Walk With an Eco-chic Swagger

by ilana bondell on August 3, 2010

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How? Check out the simple but consistently in style Toms brand, which can always be spotted on the feet of smart urbanites and in-the-know college students throughout country. Toms has always brought you women’s and men’s shoes that are comfortable and gentle on the environment–but their eco/vegan line goes even further. The line is made with recycled and sustainable materials, and all shoes have a micro-fiber insole!

Blue Sumatra Style

Blue Sumatra Style

And they are still totally cool-looking, like the “Blue Sumatra” style (the upper portion of the shoe is made with hemp and recycled plastic bottles), which also shows off the tie-dye trend, super hot this summer. Yet another bonus? Toms is committed to their One for One initiative, which simply and remarkably states that for every pair of shoes a customer purchases, another pair will be donated to children around the world that can’t afford shoes of their own. Also check out their new Fall Collection, showcasing a fresh slew of hip designs and shapes (including wedges!).

Rose Powdered Wool Cordones

Rose Powdered Wool Cordones

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Woodn’t It Be Nice…

by ilana bondell on July 28, 2010

Log Bowls by Loyal Loot top view arrangement
…To be able to bring rustic-chic flair to any home or apartment with one simple accent? Good news: Canada-based Loyal Loot Collective is here to serve this exact purpose. You must check out their brilliant stock of “Log Bowls,” handmade and created from real, local reclaimed trees with a bevy of fun, painted interior shades. How cool.

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All we can say is…

by ilana bondell on July 27, 2010

http://www.pacificenvironment.org/img/original/leopardface.jpg

…There’s a new accessories collection in the works from CassaDecor that’s just a little wild and purrrfect for autumn…

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Understanding Eco Materials: Organic Cotton

by ilana bondell on July 22, 2010

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The use of organic cotton has become increasingly widespread in clothing and linens as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton. Naturel With all its environmental benefits, we should embrace this movement with open arms. Grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals, organic cotton supports biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, making it safer for the land and those who harvest it. It often uses less water in its production than traditional cotton and even helps to improve soil quality. CassaDecor’s certified organic cotton towel collection, Naturel, is a perfect—and pretty—way to bring this green textile to your home.

Loyale dressSo you’ve got something for the home, now what about your clothes? New York-based Loyale Clothing is one sustainable clothing company in a continually growing fashion sector that “celebrates organic luxury.” The line has been sported by such stylish celebs as Blake Lively, Jessica Alba, and Rachel McAdams. Check out this cute dress (left) perfect for the office, made with organic cotton and low-impact dyes, showcasing this season’s demure floral print trend.

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Creating Your Eco-Luxury Bath Experience

by ilana bondell on July 20, 2010

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One of the most effective stress relievers is also one of the simplest—and most underappreciated. Sometimes after a grueling day at work all we need is a nice, long bath. It’s incredibly easy to turn your luxury bath experience into an eco-friendly one, too, making it just that much easier to relax and feel great. http://www.whiteapricot.com/_images/read_mores/felling_the_love/candle_earthyglow.jpgStart by setting the mood with candles and soothing, aromatic bath salts. EarthyGlow offers unique Soy Lotion candles, made from 100% soybean oil and zero additives or preservatives. The warm soybean oil that collects in the candle can be used to nourish your cuticles, hands, feet, etc. Be sure to also try EarthyGlow’s natural bath sea salts, which will add valuable trace minerals to your bath water. http://www.dropwise.com/catalog/spa-shower-kit.htmlFurther your bliss with Dropwise Essentials Body Wash & Lotion Spa Duo, all-natural, organic aromatherapy spa-style body wash and lotion. It comes in a handwoven all-natural pandan box and with an all-natural sisal-terry bath pad.

Take your time enjoying your admirably green bath experience. When you’re done, step out onto your plush Bamboo Reversible Bath Rug and wrap yourself in a sumptous CassaDecor Spa robe. Breathe deeply, and feel free to do absolutely nothing!

New Bamboo Rugs 645Spa Robe 300(3)-1

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Eco Designer Spotlight: Van Markoviec

by ilana bondell on July 15, 2010

VanMarkoviec

Living Green gives kudos to Dutch designer Van Markoviec, who has been featured in New York Fashion Week and takes an eco-friendly stance in every aspect of his label’s production. His collections are always made by fair-trade principles and masterfully combine subdued sensual pieces with smart, fun urban edge. Bringing true environmental responsibility to high fashion, he always uses 100% certified organic cotton and other green materials like pure hemp, silk, and natural dyes in his clothing.

http://www.dutchfashionfoundation.com/images/contribute/VanMarkoviec_000.jpg

Picture 12

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Living Green Outdoors

by ilana bondell on July 12, 2010

http://www.leeindustries.com

With summer upon us, it’s time to move our lounging activities from indoors to outside, enjoy the weather and soak up the sun (or much-appreciated shade!). Often we spend so much time working on our gardens or backyards, we slack on the first thing others may really be noticing—lawn furniture. Lee Industries is a wonderful North Carolina-based upholstery company that’s been providing super-chic eco-friendly products to the discerning shopper since 1984, long before it was hip to do so. Their Uncovered Collection features fully upholstered outdoor furniture, sleek but highly durable, built to withstand the unpredictable natural elements.

http://www.leeindustries.com

The designers have added many practical details ideal for your outdoor furnishing needs, including an open weave, breathable cushion material that allows water to drain as well as sloped seat decks with a drain built into the frame. And what makes the collection ideal for the earth are the sustainable birch plywood frames, and cushions and pillows filled with outdoor recycled fiber. The stylish finished product is just a bonus for everyone! Now just throw a perfectly seasonal Cassadecor Capri towel over one of these chairs, sit back, and relax.http://kassatex.com/2005/collection_list.asp

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Living Green with the Garden Collection

by ilana bondell on July 8, 2010

http://www.hmthegardencollection.comAlthough they appreciate the idea, some people say “green” clothing is too difficult to get. They say too many eco-friendly lines are extra expensive due to rare materials or intricate production methods. Not so! Point in case?http://realcelebstyle.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/hm-the-garden-collection-look-group.jpg H&M, international style-for-less retail chain, has introduced their romantic Garden Collection. Made completely from organic and recycled textiles, the line features mainly seasonal, vivid florals and balancing neutrals in all the most trendy styles for summer. Best of all, their price points are very wallet—and earth—friendly, with nothing over $59.95. Check out the cute dresses, tops, bottoms and even accessories in your local H&M.

http://www.behindthewardrobe.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/HM-Garden-Collection.jpg

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Living Green: Cars to Cups!

by ilana bondell on July 6, 2010

Cars to Cups

It’s amazing to see what products can be made these days from the most unlikely recycled sources. Sold on online retailer Uncommon Goods and hand-crafted in Colombia, this “Glass from the Past” collection of cups and bowls is made from recycled windshields! They are available in the above stemless wine glasses as well as beer glasses, goblets, pitchers, and bowls. They are simultaneously sturdy and elegant, and have retained the green/blueish tint originally added to windshields to block the sun’s glare. The glassware has even been featured on CNN Money and the Today Show! Keep your eyes out for more recycled goods on the Living Green posts, as they are a wonderfully unique and often stylish way to support the eco-industry.

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Linea Italia living room (Trendir)

Linea Italia living room (Trendir)

Your home should be a reflection of your personality. Interior decorating has made this possible through the use of home essentials like art, area rugs, accent seating, and decorative throw pillows. Set the tone in your living room with contemporary throw pillows to express both character and modernity.

What is Modern Design?

Modern design is characterized “by polished surfaces, strong geometric shapes and asymmetry (HGTV).” Today’s modern trends incorporate everything from the use of primary colors, to eclectic prints, and organic materials. Modern throw pillows are a wonderful living room accent that can stimulate your interior with these new and innovative trends.

Unikko Orange Flower Pillow (Marimekko)

Unikko Orange Flower Pillow (Marimekko)

Tip #1: Mod is In

Just as fashion has a history of repeating itself, so does home decorating. Mid-century inspired décor with electrifying colors and large prints are perfect for the summer season. Want to make your interiors pop? Pair these charges furnishings with simple, neutral seating. Popular colors include orange, lime, red, and blue.

Lambert Pillows (Crate and Barrel)

Lambert Pillows (Crate and Barrel)

Tip #2: Win with Primaries

Not into flashy prints, but still want to enhance your space? Mix in simple throw pillows with primary colors to achieve a controlled, modern design. If you truly adore colors from the secondary family (orange, green, purple) you can always introduce them as well. Solid pillows help anchor a space as they are more structured and less fluid in appearance.

Nook Kaleidoscope Silk pillow (Plush Living)

Nook Kaleidoscope Silk pillow (Plush Living)

Tip #3: Geometry Isn’t Just in Math

Geometric patterns are the quintessential representation of modern design. They can also add dimension to your living room with their cascading lines and abstract patterns. Designer throw pillows made of hand-screened silk will give your living room a 60’s inspired (glam) makeover.

Scratch pillow (CB2)

Scratch pillow (CB2)

Tip #4: Choose Pillows with “Texture”

Nothing takes your space to the next level like a little bit of texture. Home décor throw pillows that offer a “textural illusion” will help enhance every line and material in your space.

Change the World pillow (Inhabit Living)

Change the World pillow (Inhabit Living)

Tip #5: Graphic Prints

If you are looking to create an interior with a jovial feel, try graphic pillows. Like print ads, graphic throw pillows are an implied way of revealing your opinions on life and ideals. They also go against the grain in terms of traditional design by incorporating text and unconventional imagery.

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