A little more than a year ago, local boy Mark Saad launched Kinder Soles, a socially conscious footwear company specializing in flip-flops made of recycled materials. Now he's teamed with Chris Bingham of Riley Life Logistics, a Durham shipping company, to create the SoleMates Foundation. The nonprofit helps provide shoes for needy people who otherwise could not afford to buy footwear.
"When we first started out, we partnered with outside organizations," says Saad of his previous charity efforts with Kinder Soles. "By launching our own foundation, we can directly impact those closest to us."
The charity will collect new and secondhand shoes for men, women and children. Working with church and community groups, they'll distribute to the shoes to needy people across the nation. Part of the process also includes determining which type of shoe is most needed in which region, such as boots for colder climates or flip-flops and sandals for warmer areas.
On Thursday, the foundation kicks off a month-long shoe drive, Donate & Deliver, in Raleigh. Those interested in donating can drop shoes off at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub and Restaurant (218 S. Blount St., Raleigh) and other locations to be announced, through Sept. 1. The group will hold a kickoff party for the donation drive 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the pub. The group will host other donation events at the restaurant throughout the month. Donors can visit solematesfoundation.org to learn more about contributing.
Own a Lagerfeld for less
With his black glasses and white ponytail, Karl Lagerfeld is one of the most iconic designers in fashion. The former Chanel and current Fendi designer (in addition to his own self-titled label) will bring his high fashion style to the masses in August with a capsule collection for Macy's. Sold in select Macy's stores and online beginning Aug. 31, the Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse Only at Macy's collection will feature dresses, tops, modern tweeds and jackets with his signature high-collared neck. Prices will range from $50 to $170. The Lagerfeld collection will be available locally at the Macy's in Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 510-8700, www.macys.com.
Local store happenings
From trunk shows to special sales, local shops have plenty of events going on this week. Here's the skinny:
Bridal jewelry designer Sylvie Levine brings two new collections to Diamonds Direct in Crabtree Valley Mall, today through Saturday. The new collections include diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, plus Something Hue, a line of wedding gemstone jewelry. Diamonds Direct is at 4401 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 571-2881, www.diamonds- direct.com.
Help needy pet owners while you shop Sunday at ReTails Thrift Shop's monthly Clean Sweep sale. During the event, noon-6 p.m. everything in the resale shop will be 50 percent off. The event will benefit the nonprofit AnimalKind, a group that assists low-income pet owners in getting their pets spayed or neutered. ReTails is at 1608 N. Market Drive, Raleigh. 872-0019, animalkind.org.
Though it's been open for a few weeks now, Kristen's Place in Cary is having its official grand opening party 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. During the party, there will be live music, cocktails and more. Kristen's Shoe Boutique, located next door, will stay open until 8 that night, as well. Kristen's Place is at 2035 Renaissance Park Place, Cary. 677-9955, www.kristensplacecary.com
