A Joy Shared is a Joy Doubled

I was so excited to receive an invitation to a Sew Swap and Share party this coming Earth Day. A Fashion Swap is about getting together with friends old and new.

It’s about sharing the loved stuff that has been your inspiration, while finding new-to-us stuff to take home & love. Swapping is social, sustainable, and stylish.

If you are like me, you have recently done a pretty thorough spring cleaning and are ready to go.

The best swaps aren’t just about the act of swapping, they’re about connecting with your friends and making new ones through a good old fashioned girl’s night in. Have a book swap with your literary friends, recipe swap with your foodies, a clothing swap with tea and cakes with your fashionistas. Gather at a unique setting like a park, or even a vintage Streamline Trailer.

Host a Good Old-Fashioned Suitcase Rummage

• · Fill a suitcase (or two!) with clothing, jewelry, handcrafts, shoes … pretty much anything!

• · Swap, bargain, digger or haggle.

• · Add a bit of food, drink and music and you’ve got yourself a party!

If you find yourself in Montclair this Earth Day stop by the Sew, Swap, Style swap party at newly opened Style Haven Boutique.

Accessory designer, author and New Jersey native, Meca McKinney will give a demonstration about making funky accessories using materials found in your home. Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, 2012 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Style Haven Boutique offers an arsenal of vintage, as well as emerging designers, curated by veteran wardrobe stylist, Corin Wright.

If you can't make it to Montclair, why not pick up Mary Adam's book "The Party Dress Book: How to Sew the Best Dress in the Room."

Bario-Neal: sustainable jewelry, lasting impression

I like to think of jewelry as a staple in my life, but the truth is, I like it much better on other women. Each time I put on a "statement piece" to go along with a basic outfit, I end up taking it off because in my eyes it comes off as too gaudy. What seems to never fail me, though, is my simple gold and silver entwined ring and basic silver earrings. Those are pieces that I instinctively grab no matter the occasion. Unfortunately, my indecisiveness has kept me from making more jewelry purchases because I haven't found anything that spoke to me like my rings or earrings. When I discovered Bario-Neal jewelry, I instantly knew that I had found my jewelry savior.

Isn't the packaging so neat?

Bario-Neal's jewelry is simplistic, yet beautiful and organic. I love that the pieces are not comprised of much, but they speak in volumes and I can slip on a ring or bracelet with any outfit I choose to wear. Even better is what they are made from. Each piece is unique and consists of recycled and ethically-sourced material. Beautiful jewelry that was made in a way not harmful to the environment. That says more to me than any other kind of statement piece I've attempted to wear. 

New Favorites from TerraCycle®

What's even better than recycling your old, unused stuff and garbage? ---Finding someone who will do it for you and will use it to make fun purses, duffle bags, and even wristlets.  TerraCycle® is a waste fighting company who does just that, recycling and upcycling materials that are typically thought of as non-recyclable (things like food and drink wrappers, newspapers, and trash cans) and turning them into new products.  The products range from things like purses and pencil holders and to larger products like compost bins,  all of which can be purchased either online through the TerraCycle ® website or in stores like Wal-Mart© and Target©.  Participants can even join waste collection programs to send in their own trash and earn money for charity organizations.  All of the products are practical and keep waste products out of landfills, but there are a few items that really catch the eye of an eco-fashionista. 

One of my favorites is the Reverse Printed Wrapper Hearts Wristlet®. The wristlet, made from discarded potato chip bags, is crafted from the reverse side of the chip bag, yet it remains compact, cute, and mostly unnoticeable as a former piece of trash.

Another cool find from TerraCycle® is the Bicycle Chain Picture Frame®. The frame comes in both pink and silver and is a nice subtle way to incorporate a touch of upcycled style into your life. 

The Pulltab shoulder bag® is also a stylish way to help the planet while completing your outfit with an intriguing accessory. 

 

 Finally finishing off my list of current favorites is the Circut Board Desk Clock®.

The clock is both sylish and useful and is one of several products made from the upcycled circuit boards, and could be purchased to complement the Circuit Board Coasters

Organix for the Head and Body

As someone who cares very much about what kind of ingredients are in hair products and how they are tested, I am happy to say that the Organix line is both a mental and physical savior. Not only are these products comprised of gentle ingredients that leave my hair feeling and looking fantastic, the scents of the shampoos and conditioners are natural and invigorating and none of the products are tested on animals. Organix has a vast range of scents, but I particularly love the teatree mint scent and always look forward to using it in the morning.

Recently I found out that Organix also has a teatree peppermint body wash, which left me tickled.

I can't decide if using all teatree mint products would be overkill, but I think I can at least switch off during the week and still leave the house feeling and smelling like a goddess.

Have a Seat

I get excited about a lot of things, but rearranging and buying new furniture is something that establishes a whole new energy inside of me. Cleaning is a great way to work through stress and anxiety, but syncing your living space with your mind allows you to unwind and want to be in your home. There is nothing worse than feeling the need to escape your house all of the time to get somewhere else. I believe that each room should be inviting and inspiring. 

My good friend has this amazing couch in her living room and not only is it comfy, but it adds another level to what would otherwise be an ordinary room. That couch got me thinking about how furniture can function as statement pieces and can have as much to say as the owner of the piece. 

Each of them is so charming and cool, especially the last one. If you could choose only one, which one would it be?