Heart of Green

Eco Citizens Unite

In 2004, it was virtually impossible to find fabulous eco-fashion. I used to have to fly to Los Angeles for Linda Loudermilk dress fittings before big environmental events. How un-eco-friendly is that!  Now as 2009 approaches, all of that has changed thank goodness. It is now possible to find hip, beautiful, eco-conscious, organic, non-toxic, fair trade, slammin' head-turning eco-fashions in our own backyard. We have been liberated from the sea of beige.

Take the Eco Citizen Boutique for example at the green corner of Polk Street and Vallejo in San Francisco. Whenever I am in need of an ecofabulous outfit, I head straight to Joslin Van Arsdale's boutique.  Eco Citizen has the exclusive on the Eco Line of talented local SF designer Sara Shepherd. A graduate from the Academy of Art, she has already made it big by designing the signature dress for the opening of the San Francisco Symphony, and her feminine, sophisticated, sexy styles are often featured in top magazines including 7x7 and 944. Check out her hot little number pictured above.

Eco Citizen has just launched their new Are You An Eco Citizen campaign featuring some familiar faces, including Lucas Heldfond from the neighboring Spring Store (now has online shopping!), Zem Joaquin, and yours truly. Finally watching that America's Next Top Model marathon on Virgin Atlantic came in handy. We are all eco citizens of the world.

Another staple in the quest for fabulous eco-fashion is Torso Vintages. You will leave elated and with a vintage-chic dress that no one else will have, guaranteed. They stock great velvet jackets for men. Now five years later, smashing eco-fashion is a mere walk, bike ride, or Prius whirl away.

Gorgeous & Green Party

Dust off your eco party clothes, fire up that Tesla and get ready because Global Green’s Gorgeous & Green 2008 will be taking the planet by storm on December 2. A raging, hip, glamorous, conscious, ridiculously fun storm.  Gorgeous & Green will be a star-studded event celebrating ecofabulous lifestyles featuring Kate Bosworth, the best organic foods and beverages, one rocking Eco-Chic Fashion Show, top eco-stylish products, and more with the who's who of green.

Global Green presents:
Gorgeous & Green 2008

WHEN:
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
6:00 pm Patron Reception
7:30 pm Cocktail Party with VIP Lounges
8:30 pm Eco-Chic Fashion Show

WHERE:
The historic LEED-certified Bently Reserve
301 Battery Street
San Francisco

FEATURING:

• Celebrity Guests
• Eco-Chic Fashion Show
• Musical performance by Elliott Yamin
• VIP Lounges
• Organic Cuisine by O Organics & Cavallo Point
• Eco-friendly Cocktails by VeeV & Square One Organic Vodka
• Wine by Newton Vineyard & Boisset Family Estates
• Iron Horse Sparkling Wine
• MateVeza Beer, FOUR, EcoloBlue Water & Bionade
• LIVE Energy Drink
• Numi Tea and Thanksgiving Coffee
• Spa by Juice Beauty, Epi Center, and International Orange
• Makeup by Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics
• Music by DJ Donovan
• Glamorous Green Decor by Blueprint Studios
• Chocolates by TCHO, Coracao Confections, Come Hither cupcakes, and Just Desserts
• Greening by Greenhome.com
• Hotels by Kimpton EarthCare and Fairmont SF Green Suite
• Transportation by PlanetTran hybrid car service
• Musical performance by the hot band Bag of Toys
• Ecofabulous VIP Eco-Gift Bags with Sigg, Rickshaw Bagworks, Duchess Marden, Pangea and much more.
• Special Thanks to PG&E, Rabobank, Wachovia, Liebherr, Google

DRESS:  Cocktail attire or Luxury Eco

HONORARY HOSTS:
Kate Bosworth, Daphne Zuniga, Entourage & Alter Eco stars, and other celebrity guests

HOST COMMITTEE:
Co-Chairs:  Zem Joaquin, Nadine Weil

Vice-Chairs:  Christopher & Amber Marie Bently

Host Committee:  Matt Petersen, Lily Achatz, Robyn Beavers, Andrew Beebe, Brian Bunch, Scott Claxon, Emilie Cowan, Amy Darland, Rachael Dorsey McGowen, Nellie Draganic, Mark Dwight, Matt Eastling, Justin Fichelson, Mike Freed, Alison Gelb Pincus, Anthony Gilmore, Joel Goodrich, Moira Hanes, Jordan Harris, Lucas Heldfond, Brandon Hernandez, Deirdre Holbrook, Marika Holmgren, Jonna Hunter, Bruce Katz, Marco Krapels, CR Lipton, Janet Macgillivray Wallace, Monica Maduro, Clarissa Nicosia, Carl Page, Gina Pell, Heidi Pettit, Claudia Ross, Michael Rubenstein, Mireille Schwartz, Bahar Shahpar, David Shearer, Steve Simon, Al Smyth, Lauren Sorof, Marla Steuer, Steve Teijeiro, Tara Trask, Joslin Van Arsdale, Akemi Tamaribuchi, Alyssa Warnock

ECO-CHIC FASHION SHOW:
Enjoy an amazing eco-fashion show featuring designers who blend high style and sustainability including Bahar Shahpar, Cari Borja, Del Forte Denim, Eco Citizen Boutique, EDUN, John Patrick Organic, Juleselin, Lara Miller, Larsen Grey, Linda Loudermilk, Loomstate, Loyale, Sara Shepherd, Stewart+Brown, Thomas-Ray Eccles.  Shoes by Charmone, Cri de Coeur, and Olsen Haus.  Jewelry by Amber Marie Bently.  Hair by DiPietro Todd.  Makeup by Jane Iredale.  Models by Stars Model Management.  Show Produced by Lily Achatz and Clarissa Nicosia. 

RSVP:
310-581-2700
Reserve your spot at www.globalgreen.org/sf

ABOUT GLOBAL GREEN:
Global Green's mission is to create a global value shift toward a more secure and sustainable future by working to mitigate global warming, expand green building and green schools, eliminate weapons of mass destruction, and ensure access to clean water.  Global Green is the national arm of Green Cross International, Mikhail Gorbachev's environmental organization.  Global Green hosts the Red Carpet Green Cars Campaign at the Oscars, and they are leading the green rebuilding of New Orleans with Brad Pitt.  Check out their Solar Energy and Green Schools programs too. www.globalgreen.org

This Old Bag Party

We all have old handbags stuffed into the closet – and new handbags we would love to buy that are either too expensive or not green enough or both. Enter the party to solve all of our handbag problems - This Old Bag: The Power of the Purse event on October 17 at the W San Francisco.

This not-to-be-missed party benefiting the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund features cocktails, appetizers, and 300 handbags including many donated and autographed by celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Minnie Driver, Julianne Moore, Sharon Stone, and Oprah Winfrey. Most exciting for eco-fashionistas with a heart of green will be the new party section called Pink Goes Green featuring recycled purses.  

This Old Bag: The Power of the Purse Party
Friday October 17, 2008
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
W San Francisco
181 Third Street, San Francisco

Don't let someone else snag your bag.  Reserve your spot at www.thisoldbag.org

    

Eco-Fashion On Sale

Would you pay $80 for a designer organic cotton t-shirt?  What if it helped to save the planet?  Even better, what if it were on sale?

While I have splurged on hip eco-friendly tees in the past (can you say adorable Zooey?), I have also bought many on sale. Who doesn’t love a good bargain.

Now thanks to the web site You Deserve, the sale ends today and starts tomorrow. Eco-fashionistas are rejoicing because every day is an eco-fashion sale day on www.youdeserve.com. Consider it overstock for planet-conscious brands like Del Forte, Grace & Cello, and Oxygen Required (bamboo and surplus fabrics). There are even Under the Canopy bathrobes at a discount. I see several items that I paid full price for! 

A fabulous Ecoist portfolio tote is on an unbelievable sale, marked down from $138 to $48. I have always wanted one of these colorful pieces made Fair Trade from 100% recycled candy wrappers. If you don’t buy it, I just might have to. 5, 4, 3, 2...

As for a minor wish list, I would love to see the brand name as part of each product listing initially, but you can click through to see the maker.  Some of the fabrics just say “cotton” without the word organic in front of it, which is a little confusing, but most of the fabrics are eco-friendly. I hope that even more eco-fashion brands will join the party online.

Not everyone has the luxury of having a wonderful eco-fashion boutique around the corner (Eco Citizen) or can spend $80 on a bamboo t-shirt, but thanks to You Deserve, more people will get a break on eco-fashion today and that is an glorious thing for our wallets and the planet.  www.youdeserve.com

A Charmone Cinderella Story

If Cinderella had been wearing one of Charmone’s Fall 08 Collection shoes, she would have never left her slipper behind at the ball.

A favorite of eco-celebrities like Natalie Portman, this Charmone collection features stunning metallic designs from gold, silver, and bronze to head-turning pink and Stardust blue.  The seductive savannah was Charmone’s muse this season.  Popular silhouettes are also back including the Darjeeling bootie and cutting-edge Cezanne peep-toe heel.

The three pairs of Charmone stilettos in my closet never fail to turn heads when they see the light of day, or the spotlight of a cocktail party.  I love them.  People say, “Nice shoes!” and I can respond, “Thanks, and they are eco-friendly!”  They are shocked, and frankly I still am too that planet-chic shoes can be so darn beautiful.

What is eco-charming about Charmone shoes?  They are 100% vegan and cruelty-free (no leather) and handcrafted of high-quality Italian microfibers in Italy, Brazil, and LA.  Sweatshop-free of course.  These luxe beauties incorporate water-based glue and nickel-free hardware, without any undesirable PVC or chromium.  Plus, Charmone shoes are breathable and lightweight with gorgeous European designs.  The proof that beauty doesn’t have to be painful for the planet is in the foot. 

And wearing Charmone just might make a prince show up.

You can view Charmone’s fabulous footwear at eco-fashion boutiques nationwide or online at www.charmone.com

Visionary Eco Boutique Party

Get your green party on in West Hollywood this Wednesday at the opening of the new eco-chic boutique Visionary.

Per the owners, “Visionary is a place where people can come in and learn about the green culture and get inspired to become part of the solution.” And I might add, have a fun time at a party for the planet.  Eco-fashion, jewelry, home accessories, gifts and children’s wear are all there for the browsing.

Visionary Launch Party

 

WHEN:
Wednesday May 21, 2008
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

WHERE:
Visionary Eco Boutique by Wildchild Wear
8568 1/2 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, California
310.659.1177

Enjoy organic libations and light fare. Proceeds benefit Global Green USA. The world into stylish eco-conscious products?  Now that is a stirring vision of the future worth celebrating Hollywood-style.  www.visionaryboutique.com

Sarlo Wick Sparkle

What is blowing out of the ultra-hip Fred Segal store in LA and just landed exclusively at the Sarlo Wick antique store in San Francisco?  The stunning and exotic Alkemie jewelry line made of 100% reclaimed metals, reincarnated vintage chains, and naturally-tanned leather.

Coins, snakes, cuffs, Egyptian motifs?  Choose your favorite and let the good times roll. The necklaces can also be worn as chokers or bracelets - so chic. But don’t take my word for it. Check out these pictures below. I am now the proud owner of the Octopus cuff, but I’m sure you could persuade Gaby to order another one. Alkemie is made in the USA  www.alkemiejewelry.com

Owned by the talented designers Gabriella Sarlo and Will Wick, Sarlo Wick is filled with head-turning, glamorous antiques and eclectic treasures. Vintage is the ultimate eco.

In other news, Fred Segal Green just opened their eco-lifestyle store in LA, so there is much to celebrate and covet if you want your style with your planet.

    

Japanese Eco Fashion

Pretend that I am writing this in Japanese. Konnichi Wa. Hello for today.

Some of the best things happen by accident. Case in point is my trip to the Cotton Sheep boutique in Hayes Valley to procure a pair of stockings for a Linda Loudermilk outfit. The search to finish one eco-couture dress led unexpectedly to another. The mastery of Japanese fashion designer Suzuki Takayuki.

Suzuki Takayuki began his career as a costume designer in Tokyo. He is inspired by nature, and it shows in the delicate details of his pieces. Intricate laces, playful feminine curves, and organic colors that could enable you to camouflage yourself from predators in the wild, or at least in the urban cocktail party jungle. He uses natural dyes from the essence of raw woods, juniper berries, and more.

See pictures from the most recent Suzuki Takayuki fashion show in Tokyo, which began with a towering photograph of tree branches.

In his words, “clothes should be about not only trends but also individuality. My approach is to cherish every moment in the life of a garment, particularly finding new sides of it even when it seems totally worn out. Beauty can be found in anything. Objects like torn flowers can be seen as beautiful.”

Cotton Sheep also carries some stunning light Gasa sweaters made from washi.

Eco-fashion designer Linda Loudermilk is a lover of the natural fabric sasawashi, which is a blend of the detoxifying Japanese plant kumazasa with washi. Linda also derives the inspiration for her sexy Luxury Eco collections from nature – the colors of a peacock, the glaciers, the ocean. 

At Cotton Sheep, you might not be able to read your hang tag filled with Japanese characters, but the owner will translate enthusiastically with a smile. The language of fashion and nature is universal.

While you are there, don’t forget to pick up some wild stockings for your next night out. Warning - they may elicit rave reviews from strangers.

Cotton Sheep Boutique, 572 Hayes Street, San Francisco, 415-621-5546, www.suzukitakayuki.com

Discarded To Divine Gala

You are invited to the dazzling and transformative Discarded To Divine Gala benefiting St. Vincent de Paul Society. See vintage couture gowns given a new life on the runway by the most talented fashion designers in San Francisco and inspired by the de Young Museum’s permanent collection. If you fancy one of them, try to snag it during the auction. Fashion legend Wilkes Bashford is the master of ceremonies. Now that is green, glamorous, and absolutely divine.

Discarded To Divine Gala
Fashion Show, Green Cocktail Party & Auction

WHEN:
Saturday April 26, 2008
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

WHERE:
Academy of Art University
601 Brannan Street
San Francisco

TICKETS:
General  $45
VIP  $75 includes premier fashion show seating and VIP after party

RSVP:
Call 415.977.1270
Online at www.discardedtodivine.org

Wildlife Works DJ Party

April 23 is the day after Earth Day, but that doesn’t mean the eco-parties are over. On the contrary!  I’m beginning to think that Green is the new Internet. We can only hope. After you have meet Linda Loudermilk and partied at Spring at the Green Block Party on Polk, head on over to the nearby Wildlife Works Eco-Chic Boutique Earth Day blowout on Union Street and party for the lions, tigers, elephants, and yourself with organic hors d’oeuvres, organic libations and the famous DJ Josh Gabriel. What better way to celebrate Earth Month 2008 than by dancing among eco-fashionable clothes to the beats of a hip globe-trotting DJ. Appropriately, his current smash hit is titled Summit.

Wildlife Works Earth Day Party
Lions, Tigers and Elephants, Oh My

WHEN:
Wednesday April 23, 2008
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm +

WHERE:
Wildlife Works Eco-Chic Boutique
1849 Union Street at Laguna
San Francisco

FEATURING:

• Organic hors d’oeuvres
• Organic libations
• Hip eco-fashion labels including Wildlife Works, Del Forte, Kelly B., Deborah Lindquist, Sworn Virgins, Terra Plana, and Charmone shoes
• Purchases of $150 will receive a rare autographed single
• World-famous dance DJ Josh Gabriel of Gabriel & Dresden and Motorcycle

Inquiries:
store at wildlifeworks dot com
415.738.8544

About Wildlife Works:
Founded in 1997, Wildlife Works is an American pioneer of eco-clothing and the first fashion company to offer a designer label – and now store – dedicated to conserving endangered wildlife in the Earth’s most extraordinary places. From Wildlife Works’ Kenyan eco-factory where its styles are made to its 100% eco-chic retail store, proceeds go directly to preserving places such as the 80,000-acre Wildlife Works Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary.  www.wildlifeworks.co.uk and www.wildlifeworks.com

We will see you there for beautiful things as the rush comes. After all, summer is calling.

EcoLogiQue in Hayes Valley

An outing today yielded an exciting eco-find, a whole store in fact. The new EcoLogiQue boutique in Hayes Valley is chock full of unique, more unusual brands of eco-fashion and eco-beauty, with an emphasis on made in San Francisco and made in the USA. Hooray!

I was impressed with several green brands including Sustainable Collective by Convoy, the hip Livity from LA, Prophetik, Naked Cotton, GreenLabel Organic, and the more well-known eco-ganik and Under the Canopy. The items for women are a mix of modern casual eco-feminine and urban hippie-ster. The men’s clothes by Convoy were outstandingly cool.

Don’t miss the Earth Day Weekend Sale this Saturday and Sunday where all fashion and beauty products are 20% off. For starters, I scored an adorable hat by Livity in hemp/organic wool and a gorgeous corset-like black long-sleeve top in organic cotton from eco-ganik.

The new EarthLust water bottles are a must-see and are blowing out of the store. Plastic stands no chance now. In the back of the store is a cute baby section with Circles & Squares and the coming-in-soon inventive Scooter Bees shoes for children. The EcoGirl by Jennifer Jory bags were beautiful and stunning also, and they are made in San Francisco. Now that is what we want to hear. Speaking of, I liked the Glow soy candles which are homegrown in SF too.

EcoLogiQue is the only store carrying the Simply Organic hair care line, which apparently has a cult following in a few high-end salons across the nation. The secret is out. Another novelty is the Edelbio skin care from Switzerland with all Swiss-certified organic ingredients, and we know how strict the Swiss are.

While visiting the Green Festival two years ago, EcoLogiQue owner Lela Katz thought to herself, “Why isn’t there a store in San Francisco dedicated to all of this great green stuff?” Hence, the dream of EcoLogiQue was hatched. Let’s support our new green and friendly neighbor in Hayes Valley. I can’t wait to see what she finds next.

After eco-shopping, reward yourself with a side trip to Miette Confiserie on Octavia, the gourmet pastry and candy store that uses all organic ingredients including organic local unbleached flour, organic sugar, and more because “why use anything else?” was the direct quote. If you are cold or hungry for real food, warm up at the all-organic Modern Tea café on Hayes. Living the green life has never been more delicious.

EcoLogiQue, 141  Gough Street at Oak, San Francisco, CA 94102, 415-621-2431, www.ecologiquesf.com

Green Block Party on Polk

You are invited to the Green Block Party on Polk Street featuring the best of eco fashion, home, and more. Come and enjoy the fun in Russian Hill, the emerging green gulch district of San Francisco, and party like it’s Earth Day 2008.

Green Block Party on Polk Street

 

WHEN:
Wednesday April 23, 2008
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Luxury Eco Trunk Show with designer Linda Loudermilk
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Eco Citizen Boutique
1488 Vallejo Street at Polk
San Francisco

Healthy Child Healthy World Book Signing Party
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Spring Store (one-stop eco home shopping)
2162 Polk Street at Vallejo
San Francisco

Other Participating Stores include:

Green Home Center and Eco-Terric
1812 Polk Street

Swallowtail Interiors & Antiques
2217 Polk Street

FEATURING:

• Festive block party with hors d'oeuvres and VeeV cocktails
• Healthy Child Healthy World book signing at Spring
• Linda Loudermilk Luxury Eco Trunk Show at Eco Citizen
• Meet the designer Linda Loudermilk
• LIVE Organic Energy Drinks
• Green goodies silent auction from Polk Street stores

RSVP:
Please email:  events at 7x7mag dot com

Getting There:
Some parking on Polk and surrounding streets is available. Driving a hybrid may induce better parking karma.
Carpool, walk or bus!  Polk 19 or Van Ness 47 and 49
Call SF Green Cab at 415-626-GREEN

HOST COMMITTEE:
Zem Joaquin (ecofabulous), Nadine Weil, Christopher Gavigan, Lucas Heldfond, Joslin Van Arsdale

Media Sponsor:  7x7 Magazine

Healthy Child Healthy World:
10% of proceeds from sales during the evening will go to Healthy Child Healthy World, who is dedicated to protecting people's health from harmful environmental exposures and has a full list of eco-celebrity spokespeople including Laura Dern, Olivia Newton-John, Roger & Sloan Barnett, Erin Brockovich Ellis, Brooke Shields, and Meryl Streep. www.healthychild.org

Order a copy of the new book Healthy Child Healthy World – Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home at www.healthychild.org/book

Linda Loudermilk:
Meet the creator of the Luxury Eco revolution, Linda Loudermilk, who designs the most gorgeous clothes for women and now men too. Her inspiration is nature meets rock star. She uses innovative and luxurious fabrics like woven bamboo, sasawashi from Japan, ingeo, soy, organic cotton, organic wool, recycled denim, and sea cell. Her 2008 collections are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Luxury Eco fashion can be edgy, sexy, fun, playful, and hyper-cool.  www.lindaloudermilk.com

Update:
Thank you all for coming out to the Green Block Party on Polk Street for Earth Day. We had a fabulous time celebrating the Luxury Eco fashions of Linda Loudermilk with Linda herself and the new Healthy Child Healthy World book at Spring with Zem and Christopher. Linda's full collection is still at the Eco Citizen boutique for a few more weeks so head on over there before I buy everything.

Check out the array of Party Photos by Drew Altizer at 7x7 Magazine.

      

Eco-Chic Shoe Party

If the eco-shoe fits and is glamorous, wear it. ELLE Magazine invites you to a party in Santa Monica celebrating Taryn Rose’s new Verde footwear collection.

Shoe Party with ELLE, Taryn Rose Verde & Global Green

WHEN:
Thursday, April 17, 2008
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

WHERE:
Livinghomes – the first LEED Platinum home ever
2914 Highland Avenue
Santa Monica, CA

FEATURING:

• Hosted by ELLE West Coast Fashion Editor Lilah Schechner
• Enjoy organic foods and organic cocktails
• Get green and glam with eco-friendly makeup and skincare touchups
• See the amazing livinghomes home
• Try on shoes from the new Verde line!

RSVP:
Please call 1-888-367-3553

What is Green about Verde:
Let’s go deep. Taryn Rose’s new line of eco-stylish shoes have soles made from vegetable oil, rather than petroleum. Leather uppers are tanned with vegetable dyes and no heavy metals like chromium (very important). Non-toxic, water-soluble adhesives keep the shoes in one place. The Taryn Rose Verde bags are also vegetable-tanned and lined with organic linens. These are truly bags and shoes with a soul.  www.tarynrose.com

A portion of the proceeds from this eco-chic shoe party will go to Global Green who is working to build a more sustainable world.

Rickshaw Bags Rock

Some people create the future they want to see. Mark Dwight is one of those people. Mark is the ultimate green bag man. After a year-long break from his previous bag venture (Timbuk2) and inspired by the eco-ethos of Bill McDonough's Cradle-to-Cradle manifesto, Mark set out to create the most stylish, sustainable, and useful bags around. By the signs of his first models, Mark has knocked it out of the park. If you know Mark, you know that this is his only mode. Home run or bust.

Rickshaw Bagworks is Mark’s new venture that is raising the bar high. It is named for the rickshaw, the iconic Japanese human-powered vehicle. Mark himself is an avid bicycle man, riding his red bike to work every day with his own legs. Mark is also a rockstar, or is that rickstar, professional who is typically the best-dressed man in the room. He is not afraid of paisley. His keen sense of style has translated over to the stunning Rickshaw bags. Design awards are sure to follow. You read it here first.

The Rickshaw Bags are a marvel of engineering and eco-friendliness. They are made of high-end recycled water bottle DesignTex fabrics in gorgeous colors and patterns. I have fallen in love with several. The liners are PVC-free, and cradle to cradle certification is coming. The bags are modular and have nifty sections that can be moved around. Rickshaws make the perfect computer bag, messenger bag, baby bag, work bag, shopping bag, anything bag.

Want to order a new bag?  Starting in mid-May, peruse online at the Rickshaw Bagworks web site, or stop by the Rickshaw storefront at the HQ on 22nd Street in the Dogpatch, pick out your favorite fabric, and watch your bag be crafted on site. Mark has invented an ingenious chassis model. The base of the bag is pre-made in Mark’s heavily-scrutinized factory in Asia. The full bag is then assembled and stitched at the Rickshaw factory in San Francisco. This represents the best of both worlds. The result is that fans get their preferred design, and there is never any waste or excess inventory to fire-sale as is standard practice in the retail industry.

Rickshaw Bags are built to last, built to repair, and built to repurpose and rejuvenate. Rip your bag?  Potentially difficult because the fabric seems so durable, but Rickshaw will repair it. Want to change your original color? Bring the bag back and have your pattern swapped out.

Rickshaw debuted its lifestyle bags at Gorgeous & Green and then at the esteemed TED conference this February. They had the 1,600 Tedsters buzzing, searching for their one and only handsome bag twin. Look out for several Rickshaw Collections to launch soon including the Best of TED Collection and an ingenious eco-chic WeeGeneration baby bag with removable compartments. And the new Raise A Reader bag. You are not going to believe the story of this one when you hear it in the press. Can you say Rickshaw Bags to the rescue?  www.rickshawbags.com

Del Forte Delights

What is hip, eco-conscious and blue all over?  Del Forte’s ultra fabulous premium denim for women who want to look darn good while saving the planet.

Boot cut, high waist, trouser, skinny, you name it, designer Tierra Del Forte has the style and eco-cred to match. Del Forte jeans are 100% organic cotton (rare even among some eco brands) and made in the USA (even rarer).

Standouts from Del Forte’s Fall line include the imaginative and flirtatious Marina Trouser with custom buttons and a lace-up back.

Why organic cotton?  Organically-grown cotton is produced without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. A field must be pesticide-free for three years for the cotton to be certified organic, as it then becomes safe for the farmers, consumers, and natural environment.

In contrast, conventionally-grown cotton takes 2/3 of a pound of pesticides to make one pair of jeans. Per the EPA, conventional agriculture in general is responsible for 70% of all pollution problems in American rivers and streams.

Back to the sexy styles, I am mad about Del Forte’s ReJeaneration skirt made from recycled Del Fortes in a full circle, cradle to cradle way. When you are finished with your Del Fortes (um, never?), send them back to the company, and they will give you 10% off your next purchase or make a donation to the Sustainable Cotton Project. Project Rejeaneration. Recycle your jeans and regenerate your style. I’m sold.

Featured in Vogue, Teen Vogue, People, Glamour, and hundreds of articles, Del Forte is one hot cult eco jeans brand that just keeps getting hotter. The fit is amazing because Tierra designs her jeans for curves. Check the Where To Buy list and grab your size, or even one smaller, before it sells out.  www.delforte.com

Meet John Patrick Organic

You are invited to an exclusive preview of Organic’s eco-stylish Fall ‘08 Collection with the designer himself John Patrick at the new hip luxury boutique Carrots. Don’t miss this opportunity to strut your eco-stuff.

Carrots Hosts Organic Designer John Patrick

WHEN:
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
11:00 am - 4:00 pm

WHERE:
Carrots Boutique
843 Montgomery Street at Jackson
San Francisco, CA
415.834.9040

Featuring:

• John Patrick, the Organic founder and sustainable style ambassador
• Preview of the Organic Fall ‘08 eco-fashion designer collection
• New hip luxury boutique Carrots

Mullens PR. Hosted by Nadine Weil & Zem Joaquin

Invitation:
View the Invitation

About Organic:
Organic by John Patrick is a stylish, sophisticated eco-conscious line created with the best organic wool, organic cotton and cashmere fabrics with exquisite design and tailoring.

“I envision a world in the near future where people won’t ask, is it Organic, but rather say, of course it’s organic!” states founder John Patrick.  www.johnpatrickorganic.com

Update:  Style fashionista Sarah Granger has an excellent write-up of the Organic Party on her blog SFBayStyle.

Wildlife Works Spring Collection

Imagine looking eco-good and helping to save wild things simultaneously.

Stop by the Wildlife Works eco-boutique on Union Street in San Francisco for a sneak peak and fashion show of the much-anticipated Spring Collections of eco-fashion designer labels Wildlife Works and Del Forte Denim. I’ve seen a preview of some of the items and let me just say, they are gorgeous!

Eco-Fashion Spring Collections Party

WHEN:
Friday, February 29, 2008
7 pm - 10 pm

WHERE:
Wildlife Works Boutique (100% Eco-Chic Fashion)
1849 Union Street at Laguna
San Francisco, CA 94123

FEATURING:

• Trunk Show of new Spring Collections
• Launch of Wildlife Works designer Black Label from London
• Del Forte Denim
• Micro Fashion Show
• DJ Music
• Green Zebra
• Eco-Raffle for Prizes

Inquiries:
store at wildlifeworks dot com
415.738.8544

WILDLIFE WORKS:
Designed in London, the new Wildlife Works Designer Black Label features an inspired collection of innovative, flirty pieces that are both chic and modern. The Wildlife Works main label offers stylish everyday wear that takes an urban twist on the classics.  All of their clothing is made from organic cotton, soy and other eco-friendly fabrics. Their collections are also fair trade, sewn with pride by skilled craftspeople in their eco-factory in Kenya, Africa. Proceeds benefit the Wildlife Works Animal Sanctuary   www.wildlifeworks.com

DEL FORTE DENIM:
The hot organic jeans denim line by Tierra del Forte  www.delforte.com

 

Natalie Portman Unveils Vegan Shoes

"It is all about the shoes," I have been told over the years. Well, now it is all about the vegan shoes thanks to eco-celebrity Natalie Portman.

She was on hand in New York for the unveiling of her new signature, limited edition Natalie Portman vegan shoe collection at the Te Casan boutique.

The word vegan next to the word shoe always makes me pause because I associate vegan with eating, or not eating. But a vegan shoe means free of animal products - no leather! Natalie's shoes are so eco-sexy that they seem good enough to eat.

Natalie explained, "As a vegan, it's been challenging finding designer shoes made of alternative materials. This collection offers a great selection without compromising quality or style."

Natalie’s Paloma, Petra, and Pippa are gorgeous, playful, and elegant. Audrey Hepburn would approve. Only 100 pairs of each size were made for the launch, and several styles are selling out as we type.

If you are fortunate enough to live in New York, you can visit the Te Casan boutique directly. All of us other poor eco-souls can order by calling 1-877-Tecasan or online at www.tecasan.com

Proceeds from the Natalie Portman collection will be donated to The Nature Conservancy, which protects ecologically fragile and important lands often by buying them outright.

My favorite shoes to date that I wear frequently are Charmone vegan stilettos and boots hand-crafted in Italy. For eco-conscious shoe lovers, that's amore.

Te Casan Boutique, 382 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012, 212.584.8000, www.tecasan.com

Eco-Handbag Report

While we are on the topic of beautiful eco-fabrics, let's finish the thread by highlighting another fabulous find. I was thrilled to discover U.K. eco-handbag designer Sarah Donegan. Yes, an eco-friendly handbag that you would actually want to carry. Now that is progress.

I had practically given up hope on handbags for the moment. I just had my broken Prada bags repaired to give them a second life. Vintage from my own closet, purchased 10 years ago at great dollar value while working in Milan.

Then here comes the beautiful, fashionable eco-handbags from Sarah Donegan. Her limited edition pursues are made in the U.K. from 95% recycled vintage textiles, and gorgeous textiles at that. Sarah has a passion for collecting vintage fabrics, and it shows.  How can she part with her favorites I wonder?

It is nearly impossible to choose a favorite bag. The colors and patterns are elegant-exotic and conjure up images of a stylish sojourn to a far away land. Golds, reds, oranges, silvers, flowers, hearts, decorative leaves, wow. I also love the novel structure of the bags. Bows, ties, gathers, and buckles are all used to great effect. It is clear that Sarah Donegan has extraordinarily good taste and talent. It is easy to forget but exciting to remember that the fabrics are reincarnated vintage textiles.

Sarah will be collaborating for Spring 2009 with up-and-coming eco-fashion designer Amy Ozay's new line 4March.

How to order was my question. Sarah says that U.S. eco-fashionistas may order directly from the web site. Hopefully an enlightened local retailer will start carrying her line soon. In the meantime, we can have fun window shopping online. www.sarahdonegan.co.uk

Update:  I ordered and received the Metallica bag and let me just say, it is gorgeous. Beautiful, elegant, and very high quality. Vintage-fabulous!

In other eco-handbag news, I love the newest Ecoist collection of playful bags, especially the Ultra and Botero models, made from repurposed materials like candy wrappers in a fair trade way. The Ultra embodies nearly 500 cascading wrappers woven together.  www.ecoist.com

In addition, the eco-handbags constructed from recycled book covers like Gulliver's Travels are unique, inspired, and imaginative.  Many attractive models appear to be sold out, but let's hope that new bookish bags pop up soon. You will be happy to know that the Madness of a Seduced Woman Book Cover Bag is still available here.  www.eco-handbags.ca

Lounging in Lulan Luxury

What is the key to unlocking beautiful eco-interior design and smashing eco-fashion? It is the fabric, stupid, or rather, it is the fabric, friends!

For decades, there has been a dearth of fabulous eco-fabrics, which led to the perception (and reality) that there was no choice besides scratchy hemp for the eco-conscious. And having no choice is b-o-r-i-n-g. All of that is thankfully changing, and more exhilarating options are entering the market. Say goodbye to monotone beige, and hello to a world of color and beauty.

A case is point is Lulan Artisans, the sustainable fabrics company founded by architect Eve Blossom. And judging by her fabrics I saw recently, Lulan is truly blossoming.

Lulan’s colorful palette of 100% handwoven, hand-dyed silk fabrics is perfect for pillows, bedding, upholstery, and drapes (aka window treatments in fancy designer speak). I think some of her fabrics could also be excellent for fashionable scarves, wraps, skirts, and more.

Lulan aims to be sustainable through its values of community support, reverence for nature, and environmental stewardship. Natural silks are used, and dyes are natural or low-impact to be environmentally sensitive. Lulan partners with over 600 spinners, twisters, dyers, weavers and finishers in Southeast Asia, where master silk weavers use centuries-old techniques to create the collection by hand in small workshops. Lulan works to enhance the weavers’ economic standing and their community. Her fabrics do have to be shipped from Asia, but perhaps the travel could be balanced out with incremental carbon offsets?  Blossom’s is a holistic approach that bears beautiful fabric fruit with good karma.

The Lulan Artisans collection is currently on display at the Sundance Film Festival’s Project GreenHouse, an exclusive eco-conscious lifestyle suite. Check out Lulan online or in-person if possible at a showroom near you. Eve is also frequently in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. Handwoven Inspiration indeed. Let the eco-luxury home makeover begin, and don’t forget the sustainable wood, the zero-VOC paint, and the soy candles. Voila!  www.lulan.com