Eco-Beauty: Multicolored Summertime Nails

Just a quick post today about my latest experiment with nail art. I love the ombre nail look but I decided to turn it on it's head a little and work with colors that weren't even related to each other on the color chart but have a nice Southwestern feel: sandy beige, turquoise, and coral. The base color is the beige and it's a nice neutral and fairly close to my skin tone (still very pale right now, heh, but I'll work on it!). Then I sponged on color just at the tips with the turquoise and coral on alternating fingers. For fun and because I'm such a metallic freak I dusted on some pearly white powder on each tip to give it some sheen. 

The result is kind of a cool desert look I think...though it also seems a touch like Easter :) I love the splattered color made with the sponge and this may look dynamite on longer nails...if only mine didn't break so damn much. 

What do ya think? 

Polishes used were from butter london and Mineral Source :) 

Eco-Beauty: LOVING Aloe Lip Care from The Body Shop

I made a lovely green glamour discovery recently! While checking out The Body Shop's makeup selection I got to talking with Tammy, the sales lady, about a petroleum jelly alternative for my lips. Since I live in a desertish landscape my pretty little pout demands nearly 24/7 moisturization and I wasn't too keen on continuing to use a petroleum product on my face. She pointed me to their Aloe Lip Care gloss and let me try a dab. Goes on just like Vaseline but smells fresh and is sustainably produced from aloe plants that are "hand filleted" (um...not sure how cool that actually is but it sounds interesting). Anyway I didn't buy it right then and there even though I was rather charmed by the initial application - instead I wanted to test it to see how long it stayed nice and glossy on my lips. 

Result? All day my dears! That sold it for me and I popped back over to get me a tube and have been in love with it every time I apply. 

Here's the specs: it feels amazing and moisturizes superbly so it's a eco-beauty kit essential. A little goes a long way so you don't need to goop it on. Looks lovely and glossy alone or adds a glamorous shine over lipstick or colored gloss. It's a little spendy for a lip product but totally worth it and the tube is pretty big. 

I'm thinking about buying in bulk though cause it's just so luscious and has become a eco-beauty staple :) 

Got a Body Shop location in your hometown? I suggest peddling your cute little butt over there and picking up a tube or two - they've always got great specials going on there and you can even save a little and earn lovely points and rewards with their membership card ($10 alone or free with a $20 purchase I think). You can also purchase online :) 

Stay tuned for more green glamour reviews and Happy (Eco) Pretty Making! 

Eco Fashion Challenge - Sustainable Underthings

How was your Earth Day? Mine to be honest could have been a lot better (it was cold, dreary, and stressful...but I got over it, heh). The great thing about having a more sustainable and earth friendly lifestyle is every day gets to be an Earth Day :)

But, I ran into a bit of a dilemma. Underpants. I could use some more but it's not the sort of item that one wants secondhand and used right? Yeah, that's kind of oogy. Bras, maybe, corsets - absolutely, but panties?...definitely not shoppin for those vintage!

There's a great company called Pants to Poverty I've been eyeballing for my next round of wardrobe basics since they create sexy, fun panties made from organic cotton and fairly traded. Until my own hometown gets a nice sustainable lingerie shop I'm outsourcing. 

Also since the weather is warming up I'm thinking I need to get some more tank tops (one of my favorite wardrobe necessities!). My local Whole Foods has got some lovely colors from Threads 4 Thought including a comfy selection of maxi dresses. The great thing about getting a tank from the grocery store is it's local, the clothes are made by a US company, and each clothing item is produced from sustainable material! 

Bras are a different story. I can add them to my treasure hunting shopping adventures at my neighborhood secondhand boutiques but that's pretty hit and miss. There are more options out of state and even more options out of the US such as the By Nature boutique in the UK. I'll probably get something lovely from those boutiques in the near future but until then I'm rockin the marlies|dekkers bras (that are ridiculously well made and ultra comfortable) that I've purchased from a local lingerie shop here in Salt Lake: The BraBar|Boutique. 

Soon though...even what I'm wearing underneath it all will be eco-friendly and fashionable ;) 

Eco-Fashion: Style that Sustains Me, My Community, & (hopefully) the Earth

So my latest visit to the ultra fashion blogging community IFB has me considering the question: "What does sustainable style mean to you?" 

That, my remarkable eco-fashionistas, is a damn fine question. 

a much more holistic & satisfying sense of styling oneself

Here's my take on it: First off it's a much more holistic, and satisfying sense of styling myself and being fashionable in today's world. I've done the fast fashion thing, over and over, and while it was great getting shiny pretty new things...the feeling never lasted and sometimes there's was a good deal of buyers remorse afterward. In the end, it really didn't do anything for my soul, and most of the time just swelled up my closet and added to my laundry list. I "feel" so much better taking my time recreating or remixing things I have already on hand or exploring a maze of thrift store racks for something cool and interesting, or getting something well made and fair traded. I also feel good a helluva lot longer with little to no buyers remorse eating away at my conscience.

 eco-style pushes the envelope in creative and wild ways 

It's damn fun creating eco-friendly looks. I love the challenge of coming up with looks that at first glance don't appear to be "earthy" or "eco". Take for example the rocker chic look. Not something one really associates with sustainability, right? More often you think, bohemian, yoga, sportswear, or of course the burner or hippie look. But I've never been one for the hippie look and rock n' roll is just in my blood and this it's a look that I've loved for a long time so I naturally come up with sustainable options for it like using edgy recycled jewelry or rockin vintage & secondhand finds. This has allowed me to really shake up the idea of eco-style too and I love pushing the envelope in creative and wild ways.

taking inspiration from the past and remixing

I'm also finding a lot of inspiration and challenge looking to the past and bringing it forward in chic and sustainable ways. Take for instance the Steampunk look - which calls to mind both the whimsy and wonder of the Age when industry was taking shape. It's a challenge since much of the looks involve leather which back then was a very tough and functional material, while also being well crafted. As material used less for function and more for fashion it's something I'm finding hard to reconcile purchasing new, or even wearing in my relatively "soft" lifestyle. So instead I hunt down vegan "leather" items or victorian inspired designs fashioned out things like inner tubes. The 1800's is a fascinating fashion period and time when the West (where I happen to live) was young and folks were trying to make do with the resources they had on hand. Recycling and reusing materials was a way of life back then so honoring it now in modern ways is really fun for me. 

slow down the impulse for "new" & get a rich style expression

In the end sustainable style means I ask myself deeper questions. How does this inspire? What does this say about me, my culture, my country, and the world? Do I need this for a long time? Will this last and look good for a good while? What's it made out of? Who made it? Where does it come from? Do I feel good about the brand and can stand with them in more than just glamour? Can this be something I can rework, redesign, or salvage? - I may not ask all those questions at once but as I've really slowed down the impulse for cheap and new each question and others weave their way into my brain and ultimately add to my final decision to take an item into my life and be a part of how I express myself and what I stand for. And what I stand for is a beautiful, lush, happy planet earth - it's the ultimate runway :) 

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Bout time I updated this eh? :)
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Eco Fashion: My Take on Spring Trend Looks

This Spring has presented a lot of lovely trends I've been thrilled to make "green". I did a little shopping at some secondhand boutiques and sustainable clothing companies, gathered up some items already in my closet, and then got together with another local fashion blogger and friend Rebecca of Salt City Style to snap some photos of my eco-friendly outfits. Check out my take on SS13 trends! 

Trend: Black & White

Top: White tank top - modal fabric - Amour Vert
Scarf: Black tassel scarf - organic cotton - Indigenous Organic Fair Trade Fashion
Skirt: Black crotcheted mini skirt - second hand - Uptown Cheapskate
Socks: White ankle socks with DIY lace trim
Shoes: Black stiletto pumps - second hand - Uptown Cheapskate 

Trend: Bold Stripes

Top: Striped sleeveless shirt - second hand - Deseret Industries

Necklace: Vintage orange stone statement necklace - vintage - Capital City Antique Mall

Belt - Yellow corset belt - second hand - Deseret Industries

Bracelet - Black rubber "Cobblestone" cuff - recycled bicycle tube - Urban Lace Jewelry

Skirt - Black lace skirt - second hand - from a friend

Leggings - Black footless lace tights - overstocked? new? - Uptown Cheapskate

Shoes - Olive green gladiator pumps - second hand - Uptown Cheapskate

Trend: Metallic

Top: Graphic print tee - had this tee for years :) - ?Burlington Coat Factory?

Skirt - Gunmetal prom skirt - second hand - DI

Belt - Black studded belt - secondhand - from a friend

Shoes - Olive green gladiator pumps - second hand - Uptown Cheapskate

Trend: Lace

Top: Sheer grey tank top - organic cotton - Indigenous Organic Fair Trade Clothing

Earrings - Black faux gauge earrings - reclaimed/organic materials - Coco Loco

Bracelet 1 - Black rubber "Cobblestone" cuff - recycled bicycle tube - Urban Lace Jewelry

Bracelet 2 - Antique pink floral choker - heirloom - belonged to my Grandmother

Skirt - Lace layered mini skirt - second hand - Uptown Cheapskate

Shoes: Black stiletto pumps - second hand - Uptown Cheapskate

*All photos taken by Rebecca Hansen (from www.saltcitystyle.com) 

*Bra's featured in Black & White, and Lace looks are marlies|dekkers (from www.estilolingerie.com)

*Nail polish is butter london's lovely turquoise "Slapper" color 

*I LOVE the gladiator pumps - just had to mention that :) 

Eco-Fashion: Scarfy Spring Stylin

This March has been pretty chilly but the last week has been warming up a touch. Spring here in Salt Lake still lends well to scarves and layering of course and one of my new favorites for just that this year is this long and lovely tassel scarf from Indigenous.com. I've been wearing it almost every other day since I got it!

The scarf is artisan made, feels super soft, and the length makes it really versatile for styling. Tassels give a sort of furry wild look to it too and the black makes it especially rock n' roll so I can easily create the edgy looks I like. I paired it with some secondhand finds for this military sort of look here. 

Scarf: fair trade fashion from Indigenous.com

Vest & Shorts: secondhand from Deseret Industries 

White Tank top: eco-friendly modal from Amourvert.com

Bracelet: recycled bicycle tube from UrbanLaceJewelry.com

Tights: fishnets from a local boutique

Shoes: secondhand from UptownCheapskate.com

This is my 3rd item from Indigenous which has quickly become one of my favorite resources for eco fashion and organic fashion as I transform my wardrobe with more sustainable style. I love what they do, their super friendly, and they make wonderful chic clothes I feel great wearing and showing off. Look at their shop online or you may have some eco-friendly boutiques in your home town that carry the Indigenous label - just email Joshua about a list of retailers near your zip code (joshua@indigenousdesigns.com). 

HAPPY (ECO) STYLIN! 

Eco-Beauty: Current product faves

Green is beautiful! I've been discovering this as I've been transforming my beauty rituals to something more sustainable and I've already gathered some favorites for "making pretty"!

 This Body Shop lipstick is a lovely shimmery nude and is super moisturizing so I love adding it as a glossy topcoat to darker shades.

 Ah moisturizer! This is where you can really spend the big bucks but this face cream by Bubble & Bee is totally worth it! Feels great on my skin and absorbs really well. A little goes a long way so it lasts and lasts. 

 I picked up this Gabriel eyeshadow at Whole Foods - it's a reddish brown that took me a bit to get used to. Now I love putting a little on my eyebrows to give them a pretty auburn tinge to match the red tones of my hair. 

 This lovely and tote-able roll on perfume was made by a graphic artist couple that mixes divine scents into candles and wearable fragrances. I love the design and the honeysuckle and vanilla scent is so perfect for Spring! 

Eco and natural deodorant is a little tricky but I'm happy to give Bubble & Bee's Pit Putty a try because their Orange Vanilla scent kind of makes my pits smell like cookies! :D 

I'm gathering more so stay tuned! 

Eco-Fashion: Making Spring & Summer trends "green"

This year the Spring & Summer fashion trends include a great many looks that can easily be translated into earth-friendly style. I'm particularly excited to try out the sheer and lace trend weather permitting of course - it's still a bit cold out there as I type.

So here's a preview of some "greenie" trends and looks that you can pull off by shopping for sustainable fabrics, vintage items, or recycled and upcycled clothing!

The METALLIC trend can be created by getting chic upcycled accessories like a super cool purse produced from recycled materials from Rebagz. There are also oodles of vintage tops, dresses, and skirts with plenty of sparkle and shine on Etsy.

For the BOLD STRIPES look head over to People Tree - the "pioneers of sustainable and fair trade fashion". You're sure to find a smart dress or top there that you can sport in a number of environments indoors and out! Accessorize with a ultra chic tote made from upcycled bicycle tubes and sexy vegan heels like those found at Neon Collective.

EXAGGERATED RUFFLES really amplify the flirtatiousness of Spring and make it easy for you to express your feminine charms. Check out your neighborhood vintage shops for items or if you have them locally search through eco-boutiques like Jet in Portland, Oregon for big ruffly dresses and skirts made from organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics. 

If you love vintage (ooh ooh, I do I do!!) then the LACE & SHEERS trend will be perfect for you to find and wear. Check out local boutiques or online vintage shops and sellers on Ebay, Etsy, Copious, and more. Beyond Skin will have the perfect pair of heels and you can find cute eco-friendly tote in a fun Spring color and print at Rebagz. 

You don't get any more classic and smart than BLACK & WHITE. Make it fresh for this Spring & Summer by going for an organic cotton or tencel LWD (little white dress), or dress to impress in some smart slacks and white top from People Tree and pair with unexpectedly (eco)cool earrings from Urban Lace. 

If you're hankerin for something more attention grabbing then try some HEAD-TO-TOE COLOR. Online shop Loomstate has some bold and sexy maxi dresses made from tencel. Also each of their items is reversible giving you a optimized stylish options in one dress! Add a brightly colored necklace made from seeds or recycled paper. Complete the look with some killer heels with tons of eco-consciousness. 

One of the big trends for the warm seasons this year is leather...but if you're squeamish about wearing animal skins go the more ethical route by shopping for vintage VEGAN LEATHER instead! One of my favorite sleek and eco-friendly accessories is my leathery looking "Cobblestone" bicycle tube bracelet from Urban Lace Jewelry. It's both rock-n-roll and elegant. I'm also on the look out on Etsy for a sweet vintage leather skirt - join me in the search for your own if you like this trend! 

Finally you can signal the true end of cold and wintry weather and show a little skin with Spring & Summer's PEEK-A-BOO-MIDRIFF trend. There's plenty of sexy yoga crop tops and pants made with organic cotton at shops like Eleven44 that you can pair with some rockin vegan suede heels or boots for serious style. 

So I hope this helps inspire you to rock some greenie style and be (eco)fashion foward as the weather heats up! Stay tuned when I showcase my own way of stylin some of these trends in the coming weeks ;)