SHOE & GIRL CRUSH

Oh dear me – I was on a total spending moratorium and actually doing very well until I happened to cast my eyes upon a little selection of Mink shoes that starting winking at me at The Women Of The Green Generation conference in LA, where I was speaking. Of course I had to have my arm twisted into trying on a pair of incredibly sexy wedges, which were clearly destined to make their way into my closet – I mean totally meant to be – it was like Cinderella, they fit me like a glove!! Anyway, shoe crush (which I now have on Mink Shoes,) aside, these are a line of shoes that you have to know about.

Rebecca Mink, owner and designer of the collection has created a line of shoes that are not only mouth wateringly sexy, but are also beautifully made – so much so- that taken care of, a pair of Mink shoes will last you for years and years. They are vegan, animal-friendly and made of completely sustainable materials. The pair that I managed to cram my dainty feet into (pictured right) are called the “Chimpanzee” and are made from hemp linen, sustainable cork, and corn-based plastic. I wouldn’t say no to any of the styles – gorgeous velvety ballet flats in jewel-like colors, fushia strappy evening sandals and day-to-evening wedges in every color imaginable. Here’s the kicker, they are super-lightweight (unlike a lot of wedges) and very comfy. A pair of Mink shoes is definitely something to save up for (not for the faint of heart), but as I always say, I think it’s greener to save up for one really beautifully- made pair of shoes, than to pick up a few cheap bargains which won’t last.

I met so many fantastic women at the conference. It was an epicenter of female green energy, where every speaker bought a slew of powerful tidbits to the table. There were panels on non-toxic beauty, sustainable fashion, starting a green business and more. I gave a demo on how to make my potent vitamin C serum in 2 minutes for under a dollar. I’m shooting some more how-to videos this week, so will include that one for sure.

I heard the passionate Rebecca Harrell Tickell (pictured left), author of Hot, Rich & Green speak. Her book is filled with inspiring stories of women who are shaking it up in the green space. I also met Chandanni Miglino (pictured right) , founder of wedharma. She is one beautiful lady with an equally beautiful mission – girl crush!

An extremely fun day was had by all. A huge shout-out for Kris Willey who bought all these women together. I was absolutely exhausted and exhilarated from hours of soaking up all that great girly energy and information – however, still managed to do a little more retail therapy on my way out (hope the husband doesn’t read this!) – spotted Fahmina’s stunning leather slit cuffs – all made from recycled materials

Finally, grabbed a chat with the founders of Golden Path Alchemy. This is a line after my own heart. Hand-crafted beautiful ingredients based on herbs and Chinese medicine – LOVE!

Had to go a fund raiser at my daughter’s school that same evening. Feet were killing me as I’d been tottering around in heels all day ( sadly not Mink Shoes), and managed to get outbid on the quilt that my daughter’s classroom made, Urrrrgh  – Lola wanted that badly. To cap it off, I must have been standing too close behind my husband, trying to get him out of there, and he stepped back and crushed my toes badly. Still it gave me an excuse not to get up early Sunday morning to do yoga. Phew – a girl needs to have a looooooooong sleep-in every now and again.

All in all, it was a day that confirmed my belief that there is something truly wonderful about a group of passionate women getting their heads together to brainstorm green solutions. I know women all over America are doing just the same. Whether it’s a green conference, or simply getting together with a girlfriend in your kitchen to brainstorm ways in which you can green your family, it all adds up. We tend to be the decision-makers/movers and shakers and it’s so much fun seeing this innate energy that we all have, being put to good purpose.