You Asked, Here’s My Answer: 8 Stylish, Yet Comfortable Shoe Brands

Repeat after me. Ill-fitting shoes are not worth it.

My friend, there is nothing worse than getting blisters, or feeling uncomfortable all night at a special event. We’ve all been here though. We wear those sky-high heels because they’re gorgeous, but realistically, we can’t stand them. We haul an extra pair of shoes to work every day, just so we can survive the commute and obey the office’s unofficial dress code.

No need to worry though, I’ve got your covered.

I’ve rounded up 8 footwear brands that I’ve found to be both comfortable, and stylish all at the same time. Depending on your choice, these can be perfect for casual wear or work attire alike.

1. Matt and Nat: Premium vegan footwear, at a variety of price points. Your best bet is to shop online at this Canadian store, although they do have some physical locations popping up. I personally love their boots, and “stretchy” flats (they feel like actual ballet slippers).
2. Allbirds: This is your one-stop shop for comfortable runners, that are also sustainable. Allbirds are made with natural materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fibre, and sugar cane. Shop online in Canadian dollars.
3. Lucky Brand Shoes: Great spot for boots, and mule styles. Their pieces last a while as well. Shop online at Lucky Brand’s website, or at one of your other favourite retailers like The Bay.
4. Geox: This Italian shoe brand is focused on performance. Their footwear is manufactured with waterproof/breathable fabrics, perfect for a woman on the go. Shop at one of their stores, or at a local retailer like Alexandria’s Fine Shoes.
5. Cole Hann: This American company originally only created men’s shoes. They’ve branched into women’s footwear and are known for their extra cushioning on all styles. Shop online or at one of their retail locations.
6. Hispanitas: A Spanish brand which offers classic and unique styles that will stand the test of time. Shop for this brand locally at Alexandria’s Fine Shoes.
7. Lifestride: Feel like a boss in these heels, loafers, and mules, which are specifically designed to be comfortable all day. Get the job done. Shop online, or at one of your other favourite retailers like The Bay
8. Naturalizer: These shoes were designed for the working professional. Shop online or at one of their retail locations.

I hope you find these options helpful. Look good, but most importantly feel good, all day long.

Where to Shop for Eco-Friendly Fashions as a Canadian

Did you know the the fashion industry produces 20 per cent of global wastewater and 10 per cent of global carbon emissions? Did you know textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of water globally and it takes around 2,000 gallons of water to make a typical pair of jeans?

Those are some pretty startling statistics don’t you think? 

If you’re on a journey to be a more mindful consumer, there are number of ways to shop in line with your values, while still looking stylish. Vintage, consigned/second hand, and fair-trade clothing are all great options. If you want to shop new, I’ve rounded up some of the best ethical online shops for Canadians, which are reasonably priced – that means no duties or extra fees!

I hope you enjoy this freebie.

Click here to grab your guide.

 

Five Tips to Look Sharp When Dressing for Work in the Summer Heat

With rising temperatures, looking chic and professional for work can be a challenge. We tend to let our clothing become much more casual in the summer, to match our easy-breezy mood. The problem is most of us still work all year round, so we don’t always have the option to dress down. Not to mention, having to deal with both the sweltering heat outdoors, and the frigid air conditioning indoors. How can you look professional, while still keeping your cool?

Here are a few tips and outfit examples to help you look your best all season long.

Tip 1) Build your summer wardrobe in lightweight fabrics, and neutral colours.

Monochromatic looks are always in. Consider investing in whites, grays, and other neutrals, to help keep you cool. Breathable fabrics such as organic cotton, linen and bamboo are also great materials for summer wardrobes. Be sure to read the labels on your pieces, to ensure you’re caring for them correctly.

 

Tip 2) Know your work environment and match it, no matter what.

Workplaces in general are becoming much more casual, however there are some that are still on the formal side. No matter your environment, make sure your work wear meets these three criteria:

• Makes you feel professional and that you would be able to give a presentation, attend an impromptu meeting, or speak with your boss, without advanced notice;
• Is comfortable and supports you, so you can focus on getting your tasks done; and
• Respects your environment, and co-workers, yet reflects your personal style (even in the most subtle of ways).

If your work environment is formal, choose a blazer, skirt, and sleeveless blouse – a great outfit which can be worn jacket free when you’re at your desk. A pro tip is to always ensure you have a fantastic layering piece at your desk to pull on as needed. Not sure how to build a wardrobe for your work environment? Read this post.

 

Actress, Jessica Alba is All Smiles in the while arriving at the Global Morning Show studios in Toronto, Canada. Jessica Alba was wearing beautiful white dress, with a navy blazer, grey handbag, and yellow shoes, while holding a coffee in her hand. Jessica Alba is in Toronto promoting The Honest Company.

Pictured: Jessica Alba Ref: SPL1309962 280616
Picture by: S Fernandez / Splash News

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Tip 3) Try a dress

Dresses are truly like onesies for adults. They are simple to pull on, and instantly make you look put together – no mad mixing and matching skills required :). Depending on the formality of your workplace, choose a few styles which can easily be dressed up or dressed down.  An A-line dress is the most flattering on most figures, and is a great option to elevate or simplify. Add a cute scarf (which can double as a shawl if you get chilly), a statement necklace, or some delicate jewelry. If you workplace is very casual, try a t-shirt style dress, but tailor it in by wearing a fitted cardigan or sweater on top.

 

Tip 4) Invest in your footwear

You don’t need a huge shoe wardrobe to get you through this season, but you do need a few basics. If your workplace is formal, get yourself a pair of breathable leather kitten heels, in a nude colour, and a tiny wedge sandal with a closed toe. If you enjoy shopping local, be sure to check out Alexandria’s Fine Shoes in Uptown Waterloo for some great options. If you’re work environment is more casual, feel free to skip the heels in favour of some breathable leather flats, and a dressy, yet comfortable sandal. A friend recently recommended Canadian brand Naot Footwear, which offers extra support, in fun and neutral styles. Remember, any toe that is pointed will help to visually elongate your leg. Isn’t that a beautiful thing?

Tip 5) Keep it simple friends

If you’re not a confident mixer, wear pieces in solid colours, or very simple patterns. Add interest to your outfit with the accessories you choose. There is no reason to get caught up in the latest trends with your summer work wardrobe. Focus on the basics, the fit and enhancing your gorgeous body shape.

 

Your summer work wardrobe matters lovely. It will help you feel confident, and less like a hot mess, if you take some time to plan it out.

Remember, you don’t need a huge wardrobe to work for you. As women, we wear about 20% of our clothes, 80% of the time. If you haven’t already, be sure to grab the freebie work capsules for professionals by body type for some samples of outfits that would work for you.

*all photos via Pinterest.

Facial Time – Top Spots in Waterloo Region

The changing of seasons is always a challenge. Temperatures and weather patterns are unpredictable, leaving skin itching for moisture. This is definitely true in my case, and if it’s the case for you as well, consider upping your water intake and booking a facial.

Here are some of the top facial services to hydrate dull, and dry skin in Waterloo Region. 

Pure + simple: Super Hydrating Facial.
This treatment focuses on hydrating and replenishing the skin. It includes cleansing, steaming, extractions, facial, décolletage, and scalp massage. This facial concludes with a skin restoration mask, designed to even and plump skin. Special treatment for the eye and décolleté area.

Cost: $110. Time: 60 minutes. Address: 1-42 Bridgeport Road East, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 0B3

Gina’s Spa, Hair Studio & Medi Spa: Gina’s Advanced European Facial
Hydrating. Refresh and restore optimal hydration to dry, dehydrated skin with this treatment using hyaluronic acid and ceramides to combat the loss of water and provide better protection against external agents. This restorative moisturizing treatment relieves the discomfort of dry, tight skin leaving a glowing and radiant complexion.

Cost: $115. Time: 60 minutes. Address: 6 Regina Street North, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2Z8

Langdon Hall: Source of the Bisses

A hydration bath which quenches the thirstiest skins. Thanks to a hydrating massage and the application of a highly rehydrating facial mask, fines lines of dehydration are smoothed down, the face regains suppleness, comfort and glow.

Cost: $135. Time: 55 minutes. Address: 1 Langdon Drive, Cambridge, Ontario N3H 4R8

Do you have any favourite spas locally? Favourite treatment? Let me know! I’ve personally tried all of the above treatments.

Stylish Social Enterprises – Doing Good Through Fashion

Our purchases do make a difference. With the holiday season fast approaching, now may be the perfect time to support fabulous causes without compromising on style. My column in this month’s Community Cord discusses how.

See below.

I’m often asked whether our individual purchases really make a difference, and my answer is always yes. Consumers have more influence over the products that are produced, and future products that are being developed, than we may realize. With every business striving to make a profit, they look to consumer behaviour to drive their innovation, product development, and marketing decisions to increase the likelihood that us consumers will choose their products over a competitor’s.

A 2013 Business Development Bank of Canada study called “Five Game-Changing Consumer Trends” identified a “Made in Canada” advantage for businesses, as social and environmental concerns have become increasingly influential in consumer purchasing decisions.

The commercial landscape has changed for retailers and they must adapt to meet new consumer standards. Canadians do their research before making a purchase and a majority are now trying to buy local, with many willing to pay a premium for goods that boast a Made in Canada label.

As a result of these shifting attitudes, new businesses are popping up that place doing good at the centre of their business model. These are called social enterprises. From Tom’s Shoes, which give shoes to children in need, to tentree, which plants 10 trees for every purchase, shopping for a cause has gone mainstream.

It’s true that it can be challenging to see how our individual purchases make a difference, but Carmen Clubiné, a local jewelry designer, makes it clear that they can. She created her jewelry line, Alfaro Clubiné, in partnership with Joel, a 23-year-old hearing impaired man living in Paraguay who had few options for employment in his community.

“When our friend in Paraguay met Joel, he had a temper because he really couldn’t communicate with anyone,” explained Carmen. “He was frustrated, and it got to the point where his own community didn’t want him around.”

When Joel was young, he attended school for a while, but it wasn’t set up to meet his needs. As a result, he had a lot of time on his hands, and his older brothers taught him how to work with filigree silver. When they moved away to make a living elsewhere, things changed for the entire family.

“Joel wasn’t in a good place when our friend met him, but when he started working, he became a different person,” said Carmen. “For me, that was the wow moment. Alfaro Clubiné is making a big difference in the life of a man, his family, and his community.”

This is one example of a local social enterprise that, with your support, can continue to positively influence another person’s life. Many more exist in Waterloo Region, and with style and impact combined in a business, it is now easier than ever to engage in socially-conscious purchasing.

Our consumption decisions add up, and big businesses pay attention. Our purchases make a difference, and isn’t that a beautiful thing?