Ballet flats are a beautiful shoe selection to wear with a dress, jeans, trousers or even Capri pants. They look best when paired with tights or leggings of a coordinating color or worn without socks.
 
Whether you’re a commuter in need a quick pair of shoes to slip into, or a fashionista regrettably wearing your 5-inch stilettos, these rollaway flats are reliable and ready to go wherever you stash them.

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• Brand to Watch: olsenHaus Vegan Shoes
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We often hear of people being vegan, but what exactly does the terminology “vegan shoes” mean? According to olsenHaus, their shoes are “100% cruelty–free, using only non-animal materials that are environmentally friendly.” In making vegan shoes, olsenHaus uses materials that include synthetic eco-lining, organic cotton, canvas, ultra suede, cork, and more. olsenHaus shoes are never tested on animals and are created in venues carefully inspected to ensure they uphold moral labor and environmental practices.
 
One of our favorites by olsenHaus is the Blondie boot, made with faux suede and faux patent. This chic boot is shown here in storm and black and would look fabulous over a pair of tights with a funky dress. Another shoe we love for girl’s night out is the Brazil, which features a very high magenta stiletto heel.

 
olsenHaus designs prove that clothing with a conscience can also be incredibly fashionable. Only you will know they are vegan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tell everyone.

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In particular, we noted the Joan of Artic boot for women. These are made with waterproof full-grain and suede leather and finished with a faux leather cuff. They come in sierra tan, hawk or black, and we envision them perfectly worn on a trip to Chamonix over a pair of dark skinny jeans or with a pair of wool leg warmers and a skirt. Besides the style and durability of these boots, they also come with a removable recycled felt InnerBoots that can be replaced with fresh ones at anytime.

Over at the men’s department we loved the style of the ostrich Caribou Premium 1G. New for 2009, this boot is a luxurious pick for living the high life … or just shoveling the driveway! The ostrich leather and vulcanized rubber shell are seam-sealed to make it completely waterproof. The thick rubber soles insulate the feet from the cold ground and give the wearer the added bonus of making him a little bit taller. Men can wear these with dark jeans or black ski pants just slightly tucked in to show-off the ostrich, or pulled over for a more mainstream look.

Don’t leave junior in the dust! Kids need quality footwear too and we noted Sorel’s Rainbou as a simple and stylish boot for a boy or a girl. They come in a variety of colors and are an easy-on, easy-off piece of footwear. This is a two-in-one boot because the liner provides warmth on cold days, but is removable so they can be worn as lightweight rain boot on warm summer days.

While Sorel has been around since 1962, we love the updated look it is bringing us for 2009. And we are not the only ones with our eye on Sorel, Vogue TV just recognized the company on their “60 Second to Chic” show, calling the boots a timeless classic. From a walk outside on a snowy night to an après ski party in Cortina, these boots are a recognizable combination of sturdiness, lavishness and style.

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