16 April 2010

The Story of Stuff

Please watch this video...
The Story of Stuff

Earth Day is April 22nd. You can give some love to Mother Earth by changing simple things in your daily routine. Instead of trashing all of the stuff you no longer want take a moment to see if any of it can be recycled. Unplug your cell phone chargers. They use just as much energy dangling from the outlet as they do filling up your battery. Turn off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth. Most importantly educate yourself. Simply knowing the damage you are doing to the earth and yourself will make you think twice about your shampoo, dish detergent, the lettuce you ate for lunch...


Show how much you care this Earth Day and everyday.

Please watch this video
http://www.storyofstuff.com/

20 March 2010

Seventh Generation's New Eco Campaign


Seventh Generation, a maker of eco-friendly household products, is promoting a campaign in Washington called "The Million Baby Crawl". The goal of "The Million Baby Crawl" is to demand toxic chemical policy reform from Congress. Since 1976, the Environmental Protection Agency has only required safety testing on 200 of 80,000 products. Seventh Generation allows users to become active via their website and create a "crawler" to simulate a signature on a petition. Seventh Generation claims to have no partisan involvement, and anyone can get involved!

04 March 2010

Jonäno merges eco with chic cosmopolitan at NY Fashion Week



Jonäno debuted their first collection in collaboration with award-winning Design Director, Henry N Jackson, at New York Fashion Week this season. Jonäno’s signature eco fabrics and attention to sustainable and ethical practices combined with Mr. Jackson’s eye for sophisticated yet feminine design came together beautifully in a fall collection comprising signature ecoKashmere® knits and viscose from bamboo cocktail dresses, hemp denim and organic cotton herringbone ensembles in a collection that was inspired by the culture rich city of Vienna. M A Orito, Artist and Crafts person designed the jewelry pieces that accompanied the looks on the catwalk. Tones of heather gray mélange combined with mauve and pops of deep red rich indigo, complimenting the neutral palate Fashion Week goers saw at shows across the city.

Mr. Jackson yields from the world of couture and high fashion, dressing celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, and Whoopi Goldberg for the red carpet in his designs. Coming on board with Jonäno as Design Director represents a new project for Jackson, resulting in a ready to wear line that all involved hope will “take green mainstream.”

02 March 2010

Orgnx Haircare


I have used many a hair product that claims to be organic yet leaves my hair falling flat. However, on a recent shopping trip I discovered a FANTASTIC organic product that lives up to its eco-claims and works great! Orgnx by LaCoupe is a wonderful organic product that's also afforable (around $5.00 a bottle). LaCoupe believes what you don't put into a product can be as important as what you put into it, so Orgnx is sulfate-free, paraben-free and DEA-free. Orgnx has been salon-tested and approved, and is always cruelty-free. Each Orgnx product focuses on a different hair care challenge common to modern life. There's an Orgnx regimen for every hair type.

02 February 2010

Emma Watson Teams With People Tree


Yep, that is Hermione from the Harry Potter movies. All grown up, Emma Watson along with People Tree has developed a fresh new line of fair trade fashion made with 100% certified organic cotton. Using slow fashion, made by hand knitting, hand embroidery and hand weaving in fair trade factories 'Love From Emma' creates livelihoods for disadvantaged people in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Launching in February 2010 the new line includes jersey t-shirts, dresses, knitwear, woven skirts and pants for both men and women. Also, Emma included hand embroidered bed throws, recycled sweetie paper jewellery, banana fibre slouchy beanies and head scarves. The new line's bohemian style frames the outline for caring what you wear. We are all becoming increasingly aware of the importance of conscious choices. 'Love From Emma' provides an alternative to fast fashion and a huge nod to personal style.

25 January 2010

Eco Nail Care


Keeping beautiful nails while maintaining an eco-conscious lifestyle can be tricky. Many nail polishes contain harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients like formaldehyde and smell noxious right when you open the bottle. Zoya nailcare offers a solution! Zoya nail polishes are formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, and DPB free. They're even safe enough to use during pregnancy! Zoya products nourish the nail instead of depleting it of moisture. Zoya has its own line of polish removers that are free from harsh chemicals and are also safe for moms-to-be!

17 January 2010

The Green Lifestyle Guide!

How many times have you been going about your normal daily activities and wondered about your effect on the environment? The Green Book by Thomas M. Kostigen is a handy little guide that offers eco-conscious alternatives for everyday activities. Each section is broken down by by categories according to the activity. This book takes a holistic approach to suggesting environmentally sustainable practices regarding the purchases we make, the food we eat, the money we invest, and the vacations we take. The writers of this book present green living in an easy-to-read and easy-to-live format. It CAN be easy to be green.

16 January 2010

Fashion Forward: Helping Haiti Relief and Eco Efforts


By now we've all seen the pictures of the destruction caused by this week's massive earthquake in Haiti. While fashion, ethical or otherwise, may be the last thing the mind conjures when faced with images like this, there are a handful of designers, boutiques, and creative houses putting their efforts towards doing what they can to act in solidarity with the relief efforts now underway. So, if you were already planning on purchasing something stylish this weekend, take a look at a few of these platforms for sustainable style that are donating a portion of your purchase towards help for Haiti.

Fashion Philanthropy
has just extended their deadline for donating 100% of profits or 50% of revenue (whatever is greater) from purchases at their eco chic site. Donations will go to Hope for Haiti.

Resurrection Vintage is putting 10% of all sale purchases towards the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund from their online site, NY and LA boutiques. The sale takes 70% off vintage finds and lasts through January 31st. Resurrection specializes in vintage and "historic modern" collectible fashion, with many unique pieces for the vintage vixen in us all.

In the same vintage vein: Rice and Beans is donating 10 dollars from every purchase through this January 17th to the Red Cross efforts in Haiti. In the spirit of rebirth, I think this cheery Adrienne Vittadini skirt is fabulous, and at $50 it's not a bad deal.


Soles4Souls
has set up collection points for gently used shoe drop-offs all over the US. With all the broken glass, raw sewage, jagged metal and other rubble exposed after an earthquake, a good pair of shoes can make a world of difference. You can donate money online to their cause or click here to find a drop off point for your own shoes in your area.

Of course the most direct way to donate is to give money directly, but be sure to check out one of the charity watchdogs out there to be sure you know what you're contributing to. One of the most popular and credible sites currently is Charity Navigator, which has a wonderful post on things to consider before giving to make the most change with your change.

Any more suggestions to share, please do!

08 January 2010

Trends vs Classics

Each season, style aficionados vote with their pens and keyboards on whats hot and whats yesterdays news. While color and silhouette trends are forever changing, the classics never go out of style.

Choosing classics as go to garments for your wardrobe is a sustainable choice, but there is certainly, for me anyway, a desire to have fresh new twists on these classics each season. It gives me the same pleasure to update my classic wardrobe with trend-centric seasonal additions that it gives me to redecorate my space with a shuffle of furniture and some new pillowcases.

Spring 2010 looks allow women to dip into their closet to rework pieces from previous seasons plus invest in some transitional outfits which still reflect new trends.The classic shirt dress, the trench, the biker jacket and are just a few of the styles which continue to top hot trend lists for spring. Boyfriend loose fitting jeans and sweaters offer the opportunity to purchase trendy pieces for 2010 that will work as classic investments for years to come, and the floral prints and watercolor style tie-dye that is so hot on the catwalk will help me add some spice to my classic style.

Key looks for Spring 2010 include:

White

White is the new black, at least according to runway trends hailing from New York to Shanghai. Donning white from head to toe is not always practical, but I find that a seasonal purchase of fresh whites, whether it’s a classic blouse or white washed jeans will never go wrong. Many designers have taken a reality check in terms of transitional colors, in response to consumer demand for classic neutrals that will glide seamlessly from season to season.

Veggie Tanned Leather

The soft leather jacket and either boots from ankle length to mid thigh, leather is hot for Spring (literally), but leather tanned with veggies? (don't laugh...it might be dyed with some), but actually veg-tanning is a process which uses the "tannins" from the leaves and bark of trees (like the oak or chestnut tree). While not a vegan option, veggie tanned offers a choice for those of us who shy away from chemical treated leather...you know the smell. A butter-soft biker jacket has become a wardrobe staple whether 20-something or 50-something. This is one fashion piece well worth the investment.

Lingerie-Inspired Trend

Innerwear as outerwear with lingerie-inspired lacey chemises, tap pants, camis and boyshorts. My sister tuned me in on pairing a sexy cami with jeans and a jeans jacket for date night chic. Thanks sis!

Jumpsuits and Capris

Jumpsuits continue to flourish in everything from sporty with hoods and zips to single-shouldered jumpsuits with sequins to workmanlike denim overalls. I love them with a cropped jackets and baby rib tank.

No more nappy-shaped trousers, last year’s harem pants have morphed into sleeker capri length classic jodphurs that speak to my love of the Gatsby era.

Shorter-than-short Shorts

Sexy hotpants and boyshorts are back, so ladies that daily walk we are doing for head and heart will pay off in spades as we show off our gams.

The Timeless Trench

Fashions love affair with the timeless trench. From fitted to oversize, the top coat is my must have update this season.

New Colors for Spring 2010

Spring wouldn’t be spring without a touch of red, white and blue. Whilst head-to-toe white makes a fashion statement all on it’s own, navy and chili red are all over the runway. Soft neutrals provide a sound color base which can transcend seasons.

05 January 2010

Deconstructing Vintage

I have a secret to share with you. I am a closet vintage vixen. Back in the day, I would clad top to toe in fab finds from "op shops" (that short for opportunity shops) so popular in Melbourne, Australia and Stockholm, Sweden where I spent my school days and even small town finds from US vintage stores. I even had not one but two pair of Audrey Hepburn style vintage skinny ski pants. These days my vintage taste has refined specifically to the deconstructing vintage movement. Deconstructed fashion is providing some of the most innovative, sensual and playful looks around. And the growing eco-chic movement is being redefined by designers who love to break the rules. But it also inspires mainstream consumers and fashion-lovers like me to reinterpret our own old clothes. One of my favorite ways to incorporate vintage into the mix is by pairing "something old with something new" as the saying goes. I popped over to the Jak & Jil Blog and saw this pictorial on Catherine Baba.










I love this antique kimono dating from the 1920's to 1950's, paired with skinny pants and what looks to be a Gilligan style cap to keep the rays at bay. Catherine, you are particularly spectacular in vintage with this pop of red!




Vintage kimonos provide a wonderful inspiration for deconstruction.

Check out Glamorwrap for deconstructing vintage kimonos like the one shown below.

Re-purposed from a 1940s kimono, this GlamourWrap is unusual in that the fabric is almost sheer in a lightweight woven silk. The silhouette can be worn in a myriad of ways, transforming from a vest to a dress, from a cape to a belted jacket, and back into a kimono again, and work as wonderfully over jeans as an evening dress.

Best of all, Shrimpton Couture is running their all new ANNUAL event once a year (hence the annual part) to clean out the racks and get the site ready for new stock for the new year. ALL the designers that work with vintage will be taking part and pretty much every vintage item on the site will be marked down. This is NOT a 10% off event - this is a almost every item is 20-60 and even a few are 70% off event!

04 January 2010

A New Year, New Resolutions


As 2009 came to a close, have we given enough thought to our impact on the enviroment in the new year? When most people choose to make new year's resolutions, they often opt to work harder, to lose weight, or to manage finances in a more effective manner. Why not choose to improve our eco-conscious efforts? Caring for the environment is one of the few resoultions we can make that has a direct impact on the globe and creates a better world for our planet's future inhabitants. Recycle gift bags given to you with gifts from this holiday season to use next year! Choose to use soy candles instead of parrafin wax candles, which emit harmful chemicals and rely on foreign oil production. Change lightbulbs to more efficient, low wattage models. Begin a carpool or rely less on the car! Small steps equal big changes when more people participate, so share ideas with friends and family. Here's to a happier, healthier planet for 2010!

31 December 2009

Reduce. R.E.U.S.E. Recycle


As the resolutions become daily rituals of a new year and a fresh start I have been thinking of more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. As each day passes I have become increasingly aware of my affect on the earth. While I was cleaning out my closet in a last ditch effort to organize and give to the goodwill I noticed how many pairs of jeans I have.
Let's face it most women's comfort zone rests in denim threads. Jeans have always, and continue to be my favorite. Especially the worn in pair that seem to mold to me like they were designed exclusively for my body. They are comfortable and can be worn with just about anything. However most of them, I am a little ashamed to say, are not environmentally friendly. There is no way I'm giving my lovely hip hugging denim to goodwill. So as I gather the bags on the way to be reused I wonder...Where in the world can I find recycled or environmentally friendly denim jeans? After just a little research I stumbled upon http://www.reusejeans.com/. "Step into a smaller carbon footprint one leg at a time." That is the first thing I saw and there is no arguing with that! These fabulous finds are made from sustainable 80% recycled premiere quality denim. In an effort to help reduce the effects that the fashion and textile industry have on the environment R.E.U.S.E. jeans have discovered a way to take one of the most popular items in anyone's closet and make it coincide with eco-fashion. A belief in a greener lifestyle does not have to stop at the closet door. So, a new item is added to the green resolution list, R.E.U.S.E. jeans! I can still have my favorite denim and feel confident about my green lifestyle choices "one leg at a time."

28 December 2009

Sole Power


Tis the season where my boots become my second skin. Between tromping all over the city in my constant attempt to improve my petroleum karma, and a probable bum boot zipper, it pains me to say I've worn through two pairs before even getting through December. Besides looking for a creative re-use for my boots gone bunk, I'm on the hunt for a pair that will walk the walk when it comes to quality, and look darn good doing it. Harder than I thought to find, especially on a budget. However as I do the math, it doesn't take Honors Accounting to figure out that it's going to cost me more to buy three so-so pairs a season verses one quality, timeless pair.

On my search for the perfect boot for life's daily adventures, I came across the California designed and Mexico made (fair trade, of course) Green Bees. Designed from locally sourced materials by the daughters of a decades old shoe manufacturing company, these boots bring together the best in buzz words that will perk up the ears of eco-fashionistas everywhere. Green Bees upcycles old tires into new shoe soles, getting four soles from every one tire otherwise doomed to the dump.

Though these shoes aren't vegan, the leathers used are traditionally processed without any heavy metals or formaldehyde, which for me is a toss up that I am always weighing in my head. My past two boots that I've quickly worn through were man made materials, which means none of the materials involved were made from animals. At the same time, they didn't last or hold up to the elements well at all, which means my materials “boot print” is accounting now for three pairs of boots a season instead of one for (hopefully) several seasons. As anyone rocking a quality vintage pair of leather cowboy boots knows, good leather lasts, and so the energy and resource use of production, transportation, packaging, and all that jazz doesn't need to be expended again with new pair after new pair. I declare this issue hereby open for debate (oh the beauty of the comments box).

Green Bees will also plant a tree for every pair of boots purchased, and you just can't argue with that. The classic design of these boots and beautiful tonal colors will transcend trends while being hip enough for your tucked in skinny jeans or spunky skirt of the season. While I'm still on the prowl for what else the brilliant world of eco-forward footwear could bring, I love the idea of upcycled, fair trade, and too cute to boot!

25 December 2009

Green Personal Care


Have you ever thought about how many plastic items you use everyday? After the holidays are over, the trash can is often loaded with wrapping paper, plasticware, and plastic packaging. Many items we use and rely on everyday are plastic (toothbrushes, razors, etc.) and it's often impossible to find alternatives. The Preserve company is taking steps to improve this issue. Preserve makes personal care items, plasticware, and kitchenware from all recycled plastics. Whenever you're done using the products, Preserve provides free shipping so the consumer can send the products back to be recycled again! The products are brightly colored and affordable, and can be found easily at local retailers such as Target and Whole Foods. Preserve is taking the necessary steps to bring recycling to the mainstream consumer in an affordable way.

18 December 2009

Green Holiday


The holidays have arrived. The mailbox is filled with glittery greeting cards. The gifts have been purchased and wrapped. Now, it is time for the little details that make holiday get togethers something to remember. And, if you are like me then ambiance is a big deal. Lighting, music, centerpieces,candles and of course your outfit, all play a huge role in creating the perfect environment for catching up with old friends and staying close with relatives. This year make your holiday event environmentally friendly. Use organic items from the backyard like pinecones, herbs and fruit to decorate. If you live in wintry conditions you can order a guilt-free flower centerpiece from organicbouquet.com. Switch to energy efficient LED light bulbs to save on electric. To add some extra ambiance use soy or beeswax candles opposed to traditional candles that emit toxic soot into your home and lungs. I know the pile up of dirty dishes is something everyone dreads. As an alternative visit http://www.worldcentric.org/ for compostable plates, cups, napkins and utensils. Most importantly, the outfit. Show how important green living is with the clothes on your back. Jonano has some beautiful and ethical dresses that are sure to spice up your night. And remember recycle, recycle, recycle...Happy Holidays!

11 December 2009

A Gift Worth Giving and Hats off to Humble Heros

Each year at this time I like to meditate and ground myself as we speed into the holidays, and this year, on to a new decade. I take an inventory of the year’s events, achievements and struggles, and spend some time with reflecting on life and the ultimate goal for me, happiness.

Here at eco Couture we like to search out the gems in the world that are mindful in their design choices as they walk this planet. Today I would like to talk about one special person who looks, not to clothe for profit, but instead for inner peace and a profound connection with his brothers and sisters.

I offer Hazzah to Holocaust survivor Henri Landwirth.

Henri knows what it means not to have clothes - to be stripped of dignity and to give up all hope. He founded Dignity U Wear to create real change in the lives of children and adults in need by distributing brand new clothing to them through their not for profit nationwide organization. He has known the struggle of having everything stripped away and the depths of despair and has made it his mission in life to try to restore broken spirits and restores hope, dignity and self-esteem.

With the struggles so many families are facing this year and winter’s cold at our doors, Dignity U Wear is specifically in need of new baby clothes and outerwear to give to those in need this season. Designers who would like to donate new and unworn clothing from their showrooms and stockrooms can contact Dignity U Wear at 888.364.1305.

This year you can contribute to Henry’s mission and shop for your friends and family at the same time through the Dignity U Wear – Jonäno/Sami Baby partnership. For every Sami Baby clothing item you purchase through December 23rd, Sami Baby will donate a brand new item of baby clothes to the good folks at Dignity U Wear.

Sami Baby makes cute, organically grown and ethically sewn baby clothing that’s gift ready. Thanks Henry and thank you all for checking in regularly to see what we here at eco Couture are so passionate about – beauty from the inside out!

24 November 2009

Jonano model search is ON!

Jonano is looking for their next eco-fashion-ilicious model!

Jonano Eco Model Search is having an open call December 1st from 3-6pm in Jonano's Riverfront Studio in Steel City turned Green Mecca, Pittsburgh PA (333 East Carson Street on Terminal Way, Second Building on the Left, Floor 5). Contestants should be ready to strut their stuff and share one simple way they bring green to the mainstream! Your response will be premiered on the iFoundJonano YouTube channel.

You don't need to be a size zero to look great in Jonano! The only requirements are to exude natural confidence, be original, and care to learn about the progression of sustainable fashion. No previous modeling experience is required.

Aspiring models should go to "Jonano eco model search" on facebook to post a picture and find out more information. Jonano wants models to be a part of the movement, using the page as a forum to share eco-fashion insight. The winner will receive a handful of Jonano wardrobe must-haves, a photo-shoot and images, local and national exposure, and the potential to come on board with the Jonano team for future paid shoots and projects. Share your passion for eco-fashion and break into the biz in one delicious bite!

16 November 2009

Holiday Beauty for the Eco-Maven!

Natural cosmetics can often be hard to find or expensive, but Burt's Bees is aiming to make natural gift giving easy this holiday season. The Burt's Bees company is devoted to making natural care products that are good for you and good for the environment, and they've come out with fabulous natural gifts for the holiday season! Burt's Bees has come out with a cute holiday line of products-with the eco-conscious buyer in mind. Whether you're buying for men or women, Burt's Bees has assembled full-sized products into Holiday packages at reduced prices. Gifts are also organized by buyer budget- consumers can shop for gifts under $20, $15, and $10. Some favorites include the Polka Dot Mani-Pedi kit, which features a full-size coconut foot creme, full-size almond milk hand creme, full-size lemon balm cuticle creme, nail file, travel case, and orange wood cuticle sticks- all for $20.00!

15 November 2009

Feed Your Face with Organic Skin Food


Lets talk about how we nourish our faces - face food! We know that what we eat can affect how we look. Is the same also true for our skin? I want to share with all of you my own personal organic skin diet...Dr. Alkaitis!

Dr. Alkaitis, his daughter Trish and I had the pleasure of meeting a couple of years ago and I gave the good doctor a challenge. If he could find products in his toolkit that would not irritate my extremely sensitive skin, I would tell everyone I know and even those I don't about it. Well this is no small challenge as up until that day the only thing I could apply to my most sensitive skin was pure organic aloe vera gel which I kept stored in the refrigerator. Dr Alkaitis assembled a nice meal for my skin and I have been a fan ever since. My skin glows with good health, not only because I eat well, but my skin eats well too...and smelled amazing!

If you are looking for a new skin care line and want to invest in something you know will work for sensitive skin, I can guarantee Dr. Alkaitis will not let you down.

13 November 2009

By The Sea Launches Eco Chic Collection in Kauai

Eco chic collection, Jonano, made its Kauai debut this autumn at the popular fashion boutique By the Sea. Mindful Fashionistas came out to shop.

The highly innovative collection combines eco-fabrics like viscose from bamboo, colorgrown cotton, and corn as well as natural details from tagua to coconut. Many of the collection’s signature pieces are multifunctional and versitile like this bandeau convertible dress that can be worn 16 ways, from top to dress to skirt to wrap. Seasonal collections are created from travel inspirations and each story that is brought to life by combining the splendor of natural elements with cultural allusions.



For a unique shopping experience please visit By The Sea, located in Poipu Shopping Village on the sunny South Shore of Kauai.Offering the islands finest resort wear clothing and accessories for men and women. Featuring the Eco Kashmere collection from Jonano. Enjoy the island lifestyle with luxuriously soft bamboo clothing, and look gorgeous doing it!