Ladies, I am appalled by Skechers’ blatant rip off of TOMS shoes and business model. TOMS started their business for the purpose of helping kids and created a unique shoe design that is instantly recognizable. I feel like Skechers is just trying to raise profits and make their brand relevant again.  If their only concern was making a difference, why did they scope out the TOMS shoe line and simply reproduce TOMS’ shoe design?

TOMS clearly has a case for trade dress infringement.  I’ve mentioned trade dress infringement before (Kim Kardashian ripping off Botkier, Forever 21 ripping off Jeffrey Campbell). Trade dress allows for protection of the visual appearance of something, as long as it is not functional or is not the cheapest/most efficient way to create something. The trade dress must also be distinctive, meaning when you, the consumer, see it, you immediately think of TOMS and only TOMS.

Do you think TOMS has a case?

I found this great contest on Teen Vogue that I thought you might enjoy. You get to design a pair of Toms Shoes that will be sold on their site!  Here’s my entry:

What do you think?

I’m proud to say that 2009 was quite a fashionable year for me.  Here’s a look at a few of my favorite wardrobe additions from the past twelve months.

- Flats from TOMS Shoes

They are the perfect package: comfy, stylish, and eco/socially friendly.

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TOMS is giving away a $50 gift card to one of you lucky Mafiettes!  Not only do you win the gift card, but their One for One policy means when you use it to purchase a pair of shoes, a child in need receives a pair too!

From tomsshoes.com

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As I’ve mentioned before, buying youth sized fashion is a great way to shop on a budget, so I thought I’d mention that tomorrow TOMS is coming out with youth shoes up to size 6 for only $38!

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