Cruelty Free!

As I've stated before, finding shoes that are simultaneously breath-taking and cow-free is not easy. Back in 8th grade, I tracked down a pair of non-leather Doc Martens, rumored to be made of the same material that comprises yacht sails; my greatest accomplishment to date, despite their exorbitant cost.

Nowadays, PETA publishes all sorts of helpful information on cruelty-free cosmetics and companies. High end designers like Stella McCartney are catching on and using kind materials and methods.

There's Pangea. And no shortage of well-marked athletic shoes. But when you're thinking cute, wearable, and sturdy, it's a challenge to plow through the mall and find NOTHING. In the beginning, I picked Man-Mades that wear generally available at your cheaper retailers--Bakers, Target, Payless; the look without the cow (or the price tag). But lately, leather must have gotten cheaper or something, because it has gotten progressively more difficult.

Again, I can't claim that my 80+ pairs of shoes all fall into this category. I wish that they did. The spirit is strong, but the body is weak, you know?

Alternative Outfitters makes things simple: an actual selection of shoes for all occasions.

These are my favorites:

Pavement Shoes

(The music in the video is "Planes on a Runway" by The Popravinas)

Sometimes filming has its perks. This is the first time I've actually stopped in Lawrenceville to enjoy the atmosphere and burgeoning artistic sentiment--and the shopping.

Pavement shoes welcomed us with open arms, and the above video is an excerpt from this week's episode of STBD. Jessica, the owner, is sweet and fashion savvy. She and her team have created a boutique with flair, the likes of which I've rarely seen outside of Europe. From the quirky collection of shoes to the decor and the adorable spiky coyotes (available for purchase!), I'm thoroughly in love with Pavement.

Accessories? Yes please. Plus handmade jewelry, bags, scarves, and gloves by other (local?) artists. I bought some opaque grey tights by Biella (crucial for winter) and these fantastic earrings. Both quite reasonably priced, I might add.



Which leaves me more money for shoes. At Pavement, you have a selection that indicates a careful and discerning eye. Almost everything seems unique, completely unlike what you might discover on the racks at your average Macy's or DSW. And that's the point . These shoes aren't exactly cheap; but they are quality pieces that won't only hold up, but will stand out.

Guaranteed compliments; I promise.

They carry brands that I so rarely see in Pittsburgh, including one of my favorites: Seychelles. Extra padding means more comfort in high heels. In these, I can usually make it through the night at the bar, including trips back and forth from the car. A feat when dealing in f-me shoes.

"There's No Place Like Home"

If there is one thing I can't resist, it's a pair of ruby red slippers. Well, flats.

I found these on sale at Payless of all places, and they have held up well. The soles are textured with some fuzzy material so they are less slippery than most of the ballet flats I have found. And they are oh-so comfortable. There's nothing like red shoes to dress up an outfit of classic pieces. Usually I wear them with jeans and a black sweater. But I've found that they complement something robin's egg blue surprisingly well when separated by a neutral solid.

Totally buying these for my sister for Christmas. Shhh.

Click on the photo to order from the website.

She likes Blahnik just as much as Beckett.

Let's Start With the Basics, Shall We?

How to Walk in High Heels: A Girl's Guide to Everything by Camilla Morton

Not exactly Dickens, but snarky and smart nonetheless. Includes a section entitled "How to Pick a Shoe" by Manolo Blahnick, and covers--in detail--the specifics of selecting, wearing, and travelling in high heels. Not to mention the coverage of simple plumbing, technology, ettiquette, and finance. I wouldn't say it's something one should read straight-through, but a good standard to have on your shelf for all of those times where you find yourself wondering about silverware or starting a garden.

You know, I wrote that sentence and now I feel a little queasy. Lately, the domestic bug has bitten me HARD. I spent hours and hours selecting pillows and slipcovers the other day...and I realize that is time I could have spent volunteering or researching a humanitarian mission to Africa or something. It's a strange dichotomy being a girl, isn't it? I see one of my best friends setting up her hope chest, filling her room with glasses, dishes, artwork. We seem to be nesting. And isn't that a bit archaic? I feel like I should take my curtain rods back to Target now.