Fresh Cargo Massai Treads Review

I was recently approached by Fresh Cargo to review a pair of their fair trade Maasai tread flip flops, I have to say I had mixed feelings, you see me and flip flops have never really got along and believe me I have tried quite a few. I like the understated looks of a good flip flop for the right occasion of course, but they tend to rub me up the wrong way and in a matter of minutes I'm left with red welts from unyielding toe posts. On the other hand I was keen to find out more about fairtrade footwear with such great ethics and share it here.

First Impressions


My brown flip flops arrived in a recycled plastic carrier bag not particularly pretty, but certainly in keeping with the companies ethics, they came with a really informative brochure, featuring the various colours they offer( they carry pink, purple, blue and black versions as well as a mens style featuring a broader strap) and a detailed history about production of the Maasai tread flip flops and the ethics behind them ( Personally I love having detailed information about my clothing and shoe wear purchases, what's gone into making it, brings what I purchased to life and helps me understand its true value) from a fairtrade perspective I was very impressed!

 • The shoes are made all by hand by Massai tribesman in Kenya supporting local employment and industry (fairtrade)


• 5% of profits are donated to the Born Free foundation, which rescues big cats, great apes and elephants providing them with food and care


• The sole of the shoe is made by recycling old car tyres


• The uppers are made from 100% hemp, which uses less chemicals than cotton, is more durable, warmer and more water resistant


• They feature a sweet and very discreet label on the one of the straps that reads Maasai Treads as well as the fresh cargo label on the sole, which I liked.


Comfort and Style


At last a flip flop that actually does not rub! The rubber toe posts are lovely and soft and pliable, Fresh Cargo were right to wax lyrical about the quality of the materials used and the craftsmanship of the Maasai tribesmen. The double row of stitching is impeccable and the hessian does feel warm underfoot, although the grain of the hemp is slightly coarser than I Imagined it might be, it adds depth to the colour. The treads on the flip flops are flexible and not surprisingly provided great traction even on my slippery laminate flooring.

 From a style point of view these people know how to elevate the humble flip flop, but I have to say sizing permitting, I would be inclined to order a pair of fresh cargo Maasai treads from the men's range as well, as they offer a wider strap in black which contrasts with the colour of the bright sole and I think this adds additional impact, which would work well with my jeans. Check them out and let me know if you think this style works for us gals too.

please note - I received these Massai Treads as compensation for my review for freshcargo.co.uk





                                  

Proenza Schouler Exclusive Beach Accessory Launch | Gives New Meaning To Towelling!

 Hi Gals, I get butterflys about clothing label's that know how to combine great tailoring, contempory style and texture masterfully, dynamic duo Proenza Schouler understand the magic of combining all three of these elements in their striking women wear  collection's. Tomorow they launch this ravishingly sophisticated beach bucket bag and aztec print towel in rich colours. In my opinion talented fashion designers such as Proenza and Schouler set themselves apart by their abilty to funnel their vast repertoire of design vision and ethics into a simple garment or accessory, so that it is instantly recognisable on the crowded sandy beach for which it is was intended, genius!! Could there be however a teeny tiny problem to spoil this moment? I think so, couples everywhere will fight to the death to decide who gets to take this handsome pairing out first!! 

     

                                                                                  

                                                                             

                                       Sharon x

Traffic Stopping Brights From New York Style Magazine!

Hi Gals,

hope your having fun, traffic stopping bright's make me feel invincible, did you noticed the boxer short brightly coloured turban's atop of these glamazons? A stroke of sheer genius, if ever so slightly funny! (image credit- New York Style magazine)

                                          Sharon x x

Apprentice Uk Females In Need Of A Work Wear Makeover?

The Long And The Short Of  It ??!

 I was disappointed to discover the latest style trend in the boardroom of this seasons apprentice 2011, for 80's style huge draped scarve's, which in my opinion eclipse a womens best assest her shirt of course!! A well tailored shirt is the work horse of a womens wardrobe/closet and justly so, a well cut womens shirt showcases great tailoring, helps correct poor posture and illustrates you mean buisness, scarve's should be used to draw attention to the face through colour not drown your figure in swathes of fabric! Posture is all in boardroom land! Past female apprentices have won hands down in the fashion stakes against there male opponent's, discuss!

                                         Sharon x

Pure Designs | By Guest Shoe Designer Julie Farrier Of Norway

Ethical Shoe Designer And BA Hons Student Julie Farrier Shares "Why Her Passion For Keeping Production Of Her Shoe Designs Close To Home Is Essential To Her Vision As A Shoe Designer"  

As you can see Fashionable frolickers, budding fashion designers and stylists, Julie Farrier's vision of pure, buttery soft, bleached out brogues inspired me to journey to the simple but beautiful, that the landscape of Norway and these shoes certainly evoke! We would love for you to leave a comment here on your thoughts on Julies shoe collection and design inspiration if you get a minuite.

 Thank-you and look forward To Seeing You Again Soon !

                                   Sharon x

Stylish Erdem Bag Up For Grabs!

Hi gals, planing a picnic with friends? Then you need a stylish tote to haul all your picnic goodies in, I found this Erdem tote free here  Enjoy, happy picnic!

                                   Sharon x

Move Up A Grade With Haute School Style

shoe-supply.com

Remember the buzz of a brand new shiny pencil case and book bag? Your secret delight of the squeak of newness in those shoes that you had convinced mum were more than sensible enough, all easing the pain of the first day back to school after the long summer break. How about injecting a little of that nostalgia into your work wear wardrobe? The new preppy, is long and cool like a mint julep. Office boys beware, we squeak!    

eco laptop bag by Helen Riegle

                                       Sharon x

Unplug Your Iron Take The Battery Out Of Your Mobile And Have An Adventure!

                                    

Dear Gals,

If today has been one of those dull, boring, stressful days, where you feel like nothing has quite gone as it should, chances are your in need of a little magical moment in your life, how does a road trip in a Cadillac sound? Thelma and Louise style. Or perhaps clutching onto the luxury pile of a Persian carpet while you do a little freewheeling up in a cloudless blue sky, imagine your favourite city or landscape laid out before you begging you to land where ever you choose. Ok so this might be a bit of a tall ask, after all flying carpets only exist in fairy tales right? Well yes, but how about the next best thing, the eastern mystery of a carpet bag made from Persian carpet to inspire a new adventure every day, just looking at these authentic Persian prints on the glossy pile of these carpet bags from carpetbags.co.uk gave me the chills!

If you need tempting any further to join the Kingdom of a Persian princess Carpet Bag are offering this trio of Persian purses to choose from, all hand made in the UK where they are designed at a discount, perfect for carrying lucky coins to throw into your favourite fountain or wishing well.

If like me you feel that filling your luxury flight bag with any less than the choicest travel companions might throw you off your sartorial stride, cowsheds online store, carries the perfect cashmere set for those serious about a relaxing travel experience, contents include, cashmere mini hot water bottle, blanket, eye mask and socks.

So what of those spontaneous, gals, who like high style but with plenty of low maintenance attitude out there? Well the Cadillac might just need to be traded in for a four by four for your road trip depending on what part of the world you live in. If you heading to Cuba or the US you might strike lucky,but if not, here's the next best thing to riding in a Cadillac a sleek shoulder bag by Kim White, that has all the charm of a Cadillac without the price tag, puzzled as to the connection, Kim's Whites ethically designed bag's are made from reclaimed vintage automotive textiles.

1980s Ford Mustang - Blue and Black optical small shoulder bag

 Great for swinging over your shoulder as your saunter into roadside eateries with the gal's and explore the outback that is your own private adventure. I felt dizzy with excitement at the texture, pattern and colour that this unusual source of fabric's brings to Kim Whites unique designer collection. A little squirt of 70's style, engine oil, never hurts to bring out the bohemian in us all!


1978 Ford Mustang - red stripe large shoulder bag



Now that your getting close to mother nature and all that she has to offer, how to hold onto this newfound carefree feeling for as long as possible?

 Number one consign all said travel iron's to the boot of your car (the locals all drip dry their clothing on bushes, its much kinder to the planet and the baking heat will see they speed dry and are fresh as a daisy) number two, stylish casual clothing made from fibres that don't crease and resist perspiration are pretty much a major priority when you and three gals are holed up in your car together whilst you hunt down that perfect roadside stop off, not on your map! Smelling like a rose takes on fresh importance believe me! Scratching your head on where to find this elusive easy wear that is not made of synthetic fibres that pollute the environment or need ironing or dry cleaning?

 Visit natureshop.co.uk and go to the versatile Merino Travel Wear from their super fine range (Nature Shop are currently offering a 20% discount on this range and keen and Simple footwear, but only till the 29th of May 2011) layer up for extra warmth,when those cold night's draw in and your huddled around the campfire, listening to the crackle and smelling the woodsmoke, playing that harmonica you brought just encase or perhaps guitar is more your style ....

Spool 72 Discount And New Drop

  

Hi Gals, thought you might like to know Spool72.com are offering a nice discount, if your looking to become a dancing queen this summer I can think of no one that does 70s retro with a twist better than here. I'm loving these pieces below, straight from their new collection that have warm balmy summer nights running right the way through them. Do you have a favourite piece I would love to know, do tell?

                                      Sharon x x

If The Shoe Fits Win Yourself A Pair Of High Heels!!

Hi Fabulous Followers and welcome to any new Fashionable Frolickers here on My Passport to Style, today is a big thank-you to all you stylish gals who visit and comment here. I'm holding a Lucky Shoe Dip, that would have even lady Ga Ga going Ga Ga!!! 

If you like surprises and you like shoes, this is the perfect competition for you! One of these delicous pairs of stylish shoes will be sent to the first gal picked at random that matches the UK size of one of the pairs of shoes featured in this fun Lucky Shoe Dip! A true Cinderella moment for all you buddying princess's out there! Feast your eyes then check out the entry rules below! (please note these are near perfect seconds stock)

Rules Of Entry

 Competition ends 25th of June 2011 winner to be announced here and emailed, tweets or facebook posts must be done no later than one week prior to the competition deadline on the 25th of June 2011. 

1. For your first entry please, check out your shoe UK shoe size by going to this shoe sizing conversion link here -http://www.pediwear.co.uk/chart.php, then leave me a comment here, letting me know your UK shoe size and what kind of topics you would enjoy reading about on My Passport to Style or would like to see more of. If your new here subscribe to posts in my right hand sidebar and let me know here. For one entry

2. For a second entry tweet about the My Passport to Style Lucky Shoe Dip and link to this competion post.

3. For a third entry post the details of this Shoe Lucky Dip, on your Facebook wall and link to this competition post.

Finally make sure to email me your name and full postal address by going to enquires@zipbuttonandtuck.co.uk 

Good Luck Gals, I know who ever wins the shoes will have a very stylish home!

 

                               

                                   Sharon x