#LifeGoals: Rothy’s

Many years ago when I started my quest to find office appropriate heels that were comfortable and eco-friendly, the struggle was reeeeeal.  I’m not gonna lie, pickings were slim.  We did have some great brands that were forward thinkers and sustainably minded.  But I’m over the moon in how the selection and most importantly, the comfort of these earth-friendly options have come along in these last few years. 

Enter Rothy’s.

Oh. My. God.  So few things feel this good, especially on your feet.  It’s utterly mind blowing that they are made out of recycled plastic water bottles!  Granted the merino wool thread probably makes them feel so dang yummy, it’s still so green!  The insoles are that foam that you feel bounces back when you lift your foot.  And stays that way!  Plus, they’re just so light, and incredibly soft, inside and out.  Imagine your best tailored cigarette pant as a shoe, and that’s this flat.

In reality, I had these on my radar for quite some time but it wasn't until I saw one of my coworkers sporting them around the office one day.  And you know me, inquiring minds wanna know... I immediately interrogated her about them.  She raved about them. I was sold.

These babies come in all colors and hues of the rainbow, with some special collections periodically.  And they have rounded toe, their original shoe, The Flat, or pointed toe, The Point, and classic loafers, yes, you guessed it, they’re called The Loafer.  They like to keep it simple. 😄 

They have just debuted a brand new style, The Mary Jane.  It’s like The Point but with adorable thick straps you tie into a bow. And true to the brand, all styles come with the signature blue halo.

The thing that really sets Rothy’s aside, is that all their styles are machine washable.  All you do is take out the insoles and throw them in with your shoes into your cold water delicate cycle and air dry.  That makes your dollars go farther and it helps reduce landfills of those single use plastic bottles. 

Rothy’s is also reinforces their sustainable focus by humanely harvesting the merino wool they use for their thread from an Australian farm (still standing after the fires) and then crafted at a sustainable Italian mill.  The insoles are made from bio-based castor oil and recycled materials.  Their outsoles are made of either carbon-free rubber or luxe vegan leather.  They’re shipped in their boxes so there’s less waste in the shipping and packaging of your new kicks.  Good for the earth, good for fur friends, good for your feets, TERRIFIC all around.

Sustainability and quality do cost some cash though.  Rothy’s range in price between $125 and $155 depending on the style and special collection.  BUT your Working Girl has got you a hook up with $20 discount!  Use this link to get $20 off your first order.

So get out there with your new Rothy’s looking fabulous and feel super knowing you are doing your part to save the planet one step at a time.

*hearts*

Heels for Flat Feet

I know it's been a minute but we're still all working girls first. 😇

One of my good friends has struggled with her love affair with high heels.  Unfortunately, her flat feet syndrome keeps her from being able to really enjoy the happiness wearing high heels brings us.  She’s asked me to help her find heels for flat feet.  PROJECT! 😁

So, not being flat-footed myself and not being an orthopedic doctor, or trained in that field in any way, I’ll give this my best shot.  In the research I’ve been able to find, it seems there is no cure at the moment.  There’s lots of stuff being done for a pill in the future but as for right now, I’m sorry ladies, it’s just not in the cards.  Some say that wearing heels makes it worse, and some even say that it’s the cause of flat feet.  There’s no research that really shows that, and most people have it since birth.  It’s possible your arches can fall over time, but that isn’t always attributed to wearing the fabulous heels. 

The other thing too is that there are no existing heels for flat feet situations.  This news totally bummed me out.  I actually do feel sadness when someone wants to bask in the glamorous splendor of beautiful heels.  I understand that joy and happiness.  I really do…. So someone being physically denied that, well just makes my shoe-filled heart sad.  But there is hope.  

In accepting the challenge, and really wanting to help my girl, I think that there is a combination of things that can help.

Firstly, I think that these foot massages you can give yourself are a great idea, even if you DON’T have flat feet, this looks and feels yummy when I tried it. :) I think doing some type of this stretching and massaging at your desk in a rather discreet way during the day will help you be able to make it through the “walking parts” of your day.  Also, getting custom-molded inserts is another helper.  I know you all probably already have them, so I’m likely preaching to the choir here.  But again, I’m not saying it’s going to get you doing the marathon 14-hour work day in them but just that it will help tolerate them better.  The other thing is that you’re going to have carry around your flats with you so you can switch them out.  

Those lovely red pumps in the top photo are a solid and comfy
option.  They feature memory foam insoles, which sounds super dreamy.  The 2.3 inch heel comes with a pillowy soft feel cushion.  And they boast an A+ arch support.  My favorite part here though is that they're super cute too!  

None of these suggestions will make your pains of wearing heels with flat feet go away, but I really think that they will give you a little less pain, or at least a little more tolerance and more of a real opportunity to wear them. If you have any better suggestions, I’d love to have you share!  😄

*hearts*

Ode to Kate Spade… My Sole Mate

Dear readers,

I know we’ve not “seen” each other in a while, but like true good friends, when we do connect, its like time has not passed.  Its just like that feeling you had when you first laid your eyes on a Kate Spade for the first time…..

This past week’s tragic events including the untimely passings of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain has really hit home for this Working Girl.  I have a hard time believing that anyone doesn’t remember their first Kate Spade.  She came at a time in our life where our extra cash was given the fancy globally envied term “disposable income” making us financially significant.  And while she started her company behind the guise of purses, it was her shoes that made me a lifelong junkie.

Ironically, it was her utterly practical patent wedges, the Halle, that put her on the national radar with the New York Times article about campaigning in three-inch heels.  *swoon*  UMMMMM, you had me at Hillary.  This work-smart appropriate shoe choice drew out the whimsical love of and for fashion we all had inside of us through all of Kate’s imaginative designs.

And it was this exact playful design eye that made all of us working girls start to push the fashion envelope in the conservative office environment allowing us to use fashion more as an extension of our personality while still being professionals. 

Kate evolved from Spade to Frances Valentine to show evolution and maturity, while still holding on to the fanciful and youthful spirit all women have inside of us, no matter our age.

Rest in blissful fashion wonderful Kate.  You will be forever in our hearts and your shoes will be hard to fill.

*hearts*

Here Kitty, Kitty

Those of you that have been following me for a while may remember my post on jelly shoes.  Well my friends, jellies have really come a long way.  I’ve since discovered this rather amazeballs vegan brand called Melissa.  They are a Brazilian shoe company that uses 100% sustainable practices to make their shoes - recycling everything plastic and rubber from water bottles to used tires.  And the styles like these Ultragirl Cat cute ballet flats just speak for themselves. 

The Ultragirl Cat ballet flats don these crazy adorable cat ears on the top of the toes.  They are plastic and lightweight.  When I first thought about getting them, I was really worried I’d be stabbing myself all the time with those ears jetting out.  Surprisingly, I really have never even bummed them on anything or more importantly, any ONE.  (at least not without intention ;) ) They never get in the way of crossing my legs, sitting cross-legged on the floor, or even walking the pooch. 

They have a concealed ½” heel that give you that nice little vertical boost that flatters all universally.  The exterior is a textured faux suede that wears really nicely over time.  I have actually had this pair for about a year now and have worn them in extensively because I LOVE them so much.  They’ve traveled with me to the East Coast a few times getting me compliments from the TSA security.  I love to take advantage of the strategically placed peep toe by going with pink, red and even silver nail polish making the kitty cat’s “nose” pop.  Over time, the edges have gotten dirty from lotion, and just dirt in general.  But they are such a cinch to clean.  A wet paper towel or even a sticky tape lint roller makes them look brand new in under 30 seconds flat.

One of my favorite things about them is the Melissa signature scent.  Unlike other jellies or plastic/rubber shoes, they don’t smell like plastic.  They have this really nice powdery light scent that lasts through humid summers and fall showers.  I have no idea how they do it but its really fantastic.  Your feet NEVER smell in these.  And they are sooo comfy.  Truly comfy.  These have become my go-to black ballet flat despite how “costumey” they are.  I’ve found they add a little hint of fun to my basic outfits in a really unexpected way.  And the compliments are unending.  In line at the store, walking on the street, in bathroom stalls, ladies are just all too happy to tell me how much they love my shoes. 

And did I mention they are totally a deal?  They average out at about $100, these specifically retailed at $110.  But, depending on the style, they range and their site also has great sales.  The problem is that they usually sell out before they go on sale because these shoes are all so awesome and worth the price.  Comparing these to other cat ballet flats like Kate Spade’s Cecelia Flats at $258 and Charlotte Olympia’s Sunkissed Kitty Canvas Slippers retailing for a cool $495, these are totally the cat’s meow.

Melissa shoes are really going to hit big.  They have done mega collaborations with Vivienne Westwood, Jeremy Scott and Jason Wu just to name a few.  The styles, the ethics, the value, the comfort… wins across the board.  Which pair is going to start your new Melissa obsession?

--> *hearts* 

Reigning Rain Boots

No matter what part of the country you live in, you’ve undoubtedly had to pull out your rain boots this season.  Some of us have had to live in them with the seemingly endless storms.  Living in Southern California, we haven’t had much opportunity to pull our rain gear out these past few years.  And, thankfully we have been able to make up for it these last several months. 

And while it’s been some several years since I’ve had any inclination to shop for them, rain boots have definitely become more fashionable and more adorable.  Kate Spade hasn’t disappointed with Raylan donning the sweet bows.

But rain boots have also grown in variety becoming far more functional as well as being very stylish.  Gone are the days of your childhood galoshes with the tote bag stiff handles.  Still holding my number one pick are the Steve Madden Tsunami.  Getting out of those slippery suckers when I’m drenched make me so grateful each time I zip out of those in under 30 seconds flat. 

While the Hunter Gabby has proven to be as rugged as they are stylish over time, the Hunter knee-high wedge rain boots have become one of my go to pairs.  

A wedge rain boot.  Genius!  You get the all the awesome slimming height of a heel with the stability of flats you need on slippery surfaces.  And of all rain boots, this silhouette is my favorite for office wear.  They go so perfectly with skirts and dresses.  They are sleek and so unbelievably comfortable.  Truly.  I swear these suckers are squishy in all the right places and yet supportive in all the essential places.  This is like taking jellies to a whole new level!

Most of all I’m jazzed about all the awesome rain boot options we have to switch up our daily work wardrobe and break out of any fashion work wear rut you may find yourself in.  Let’s go celebrate the great rain and splash like no one’s watching.

*hearts*