The sun is shining, the snow is melting (hopefully), and like the flowers in bloom, it’s nearly time for pent up toes to emerge from those cute, but totally stifling, boots you’ve been wearing all winter. Fortunately, we’ve got the lowdown on the latest shoe trends for spring and summer. From lace-up stilettos and flats, to chunky-heeled platforms and pumps, there are lots of delicious, swoon-worthy shoes that you’ll be dying to get your hands on, erm, feet in. Plus, our selections are not only hot to trot, but every sandal on this list is also vegan.   

Lace-Up Sandals

Strappy, stringy shoes are still having a moment in the realm of footwear fashion. Kinda like bondage for your feet, these trendy shoes are great for making a statement and for elevating an ordinary outfit in a snap–plus they’re super sexy.

Spring and summer are definitely the times to partake in trendy looks like these since you’ll be wearing more leg-baring bottoms like skirts, shorts, and rompers. Don’t be afraid to have fun, either. Whether they’re ruffled, buckled, or topped with a bow, there’s a style out there for everyone.

1. Sun Kiss Lace-Up Flat Sandals

2. Jemi Lace-Up Polka Dot Wedges

3. Arielle Tan Lace-Up Sandals

Flatform Sandals

Rather than the inclined platform of yore, this year is seeing an insurgence of the flatform. “Flat” because of the plateaued base, and “form” because it still has height like a platform shoe, these are the ultimate inch-lending comfort sandals for spring and summer.

Perfect for pairing with cropped pants and dresses, these will make your legs look like they go on for miles. These come in sporty and dressy styles, some of which are casual enough to wear with your athleisure looks, while others are perfect for a night out.

4. Quarter Strap Purple Platform Sandal

5. Tuxedo Sandals in Pewter

Kitten Heel Sandals

With a small one to two inch heel, this trendy shoe is designed for comfort, as well as style, and is meant to be a staple in your closet now and forever. The ladylike look was spotted traipsing down the catwalks during the SS 2017 fashion shows and we’re definitely not complaining.

Great for work or play, this traditionally thin, slightly curved heel is sometimes designed to be chunky, bulbous, architectural, and more unusual than ever. Wear them with your power suit or your favorite spring dress.

6. Arden Wohl x CDC Vienna Sandal

7. Janessa Stone T-Strap Heels

Block Heel Sandals

Whether solidly stacked, or look-at-me lucite, the chunky heel is a welcome departure from the slender, and sometimes difficult to wear, stiletto shoe. Regardless if they’re cylindrical or square, these heels are a trendy and arguably more comfortable way to rock your shoes this spring.

What’s great is that chunky heels basically go with everything and are appropriate for a variety of settings. We would especially like to see them paired with a full-length jumpsuit or rolled up boyfriend jeans and a knotted tee, but the pairing possibilities are truly endless. From work to weekend, chunky heels are a classic and sophisticated take on footwear.

8. Eloise Gold High Heel Sandals

9. Arden Wohl x CDC Marceline Sandal

Embellished Sandals

From floral prints and ruffles, to metal studs and buckles, embellished shoes are trending for spring. When it comes to purchasing these, it’s important to think of them as a statement-making investment because they’re not likely to be the type that you can wear with everything. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t match your outfits to your shoes.

Whether you opt for a clear flatform filled with your favorite childhood figurines, or a sophisticated and ladylike floral print, there’s a trendy look that’s sure to mesh with your personal style. This is definitely the time to have fun with your coordinating fashion choices, and it’s totally encouraged to get all theme-y with your looks if that’s where your heart is at.

10. Accalia Whiskey Brown Pom Pom Sandals

11. Emerson Studded Platform Sandal

Now that you’ve got the scoop on trendy sandals that are also vegan, head over to the EcoSalon Facebook page to tell us which ones are your favorites!

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Summer has arrived. I am currently in a state that normally doesn’t hit 90 degrees until July or August, and guess what? It reached 98 degrees today. On days like this it’s important to dress cool. So, I’ve rounded up 5 summer pieces that will help keep your body cool and looking good when it gets too damn hot outside.

1. Mini dress

The mini dress is the classic summer go-to item for good reason. It shows a lot of skin and because of this classic’s wonderful, airy quality, it allows you to cool down easily. This mini dress is a light color, which is always desirable on hot, sunny days. It also features an attractive v-neck, criss-cross sides, and a partial-open back. It’s lined, too, so you don’t have to worry about wearing a slip underneath the frock. Priced at $108.

2. Beach set

It’s pretty nice that “fashion sets” have come back into style this past year. Their resurgence makes mixing and matching a breeze. This particular piece is perfect for a day spent outside. The outfit is light in color, and the shirt and shorts feature a loose quality that shows off curves without constricting your skin—important when sweat “just happens.” In addition to being loose, this set also features a scalloped trim and crochet throughout. Priced at $168.

3. Nighttime set

While this set looks just as comfortable as the above one, it is slightly sexier. And because this piece is black, it may be best to wear it after-hours once the sun has retreated. While this outfit shows a lot of skin—it features a criss-crossed pattern on the shirt’s back and around the short’s waist—each piece of this set doesn’t fit too tightly. Priced at $168.

4. Casual dress

Sometimes all you want to do on a hot day is veg-out on the couch. If you’d rather wear clothes while lounging—and we wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t wear clothes at all—this loose, un-fitted day dress will do the trick. In addition to this dress’ fit, it also features a cute, criss-cross back and a light blue hue. Priced as $78.

5. Open sandals

And let’s not forget how important it is to keep your feet free and cool in the summer. Because if your toes are covered, you feel the heat a lot more. That’s why we love these very open sandals. They feature two light ties—one lace, the other cotton—so you can switch them out to match your outfit. Priced at $118.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post 5 Summer Pieces to Wear When it’s Too Darn Hot: Friday Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

Love how heels lengthen your legs? Dress up your look? Give you calf muscles you didn’t know you had? Maybe. But wearing heels could be detrimental to your health.

If you think you’ll be the only gal in town sporting flats, think again. Victoria Beckham announced she will be hanging up her heels.

Yep, the former Spice Girl and fashion guru has declared she can no longer “do heels”, and will opt for flat shoes more often. Don’t believe it? Check out the footwear she chose for her NYFW show in February.

Sure, white sneakers are hot for spring. But VB in them at the Fall shows means this is serious.

So, are high heels really all that bad? A recent study shows that, over time, wearing heels can negatively affect muscles in the legs. Because the ankle is bent forward, calf muscles shorten in the back of the leg and lengthen in the front of the leg, which could weaken the muscles.

As we can see, sore feet aren’t the only detriment of wearing heels. Other possible problems? Knee and back pain, and spider veins.

Those die-hard high heel wearers can strengthen foot and leg muscles with exercises recommended in the study above. If you’d like to kick your stilettos to the back of the closet, here are some flat but still stylish options.

Sneakers are cuter than ever right now. ModCloth has a wide, and super cute, selection. And yes, you can wear tennis shoes with skirts.

It’s almost time for sandals. Yay! Take a look at these stunners by Aldo. Perfect with shorts, skirts, dresses, or pants.

A great gladiator screams summer music festivals. Grab this vegan pair at Free People.

Espadrilles are a summer classic. Try them in white or black vegan leather by Soludos.

No need to kill your feet or back for fashion. If Victoria Beckham is ditching her heels, so can we.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post What Wearing Heels Really Does to Your Body (and Flat Options You’ll Love!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

You can’t dress up all summer long. After all, summer is the unofficial lounge season. So, this week, we’ve rounded up some casual summer wear you can rock at a picnic, boat, or amusement park.

1. Twiggy Round Sunglass

These sunnies come from Free People and are a really great buy at $18. They come in a plethora of colors, but I’m a fan of the light blue. Sunglasses should always be a part of your summer casual wear (or summer formal wear for that matter) because your eyes deserve protection. Also: No one ever looked good while squinting on a summer day.

2. Vintage T-Shirt

I love a good vintage t-shirt from the 1970s. And this shirt is pretty darn perfect. It’s got a slogan, it’s worn — it’s pretty much perfect. While the price is a little high ($40), it sure will look cute tucked into, or tied back above, a pair of comfy, high-waisted shorts. From the Etsy shop highwayrobbery.

3. Mimi Chica Shorts

These shorts, which come from ThredUp, look comfy, are brightly colored, and feature a flexible waistband. That means you can run along the beach, sit down in the park, or play a game of kickball without having to change. Also: If something terrible happens (like if you spill a drink on yourself), they’re only $5.49.

4. Steve Madden Wristlet

When you’re going from summer activity to summer activity, you’re going to want to make certain that your summer essentials (lipstick, sunblock, cash, and driver’s license) are safely stowed away. And you may as well store them in a cute package. Enter this wristlet. Priced at $24.99 from ThredUp.

5. Candela Sandals

I typically hate sandals, but I really dig this pair. Everything about them is cute: the color, pattern, and the fact that they are backless. Also: they are priced at $29.99. Rarely does something so cute come at such a low price. Listed on ThredUp.

Connect with Abbie on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Hampton Toe Post Sandals from Orthaheel, recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil, are more than just foot cover, they’re true support for serious foot health. Find out for yourself if you’re one of 3 lucky EcoSalon readers to win a pair!

Five months into my pregnancy, my feet and ankles swelled to the size of rabbits. I had been traveling and it was hot and humid. Swollen ankles and feet are just par for the course in most pregnancies, too, my midwife told me.

The swelling abated after a few days and I was back to my daily 5-mile hike. But even though the swelling had subsided, I was now experiencing a whole lot of foot pain I hadn’t felt before. It was as if all that swelling had wreaked some havoc on my poor, expanding feet. Walking barefoot was almost unbearable.

Luckily, I had a pair of Hampton Toe Post Sandals, recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil, that the company had sent me to try (I did not pay for the product and my opinions on the shoes are 100 percent my own). I’ve been a flip-flop lover for years, ever since I decided that most shoes were more akin to toe prisons than they were any meaningful indicator of style. I’d worn down several pairs of Havaiana’s over the years, quite content with their performance. But when I slipped my feet into the Hampton Toe Post Sandals, it was a totally different experience.

For one, they are much more form-fitted to the shape of my foot. Most flip-flops are totally flat. I have really high arches and they need support. Second, the soles are really buoyant and cushiony. It feels a little bit like walking on air. The recessed heel promotes a more natural step, which feels really right, especially now that my center of gravity is off due to my ever-expanding belly. I also love the quality of the toe straps. Most flops are made of a strip of plastic that can irritate the skin. The Hampton Toe Post Sandal is soft canvas and less prone to breaking off from the base (which is how I’ve lost many flip flops. RIP). These are flip flop sandals I’m not afraid to wear out of the house, either. They’re substantial in their support whereas other flip flops only felt appropriate in the house or at the beach. These are my go-to sandals for the summer.

It’s really no surprise the sandals are so comfy. Designed by leading Australian podiatrist, Phillip Vasyli, and recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil, the biomechanical orthotic footbed of the Hampton Toe Post Sandal supports feet and helps realign the lower legs, reducing over-pronation and associated aches and pains. And at just $66.99, you’re not only getting a great pair of sandals for the summer, you’re getting incredible support that feels fantastic.

Want to win a pair? All you have to do is sign up for the EcoSalon newsletter! We’ll select 3 winners at random to win a pair. [Note: the sandals are available in whole sizes. If you are between sizes, it’s recommended to order down to the next smallest whole size (i.e. someone who wears a size 8.5 should order an 8).]

Enter here by June 30^th for your chance to win!

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

The post Giveaway! Win a Pair of Hampton Toe Post Sandals from Orthaheel Recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil appeared first on EcoSalon.

Nine sizzling (sustainable) summer sandals to add to your warm weather wardrobe. Comfortable footwear that is anything but boring.

Sandals say summer more than any other shoe. A great pair of flat ones are a must-have in anyone’s warm weather wardrobe. This season, there’s a huge variety of sandals to choose from – metallic, nude, bright color, strappy, simple, feminine, masculine, patterned – you name it. They are all extremely comfortable and made in ways that make you tread lighter on the earth.

1. Rachel Comey Santos Slip-ins
These simple open toe slide sandals are perfect for a more simple, masculine outfit. Pair with skinny denim, simple ankle-length pants and a blazer for summer soirees with a more downtown vibe. Sustainably made in Peru from black perforated leather with caramel leather detail. Kiltie on upper strap with a wide stitched leather welt.
$391, Rachel Comey

2. ECCO Hill Move
ECCO has always been known to make durable shoes that are good for your feet. They used to not look so good, but that’s all changed now. These have an almost gold sheen to them and the sporty details are the perfect way to incorporate that trend into your summer wardrobe. Did I mention they are super comfy?
Approx. $120, ECCO

3. Neuaura Mansi Sandals
These casual yet elegant sandals by Neuaura are made with eco-friendly faux nubuck and washed canvas. The combination is a great contrast and the canvas almost looks like an animal print (trend alert!). Perfect to pair with those summer yellows. Made in an ethical factory in China.
$85, Neuaura

4. Coclico Rori Bunny Sandals
These are the perfect complement to those nude and white summer looks. Soft beige suede wraps around the ankle with a concealed velcro strap in this fresh, casual take on the gladiator sandal. Like all Coclico shoes, they are crafted with care with minimal environmental impact.
$259, Coclico

5. Madison Turquoise Faux Suede Sandals
This cute flat sandals from Beyond Skin – the British purveyor of vegan footwear – is new for summer and comes in an array of wearable shades. This one in mint green is our favorite. Featuring a slingback, peep toe, and padded insoles for extra comfort, they are handmade in Spain.
Approx. $137, Beyond Skin

6. Olsen Haus St.Croix
These elegant tie-around sandals are 100% vegan – made from microfiber suede and faux leather. This pretty combination of white and nude is totally right for summer, but these also come in black, if that’s more your thing. Pair with flowy summer dresses, florals or all-white.
$165, Olsen Haus

7. Rachel Comey Kiefer Sandals
Tie dye is a big trend for summer. These open toe sandals by Rachel Comey feature a bleached denim upper as well as mud leather straps and cotton laces. Pair with head-to-toe tie dye or let these be the accent of an otherwise simple outfit. Sustainably made in Peru.
$356, Rachel Comey

8. El Naturalista Sassi Sandals
Footwear by Spanish label El Naturalista is always made as natural as possible, and the company aims to bring attention to preservation and support to the environment on a global level. These stylish sandals feature a great crisscross pattern on the premium leather upper. The natural rubber outsoles are comfortable, durable and biodegrade much faster than synthetic materials.
$145, Zappos

9. Form & Fauna Garzon Flat
These beautiful bohemian criss-cross sandals by ethical shoe label Form & Fauna hit on two of summer’s trends – bright pink and animal print. Pair them with other brights for a color blocking look or use them to spice up a natural, nude look. Italian synthetic upper in pink faux reptile, patent burgundy, and crème.
Contact for price, Form & Fauna

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Sweet sun-filled days and warm weather evenings prompt a resurgence of stylish flat sandals that easily transition from day to night and let you roam the streets freely. Fashionable flats are always en vogue for summer.

The gladiator trend stuck around for another season and offers some daring variations – like the mid-shin version from Cri de Coeur. Balance a street chic look with a pair of Baltic flats from Olsen Haus, or keep things simple with a faux reptile skinny sandal from Sam & Libby.

Summer dresses, rompers, jeans and a tee – no matter your outfit a pair of stylish flats keep you cool and comfortable. A tad more dressy than a pair of flip flops, these flats keep you looking put together whether you’re at the pool, passing through an airport or Saturday brunching with your besties.

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