Guy Alert: Oliberte shoes offer comfort and style

Guys, wish you could pull off your "Casual Friday" look every day of the week? The gest is in the shoes. Update the khakis and polo ensemble or add interest to your pinstripe suit with a pair of Oliberte shoes. The handcrafted, leather shoes offer comfort, functionality, but also a beautiful statement. The Canadian-based company operates in socially-responsible factories in Africa in an effort to promote economic development. Their "eco-consciousness" goes so far as to ensure the cows consumed are grass-fed, guaranteeing a higher quality leather. All the factories adhere to a strict code of conduct and protect their worker's rights. So while you like to keep the outfits simple, let the shoes do the talking.

Oliberte is sold at CARBON (2643 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC).

Green + Blue Runway Show and Fundraiser

CARBON rolls out its “green” runway to showcase the fall eco-collection of women’s ready to wear label by a.d.o. clothing and vegan shoe label, Neuaura. The collections will appeal to the Washingtonian professional woman interested in fashion that is sleek, with tailored construction, and comfort.

Join us on Friday, September 23, 2011 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Carbon located at 2643 Connecticut Ave NW in Woodley Park for an eco-fashion experience. Meet New York-based eco-fashion and shoe designers Anjelika Krishna, of a.d.o. clothing and Arti Upadhyay, of Neuaura, respectively. Enjoy vegan treats!

Who doesn’t love a little blue to go with their green? That’s why we’ve invited our friends from The Ocean Foundation to help us celebrate the other 71% of our planet that regulates our climate, provides us with fresh air to breathe and sustains us with delectable delights. We’ve been putting a lot of pressure on our oceans and taking more than we give back. Join us on Friday and come talk to a representative from The Ocean Foundation, learn about all of the new and innovative approaches their community of donors, projects and grantees are taking to ocean conservation, and find out how you can be a part of the solution.

CARBON will be collecting a suggested donation of $10 to $20 in addition to selling $2 raffle tickets for a pair of Neuaura shoes. Money raised will be benefit The Ocean Foundation.

Both a.d.o. clothing and Neuaura create collections sensitive to the impact on the environment. Ms. Krishna uses primarily plant-based fabrics and non-chemical dyes where Neuaura favors sustainable manufacturing and materials. The designers also approach production responsibly by hiring skilled artisans in the New York garment district and an eco-certified factory in Brazil.