Archive for the ‘Eco’ Category
2 new (to me) eco stores in the Valley
When AKA Green closed last year, I thought my ship for getting local environmentally-friendly products had sailed. But in a search for zero VOC paint for my baby room, I found that there isn’t just one — but TWO stores in town dedicated to eco-home decor. (You can also get no VOC paint by Olympic for cheaper at Lowe’s).
1) Central Slope
This eco design market specialize in eco-friendly decor, local art made from recycled materials, some cleaning/decor products and have recently added mid-century modern furniture to their inventory. What you can find there: paint, giant wind chimes made from old beer kegs, arty goods and gifts.
8801 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85020
(Just south of Dunlap)
2) Eco Clean
Located in small office complex, this unassuming store is filled with materials to clean and decorate your home with the environment in mind. A small room in back is filled with non-toxic cleaning products. The showroom has loads of samples of mattresses, comforters, pillows and bedspreads made from sustainable materials. Find floor tiles created from recycled materials, and several lines of no VOC paint. Eco-friendliness doesn’t come cheap. Two gallons of paint ran about $100. An eco-pillow top is over $500. But can you really put a price on saving the world?
2828 N. 36th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(Across 36th Street from Home Depot)
“Everyday is Earth Day” outfit
Nowadays, there are enough cool organic, vintage, and reclaimed material products to make every outfit an eco-friendly one.
Here’s a sample of eco-made-stylish:
1.) Loomstate La Paloma Romper, $150
This versatile piece just happens to be made with environmentally responsible methods and organic cotton.
2.) Bosworth Tie Tunic, $382
This delicate cashmere lovely is a nice addition to a summer ensemble.
3.) Vintage ’80s Sunglasses, $20
Vintage sunglasses are the only way to go.
4.) Alkemie Stingray, $155
I’m a huge fan of this reclaimed metal stingray ring.
5.) Vegan Leather Raffia Wedge, $25.50
No animals were harmed for these bohemian wedges.
6.) Finch Bag, $440
Reclaimed leather bag is made by hand and large enough to hold a laptop.
The search for attractive eco-basics
Every time start to throw away a plastic bag away, I think of the gigantic trash island in the middle of the Pacific, and feel bad. Sometimes I’ll put the bag in a pile to clean out and reuse, but usually I end up throwing it away anyway.
I’m hardly an environmental crusader, but I am mindful about what I consume and lean towards vintage and ethically-friendly products, while (attempting to) veer from trendy, cheap items made with little hands.
That said, I also have a strong sense of my own aesthetic; I like what I like, and I’m not going to buy/wear a dowdy hemp dress just because it’s green.
I keep my eye out for cool items that are also fair trade and/or good for the environment. A couple of years ago, it seemed like everyone and their brother had a new line of environmentally-friendly clothing. For a season, it was actually pretty easy to find stylish-yet-ethical outfit choices.
Colin Firth’s wife has been documenting her own green challenge for British Vogue — wear eco-dresses through the entire awards season, which has inspired me to renew my search for good looking fashion that just so happens to have an environmental impact.
1.) Mociun Tie Dress, $370
2.) Ultimate Organic Tee, $45
3.) Double K 007 Necklace, $110
4.) Loomstate Lover Boyfriend Straight Jeans in Deluca, $154
5.) Fair Trade Sneakers, $54.99
6.) Urban Renewal Flutter Short, $48
7.) Urban Renewal Chiffon Ruffle Blouse, $48
Mondays without meat?
What’s Cracking Good — Meat Free Mondays (maybe?)
My husband and I have talked about going vegetarian for years, but the idea of giving up our favorite ethnic food leaves us feeling both resentful and forlorn.
I’ve considered following the “If I can kill it, I can eat it” principle.
I already don’t eat a lot of pork or beef. How hard could it be to kill a chicken?
If you’ve watched a farmer shove a chicken in a metal cone and slit its throat in Food, Inc, you’ll see that it might not be so easy.
Go ahead, call me a hypocrite. I’m sure if I had to kill my own food, I’d be a vegetarian. And considering I already have lactose issues — that would mean I’d have to be vegan. As someone who thoroughly enjoys food, that thought makes me very, very sad.
A while back, I received a GOOP email (yes, I subscribe to Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP email) which talked about the dangers of the livestock industry and Paul McCartney’s group, Meat Free Monday.
One day a week. I could probably swing that. So I proposed it to my husband.
“Sure,” was his reply.
A day a week sans meat. We can do that.
For more info: MeatFreeMondays.com
Eco-style resolutions for the new year
Resolution: Try a bold new makeup color
This is the year to take your makeup boldly where it hasn’t been…since the 1980s.
Colorful makeup and polish can be transformative, without a long-term commitment…and it’s relatively inexpensive.
It’s on the runway and the red carpet: Models wore fuchsia lips at Marc by Marc Jacobs and
cobalt eye liner/shadow combo at Proenza Schouler, Gwyneth Paltrow just showed off some vampish dark nails at a Paris premiere. Need more reasons? Brighter colors can create drama, lighten and brighten your face — and — it’s fun.
A few products to try bold makeup the eco-way: Korres Mango Butter Lipstick in Fuschia, Sephora Pure Natural Believer Palette, and British Racing Green Lacquer from Butter.
Resolution: Do it yourself
For a wardrobe that’s customized just for you…just make it.
You don’t have to be an avid crafter or a gifted designer to do-it-yourself. There are tons of projects that are simple, inexpensive, and will reflect your own unique style.
One of our favorite projects is both rock ‘n roll and low cost (and requires little talent) — a shredded t-shirt.
To get this punky look, recycle an old shirt, or find an new one you like (we like the longer length of this Organic Tunic) and follow the step-by-step directions.
Make your own jewelry from vintage brooches.
For more do-it-yourself ideas, check out Cut Out + Keep, Teen Vogue and DIY Style.
Resolution: Pare down the products
The name of the eco-game is making due with less, which is so much easier when your beauty products are doing more.
Switch to items that really earn their spot on the shower ledge, like Perfect Organics Ultimate Body Wash, a shower gel that can double as a bubble bath or a shave gel.
Also a workhorse, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Transforming Potion, which will turn any eyeshadow into a liquid liner. One product; A multitude of possibilities.
Resolution: Shop for unique or one-of-a-kind pieces
You are one of a kind — so doesn’t it make sense that your style should reflect that as well?
Whether it’s the vintage concert t-shirt, a bakelite necklace you found a flea market, or the handmade bobble you bought from Etsy, often the most beloved and statement-making items in a wardrobe are the ones you connect with personally.
Vintage shopping is a great way to find interesting items from other eras. Stores like Cat’s Pajamas, Decades and Shrimpton Couture are great destinations for high-end designer pieces, like this 1960s Oscar De La Renta dress. Visit thrift stores, eBay or online stores for reasonably-priced finds that speak to your own sense of style and interest.
Eco-friendly gifts
Gift ideas using organic or recycled materials, making it a 2-prong prezzie — Stylish stuff now, happy planet later.
- Organic by John Patrick Leather Skinny Long Blazer, $487.50
- Organic Pocket Tee, $58
- Stewart Brown Tie Tunic, $125
- Alkemie Froggy Necklace, $147
- Manimal Purse, $98
- Priti Organic Nailcare Kit, $48
- Recycled Bangle, $12
- Made With Love Bracelet Set, $32
Sudden no-impact
No Impact Week started on Monday.
The Huffington Post has a 17 page PDF about how to live less impactfully. Seeing that it’s Tuesday night, and I’m already stuffed to the gills with dinner and my trash can is full, I fear I’m already off to a bad start.
One of the hints:
“If you’re out of the house, carry your trash home with you.”
Ummm…didn’t do that. But I can start now. Right after I digest that bowl of soy ice cream and fake chocolate sauce.
My introduction to No Impact Week comes right on the heels of an article I read about Alicia Silverstone’s new vegan/eco-friendly cookbook and website giving people practical (and impractical) lifestyle hints to save the planet.
I’ve read tons of articles where she waxes poetic about her clear eyes, svelte figure and new-found energy after eschewing meat…but seeing that I’m actually feeling a little polluted, maybe all this low-impact stuff is a sign.
Or maybe not. Either way…it doesn’t hurt to read up…and do what you can.
Prim and proper
What’s Cracking Good — Boden USA
English retailer Boden specializes in preppy classics with sass. While there are definitely some “mommy” items, they are a good destination for classic-yet-funky jackets and dresses in interesting color combos.
Even better…Boden is conscious of its eco and ethical impact.
Here are a few items I’m liking right now….
1.) Carnaby Trench, $168
Funky basic, cool color.
2.) Ruched Waist Shift Dress, $138
Vintage fabric with a modern-yet-classic body-hugging fit.
3.) Flattering Knitted Dress, $128
Reminds me of a Susie Tompkins dress I had and loved in the early ’90s..
4.) Parisienne Jacket, $148
LOVE the Peter Pan collar and fitted shape.
5.) Suede Fringe Flats, $108
Ditto.
