Shoewawa

Terra Plana Ecological Shoes

More and more companies are waking up to the idea that not only do we want our shoes to be gorgeous, we want them to have less impact on our planet too. Terra Plana (sister company of United Nude) aims to be 'the most innovative and sustainable designer shoe brand in the world'. So, modest aspirations there then!

This week Ravel adds the Terra Plana range to their online store, and to celebrate is offering a 20% discount. I've chosen two boots to show you from their collection. First, 'Venus' long button boot with hand-stitched detailing in gunmetal (they call it blue). It's £200 and also comes in black.

'Vikki' has an amazing contrast, almost petal-style heel (makes my ankles twitch just looking at it), and is available only in the black as shown for £160. Both designs keep glue and other toxins used to a minimum and the leather is vegetable-tanned. They're available in the US direct from the Terra Plana website, where, oddly, 'Venus' is called 'Viana' ($356), and 'Vikki' is known as 'Aspen' ($335).

Tokidoki For Fornarina Spring 2007

Here I am still looking to buy my boots to protect my tootsies this winter, while Tokidoki and Fornarina have announced their collaboration for Spring 2007.

Some of you may remember the success of the Tokidoki collaboration with Le Sportsac, with items selling out in the US Urban Outfitters. As for the Fornarina/Tokidoki venture, see over the cut for our picks.

I like the graphics of Tokidoki, but am not such a big fan of the shoes that will be bearing them.
From what I have seen so far, the collection comprises of mules and trainers (odd combination) in a variety of patent straps for the mules and graphic prints on the trainers.

If this stuff floats your boat then the range will be available in Europe and the US next season. Visit the Tokidoki website for more images.

Cole Haan Charlize Air Pump

I know that a lot of you have given the thumbs down to other shoes with cage-type toes, but does it help if the heel feels like a sneaker? These Cole Haan air pumps are crafted with concealed Nike Air cushioning. Once you know that, I guess you can see where the cushioning could be "concealed," but come on, didn't you just think it was a cool contrasting platform at first? The shoes come in black, wine, ivory, and of course navy blue, for a cool $275. Look at that, these are so technologically advanced I went (almost) the entire post without gushing over the patent leather.

Pink Patent 'Shelby' Pumps from Bakers

   Don't look now, but I think the knot front is staging a takeover bid from the bow front as the footwear embellishment of choice this season. Oh, those bows are still around, but the knot makes a nice change, and these gorgeous patent leather pumps from Bakers are the perfect example of how good it can look. This is a classic, sexy shape, but if the  pink patent leather screams "aaargh! Barbie!" to you, the shoes are also available in a rather more refined black or purple.

Prada Cruise Collection Lame Knot Pump

I'm sure you all will fill me in if I'm missing anything, but I just cannot find a thing wrong with these Prada resort collection pumps. I l-o-v-e them. I love the lame, I feel it's snazzy and metallic without being vampy in this perfect gun metal shade. It looks sleek and shiny without looking cheap. (Or being cheap, for that matter, at $495.) The shape and the heel are perfectly proportioned, the knot offers just the right amount of detail, and the peep toe is trendy yet timeless. Can you tell I'm looking at these through the rose-colored glasses of love?

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Coach Cherise Pumps

Obviously, Coach is usually the territory of The Bag Lady but I've admired their shoes for a long time. Preppy classics are their bread and butter, but these Cherise pumps are a bit more special. The midnight shade is less expected and understated than a black or metallic. I love the wool fabric with the sequins, beading, and flower details. They have a vintage style which adds to their unique look. And $228 really isn't that bad!

Gucci Portofino Mid-Heel Slide

These slides from the Gucci cruise collection are really cool and elegant in gold. I love the braiding detail on the strap the most. It's a little something special that will look delicate on the toes. For a more casual look, I would like to see them in the cocoa color of Gucci's similar Portofino High-Heel Sandal. Personally I think that color would be more wearable, but then again, metallics are the new neutrals. Coincidentally, the price of adding to your cruise wardrobe is roughly the price of a 3-day cruise for one - $425.

YSL Nude Heels

Looking for a spring trend you can incorporate now to be ahead of the fashion curve? How about these nude platform heels from the YSL runway. So chic and elegant I think they could go to parties, the office, lots of places. Plus, nude heels are just inherently sexy and flattering, with leg lengthening qualities no other color can match. Look out for them when Spring collections hit the stores in the new year.

Tortoiseshell Is The New Leopard

Can you remember the last time black was actually the new black? Everything is the new something else now, and I'm going to go out on a limb and say (faux) tortoiseshell is going to replace leopard print as the animal print of choice. It first appeared on Sergio Rossi platforms, and now Prada is on the case with these chunky sandals. The great thing about a print like this is that the fabric won't vary much from designer to high street, as that shiny look calls for plastic (or 'plex'). Early adopters can snag these babies for $525, or keep an eye on designer copycats for more affordable version.

Camper Mismatched 'Twins' Shoes

For those who like something a bit different, Spanish shoe brand Camper has launched new styles as part of their shoe concept: twins. Each shoe in the pair has a mis-matched but complementary design and they're likely to appeal to fans of off-the-wall brand Irregular Choice. Some designs work better than others, like these cute mary janes with pictures of drying clothes or the black ballet flats with confetti. It also works well on their oriental styled shoes in bright leathers with more delicate, detailed designs. Unfortunately I can’t link directly to them, so have a browse through the Camper online store to see more. Shipping is available to most countries, and prices start at 115 euros.