tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29033783306691031702024-03-08T05:51:09.525-08:00Enviro Chi Chia blog dedicated to thrift and environmentally- sustainable fashion.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-49636254105321021912010-12-21T18:42:00.000-08:002010-12-21T18:45:08.194-08:00Cruelty Free @ Modcloth<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TRFlZ4pda7I/AAAAAAAAAtk/WToYXz_CdQE/s800/vegan.png" /><br /><br />I've always loved <a href="http://www.modcloth.com">Modcloth</a>, but I love them a little more now that I've discovered their fabulous - and extensive - vegan offerings.<br /><br />There's over 200 cruelty-free items in their shop. <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/storefront/products/search/keyword/vegan?pp=300">Click here</a> to see.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-37511250322259505842010-12-18T17:36:00.000-08:002010-12-18T17:39:10.398-08:00Eco Fashion @ Thieves Boutique<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TQ1hfmQvSEI/AAAAAAAAAtg/W-aXo-qMAuc/s800/theives.png" alt="clothes from thieves boutique" /><br /><br />I heart <a href="http://www.thievesboutique.com/">Thieves Boutique</a>. Eco-friendly haute couture? yes please!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-43625055650596695562010-12-16T19:37:00.000-08:002010-12-16T19:43:01.832-08:00Holiday Dresses<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TQra4HXEarI/AAAAAAAAAtI/OKAPiGwY98s/s640/littleorphanannie.png" alt="Little orphan Fannie holiday dresses" /><br /><br />I'm completely in love with the vintage dresses at Esty shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/littleorphanfannie">Little Orphan Fannie.</a> And the prices are ridiculous -- can you believe one of the dresses pictured here is less than $30.00? <br /><br />Crazy!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-91163231037736154092010-09-26T14:27:00.000-07:002010-09-26T14:27:00.168-07:00Shop | Nelson Rarities<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIVcnwfdw-I/AAAAAAAAArI/pJPae0DAj60/s800/nelson.PNG" /></div><br /><br />The vintage and estate treasures featured on the <a href="http://www.nelsonrarities.com/">Nelson Varieties website</a> are absolutely stunning. Their inventory includes antique pieces from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arples and Durand, to name but a few. Their gallery of gems won't fit into every budget - some pieces cost upwards of $100,000.00 - but it's worth a view nonetheless.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-32984054768753977812010-09-23T12:13:00.000-07:002010-09-23T12:13:00.985-07:00Eco Art<Img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIKaOky41bI/AAAAAAAAApk/QoMyI0ZkPhY/s800/ecoart.PNG"><br /><br />The recycled paper collages made by Etsy seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vantiani?ref=seller_info">Vantiani</a> are absolutely brilliant. I love how simple construction, when done right, can create a stunning visual impact.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-77359593731784794832010-09-21T13:22:00.000-07:002010-09-21T13:22:00.714-07:00Shop | Mr. Larkin<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIae7vlytbI/AAAAAAAAArs/s90TvVn-bcA/s800/larkin.png"><br /><br />Check out <a href="http://mrlarkin.net/">Mr. Larkin</a>, a fashion line cormprised of recycled/vintage materials, hemp, organic cotton and other natural materials, including dresses made from milk fibres!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-12346983349815443182010-09-18T07:14:00.000-07:002010-09-18T07:14:00.562-07:00Shop | Annatarian<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIZIkGdduYI/AAAAAAAAArg/HomIFytbxpY/s800/annatarian.PNG"><br /><br />Love the designs over at <a href="http://www.annatarian.com/ ">Annatarian</a>. Founded in 2001 by Anna Mkhitarian, her products include wispy dresses and cutsom made bridal wear, as well as necklaces and bracelets. Annatarian believes that fashion is a form of self expression and that we are all responsible for the well-being of the planet.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-61766363762234618242010-09-16T11:44:00.000-07:002010-09-16T11:44:00.430-07:00Exquisite Vintage Wedding Dresses<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIKS6dNdRbI/AAAAAAAAApc/INMeakP8J_E/s800/wedding.PNG" /><br /></div><br />You can't help but fall in love with the wedding dresses at <a href="http://www.thevintageweddingdresscompany.com/">The Vintage Wedding Dress.<br /></a> This Vogue-approved boutique located in Bloomsbury, London has stunning pieces from the 1900s up to the 1970s. And don't forget to check out the amazing jewelry featured on the website, designed by UK stylist Charlie Bear.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-79697561256524760972010-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:002010-09-14T12:44:00.180-07:00Design Profile | The Vintage Brooch Company<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIKha_lYk9I/AAAAAAAAApo/g98HmtB-hcg/s800/brooch.PNG"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagebroochco?ref=seller_info">The Vintage Brooch Company</a> re-purposes pieces of vintage jewelry and re-assembles them into stunning brooches and pendants. Each piece is unique and everything in the shop sells for under $50.00 -- an absolute steal, if you ask me.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-88176704976704122462010-09-13T08:39:00.000-07:002010-09-13T11:26:15.295-07:00The Ethical Fashion Forum<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIULl83vjaI/AAAAAAAAAq4/YgW-P2GLMEk/s800/ethical.png" width="685" height="212" /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">If you're an eco fashion fanatic, or looking for a way to advertise your eco event, try the <a href="http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com/">Ethical Fashion Forum.</a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The not-for-profit network is aiming to transform social and environmental standards in the fashion industry within a decade by supporting and promoting sustainable fashion and raising awareness about the movement. Membership is free and will instantly connect you to thousands of businesses, individuals and organizations committed to eco style. </div></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-38719278058106512532010-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-10T12:21:03.967-07:00Emma Watson for People Tree<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIOUWaNczyI/AAAAAAAAAqo/zaizzEvK8Ho/s800/watson.PNG" /></div><br /><br />Stunning! Here's Emma Watson modeling the latest and greatest from <a href="http://peopletree.co.uk/press/sesp_news.php">People Tree,</a> an incredible fair trade and environmentally sustainable fashion line which you must check out if you haven't already.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-65103889734160985742010-09-09T13:28:00.000-07:002010-09-10T12:28:01.394-07:00Design Profile | Margeaux Lange<p align="center"><img style="WIDTH: 688px; HEIGHT: 437px" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIlEGJ8ou9I/AAAAAAAAAsY/SSwEau9LevU/s800/margeaux.PNG" /></p>Margaux Lane's incredible artwork has left me speechless. the New York-based designer has been creating stunning jewlery using salvaged Barbie dolls since 2001. It was inspired by Lange's desire to "re-purpose mass produced materials into handmade, wearable art." <a href="http://www.margeauxlange.com/">Visit her website </a>for more eye candy. Beautiful!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-52117941767885349612010-09-09T12:26:00.000-07:002010-09-09T13:01:17.148-07:00Shop | Elroy<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIk1A5LbH_I/AAAAAAAAAsM/EeJXVZqJO5w/s800/ShopElroy_com-front-1-1.jpg" width="693" height="450" /><br /><br />Love the clothes over at <a href="http://www.shopelroy.com/">elroy</a>, a sustainable clothing company that features garments made from organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, tencel, linen and raw silk. I've been on their website for close to an hour, browsing all the pretties - I'm really feeling the <a href="http://www.shopelroy.com/clothing/Elroy-Apparel/Delphine-Dress.html">Delphine dress</a> - and I can't get over the price point! Sustainable, fashion forward clothing at a reasonable price? yes please!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-85067748553372040992010-09-08T12:10:00.001-07:002010-10-05T11:57:53.153-07:00Profile | Joann Berman<p align="center"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIffa9ePyXI/AAAAAAAAAr0/BQSG-QAOm1U/s800/jb.png" /></p><p align="left"><em><span style="font-size:180%;">You</span></em> might call her a fashion renegade, a designer with a spasmodic style borne out of the New York and London punk rock scenes. <a href="http://envirochichi.blogspot.com/2010/07/design-profile-joann-berman.html">Joann Berman</a> has been creating fashion on her own terms for nearly 30 years - decades before the North American public embraced the notion of “vintage chic."<br /><a name='more'></a><br />"<img align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIffa7L1FyI/AAAAAAAAAr4/wnf351xvcdg/s800/jb2.PNG" width="383" height="583" />I lived in San Francisco from 1976-79 and there were a ton of second hand shops there, but nobody went to them except for poor people because it wasn't fashionable," she says. "There was one thrift store where we could get the craziest outfits for, like, a dollar. We would dress up every night to go to the club. We would get these outfits and take them apart reconstruct them … taking things apart and mixing things up – that’s just what punk rockers did."<br /><br />Touted as the "Queen of (Re)construction" by <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/ny-fashion-week-preview-joann-berman.php">Treehugger</a>, Berman's garments are flawless in their design. Her clothing and headpieces are 99% recycled, comprised of vintage, faux and thrift store fabrics. The bright colours and flowing designs that define her collections have garnered a celebrity clientele that includes Cher, Bette Midler and Madonna, and costume designs for Michael Jackson, Salt N' Peppa and, most recently, Rihanna.<br /><br />The Berman design studio, located in Brooklyn, is fully-loaded: "I have a mountain of stuff and it's not categorized or organized. When I create something, I don't always plan ahead. Sometimes I really want to rock out and I just let things flow organically. I'll go into this pit in my studio and pull out whatever seems appropriate and I just go for it."<br /><br /><img align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIffe9XqdOI/AAAAAAAAAr8/bvm2dbDIJR4/s800/jb3.PNG" />As a child, Berman would de-construct and re-purpose her mother's wardrobe: a J. Mendel sweater was once transformed into a canvas - "I was really into art," she says - and girdles would be taken apart and re-stitched. "My mother was my role model … I got started in fashion because my mother was a fashion lady. She got married in an Emilio Pucci dress and when I was little she would take me to the department stores and say, 'this is a good sweater, this is a good bracelet, that’s a good necklace. You have to learn these things because when you're older you can't dress badly.'"<br /><br />Berman married a British punk rocker and ran away to England at the age of nineteen. Her formal training in fashion began there, at St. Martins College of Art and Design. "Every afternoon I would plant myself at Vivienne Westwood’s store. I had found a cheap sewing machine and I started making punk rock clothes for people." Berman had been working for a fashion designer at the time but when the job fizzled up she returned to New York and enrolled in Parson's School of Fashion.<br /><br />"They hated me," she says, referring to her professors at Parson's. "They hated my colours. They said, 'you are <em>Texas</em>. You put purple and green together and that’s wrong' … so I said, 'well, I’m Texas then, and screw you.'”<br /><br />It’s interesting that the design practices that garnered criticism have become the most celebrated aspects of her work. Described as "kitschy", "non-linear" and "spontaneous", Berman's garments are the epitome of free-form fashion, but with a stringent attention to detail. This can be credited, in part at least, to the tutelage of acclaimed hat designer Maeve Carr, with whom Berman worked as an assistant.<br /><br />To this day, hats are prominent in Berman's collections. Her <a href="http://www.joannberman.com//gallery.html?folio=&gallery=HONG%20KONG%20GARDEN%20%20spring%202010&skipno=0¤tIndex=2">Spring 2010 </a>ensemble for example, features an array of stunning headpieces that bear exotic influences.<br /><br />Berman will be unveiling her Spring 2011 collection on September 13th at The GreenShows, a New York Fashion Week exhibit. She has some "top secrets" that she will be unveiling and, based on what I’ve been told, they sound divine. If you’re in the New York area, Joann’s garments can be found at Patricia Fields NYC, and online at <a href="http://www.smashingdarling.com/site/search?keyword=joann+berman&context">Smashing Darling</a>. For more information or to view her past collections, visit <a href="http://www.joannberman.com/">Joann Berman.com</a>. :)<br /><br /></p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-55780715565289246652010-09-07T12:42:00.000-07:002010-09-07T12:59:59.158-07:00Eco Fashion Week 2010 | Vancouver<p align="center"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIaY6DbkSGI/AAAAAAAAAro/bG03n3LQblI/s800/fashwk.PNG" width="653" height="468" /></p><p align="left"><br />Vancouver's eco fashion week kicks off in just 21 days!<br /><br />If you're in the area from Sept 27-30, head over to Van's Creekside Community Centre for a celebration in sustainable style. Some of the world's most prominent eco-designers will be present, armed with their latest creations. The EFW focuses on environmentally-friendly designers and practices, and aims to raise greater awareness about sustainable style.<br /><br />Visit the <a href="http://www.ecofashion-week.com/home/">EFW website</a> for more information.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIaVpH73unI/AAAAAAAAArk/48h2VWUp8kA/s800/ecofashion.png" width="659" height="182" /></p>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-35012538396265326122010-09-06T05:31:00.000-07:002010-09-06T05:31:00.591-07:00The Amazing Work of Tina Sparkles<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIOOSJjJATI/AAAAAAAAAqk/wLMGvZ-hCCA/s800/sparkles.PNG" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Earlier this month, fashion designer <a href="http://www.tinasparkles.com/">Tina Sparkles</a> created the incredible <a href="http://www.tinasparkles.com/2010/09/eeeeeeew-aste/">Systems Supernova Dress</a> out of recycled computer wires as a statement about the growing problem of electronic waste in North America. Sparkles has some great information about electronics recycling, which deserves repeating here:<br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">"To make sure that your electronics are being recycled responsibly in the USA, check to make sure the recycler is e-steward certified. This certification program has support from the Environmental Protection Agency and guarantees that your products are not shipped overseas to developing countries...While the Dell website is quite vague about the details on their recycling program...they do have a donation program. They partner with a foundation to help disabled and economically disadvantaged children and adults 'receive the gift of technology.' Check your manufacturer’s website to see if they have a donation program or google around for local computer/electronics donation programs and make sure that the items go directly to those in need."</span><br /></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-53781931474087457972010-09-04T05:59:00.001-07:002010-09-04T06:11:27.735-07:00Polish!<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIJC4pyHpnI/AAAAAAAAApM/9WR_nMLGKwY/s800/polish.PNG" /></div><br />I am a nail polish girl, that's for sure. I have boxes upon boxes of the stuff -- one for every occasion. I've recently learned, however, that your average bottle of nail polish is filled with <a href="http://www.gogreenstreet.com/nail-polish-chemicals-being-aware-of-the-health-risks/">nasty chemicals</a> -- chemicals like Formaldehyde, Toluene and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), all of which have been proven to be bad for the environment and toxic to humans.<br /><br />A natural alternative that I like is the <a href="http://www.zoya.com/content/38/category/Zoya.html?brndid=38">Zoya</a> line. It comes in a variety of colours, it's long-lasting, and it's made from natural ingredients. Zoya has an extensive cosmetics line which includes shampoos and lip glosses.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-45189090284455237582010-09-03T17:42:00.000-07:002010-09-04T06:17:35.719-07:00Profile | Leila Hafzi<img style="width: 698px; height: 327px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIGV_ar5XCI/AAAAAAAAAo0/7Hyf7dnbrEc/s800/leila.PNG" /><br /><br /><a href="http://leila-hafzi.com/">Leila Hafzi's</a> collections prove that fashion can be socially responsible. Working in partnership with underprivileged people in Nepal Hafzi sources their textiles, allowing them to become financially independent. She has also helped grow the business of a local Nepalese tailor who distributes the recycled silk saris that are incorporated into her line.<br /><br />Stunning colours and romantic, wispy fabrics are defining characteristics of the Leila Hafzi line. <a href="http://leila-hafzi.com/">Visit her website</a> to explore her collections.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-69372063066266912092010-09-01T08:47:00.000-07:002010-09-04T11:49:05.261-07:00Vintage Shoes on Etsy<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TH51f7OQ2NI/AAAAAAAAAoM/MxdvMe9RkLY/s800/shoes.PNG" width="675" height="263" /><br /></div><br />[From L-R]<br /><br />1. Golden/Mustard Suede kicks, C/O <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55235351/goldenmustard-yellow-suede-heels-size-75?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=Shoes&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=3&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">Verdi Gris Vintage </a><br />2. Ribbon-striped slingbacks - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/40765826/ribbon-striped-vintage-1970s-slingback?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=Shoes&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=4&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">Starlet Vintage</a><br />3. Vintage Bally heels - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55110616/beautiful-vintage-bally-leather-heels-sz?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=Shoes&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=8&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">Kick in Mule Vintage<br /></a>4. Vintage wood platforms - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55194434/vintage-70s-wood-platform-t-strap-wedge?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_query=Shoes&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=11&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">Heroine Vintage<br /></a>5. Dark green leather boots - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54608203/vintage-1970s1980s-flat-dark-green?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=Shoes&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=14&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">La Boheme</a><br />6. Pink taffy tassel oxfords - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54827465/vintage-pink-taffy-tassle-oxfords-free?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=Shoes&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=22&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">The Bag Basement </a><br />7. Blue suede shoes - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55114069/sz-8-vintage-blue-suede-heels-with?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=Shoes&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=25&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">Porcelin Threads </a><br />8. Magenta ankle boots - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50554730/size-8-magenta-ankle-boots-385?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=Shoes&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=37&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">Santo Ki Vintage</a>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-45757590585612703832010-08-27T18:39:00.000-07:002010-09-03T18:54:44.235-07:00Profile | Taraluna<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIGiqjiJXGI/AAAAAAAAAo8/Ye2Jefy2pFY/s800/taraluna.PNG" /><br /></div><a href="http://www.taraluna.com/index.htm"><br />Taraluna</a> believes in "changing the world one purchase at a time". All products featured on its website are ethically made and fair trade, comprised strictly of organic/natural materials.<br /><br />The family-run business sells a variety of organic, fair trade teas, chocolates and household items. I'm quite taken with their bag collection - specifically - their eco shopping totes, made from locally grown organic cotten and tinted with natural dyes. They're a steal at $12.oo each!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-25470463351291090682010-08-26T15:13:00.000-07:002010-09-03T18:53:37.791-07:00Oh la la<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TIFy0NTXcbI/AAAAAAAAAok/gOl2H3YUR6Y/s800/hermes.PNG" width="675" /><br /></div><br />In a couple of weeks I'll be jetting off to Paris, so I've got Hermes on the mind. I am in love with the gorgeous vintage scarves featured on <a href="http://www.rennart.co.uk/Hermes.html">Rennart</a>. I'm hoping to score a scarf of my own during my travels ... will keep you posted.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-8576777488101539762010-08-25T09:05:00.000-07:002010-09-03T14:19:36.420-07:00Sparkly<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/THU_FqztcKI/AAAAAAAAAn8/rIfXo5Mwcag/s800/diamonds.png" /></div><br /><br />As pretty as they may be, the diamond industry can wreak havoc on the environment - socially and sustainably. "Blood" or "conflict" diamonds - i.e. diamonds mined in war-torn countries under <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dictatorships</span> - have been known to finance devastating wars in countries like Sierra Leone and Nigeria and are harvested in abusive, slave-like conditions.<br /><br />All of this for a stone which, despite its ridiculous industry mark-up, isn't "rare" or "valuable" in the slightest - in fact, diamonds are <a href="http://www.diamondcuttersintl.com/myths-about-diamonds-1/">incredibly common.</a><br /><br />The gold that encases diamond jewelry is no better: mining the resource is horrible for the environment and perhaps, a bit needless. According to the book the "<a href="http://www.biggreenpurse.com/">Big Green Purse</a>" , there is already enough mined gold on the planet to satisfy the need for the next 50 years, in the form of broken and discarded <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jewelry</span>.<br /><br />Here are some sustainable diamond alternatives:<br /><br />-- <a href="http://www.diazjewelry.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DIAZ</span> </a>only uses conflict-free, ethical diamonds.<br />-- <a href="http://www.miadonna.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MiaDonna</span> </a>creates simulated diamonds in a lab for a fraction of the cost of mined diamonds. The products are also sustainable.<br />-- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.brilliantearth.com">Brilliant Earth </a>creates sonflict free Canadian diamond jewelry. Their high quality natural diamonds are an ethical choice as the are "untarnished by wars, human rights violations and terrorism".<br /><br />If you want a natural diamond opt for one that has been mined in Canada, where the human rights of the workers are respected.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-13096158323483624312010-08-18T08:37:00.000-07:002010-09-03T14:20:34.663-07:00Stella McCartney 2011 Resort RTW<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TGv-Ya6vfFI/AAAAAAAAAnk/qWj_qa51nKI/s800/2011RTWSM.PNG" /></div><br />Here are a few of my favourites from Stella McCartney's <strong>2011 Resort RTW</strong> collection, which made its debut in June in NYC. Fifteen percent of the collection is made of organic fabrics, and her handbags and shoes are leather free.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/2011RST-SMCCARTN/">Click here</a> to see more photos.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-7117394357954076292010-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:002010-09-03T14:20:51.800-07:00Faux<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TGqbftaWqvI/AAAAAAAAAnc/uNXLstBPALk/s800/vgan%20leather.png" /></div><br /><br />While the term "vegan leather" may be a bit of an oxymoron, creulty-free leather alternatives for purses, shoes and even coats are popping up all over the place.<br /><br />- Canadian-based company Matt and Nat makes a battery of gorgeous purses using 100% vegan materials. Pictured: Matt and Nat red vegan <a href="http://www.mattandnat.com/product/hendrix-red-1705/">"Hendrix" bag </a><br /><br />- Vegan line <a href="http://www.cherryberry.ca/">Cherry Berry </a>uses only top quality synthetic leathers and other innovative materials to create their stunning handbags.<br /><br />- <a href="http://www.alpinestars.com/store/productdetails2.aspx?productid=8000235&cs=1">Alpine Stars</a> carries a variety of vegan jackets, like this "f1" style in burnt orange.<br /><br />- I adore Madden Girl's vegan shoe line, especially these <a href="http://www.mooshoes.com/products2.cfm/ID/732/name/castillo-from-madden-girl/a/506">"Castillo" pumps</a> in taupe.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2903378330669103170.post-62707391057177404612010-08-16T08:02:00.000-07:002010-09-03T14:21:07.809-07:00Under my Umbrella<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rfbbknbuo3w/TGqkYajGpbI/AAAAAAAAAng/0lATeC5OJtE/s800/ella.png" /></div><br />I own about a dozen umbrellas at the moment, collected during various rainstorms -- I have a habit of getting stuck outside when the skies open up, sans umbrella. Neseccary as they may be, most umbrellas aren't exactly earth-friendly. Many of them are a nightmare to recycle - even the plastic-based ones - because they're often made from materials that are difficult to reuse and decompose. Fortunatley umbrella makers are (slowly) starting to gain an eco-conscious. Here are three beautiful, earth friendly eco-brellas:<br /><br />- I love the look of <a href="http://www.thebrelli.com/">the Brelli,</a> which happens to be the world's first (and only) biodegradable umbrella.<br /><br />- This bright and beautiful umbrella from <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/r">Crate & Barrel</a> is made from 100% recyclable and sustainable materials.<br /><br />- UK brand Radley makes absolutely stunning umbrellas from recycled bottles, believe it or not. Pay attention when purchasing Radley products, though, because not all of their line is recycled. At present none of the umbrellas available online are made of recycled materials. <a href="http://www.radley.co.uk/help/Contactus.aspx">Contact the company</a> to find out where you can purchase their sustainable products.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890220301779534333noreply@blogger.com0