Introducing: TOMS

I've been meaning to do a post on TOMS for a while here on SwaggerDap, and with the launch of a few new shoes in a bunch of new stores, it seems like a good time to do so. With TOMS popularity, this probably isn't an "Introductory" for most people, but since there are still too many people unaware, you can get familiar now...

TOMS was started just a few years ago as a mission to put shoes on the feet of needy people around the world. On trip to Argentina (hence the TOMS logo) the founder, Blake, noticed that there were so many children without shoes, and after looking into it he discovered that this could keep them out of school and more seriously transmit tons of diseases their way. To aid this he didn't want to rely on fundraising, so he made 10,000 very simply constructed but durable shoes and started the "one for one" campaign where a pair of shoes is donated for every pair of shoes sold.

TOMS 'Classic' model in gold glitter. (This pair is for women, don't be turned off guys)

To keep costs low, so far TOMS has only really had one construction but now with things starting to blow up they have introduced a new Harbour Cordones model that has more of a shoe look with eyelets. The shoes are made for men, women, and kids and run from $40-70, which isn't bad considering you are really buying 2 pairs of shoes with that purchase.

I had an opportunity to meet with TOMS representatives at their showroom last summer, and the company is full of amazing people who have nothing bad to say about the brand or the owner. They have been able to provide over 40,000 shoes to people throughout South America and Africa since 2006. Amazing stuff. Support them.

You can pick up TOMS shoes through Rugged Sole and many other TOMS accounts nation wide.


-john-

Hellz Bellz x VANS The Hadley & The Sophie

Hellz Bellz and VANS has provided all you HB lovers with two limited edition shoes this February: The Hadley and The Sophie. Both shoes are a reflection of Hellz designer Lanie’s personal style: "tomboy chic and edgy feminine."

“The Hadley is inspired by my love of vintage motorcycle boots with zippers and metal lace eye hooks detailing the black leather high top, The Sophie is an updated saddle shoe that’s been stripped down and built from the ground up with Hellz’s unique design aesthetic: Die cuts, metallic color blocking and buckle strap details.” –Lanie “misslawn” Barcena

The Hadley model run for $85 USD and The Sophie model will run for $65 USD. You can find these shoes on Karmaloop.







via Nitro

-hellzajoan

Jimmy Choo for H&M

H&M has been bringing shoppers their desires of a variety of designs at affordable prices for many years now. However, so far all the collaborations had been more apparel centric than anything else, as the focus had been placed on clothes. This fall, H&M will be spicing things up with a new and first-ever footwear designer collaboration with British designer, Jimmy Choo. Though the collection will be based on the brand’s strong suits in accessories and footwear, there will be a women’s clothing line, mainly sexy party pieces for night-outs, to complement the shoes from this collaboration. The exciting news is, is that it’s not just only for women, but the collaboration also extends out to menswear.

Jimmy Choo for H&M shoes from the collection

“We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion savvy, street smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too. Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection - the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!”-Tamara Mellon, Founder and President, Jimmy Choo.

Tamara Mellon, model wearing Jimmy Choo for H&M and Margareta van den Bosch


Close-up of shoes.

Margareta van den Bosch and Tamara Mellon

“We adore Jimmy Choo’s shoes and bags. They are glamorous and sexy, and they add instant style to the simplest of outfits. I like the way we have worked with clothes to accessorize the shoes and bags rather than the other way around. This collaboration is particularly exciting because it’s our first shoe designer collection. It’s a joy to be able to offer top end designer shoes and bags of excellent quality to our customers.” -Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor, H&M.

Jimmy Choo for H&M shoes and bags will land at 250 H&M stores worldwide starting November 14! Yes, mark your calendars!

-hellzajoan

F-Troupe s/s 2009 Boat Shoe & Boot

British premium shoe maker F-Troupe has a set mission to give good, original and innovative designs. Well for this Spring/Summer 2009 collection, a few shoes really stood out as filling that goal.

F-Troupe JT137 Boat Shoe
F-Troupe JT 137 Boat Shoe

F-Troupe TC03 Boots


Primarily based in suede, the F-Troupe's JT137 Boat Shoe and TC30 Boot bring a great twist in color and design to some classic silhouettes.

They have an entire collection of mens and womens shoes, these were just some intriguing new releases. So go check the entire line as well as their international stockists on their site (the site is def worth checking out), F-Troupe.com


-john-

via HS