With only one week left before Christmas, how many friends and family do you have left on your gift list?
Being a perpetual planner and career shopper, I finished my Christmas shopping last week, and was so inspired by the extensive perusals to put together this eclectic mix of last-minute ideas – which promise to give the gifts of comfort, while maintaining sustainable style.
SOLE performance medium footbeds
Sole was founded in North Vancouver in 2001 with a mission to help people live active lives in comfort. Their footwear are made with recycled products that have the least possible impact on the planet. Their award-winning eco-friendly footbeds ($65 at yoursole.com) are made from recycled wine corks and easily slide into favourite footwear. They’re a savvy consumer’s choice for supportive insoles, reducing pain and fatigue when walking or running.
Who couldn’t use that – especially as we aim to increase our activity after the indulgent holiday feasts? Sole has a full line of sustainable leisure footwear, made with 100 per cent recycled wine corks and algae bloom foam. Select models are available at the Run Centre on Lonsdale, North Vancouver, and at Kintec on Marine Drive.
Maska long faux leather dress
Nothing is more comforting than walking in to a room wearing the perfect dress. This beauty not only fits comfortably, boosting confidence, it has the allure of leather with no animal by-products. Maska at Park Royal carries a fashion- forward, classy clothing and accessories collection to suit discerning tastes. Italian labels such as Imperial Fashion, Simona Corsellini, Tenax and Babylon count among the brand’s exclusive collection. I love the easy fit and timeless, stylish swing of this faux leather dress (priced from $230, at Maska, Park Royal). With a fitted bodice and full skirt, the matching shoe possibilities are endless.
Wildwood Eyewear Biosunnies
When its not raining, the winter sun shines bright – especially on the ski hills.Some of the most eco-friendly sunglasses on the planet are available right here on the North Shore. Wildwood Eyewear’s Biosunnies are plant based, biodegradable classic- styled sunglasses made from wheat straw.
As a member of 1% For The Planet, Wildwood donates one per cent of gross sales to environmental non-profits. Sunglasses are hand finished from bamboo, maple, walnut and zebra wood. While regular tinted lenses reduce brightness, they do not reduce harmful glare. Polarized sunglasses lenses like these contain a chemical filter that absorbs horizontal light waves, while allowing the vertical waves to pass through, reducing eye strain. The polarized chemical filter eliminates glare but preserves colour, and depth.
Priced from $30. Available in the giftware department at Pharmasave Caulfeild Village.
Wishing you successful shopping ventures, the happiest of holidays, and hoping you celebrate in style!
Amanda Stutt is editor of Vancouver Living Magazine.
