On Shoes

Whenever I get into a splurging frenzy, I try to at least purchase on principle. I don't always put forethought into my purchasing, but there are several factors of a business that can easily win me over.
1) Fair Trade/Eco-friendliness level
2) Woman or minority owned businesses
3) Handmade goods and/or Small Businesses

80%20 and Keep Company are two shoe brands that are women and minority owned/operated. Both companies focus on style and comfort, and if you wait around long enough, you're bound to run into a sale. Recently 80%20 had a wonderful sample sale in their NYC based studio space. Sample shoes sold for $20. Much of the aesthetics are reminiscent of Vans slip-ons and the classic Sperry topsider boating shoes.

Okay, now for the pretty shoe parade!

*Comfort Level: Medium/High

*Comfort Level: Low

*Comfort Level: Extremely High

*Comfort Level: Unknown

*Comfort Level: Extremely High

Keep currently has a limited selection of shoes on sale.

Hulger Penelope Phone

These sleek phones from Hulger have a vintage style but decidedly modern capabilities. This particular Penelope model can wirelessly connect to any Bluetooth technology so you can use it with your cell phone or computer for VoIP. I haven't had a landline for the past two years but I'd consider signing up for VoIP just to have one of these laying around the house. Comes in black, cream, and maroon.

Available at Hulger and Greener Grass Design, a store with many items I lust for.

LifeGem

LifeGems are diamonds made from the carbon of your cremated loved ones. So diamonds really can be a girl's best friend or relative or dead pet.

Melissa shoes + accessories

First of all, I am in no way an advocate of the classic jelly shoe we all remember from the wonderful fashion era of the 80s through early 90s.

BUT!
There have been several reincarnations (more specifically the Zig Zag collection by Brazil based company Melissa + design brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana) that I can fully back. While I don't enjoy the amount of waste created by plastics and am skeptical about the comfort level of a plastic shoe on a humid day, I have testimony that they are indeed comfortable. Melissa shoes are made out of a patented oderless and allergy free plastic called Melflex™. More info about the company+ available here.
Superstar architect Zaha Hadid will also be launching a line with Melissa in 2007. Prices vary, but shoes seem to be around $50 on the low end (i.e. on sale!).

Charcoal Table Grill by Eva Solo

Eva Solo's table top grill is white porcelain with a stainless steel grill. While there are many other comparable and cheap utilitarian grills around, this tiny guy is definitely perfect for an intimate and stylin' bbq. Inaccessible for most at a steep $300.

Josh Jakus

I love things that are made from industrial felt and have a linear design. Josh Jakus is the designer behind this above series of um bags, eggflats and wine pockets. Prices for bags range from $40-$120, but a couple of designs are available through Figments.

Paper Rad T-Shirt

Because, who doesn't need more ruffles and TuxDog in their lives?
$62 US via Family