I am still on the search for ethically made black ballet flats. I found the
Patagonia Maha Breathe at REI, but once I saw them in person, I realized I didn't like the style. My friends have been sending me links to stores they have discovered that sell ethically made shoes. Although they do not have my ballet flats, these stores are good resources for the future.
Click
HERE for a store that has TOMS-like shoes and these cute boots.
THESE fair trade shoes are made in Ethiopia. They have ballet flats or
tooToos as they call them, but not in solid black. This store also has sandals, slip-ons, lace-ups, and coZees.
You can help end the cycle of poverty in Uganda by purchasing sandals from
Sseko Designs. It's the perfect time to get yourself ready for summer with these versatile sandals. They even show you how to tie your sandals different ways via video tutorials. Check out the store
HERE. They have a
wedding line too!
Check out this video about Sseko Designs!
Sseko Way from
Sseko Designs on
Vimeo.
I love
THESE shoes, which may be my next ballet flat purchase because my brown ones are about ready to fall apart just as my black ones have. You can find these and other cute sandals, boots, etc. at
Vegetarian Shoes.
No sweatshops used in the making of these shoes (click on Aug. 2011, Vegetarian Living)!
HERE is one last store that has flats, heels, wedges and such, but they are too expensive for me.
At this point, I am leaning towards
TOMS black ballet flats. I tried on a size 6 at a local store, but unfortunately they are too big, so I'm hoping if I order a size 5, they will fit my tiny feet. Although nearly everyone has a pair of TOMS, what I love about many of the above stores is that they are entirely unique. By purchasing ethically made shoes, I am not only unique in my buying choices, but also in my style :)
On another note, I have removed 16 more pieces of clothing and 3 more pairs of shoes from my closet. I will continue to evaluate, and remove more as the months go on. I am still struggling with holding on to certain pieces of clothing "just in case". I thought it was perfect that this morning my devotion read this:
"This is a time in your life when
you must learn to let go: of loved ones,
possessions, on control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete. Take time to bask in the Light of My Love. As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releases your prized possession into My care."
I tend to think that I have more trouble letting go of loved ones and control. Right now I struggle daily with this. It is interesting, though, to consider the push and pull I felt last night as I was attempting to remove more of my possessions from my closet.
Heavenly Father, help me to let go not only of loved ones that are out of my reach and the control that I so desperately desire, but also my possessions, specifically the clothing I do not need, but could be used by others who are in need. Thank You for reminding me that my security lies in You.
