Veja

Style and comfort aren’t often two words that go together in the fashion world, but here at WSd HQ we’re suckers for the duo and oh my are we thrilled to have found another brand where neither necessity is compromised.

Kicks don’t get much cooler than those from Veja and its not just the brand’s fashion credentials that have got us hooked. Today there is a lot of talking done about environmental issues, wealth inequality and social injustice but Veja is taking action. Unfortunately the fashion industry doesn’t have a particularly good reputation when it comes to ethics, yet the Veja Project is creating a positive chain through the unique creation of sneakers...

So how does it work?

Veja works with the ADEC who are an association of growers in North-East Brazil.

“Working directly with ADEC has allowed Veja to establish a seamless, human-based business model that avoids middlemen and makes sure that reasonable profits go directly to the producers themselves”.

The local producers under this umbrella organisation cultivate cotton without fertilisers or pesticides and they all receive decent revenue for their goods.

At the end of the harvest a Fairtrade premium is paid to the association. This is used to improve the standard of living for producers, their families and their communities. According to Veja, ‘between 2007 and 2009 the premium was used to pay for the official certification of the organic cotton and Fairtrade process”.

This organic and fairy traded cotton is used for the canvas of the shoes.

The positive vibes don’t stop there…the soles of Veja trainers are made with rubber from the Amazon-the only place in the world where rubber trees grow in the wild. Veja works with an association of Brazilian rubber tappers who harvest from the trees in a sustainable way and they are guaranteed a fair price for their work.  

The trademark ‘V’ logo on the Holiday Low Top (£99) is made of this ultra cool wild rubber, while Tilapia leather in a rich burnt orange adds a chic spin on the animal print trend. With recycled cotton and plastic bottles also forming the make up of this blush hued trainer, you’ll be wearing the epitome of feel-good fashion. This style champions the colour blocking trend and look incredible with pretty much any look. While the sun is shining pair with your fave ripped denim shorts.

Image credit: Veja 

So onto the tough stuff…the leather comes from Uruquay where Veja hass knowledge and control of the welfare and living conditions of the cattle. Going one-step further than encouraging you to eat your greens…how about wearing them too? Veja uses vegetable tanned leather rather than nasty chemicals or heavy metals. Take these Esplar Leather kicks in copper (£82), which have totally captured our metallic obsessed hearts and will look perfect with your fave culottes.

Image credit: Veja 

The Esplar (£82) is also available in crisp white leather so you can achieve cool urban vibes while protecting the rural. These beauties tap into the new retro trainer trend and look fab with tailored trousers for a rule-defying dichotomy.

Image credit: Veja

Going green has never been so cool...

Rachel x

Moda in Pelle

Be still our beating, shoe loving hearts- new season Moda in Pelle has landed. The dreamy summer collection combines neutral shades with a hint of oh so on trend metallic and of course an imperative splash of animal print. The WSd angels are in love and you will be too…

Platform heels have made a major comeback and our inner Spice Girl is thrilled. Summer’s edition is a little more refined than the hot shoe of the 90s and we’re lusting after the Maedon (£69). Made with Italian leather, these beauties feature side stud detail on a wooden heel and platform.  A cult summer classic.

The Gandino nude/pink slip on (£79) is the perfect run around shoe. The addition of lustrous metallic achieves a style miracle by injecting these ultra comfortable kicks with the power to dress up any outfit. This sporty shoe can be worked into on and off-duty wardrobes and will add a luxe update to both.

Space Cadet vibes were all over the Spring/Summer Chanel runway and the metallic trend is continuing to rocket. Achieve Nasa-worthy status with the Clementina silver heels (£69). These Brazilian leather beauties are out of this world and the mottled finish softens the molten look. The Clementina achieves the notoriously sexy look of the pointy heel and is made even sexier with d’Orsay cut out sides and asymmetric front finish.

No season is complete without animal print, and the Tambre T- Bar sandal (£69) is a fresh take on the wild phenomena.  The metal heel and front trim contrast perfectly with the monochrome Italian leather to create a sophisticated and glamorous look.

A top tip about metallic silver is to treat it like a neutral to elevate any look. The Edvige slipper leather loafer (£75) provides an effortless way to add a touch of glamour to any look. Featuring a chunky white sole and contrast stitching these beauties make a statement and are an updated alternative to the tan brogue and nude pump. These kicks most certainly have the Midas touch and they’re the ideal shoe solution in this confusing British weather…

Sometimes you just need to bring things back to basics and the Noelle sandal (£59) is wondrously unapologetic in all its nudeness. With ultra comfortable padded leather foot bed, you’ll be reaching for these beauties for work and play. Nude shoes are a timeless wardrobe staple that will make your already gorgeous pins appear longer- what’s not to love?

Block heels are the most covetable shoe of the moment- they’re playful, trans seasonal and more importantly wearable. The Larez (£69) embellished block heel comes with all the charm of an eveningwear shoe without the pain of a stiletto. Hoorah! Black and gold is the colour combo du jour and the hues look super luxe alongside each other- the Larez hits the spot with their dipped gold feature front strap. It’s also a great heel to take on holiday; not only due to its refined yet relaxed opulence but the block heel is a lifesaver for cobbles.

Dependable and oh so stylish, Moda in Pelle gets it right every time. All of the new styles in store are transitional,  on trend and a worthy investment in their own way. Pop into WSd HQ to take a look and be prepared to fall in love.

Rachel x

Photo Credit: MODA IN PELLE