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It's Fall, and that means sweaters, jackets, and new Fall Shoes and Bags! We have compiled a list of the Best shoes and handbags to buy, and they are all Women-owned brands!
You know her as the co-founder of Jimmy Choo, but now Tamara Mellon is revolutionizing the shoe industry. "I've been around the block more than once (in killer heels). I know what women need and what they want. My shoes are designed for women by women. They're for leaning in, climbing ladders, and shattering ceilings."
Having forged long-standing relationships with family-run Italian factories, she is producing the highest-quality luxury shoes, but this time, she has ditched the department stores and their hefty markups and is bringing "direct-to-women prices." The shoes are gorgeous- with impeccable attention to detail and style- they are splurge-worthy! Priced from $495.
Jenni Kayne is known for her cult-like following shoes but has grown to become the ultimate California lifestyle brand including clothing, accessories, and home decor. And now, the iconic shoe that started has been updated to include the Shearling-lined Mule. And the new Moc, which is incredibly comfy and cozy, takes a form-fitted footbed and elevates the style with suede and shearling. Priced from $395.
ROAM sandals are the hottest trend, and even made OPRAH'S Favorite Things List. Founded by Kay Sides, ROAM are vegan, sustainably made, and they have custom-molded footbeds that are pillow-soft to support your feet so you can "ROAM" around the world without your feet getting tired or hurting. Mid-soles are wrapped in neoprene for wicking and breathability - even on the sunniest days - keeping your feet cool, and memory foam uppers mold and form to your feet - creating a hug for your feet. Priced from $130.
Just in time for the holidays and the hopeful post-Covid entertaining season, grab yourself a pair of Birdies. Founded by Bianca Gates and Marisa Sharkey, two busy moms who shared a passion for entertaining and wanted comfortable and stylish "hostess shoes." Birdies' novel cushion technology combines the support of a sneaker, the softness of a slipper, and the style of a designer flat, and who wouldn't want that?
And when you buy Birdies, you can feel good knowing you are doing good. They are committed to serving as a champion for women through mentorship programs, community initiatives, and their partnership with Sole4Souls, a non-profit creating sustainable jobs and providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world.
Priced from $85.
Frēda Salvador was founded by best friends Cristina Palomo Nelson and Megan Papay. With over 25 years of footwear and accessory design experience, the shoes are designed in California but handmade in their family's factories in Spain and El Salvador. They believe the quality and sustainability of handmade products are unparalleled and create unconventional shoes to empower the on-the-go women to wear every day and enjoy them for years. I love this brand's quality and design- so will you! Priced from $150.
You know and love her from Sex and the City, but did you know Sarah Jessica Parker has a line of shoes that would be Carrie Bradshaw approved. Actually, she went into business with George Malkemus, president of the shoe label Manolo Blahnik — a union that brought Carrie Bradshaw home to the brand she made famous. From sexy and glitzy to classic and Manolo Blahnik-inspired, SJP encourages women to step outside the ordinary and let their shoes make a statement. Beautifully made in Italy, every style offers a story, from its name to the design and details. Priced from $350.
Frustrated by a lack of women's workwear options that were both stylish and practical, Sarah LaFleur teamed up with Miyako Nakamura (the former designer of Zac Posen) and Narie Foster to launch M.M.LaFleur.
Their core belief is that the world becomes a better place when women succeed. And their goal is simple- to take the work out of getting dressed so that you can focus on the work that matters to you. As such, they have created a collection of timeless, functional, and chic clothing and accessories that will become essential staples in your work wardrobe.
Plus, they really have thought of all the pain points with shopping online, and thus they offer virtual appointments with a stylist who walks you through a curated selection of looks selected just for you, based on a questionnaire you've completed. Shoes priced from $150.
I love these shoes for their mission and comfort! Founded by two sisters, Julie and Connie Kuo, who are sustainability advocates, AVRE was created with the purpose of improving the world for the benefit of future generations by creating trendy and comfortable shoes using recycled plastic bottles.
Their signature materials are composed of repurposed plastic bottles, also known as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). These innovative materials have moisture wicking-properties and provide enhanced flexibility creating more freedom of movement for the ultimate comfort. In addition, they use a novel 3D Knit-To-Shape technology that drastically reduces waste by creating precise sizes and eliminating the creation of scraps.
Born out of necessity to transform the footwear industry but inspired by challenging the status quo in a male-dominated industry, they vowed to make a difference in our world and empower other women to do the same. Priced from $135.
Founded by Maria Gangemi to preserve the art of traditional Italian shoe-making by family-run generational shoe factories, M.Gemi is a collection of true Italian artistry. Luxury, handcrafted Italian shoes and handbags produced in small batches mean you won't see them everywhere, but it also means they tend to sell out, so be sure to buy them when you want them or get on their list. Being an Italian brand and direct-to-consumer means better prices on premium leather shoes, but you won't have to worry about shipping and returns; they have a warehouse in Boston to handle it all seamlessly. Price from $198.
Welcome to the sunshine state of mind... Californians, a footwear brand inspired by California's laid-back culture, was co-founded by Jaclyn Jones in 2019. The denim-friendly and vintage-inspired shoes are handmade in Southern California at the footwear factory Jones owns, Clover & Cobbler. Kudos to this millennial artisan for creating a line of shoes that are not only sustainable and environmentally conscious but handmade in the USA.
As one of the OG Female Entrepreneurs, Tory Burch has built an empire with her signature women's shoes and accessories. Thus it is fitting to put her in both the shoes and handbags categories. But beyond the iconic Reva ballet flat that put her on the map and the wildly popular Miller sandal, Tory Burch has evolved into a fashion house empire- a complete lifestyle brand that takes women from the city to the country, and everywhere in between.
If you haven't visited her website recently, be sure to check out the stunning collection of chic, sophisticated, sometimes whimsical or vintage-inspired handbags, shoes, clothing, and home decor.
Yet, Tory's real dream has been to support the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and, so she created the Tory Burch Foundation. The foundation offers programs and initiatives that invest in the success and sustainability of women-owned small businesses by providing access to capital, education, business resources, mentoring, and networking. Be sure to check it out and support the women entrepreneurs you know in leveling the playing field by sharing this incredible resource to help them. #EMBRACEAMBITION
HANDBAGS
Rebecca Minkoff has made a name for herself as a global fashion leader with her subtly edgy designs that blend "bohemian femininity with a little bit of rock-n-roll." What's more, she does most of her own marketing- she's beautiful after all, so why not, and is a fierce advocate for supporting women and women-owned businesses.
She is on a mission to inspire, empower, and support women entrepreneurs with her weekly Podcast Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff and through The Female Founder Collective- a non-profit community that exists to support, develop and empower female-founders. "We want to make women prosperous- in whatever way that suits them best. We bring together women looking to manifest their own economic opportunities, and we connect them with the tools and education to do it. Frankly, we wish we had us, so we built this…for us… and for you."
I just adore her (just listen to her podcast and follow her on Instagram) and am obsessed with her Fall collection! Her beautiful leather and suede handbags with signature hardware make these bags a must-have. Pictured above, the Edie Collection and the Lou. Priced from $175.
Anya Hindmarch is an English fashion accessories designer who creates beautiful bespoke handbags and accessories. Her most notable design is the Neeson Collection- distinctive woven leather handbags and totes. But it is her newest project, I Am a Plastic Bag, that I just LOVE and must share!
In a small step towards reusing what we already have, Anya has created the I Am A Plastic Bag collection. Each bag and accessory is made from an innovative cotton canvas-feel fabric that's created completely from recycled plastic bottles. There are several sizes and colors to choose from, and available with the I Am a Plastic Bag logo or personalized with your Monogrammed. Priced from $150.
I love Cuyana for its high-quality, beautiful yet functional pieces. Founders Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah shared philosophy is that it's better to own "fewer but better-quality pieces that are timeless"- and I couldn't agree more. Their Double Loop bag is a modern and unique design that will become your go-to everyday bag. Price $445. And their new System Tote bag is the only bag you'll ever need for work or travel- it is classic and functional, with customizable inserts that fit all your needs and lifestyle. Plus the System Flap Bag insert can double as a small crossbody bag when you need. Genius! Cuyana bags priced from $275.
M.GEMI
M.GEMI
Of course we had to feature M.Gemi in handbags as well as the shoe category, after all, you can't beat the high-quality Italian leather goods straight from Italy. The Laura Convertible Backpack is a great all-purpose bag that is a must. Easily converts from a handbag to a backpack by a sliding strap. Soft Italian leather and large enough to carry your laptop, cosmetic bag, and all your essentials, with several compartments to keep you organized (and hands-free) on the go. Price $298.
What defines the perfect handbag? I think Parker Clay has come pretty close with theirs- quality leather, functional, and changing women's lives. Brittany Bentley and her husband founded Parker Clay after a trip to Africa profoundly transformed their lives.
As a Certified B-Corp, they are a for-profit business that uses the power of commerce to solve social and environmental problems. They hire at-risk women in Ethiopia, pay living wages and benefits, and provide them with skills training and financial literacy opportunities. So, when buying one of their beautiful bags, know that you are doing good by supporting sustainable craftsmanship and empowering women to change their lives because Empowered Women Change the World! Priced from $103.
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