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Yes, I'm an environmentalist -- and I love shoes.
Shoes have somehow become a poster-child and symbol of sorts for rampant consumer culture. A recent episode of "Samantha Who?," for example, shows a would-be do-gooder Samantha stuck in her real estate job because she's gotta work to pay of tens of thous of credit card debt -- due to her shoe addiction.
But love for nice footwear doesn't have to mean financial and environmental disaster! Take it from a girl who owns mostly designer shoes. I'm not in debt, and I'm still eco-friendly than most. How? I don't buy new pleather (PVC = Ew!), and I heart consignment stores.
All the pics here are those of shoes I own. Yes, I buy designer. Why? I like high quality shoes that'll last a long long time. After all, my feet aren't gonna get any bigger!
Buy nice shoes in classic styles and colors, and you'll get compliments -- for years and years to come. They'll keep nicely, and they'll be worth fixing at your nearest shoe repair store. You'll notice that -- aside from the red Prada loafers -- my shoes are all classic, neutral colors. They go with everything, and I wear them with everything.
My opinion's that it's better to have nice shoes -- even if expensive at first -- that're sexy and last a long time, than to buy a whole buncha cheapies that scuff and get misshapen after just a couple wears. I spend less on shoes than most -- but I'm pretty sure I collect more compliments on the pairs I own.
Want pretty shoes? If you troll consignment stores, you're sure to eventually find yummy shoes in your size. If you're nice, and if you visit regularly, shop owners and employees will get to know you -- and even give you a call if you ask them to let you know if a certain something comes in that's perfect for you.
Plus, you'll be getting gently-loved goods. Reuse is always more eco than buying new!
BlogHer Contributing Editor Siel also blogs for the Los Angeles Times at Emerald City, and at greenLAgirl.com.
ReUse is even better than ReCycle
alyssaroyse November 11, 2007 - 2:01am
My addiction to thrifting began when i was an acting student and was just plain poor. But as I've gotten older, maybe wiser, and certainly more creative, I've found that I can not only find GREAT clothes in thrift shops, but a funkier style that keeps up with the trends, but in my own way. More than that, I'm not contributing so much to the consumer culture - but ReUsing stuff that people had tossed away, that could have gone in to landfills. AND, most thrift stores are connected to some charity, so it does good.
I posted a blog about this a while ago, in a genuine attempt to not only explain why i feel the way i do, but try to change a mind or two.... http://justcauseit.com/blogs/alyssa-royse/shopping-cause
Of course, it doesn't hurt that I have found a Missoni sweater ($2,000 retail) for $4.99. And then i paid a whopping $20 for a Missoni 2-piece Pant -suit. (Is it ethical to have such a fine, knit, couture piece altered? The pants are really too big, but soooooo spectacular!)
___________
Alyssa Royse
JUST CAUSE
make some good news!
www.JustCauseIt.com