Fashion, Evolved

1.  Kimono Throw by Braintree – $52

This fabulous throw is made of an organic cotton and hemp blend fabric.  Available in grey or burgendy, it is the perfect item for light fall layering.

2.  Flower Power Pouch by Refind Originals – $62

Dark brown recycled leather clutch with creamy colored leather flower measures 6″x9″. Just big enough when you don’t want to carry the kitchen sink. Cute enough for a night out. A little bit of rustic mixed with a little bit of feminine! All handmade from recycled materials.

3.  Mumbai by Terra Plana – $120

Styled after the traditional Indian khussa, this sassy flat can be paired with pants or skirts for an easy, casual boho look.  Vegetable tanned leathers, recycled memory foam and a natural latex driving sole all add to the comfort and sustainability of this simple shoe.  Also available in black and white.

4.  Beachcomber Earrings by Alex and Ani – $68

Dangle earrings with cutout wood disc detail. 2.5″ long including French hook. Ear wire is gold-plated recycled metal.

5.  Indonesian Spice Roll-on Scent by A Natural High – $5.00

The perfect scent for the woman who likes natural, warm and spicy perfumes.  An all-natural blend of essential oils: ORGANIC, high-altitude lavender, bergamot (the lovely scent in Earl Grey tea), neroli (delicate, intoxicating flower blossoms) and a warm, sensual vanilla (from orchids).   I wear this every day!

1.  BoBelle’s Artemis Eel Skin Clutch Bag in Mustard Yellow

Carefully designed and hand crafted under fair trade conditions, this clutch is made from eel skin, a by-product of the South Korean food industry.  Eel skin is buttery soft and lasts for decades.  $139

2. Lara Miller Donna Multi Dress in Cobalt

A couple months ago I wrote a post about the Vivo Barefoot shoes from Terra Plana in which I interviewed the company’s president Galahad Clark about what he calls the “Barefoot Revolution.”  Basically this means going along with millions of years of evolution and not cramming your foot into a shoe that keeps you disconnected from the surfaces on which you’re walking.

Instead, Vivo Barefoot shoes have thin, flexible soles which allow the nerve endings in your feet to send the correct information to your brain helping you stay balanced.  This, in turn, relieves your spine, hips, and the rest of your body from stressful,unnatural postures that can lead to serious health issues.

It all sounds well and good; but the proof is in the pudding, right?  So Terra Plana kindly sent me a pair of their Vivo Barefoot Lucy shoes (pictured above)to try out and review. Since I am not the type to shy away from controversy, I decided to really put these shoes to the test.  I wore them for the first time on a day that I knew I would be on my feet for more than 12 hours.

I am pleased to report that they are (and I do not exaggerate) the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had on my feet.  They are literally so comfortable, I don’t even remember I have them on even when I am standing or walking for hours at a time.  I’ve tested them several days for 12+ hours at a time and they only become more comfortable each time I put them on.

Granted, these are not haute couture shoes–but you don’t wear Miu Miu pumps to school, the park, or grocery shopping.  (Unless you’re a moron). That means you need something comfortable and cute to wear with your jeans and shorts as you’re running around. And for that, I highly recommend Vivo Barefoot.

One word of caution:  The sizes run a little small (Euro sizes), so consider buying one size up–especially if your feet are wide.

Many thanks to Galahad Clark, Sabra Ellingson and Claire de Boer of Terra Plana for their help.  AND!  As an incentive to try these fabulous shoes, Terra Plana has provided a discount code for 15% off all VivoBarefoot styles for men and women through June 30, 2009.  Simply use the discount code:  EVOLVEDFASHION at the check out!

I leave you with more images of Vivo Barefoot!