FASHIONmeGREEN

Style File: How to Wear White

greta — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:42:21 +0000

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and even though that rule about not wearing white before then no longer applies, it is always a great reminder to bring your whites out for the season. Wearing white can be so sophisticated and elegant, and can also lend a casual feel- depending upon how you craft your outfit. Here are two wonderful ways to wear white:

1. Casual. Blouses paired with short shorts (and even denim cutoffs) is a popular look at the moment. Everyone from off duty models to jet-setting vacationers are sporting this ensemble. To get the look tuck a semi sheer (or lightweight) blouse into the front of distressed denim shorts and roll the sleeves to mid forearm. Stay within the same hue of white for a classic but cool vibe, and finish the outfit with a pair of gladiator sandals. Try Maiyet’s Pleated Back Long Sleeve Button Down ($625, 100% cotton, cut in India, made in New York) with a pair of White Cutoff Shorts from 7 For All Mankind ($155, made in the USA).

2. Corporate. For a more dressed up take on summer white, choose a structured dress. David Peck’s Micaela Dress ($385, silk, made in Texas) is a slam dunk. The side detailing creates shape, while the modest neckline and skirt length make it ladylike and office appropriate. Add leopard heels and a pair of cat eye sunglasses, and you are on your way!

(Georgia Jagger image from WhoWhatWear.com)

The Perfect Spring Nail Polishes to Sport Now

greta — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:29:01 +0000

Update your look and spring forward into warmer weather with the right nail polish. These four colors scream spring and are sure to uplift any outfit. What colors are you loving right now for your fingers and toes?

1. TULLE- QUINTESSENTIAL COLLECTION, Jin Soon, $18. A sheer cream that instantly give a clean, polished look to nails. Great for showing off your budding tan. The formula is 5-Free and was created without toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, DPB and camphor.

2. THANDIE, Zoya, $8. A full-coverage, citrus orange cream within the coral family. Vegan friendly and five free.

3. BABY BLUE EYES, Priti NYC, $13.50. An opaque neon pop of color that is fresh and fun. Five free.

4. FIVER, butter London, $15. An opaque icy mint color to cool you down on a hot day. Three free.

Eco-Friendly Beaded Bangles from Mikuti

greta — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:38:34 +0000

The best part about bangles is that you can mix and match them, building different looks along the way. These socially linked bangles from Mikuti- whose production helps to employ women in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda- certainly make the cut! I love the mix of metal with beads. Now all that’s needed is wooden bangle to go between them.

Eco-Friendly Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2013

greta — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:01:13 +0000

They say there is no love like a mother’s love. Mother’s Day is approaching (May 12th!), and it is time to reciprocate. Whether you indulge her with handmade beauty products, or bring a pop of color to her wardrobe with a key accessory- we’ve got five eco-fabulous options to help you tell your mama just how much she means to you.

1. HONEY & OATS BODY PASTE, Body Be Silk Organic Luxurious Bath & Body Line, $40. Every woman dreams of having the time to concoct their own beauty potions, with pure and gentle ingredients, which allows them to create an at home spa. Time in a mother’s schedule doesn’t usually allow for this, so instead pamper her with these organic homemade products from Body Be Silk.

2. EVERY SCARF TELLS A STORY, Maisha Collective for Maiden Nation, $40. The Maisha Collective, a project of Heshima Kenya, empowers refugee girls and young women from DR Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Burundi with economic opportunities to rebuild their lives with peace and dignity. Each scarf is lovingly handmade, and unique. Bring that special connection to women around the world to your mom.

3. SUNFLOWER HAVANA STRIPED CARRYALL, Mar Y Sol, $119. Manufactured with the help of artisan groups in Madagascar using organically tanned leathers and responsibly sourced raw materials, the sale of Mar Y Sol enables Madagascan families to gain economic independence, preserves traditional craft and promotes environmental conservation.

4. KUNA KICKS SPRING COLLECTION, Kuna Kicks, $119.95. Unique and authentically Colombian. Support social entrepreneurship (empowering people and producing quality) with the purchase of these creative kicks, and help your mama show off her child at heart.

5. KLAHAN BRACELET, The Brave Collection, $38. Our bracelets say “Klahan” (Klaa-han) which means “Brave” in “Khmer” (Khem-eye), the language of Cambodia. Each bracelet is handmade by a Cambodian artisan, and helps to move towards eradicating modern day slavery.

Eco-Outfit: Two Wedge Sneakers and a Hoodie

greta — Thu, 02 May 2013 05:03:31 +0000

This is my go-to lazy day outfit. The wedge sneakers give a little added height (always appreciated), and the hoodie completes the casual cool factor. A perfect outfit for running errands.

ECO HEATHER ZIP HOODY, Alternative Apparel, $44. Made from the Alternative Earth eco-heather line.

SIGNATURE STRETCH SKINNY JEANS, Bebe, $89. Made in the USA.

SCOOP NECK TANK, Eileen Fisher, $49. Made from organic cotton stretch jersey as part of their Eco Collection.

WEDGE SNEAKERS similar to DUNK SKY HI SNEAKER, Nike, $120. Recyclable at any Nike store.

VEGAN LEATHER JACKET similar to QUILTED SLEEVE VEGAN LEATHER JACKET, Free People, $168.

What does your knock around outfit look like? Any eco options I should check out? Leave a comment below. X

The Top Three Natural Sunscreens to Use this Summer

greta — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:11:42 +0000

Longer, lighter days prompt us to spend that much more time outdoors and likely directly in the sun. Be proactive in your sun care routine, and keep a quality sunscreen in your car, or in your bag at all times so that you can reapply as you find yourself lingering outside longer than you expected. There are a lot of natural sunscreens out there that claim to be non-toxic, and you will have to be careful and check their ingredients (avoid PABA, octinoxate, and oxybenzone). These three make the cut and deliver protection without the white viel.

1. DO NATURALS SUNSCREEN SPF 32, Dolphin Naturals, $19.99. No nano particles or harsh chemicals, just broad spectrum protection with minerals, and an aloe base for easy application.

2. SUNSCREEN SPF 30, The Honest Company, $13.95. Natural, unscented, broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB) 30 SPF mineral sunscreen – everything you need, nothing you don’t.

3. BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 BABY & FAMILY WATER RESISTENT SUNSCREEN, True Natural, $19.99. Unscented & water resistant for baby and sensitive skin and Winner of Delicious Living 2013 Beauty Awards: Best natural products. This baby sensitive formula is 100% natural, gluten free, nano-particle free, and fragrance free. I prefer to use products made for baby skin as I find them less harsh and a great choice if your skin is sensitive or prone to breakouts.

Check out the Environmental Working Groups vetted sunblock listings here to see what other options are out there, and available at your local organic grocer.

Five Eco-Friendly Flats to Sport this Spring

greta — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:42:47 +0000

As the weather warms, burry your boots in the back of your closet and break out the flats! From loafers to oxfords, the classic flat is definitely a wardrobe staple. If you’ve yet to invest in a pair, check out our fab five picks for this spring.

1.STUDDED LOAFER, Calleen Cordero (available late summer 2013). Vegetable dyed leather and handmade in the hills of Los Angeles.

2. PLAIN FUSCIA DRIVING SHOE, Kuyban, $250. Hand stitched in Colombia incorporating upcycled materials.

3. OSCAR DECK SHOE, TERHI PÖLKKI, €275.00. Sustainably produced within the European Union.

4. TIE DYE SANDAL, Osborn Design, $88. Handmade by an artisan in South America.

5. SLIP ON SNEAKER, Natural World. Environmentally made using ecological materials.