Cri de Coeur translates as to cry from the heart (haven’t we all at one time or another?) and the fashion line is making strides to change the fashion footwear market with its collection of ethically produced, handmade vegan shoes. They’re free of animal products and as environment-friendly as current technology will allow. The company has pledged to plant a tree for every pair of shoes sold. Contribute to the cause by snapping up a pair of strappy gladiator wedges in cathay spic canvas with faux leather lining, nickel-free buckle and studs, and rubber composite sole.

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For spring, add a splash of mood-lifting color to your living space. The easiest way to do this is to snap up a few new pieces rather than paint the walls (especially if you’re fickle and lazy, natch). Moroccan poufs are a bold, well-designed form of leather ottoman imported from Morocco (of course) and stuffed with a combo of kapok and Dacron. You have your choice of non-metallics or metallics at different prices. They’re sure to add comfort and color to your lounging rooms.

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We’re not likely to devour tortilla chips without some homemade guacamole (topped with fresh cheese and shrimp) and a Grand Marnier margarita on the rocks. That is, until we discovered chili-coated chocolate tortilla chips by Vosges Haut Chocolat. The organic, toasted corn chips are salted to perfection, then doused in milk chocolate and dusted with ancho and chipotle chilies. Forgo the margarita for a savory red wine. Bliss.

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Love the classic and the contemporary? Artist Rebecca Overmann cleverly melds the two to create a stunning collection of understated jewelry. Her hand-forged designs are downright flawless, created with the mantra that less truly is more. Sculpted shapes and clean lines boast a refined structure balanced by movement. We’re in love with the diamond dot rings

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Oakland’s Josh Jakus is a master of eco-friendly goods. Case in point: His black coasters are made of recycled tires and are cleverly inspired by the conventional 6-pack of beer. Simply pop out each individual coaster and its ready for use on your high maintenance glass tabletops, then pop it back into its ring for storage. There are currently six colors from which to choose. All but the black are made from rubber containing 30% post-industrial waste.

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Do something kind for your palette. Forget the sloppy tea bags this season and get to scooping the good stuff. We’re partial to this Berry Cocktail tea mix by TSalon, which takes advantage of Mother Nature’s seasonal bounty with strawberries, blueberries, currants and raspberries. You can peruse the website for more tantalizing options, packaged in eco-friendly containers, to help you buck your coffee habit.

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Enough with the emails! In this hurry-up, me-first world, it’s important to take time to cherish paper goods. Avoid manners mishaps by always sending hand-written thank you notes, antiquated as they may seem. If someone went out of his or her way to offer a thoughtful gesture, the least you can do is spend five minutes to express your gratitude. Keep a darling stash of stationery and cards on hand, like these pom-pom designs by CardeBlanche, and the recipient will get a thrill when he or she finds it hiding in the mailbox beneath stacks of bills and junk mail.

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We love the sound of Magma Jewels. Of course, the collection itself is worthy of adoration. Portland’s Blake Van Roekel uses her smart metalsmithing techniques to whip up this distinctive line of compelling, colorful and organic lampworked glass jewelry. The beads are unique, reflecting the natural flow of glass. Inspired by life. Worn everywhere. Loved by everyone (you’ll see when strangers ask you where you bought your pieces).

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The latest object of Marie’s desire is sweet, dashingly dressed, golden-skinned and thoroughly exotic. Dear Charles has nothing to worry about, we’re talking about Das Foods caramels. She is crazy about the ones with traditional sweet and salty raisins, plums complemented by star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. They’re made from 100% natural ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. Surprise your house guests with a batch of them presented after a homemade meal. They offer the perfect melt-in-your-mouth finish.

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The Bean Rocker explores dynamic new ways to inhabit your space comfortably. You see, chronic floor sitters (raise your hands!) can use it to rest their fannies, or their elbows if they prefer to lounge sprawled out in front of the fireplace. They operate much like an exercise ball, but have a fixed option as well. The concept is truly inspiring as it will help you to be conscious about your posture and spinal alignment. Something far too many people simply forget about during the course of the day.

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Visions of Denmark dance in our heads. A couple of images come to mind, actually: there are the fluid lines of Danish Modern design, and the haunted fog brooding over Prince Hamlet’s Elsinore Castle. And then there’s native clothing designer Camilla Stærk, whose name calls to mind jolts of graphic color, sharp, unexpected proportions, and uncluttered ease. Since relocating to New York two seasons ago, Stærk has introduced more American ideas to her clothes, while maintaining their essential Stærk-ness. She draws upon her native land to create clothing with a darkly romantic mood, adored by PJ Harvey, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler and Julianne Moore.

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Propaganda makes a number of fun items featuring the brand’s signature Mr. P character (oh he’s a feisty one). Can’t get enough of Mr. P? Take this dishwasher safe ceramic coffee mug to work to remind you to take breaks and to put a silly smile on your face mid-day.

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With the holidays long behind us, now you can actually stop to enjoy and appreciate the fine art of gift giving—and the finer art of gift wrapping. For this purpose, we suggest a bit of frisky fringe. Kate’s Paperie is like the Kate Spade of the paper world. Naturally, the brand’s Double Fringed Cord Ribbon is perfect for brightening up wrapped surprises for, say, a birthday, mothersday or no reason at all (now that’s our kind of occasion).

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If coffee-to-go is part of your morning routine, go green with one of these one-size-fits all soft sleeves made from 100% recycled fabric, which are far more eco-friendly than the ubiquitous cardboard sleeve from the coffee shop. They were once clothing items, but now they’ve been washed, cleaned, recycled and given new life. All of them are individually sewn with a double layer of fabric by artist Michelle Czulada. Wash them in the machine and pop them in the dryer without worry.

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So there you are, looking hot as usual. You’ve used an entire bottle for self-tanner over the course of the last four days (your faux tan has never looked so good), you’ve got the gams on display and your Michelle Vale bag tucked under one arm, or slung over one toned, bronzed shoulder. The problem with this picture? You’ve got no place to go and its Friday night (don’t get down, this has happened to the best of us). These bags are made for taking a whirl on the town, particularly the Reveler in exotic leather with a convenient convertible strap. Check out the C&M Hot Spots section for an excuse to show off it off properly.

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Made of sturdy stoneware, these microwave- and dishwasher-safe ice cream bowls make dessert time even more fab. Twenty-five of our all-time favorite ice cream flavors decorate these cute bowls, which come in four summer-friendly sherbet shades. They’re packaged by the pint in a matching gift box to keep up appearances. Now about your plastic spoon habit, perhaps it’s time to invest in some grown up utensils to complement these kid-friendly designs?

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Conceptual artist Dido Velema’s provocative designer gas masks mix fashion with fear. Whether you loathe or love them, the message is loud and clear: Modern man is in a perpetual state of war—with other countries, and with himself since he may never be satisfied, despite his attempts to lavish himself with material objects. Velema uses the Gucci and Louis Vuitton logos on gas masks to call attention to this issue, assuming that enlightenment will help us all “breathe easier.”They’re currently for gallery purposes only, but we certainly won’t be surprised if we see them on the streets one day.

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Live from New York: Puma The Black Store has kindly invited all of C&M’s readers to scope out the latest collection of Puma footwear by the venerable Alexander McQueen, as well as McQueen’s Bones installation inspired by the human skeletal structure. The event takes place from 1 to 5 pm on Saturday, March 29 and you’ll get 25% off your purchases just for attending. What a great way to kick start spring!

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As you may have already heard, San Diego's luxurious and decidedly modern Ivy Hotel is now reopened, after having undergone an $80 million makeover led by the designers of the W Hotel Los Angeles-Westwood. Each room spoils visitors with sleek beds made from walnut, travertine-tiled pampering spaces, and leather ottomans. However, the highlight is the rooftop deck at Eden Bar, replete with bar and sparkling pool overlooking the bustling Gaslamp Quarter (quite the place for partying) and Bay.

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Your barbershop should be as exclusive as your choice of nightclub, no? That’s the premise behind Mr: The Barbershop where you’ll be lavished with premium grooming services in a super cool environ that encourages male bonding like no other. You see, in addition to being a pampering powerhouse, Mr. is also a three-level club where you can party with your pals, or your hip grandfather (hey, a trip to the barber is a tradition in some families). Opt for the Player, Hitter or Mogul packages—you’ll emerge looking the part.

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Alife NYC releases a special edition version of their Everybody Mid model. It comes in black, red and white and features embossed full grain leather on the upper. These will be available at all Alife stores, Bodega, Packers, Within, Commonwealth, Wish, Premium Goods, Motive 807 and Huf as of this week.

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