Summer's a wrap...well, almost!

One of southern California's best kept secrets for boutique style on a shoe string budget is Dolce Vita footwear. This season's Mariel and Pela sandals are well-designed and reliably stylish...back zipper closure for effortless on/off and supple, dark leather hues for easy transition into fall. These sandals are a fabulous late summer investment...pair with tights on cooler days for a trendy fall look.

The one that almost got away...

There's no fishing for compliments with this Schutz multi-colored sandal. Brazilian, hand-crafted quality, vibrant leather, wild pattern and tassle detail make this shoe a perfect catch!

Olivia moving waters...

"We can't cross a sea by merely staring into the waters"
-Rabindranath Tagore

All of us at Tootsies are moved by young Olivia Bouler's artistic crusade to raise awareness and financial aid for the Gulf Coast catastrophe. Her love of birds and painting has come together in a powerful way...she's started a campaign to support the Audubon Society's clean-up efforts in the oil spill. We are inspired by Olivia's initiative!
http://www.aolartists.com/projects/help-the-gulf

Cat out of the bag...

There's an interesting story woven in Catstudio's Riviera bags ...they're more than just pretty arm accessories. Catsudio's collaboration with Sabala, a non profit dedicated to the empowerment of women, helps impoverished Indian women generate income by reviving tribal craft methods... like the one's used on these handwoven cotton and jute Riviera bags. The vibrant colors of these bags become inspiring when they also work to brighten the bleak surroundings of their origins.