Crazy Shoe Alert!

Mom, Dad and I were in Portland last weekend making the rounds of artist's open studios. That was depressing. However, we also wound up on Alberta St. and browsed in amongst some of the cool shops there and then down to Water St. by OMSI to stop into Olio United. The same Olio where I discovered my ultimately awesome plastic shoes. This time they had a selection of TOMS (which, I have a feeling, will wind up on my feet for good at some point!) as well as these.... "shoes".

Cow feet nailed to a pair of heels.

Sigh... I'm not all "don't wear leather or I'll throw paint on your bod!" But I do tend to avoid buying things made from leather, especially since there are so many neat materials out there to make things out of that isn't from a dead animal (you heathens, you!). That said, these are pretty raunchy (but totally awesome because, can you imagine? Wearing these hooves around and having them peeping out from underneath the edge of your pants? A little "Hullo!" from my feet to yours.)

Toms Again

I posted about TOMS shoes awhile ago and promptly got a response from TOMS themselves about my blog post! This afternoon I ripped open a package with a documentary about TOMS and the amazing work they've done in Argentina. There were a couple of times when my "ohhhhhh noooo's" brought my parents over to watch the children crowding around the boxes of shoes. At the end of the movie I knew I wanted to get a pair of shoes and, at some point, volunteer. Right now, I need to get a job which will in turn give me money which will also in turn fund a trip to help out. Turns out it takes monies to help people in need. As do rabbit rescues. Anyway, here are some
Things you can do:
Go on a shoe drop either in the US or in Argentina (heyo, I'm really considering doing this so if anyone wants to go in together... hint hint).
Style your Sole party (you can style a pair of TOMS shoes yourself and wear them whenever you feel like it!)

Join the TOMS team (college and high school internships).
Buy a pair!

I also just realized that Olio United, the same place that I bought my beloved rubbery Melissa shoes, carries TOMS! So does a surprising variety of shops in Portland, you can search for a place near you here.

And yes, I was referencing this youtube video in my first TOMS post.

OMG Shoes!

Dad sent me this link for TOMS shoes, shoes for tomorrow. Taken from their website: "Since its beginning in May 2006, TOMS has given over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina and 50,000 pairs in South Africa through the purchases of our caring customers. In 2008 TOMS plans to give 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world...

For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One."

Not only is it a cool cause but their shoes are NEAT!

I think I might need to try a pair of these boots sometime, preferably after I find some employment. And yes, they are totally made to wrap around your leg and Velcro, like an ACE bandage. Sigh... a little expensive for my bank account most days.

And a pair of vegan friendly TOMS. I'm digging these! (Only $48, which if you think about it is a great price for TWO pairs of shoes)