There's more to green than numbers

In the energy crunch of the 70’s, Jimmy Carter came to his infamous fireside chat wearing a cardigan, urging everyone to bundle up to turn the thermostat down. A good and practical message Jimmy, though not exactly the sexiest delivery.

In Japan, an initiative called Cool Biz redefined office fashion and saved office buildings hundreds in cooling expenses by redesigning business attire. The initiative encouraged wearing breathable, lightweight business casual looks that did not involve the constricting, heat trapping tie or heavy suit jacket during the summer months. Not only did it reduce the amount of energy used to keep business folk cool across the country, but designers clamored to the office fashion forefront to make it look good.

The great thing about well done eco-fashion is it can make doing your karmic best for our ecosystems desirable, not a sacrifice. However when the Japanese government mandated certain Cool Biz months for summer office hours- insisting that offices set their air conditioning no lower than 28 degrees C (82 degrees F), dressing lighter just didn't cut it for the sweaty workers tip tap typing away inside.

A valiant effort to cut carbon emissions, but reports of the increase in crankiness and drop in productivity begged for a new balance in cool clothes to cool air. The UN set its AC at 25 degrees instead for its “Cool UN” initiative, which scraps suits and ties for a more casual, less constricting dress code during the month of August. The UN website estimates they will save not only 10 percent of their monthly energy consumption, but 4 billion pounds of steam (thus cutting 300 tons of carbon dioxide in the process), and financial savings of over $100,000.

Now there are Cool Biz initiatives in cities across the globe, challenging offices to loosen the tie and lower the AC to save energy, reduce emissions, and lower costs. Sounds pretty cool to us. For ladies such as myself, keeping cool is both in the cut and in the fabric. My favorite for breathability and moisture wicking prowess is bamboo, hands and fans down (plus bamboo has antimicrobial properties that keep you smelling fresh). Combine this feel good fabric with a cut that drapes enough to welcome a breeze but is tailored enough to look professional at the office. This summer check out one of my favorite finds from Jonano- the Double Sash Shirt Dress. It has all of the bamboo goodness and the cut is right, plus I find it super slimming with its line of sea shell double buttons... keeping me as cool as a sea cucumber.

Think like a green designer!

The design of a great eco-friendly product takes more than meets the eye... beyond the environmental and social considerations, a designer has to create something that people want and like -- what good is an organic, fair trade gizmo or accessory if no one cares to use it? A great product is one that not only serves its purpose well, but encourages green behavior with its use (and looks darn good doing it).

I got a taste of the world of a green designer when I took a workshop from the creative firm Ideo Design. The session was called “Designing for Green Behaviors” and it was packed full of people eager to design the way to a more sustainable society. We started off the session by getting into groups of three or four and picking an object on our person to redesign to be more sustainable. My group picked a plastic bracelet with sequins inside. The plastic was already made out of some sort of scrap roofing material, but when thinking about the full circle life of the bracelet, we saw it wearing and tearing over the years and being put into a landfill where it would inevitably be leeching all sorts of plasticy grossness. The lady to my left suggested the use of the same compostable potato starch material that was easily disguised as clear plastic for disposable cups we'd been sipping juice out of. Compostable jewlery? Sounds pretty good to me.

In addressing the same plastic waste problem for the silver sequins floating inside, I remembered back to Doug Wentzel showing me the wondrous world of jewel weed, a common plant in Pennsylvania with beautiful orange flowers that attract bees and butterflies. He showed me that you can break the stem and rub the fluid inside on your poison ivy to make it stop itching and dry up. You can then take the stem and hold it under the water of a passing stream and the leaves will look like beautiful shiny silver. So, I thought we could plant some jewel weed here and there, beautifying and attracting pollinators to the area in the process, and then take a hole punch to a few of the leaves on different plants to make naturally decomposing sequins to float in our potato starch bracelet. For being the only non-engineer of the group, I was quite proud of my idea.

The folks at Ideo went on to explain their process they use when designing for their clients and, more specifically, the people who will be likely to use their products or services. Their process centered on the behaviors and relationship that their designs create, emphasizing the creation of an experience.

We were then shown a slide show of about 15 photos from a stranger’s day. As a group, we tried to piece together a profile of the person: their name, age, occupation, life stage, bad habits, favorite Sunday activity, last book read, dream vacation, and so on. A few groups shared their informed guess and were surprisingly close to the profile of the actual man.

We then redesigned the bracelet for this man, while being sure to keeping the green in green re-design. Our group decided that we could engrave the bracelet with some sort of quote he may like, or maybe with some sort of anniversary or birthday date or well wishing so he could give it to his wife. If it were a gift, it would need a box most likely, so we decided the box would be made of decomposable paper with jewel weed seeds pressed in as I had seen on a wedding invitation. Inside the box are written instructions on planting the box and sharing the uses of jewel weed. Maybe a dried jewel weed flower is pressed into the top for the finishing touch. (Any other suggestions to make it better, Readers??)

If we had more time, we could have gone for another hour tweaking our bracelet into the perfect specimen of green design. It really made me realize I could be approaching many of my design dilemmas in my life this way, constantly improving my living space, my transportation situation, my wardrobe :), my general approach to life! One thing I would have to perfect is my desire to be able to recycle things by composting, reusing, and reinventing, next to my desire to have a well made, quality product (ok, I'm talking about clothes here) that will last me a lifetime, so we don't even need to spend the energy involved with recycling in the first place. This is what the Slow Fashion movement is all about, but that's a whole other compost bin of worms.

Clay Dye Blends Color and Consciousness

While scouring the web to find a birthday gift for my honey pie, I came across a new dye process that inspired thoughts of my Pennsylvania mud sliding past. As anyone who wore a light colored shirt to these summer slip and slides knows- let that mud dry and it is not coming out. A similar realization may have inspired Earth Creations unique and environmentally friendly clay dye process, which uses washes of different types of clay to color the organic t-shirts it produces fair trade in rural Alabama.

Not only is this low-impact dye biodegradable and naturally derived, the process requires none of the massive amounts of salt that conventional dyeing processes demand, thereby preventing the downriver degradation to our watersheds that occurs when the floodgates open at commercial dye houses.

Most of the clay Earth Creations uses comes from the Southeastern US where good deposits in a variety of vibrant colors abound. The clay is finely ground and mixed with water before it is stirred with unbleached clothing in a large vat. After about an hour, the clothes are lifted out and dried before they are inspected. The dye-process allows for lasting color that slightly fades over time like a well worn pair of jeans.

As for the birthday man in my life, I'm leaning towards this Give Peace a Chance tee, which I think his guitar strumming, bird call humming self will dig. As for a birthday cake, I think mud pie might be going a bit too far...

Everybody Grab a Boyfriend

The Boyfriend trend has been romancing fashion for several seasons now.  I became aware of my desires with the Boyfriend jeans.  Looser, broken in and faded ... easy like an old boyfriend.  A welcome alternative to the tighter, darker bootlegs that were long enough for heels, but too long for Sunday afternoons, the Boyfriend jeans work well with bare feet, flip flops or my fave cowboy boots.  They’re as easy to wear as yoga pants ... but made of denim.  What could be better?  

Well, when the temperatures climb, the Boyfriend shorts are the ones I take out again and again.  Cut off, frayed or cuffed, they’re casual, hip and cool.  I especially like them belted with a fitted tank and flat sandals.  They can also be changed up with a long sweater and chunky sandals, or even tights and boots when the temps drop again.  

The Boyfriend khakis are another staple for warm weather.  Cute with an ultra-feminine ruffled tee or tank and retro sneakers or a fitted polo and ballet flats.  These pants add a neo-preppy side to summer’s wardrobes.

My biggest attraction this summer may be a return to my first boyfriend.  The Boyfriend cardigan has been around forever, but never as desirable as this season.  Jonano’s ecoKashmere Boyfriend Cardigan is so date-night cute with your favorite pair of dark wash skinny jeans, belted or hanging loose.  Yep, skinny jeans here.  Only one boyfriend at a time, please.  

The refined styling features mother of pearl button closure, and extra long length in the body and sleeve. Great for snuggling, this knit is exceptionally soft in a viscose of organic bamboo blended with a hint of polyester for stretch resilience and lasting style.  Other boyfriends may come and go, but this one can be there for the long haul, seasonless and classic.

Cloud White, Ice Blue, Midnight Black.  MSRP $110

Wrap yourself in this sweater, and you may want to stay in his -- um its arms forever.  

Summer Hair Care: Eco-Friendly

Take Care of Your Hair This Summer

Since I had been patiently waiting in anticipation for weeks, I was almost happy when my antique blow dryer finally gave out. Instantaneously, I was browsing through the almost infinite number of options online and happened upon the Ceramic ECO 8000 Blow Dryer, created by Barbar. To my surprise, Barbar was promoting the blow dryer's eco-friendly aspects. Although a blow dryer's sole function is to better the appearance of all of our marvelous hair, think about the millions of woman who use one everyday in their normal routine! This blow dryer's low wattage can help reduce our carbon footprint and make you ladies feel a little more eco-friendly. I personally enjoyed the extra long cord, which gave me more freedom to multitask in the morning.

Also you might want to take a second glance at Olivia Garden's Ionic Massage Brush Collection. Not only are they made up of natural bamboo and naturally antibacterial, but they also stimulate hair growth by activiating blood cell circulation on your scalp. What more could you ask of hairbrush? To see more, please visit http://www.oliviagarden.com/healthyhairbrushes.htm

Fashion. Style. Culture.: Bamboo Fashion Is About To Take Flight

Eco-Chic Has Gone From Hippie to HOT-Damn!

Before American Apparel undoubtedly corners this market, too, be the first on your block to go bamboo. The key to its sustainable applications is its astronomical growth rate. More garden weed than tree, bamboo can grow up to 18 inches a day, reaching a harvestable size within three to five years. If you’re keeping score at home, that’s up to 20 times faster than hard wood trees, which average anywhere between 50 to 100 years to cultivate. Best of all, bamboo absorbs nearly five times more greenhouse gases and produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees, according to some measurements. Did I mention it’s also naturally antibacterial?

SHOWN ABOVE: Jonano eco chic bandeau dress in buff retails for $52.oo at Jonano.com
But before you start recounting the itchy advent of Woody Harrelson-endorsed hemp, heed this mantra: A green aesthetic doesn’t have to mean ascetic. If its texture is comparable to anything on the market, it’s silk – a fact that is not lost on its wide range of purveyors. From bedsheets to bathrobes, camisoles to yoga clothes, bamboo fabric is steadily approaching mainstream acceptance. Take a closer look at some of your favorite retailers’ catalogs. This surprisingly soft fabric-alternative, which is actually a type of grass, not wood, is changing the way several companies think green. Though they may not feature these items on the front page of the catalog, many established stores are tinkering with the prospect of bamboo chic. Among these tentative giants: Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic, and Adidas. Even New York mainstay Anthropologie offers a smattering of bamboo products.

Yet despite select retailers' enthusiasm, bamboo has thus far been ignored by most markets. So what’s taking so long? According to Jing, head designer at Juzd Bamboo (pronounced “Juiced Bamboo”) – a new line of urban streetwear made entirely with bamboo fabrics – it boils down to fear. After shopping his brand around to several big name retailers, the overwhelming response was yes on the clothing, no to bamboo. Most claimed that the eco-fabric was a promising yet “untested” prospect.

Jing was undeterred, and the enterprising designer decided to launch his own company, on his own terms. As a matter of personal pride, Jing regards his new label as an attempt to dislodge eco-conscious clothing from the clutches of one small, musky contingent. “It seems like all these other [eco-friendly] lines are designed for hippies, by hippies.” Through a pair of metallic D&G aviators, he shared with The New Agenda his vision for the future of bamboo clothing: “I want to be big like Diesel…but sustainable. These other companies are hollow, superficial. I want some meaning behind my brand, a real philosophy.”

Though there are certainly no hard feelings between Jing and his flower-power predecessors, he sees a future where Juzd offers a stylish alternative to the sack cloth and hemp of yesteryear; in short, a complete paradigm shift. “We have to aim our sustainable clothing to the masses. People don’t buy ugly clothing just to help the environment.” To ensure the highest quality product, Jing sought inspiration from all over the world; from Argentina to the Philippines, Australia to Canada, and he’s assembled a veritable think tank in green fashion. His collaborators range from print and fashion designers to wallpaper and comic book artists; the fruit of which yields a one-of-a-kind design every time.

Best of all, Jing guarantees the moral and fair treatment of all his workers, both locally and overseas in China – a rarely struck balance between ethics and praxis, even for the green industry. He is currently finalizing a deal with Holt Renfrew, a major Canadian retailer on par with Barneys New York, to offer a selection of exclusive Juzd designs. Until then, check out Jing’s original, limited edition T-shirts at juzdbamboo.com.

Still not convinced of bamboo’s bright future? Nothing moves the obstinate like some high-profile celebrity endorsements. According to a recent feature in Us Weekly (oh, the lengths The New Agenda goes to get the hot scoops), Angelina Jolie loves dressing daughter Shiloh in Kicky Pants’ line of baby bamboo clothing. Touting the benefits of naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, it’s no wonder bamboo clothing is raking in celebrity dollars. For even more proof of bamboo’s versatility, the evergreen and always exciting Daryl Hannah offers an eclectic array of bamboo items on her website dhlovelife.com. From her “beauteous bamboo worm-bin” to exclusive “bad-ass bamboo snowboard,” Hannah firmly supports the myriad uses of bamboo – and alliteration.

So if you’re ready to run the full gamut of bamboo couture, gear up with these pioneering brands:

Juzd Bamboo juzdbamboo.com
Juzd is bringing eco-street to the game, complete with slick designer threads. Think Ed Hardy meets Ralph Nader, but iller. Hittin’ your block in late July.
Limited Edition Shirt ≈ $100(Full catalog coming soon.)

jonäno
jonano.com
Vast selection of bamboo and organic cashmere clothing, in a wide array of colors and styles.
Women’s Top ≈ $35 Women’s Pants ≈ $60 Dress ≈ $70 Skirts ≈ $65

Soft Forest
Softforest.com
For all your (green) household needs. Check out their silky smooth bath and bedroom collections – all made from a minimum 80% bamboo.
Bath ≈ $3-$29 Bedding ≈ $36-$129 Accessories ≈ $5-$25

Kicky Pants
kickypants.com
Behold – the most adorable, nigh saccharine use of alliteration to ever be uttered: bamboo baby booties. The horror…
Baby Dress ≈ $35 Organic Onesie ≈ $16 Baby Polo ≈ $20 Maternity wear ≈ $35

Bamboo Clothing (U.K.)
bambooclothing.co.uk
Great selection of menswear (even skivvies). Don’t forget to check out their informative FAQ section.
Trim Tee ≈ $40 Polo ≈ $50 Underwear ≈ $16-$20

Bamboo Clothes
bambooclothes.com
A stateside alternative to its eponymous U.K. competitor. Update grandma’s penchant for panty-gifting with these intimates. FYI, they sell DIY spools of bamboo yarn.
Sports Bra ≈ $20 Basic Tee ≈ $23 Kids’ Onesie ≈ $13

Green is Sexy!

Known and loved for her roles in Mean Girls and Wedding Crashers as well as MTV Movie Awards 'Best Kiss' in The Notebook, Rachel McAdams is calling on all leading ladies to go green with underwear ... bamboo underwear.  

Bamboo is renewable, biodegradable, sustainable and the fabric is also incredibly silky soft.  But the benefits don't stop there. Read on, underwear wearers.  

The tiny gaps and holes in bamboo fiber promote better moisture absorption and ventilation. “Bamboo kun,” a unique anti-bacterial agent found in bamboo fiber possesses natural functions of anti-bacteria and deodorization. And unlike cotton, bamboo fiber products will not grow fungus even if left in moist conditions, leaving it with a fresh smell.  And that's probably more than any of us want to share when we're shopping for underwear, so just keep in mind that bamboo fabrics are sustainable, renewable, breathable, naturally antimicrobial and super silky soft. 

Wear bamboo with confidence, knowing that you not only look and feel good, but are also doing good.  And that is SEXY.

Visit www.GreenIsSexy.org for everyday tips for green living. Visit www.jonano.com for green and sexy things to wear over your underwear.

Mother's Day Gifting Special - Jonano eco chic collections

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10. This year, why not go green and serene and choose to give an eco-friendly oasis of relaxation, renewal and rejuvenation? Jonano's ecoLux Spa Robe combines two robes in one. Offering exclusive spa and resort styling, this dual layer luxury robe is made of  silky-soft woven viscose from organic bamboo on the outside and lined in lightweight viscose from organic bamboo terry on the inside.  Truly sensuous against the skin!  This gorgeous robe fits perfectly in our large-size gift box for a perfect Mother's Day eco gift ready for giving and getting.  From sauna to seaside, as a compliment to the healing environment you nourish.  After all, doesn't every Mom desire and deserve a little pampering? 

Features a shawl collar, cuffed long sleeves, deep front pockets, elegant piping and plush yet durable construction throughout. One size. Custom gift card included!

ONE WEEK ONLY
SPECIAL PRICE:  $80.00 (REGULARLY $99.00)
BUY NOW

Happy Earth Day 2009!

Wishing you all a beautiful day and the chance to get outside and enjoy it! If we all do our part by changing little things in our everyday life, we can make big, positive changes to conserve and preserve Mother Earth's natural gifts. I like to remind myself and my family to 'walk gently and leave a small footprint.' And I like to do that in truly fabulous shoes. My current fave is a funky, fun, ribbon-topped wedge made from solid cherry wood sustainably sourced in Potter County, PA. These fabulous-o footwear are handmade in Chicago. When it comes to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, reducing my wardrobe is not what I want to do. But I do love to buy new fashion items that have more than one way to wear 'em. With countless ways to tie the ribbons and so many options for ribbon colors, you can get several different looks out of one pair of shoes. I'm crazy for the surprisingly comfortable 4" high platform wedges, but there are other options for those with a fear of heights. To see more, please visit http://www.mohop.com/

May today be a day to remind us all to beautify the earth each and every day.

A Champion For A Great Cause...

Providing dignity and a leg up to those who have fallen on hard times is just what Henri Landwirth envisioned when he founded DignityUWear in 2000. As a Holocaust survivor, Henri knows something about maintaining ones self-respect and dignity when times seem bleak.

Always with faith, he hungered to offer aid through philanthropic efforts and DignityUWear was born. The not for profit specializes in gathering new donations from clothing manufacturers like Jonano and distributing brand new clothing to men, women and children in need in need at absolutely no cost to them.

Choosing to only offer brand new clothing donations is an important part of Henri's vision. To find an agency that distributes DignityUWear please find your state on the DignityUWear Directory, and for volunteer opportunities email info@dignityuwear.org

Hazzah Henri!

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.

ECOLLECTION at MAGIC

Global buyers and sellers will flock to the Las Vegas Convention Center in February for one of the top trade events in the international fashion industry: MAGIC. This 3-day fashion extravaganza is “where new trends surface and develop into what will be seen on the consumer. The show’s goal is to connect and inspire the fashion community, fuse diverse trends, while offering unbeatable service to its customer.”

First launched in August 2008, ECOLLECTION is the latest addition to MAGIC. Here, participants are bonded by one common thread: sustainable eco-fashion. At ECOLLECTION, you can find all things eco-friendly from clothing and shoes to beauty and home décor.

Click here for a list of February 2009 ECOLLECTION exhibitors.

“ECOLLECTION is a dynamic and growing community of dedicated eco-apparel and lifestyle brands working hand in hand with retailers and suppliers toward a sustainable future.”

For more information on the show, visit http://www.magiconline.com/.

Coral is Too Precious to Wear

Environmentally aware designers are making a colorful splash (no pun intended) into ocean conservation; inspired by SeaWeb’s "Too Precious to Wear" campaign. To raise awareness about the world’s precious and delicate coral reef depletion, the campaign encourages unique ways for us all to enjoy inspired coral designs that are NOT CORAL.

At a recent conference in the big apple, Josh Dorfman, super cute environmental entrepreneur, media personality, and acclaimed author of The Lazy Environmentalist, lead a panel discussion entitled “Too Precious to Wear: Conserving Coral, a Jewel of the Ocean,” as part of the annual Initiatives in Art and Culture conference. Panel participants included SeaWeb president Dawn M. Martin and Dr. Andrew Baker – also super cute and 2008 Pew Fellow recipient, renowned coral scientist and professor at the University of Miami. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to hear about their cause and wanted to share with you what I discovered!

“Nature is our best Designer” - John Loring, Design Director, Tiffany & Company

Look for deep-sea red, orange and pink corals to show up on the runway in 2009 – not as baubles made from animal carcasses harvested from the Earths precious reefs, but instead as a color celebration honoring this unique breed of animal that has inspired so many artists throughout the ages. The campaign encourages designers in every medium to create using coral colors and textures but sans the real thing.

Precious corals are facing threats from climate change, over-fishing, pollution and consumer demand. According to Dawn, 3/4 of our planet is ocean yet less than half of a percent of conservation dollars go towards ocean preservation. Because of these concerns about the sustainability of corals as a raw material, designers such as the gang from Tiffany & Co. removed coral from their product lines over five years ago – Hazzah!

SeaWeb’s Too Precious to Wear campaign aims to create a demand for coral conservation and is calling for designers to step up to the challenge in the protection of corals, and designers are taking this challenge seriously.

Precious corals are more often seen adorning the necks of women than in their natural ocean habitat. Red corals have been fished for more than 5,000 years in the Pacific and the Mediterranean, but serious signs of decline have appeared in just the past two decades. The United States, as the world’s largest documented consumer, has placed significant pressure on these threatened animals, importing more than 26 million pieces from 2001 to 2006. Too Precious to Wear is calling for increased monitoring of the red coral trade. The campaign is urging the U.S. and other countries to list red and pink corals under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

There are many opportunities to celebrate the beauty of the ocean without destroying Earth’s precious resources. Jewelry designer, Hannah Garrison of AZU jewelry chose to depict coral’s delicate branches in solid sterling silver, while another interpretation by Luciana Jewelry is all about the color. The Berry Coil Bracelet (above) is Fairly Traded and coral inspired, in coral red seeds and recycled Colombian pesos and topped off with a faceted clear quartz nugget adds sparkle that I find super fab.

The Jay Strongwaters coral inspired Compact contributes, one compact at a time, to a better world. The collectors' limited-edition compact artfully depicts coral in hand lacquered decoration. Proceeds go to “Reefs of Hope,” a Pew Institute for Ocean Science project. I found this at Neiman Marcus for $420 a while back.

Eco clothing designer Bonnie Siefers, of Jonano celebrates coral in her Angel Collection that is heavenly, again please excuse the pun, in shades of coral that are certain to rock the runway this spring. Check out Too Precious to Wear (www.tooprecioustowear.org) to see other coral-inspired designers.

PS: SeaWeb and Too Precious to Wear will launch a collection of coral alternative jewelry with nine leading fashion and jewelry designers in winter 2009. Each designer has created a single signature piece inspired by corals and our ocean planet.