Do You Struggle To Find Stylish Eco Friendly Shoes?

Whilst my wardrobe is becoming increasingly green as I often opt for second hand and vintage clothes over new and have managed to find a few ethical fashion labels with clothes that I love, shoes has always been a difficult area for me when it comes to converting to a completely green wardrobe. The reason being is that I just don't want to buy second hand shoes and there hasn't (in the past) been as much choice out there for eco shoes. I am not prepared to compromise on style as I feel really strongly that the shoes you choose to wear can make or break an outfit.

One place that I have been quite sucessful in finding eco friendly shoes that I really love is Spartoo. They have a great selection of eco friendly and ethical sandals, shoes and boots plus plenty of information on how the shoes are sustainable and what they are made from. What I also love about the eco brands that I have from Spartoo is that they are all amazingly comfortable aswell as looking good.

These Dream in Green sandals make a fun alternative to gladiators  for the summer. They are made completely from natural materials.

Greenfit makes beautiful shoes with a fifties influence, natural models and a wooden sole. Who says you can't get feminine stylish eco friendly shoes?

Think hand make make completely natural and ontrend shoes

I couldn't not mention Melissa, made from recyclable plastic with some fabulous designer collaborations including Vivienne Westwood. Keep your eyes peeled for the next collaboration reported to be Jason Wu.

I have a pair of Pikolinos shoes and can definitely vouch for the fact that they are super comfy and beautifully made. They are made using vegetable tanned leather which is a more eco friendly option than conventional leather. 

What do you think? would you buy eco friendly shoes?

With warmest wishes

Ceri X

That Beige Dress Again

Considering that I always say I am not a big fan of neutrals, this beige dress seems to be getting a lot of wear. This colour is just right for me, any lighter and I start to look pale and drained. I love the shape of this dress, it is so comfortable and doesn't even need ironing. I also love the many different ways that it can be accessorised.

Today I have accessorised with the Liberty scarf that I got at Vintage at Goodwood. I have also managed to get the red shoes that I have been wanting for ages. I needed a new pair of ultra comfy flats so I got these ones by Pikolinos in the sale. Pikolinos is a Spanish eco brand that uses artisan manufacture and combines 'style, comfort and respect for the environment'. They are definitely one of the best made and highest quality pair of shoes that I have ever owned and incredibly comfortable.

Do you have a piece of clothing that you end up wearing all the time?






Dress - By Sandwich at local boutique
Scarf - Vintage
Shoes - by Pikolinos at Spartoo
Cardigan - Matthew Willamson Collection at Debenhams


Have a great day

Ceri X

Ethical and Eco Friendly Shoes

I suffer from a constant internal conflict especially when it comes to shoes. My head says that I should by eco friendly shoes. As I write for some eco fashion brands, I definitely know the facts, the risks to human health and the environment caused by the tanning of leather shoes. My heart says, I want my shoes to look great and there just isn't enough choice for me if I only shop for eco friendly shoes.

However, the choice is definitely becoming less of a problem and within the green section at online shoe retailer Spartoo, I had no problem at all finding plenty of eco friendly shoes that I love. Spartoo has a whole section for 'green' shoes from a variety of different brands including Vialis whose moto is 'to show as much respect to the customers as the environment', El Naturalista who make eco friendly shoes that combine tradition and modernity and Pikolinos a Spanish brand that concentrates on 100% natural shoes and artisan manufacture. The leather in these shoes is tanned with vegetable tans and without chemicals, this makes them better for the workers and the environment.

One of the best things about these shoes for me is that they have a strong focus on comfort, so I can actually get beautiful shoes that are comfortable to walk in. I even managed to find some 'Demi Wedges' mentioned in this months Elle as the latest must have shoe. The perfect option to give a bit of extra height on the school run.

Even better, Spartoo have a great sale on at the moment.

Mallorca Ding by Pikolinos

Nayeri By Panama Jack

Julia Slouv by Think

Chelsea Rio by Vialis

Recyclus Bow Black El Naturalista

Pikolinos - Casablanca

Po-Zu Ethical and Eco Friendly Shoes

I am slowly converting to living a more sustainable life and trying to reduce the impact that my fashion and clothing habit has on the environment and the people involved in clothing manufacture. One area that I have not yet really considered properly until now is shoes.

I have only just discovered the huge ethical issues and environmental impacts associated with shoe manufacture. I have always insisted on wearing leather shoes almost exclusively assuming that they were the most natural choice and as a by product of the meat industry leather did not really have too much impact. But leather does have a huge impact on the environment, the people making it and the the people living in the vicinity. The process using very toxic chemicals and causes pollution and illness in those working and living near the tanneries.I never really considered wearing synthetic shoes but these are also bad for the as their manufacture is energy intensive and uses non renewable resources, also they are not easy to dispose of after their useful life is over.

One of the reasons that I have not paid too much attention to ethical and eco friendly shoes is that, I have never really found any that I have liked, until now that is. Po-Zu shoes have just launched a new online shop selling a great range of ecological and ethical shoes that have previously only been available through established Po-Zu stockists.

The shoes are handmade ethically in Portugal using sustainable materials like hemp and cork or vegetable tanned leather. The soles are made from natural latex with a really comfy coconut foot mattress to give your weary feet a break. You can really feel good about shopping for these as 3% of the money goes to your choice of either the Environmental Justice Foundation or World Land Trust and you can even recycle the box and use it as a seed tray.

The summer collection includes some delicate sandals or more chunky pumps in some great colours, perfect for everyday wear. My favourites are the quirky cork pumps (pictured above). I also love the red peep toe shoes (also pictured above).