: the evolution and the opposite,” was Karl Lagerfeld’s proclamation to press during a preview of his spring couture collection. I’m not sure he was referring to the flat and the wedge, but the Chanel model wearing pretty black ballet shoes with transparent ankle straps did appear a strike against a suddenly dated stiletto.

This season, it’s about choosing the thin edge or the wedge. The divergent shoe choice reflects an unusual unfolding between successive fashion era influences. The tunics and square-shouldered cuts are clearly inspired by the spare minimalism of the 1960’s, shown side-by-side with relaxed tailored ensembles informed by the free-flowing heyday of YSL in the 70’s.

From my recent experience of graceless clomping through Mumbai’s higgledy-piggledy streets, I can’t agree with Harper’s Bazaar’s assessment of the new platform as, “the hip, walkable flat wedge.” It is, however, the only option for anchoring the billowing looks of the 1970’s. Flowy is one thing, floppy, another.

I’m sticking with last summer’s wood wedges with tan leather straps and studs from Celine’s standout collection. They’re the perfect balance of polish and rustic, and justifiably informing many similar looks this season.

Coclico’s Morphos Wolf Wedge (above) in soft grey suede.

For those of us not blessed with a high instep that naturally makes wearing high-heeled shoes comfortable, the return of flat shoes in the form of ballet flats and oxfords is welcome news. The lack of height and weight of the shoes requires a tapered leg and streamlined silhouette. While a nude oxford updates black skinny jeans nicely, the tight silhouette of the ballet flat provides a risk-free point of accent for injection of this season’s trend for neon hues. Bright yellow, orange and red are key colors for shoes and bags this season.

Vegetable tanned leather megumi ochi style 1984 taupe oxford (above).

The ingenious use of stripes, novelty prints and color blocking as seen at Louis Vuitton, Jil Sander and most arrestingly, Prada, are influencing accessories designers too. If you, like me, are irrationally tempted by the trend for pink jeans as soon as the weather thaws, a bright red ballet shoe would amp up the look.

Recycled Babylon Flat (above) in red, by Olsen Haus.

The post Shoes for Spring: The Edge vs The Wedge appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ever thought of yourself in a jumpsuit?

Probably one of the most versatile pieces you could ever have in your wardrobe, the jumpsuit has been worn by aviators, Nascar drivers and almost as many edgy fashionistas as toned Olympic swimmers. However, the trick with wearing it is to make it look current (and hopefully not Nascar).

For this week’s Stylish Steal I found this one at Beklina that is perfect in all its silken glory. The Raasta Palua silk Jumpsuit is fully lined, has side pockets, a wide and comfortable elastic band along the top neckline and my favorite, a silk patched removable and fully adjustable neon pink, lime and navy tie belt. On sale at Beklina for $90.

You could wear lots of different shoes with your Raasta Palua jumpsuit including strappy, metallic heels, but these chunky heels from Olsen Haus are great too, and give you a little lift to lengthen the look. On sale at Endless for $110.52.

To make the look a little sweeter, try these Olsen Haus metallic flats on for size. On sale at Endless for $77.52.

Though not on sale, I love these Sun Earrings from Mociun to wear with this outfit (try hard to disregard the berry stained fingers holding them). Priced at $260.

Depending on where you live, you might be needing something to wear over your shoulders. I suggest grabbing your favorite cropped, maybe sheer, navy cardigan or blazer. Not to stay so matchy matchy would be to play with the brown in the heels, or the pink or green in the belt.

Fashion is all about what you make of it, so have fun!

The post Stylish Steals: The Versatility of a Jumpsuit appeared first on EcoSalon.

New York Fashion Week is one of the major fashion events of the year, and the city hasn’t disappointed thanks to fabulous venues (like the new NYFW host, Lincoln Center) as well as beautiful and stylish people jetting from show to show. Outside Catherine Malandrino, I was street shooting alongside the likes of Bill Cunningham (fashion columnist for the New York Times). One trend that came up again and again is the working girl layered look of blouses tucked into skirts, balanced by big bags and grounding booties.

So, how does an eco-fashionista get this trend setting look? Check off the pieces from our list below and build your own look!

– Blouse: Josh Podoll. This blouse is a classic with designer details at the sleeve to set it apart!

– Skirt: Bibico. Tiered layers add interest and a feminine touch.

– Jacket: Feral Childe. Print on print is still a hot trend to try. Create contrast with a print jacket and bottom.

– Open-toed Booties: Olsen Haus. Vegan booties with a stacked wooden heel- one word, divine!

– Bag: Matt & Nat. Neutral colors are key for fall with a practical air in size as well.

Finish off the look with hair tied in a messy ballerina bun on top of the head and a swipe of bright pink lipstick!

The post Trends from NYFW 2010: Skirts, Jackets and Booties appeared first on EcoSalon.