As most of you know, Ped takes great care in selecting what we carry. We look for lines that offer beautiful, exquisitely made items that are also ethically produced using environmentally sound practices. The former is what dazzles the eye, but the latter is what truly matters(!) even though it often goes unnoticed. Which is why we are SO EXCITED that our Seattle-based friend, Jamie Joseph, is getting props for her eco-responsible approach to jewelry in an upcoming issue of Time magazine!

Written by Christine Lennon, “The New Gold Standard” focuses on a handful of environmentally aware jewelers who use reclaimed gold in their creations. Here is the excerpt profiling our gal Jamie:

Seattle-based designer Jamie Joseph was similarly committed to environmental issues, quietly letting her principles guide her long before eco-awareness made it to the Bergdorf Goodman crowd that’s now devoted to her work. And judging by her politics and her environmental commitment, she fits right in with the celebrities who wear Jamie Joseph on the red carpet, including Cameron Diaz and Naomi Watts. She drives a biodiesal car, uses compact fluorescent bulbs and cloth towels in the historic warehouse from which she runs her business and has been using reclaimed gold for close to a decade.

“It’s great that the whole green thing is in vogue now, but we’ve been thinking this way up here for a long time,” she says. “My husband, who’s also my business partner, has a degree in environmental science. I saw a documentary about mining years ago, and I was really disturbed. But I said, Well this is my passion—how am I going to address this? I started investigating. And there were vendors that I found where I could buy all-recycled gold.”

Joseph also makes an effort to buy “conflict-free” gemstones—those that aren’t sold to fund wars or mined by exploited workers in unethical ways—from reliable dealers and often uses less rare, large-scale stones like rose quartz and chalcedony with tiny accents of diamonds. “We work with small owner-operated vendors that have similar beliefs and try to build a community around that,” she says. “The whole gemstone industry, it’s a little like the used-car business. You’ve got to know and trust your vendors. We make a point at least once a year of meeting face to face with people. Before I buy a stone from someone, I have to have an interview first. I want to make sure they’re not out raping the land.”

The article also features this beautiful image of one of Jamie’s necklaces (it’s the one on the left):

© Anita Calero, Time

Isn’t that necklace drop-dead gorgeous? It’s available by special order from Ped! Just let us know, and we’ll ask the incomparable Ms. Joseph to create one for you.

In the meantime, here are a few other Jamie Joseph lovelies currently available at Ped:
 

We love how the tiny gold-set diamond in this Oval Drusy Ring complements the fairy-dust sparkle of the larger stone.

These Mint Quartz Earrings are so fresh and green that wearing them is like wearing springtime!

One of the things we like best about Jamie Joseph is the way she turns to nature for design inspiration, as in the wonderful gold oak leaf she uses in combination with the aquamarine stone in this beautiful necklace.

And there is plenty more gorgeousness where those came from! Isn’t it nice to know Jamie Joseph really walks the talk in caring for the world? Ped hearts Jamie Joseph!

Well, I’m back at Ped HQ, and I’m happy to report that, as usual, I had a complete blast while working hard in Paris! A few notes about what you have to look forward to next fall and winter: The “in” colors are cool tones—greys, ranging from graphite to elephant grey, and blues, running from slate to cobalt to teal. And good news! Black is the new black! The style trend dominating Paris is the boot—both short and tall—worn all seasons of the year. It’s a look I personally love. I think a breezy summer dress paired with chic boots is so fresh! Stay tuned because new Fiorentini + Baker boot styles arrive in June. (Yippee!!!!) Plus, I’m excited about the amazing Cydwoq and Trippen designs coming for fall. 

My favorite men in shoes: Rafi of Cydwoq, Michael of Trippen and Pierre of Anatomica (which carries the best selection of Cydwoq and Trippen in Paris).

Of course, while in France I made time for a little personal shopping.

Photograph by Andri Beauchamp

Gals, if you don’t already know about Cotélac and Noa Noa, you definitely need to acquaint yourself with these wonderful clothing shops the next time you’re in Europe! They are always at the top of my Paris to-do list. And, of course, I had to stop by Ladurée to pick up some macaroons for my sweetie! Terry is so terrific about holding down the Ped fort while I skip around Paris, eating Lebanese food, drinking espresso, and soaking up everything from shoes to architecture, that the least I can do is bring him his favorite treat!

When I got home, I discovered Ped transformed into Sandal Central! We have so many eye-popping new designs, and they are ALL so fabulous that I hardly know where to begin. But here are a few of my favorites (with more to come in a later post):

Oo-la-la, ladies, how sexy is Coclico’s Odalisk? Every time I look at this gorgeous heel (which is so, so soft to the touch), all I can think of is movie-star glamour! Wearing this suede beauty, you could truly stop traffic.

Next…

The Cydwoq Vintage Feel makes me feel like going on a romantic picnic on a sunny afternoon (and maybe turning a few cartwheels). This flat sandal captures the very spirit of summer! Plus, you have to love, love, love the orange insole—what a fun detail!

For those of you who like a more earthy look:

Trippen has wowed us again with the Curls sandal! The look is hippie-retro but with a modern edge (and, needless to say, it’s ultra-comfortable). The design of the leather is truly ingenious (notice how the braid running up the front organically emerges from the solid strap over the toe). Plus, we’re crazy about the fringed knot at the back, which is both functional and fun.

Now let’s all do a warm-weather dance to bring on spring! I’m in the mood to let my toes run free.

Once again, we’d like to express a boatload of gratitude to several sites that have found things to appreciate at Ped! Whenever we discover a Ped item highlighted on these wonderful blogs, it’s like finding ourselves at a party where the other guests are all so interesting (not to mention pretty!). So, thanks for including us!

pincurls.blogspot.com — a blog about lovely things by Michelle Alyssa Mae, owner of the Etsy shop, Pale Woods & Co., which specializes in select vintage fashions.

deargolden.blogspot.com — a site where graphic designer, yoga instructor, and vintage purveyor, Lauren, shares all the loveliness she discovers. (She also owns an Etsy vintage shop of the same name, Dear Golden Vintage.)

bluemossgirls.blogspot.com — Michelle Taylor continues to thrill us by putting us in good company in her rundowns of well-designed things. (And, yes, in addition to selling her beautiful repurposed baubles in stores, she, too, has an Etsy shop, Blue Moss.)

blissfulb.blogspot.com — Mrs. French serves up aesthetic treats all week long at Bliss, but her “I heart Mondays” are not-to-be-missed. Getting hearted is like receiving an unexpected valentine. (She also has an Etsy Shop, Blissful Images, where she sells her lovely photographs.)

If we haven’t mentioned your site, but you’ve mentioned Ped, we are so appreciative (and invite you to let us know)! At Ped, we only carry things we truly love, so it’s nice when others notice. To all of you who are so kind to us, we send a virtual bouquet of spring flowers!

Bon jour from Paris, amis du Ped, where I am looking here and there, at the trade shows and out on the street, for new delights to bring back to Ped. I love my annual visits to Paris, even when the weather is daunting (it was snowy but beautiful two years ago). Not only is it fun to find out what’s cutting-edge in Europe, but also the city itself is so eye-opening.

Photograph by Andri Beauchamp

Last year, all the European shoe pros were wearing (and raving about!) Trippen’s Tidy, and the most stylish Parisian woman making the rounds was carrying Cydwoq’s Telegram bag (yay for our beloved Rafi and his California-based biz). I can’t wait to see what’s all the rage this year!

Of course, I’ll drop by Sophie Digard’s shop to see her latest crochet wizardry. On my last visit, I swooned over her new necklaces, in particular, the Pastille Pop strand. 

So, what do I wear when I’m in France? I always go for true-blue classics that are timelessly chic. For me, those include:

1) My Cydwoq Sphinx Boots

I have had these beauties for years, and yet they still bring in the compliments every time I step out in them. There is nothing nicer than being in Paris, a city synonymous with style, and having people oooh and aaah over my boots! 

2) My Sophie Digard Signature Scarf

It originated in Paris, so I give it a little trip home every year. I feel effortlessly chic when I wrap it around my neck. Plus, it’s warm, and I never tire of looking at its amazing craftsmanship. (If you haven’t used the “zoom” feature on Sophie’s scarves at the Ped site, I strongly encourage you to give it a try. You will discover a veritable universe of multicolored fine yarns intertwined in the most stunning combinations.)

I’ll be back at Ped HQ next week, ready to report on my Paris adventures. But before I board the plane, you can bet I’ll stop by this chocolate shop! 

I’ll eat a bon bon for you, okay? Au revoir, mes amis!

I admit I went a little wild this season expanding the Trippen styles Ped carries. But they’re all SO COOL!!! If you haven’t discovered Trippen yet, you really should! Trippen makes the most comfortable shoes out there without looking like anything else around. Based in Germany, Trippen regularly wins international design awards and is committed to making shoes in a socially responsible way. Each Trippen sandal, boot, or shoe is meticulously handcrafted using vegetable-dyed leather. Plus, Trippen is all about function—the polar opposite of pretty-in-the-box-but-hell-on-the-feet (which is the antithesis of Ped’s philosophy, too). Their shoes are beautiful to view and beautiful to wear!

In order to make browsing easier, we’ve created two categories for Ped’s Trippen styles. The shoes and boots under “Trippen Classic” feature cork insoles that mold to your feet and offer Trippen’s tried-and-true, original rubber sole (which we fell in love with years ago). Here are a couple of our latest “Classic” favorites:

The straps on this Trippen Klimt are absolutely ingenious! Plus, the red is so rich.

Honestly, it just doesn’t get much cuter than this Trippen Bound. (You know we have a thing for innovative Mary Janes.)

Meanwhile, our second category, “Trippen Nouveau,” designates styles that sport Trippen’s recent sole innovations, including its lightweight “cups” and “penna” constructions, plus über-chic wedges. The designs are a little edgier, featuring exposed seams, interesting cutwork, and asymmetrical details. But the comfort remains the same! Here are a few “Nouveau” cuties to turn your head:

As soon as Ped’s Laura saw this Trippen Gottin, she had to have it! She’s wild (WILD!) about the turmeric color, and she’s wowed by how comfortable the x-shaped wedge remains after a long day on her feet.

The Trippen Move is another favorite around Ped HQ. Built on the “cups” sole, this blue beauty dazzles with amazing cutwork.

Speaking of cutwork, get a load of the Trippen Fence (so badass in the best kind of way)! Another totally rockin’ wedge style, this ankle boot laces up the back.

Once you buy one pair of Trippen, we guarantee you’ll be back for more. But addiction to Trippen–we call it Trippendency–is one habit that’s healthy to have!