Everyone's buzzing about it and many companies are implementing processes and products to conform for a "greener" future.  We recycle here at Brown's and have many products that have eco-friendly materials incorporated, such as Cocona and Bamboo. My newest pair of WR1224's have a Cocona Phantom liner and yes, Cocona is made from coconut shells into a material that is naturally soft, breathable and odor-resistant. The hip eco-sartorial El Naturalista is another line to slip you comfortably into eco-consciousness. Learn about the El Naturalista eco-policy.

   There may be more ballyhoo about going "green" lately but the idea started a long time ago. I was introduced to the concept in the 80's. I had a teacher in junior high school that was educating us on the "footsteps" we were leaving and introducing different ways we could help the environment. This began my desire to "Re-duce, Re-use, Re-cycle."  To this day I have separate containers for everything from aluminum to plastic. And that is where the snare is...plastic. It had crossed my mind when buying a pack of gum at a convenience store or one item at a grocery store and they automatically put it in a plastic bag.  That is such a waste. I don't need a bag to carry an item that fits in my hand! I've done a lot of research lately, stimulated by the arrival of our new sustainable bags, and found some disturbing information on where those plastic bags end up. I also found some cities and countries taking steps to improve the plastic situation for future generations. I've compiled some of that information in a short video embedded below. Or to find out more go to any of the websites accredited at the end of the video. Get your sustainable bags today! And join me in saying to the plastic-pushing economy, "No thanks. I have my own."

These past couple weeks I've introduced you to some of our newcomers. We have a few more: Keen, Klogs, and Merrell.
First I want you to meet Klogs®USA.  I could write a book on the comfort and features of Klogs but I will stick to a couple highlights and leave it to you to experience the rest.

• Klogs protect feet , legs, and back during long hours of standing. Heavily cushioned and super supportive to keep the pressure off of the high stress areas.
• Klogs outshine industry tests to provide superior slip resistance. Tested by the "James machine" recognized by the US Postal Service.
  

Click on the banner below to find a favorite of your own.

And now we're back to a couple favorites.
For the 4-1-1 on what Keen and Merrell are all about GO OUTSIDE or read the introductory blog from April, 2008.
For the Fall styles keep on scrolling down.

KEEN

         
Women's Barcelona Women's Palermo Women's Timberline

       
Men's Portsmouth Men's Richmond Men's Winterport Boot

To shop more Keens click on the banner below.

"Their name expresses a different way of thinking and acting. Being a "Naturalista" implies a respect for a rich and deep philosophy that places its trust in life, and on principle, attributes all things to nature."

I have been anxiously awaiting this gorgeously "green" product line! There are some great styles plus I have a clear conscience knowing El Naturalista is environmentally respectful! They use the least harmful materials for the production of their shoes. With the styles we carry, a trendy bag and a pack of delicious tea are included in the box, a gift from El Naturalista. I brought several styles to my department for the staff to try on and they are "naturally" hooked. In fact the shoes haven't made it back to the shelf because I believe their next destination is the city park.. on our feet.  Check out one of my favorite features, the Frog shock system.

Become El Naturalista and enjoy the tea!    
        

I am most excited about the new Men's Clarks. "Nice Shoes!" is what my friend John is hearing when he sports his Clarks Torch 86168.  He's not used to people taking notice but guess what John, it's hard not to in a Clark. 

A few other take notice styles include:

Un.Coil 85022                         Zarkon 78848                       Cedar-C 78913 for the outdoorsman.

Meet: Erica, Megan, Freya, Florence, Maddie, Felicity, Erin, Farren, Faye, Katy, Monica, Morgan, Faith, Helena, Gabby, Fallon, Francesca, Kira and Eden.
Whew! Feel like you're at a soap opera convention? Not quite but you'll still get sensational, dramatic performances from these ladies!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Today's women have so much to do, so many places to be and so many people to see.
Aravon, a division of New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., understands the pressure and wants to keep the pressure off... at least off of your feet. That's why some of the same comfort and quality features you have come to expect in your running and walking shoes have been incorporated into Everyday, Office and Sandal collections for women. 

 
The Aravon Comfort Performance System is built on elements of sculpted fit, subtle support, advanced cushioning and thorough attention to detail. Aravon shoes are engineered to work with the feet through the entire gait cycle—from the moment the heel strikes the earth, through the strong flex of the arch in the middle stance, to the final toe-off—to keep your feet, ankles, knees and legs feeling strong and you feeling energized and comfortable all day, every day.
                                                                                                                      
 Knowing Aravon is a division of New Balance I had high expectations and they were far surpassed! Both the casual Freya and semi-dressy styles of Monica and Felicity gave me high class comfort all day! They have stability to help me keep a neutral gait, as opposed to pronating or supinating, and plenty of forefoot cushion.  We've all been there.  At the end of the night, after going out on the town in my cute heels, I cannot wait to take them off. In fact sometimes they're off in the car! But not with Monica, I can depend on this classy little gal to get me all the way home. 
 

Check out the Fall collection and see for yourself!
 

Drumroll please.......*cymbals crash*  It was a success!!  I'm talking about our Grand Opening August 23rd through August 31st!  I have to admit I didn't have a doubt.

Great Location + Great Product + Great, Knowledgable Staff = Great Success

The opening of the doors brought masses of people.  We want to thank everyone that helped us celebrate! Every aspect: the customers, the staff, the trendy store and of course, New Balance shoes and apparel, contributed to a successful day!