Spring Break Eco Chic

Wanna get away? If you’re going somewhere warm for Spring Break like I am this week, you too know the challenges of packing a wardrobe for a week in a TSA regulation carry on bag II am happy to share with you my weeks picks for my own little get away...in gorgeous shades of sun-kissed sand and turquoise waters, a few fabulous pieces make it easy to look chic, pack lightly and honor the earth that you set out to enjoy.

Sun protection is a must for me and nothing protects my freckle face and hair better than a wide-brimmed hat. The San Francisco Hat Co. offers several styles that fit the bill, including my personal favorite, the Classic Panama Straw Sun Hat. The fine straw hats known as "panamas" actually originate in the mountains and the coastal regions of Ecuador, a must visit on any travel hounds list Panama hats are made from sustainably harvested young leaves of the Carludovica palmata. Because Carludovica is not a true palm, young leaves can be picked without threatening the life of the tree.

The indigenous craft of weaving gives artisans an opportunity to work for themselves and earn money without having to forsake their own communities and cultural traditions. Best of all, thesee hats are rollable for travel and a must have for sun-filled days. With so many styles and colors to choose from, you may find it as hard as I did to pick just one.

I never travel without Jonano's ecoKashmere Asymmetrical Hem Bandeau Dress! I have so far found at least five different ways to wear it. So simple, so streamlined, so many possibilities! Wear it as a dress, top, skirt or use your imagination. A perfect travel piece!

Better than barefoot, Planet Flops makes eco-chic and comfortable flip-flop sandals. The difference is in the rubber. FLOPS are made in beautiful Brazil with remarkably soft yet durable natural Brazilian rubber. Synthetic rubber is manufactured from petrochemical feedstocks, with crude oil being the primary raw material. The harvesting of natural rubber occurs by harmlessly "tapping" into the tree to remove a milky sap from the bark.

This does not affect the health of the tree. Instead of destroying the rain forests for the timber or to make room for ranching, rubber trees provide a renewable, sustainable source of income for the millions of people living there. In addition, rubber trees are an excellent source for removing CO2 from the environment. Doing good for those in need, Planet Flops gave over 9,000 pairs to Soles4Souls Inc., the international charity that sent the footwear to several different orphanages to help fill the tremendous need that exists among children living in poverty. In addition to their natural rubber construction, which provides a firm but comfortable platform, FLOPS come in a delicious array of colors, with names like Apple, Chcolate Candyfloss and Coconut. These are the most comfortable, flexible and fashionable summer footwear you can own and when you’re ready for a new pair, simply return the old ones and they will be recycled and you’ll get a 10% discount on your next pair. A must-have fashion item that offers style, distinction and comfort in one superior product!

Slip on iWood’s Boxy Aviators and you can cover up and stand out. With only limited quantities of wooden sunglasses produced each year, I have joined the ranks of a small circle of discerning

individuals. Each pair of iWood ecodesign wooden sunglasses incorporates the best components selected from around the world. The temples, being 100% fully adjustable, are imported from Italy and precisely fitted into each pair of wooden sunglasses. The lenses, also imported from Italy, are optical quality with 100% UVA/UVB protection. All aspects from the finish to the temples are hypoallergenic. These features combined with the qualities of wood deliver a lightweight, bold, international statement. iWood ecodesign uses exotic veneers made available by today’s global economy. Each pair of iWood sunglasses is designed with the environment in mind, using the highest quality, eco-sustainable, exotic wood veneer. These oh-so-chic shades are individually crafted with the most modern techniques combined with old world craftsmanship to set you apart in a sea of sunglasses.

Ive greened my life and now my travels too by packing it all in Stewart + Brown’s Green Heart Tote. There's an original, two color graphic printed on this double lined bag, with a button closure and one inner pocket. Made in USA of 100% organic cotton surplus fabric. Surplus is excess fabric or material leftover from manufacturing. Rather than being discarded, the existing fabric is used to make these fabulous tote bags. The folks at S&B are so smart...by utilizing what would otherwise be scrap, salvage items reduce waste, save additional resources and use less of the Earth’s precious capital while still producing great products with a purpose. Brighten your day and show your love for Mother Earth with this hip and handy tote!

Bon Voyage Everyone!

Designer scarves raise money for Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)

Doing your part for charity has never been more fashionable. Jonäno, an eco-chic clothing company, introduces a unique opportunity to add a designer touch to your wardrobe while supporting a really fantastic cause.

Jonäno debuts the newest addition to their Daffodil Collection. Inspired by Daffodil Days, Artist Bonnie Siefers has created beautiful whisper light scarves that support breast cancer research. You can honor someone special, brighten the day of someone touched by the disease, and help make the Jonäno Mission possible-all at the same time!

One of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, the daffodil is a symbol of hope. Each year during Daffodil Days, fresh daffodils are available to purchase worldwide, either in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a cancer survivor or to promote the hope of a cancer-free future.

• Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.
  
• In 2008, approximately 1.8 million new cancer cases were diagnosed.
• In 2008, approximately 40,000 cancer deaths occurred in the United States.
  
• The overall survival rate for all types of cancer is 65%.
  
• Today, there are approximately 2.5 million cancer survivors in the United States.

Now you can show your support for a cure year round!

The newest additions to the jonano.com Daffodil Collection are limited addition peace silk / linen scarves, available in black or undyed cloud. Best of all, 10% of each retail sale online at jonano.com goes to support breast cancer research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. At $69.00 retail that's almost $7.00 per scarf in money raised to find a cure. Buyers are encouraged to match the Jonano donation.

Bonnie's Story

"My mother died from cancer when I was just 19 years old and it was a life changing event. In a matter of months the person closest to me was gone. I was in college and had such a short time to say goodbye. As a grown woman, I carry the memory of my mother daily. This is why cancer research is important to me."

Inspired by the Daffodil Days®, Jonäno owner and artist Bonnie Siefers, a Survivors Circle member of the BCRF, created a beautiful collection with a mission; envisioning "A World without Cancer." You can honor a loved one, brighten the day of someone touched by the disease, and help make the Jonäno Mission possible-all at the same time!

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, works to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and genetic research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $127 million to support clinical research at cancer centers across the globe conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research into new therapies and genetic links that will help lead to prevention and a cure. In October 2008, the Foundation awarded over $34.5 million in new grants to more than 166 researchers across the United States and in Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Israel. Rated four stars by Charity Navigator, the Foundation welcomes and depends on contributions from all those concerned with women's health. Working together, we know we can find a cure in our lifetime.

By purchasing one of these luxurious organic and natural fiber scarves, not only will you be supporting a fantastic cause, but you will also be looking good and feeling positively uplifted. Jonano Daffodil Collection is available both retail as well as wholesale online at jonano.com.