Since Earth Day 2010 is coming up tomorrow and it’s the 40th anniversary of the special day, I decided to turn the Star Designer spotlight on a brand-new line of eco-friendly footwear called Naya Shoes.  Naya, which is the Hindi word for “renewal” according to WWD, was officially launched on March 4 of this year by Brown Shoe, a company that operates Famous Footwear and Shoes.com and has a brand portfolio that includes Naturalizer, Via Spiga, Franco Sarto, Carlos Santana, Fergie and more. 

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Naya is the first company-owned (i.e. not licensed) brand launched by Brown in about ten years, so it’s definitely a rare venture for the company.  But the line is also unique because they’ve set out to make shoes that are cute, comfortable and environmentally friendly all at once.  It’s a tall order, but I have to say they’ve done a great job.  When I first came across a Naya pair, I definitely noticed the appearance of the shoe initially, which was exactly their intention.  Pat Hogan, general manager of Naya, tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that they were ”focused first on designing ‘beautiful’ shoes — and then looked for sustainable and biodegradable materials that could be used. The shoes are also created with comfort in mind.” 

According the the Naya Shoes website, they employ the use of the following materials whenever possible:

• Chrome-free or vegetable-tanned leathers
• Natural, organic or sustainable fabrics
• Heels made from sustainable bamboo
• Biodegradable latex foam cushioning
• Natural cork and rubber footbeds
• Outsoles made with recycled materials
• Nickel free metal buckles
• Recycled paper boxes
• Water soluble glues and cements

I’m definitely in support of shoes that can potentially benefit the planet and Naya shows that being fashionable and environmentally-friendly can go hand-in-hand.  I’m especially liking these styles:

Naya Atwood for $120 with free shipping from Shoes.com.

Naya Fowler in tan or black for $110 with free shipping at Shoes.com.

Naya Alamosa in red, black or taupe for $120 with free shipping at Shoes.com.

Naya Salida in brown, black or nickel for $110 with free shipping at Shoes.com.

Naya Timpas in yellow, green or brown for $124 with free shipping at Zappos.

Naya Arvada in white, red, brown or black for $124 with free shipping at Zappos.

Naya Arnelli in brown, white or black for $125 with free shipping at Shoes.com.

Naya Shoes are available at all of these online shoe stores, but it’s worth noting that if you purchase Naya from Shoes.com during the month of April, they will plant a tree for each pair.  Also, Naya will give away a free pair of their shoes if they reach 1,000 Facebook fans by April 22, and they’re really close to reaching that now, so be sure to become their friend and you just might score a pair for yourself!

Did you know that today, March 20, is officially the first day of spring?  To celebrate the end of dreary ol’ winter and usher in a bright new season, I thought it would be appropriate to talk spring shoes trends today.  I’m not one to follow every trend to a T, but I certainly find it fun to keep up with and I take it into consideration when making my own shoe purchases.  I’ve been keeping my eyes out for the latest in shoes this season and, I have to say, there are many different accounts of what’s hot right now.  But, there are a few that stand out as being generally agreed upon and a few that I would consider shoe subtrends - i.e. those smaller, fringe trends that provide plenty of variety and help round things out.  So, without further adieu, here’s a rundown of the spring trends I’ve found and my favorite examples of the shoes that incorporate them:

Neutrals 

Neutral shoes were big last year and they are back again this year - and for good reason.  Neutral shoes go with virtually everything - including those little pastel sundresses that so don’t work with our dear friend black.  Even though metallic sandals provide a similar level of versatility, neutral shoes have a nice bare leg effect when you pick a pair that is similar to your own skin tone.  Some even say it has a slimming effect, which certainly doesn’t hurt either.

Go for a classic silhouette you’ll wear again and again with the Nine West Escher taupe peep-toe pump.  Endless has it for $78.95 with free overnight shipping.

Go for a little more drama in the design with the Chinese Laundry Lucky Strike, available at Shoes.com for $80 with free shipping.  Get 20% off with coupon code MSAVE at checkout, making them $64.

Feminine details

This is one trend I’m personally loving.  Shoes that incorporate details like ruffles, flowers, bows and lace bring out your girly side and just make you feel pretty.  You can’t go wrong with that.

Combine the neutral trend with feminine flowers in the Kelsi Dagger Belize, which is available at Piperlime for $135 with free shipping.  Can I say just how much I love this pair?  Yes, this is true shoe love for me.

Go for girly-with-edge in the ruffled Jeffrey Campbell Quarry with the infamous unicorn heel.  These are available at LuLu’s for $139.  I love these with the lace tights.

The ruffled and zippered Dollhouse Kirna is super-lovely and nicely affordable too.  Get the best price at Shoes.com, where they are available in black or fuschia for $50.  They drop to $40 when coupon code MSAVE is applied at checkout.  Endless has them in more color options - green, black, blue, pink and white - for $51.95 with free overnight shipping.

Wedges

Wedges are always in, but particularly so this spring.  I love wedges because they give you flattering height, but they tend to be more comfortable than skinny heels.  Plus, they work well with many spring looks and can typically be dressed up or down.

Combine the neutral trend and the wedge trend with the Sam Edelman Kyla, which is offered at Shoes.com for $149 with free shipping.  They drop to $119.20 when coupon code MSAVE is applied. If they don’t have your size, try Zappos for $149 with free shipping.

Combine the feminine detail trend with the wedge trend (and get a great deal to boot) with the SM Ven Rosette wedge in six color options for $39.95 at DSW.  Coupon code KCOOK34 takes $5 off, making them $34.95, and code FREESHIP gives free shipping (enter both at checkout).  Expiration for these codes is unknown.

Oxfords

The oxford jazz flat seems to big right now and, to be honest, I’m personally not a big fan of this trend because I don’t find it very flattering.  However, I have seen oxford flats look pretty cute with cuffed jeans, so it can work with certain looks.  If I were to apply this trend, I’d go for an oxford with a twist (and a heel) in this awesome pair:

Get a variation on the traditional oxford style with the addition of lace and a unique heel with the 80%20 Hope Oxford from the Ce Ce Chin Collection (find more available color options here).  You’ll combine the oxford trend and the feminine detail trend with this shoe, which is available at Karmaloop for $175.  Coupon code CLINTON takes 20% off, making them $140.  The coupon expiration is unknown.

White shoes

Piperlime lists white sandals as a hot trend right now.  To me, there’s nothing like an amazing white pair of shoes for spring and summer, but it can be tricky to find the right one.  There’s always a fine line between a hot pair of white shoes and one that comes across as a bit cheesy.  Here are some that I think fall into the hot category:

The Naughty Monkey Parade is one of Piperlime’s white shoe examples and I’m loving it too.  The brown straps and heel provide a nice contrast for the white base color.  Get it for $80 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Combine the white trend and the feminine details trend with the gorgeous Betsey Johnson Amorita.  It’s available at Endless for $185 with free overnight shipping.

I also like the white version of the Dollhouse Kirna mentioned above, which you can get for $51.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Tribal

Get a little wild this season with a tribal-influenced pair of shoes, which always add an exotic flair to your look.  Try out the trend with these pairs:

The Kelsi Dagger Grace has a tribal influence with its use of wooden beads, but it gets all dolled up with the addition of sparkling rhinestones.  Endless has it in 3 color options for $148.95.

Combine the tribal trend with the wedge trend in the Naughty Monkey Liggy, which has a dramatic printed heel.  Get it at Shoes.com for $85 with free shipping.  Coupon code MSAVE drops it to $68.

Clogs

Clogs are making a big comeback this year.  If you want a clog with a hefty dose of attitude, try this pair:

Steven by Steve Madden Durann for $149 at Shoes.com.  Coupon code MSAVE takes 20% off, making them $119.20 with free shipping.

Nautical

Get sailor chic this season with nautical-inspired shoes, which are clean, classic and fun to wear.

The Nine West Cawley in navy with cork platform and red heel will have you sailing into high style.  You can find this shoe at Endless for $88.95 with free 2-day shipping.

I’ll be covering any additional shoe trends I see in upcoming Hot Trends features, so stay tuned!

Note: The MSAVE coupon code for Shoes.com mentioned in this post expires 3/31/10.  All prices listed are subject to change.

Cheap Chick is doing the happy dance because it’s Saturday and we’re finally having a beautiful warm day - a welcome break from the dreary, cold, icy weather that’s been prevalent here lately.  What else makes Cheap Chick happy?  Cute shoes on the cheap, of course.  So, before this little birdie goes outside to do…well, what chicks normally do (flitting around, chirping, pecking for bugs, etc.), she thought she’d round up some of the best brand name shoes for $25 or less.  All of these are offered by 6pm:

Dolce Vita 5125-51 in brown or black for $25 (MSRP $125).  Sizes are getting really limited, so snatch this awesome deal up quick if your size is available.

J.Renee Blaze in white or brown for $21.99 (MSRP $109.95).  Love the bead detail on these.

Hale Bob Cara in black for $19.80 (MSRP $99).

Enzo Angiolini Caitria in black for $17.80 (MSRP $89).

Steven Lalo in black leather and four other color choices for $25 (MSRP $125).  It looks like some of the color options are sold out.

Exchange by Charles David Acrobat in burgundy, black or brown for $15.40 (MSRP $77).

Via Spiga Taunt in brown, white or black for $19.80 (MSRP $99).

Jeffrey Campbell Anne in red, black or purple for $18.60 (MSRP $93).

Matiko Jane studded flat in black or off-white for $18 (MSRP $90).

Chinese Laundry Suzana in tan, brown or black for $14.72 (MSRP $73.60).

Schutz 34901002 in black or tan for $17.94 (MSRP $89.70).

Two Lips Lori in black, bronze, brown or white for $15.18 (MSRP $75.90).

Shipping adds a flat $6.95 to your order.  Please note that availability and prices can change at any time.

It can be hard to find a discount for Skechers Shape-Ups, which boast increased muscle toning and calorie burning with each step and have a rounded heel similar to MBT.  They retail for around $99-$110 and I’ve found that Kohl’s coupons normally work for Shape-ups (I’ve seen them as low as $79.99 after their 20% off coupon), but many other stores list them as a brand exclusion for any additional discounts.  But, I found a much lower price today at Metrostyle.  They have Skechers Shape-Ups in black/white or white/silver for $99.99 and you get another $40 off with their MSJAN53 coupon code for 40% off one item, which reduces them to $59.99.  The catch?  They are currently on backorder with an expected ship date of 3/3/10 and shipping adds a rather hefty $12.99.  Even with shipping and a bit of a wait, it’s still a great deal for anyone in the market for a pair of Skechers fitness shoes.  The coupon ends 2/22/10.

Update: It appears that promo codes can no longer be applied for Shape-ups at Metrostyle.

The Jeffrey Campbell Tick is definitely one of those shoes that invokes a strong reaction.  From what I can tell, it’s a “love it or hate it” kind of style with not much in-between.  And those who love it, well, they really love it.  Just check out the blogs of Jeffrey Campbell and Solestruck, who report the frenzy of emails and calls they’ve received about this shoe and it’s availability.  Personally, I’m a fan - I sang the praises of the white and burlap versions in my Christmas Eve post.  I can see why it might be a bit extreme for some people, but that’s what makes it such a statement-making, head-turning kind of style.  I also love interesting details on the heel of a shoe and the series of small metal tacks used all over the wedge of the Tick definitely qualifies as unique.  We’ve seen this pair in black, white and burlap so far and Solestruck reports that a zebra version will be available soon.  We also now have a tribal Jeffrey Campbell Tick, which is exclusively at Karmaloop and available for preorder now:

Karmaloop notes in their blog that the Tick Shoe in Tribal appears to be inspired by the Givenchy Spring 2010 collection.  At first glance, I wasn’t too sure about the busy design on these, but I tend to like the Tick better when I see it actually being worn.  I can imagine the possibilities much more with this photo:

Yes, I think there are plenty of little black dresses out there that need an infusion of this wild, untamed style.  If you love.want.need the tribal Tick for yourself, head over to Karmaloop and get them for $150.  Apply coupon code XOXO for another 20% off, which makes them $120.  Coupon expires 2/16/10.

Update 2/20: It looks like Karmaloop is currently sold out.

Update2 3/23: The tribal Tick is back in stock at Karmaloop again - plus I found a bronze and pewter version of the Tick at another store - see the details here.

Update3: It’s sold out at Karmaloop again, but Eilatan also offers the Jeffrey Campbell Tick in tribal for $142.79.  Apparently, it’s not exclusive to Karmaloop any longer.  Singer22 also offers it for $264.

Update 4: It’s back again at Karmaloop.

*See all Jeffrey Campbell Tick posts*

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I’m definitely a fan of Naughty Monkey and their line of fun and unique shoes.  One new style I’m craving right now is the Naughty Monkey Me O My pump, which has that classic combination of black and white along with edgy details like studs and snake print.  I tend to wear a lot of black, grey and white, often mixed with a pop of bright color, and I imagine this pair would really add some extra flair to that kind of look.  You can get these at Shoemall for $69.95 and get another 15% off with coupon code NEXJUMP, making them $59.46.  They are also available in yellow or blue.

Update: I noticed a better price for this shoe at Nordstrom.  Get it on sale in white or blue for $34.90 and use coupon code SHOES at checkout for free shipping.  The sale price expiration is unknown, but the coupon expires 4/12/10.

I’m also crushing on the super-hot Naughty Monkey Fiesta.  In contrast to the ‘Me O My’, this shoe would be perfect for adding that pop of bright color to your outfit and I’m loving the reptile print on the platform.  I also have a weakness for extra-small baby studs, especially the ones along the heel, so I’m seriously coveting this pair.  My favorite is the yellow version, which is sold at Endless for $80.95, but it also comes in brown, black or purple.  If you like the purple, Shoemall has it for $79.95 and you can use the above coupon for another 15% off, making them $67.96.  Update: Get this pair in black or purple at Shoemall for $55.97 using coupon code MISSU30, which takes 30% off until 3/21/10.

Update: Endless is almost sold out of the yellow Fiesta, but you can also get it at Nordstrom for $79.95.  Get free shipping using coupon code SHOES until 4/12/10.

Coupon expiration is unknown.

Cheap Chick was on the prowl again today (this birdie can not be contained) and she found several name-brand athletic shoes and boots for under $25 at Boscovs.  The prices are already super-low, but you also get an additional discount at checkout during their Extra Secret Discount Sale (psst…it’s another 10% off).  Here are a few examples of the savings you can get:

Madden Girl Tatyana for $24.99 (regularly $59.99) in black or brown.  At checkout, they drop to $22.49.

Skechers D’Lites for $23.99 (regularly $59.99), but just $21.59 at checkout.

Unionbay Stormie in black, camel or chestnut for $19.99 (regularly $49.99) before discount, $17.99 after.

Adidas Duramo in white/silver/pink for $27.50 (regularly $55).  They drop to $24.75 at checkout.

Keds Endeavor for $25.99 (regularly $64.99) and $23.39 at checkout.

Reebok Heel Side DMX for $24.99 (regularly $49.99) and $22.49 after discount.

See all boots on sale and athletic shoes on sale or check out all of the shoes for more options.  The extra discount sale ends 1/30/10.