Why I Heart Sanuk: Best Customer Service Ever

So over the summer, I bought a pair of Sanuk sandals that I really fell in love with, The Rasta Nectar Sandal. Made out of recycled rubber, hemp, and coconut shells (as buttons), they were a great eco find. I wore them pretty much every day... until the buckle broke. I broke out the superglue, but it wouldn't hold. I was heartbroken.

Sanuk Rasta Nectar Sandal - $44.00

So about a month ago, I saw them laying in my room and decided to shoot Sanuk an e-mail. I told them what happened and asked if there was any way they could fix it or send me a new button. Turns out, they send me a brand new pair of sandals, free of charge. All they asked for was a picture of my broken sandal. How awesome is that? It just goes to show how much Sanuk cares about their customer service. I can't wait til summer so I can start wearing my favorite sandals again!






I feel like eco-friendly companies aim to please their customers way more than regular companies. What do you think? Have you ever had a similar experience? Always love to hear your feedback! :)

Holiday Wish List

Good morning everyone! This post is specifically dedicated to my wonderful boyfriend, Billy. He's been nagging me about what I want for Christmas, so I promised him I would blog a wish list for him. In the meantime, maybe you can snag a few ideas if you're stuck on what you want this year!

1. Ija Designs Cancer Necklace - $98.00

I know, I know... another zodiac necklace. But it's perfect! I like that it features the sign's constellation, not the symbol (Cancer's symbol looks like a 69... not the greatest) Plus it's made out of recycled metals which is so cool.

2. Bioserie Printed iPhone 4 Cover - $24.00

Super cute and made out of plant materials.

3. Matt and Nat "Callahan" - $85.00

I need a new purse so bad, it's not even funny. I've had my eye on this Matt and Nat one for awhile. They line their bags with recycled plastic bottles and everything is vegan.

4. Upcycled Plastic Bag Bangles - $18.00

Love this color, it's my favorite. So simple and chic, it's hard to imagine that these are made out of plastic bags!

5. RMS Beauty "Un" Cover-Up in 11 and Lip2Cheek in Smile - $36.00 each
RMS Beauty makes some of the cleanest make-up you can find. I got samples of these from Spirit Beauty Lounge and was immediately hooked.

6. Intelligent Nutrients Leave-In Conditioner - $29.00
This is heaven for you hair in a bottle. Another sample that I got from Spirit Beauty Lounge and fell in love with. Gives me super soft locks without weighing down my super fine hair.

7. Blu Democracy Tie-Dye BF Sweatshirt - $68.00
Sustainable and sexy? Yes, please. I'm such a sucker for tie-dye :)




So there you go, honey! Hope this helped you out.
PS: Harry Potter movies are always a great gift, tehe ;)



So what about you guys? What are dying to have this holiday season?

Affordable Eco: Coats and Cover-ups

Good morning everyone! It's cold and rainy here in Jersey and I'm totally in the market for a new coat. I've been searching like crazy for a sustainable one that's cute and affordable, but it's been tough. Nothing frustrates me more than when I fall in love with one that's way out of my price range. Don't get me wrong, I love me some eco friendly high fashion    but I will never be able to afford a $400 coat. So for all you ladies who are on the same page, I picked out some really great cover-ups ranging from $29.99 to $138.00. Not bad, right?

Top left: Carve Designs Ocean Beach Jacket (made with organic cotton) - $29.99

Bottom left: Threads for Though Socorro Poncho (made with organic cotton) - $60.00

Middle: Indigenous Designs Weekender Cardigan (100% organic cotton, fair trade, low impact dyes) - $90.00

Top right: BTC Elements Earth Hoody Jacket (100% organic cotton, hand-made in USA) - $138.00

Bottom right: American Eagle Asymmetric Jacket (made with recycled wool) - $99.99

Bundle up and stay warm :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for each and every one of my readers    you guys are the best! Thanks so much for your support.

What I'm Loving: Zodiac Necklaces by Kris Nations

Anyone who knows me is fully aware that I'm an astrology freak. Luckily, most of my girlfriends are, too! So anything remotely related to the zodiac makes me super happy. And when it's eco-friendly? Like crazy, super happy. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to have come across these teardrop zodiac necklaces by Kris Nations.

Of course, I'm quite partial to the Cancer one... but they're all gorgeous! Handcrafted in San Francisco, these pieces are made out of recycled gold or silver, depending on which metal you choose. The best part is, they're totally affordable: $39.00 at BTC Elements! Nothing like an eco-friendly deal to make my day :)

Happy November! Eco Fall Fashion Under $100

I can't believe it's been over a month since I blogged! So sorry for the neglect, guys! But not to worry. I'm getting back into the game... I promise :)

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Everything thing is pumpkin flavored, the trees are beautiful, and you get to snuggle up with a hot cup of tea... what's not to love? So for November, I was inspired to do another affordable fashion feature with fall-colored items. Everything is under a hundred bucks so eat your heart out bargain lovers.

Corduroy pants by Blank at Curators - $88.00
Earrings by Hovey Lee Campbell at Spirit Beauty Lounge - $40.00
Shoes by TOMS - $69.00
Sunflower Clutch by Mar Y Sol - $79.00
Dress by Go Green M by M at Fashion Conscience - $47.00
Sweet Dreams Bracelet at Global Girlfriend - $9.95







What do you think? What's your favorite thing about fall?

Fair Trade Feature: Greenola

Hello all :) I'm really excited to share this feature with you. I've been crazy busy with school and it's about damn time I gave you something to read!

Choosing eco-friendly fashion isn't just about shopping for sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. It's about keeping in mind where your clothes are coming from. Many consumers fail to realize the atrocities involved with garment manufacturing. I was absolutely appalled when I read about the rape factory in Jordan. Sure, those clothes may be cheap, but those prices don't factor in abuse.

That's why I'm happy to have discovered Greenola. Greenola features beautiful accessories and clothing handmade by Bolivian women. Through their work, these women are able to support not only themselves, but their community as well. Everything from Greenola directly supports the fair trade movement and the fight against unfair labor. Here are some of my favorite items, I adore them!

From left to right: RAYA Infinity Scarf, CALYPSO Semi-Precious Stone Bracelet, TACHE Handwoven Purse

Founder, Jennifer Moran, is extremely passionate about her work. Even after only a few online exchanges, I could tell how important this cause is to her.

"I am inspired to create a Responsible Style Revolution. We currently can pick any food item off the shelf and choose exactly what we put into our bodies. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about fashion. We read the label and have no idea who made the garment, or what goes into making the fabric... With Greenola, we have full transparency."

Besides running a fashion business the way it should be run, Jennifer has also teamed up with Solidarity Bridge, an organization that helps bring medical aid to impoverished Bolivian communities. 10% of every purchase is donated to the charity, helping the Bolivian population overcome such severe poverty.

So now's your chance to support a good cause and scoop up some cute stuff! Jennifer has supplied me with a coupon code, specifically for you lovely readers. Enter the code FORTHELOVE at checkout and receive 20% your entire order (one per customer, expires 12/31/2011). Oh, did I mention that everything is crazy affordable to begin with? Happy shopping!

Interested in the history of Greenola and it's founder, Jennifer Moran? Check out this article (page 5).

Backyard Wildlife: Hummingbirds

Good morning, all! Hope everyone is having an awesome September so far. I'm just getting back into the swing of things, balancing a hectic school and work schedule. But it's nice to be busy again!

As much as I love Fall, I'm sad to say goodbye to Summer. Especially because I love watching the hummingbirds zip around in my backyard. They are really magnificent little creatures. Yesterday, after much patience, I finally got some great snapshots of the female. I'm so excited to share them with you. Take a look:

Many people are unaware that hummingbirds are even around them. I, for one, never knew they were any in my area (Northeastern US has only one species: The Ruby Throated). Being so fast and tiny, it's easy to mistake them as an insect! They also love to hide out. But with a little bit of coaxing, you can get these little guys to come pay you a visit. Here's a few tips if you want to start attracting some next season:

• Red, red, red! Put lots of red objects in your backyard, such as ribbons and planters. Hummingbirds are crazy about the color.
• Put up a couple of feeders (make sure they're red!). Hummingbirds like options, especially since they are very territorial. Fill with simple nectar (4 parts water, 1 part sugar, boiled and refrigerated). Do not color the nectar. We're not sure how dyes may affect them.
• Keep your feeders fresh and clean. Many hummers will avoid a dirty feeder.
• Put out plants that are known hummingbird favorites. Petunias, honeysuckle, and azaleas are all great examples. Note: hummingbirds don't just like red flowers! Do a little research.
• Be patient! In areas where hummingbirds aren't super abundant, it can take time to attract some. But it's totally worth the wait.

Have you had any success in attracting hummingbirds? What other wildlife to enjoy in your area?

What I'm Loving: Pure Citizen

All this rainy weather here in Jersey has really got me bummed. The last few weeks of summer were a total washout. Between a leaky car (soggy floor mats, anyone?) and a cancelled camping trip, I've just about had it with Mother Nature.

Luckily, I found just the thing to cheer me up: a super fab find.

Matt and Nat Meryl Backpack

I've been on the hunt for a backpack for a little while now, especially since school started for me today. The canvas/leather styles are my favorite. They're so effortlessly chic. Matt & Nat had the perfect one: The Meryl Backpack. I'd been drooling over it forever. Too bad it was $150. Ouch.

But wait! This is where Pure Citizen comes in.

Online flash/sample sales are all the rage lately. There's one for everybody, including us eco-friendly girls. Pure Citizen was the first one I signed up for and it's my favorite. They feature the best stuff with the steepest discounts. I obsessively check it all the time to see what kind of goodies are up. Best of all, it's totally free to sign up. Go do it! Right now!

So my $150 dream bag just so happened to be up for 60 bucks. How freaking amazing is that? I whipped out my credit card so fast. Goodbye rainy day blues. I'm a happy girl again.

Just a head's up though: if you see something you like on a flash sale site, you gotta act quickly! Great deals go fast. After I bought my Meryl Backpack, it was sold out. So lucky!

What online flash sale site do you use? Have you ever tried Pure Citizen?

Affordable Eco: Fashion Finds Under $50

Hey everyone! It's been a little while so I apologize. I'm happy to report that I've survived Hurricane Irene (and an earthquake!). Lots of power outages and flooding in my area, but it looks like things are getting back to normal, including my blogging! So let's get started, shall we?

Like a lot of you out there, I'm a green girl on a budget. I'm always hunting for a good eco bargain. Finding sustainable fashion that's affordable is a bit challenging. But it's not impossible, I promise. So in order to prove this, I've put together some under $50 finds. I was going for a preppy surfer type vibe, check it out:

Bracelet: "Hemp Pebble Bracelet" by Design Spark - $27.99

Backback: by Baggu. Made of 100% recycled cotton - $32.00

Shoes: "Hemp Palisades Vulc" by Vans. Made with 100% sustainable hemp. Water based dyes and glues - $42.00

Sweater: "V Co. Logical Striped Sweater" by Volcom - $41.60

Scarf: "Develop a Crush Scarf" by Global Girlfriend. Handmade and fairly traded in India - $18.00

Let me know what you think! I want to try and turn this into a regular feature :)

Magazine Clippings: Project Alabama's Green T Fall 2011 Collection

Nylon magazine is a great source for fashion news. I love that they cover everything from high fashion and store collaborations, to celebrity lines and of course, eco-friendly collections. There's a little something for every fashion lover. This month, I stumbled upon Green T, a collection of eco-friendly tees, tunics, and dresses by Project Alabama.

August 2011 issue of Nylon featuring Green T collection (right)

The collection features a neutral color palette with delicate floral patchwork. Everything is organically grown, herb dyed, fairly traded and cruelty free. I'm really loving the chic, laid back vibe; exactly what I'm aiming for this fall.

"Green T has a heart. It is our mission to create beautiful, luxurious and conscientious clothes. Every piece of our collection is one a kind, produced by a collective of local women supporting their upliftment and the tradition of craft in needy communities."

View the Fall 2011 Green T look book.

Price Range: $58.00 - $88.00

Where to buy: Check out store listings in your area.

Do You Need Green to Be Green?

A lot of people complain that being eco-friendly is only for the rich. Is it?

Sure, most eco alternatives cost a bit more, but for good reason. People (Americans, especially) are so used to buying things on the cheap, we forget to question what we're really buying. A bottle of shampoo may be three bucks, but it's nothing but cancer causing chemicals, hence why it's dirt cheap. You get what you pay for. To me, spending the extra money to get a cleaner shampoo is worth it: not only am I paying for better quality, but I'm paying for my health and my planet. It also teaches me to value what I buy, causing me to consume less, saving me money in the long run. Cheap products encourage more spending, more consumption, and more waste: three things we don't need.


But, I admit, times are tough. We all can't afford the better shampoo, whether we want to or not. However, there are eco-friendly ways that can actually save you money. Why buy cases of bottled water when you can get a re-useable one with a filter? Why use plastic bags when some stores pay you to bring your own? Why buy a gas guzzling truck when you can buy an electric one instead? Less consumption = less spending. It's that simple.

Wealthy people may have an easier time being green, but as a student and a hardworking waitress, I'm still making it work. Us 'commoners' just have to be a bit more crafty ;)







What to you think? Do you agree or disagree with my opinion?

Just A Little Update...

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Hey everyone! I've been working on a few posts so I have lots of good stuff coming your way soon :)

But right now, I've been really focusing on getting some more traffic here. I'm trying to do some link exchanges, as well as some directory listings. Lots of e-mail writing and applications are being done, phew! Nothing motivates me more than to have visitors who appreciate my writing. To all my followers: thank you for supporting me! You guys make me so happy!


Hope you're all having a fab August. See you soon!

Why I Heart Suki: My Quest For Clear Skin

Okay, this isn't exactly breaking news. I've been loving Suki for quite sometime now, but I've never actually blogged about it. Absolute madness!

Made with nothing but the best ingredients, Suki Kramer's natural cosmetic line delivers some serious results. The company is extremely passionate about clean cosmetics. They support fair trade, local sourcing, and organics. Everything is 100% cruelty free and made fresh by hand (goodbye carbon output!). Their formulas are housed in beautiful glass jars to avoid icky plastics. Recycled stock is used for packaging while everything is printed with vegetable based inks. Their suppliers are carefully chosen based on environmental practices. They seriously cover it all.

So what has Suki done for me?

Well, everyone has their skin woes. Mine was acne. Stubborn, self-esteem-robbing acne. I used everything, both chemicals and naturals. You name it, I used it. It was the most frustrating thing ever. There were days that I would just cry simply because I hated my skin. It was that bad.

Then I came across Suki after reading about oil therapy for acne in The Green Beauty Guide. Essentially, the theory suggests combating acne with healthy, non-clogging oils, like jojoba. It sounded crazy to me, considering us acne sufferers have been taught that oil causes acne. But I gave it a go. The book recommended Suki's Balancing Pure Facial Moisture. I also ended up buying Suki's Foaming Cleanser (their most popular item) and Balancing Toner.

After using Suki for a month or so, I saw a huge change. My skin was radiant. I still had some breakouts, but not as severe. I continued to use Suki, in addition to adopting other healthy skin practices. Today, my skin is better than ever, something I'm truly proud of. I've even gone to work without wearing make-up, a huge step for me. Suki really changed my life. It showed me the power of naturals and what they can really do for your skin.

Interested in Suki? Check out their website. They've got solutions for dry/mature skin, rosacea, cystic acne, and more!

What products have solved your skin problems? Have you ever tried Suki? What did you think?

Scotch Naturals Review

After hearing a bunch of hype about Scotch Naturals nail polish, I decided to give it a whirl. I purchased the cocktail trio which includes three polishes, a base/top coat called 'On the Rocks', and a nail buffer for a grand total of $48.99. A bit pricey for my liking, but hey, it was a birthday gift to myself :)

Pictured colors: Lochness Mystery, Morning Glory Fizz, and Leprechaun Lynch

When it comes to nails, I'm not really a traditional color kind of girl. I stay far away from reds and pinks. Luckily, Scotch has some fun colors to choose from (they currently have 17 total). Pictured above are the shades I ended up choosing.

Perhaps it was my screen's resolution, but I was kind of disappointed by the 'real-life' color. Lochness Mystery was darker than expected while Morning Glory Fizz and Leprechaun Lynch were much paler in person. They were still pretty, just not what I expected. But I guess that's what you get when you shop online.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Scotch's polish, they're completely non-toxic and composed of only a few ingredients: water, acrylic polymer emulsion, butoxy diglycol and non-toxic colorants. Pretty impressive, right? Best of all, they barely have a scent at all.

So how does Scotch measure up? Well, I have mixed feelings. The consistency is great, much thinner than traditional polishes, making it easier to apply (at least for me). It also dries wickedly fast, another great perk. However, the pigment is where my problem lies. 

Morning Glory and Leprechaun were very transparent, even after three coats. Granted, my painting skills are pretty crummy so perhaps a professional could do a better job. But check out Leprechaun on my hands. Not so cute.

Maybe I'll give it another shot with thicker coats. On the bright side, I really enjoyed Lochness Mystery. Fabulous color after two thin coats. Look at how awesome it looks on my toes (with my favorite Sanuk sandals, of course).

Overall review:

Pros: smooth consistency, dries quickly, decent staying power

Cons: a bit pricey, pale shades are too transparent

Recommended? Yes, but only for the darker shades :)

Has anyone else tried Scotch Naturals? What did you think of them?

Good Morning America Lies to Viewers About Beauty Products

Based on this post by WellandGood NYC. Definitely worth a read!

Seeing news programs discuss natural cosmetics should be a good thing, right? Well, not this time. Good Morning America's segment, “The All-Natural Makeup Revolution” managed to provide viewers with blatant misinformation. According to GMA, organic cosmetics are expensive and don't last very long. Oh, but they're probably good for your skin. Maybe. 

WTF?

I don't know about you, but it frustrates the hell out of me when clean cosmetics are completely misrepresented. Good Morning America needs to do another segment because that one did the natural cosmetic industry no justice. I mean, come on now, they featured Neutrogena Naturals and Cover Girl's phony natural foundation as affordable organic options. Can we say greenwashing?

Watch the segment for yourself:

So, what's your take on the segment? Are there any other examples of greenwashing that make you mad?

Fab Find: Jewelry by 31 Bits

I'm completely in love with 31 Bits. I stumbled upon their jewelry in the September issue of People Style Watch (they have a monthly feature called 'Easy Eco'... so good!). Check out some of my favorite pieces:

From left to right: Bermuda Braid, Cypress, and The Magician

Made from 100% recycled paper, these bracelets and necklaces are hand-crafted by Ugandan women. Not only is the jewelry absolutely gorgeous, but the company also has amazing values. All of the Ugandan women are compensated fairly for their work. They even receive English lessons and financial training to help strengthen their entrepreneurship skills. Founder Kallie Dovel explains, "We strive to build a loving community that cares for individuals’ spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical needs." So much more than a jewelry line.

Best of all, these pieces are totally affordable. Ranging from $10.00 to $54.00, anyone can score chic jewelry that supports a good cause. Now, how cool is that?

But wait! People Style Watch is offering 25% off the Cypress bracelet (pictured above) through August 15. Just enter the discount code, PEOPLEMAG, at checkout :)

Read more about the story of 31 Bits at their website.
Wonderfully Made also has a great interview with them.

Magazine Clippings: Kim Kardashian's Cosmo Cover Sweater

Why is Kim Kardashian looking better than ever on the cover of Cosmo's August issue?

... because she's rocking a hot pink sweater from Alternative Apparel, that's why!

The 'Maniac Eco-Fleece Sweatshirt' is made from a combination of recycled polyester and organic cotton. Sure, the actually percentage of these materials being used isn't outstanding (a mere 6.25% of each), but hey, it's a start! And to see it featured on the cover of a popular magazine? I'm digging it.

Plus, it looks crazy comfy. For $44.00, I think I might have to scoop one up... perhaps in black. Pink is just not my color.

Eco Beach Essentials

This past week has been a wonderful vacation here at my parent's shore house in Manahawkin, New Jersey (near Long Beach Island). It's my favorite place to be, hands down. As a kid, I could never get enough of the beach and I don't think I ever will.

So as a full-blown beach bum, I decided to feature my favorite shore-worthy goods (all eco-friendly, of course). So here they are, collage style :)

Bobble Bottle - $9.99: You can't go to the beach without a water bottle! And if it's not re-useable, you will be getting death stares. This one has a cool replaceable filter for a cheap price tag.

Sanuk Rasta Nectar Sandals - $42.00: These super stylish sandals are made of hemp, recycled rubber, and coconut shells (as buttons!). I absolutely adore them.

Loomstate for Target Shorts: These comfy organic cotton shorts are my fave. Sadly, they're not in stores anymore so I really hope Loomstate does another collection for Target *fingers crossed*

LAVANILLA The Healthy Lip Screen - $16.00: My lips always get burnt at the beach. This stuff protects them like no other and has a sweet minty scent. Perfection.

No More Dirty Looks - $12.00: Best eco-beauty handbook ever. Perfect beach read.

Yarok 'Feed Your Volume' Conditioner - $26.00: Yarok is my new obsession. This conditioner transforms my salty hair into luscious locks. No effort required.

What are some of your favorite vacation essentials?

Hope everyone is having a great summer!

What I'm Loving: Yarok Hair Care

I am happy to report that I have found my hair's new best friend. Meet Yarok.

Yarok means 'green' in Hebrew and they certainly live up to the name. The brand is completely vegan and made with sustainably harvested botanicals and essential oils. No icky chemicals in sight.

I first found Yarok on Spirit Beauty Lounge, where I sampled their 'Feed Your Volume' collection. While the shampoo is very nice, their conditioner is what won me over. It's like magic in a bottle, I swear. It made my hair super soft without ever being greasy. Best conditioner ever, hands down.

Yarok really makes switching to safe hair products a no-brainer. They have everything you need, from mousse and hairspray to shine serum and scalp treatments. They work the same, if not better, than conventional products. Point in case: their 'Feed Your Hold' hairspray holds my Snooki poof better than freaking Aqua Net. Jersey Girl approved ;)

Products range from $13-$49 and they are so worth it.

Check out Yarok's website or sample products at Spirit Beauty Lounge.

Eco Spa Trip: Eden Organix

After realizing it had been four months since my last haircut, I decided it was time for some serious pampering. I don't care how busy or broke you are, every girl needs some "me time." (at home pampering is just as good, too!).

So besides the much needed haircut and monthly mani/pedi, I stepped it up a notch and booked a facial at Eden Organix, a local eco-conscious spa and boutique.

Now, I'm certainly no spa guru. In fact, I've only recently discovered what a wonderful privilege they are. But after visiting Massage Envy (a spa chain) with my best friend, Jess, I knew I had to find an eco-friendly version. Cause let's be real here: if I'm going to pay $100 for you to slather products onto my skin, I want to be damn sure that they're from brands I trust and respect.

For example: Massage Envy bragged about how they use Murad products... um, not really something to brag about. Murad claims to be a gentle skincare line and yet their products are loaded with chemicals that suck the life out of your skin. No thanks.

My experience with Eden Organix was wonderful. It's cozy setting made me feel right at home. The waiting room had some great green books (Gorgeously Green, Green Chic) and magazines (Organic Spa Magazine, NJ Health & Beauty), while the front area hosted their boutique.

Eden Organix Boutique in Highland Park, NJ

Lauren was my esthetician and she was amazing. I received the deep cleansing facial, recommended for my acne-prone skin ($100 for 1 hour). Using products from 100% Pure, Juice Beauty, and Pangea Organics, Lauren described the benefits and ingredients of everything used. She answered all of my questions and gave some great tips for fighting acne. I'm thrilled to have found this place. Now if I can only find an eco-friendly nail salon in my area...

If you live in central New Jersey, swing by Eden Organix (located in Highland Park) for some sweet organic bliss. They offer all sorts of facials and massages, as well as make-up applications and waxing (using the best eco products, of course). Check their website for updates on specials and package deals. You can also shop their boutique online.

And if you're not from anywhere around here, I really suggest you find an eco-friendly spa near you (hello, Google). Seriously, your skin will thank you. Just make sure to do your research and read some reviews first. Happy pampering!

Magazine Clippings: Amanda Hearst's 'Feel Good Fashion'

If there's one thing my friends and family all know about me, it's that I'm a full-blown magazine-aholic. My house is bursting at the seams with stacks of them. A trip to the recycling center is long overdue at this point.

Amanda Hearst

I don't know what it is about them, but I just love them. The happiness I feel when I spot a new issue makes me question my sanity. Being a magazine editor, or dare I say, creator, would be a dream come true for me. And if that magazine happens to be eco-friendly? My life would be complete.

I find all sorts of stuff in magazines. Recently, I've been sifting for anything eco-friendly. This is how I came across my new idol, Amanda Hearst.

Amanda is an heiress to the famous Hearst Corporation and is an editor for Marie Claire. Through her articles and blog entries, Amanda is always sharing her top picks in ethical fashion. She has a monthly feature in Marie Claire called "Feel Good Fashion" that I absolutely love (see below).

Check out Amanda's articles in Marie Claire or visit her blog, Amanda's Eye.

And keep checking my blog for more eco-friendly magazine clippings!

A New Step For TOMS

There's nothing I love more than hearing about charitable acts being done throughout the world. And when they're being done by a super cool, popular company? It makes it even sweeter.

Of course, charity has always been the foundation of TOMS, who launched their cult-classic canvas shoe in 2006. They became known for their "One For One" movement, where a pair of shoes would be donated for each one sold. TOMS shoes have been spotted on many famous feet, including Scarlett Johansson, Miley Cyrus, Bradley Cooper, and my favorite gal, Olivia Wilde.

After donating one million pairs of shoes by September 2010, TOMS thought it was time for a new "One For One" endeavor: eyewear.

Now, I'm not really a sunglasses kind of girl, but these are some seriously sexy shades.

So what exactly will buying a pair do? Check it out:

Pretty cool, huh?

Price Range: $135 - $145

Where: TOMS website or Nordstrom

Want more? Watch founder, Blake Mycoskie, talk about the TOMS eyewear project:

Fresh Start!

At last, my new blog is here!

After weeks of obsessing (and thoroughly annoying my boyfriend) over titles, captions, themes, layouts, etc., I have finally made progress! I'm simply thrilled to, once again, give the blogging world a shot. But this time, I promise to give it my all. No more half-assed updates or blogging here and there bullshit. This is gonna be one of the serious blogs, you wait and see.

Seriously, though. Green living is my passion. My goal is to have my blog reflect that passion in the best possible way I can. I want nothing more than to spark a change and teach you guys something new. I hope you stick around and support me. I am nothing without my readers.

So there you have it. My first post. Now go click that subscribe button and show me some love!