Saturday Steal: Volcom Meadow Tank Dress

So in order to motivate myself to blog on a weekly basis, I've been working on some regular features. First up is the Saturday Steal where I will be featuring eco-friendly fashion and beauty items for affordable prices. I really love to promote the idea of being earth conscious on a budget. So first up is a super cute dress by Volcom, made of 65% recycled cotton. With a pretty floral pattern and fitted bodice, this dress is a great lightweight option for spring and summer. And for just $39.50, this is a sweet steal with a conscience.

Available at PacSun online. Check out other V Co. Logical items by Volcom on their website.
And stay tuned for more Saturday Steals!

Affordable Eco: Natural Beauty Finds Under $10 + Money Saving Tips

Whether you're on a budget or not, I'm pretty sure every girl out there loves to find beauty products on the cheap. Seriously, there's nothing better than a great steal. And when it comes to adopting an eco beauty lifestyle, money is definitely a hot topic. So many of my readers have expressed concern about the high cost of natural and organic beauty items. While this is definitely true in a lot of cases, I assure you, there are affordable options out there! I've dedicated this post to helping you ladies stick to both your budgets and a clean beauty routine :)

First, I would like to defend the natural/organic products that do sport high price tags because most of them have every right to charge more. Clean beauty brands generally use high quality ingredients that are both effective and safe. Obviously, high quality = more money. We live in a society where if something's cheap, we ignore questions like what's in it? or where did it come from? I try my very best to shop responsibly and support companies that are honest. When it comes to my personal care routine, I would much rather splurge on something that's full of nourishing ingredients than save money on a bottle of harmful chemicals that make my skin and hair look like crap. What's really silly is the fact that many women splurge on "luxury" brands like Chanel or Nars that contain the very same garbage as their cheap counterparts! I understand that not everyone can afford top notch organic beauty (I know I can't!). But if you do choose to splurge, just make sure your money is going to something that's truly worth it.

Okay! Now that I got that out of the way, here are some natural picks that are all under ten bucks. See, I wasn't lying. They do exist!

Jane Iredale Lip Crayon - $10.00
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer - $8.79
Whole Truth Solutions Bath Bar Raw - $6.50
Acure Calming Body Lotion - $9.99
Tarte Lash Hugger Eco-Friendly Mascara - $10.00 (originally $18.00)
Everyday Minerals Blush in Like Lady Bird Lake - $5.99
Sula Natural Eye Shadow in I'm In Heaven - $8.00
Love&Toast Daily Shampoo - $9.99

Before you go, I also want to leave you with a few money saving tips. My goal is to help you realize that it's definitely possible to be an eco beauty without breaking the bank.

Tip #1: Sample, sample, sample! Nothing's worse than spending money on a truly awful product. Most natural beauty brands are happy to give out samples so you can find your right shade or formula. Spirit Beauty Lounge is amazing for this. You can order a custom package of trial sizes for $25 and as always, they send you free samples with every purchase. Want to test out stuff in person? Go to your local Whole Foods Body to sample in store. They also have sample packets to take home and try out. Another good idea: be familiar with return policies to ensure extra safe shopping.

Tip #2: Invest in a multi-purpose plant oil. Argan, coconut, and jojoba are all really great options. You can use these to moisturize your face and body, remove make-up, soften cuticles, tame frizzy hair     the possibilities are endless! Try to shop for multi-purpose products in general. Lip to cheek colors, shower & shaves, 2-in-1 shampoos, etc. Less items = less money spent.

Tip #3: The ladies at No More Dirty Looks really opened my eyes to this concept: don't splurge on things that you wash right off. Why spend money on powerful active ingredients and then watch them go right down the drain? Save your money for the stuff that stays on your skin. That way, the ingredients will actually have a chance to sink in and do their job. Examples: I use a cheap Burt's Bees shampoo but then treat my locks with a great leave-in conditioner by Intelligent Nutrients. I wash my body with a simple $3 bar of soap but use the best natural deodorant out there.

Tip #4: Don't you dare buy a sugar scrub. Easiest thing in the world to make! 2 parts raw sugar to 1 part plant oil. Done. Other easy items to make? Lip balm, facial toner, sea salt spray for hair. You don't have to be a chemist to make these things at home. Plus, they make great gifts and it's a neat little hobby to get into.

Tip #5: With natural beauty, less is always more. The cosmetic industry has brainwashed us into thinking that we need a product for every little flaw and that's just bogus. Stick to the necessities, don't slather on every cream and lotion on the planet. Heck, go a day without make-up and let your skin breathe! And if you're feeling extra brave, maybe experiment with movements like no-poo (aka not shampooing). Our bodies are very capable of balancing things out and keeping everything in check     we just need to give it a chance! Once again, less items = money saved.

Tip #6: I know this is cliche and you're probably sick of hearing it but there's no product that can do the job of a healthy diet. If you approach issues such as acne or dull hair from the inside out, you'll discover that you won't need as many products. Drink tons of water, take omega supplements and vitamins, eat your veggies, exercise and I swear you'll feel gorgeous.

H&M's Conscious Collection: Spring 2012

It's just about here! H&M's widely popular Conscious Collection has been set to debut on April 12. This time, the line will feature red carpet ready looks in vibrant colors made of organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. Amanda Seyfried, Kristin Davis, and Michelle Williams have already been spotted wearing the collection. Here are a few of my favorite pieces. I especially love the first dress.

Check out the rest of the looks here at Teen Vogue's site.

Affordable Eco: Organic Cotton T-Shirts by Zara

An organic item of clothing for under twenty bucks?! It's practically unheard of. That's why Zara's organic cotton tees are usually sold out before you even realize they're available. But after constantly stalking their website, I'm happy to announce that there are some that are up for grabs! The colors are perfect for spring.

Solids are only $14.90 while the striped ones go for $16.90. You can't get any better than that. Of course, I am a little bummed that the mint green is no longer, but one can only hope that it'll return again.

What I'm Loving: Valentine's Day Dresses by Annie Greenabelle

Now, I'm usually no fan of pink (just ask my pink-obsessed best friend, Jess). But these dresses by Annie Greenabelle have me seriously reconsidering the super girlie hue. Just in time for Valentine's Day, these organic cotton dresses are absolutely lovely. Best of all, they won't break the bank. All three pictured below are no more than $60.

Check out the rest of Annie Greenbelle's holiday attire here.
And stay tuned for more eco-friendly Valentine's Day ideas!

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.

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).

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 :)