Green Cinderella: proof that shoes can change your life

New styles: part 3

Song of the day: Girls on Film by Duran Duran

Yesterday I wrote about our love of patterns, today its all about our love of silver. Its such a great substitute for black or gray, and manages to be neutral without ever being boring.

The first favorite pair of shoes I can remember were silver, pointed toe flat slingbacks from ESPRIT, around 1987. I wish I had a picture of them, they were amazing. I wore them without socks in the middle of snow in the freezing cold Minnesota winter and I did not care. My Grandma kept buying me knee-high nylons but it was no use - I was suffering for fashion from an early age.

I think I've wised up a little, and we did our best to avoid any suffering with a chunkier high heel and a low heel - easy to walk in and just enough height to make you feel dressed up. Like the others, these will be available in December- we'll keep you posted! In the meantime, enjoy!

Carolina:

 

Chantelle:

New Styles: Part 2

Song of the Day: 32 Flavors by Ani DiFranco

♫ "I am beyond your peripheral vision… so you might wanna turn your head."

That’s what these 2 new styles say to me. They don't jump out at you from blocks away like the black and pink- you have squint your eyes and look closer at these.

One of the unexpected benefits of using only vegan and eco-friendly materials is the freedom it’s given us to explore unique patterns and prints. Instead of feeling limited by the lack of eco/vegan options, we’ve been inspired to use unusual fabrics and print our own patterns onto eco-friendly materials. Without plain old brown leather to fall back on, we often end up finding or creating an interesting pattern that meets the requirement for “something to go with browns” without being just brown. (Not that there’s anything wrong with brown. It’s actually a pretty underappreciated color that looks better on most skin tones than black, but I digress.)

When I came across this gorgeous peacock feather pattern in Colombia, I knew we had to use it. 

 
There's something about this pattern- it's kind of romantic, kind of old fashioned, kind of mysterious… I don’t know, it just did something for me. It has tones of honey and caramel with antique dusty rose and amethyst elements. The pattern is printed onto high quality microfiber faux leather that, like all of our shoes, is water resistant, flexible and behaves almost identically to leather. It’ll go great with your denim as well as browns, pinks, creams, purples… I may have to dedicate a blog to what it’ll go with. For now, here’s a peak at how we’ve used it:

Donna:

 
Donna is sophisticated and a little understated. But don’t let her lower heel fool you- she has sex appeal and she isn’t afraid to use it. She just doesn’t feel the need to wear it on her sleeve.

Angela:

With a higher heel and a shorter, rounder toe, you see Angela coming. She may have a delicate pattern but this chick is sassy with a very low cut toe- wait till you see her toe cleavage! (yeah I said it.)

Look for them on our site in mid December! Two more styles to follow tomorrow…

New Styles- Part 1

Song of the day: All Fired Up by Pat Benatar (because I am!)

There are many times when something you’ve been anticipating for a long time does not live up to your expectations.

Hopefully there are just as many (if not more) times when this thing you’ve been waiting for turns out even better than you could have hoped. Fortunately, this is the case with our new samples from Colombia. We’ve been working on them since last June, and although I trusted their quality and craftsmanship, I was so afraid to open the box when it arrived. Despite spending time in Colombia going over the sketches and choosing the lasts and heels myself, I was so worried that the final product wouldn’t look anything like our designs. Or worse, that they would look like our designs and I’d find out the hard way that our designs just sucked. We’ve experienced both many times and its never easy. You just never know what you’re gonna get when that box arrives.

So I’m thrilled that we can show off these samples immediately and edit-free. Posting them right away like this is pretty unusual for us – Lauren and I come from traditional marketing backgrounds where the mass market is the last to see a prototype. We haven’t shown the press. We haven’t shown retailers. This time its all you. We hope you like them as much as we do! 

There are 6 new styles in all, and we’ll be posting them throughout the week. This is just a preview and the shoes will be available to purchase on our site in December – for now, just starting thinking about all the places you can wear them! We’ll give you a few ideas… 

Introducing: Gabrielle

This is my favorite of the collection- to me this shoe is the perfect combination of sweet and sexy. And a little unexpected. Black patent can pretty much be worn all year long and in almost any situation- so there’s a “workhorse” quality to this shoe – but the pink guarantees you’ll stand out just a little. My bet is you’ll get asked about this shoe every time you wear it!

 

Diane

This is Lauren’s favorite and a close second for me. The elastic bands and slightly lower heel bring a sporty element that makes this pump look equally fabulous with jeans or a dress. I think we’re both going to be living in these!

More styles to follow tomorrow!

500 Days of Summer (Rayne Oakes)

Song of the Day: Pop Life by Prince

I’m often asked for photos of people wearing our shoes, and I usually respond with the same handful of celeb photos that we’ve been fortunate enough to receive over the years. But after awhile it feels weird to keep sending the same photos, and I know there are a lot more out there that I haven’t gotten my hands on. So I was thrilled when I ran into Summer Rayne Oakes at fashion week and found that she was not only sporting the Caravaggio's (first photo below) but also had a fresh batch of photos of her wearing the Cinnamon, Bellini and Cezanne styles. 

If you know eco fashion, you know Summer Rayne Oakes. She’s more than a model, more than a writer, more than a designer- I’d like to say she is an ambassador of eco-fashion. She’s a fantastic supporter of us small, independent, eco-fashion designers and an ideal showcase for our wares. But she describes herself better than any of us could on her site- I’ll give you just a taste and you can read the rest here- it inspires me and I hope it inspires you!

“I stopped trying to define what I do. I’m over this whole title thing. Titles are far too limiting. ... I don’t have rules, never did, and probably never will. Rules have too many boundaries.”- Summer Rayne Oakes

Well, at least we have one thing in common! (note to self: stand up straight.)

 

Cinnamon in black

Cezanne in black

Love this one at the launch of "Style, Naturally"- more Cinnamon!

Wearing the Bellini with Julie Gilhart of Barney's. Hey Julie- we're still waiting for your call!

Front row at fashion week and rockin' the Cezanne in Antique garden with sexy fishnets.

Believe the Hype!

Song of the day: Prove my Love by Violent Femmes

When you drive into Brooklyn, there is a big sign that says “Welcome to Brooklyn- Believe the Hype!”

Now I don’t know about you, but if there is a large sign telling me to believe the hype about a much-hyped place, I’m going to go ahead and assume that it’s going to suck. (I mean really Mayor Bloomberg, don’t you think most of your famously skeptical constituents would react that way? Play it down for God’s sake.)

So I was more than surprised when it not only didn’t suck, but I had more fun within a 4-block radius than I have in long time. And that’s saying a lot because I’ve honestly been having such a good time in NY I feel like a kid in a candy store. A very expensive, dirty candy store that sometimes has chicken bones on the floor, but one where the salted caramel-covered chocolate is so good you don’t even notice.

Anyway, my point is that sometimes places, people and products live up to the hype. Like Brooklyn. Like Paris. Like the rooftop at Juliet in Williamsburg. The key difference is where the hype is coming from – ideally it should come from someone completely unbiased. I fully expect people to not believe what we have to say about our shoes, but instead listen to what real customers have to say. With that in mind, here’s just a few of the unsolicited emails we’ve received from customers about Charmoné shoes- believe the hype! (PS- this should also answer the question of whether or not we ship internationally!)

(PPS- no idea why there are so many from the UK, perhaps the English really are more polite?)

“Hi Jodi,
I received the shoes this morning. They are so beautifuuuuuuuul! and so well done (well, they are made in Italy!....;-)))”

… Italy
 

“I just wanted to let you know that my boots arrived on Saturday and they’re just as beautiful as the pictures show. I feel like Cinderella! They fit perfectly.  

 Thank you again for all your help getting these wonderful boots delivered to me.  The service you have provided more than exceeded my expectations, and I can’t tell you how happy I am to have found cruelty free boots that look as great as these ones!  

 It’s a great message to get across to people that there are alternatives and I think people are finally starting to see the bigger picture. I’m going to a vegan fair in October and I’ll tell everyone I meet how fantastic you are.”   

…UK
 

“Thanks, Jodi.  I received the shoes, they are beautiful, what great design! Thanks for everything you do and giving us a non-leather alternative!”

….San Francisco

 
“Just a quick line to let you know I have received my shoes.  They fit well, feel so comfortable and I am very pleased.  They are beautifully made and the quality is brilliant. Now I have had the opportunity I will have no hesitation in ordering again. I eagerly wait your new collection and look forward to seeing it when it is ready.
Thanks again!”

…UK
 

“Hi Jodi - i received my two pairs of shoes - they fit!  And I LOVE them.  They're so well made and gorgeous to look at. Thanks so much. I look forward to wearing them at every opportunity!”

…LA

“Thanks so much for my beautiful, beautiful shoes they are perfect & so comfortable. I shall definitely be ordering from you again and telling all my friends about your fab site!
Thanks for making it so much easier to be elegant & stylish as a vegan!”

…UK

Fashion Week (and a half): Part 2

Song of the day: I gotta feeling- Black Eyed Peas

Great video! Just makes you want to get dressed up and go out, doesn’t it?

So does a great fashion show. Last week I was lucky enough to attend several of The Green Shows, as well as Nolcha Fashion Week. Both groups are committed to ethical and/or sustainable fashion, and new designers and collectives are emerging every season. Its exciting to see eco-fashion evolving to the point where there is more than one group of designers supporting it. I am really looking forward to the day when there is no need to designate the "green" or "ethical" shows- when its just assumed that designers are doing their best to integrate eco-friendly and ethical practices into their collections. Its just a matter of time (and available materials)!

In the meantime, here's some highlights from the shows: lots of creativity, great use of color and interesting new patterns! Didn't have camera on day 1 so missed taking pics of Bahar Shahpar's, which not only featured Ashley Dupree as a model but also caught the attention of Russell Simmons! Check her show out at: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/bahar-shahpar-spring-2010-collection-new-york-green-fashion-week.php

Nolcha Show- Kimmystic

Nolcha- Shernicia

Nolcha- Soka

Izzy Lane- LOVED these skirts!

 

Fashion Week (and a half): Part 1

Song of the Day: Paper Planes by M.I.A.

The past 10 days were action-packed with runway shows, sample sales and designer events. Although I was questioning moving to NY when it was high 90s and muggy in August, I can now say that I definitely picked the right time to move!

I'll start with Fashion’s Night Out- WOW – this event blew me away. On September 10, every single store in Manhattan (and Queens and Brooklyn for that matter) threw a big old party with special sales, appearances by designers and celebrities, food, drinks, giveaways… it was an absolute blast. And we were lucky enough to meet two of the coolest women in the fashion world that night:

Stacey London from What Not to Wear- she is awesome! She was at Ann Taylor giving people fashion makeover advice on the spot. She has an unusual ability to get right to the point without making anyone feel bad, and every person left her presence feeling positive and excited about embracing a new look. I got a chance to say hi real quick and thank her for featuring Charmoné shoes on the show (twice!)….no time for our own makeovers, but maybe someday!  

Donna Karan: Her DKNY store on Madison Ave. had an amazing performance by Irish dancers- which you might think as a little odd but it was really breathtaking, very dramatic. The dancers wore the fall collection which asks you to FALL IN LOVE WITH COLOR, and let me tell you, that is one love that is hard to resist. Just look at those rich hues- doesn’t it make you want to walk around Central Park when its 58 degrees, crisp and sunny… and forget those all-black outfits for good? You can clearly see that DKNY is kicking the sophistication up a notch and I think it’s very well done – I hope to see those colors on a lot of people this season. And these outfits would go great with our Darjeeling boots in green or black…

 

I met Donna briefly after being introduced by her longtime marketing VP who is a friend. Donna (and Patti for that matter) was incredibly gracious, particularly given the long line of people trying to meet her- and she even knew about Charmoné! Very exciting for us- and I just know she’s dying to collaborate! :) 

The days that followed were full of GREEN fashion- all eco-friendly fashion shows and shoes- more on that later this week!

Biggest. Sale. Ever.

Song of the day: Reasons (Saturday Night) by Faithless

♫…Yo I got more styles than Amsterdam got ashtrays
 
We’re having a huge sale! Duuuuude, it’s gonna be epic. 

Here’s the deal: all shoes will be under $99. ALL shoes. And some will be as low as $39. And in addition to killer deals on styles you know and love like the Cezanne, Darjeeling and Gunpowder, we’ll be selling one-of-a-kind samples (size 7s rejoice!) and a few gems from days past – none of which are available on our site. And of course, they are all vegan, eco-friendly and sweatshop-free- made in Italy, Brazil and the U.S.

Details:

o       Sunday, September 13 from 3PM-6PM @ 8 Commonwealth Ave, Massapequa, NY

o       Thursday, September 17 from 1PM-8PM at Teich Design in the East Village @ 84 E 7th St, NYC

 
Spread the word! Tell your friends! Come on over! We’re looking forward to seeing you. And if you’re not in NY, sign up for our newsletter to be notified of other live sales and great deals that’ll be available online.

Here's just a few of the limited edition shoes that you can expect to find...

 

 

 

 

Cinnamon takes America!

Song of the day: Whole Wide World by Wreckless Eric

So I decided to move to NY. But not without my shoes. I got rid of just about everything I owned, except what could fit in my VW golf. And being the best business partner ever, Lauren flew out to meet me in San Francisco and do the drive with me, along with our first prototype of the Cinnamon Shoe - here are pics of "her" enjoying the country!

And it begins: San Francisco- the beginning of I-80

Cinnamon likes Mighty Leaf tea and journaling in San Francisco.

 Lake Tahoe

The biggest little city in the world.

 Cinnamon gets chatty with a gas station clerk in Reno

 We had to pull her away from the slots in Reno!

Fresh air in Park City!

Hangin with Mama Sage in Wyoming

Somewhere in Nebraska- wide open spaces!

Welcome to Iowa

Welcome to Indiana! I'm not sure what happened to Illinois.

And finally- NY! Not sure what happened to Ohio or Pennsylvania, I think we were super tired and descending into madness at that point.

Stay tuned for more adventures and new shoes....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ugly Truth

Song of the day: Violet by Hole

I spend most of my time trying to radiate positive energy. And having a socially conscious business with very grateful customers often puts both Lauren and I in a peaceful, polly-ana-ish mood that is reflected in our designs. Our design esthetic is definitely ethereal and feminine. Part of this is driven by our personalities and part of this is in direct rejection of the masculine or sensible styles that many people expect to find in eco-friendly, vegan shoes. And in our marketing, we tend to keep it light and reject any kind of “angry activist” message that is sometimes associated with green or vegan causes. 

But despite all this goodness and light, sometimes I succumb to what can only be described as infantile rage. And although it’s historically made me uncomfortable (does not compute with Minnesota nice), I am starting to learn to channel it appropriately and see the value in anger… if it’s used to ignite change.

In truth, I rarely get angry with another person. Usually my anger is directed at myself for either not having enough patience & faith (being in a hurry is not a good idea when it comes to any kind of fashion manufacturing) or not having enough discipline (like the 5,436 calories I ingested at Lauren’s 4^th of July party. UGH.). Fortunately a good workout dissolves most of it and I can quickly make peace with myself. 

The kind of anger I am learning to deal with now is that larger anger at “society.” The underlying frustration that comes from being a woman in America- incredibly, undeniably lucky and yet still unsatisfied with the status quo and disturbed at the images dished out by pop culture. And it switches into both rage and sometimes helplessness when I think about the conditions faced by women in other countries. But that’s not useful, so in hopes of channeling this appropriately, I’m providing a small list of things we women (and men!) can do to help make society better for all of us. These issues range drastically in terms of gravity, but all the actions are focused on bringing women UP and supporting one another… while hopefully eliminating some of the anger and helplessness that affects many of us:

1)      Stop putting unreasonable demands for youth and beauty for women. Not only do men get more of a free pass when it comes to aging, but they are also often easier on us than we are. Don’t spend your time tearing apart other women (people usually do it to famous women, but sometimes its stretches into people you actually know) and commenting on how they need to lose weight, get botox, get some sun, etc. Focus on what’s beautiful about every woman you come across- famous or not, young or old… including yourself.

2)      I know many people find it a light escape, but I’d love to see a mass movement where people stop watching reality shows that encourage women to behave... well drunk and slutty. It’s a horrible message to be sending to girls- “you too can become famous by selling yourself out on TV!” While I know most people don’t take it all that seriously, the ubiquity of the ‘girl-who’s-famous-for-no-reason’ has got to go away. (I have to admit it would be tough to stop watching Talk Soup though. We’re all human. And Joel McHale rocks.)

3)      On a much more serious note, get educated about what’s happening to girls in other countries and do what you can to help. If you haven’t heard about the “sex tours” that take place in Asia and parts of Central America… well it’s about as bad as you might imagine. Here’s a few sites to get you started- and we are just getting started in seeing what we can do to help as well.

http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/learn/globalissues-stp

http://www.ecpat.net/EI/GetInvolve_speakout.asp

4)      Help another woman avoid above fate by donating to an organization such as:

a.       Women 4 Women

b.      The Girl Effect

 
And lastly, stop judging the women in your life for the choices they make. Whether it’s the choice to have kids or not, to stay home with them or work, to get married or not, whatever it is… stop judging… just support. We are way too hard on one another. Get angry, do something about it, and then go back to being your sweet/sassy/sexy self. Here’s some other songs to inspire you:

Right Through You

Don’t Let Me Get Me

Just a Girl