Showing posts with label green. Show all posts
Showing posts with label green. Show all posts

Monday, July 21, 2008

Bubble Yum

Francesco Biasia's Meg satchelItalian accessories house Francesco Biasia, home of the leather statement bag, has ventured into green land by manufacturing an equisitely fun satchel free of animal byproducts. Constructed of woven pink straw and eco-leather, a material made from 80% cotton and 20% synthetic micro-fibre, the purse manages to satisfy both asthetic pleasures and eco-minded measure. Made in Italy, for the inner vegan fashionista in us all, the purse is a yummy tote you can feel good about. ($318)

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Cuckoo for Coconut Oil

Virgin Organic Coconut OilAfter running out of body lotion, I decided to make the switch to Virgin Organic Coconut Oil. Consisting of about 90% saturated fat, it's quite possibly the most emollient of vegetable oils, completely natural, and recommended by Mama SoFine for skin issues like sunburn and rough elbows. I like to use it for deep conditioning hair treatments and all over my skin after showers. The coco-nutty smell is fabulously delicious, and you get noticeable results after a few weeks use. My super curly hair is much more manageable, and ashy skin is a distant memory. ($22)

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Tighty Whities

Someone I know confessed that she only wears white cotton panties and bras. Seems rather odd, but her rationalization had something to do with her strict and rather lazy practice of bleaching the hell outta every load of laundry. The emergency intervention began with the suggestion she dump the harsh chemicals in favor of natural non-chlorine bleach. Secondly she must invest in organic lingerie, something like this utilitarian soft cup bra and panty from Araks. Tiny ribbon bows decorate the straps of the 50s style bra, a shirred front on the low-rider bikini gives the ensemble a more modern edge. Baby steps. ($143)

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

That's Amora!

Luxury handbag designer Makeda Amha recently showed her debut collection at The Train, a prestigious New York City tradeshow know as a launchpad for new talent. I am absolutely smitten with the Amora purse. Organic cotton, in the form of traditional Ethiopian textiles, have been incorporated into eco-friendly, vegetable tanned and croc-embossed leather. That means you won't have to worry about dyes turning the Han river red with pollution... basically, an heirloom purse you can feel good about. ($Available Upon Request)

Monday, December 10, 2007

Bear Necessities

 Paquito Alpaca Teddy BearThe softest most cuddly luxury teddy bear in existence is handcrafted by the native people of Peru. Found high in the Andes Mountains, the Alpaca is a type of llama, which grows some of the most coveted natural fibers in the world. Makes perfect sense that it would be made into a classic toy, fun for both children and adults. Sure to attain the status of "Most Favored Teddy bear," this is the toy that will never be forsaken. You'll also be happy to know that the animals are not killed for their fur and part of your purchase goes toward their upkeep. Win win! ($48)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Peace on Earth

Peace sign holiday cardsThe holiday season is pretty much the only time most people send cards to one another nowadays, therefore selecting a good one and getting it there on time is of major importance. If you always forget to send them out on time, go for New Year's cards instead, the more ambiguous, the better. Printed on 100% recycled paper and printed with non toxic ink, this set of 6 peace sign holiday cards from Pancake&Franks will delight a myriad of friends; peace activists, green people, even those who desire victory in war... bases covered. ($16)

Friday, November 9, 2007

Flask Forward

SIGG Classic Water BottleA lovely addition to any New York City fashionista's "Go Bag," the SIGG Classic water bottle holds 13.5 oz of your favorite beverage. The smooth apothecary bottle shape and old-fashioned attached wire stopper harken back to the days of the speakeasy. Forged from a single piece of pure nontoxic aluminuim, the interior of the bottle is sprayed with enamel. Wiskey on Friday, water on Sunday; you won't be able to taste the difference because flavors don't leach. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, this one's the best. ($28)

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Green Clean

Earth Friendly Free & Clear Laundry DetergentSure you eat organic and separate your garbage but the clothes you wear everyday, your sheets and underwear even, are filled with toxic chemials because of your generic laundry detergent. It may smell like a "Mountain Spring" or "Clean Breeze," but those added perfumes, phosphates, and other harmful ingredients aggrevate allergies and worse. Enter ECOS Free & Clear Laundry Detergent, plant-based and non-toxic it gently cleans your laundry without leaving that horrible overpowering scent which I so despise. Lovey! ($17)

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Bamboo-ya

Bamboo fabric, besides being sustainable and naturally antimicrobial is also incredibly soft. Perfect for baby clothing and yoga gear, designer Lara Miller has created a hand-loomed cardigan from this wonderful grass textile. Ms. Miller seems to have tipped her hat to avant-garde designer Yoji Yamamoto, known for his drapey, oversized silhouette and billowing garments. Designed to be worn upside down as well for yet another intriguing shape, you'll get tons of mileage out of this lovely wrap. ($155)

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Glover Girl

Get glammed up to your forearms with 3/4 length cape leather dress gloves. Superior English craftsmanship combined with buttery soft natural grain sheepskin in a hotsauce red color; three tiny covered buttons at the cuff, round out the qualities of a simply smashing glove. Not many companies can say they ethically source leather as a by-product of the meat-industry, Safi Gloves can. So rest a bit easier knowing that no part of the animal was wasted for the beautification of your hands. (£59.50/$122)

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Better Off Bed

Bellisimo Organic Italian beddingDo not be alarmed, but you've been sleeping on a bed of toxins! Most likely your sheets were made from cotton grown with pesticides, treated with harsh dyes and even flame retardant chemicals. You made your bed of toxins, but you don't have to lie in it. Luxury certified organic cotton bedclothes, like the 460 thread count Bellissimo Italian Linens shown, let's you rest in toxin-free comfort. Of course, luxury organic products don't come cheap, a full size sheet set will set you back ($576).

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Pay It Forward

Zulugrass Beaded NecklaceDo gooder website Gaiam.com peddles all sorts of "green living" products, from solar powered cell phone chargers to organic cotton bedding. The site also offers support and practical assistance to artisans throughout the developing world by selling their wares. This gorgeous zulugrass beaded necklace is made by Kenya's Maasai women, the cash they've earned has raised their family status and pays for the education of their children. Champion the indepence of enterprising women on the great continent, and look good doin' it too. ($32)

Monday, July 9, 2007

Autobag, Transform!

chevron travel bagNo doubt inspired by the classic cartoon, designer Kim White transforms vintage fabrics from old furniture and car seats into fabulous bags. Yep, seats from automobiles — like a clutch made from a 1983 Camaro, or this red chevron travel bag from a 1979 GM. Black leather handles and trim with sturdy metal feet and zip top round out the details. This bag is definitley more than meets the eye. ($380)

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Hemp for Victory

hemp denim pencil skirtHemp denim and coconut buttons? Sounds like something Mary Ann whipped up on "Gilligan's Island" — this hemp pencil skirt was handmade by enterprising Moroccan women through ethical clothier Amana. They train, pay fare wages and ensure ethical working conditions to their artisans for creating clothing made from organic and natural materials. (£50/$68)

Friday, June 29, 2007

Sailor's Tattoo

large sized tote bagRoomy enough to use as a beachtote or weekender, the large-sized totebag from Seabags is the perfect carryall. Made from recycled sails, it's designed to take a beating so you can count on enjoying this bag for quite some time. The sailor's knot on the rope handles are an elegant touch. This is also a bag most men wouldn't mind hauling about as well.($145)

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Eco-chic

According to the Sierra Club, in New York City alone, one less plastic grocery bag per person per year would reduce waste by 5 million lbs. and save $250,000 in disposal costs. Plastic is still better than paper, but a reusable Earthchic bag made from 100% recycled plastic bottles is even betta! They're stylish, can fold flat to fit in your purse and are quite strong, able to hold up to 40 pounds. My mesh grocery bag lasted for a good 4 years but is now beginning to unravel; plus I never liked that just anyone could see through my bag at grocery goodies. ($20 each, $38 pair)