Well, these shoes are genius.

Late night limp-to-the-car sessions could be a thing of the past.

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The post These Shoes are REALLY Adaptable [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Spring brings with it the perfect weather to wear ballet flats. Every girl needs a pair in her closet and while many are made from leather, these sweet styles prove vegan ballet flats are just as chic!

The trickiest part of shopping for vegan ballet flats is finding a pair that is not only faux leather but also comfortable. Many times, faux leather is used to be cost effective rather than animal-friendly, which means they’re not designed to last–or feel all that great on your feet! These styles, fortunately, are higher quality and therefore should keep your feet from aching.

Try one of these cruelty-free flats to perk up your spring style!

Vegan Ballet Flats

1. Olsenhaus B-Babylon-Lavender Ballet Flats

These faux suede ballet flats from Olsenhaus are the epitome of spring. In an unexpected shade, lavender, these shoes will put a pop of color into your outfit. Plus, Olsenhaus shoes are not only cruelty-free but also fair-trade and eco-friendly.

2. Tieks Silver Lake Vegan Ballet Flats

Tieks are an essential for on-the-go women everywhere due to their easy transportability. Each shoe rolls into a compact shape which makes them ideal for tucking away in a purse or gym bag. Tieks offers a few vegan selections like these gray flats which are made from synthetic materials without parabens or artificial dyes.

3. Noah Italian Vegan Shoes Catherine Flats

These ballet flats by Noah Italian Vegan Shoes are elegant and refined. Their ladylike style remains a classic suited for a wide range of occasions. The shoes are composed of a supple faux suede which has a luxurious look and feel. Unlike real suede, the microsuede Noah Italian Vegan Shoes uses is waterproof so you won’t need to treat the shoes with a protectant coat before wearing them.

4. Melissa Space Love + Jason Wu III

Who wouldn’t covet a shoe designed by Jason Wu go-to designer of the former First Lady, Michelle Obama? Wu collaborated with Melissa Shoes to create these pale pink ballet flats, which are romantic yet refined. Melissa Shoes are made from vegan-friendly PVC so any of its styles will keep your closet cruelty-free.

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The post These 4 Vegan Ballet Flats Will Put a Spring in Your Step 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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Image of woman with high heels via Shutterstock

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

Monochromatic looks are fun to wear — and great for the woman who has an obsession with a single color. Take a gander at the following looks to see how to pull off this simple, satisfying look.

1. Dark Green Mock-Neck Dress and Grass Green Heels

Full disclosure: This is my favorite outfit on this list because I’m gaga for green. This dress is simple and sleek — perfect for a day at the office that includes lots of meetings, aka running around. This dress is currently on sale for $89.95. Add a little light to this dark, mossy green dress by pairing it with a beautiful pair of grass green shoes. Priced at $418.

2. Medium Purple One Piece and Light Purple Heels

This purple jumpsuit looks like a great winter-to-spring transition piece. It still provides a bit of coverage for your limbs while giving your shoulders a little “peek-a-boo” action. Priced at $128. This suit’s subtly dark hue will look stunning with these light purple heels. Wear on Friday to go from the office to happy hour. Priced at $138.

3. Red Hues Bow Dress and Rose Pink Earrings

This entire outfit is filled with beautiful red and pink hues that will look lovely on date night. First off: This dress is to die for. It’s elegant, funky, and fun — perfect for donning come early spring. Priced at $338. Top the look off simply by adding this pair of delicate, rose gold earrings. Priced at $44.

4. Light Blue Tank and Dark Blue, Charcoal Pants

If you’re about to head out on a day with the girls, wear this. The outfit is comfortable, fashionable, and perfect for flitting around town. This muscle tank is equal parts flirty and fashionable, and is priced at $38. These sailor pants are roomy, but feature a fitted waist so you can accentuate your assets. Priced at $128.

5. Dark Beige Top with Light Beige Skirt

Trying to find something sexy to wear? Get this outfit now. The Sweet Tart Top, priced at $58 has an intriguing keyhole and low-cut front that will help you exude confidence. And this ruffled skirt looks equal parts sexy and sweet. Priced at $98.

*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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Image of woman via Shutterstock

The post 5 Monochromatic Looks for the Put Together Gal: Friday Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

If it weren’t for 3D printer technology, we’d pretty much still be living in the Dark Ages.

Your computer and smart phones are practically cavemen tools these days. Besides anything Elon Musk is behind, the real impressive technology du jour is, of course, anything made on a 3D printer. Especially if it happens to be shoes.

Enter Continuum Fashion’s Myth, a collection of high heels meets high-tech 3D printed shoes. Designer Mary Huang has called them ‘computational couture.’

“The collection contrasts overtly digital geometry with very organic, natural forms,” the company says on its website. “The tree-like designs are inspired by Bernini’s statue of Apollo and Daphne– the story of the nymph who turns into a laurel tree. These designs were created to exemplify the beauty of how objects are made on a 3d printer, where the object “grows” layer by layer.

The time lapse video of a Myth shoe being printed is pretty darn amazing.

While the kitsch factor of 3D printed fashion is quite impressive enough to stand on its own, the really great thing about these 3D printed shoes is the smaller carbon footprint. The shoes can be made with less environmentally intensive materials, such as a wood composite and the urethane soles on the shoes, which are also 3D printed. And, says the brand, “these designs are a virtually zero waste product. 3D printing will be the leapfrog technology in achieving sustainable manufacturing.”

We love a good leapfrog technology, particularly if it means fashion at your fingertips and not at the cost of fossil fuels.And  as everyone knows, no matter how strange and sic-fi the future may get, couture footwear will always be in style.

Find Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

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images via Continuum Fashion

The post Fire Up Your 3D Printer and Get Continuum Fashion’s Latest Printable Shoes   appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon caught up with fashion designer Tara St. James of Study NY on her latest socially conscious collaboration with prison women in Mexico, ethical fashion and what made in NYC really means.

Juliette Donatelli: Your newest work involves a collaboration with a women’s prison in Mexico. How are you working together and how did the partnership evolve?

Tara St. James: On a recent trip to Oaxaca I discovered a shoe line that I really loved called Taller Nu. I got along very well with the designers, they invited me to their workshop in Mexico City, so we decided to do a collaboration together. They work with a women’s prison group. They train them to do cross-stitch on leather, and they use that cross-stitch for their shoes. What I did was send them an image of one of the sweater knits that I am doing from Peru, and I asked them to reinterpret that knit pattern into a cross-stitch. So they did the interpretation themselves, I approved it and we designed the shoes and the bag together. That will be for late summer, fall delivery because of the lead time. I will be working directly with the designers and the collaboration co-op.

JD: The cross-stitch is done in Mexico. Are the shoes also made in Mexico?

TSJ: Yeah, everything is done in Mexico. They source the leather there, it is all domestic leather. They have it perforated so the cross-stitch can be done more easily. They bring just the panels to the prison and give them the instruction.

What is really kind of interesting that I love about it, is that if you look inside the panels each one has a different finishing on the inside. You can tell it is done by different women, and it’s just the way they interpret it. So on the outside they are all uniform, but on the inside they all have this signature.  I love that. And I love that you can see that.

And the only other thing I am importing are these alpaca knits from Peru. I have been working with this women-run co-op there for about a year now and this is the first development that we have done together.

And then the rest of the collection is made here in NYC.

The other thing that I am launching for this year, which will be early than fall, it will be a spring launch, is the open back shirt dress style that I always do. But instead of one piece, I am doing it as a piece that can be worn different ways, and convertible. So you can mix and match the fabric and remove certain panels or add on other panels.

JD: What about made in NYC? Is that a selling point for your brand?

TSJ: As far as wholesale buyers are concerned, I find the reaction not super encouraging. They are not all that inspired by it, although I think they like having the story to tell to their customers. Because I do see the reaction, you know when we had this space [Market 605] as a retail space, people coming in, whether they were tourists or New Yorkers, loved the fact that everything was made here. And so I think having that story associated with the brand, or even part of the brand, is important for the buyers, not for themselves necessarily, although some of them really care, but they like to communicate that to their customers.

I am not sure a lot of people are seeking it out yet, but they are definitely interested in it.

I have always felt the same way about the sustainability of the brand: I don’t think people really care about organic cotton, as long as it felt good and could be worn easily and washed easily and cared for easily. So it was really my responsibility to make it sustainable, but also my responsibility to make the design last long and be a quality good. And part of that is making it here in New York, I think the workmanship here is just good. I am lucky, I have a great factory that I work with and they do a really great job. I am not going to lie, I have had great factories in China too that do a really really great job but if I can get that quality and workmanship here then why shouldn’t I?

Want more interviews? See also:

Hannah Jones, Nike VP of Sustainable Business: Behind-The-Scenes Interview (Part 1)

Interview: Nike’s VP of Sustainable Business Hannah Jones (Part 2)

Interview: Author Kate Fletcher On New Fashion & Sustainability Book

Author Interview: Elizabeth Cline of Overdressed The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion

images: Study NY

The post Tara St. James of Study NY on Prison Collaborations, Being Made in NYC and the Beauty of a Simple Cross-Stitch appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnGet your mod podge ready ladies for these rad DIYs on how to revamp your old shoes and make them into modern cool shoes.

Extend any shoe’s lifetime and create your own style — with these foundational tutorials, the possibilities are endless. Dream, glitter and glue away.

1. Dolce Gabbana Embellished Shoe

Too much? Never. Have fun with this embellished shoe tutorial via love maegan.

2. Dipped Chanel Toe

Scuffed toes? Turn any shoe into a nod to mega-brand Chanel with these Dipped Chanel Toe via Stars for Streetlights.

3. DIY Maison Martin Margiela x Converse 

Just paint ’em white! If Maison Martin Margiela did it for Converse, why can’t you make your own cool shoes?! via Converse.

4. Doily Wedges

Ingredients: Mod Podge, Lace and Patience for these Doily Shoe (with great video tutorial) via Makezine.

5. Twinkle Toes

Click your heels together and transport them to a long lasting life of glitter and glam with Twinkle Toes via A Little Glass Box.

6. Comic Book Heels

POW! just took a whole new meaning with these Killer Comic Book Heels via iron spy.

7. Leopard Print

Lusting over a basic outfit with the perfect pair of cheetah shoes? DIY! Great video tutorial on how to get it just right via Maksimized and detailed description on how to draw realistic leopard spots via Mr. Kate.

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The post 7 DIY Ways To Turn Old Shoes into Cool Shoes (Again): On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

A handful of recent studies continue to find high levels of toxic materials in shoes. Here are the four major offenders to be aware of.

No ingredient labels come attached your new shoes, and yet, it is still as important for your health to understand what they are made with. Shoe manufacturing is a complicated process with many steps to assemble, and pieces that come together are often filled with toxic materials that pose serious health risks for workers and wearers alike.

A handful of recent studies, detailed below, continue to find high levels of chemicals in shoes. The series of toxins used in making shoes lends to the fact that Greenpeace’s Detox campaign to encourage brands to eliminate toxic chemicals from their products, is extremely timely. Eighteen major global brands have already committed to Detox, including Nike, Adidas, Puma, H&M, Zara, Levi’s, Uniqlo, and Victoria’s Secret. As a customer, you can show your support for the campaign by signing the Fashion Manifesto.

Below are four toxic ingredients to be aware of that are found in shoes.

Chromium

Chromium tanning is present in 80-85 percent of all globally tanned leather. Chromium, a naturally occurring metal and known carcinogen, is extremely toxic to workers and still can be present even for the wearer. The element is also soluble in water, entering waterways and commonly accumulating in fish.

Plasticiser Phthalates

A recent study by the Consumer Council tested 28 pairs of shoes, in which 15 were found to have higher than regulated traces of phthalates. Phthalates are used to soften plastics, and the chemical was found in shoes that were made with plastic. Although this substance is not easily absorbed by the body, off-gases can be inhaled and increase risk of asthma, and even cause hormonal unbalance.

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)

Added to rubber and plastic products during the manufacturing process, companies like GAP, Disney, Adidas, American Apparel and Burberry were found to have detectable levels of NPEs in their products. Although stable and unreactive, NPEs can accumulate in the body and work as a hormone disruptor.

Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF)

Banned in Europe in 2009, DMF is still found in leather shoes, as well as handbags, and other leather products. Used as an anti-molding agent in leather, DMF can cause skin burns and rashes when the substance comes in contact with body heat. A recent three-month study by the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries revealed 25 percent of the shoes tested were contained with the toxic chemical.

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image: Luz Adriana Villa A

The post 4 Toxic Materials You Probably Didn’t (Want to) Know Went Into Your Shoes appeared first on EcoSalon.

This week’s look is inspired by tumblr: As 2013 wraps up, they’ve tallied the top tags of the year, and for fashion, #grunge was a big hit. Here’s a favorite look packed with grunge texture for a bit of 90s nostalgia. 

1. Teal Wash Boxy Tee by Raquel Allegra

Just enough fade and just enough color, this boxy tee by Raquel Allegra is great for a cozy, grunge day. Raquel Allegra, now in her thirteenth season, is sold in stores around the world, but all her clothing is made in the USA. This garment is dyed with natural indigo, and free of chemical dyes.

Heist, $210 

2. High Rise Hewson Maria Leggings by J Brand

Did you know J Brand is made in the USA? And these leggings are no exception. Tight fitting and high waisted, they are a great grab for any look.

Avenue 32, $270

3. Horse and Calf Leather Hightops by James Kearns

Yes, please, these shoes are so cool! Each James Kearns shoe is handmade in London in small quantities and often made to order. We’d match these shoes with jeans and a loose fitting tee or even pair with a dress. Cool and comfortable, they are a perfect grounding to the grunge look.

James Kearns, please contact for price

4. Jasper Arrowhead Ring by Pamela Love

NYC-based jewelry artist Pamela Love has been committed to sustainable and local production since the inception of her line in 2006. Today all her pieces are produced in NYC’s Garment District, from design to final product. This arrowhead ring is set in sterling silver and each piece is naturally unique.

imogene + willie, $625

5. Larimar Pendant by Nallik

Simple yet bold, the raw feel of this Larimar pendant by Nallik can go with any outfit and mood. Handmade in Berlin, Nallik uses all raw precious and semi-precious stones, and the brand swears by their unique properties. The Larimar stone used in this piece is said to relax tempers, calm fears, and relieve stress.

A Boy Named Sue, $154

6. Leonard Tortoise by Illesteva

Handmade in Italy, these sunglasses will last you a lifetime. Illesteva has done collaborations with Lou Reed, House of Waris and Zac Posen, as well as been worn by some big-time celebs. A strong pair of sunglasses for a reasonable price, we love these Leonard Tortise frames.

Illesteva, $165

Want more On Trend? See Also:

Metallic Holiday Fashion Trend 2013: On Trend

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Images from the eco fashion brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli

Keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsiLK

The post Grunge Texture with an Ethical Twist: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

There is an undeniable beauty in simplicity. This week in On Trend, we highlight burgundy and basics by eco fashion brands — setting in motion a new foundation of standards within their areas of specialty—from shoes to jeans to nail polish. 

1. Wine Bi-Color Crew Neck Sweater by SVILU

This sweater is a perfect example of why NYC-based brand, SVILU is crazy about their eco-textiles and we’re crazy about their designs! Constructed from past season and deadstock fabric that was carefully rewoven into a new blend, the sweater is a new take on luxurious goods. The label recent won runner-up for the CFDA Lexus Eco Challenge for their work towards building a sustainable and beautiful line. Plus, all their clothes are made in the USA.

SVILU, $380

2. Union Rise Jeans by Raleigh Denim

There aren’t many fashion pieces that represent basic US style better than a pair blue jeans, and one domestic company earnestly designing is Raleigh Denim. Based in North Carolina, where the jeans are designed and manufactured, Raleigh’s Union Rise jeans are built as tough the tradition blue jeans were born out of. “Home to our team of non-automated jeansmiths, who craft denim the old school way + take great pride in making the best jeans in the country.”: Now that’s a brand motto I can get into.

Raleigh Workshop, $215

3. The Port of Call by Lizzie Fortunato

We absolutely adore this clutch! Its linear pop of colors are produced on hand looms, within a fair-trade production center in the heart of India. And although this is an small fortune of a buy, a true culture of craftsmanship and care is exemplified here. A carry-all for a day or night out, it’s a classic and versatile piece worth saving up for.

Lizze Fortunato, $495

4. Japanese Rose by Priti NYC Nail Polish 

Every now and then I love a deep nail color. But just by nail polishes’ smell, anyone can infer they are blended up with some seriously yucky toxins. Although this nail polish is still made with many ingredients I can’t pronounce (a nod to Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: They can apply to fashion right?) Priti NYC is made with the “Five Free Nail Enamel” blend, which leaves out the five most toxic nail polish ingredients. So if you are looking for an equally luxurious nail color but with an added eco-consciousness, you’ve met your match!

Priti NYC, $13.50

5. Violet by Coclico

Like all great eco-conscious fashion companies, Coclico’s shoe design are timeless, and yet under the surface lay conscious steps towards sustainability. Coclico uses vegetable tanned leathers, and the shoe’s heels are made with wood and cork. Their production facility is in Mallorca, Spain where workers are provided with living wages in the modern and safe production facility. Conscious creation can also be found in sourcing organic linens, and lead-free and nickel-free hardware for all their shoes.

 Coclico, $390

Want more On Trend? See Also:

 The Unbelievable Value of Upcycling Clothes 7 Ways: On Trend

On Trend: Dark and Tan – The Smartly Sexy Fall 2013 Color Trends

Covering Up With Ethical and Organic Leggings: On Trend 

Personality Pops With Patterned Pants: On Trend

Images from the eco fashion brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli

keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsiLK

The post Eco Fashion Brands Prove Beauty in Simplicity with Burgundy and Basics: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.