I’ve conducted a poll over the last couple years asking people how they plan to commemorate Mother’s Day. Responders include people with large families with several siblings, only children, people whose mothers’ live a distance and some whose mothers are deceased. The common thread among these individuals is that their Mother’s played a very significant role in the shaping of their lives. They view Mother’s Day as an special opportunity to give back to their Mom’s. For me, on Mother’s day, I too reflect on my own unique experiences with my Mother and mother figures who played and continue to play significant roles in shaping me into the woman I am.My mother and these other women are strong, spiritual and sassy. My mother unwittingly, helped mold me into the earth loving shoe diva that I am. As a young girl, with narrow feet, it was a challenge for her to find shoes that fit me. We shopped at specialty shoe stores that were beautifully laid out with a variety lovely shoes. I have very vivid memories of Saturday “shoe outings” to specialty shoe stores to find the perfect shoe with the perfect fit. I recall feeling special. My delight was barely containable when the salesperson brought boxes of shoes for me to try on. I felt as if I was being catered to as the shoes I carefully slipped my foot into shoes. It was such a glorious experience!

In this post, I’ve sourced shoe eco friendly shoes that pay special homage to Mother Earth in their sustainability, use of recycled materials, and custom-oriented designs and fabulously creative women at the helm. These shoes are as lovely as a Mother’s Day bouquet.

Okay if your a subscriber or regular reader you know of my affinity for NeuAura Shoes. NeuAura is simply one of the most exciting eco/vegan shoe companies out there. Each season I am more excited by Arti Upadhyay innovation and soulful designs. The Cypress shoe is typical of what you find with NeuAra, sexy, sustainable, and oooh so womanly. And the fuchsia color is perfect to brighten up your outfit for Mother’s Day brunch.

Neuaura Shoes Cypress - Fuschia

The Hetty Rose shoe experience likens to my childhood. What I feel is special about Hetty Rose is the client participates in choosing the style and fabric for their hand made shoes. Hetty Rose, located in the UK is eco because all shoes are not only made of recycled fabrics, but exquisite vintage Japanese kimono fabrics. What better gift for Mom than a pair of shoes made specifically to fit her? You can create your own special shoe memory with Hetty Rose shoe. I encourage you to visit the site; while there you can view a short film on the making of their shoes. It’s a fascinating process. http://www.hettyrose.co.uk/

Hetty Rose Keep & Love Collection - Sweetheart

Another company known for its luxurious custom vegan shoes is Olsen Haus Shoes. I’ve featured some Olsen Haus shoes before. Olsen Haus is known for their high fashion vegan shoes and creative uses of eco friendly materials such as cork and linen. I love these little wedges that pair linen with a splash of color.

Olsen Haus - Wit Wedge

Charmoné Shoes is a female led design house that aptly strives for harmony with mother earth with their beautiful vegan shoes. Charmoné takes it a step further by donating 5% of all profits to charities that support people, animals and the environment. The first charity slated for donation is Women for Women International, a charity that provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources they need to move from poverty and crisis to stability and self-sufficiency. What a powerful gesture.

Charmoné Shoes Longwing in Warm Burgandy

Happy Mother’s Day to all who are Mother’s, Mother Figures and love Mother Earth!

~Ar

I’m excited to share with you that NeuAura Shoes has recently announced the two charities that will receive a generous 10% from all online proceeds. Not only does Neuaura Shoes offer uncompromising fashion footwear to animal-friendly consumers, they truly do bring fashion and consciousness together in style. Every season organizations are selected as part of the shoe company’s give back efforts. For Summer 2010 NeuAura Shoes has chosen the Associated Human Societies of New Jersey and the Humane Farming Association.

Associated Humane Societies of NJ, founded in 1906, is the largest animal sheltering system in New Jersey. We comprise three shelters located in Newark, Forked River, and Tinton Falls. The Forked River facility also includes Popcorn Park Zoo. Established in 1977, Popcorn Park Zoo is a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused or elderly wildlife, exotic and farm animals, and birds. The mission of the Associated Humane Societies, including Popcorn Park Zoo, is to consistently provide the highest quality of care to all animals, domestic and wildlife, including their rescue, housing, veterinary care, placement whenever possible, and when required, a peaceful end. It is also our mission to prevent cruelty to all animals, primarily in New Jersey, but also throughout the United States.

Humane Farming Association (HFA) is the nation’s largest farm animal protection organization. Founded in 1985, HFA is leading the campaign against factory farming and slaughterhouse abuses. HFA is also home to the world’s largest farm animal refuge, Suwanna Ranch. HFA’s goals are to protect farm animals from cruelty, to protect the public from the dangerous misuse of antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals used on factory farms, and to protect the environment from the impacts of industrialized animal factories. HFA’s comprehensive programs include: anti-cruelty investigations and exposes, national media and ad campaigns, direct hands-on emergency care, and refuge for abused farm animals.

The announcement is timely as we observe Earth Month. The efforts that are taking place globally are endless and it is heartwarming to see the eco momentum that is taking place. Earth Month is a perfect time to renew and in doing so, consider the many ways we can lessen our impact on the environment. I’m sure you will find a few animal friendly pairs of Neuaura shoes that will complement your summer wardrobe. Visit NeuAura Shoes to shop for shoes, learn more about these causes and others, and support these organizations. You can also locate many hard-working environmental causes in your local community–or better yet, start your own!

More Shoes,

~Ar

Friday, February 5, 2010 is National Wear Red Day sponsored by Go Red For Women. Wearing red is a way to show support and awareness of heart disease, the number one killer for American women. Here are some of my personal eco friendly shoe recommendations to accompany your red ensembles.

No doubt if you are a regular follower of Eco Shoe Source, you know that Neuaura Shoes, is an eco designer that always comes through with amazing mixes of animal friendly and high-fashion shoe designs. She never misses nor sacrifices when it comes to innovative earth friendly shoes. I love the flirtatiousness of the Miette sandal. The criss-cross straps and braided sequined lands right at the sexiest part of a woman’s foot. Personally, I would wear this shoe with a hot red dress, a pair of Linda Loudermik jeans, and even leggings paired with a red bamboo sweater over a Global Ghetto Organics t-shirt.

These Red-diculous flats from Olsen Haus Shoes offers endless styling options! The Babylon Red eco-friendly shoe is perfect for casual, dressy or everything in between. Like Neuaura, Olsen Hause is 100% committed to being 100% animal-free/cruelty-free while maintaining a high standard of ethical social responsibility in animal rights, human rights, and the environment. A perfect pairing when it comes to our health.

Next to wearing black, red is my favorite color so I could wear it every day. The Go Red for Women campaign is a great excuse for us earth lovers to wear red with a greater purpose–our health. There are many ways you can learn about supporting the American Heart Association’s awareness and educational programs throughout the year. I encourage you to visit their sites.

Go Red!

~Ar