Displaying articles for: 03-22-2009 - 03-28-2009

Organic Shoes :: Who Makes Them and How 'Green' Are They?

by on 03-27-2009 02:27 PM - last edited on 03-30-2009 08:22 AM

SimpleCartoon.pngIt seems that all fashion is going the way of organic lately, and I have a feeling that we haven't even seen the bulk of it yet.  With shoe companies now jumping on the bandwagon, we're entering a whole new world of "organic fashion."

 

Historically, shoes have been one of the most toxic items a person can wear. Between the chemicals from tanneries and the chemicals in the rubber, shoes have been a necessity that are just not good for you or the planet.

 

But now, companies like Timberland, Simple, Keds, and Skechers are making "organic" or "green" shoes. Shoes that have a lesser impact on the planet, and are made from organic materials. But the question is, are they fashionable? And, if not, will you wear them anyway simply because being green is in good taste?

 

Let's see what we've got.

 

The Avacotoe, made by Simple, is a cute little number. Part of the Green Toe™ line, this shoe is made with veganHushPuppies.png and environmentally friendly materials for the ultimate in "green" shoes.  From the water-based cement that holds the shoe together and the coconut buttons to the 100% organic cotton label, the Avacotoe features a hemp upper and an organic cotton fleece lining. The rubber sole is made of recycled rubber tires.

 

Personally, I think this shoe is pretty cute and I would likely purchase it in black. Incidentally, I also really like the Simple Cartoon slip-on, styled as a ballet flat. Very cute, and very envirtonmentally friendly.

 

I'm loving this shoe by Think! The Vali style is perfect for the office or just casual wear. However, the price tag currently sits at $264.95! That is way out of my price range!! Made with vegetable-tanned leather, it's definitely organic and green, but for that price, I don't think it's practical.  However, if you love the look of the shoe but can't stomach the price, the Togo by Hush Puppies is probably right up your alley. Part of the Hush Puppies Harmony Collection, this shoe uses leather from certified environmentally conscious tanneries, an organic cotton lining, and water-based cement. Contrast stitching and pleating increase your style factor. The organic cotton-wrapped, recycled Poliyou® footbed provides a healthy foot environment.

 

For men, Timberland has a great, earth-friendly line as well.  You can see the huge selection that Upromise online shopping offers by clicking here.

 

Overall, the organic shoe movement is here to stay. And for the most part, I think that the styles available are affordable and nice to look at. What's your take on the green shoe movement?

 

Interested in finding out more about the green shoe movement? Read this story by Fox News.

Message Edited by Stacie on 03-30-2009 08:22 AM

NaturalizerSandals.pngIt's time for another week of great sales at Upromise Online Shopping. This week, I've done things a little bit differently; I've organized the sales by their expiration date. So, the first sales are the ones expiring first. Ready? Here we go!

 

Alright, these babies you've got to act fast on. Why? Because they end tomorrow! The 26th!!

 

Old Navy Spring Dresses starting at just $15. You've seen the commercials so you know what I'm talking about. Dresses this cute are hard to pass up.

 

Land's End is getting you ready for summer by giving you the chance to save some dough when you buy girls' and women's swim separates, in fact, you'll save $5 each. This sale includes rash guard shirts for the little girls' and all sorts of goodies for mom, including those lovely tummy-triming suits that Land's End has become famous for. Even though I am loving the swimsuits that Elle came out with this year at Kohl's, I'm seriously considering this number......I like the criss-cross straps in the back, and I'm also digging the swim-mini (although my younger friends that have not yet had any children think I'm crazy for that).

 

Speaking of swimwear, the GAP is having a sale on swimwear as well, offering 30% off. Although I do feel that it's better suited for the teenage demographic; simply because it the styles are very tiny.  That said, if you're like one of my friends that has had a few kids and still has the body of a 17-year-old, go for it - just know that I will not be putting my towel down next to you on the beach.

 

On a different subject, but with the same retailer, for those of you that just recently had new babies, GAP also has very stylish nursing tops on sale at 20% off.

 

Although spring is on everyone's mind, Martin + Osa has a sale on spring sweaters. The in-between season is OldNavyDress.pngalways so tough, and depending on where you live, you may still have 6 weeks or so of cool evenings to contend with. And, if you live close to the water like I do, you often need a light sweater at night, right on through the summer.

 

Looking for some comfy kicks with spring appeal? Hit up Naturalizer and take 15% off all orders with coupon code AFA28. Spice up that little black dress with these peep-toe Red Leather Whistler'speep-toe Red Leather Whistler's or wear your favorite dark-denim capri's with these adorable, linen floral print espadrilles. Naturalizer also has some great handbags too - remember, the sale is good on your entire order.

 

Ok.....so those are the "hurry up and shop sales....."  Now, on to the rest.

 

My daughter has already made a huge wish list for spring shopping at Delia's, where, with coupon code DYBW75, I can get free standard shipping on any order over $75, now through March 28th.

 

Stock up on basics for the kids over at Kmart. Boys Basic Edition polos are on sale, as well as Basic Edition dresses for girls (expires March 29th).  While I really love this square neck dot baby doll dress, my daughter definitely prefers this halter-style.  We're at that weird place where I still want her to dress on the girlish side, and she's all about dressing like a teenager; ah, the joys of a 10-year-old.

 

Oh! And this truly might be the find of the week - honestly. And, believe it or not, it's not even a sale, it's a regular priced item!! At Kmart, Signature Levi's are only $19.99. With a low-waist, flat-front, 2-button closure, these are absolutely adorable! And the flare leg is complimented by a wider cuff, so it looks - and lays - more like a trouser pant.

 

Target, Target, Target.....how do I love thee? Let me count thy ways from now until March 29th! How about 10% off plus free standard shipping on orders over $50? This applies to accessories, jewelry, women's, shoes, and juniors and is valid through March 29th.

 

And, winding down the week, we have Lord & Taylor giving you 20% off any order with coupon code SIGSALE, Lucky Brand Jeans (which I love) with free standard shipping on any $50 order and coupon code 9SHIPA, and MetroStyle taking up to 80% off clearance items. All offers good through March 31st.

 

Sheesh! That was a big list, 'eh? The end of the month must be a favorite time for Upromise Online Merchants. Take advantage and save big!

Message Edited by Stacie on 03-25-2009 05:43 PM

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara :: Can You Really Kiss Your Lash Curler Goodbye?

by on 03-23-2009 01:59 PM - last edited on 03-23-2009 01:59 PM

CliniqueMascara.pngI am a serial lash curler.

 

Every morning, I lean in to the mirror, pull out that little device and strategically place it along my lash line; with one quick squeeze, my lashes are curled.

 

Too bad I sometimes get it too close to my lid and accidentally pinch my skin. Ouch.

 

This is what makes the new Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara so appealing to me. The idea that I can put on mascara - like I do every day - and getted curled lashes out of the deal, without the pain of a tiny vice, is more than I can hope for.

 

Now, as we all know, I am quite partial to the Lancome Oscillation Mascara, but it doesn't have a built-in lash curler. Could I be moving on? Let's see.

 

The claim: For just $14, your lashes will be coaxed to "their longest, boldest, most upturned look yet, without a pinch, pull, tug or tear. Arched wand scoops up, lifts up every last lash. Smudge, flake, smear-resistant for up to 24 eye-opening hours. Ophthalmologist tested."

 

I never doubted that this would be a great product, because Clinique has been around long enough to know what women want.  But I was curious about two things: would it really curl like it claimed, and, did it REALLY last 24-hours?

 

What I found: It indeed does curl your lashes; however, I think that, depending on how well your current lash curler works for you, you will get mixed results. For example, I do love my lash curler and it works really well - I felt like I needed a LOT of coaxing in order to make my lashes as curled as I was used to. The other problem with this is that this mascara is already a little heavy to begin with, making it obvious that you have mascara on. While it didn't clump or anything, it just looked different than I am used to. I prefer a more natural look.  

 

It does last 24-hours, albeit, your lashes will not be as curled at the end of that 24-hours as in the beginning. No smudging, no flaking.  But here is my disclaimer - my 24-hours included 6-hours of sleeping. So, for anyone that goes out at night and dances till dawn, I don't know that you will find the same result.

 

Here's what I love: It washes off with water. Simple as that. Now, what I don't know is how this would fare if you were crying, or say, sweating. I haven't tried that experiment yet, but maybe I should.

 

Overall, if you are a faithful Clinique junkie, you will appreciate this new mascara, and you can get it, along with your Upromise Savings, right here.  If you're satisfied with the current mascara and lash curling routine you have now, you're best to stay with what you know.

 

Have any of you tried the new Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara? What was your experience?

 

 

 

 

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