Step into Consciousness

© Flickr / Smath

Most savvy shoppers are ready to take the plunge into green fashion. But we sprinkle our wardrobe with select pieces – a cute recycled belt, an organic cotton dress, reusable grocery bags. But for whatever reason, most of us shy away from the more eco-conscious shoes. That's mostly because up until now, fashionable eco-options were few and far between. Not anymore. The following shoes are stylish, eco-fabulous and vegan, to boot.

Funky, Fun Heels and Flats by Vivienne Westwood

A take on Westwood’s hugely popular Lady Dragon Heart line of shoes, the line of vegan shoes are designed exclusively for Melissa by Vivienne Westwood. Most of the shoes in the collection are crafted in a gorgeous iridescent rubber with a corresponding heart cutout – very Carrie Bradshaw. Melissa shoes are made in Brazil, in a socially and environmentally responsible factory, where waste and water is recycled. Parts of the shoes themselves are recycled from old shoes, and are both recyclable and vegan. Our favorite are the Lady Dragon Jelly Slingbacks in Black and Tortoise Shell. 

Also great are the Ultragirl Jelly flats - very fun and feminine. Perfect for a midtown jaunt.

Terra Plana Has a Little Something for Everyone

Refusing to find itself stuck in the eco-friendly footwear stereotypes of hemp and straw, British shoe company Terra Plana has been putting its own unique stamp on eco-friendly style since 2001, with their quirky shoes made from environmentally sustainable materials like recycled rubber, vegetable tanned leathers, and recycled Pakistani quilts. There's a lot of variety here - the Ginger, Grace, Frenchie, Rizzo, and Sandy are also so different it's surprising they all came from the same line. Inspired by ecological survival, Terra Plana believes in a variety of non-generic products supporting ideas of sustainability, minimizing waste and toxin use, and maximizing product use and love.

TOMS with a Twist

The alternative kid’s dream, TOMS, are the classic canvas loafers that are changing lives with each pair of shoes sold. With their One for One Program, with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need. Their genius philosophy: “The TOMS One for One mission transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.” And if you are going to do good, go for the gold with this totally fab new slip-on decked out in glitter. Also new to the mix is TOMS' new Calipso wedge, which seems to be made just for us Miami girls.

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