This question was at the forefront of my mind earlier this afternoon when I opened up a holiday gift from TOMS Shoes. The gift included a certificate good for a free pair of shoes on their site, and I was elated to see a huge array of fun styles for not only gals – but men and kids as well. (Check out the Red Wrap Boot at left…it was my favorite style, but there’s tons of others you may like as well!)

The story of TOMS Shoes is a fascinating one. Founder Blake Mycoskie was in Argentina several years back and took a liking to the traditional shoes of the South American country. On a whim of sorts, Mycoskie decided to start a shoe company that brought the unique footwear to an international market.

Humanitarian aims aside (for every shoe you buy, TOMS donates one to a child in need), the things are actually completely vegan and incredibly comfortable. And on top of that, they’re affordable! (Many styles are around $40).

Right now, 1,000,000 men, women and children are suffering from PODOCONIOSIS in Ethiopia. Podoconiosis is a soil-transmitted disease caused by walking barefoot in silica-rich soil. Silica is ancient volcanic glass that penetrates the skin and makes its way into the lymphatic system. The feet and lower legs swell, open sores and ulcers develop, and infection sets in. But there is good news: PODOCONIOSIS IS 100% PREVENTABLE – all it takes is a pair of shoes. So help TOMS put shoes on children’s feet in Ethiopia to help prevent this disease.

TOMS just launched their Holiday Project this month and their goal is to donate 30,000 shoes to children in Ethiopia in 30 days. If you have a moment, please check out the video on YouTube – it’s quite powerful (and also shareable and embeddable if you have FaceBook, etc) :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqrFG7xrE1I

In conjunction with this campaign, TOMS is offering one eBeautyDaily reader a free TOMS Shoes Holiday Gift Set, which includes a copy of the award-winning For Tomorrow – The TOMS Shoes Story film and a gift card for a pair of TOMS (up to $50 value, which covers all but the TOMS Wrap Boot). The giveaway begins today, and will end Dec. 24th. To enter, simply leave a comment with the most meaningful gift you’ve ever received – or given. Good luck – and happy holidays!!!

Post from: eBeautyDaily

SHOPPING

NY Spender suggests that “if you buy only one pair of shoes this fall, buy one with stacked heels.“

Her Accessories is celebrating the cooler weather with a roundup of her favorite fall jackets.

Gleaming Things loves Givenchy’s look of layered chains, but they just aren’t in the budget right now – these picks are though!

Shopalicious finds a very stylish quilted handbag — with an eco-friendly twist! (Plus a coupon for 10% off!)

Chic by Nature has a great wrap top that you can wear out and then to bed.

There’s some serious inspiration afloat over at All That & a with more inspiration-themed jewelry.

FASHION

Sasha of Style Manila creates a boho-look on an 11-year old named Sylvie.

Tops 2 Bottoms shares an style idea, Layered, Belted, and Plaid for her weekly Work Wear Monday series.

Viva Woman shows you how corsages can make your attire more feminine and romantic.

Style…a work in progress finds inspiration in a little bear called Paddington

Petite Fashionista shows you how to update your Fall wardrobe with pieces that will keep you; comfy, cozy and chic!

The Space Between My Peers categorizes the looks at the bottom of the formality scale into Three Levels of Leisure.

BEAUTY

Beauty Bento Box features the elegantly packaged, eyeliner-slash-eyeshadow Kohl cosmetic, Guerlain Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl Liner.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to get an easy, elegant smoky eye with the Smoky Eye Quad from Chanel.

My Women Stuff discusses whetherSilicone is good or bad for the skin.

Krizia from Beauty Match declares: We tried Pro-V Restoratives and said bye-bye FRIZZ!.

Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at three bright handbags that look more expensive than they are”.

Post from: eBeautyDaily