green fashion

The good news is that I really don't need much in the way of new shoes this Autumn. But I have been feeling decidedly dowdy of late and I realized I don't really wear very sexy shoes (cool shoes, interesting shoes, comfortable shoes, arty shoes, fabulous shoes, yes, I have all of those, but sexy shoes? Not a ONE!). I thought I would share the results of my quest with you.

The Peacock, shown above, is available at Embodies.

These yellow pumps from Form and Fauna are very Mad Men, and like the buxom redhead on the show, totally droolworthy. All F&F shoes are vegan and have major eco-cred: "Upper is a biodegradable synthetic, heel is made from scrap alder wood, insole liner is open cell rubber." NICE!

Sexy and classy all tied up together. These are available at Ped.

Everyone who knows me knows I'm a little obsessed with Cydwoq shoes. Their women's boots and sandals are absolute knockouts (I've had a pair of sandals for about three years from this company, and they are wearing beautifully and they are my MOST comfortable sandals ever). All styles are made from vegetable-tanned and naturally dyed leather, handmade in Burbank, California, and these above are so hot! The men's shoes and boots are really fantastic too, and worth checking out.

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Detail from LaGrima, made with organic linen twill with cotton embroidery and natural pigments.

Last Sunday night, at the beginning of fashion week, I met a very hopeful version of the future. The hessnatur show was the epitome of the direction I think fashion is headed in: supernatural fabrics in beyond modern designs.

This perfectly curated set of inspirations is fundamentally futuristic, and not in a 1960's-Jetsons way, but a very real glimpse into what's coming. Iconic designer Miguel Adrover's collection was Bladerunner meets The Hobbits, or maybe Mad Max meets Pan's Labyrinth. It was insanely creative, gorgeous, textural, and monumentally fabulous.

Take note of organic fabrics that are sustainably sourced and the sculptural lines; a vision of the future that includes human beings living in real harmony with the Earth.

(For even more amazing images from this magical show, check out Starre's blog, Eco Chick.)

Philodendron; stitched merino wool lined with organic hand-dyed silk batik. I love that the leaves on this suit even have intimations of stomata (the normally microcsopic spaces through which plants breathe).

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The day we've been waiting for has arrived! It's officially Spring, and besides doing some spring cleaning, if you're like me, you are anticipating warmer breezes and sunny, if muddy days.

I'm so sick of all my winter layers upon layers, with their dark colors and oppressive knits (until next Fall, when I'll be all excited about them again). While I'm pulling my lighter clothes out of storage, I think I need to inject one or two new pieces into my spring wardrobe. Celebrate the new season with some new (or recycled) ecofashions that aren't hard on Mother Earth.

Ryann

Asymmetry makes sense in an uncertain, imperfect world; check out this one-shouldered organic cotton Grecian-inspired tunic from Ryann. And speaking of tunics, here's one with adorable gathered 3/4-length sleeves (and winter-belly hiding detail) on the front by Song, in a blend or organic cotton and linen.

Song

A long vest like this one made from a hemp and cotton blend by Tinctoria Designs can convert a casual sleeveless dress into something a bit more dressy come cooler evenings. Keep your core warm while still rocking a short skirt or shorts with the addition of a cozy vest, like this one of recycled cashmere by Deborah Lindquist.

Tinctoria Designs

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Depending on your outlook, this is either a great or frustrating year for shoes. On one hand, you have myriad options; whether you're into flats, chunky or spike heels, ankle boots, or thigh highs, they're all out there. On the other hand, it can be hard to know which shoes to wear, and you don't want to waste resources (or money) buying a pair of shoes that's going to go out of style by Spring.

Shoe manufacture is notoriously hard on Mother Nature: leather tanning and dyeing effluent pollute water resources, and shipping the uppers, lowers and finished shoes halfway around the world and back (to be put together by underpaid overseas workers) wastes energy. And all those trendy (and often toxic) clogs, sneakers, platforms and espadrilles eventually end up in landfills.

So make your shoe decisions wisely, both for your wardrobe, your wallet and the Earth.

Ankle Boots

Terra Plana

Ankle boots are really hot this season, and the Maple by Terra Plana is a cool little grandma-chic number, complete with recycled quilt panel. Terra Plana uses veggie-tanned leather company-wide. The Bronte is a sleek black leather bootie that looks like it dropped in from the future and will take you zooming into 2008 and beyond.

Rodarte

Rodarte's above-the-ankle boot is handmade in California from vegetable-tanned leather atop an earthy-looking, 3-inch wooden heel.

Heels

Charmone

Charmone's shoes are environmentally friendly (made from microfiber that doesn't contain air-polluting PVC) and animal-free. Warning! The cinnamon shoe will cause an extreme case of shoe lust among your friends.

Mink

Mink's shoes are for the high-fashionista in all of us. These sparkly numbers, playfully named the Bull, would be ideal for partying the holiday season away. All of Mink's shoes are vegan and are made from eco-friendly materials.

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