Home
About
The List
Fashion
Products
Travel
Dining & Wine
Hospitality
The Home
Architecture
Automotive
The Profiles
Current Profiles
Winter 2012
Summer 2012
Winter 2011
Summer 2011
Winter 2010
Summer 2010
Winter 2009
Summer 2009
Winter 2008
Be The Change
The News
Current News
Winter 2012
Summer 2012
Winter 2011
Summer 2011
Winter 2010
Summer 2010
Winter 2009
Summer 2009
Winter 2008
Contact
Products
WATCH HUNGER STOP
Talk about a Mother's Day gift that makes a difference. Here you go... With a watch by Michael Kors, you can help do just that and place food in the mouths of children going hungry everyday around the world, including the United States!!!!
MIchael Kors and Halle Berry have teamed up with the United Nations World Food Programme to help bring World Hunger to an END! With the purchase of a watch at the tune of $295.00, $25.00 will go to "WATCH HUNGER STOP" Campaign, launched by the United Nations World Food Programme. Each watch sold will help to feed 100 children. To purchase, visit www.michaelkors.com.
“Statistics show that women play a crucial role in defeating hunger,” Berry said. “WFP is especially focused on providing assistance to women because, as mothers, teachers and entrepreneurs, they will improve the future for their families and communities. It’s an effort I’m eager to be a part of because I’m certain we can make a real and substantial difference in the lives of people in need.”
To learn more about this WATCH HUNGER STOP initiative, please visit www.WFP.org
Reference: www.WFP.org
Photos Courtesy of www.WFP.org and www.MichaelKors.com
Article by Birungi Ives
Kiehl's Earth Week
Kiehl's is joining forces with Recycle Across America to make Earth Week 2012 a major success. The luxe skincare and haircare brand is donating $100,000 to Recylce Across America, and you can help contribute!
Beginning this month of April, be on the look out for limited edition Kiehl's products that feature Earth-inspired designs! Kiehl's is even getting help from their celebrity friends. In order to help promote Recycle Across America initiatives, celebs like Florence and the Machine, Rosario Dawson, Spike Lee, and Mark Ruffalo have lended their support. 100% of net proceeds from the Earth Day campaign will benefit Recycle Across America
The goal of Recylce Across America is to help America reach recycling levels of 75% or more. This would be the equivalent of removing 50-million cars from the roads, according to the EPA.
"Recycle Across America is the ideal partner for Kiehl’s 2012 Earth Day campaign. Their mission to introduce solutions that make recycling more simple, comprehensive and effective in the United States is perfectly aligned with our Recycle & Be Rewarded program. Since 2009, Kiehl’s has collected 500,000 empty Kiehl’s bottles from our shoppers and recycled them on their behalf, while also rewarding them with free products. It’s proven that by simplifying the process, we can truly create change,” said Chris Salgardo, President, Kiehl’s USA.
The 2012 artwork will be featured on The Limited Edition Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque. A product that is perfect for men and women. Yes, you can help your pores and the planet!
And if buying beauty products isn't your speed, you can always EAT, my favorite thing to do FYI! Go to Chipotle and purchase their branded reusable lunch bag between now and April 14 and the fast-food chain will put a free burrito in it for Earth Day. The bags will have a barcode-stamped tree-free card you can redeem for a free menu item on April 22. Profits from the lunch bags will go to the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, which funds initiatives that assist sustainable agriculture, family farming, and culinary education.
From the biggest of cities to the smallest of towns, there are many ways to get involved with Earth Day 2012. Do your part, and I will do mine by stuffing my fat face at Chipotle while wearing a Kiehl's Pore Masque. Just don't take any pics; that would not be a cute snapshot lol!
Picture courtesy of product-girl.com
Article By Jared Johnson
Fur Real?
Have you ever seen those black and white movies, the ones with the stuck up rich ladies with a fox pelt draped around their neck? Funny how the image of glamour and wealth can change over the years. Don't get me wrong fur is still seen as a trend and who doesn't love cuddling up in something as soft and furry as our lovable feline friends? But in this new age we have the wonderful option of faux furs! We can still achieve the same look and soft texture without harming our furry friends!!
But how can we tell the difference, and doesn't faux fur look cheap and fake? No way!
take a look at this:
Take a guess…which of these vests are real fur and faux fur…
give up? They're ALL faux fur!! The only true way to tell is by separating the hairs on the garment, if a weft is visible you've got yourself a fabulous faux fur!
so as you can clearly see, faux is fantastic! By purchasing faux you're not only saving animals, you're saving cash too. Real furs tend to be pretty pricey and you're not just paying for the coat. From pelt production, to dressing, design and manufacturing, every stage in the production of a fur coat is labor-intensive and pricey in the production itself. so why not save a life and some cash?
On a personal note I received a wonderful black faux throw for my bed many years ago as a gift. From time to time i found one of my cats, Sasha, kneading, cleaning and sleeping on it, as if it were her mother. To this day my family always knows where they can find her, sleeping on my faux throw.
we now refer to it as "Sasha's Blankie" even as I am typing this she slumbers next to me on her blanket, purring away. This is proof enough that if a cat can love and snuggle up to a faux fur mother, there is no need for real fur blankets or coats. besides the only fur I need is sleeping soundly right next to me.
Artwork and Article By Rachel Simone Lappe'
Images from Family Circle Magazine
To sign the "Fur-Free Pledge" click Here
To learn more about the animals used for fur and the fur industry click Here
for other tips on determining faux from real please click Here
A New, Effective, and Fun Way to Do Laundry
What’s the newest, cleanest, and greenest way to do your laundry? Using the super wash ball of course! This new invention is fresh out of South Korea and made by Biocera Co. LTD. With the new super wash ball, people can now enjoy fresher, cleaner laundry while having environmental benefits as well.
Many people do not know that there are many chemicals in detergents that often do not leave our clothes when we put then through the wash. Additionally, many of these chemicals are pollutants, which are not good for neither our clothes nor our bodies.
Thus, the super wash ball increases hygienic and eco-friendly effects because it eliminates bacteria and mould in the washer. The balls attract dirt to them in order to leave them spotless. The super wash ball is so effective because it uses both patent water technology and natural patent ceramic technology to raise pH levels. The ball also lasts up to 1,100 one-hour washing cycles, equivalent to two or three years worth of washing.
Overall, the super wash ball is great because it saves time, energy, and money. If you’re interested Click Here for more information or to order one today!
Article By Alexis Myers
Green Gals
We all know that going green and reducing our carbon footprint is all the rage these days. We see it in high-end fashion magazines, TV commercials and even in the books we read and the movies we watch. But unlike most things we see and read in media, going green isn’t a fad. It’s a lifestyle.
Going green seems expensive doesn’t it? As a college student, it sure does! But don’t fret; there are many ways to live the green life without spending loads of green!
Being a young girl in college I’ve noticed most of my free money goes towards makeup and clothes. (Shocking, I know.) But recently I’ve stumbled upon a great little cosmetics line that’s inexpensive, has all natural ingredients, and comes in 100% recyclable packaging!
“geoGIRL” is a great new makeup and skincare line only available at Wal-Mart and drugstore.com! Now I know what you’re thinking, “this is for teens!” It’s not just for teens! “geoGIRL” is marketed to young women of all shapes and sizes. This line even has anti-aging products! “geoGIRL” currently offers 69 different products, everything from lipsticks, lash tints, and body mists. This line has also been featured in magazines such as “Life & Style”, “Family Circle”, and “Marie Claire”. “geoGIRL” prides themselves on using natural ingredients such as lavender and chamomile, and never includes Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, Propylene glycol, PABA, DEA, Petrolatum, Paraffin, Synthetic Fragrance, Synthetic Color (in Skincare), Carmine (crushed beetles) & Animal Ingredients (except cruelty-free honey, lanolin & beeswax). To top it all off with each purchase “geoGIRL” donates part of their profits to Animal Shelters and Endangered Wildlife funds. Product prices vary from $3.99 – $5.99. Hey, that beats buying a tube of Revlon lipstick for $8.00!
Article by Rachel Simone Lappe
Photos Courtesy of geoGIRL.com
Seeds for the Future
It is a common belief that if you train a child in the way he or she should go, that when they are older, they will not turn from it. Levi strongly believes in this way of thinking, and is doing everything to grow good habits in children.
Levi has launched a limited edition T-shirt line to benefit Edible Schoolyard. Edible Schoolyard is a nonprofit organization that involves students to create and sustain an organic garden and landscape that is wholly integrated into the school’s curriculum, culture, and food program. The limited edition tees were designed by Hollywood Filmmaker Sofia Coppola, musician David Byrne, author Dave Eggers, and Alice Waters, the creator of Edible Schoolyard.
The shirts are made from 100% organic cotton, but there is a twist! Inside each tag there are organic seeds. All the kids have to do is moisten the handmade paper tag, and plant the tag under the surface of some soil in a sunny spot. The organic herb seeds will grow almost anywhere, according to Levi. Just make sure to water the tag regularly. But this isn’t just eco-friendly fashion for kids. Anyone who wants to participate, support a good cause, or have a cool new tshirt, can participate . Visit this link right here to order your shirt now! The shirts only cost $30.00 and they are super cute. Now where is my Visa card?! I need to order some ASAP before it is officially time to wear Fall Fashions.
Article by Jared Johnson
Photos Courtesy of Levi.com
Vanity and Virtue Finally Come Together
Looking good and doing good has just gotten easier, thanks to Clarins. The cosmetic company has partnered with FEED Projects, to help feed and provide professional life training for women. For each kit that is sold, Clarins and FEED Projects help ten women through the "Food for Work program."
The goal of FEED Projects is to create good products that help feed the world. By partnering with major companies, like Clarins, the organization is able to build in a set donation price in each FEED item that contributes to its causes. Also, all products are environmentally-friendly and use artisan-made materials, along with fair-labor production.
The cosmetics bags are sold exclusively at http://www.colette.fr/. The bags are made out of burlap and will include items such as: beauty flash balm, éclat minute for lips, and a one-step gentle exfoliating cleanser. There’s more than one makeup kit, so it is up to you to pick the one that fits your style and beauty choices. But no matter which one you purchase, you can feel good about putting your best face forward, and lending a helping hand to women making progress.
Article by Jared Johnson
Photo Courtesy of www.colette.fr
Photo Courtesy of www.feedprojects.org
The FEED 2 Kenya Bag
"Each FEED 2 Kenya bag is handcrafted in Kenya by a co-op of women and deaf Kenyans and includes a $100 donation to the United Nations World Food Programme's School Feeding operations in Kenya. Therefore, not only does this purchase support women and deaf Kenyan artisans, but the donation provides nutritious school meals to two Kenyan children for one year. The WFP school feeding program in Kenya is a needed support for a nation that is now dealing with a food crisis leaving 10 million Kenyans at risk of hunger.
(At $195.00,) The FEED 2 Kenya bag measures at approximately 14.5 inches tall, and 13.5 inches wide, with 6 inch handles and a messenger strap. Each bag is hand-beaded using traditional techniques and is made with natural burlap and the iconic Kenyan Masai tribal fabric. Leather handles and shoulder strap make this the most luxurious FEED bag yet!" Visit www.feedprojects.org for more empowering gift ideas!
Photo Courtesy of www.urbanzen.org
In collaboration with Donna Karan's Urban Zen Foundation, the Feed Foundation hosted the FEED-Raiser and Market Holiday Cocktail Party on December 14, 2010 at the Urban Zen Center at 711 Greenwich Street in NYC.
Each year the FEED Foundation and FEED Projects, host a holiday FEED-Raiser & Market. This event raises money to provide essential school meals for children around the world. It also gives guests the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts of FEED products and a wide range of artisan goods that have been specially selected for their far-reaching philanthropic and humanitarian capacities.
Proceeds from the 2010 event benefited children in Haiti through the FEED Foundation’s FEED Haiti Fund, Gilt City, and Urban Zen’s Hope Help Relief Haiti initiative.
The FEED Foundation is a non-profit organization with the mission to raise money and awareness in order to FEED the world in a sustainable manner. The FEED Foundation supports programs such as international school feeding, healthier school lunches in the US, and local purchasing of food aid from small farmers in the developing world. The FEED Haiti Fund was launched the day after the devastating earthquake and continues to raise funds for schools feeding back into Haiti’s schools so children can rebuild their lives.
Urban Zen community ambassador Lauren Bush co-founded FEED Projects with Ellen Gustafson. The foundation is a charitable company with the mission of creating good products that FEED the world. To date, "FEED Bags" have provided funding for over 55 million school meals for children around the world through the United Nations World Food Programme." Please click on the photo above to learn more. To see more upcoming events, please click here.
Reference: www.feedprojects.org and www.urbanzen.org
Green Gifts, The Gifts that Keep on Giving All Year Round
Vers 1E Earphones
$49.95
Blocking 90% of surrounding noise, these earphones are a beautiful addition to the your iPad and iPhone or any device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Vers Shellcase for the iPad
$79.95
Along with protecting your iPad, this case also helps to protect our environment.
Vers Shellcase for iPhone
$39.95
Why not a matching case for your iPhone?
Made out of rapidly renewable bamboo and hand crafted, these are the perfect gift for a positive global impact. So visit the Green Depot for these and more gift ideas at www.greendepot.com .
Reference: www.greendepot.com
Green Stripe
I saw these in Elle Decor and thought that these would make beautiful gifts. Online at www.gretelhome.com , I learned more...
"Made by rolling paper bands together in a tight spiral the Stripe paper bowls were designed by Takumi Shimamura and are crafted to perfection. Hand-made from 100% recycled paper in Japan the bowls are finished with a water-resistant coating that makes them remarkably durable. Great displayed as a group the Stripe bowls also stack beautifully." Price range, $94.00 - $170.00.
Reference: www.gretelhome.com
Stray Dog Designs
Haiti was recently hit by another hurricane. Mexico is also no exception to natural disasters either. Well one of the best ways to help is to put the power of money in the hands that need it most. At Stray Dog Designs, you can purchase beautiful items for the home as well as help local artisans from various countries, including Haiti and Mexico.
Founded by Bill Pritchard and Jane Gray, this company was inspired by their stray dog, La Princessa. Although La Princessa is long past, Stray Dog Designs lives on! All items are designed by Jane Gray. All pieces are handmade by artisans and workers in sustainable jobs. The pieces are assembled right here in the United States.The products I love the most are the white paper maiche pieces. Handmade my artisians from Haiti and Mexico, these pieces bring a very modern whimsical feel to your space.
To learn more about this company and the wonderful story behind it, please visit, www.straydogdesigns.com !
Reference: www.straydogdesigns.com
Photos courtesy of www.straydogdesigns.com
Inspired Mother's Dream Takes Flight
Half French and Half English with a foundation in Visual Merchandising, Eliane Thurston runs her own Etsy shop called Petit Oiseau, www.etsy.com/shop/mybirdy. Made with repurposed objects and materials, Eliane creates beautiful pieces of art to decorate your home or nursery.
Eliane also sells her pieces at local markets in England. Inspired by her daughter, Amelie Rose, Eliane looks forward to more success in the future.
Questioning the Beauty in Beauty Care
Tata Harper
Not too long ago, I attended a beauty seminar for Tata Harper Skincare, www.tataharperskincare.com, in Tribeca, New York. I was told about it by an amazing friend and woman, Maria Boren. Dynamic and beautiful, I was taken in by her description of a new skincare line that was developed by an innovative mother looking for something better. And when she did not find it, she created it! Just like myself, hearing the call to raise the bar! I was definitely intrigued!
So after a dream session in Bergdorf Goodmans, trying on dresses by Roland Mouret, Marc Jacobs, Victoria Beckham, Alexander McQueen, Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta and more, I jumped in a taxi and headed to Tribeca. Now I had the taxi drop me off right in front of the provided address. All I saw was a dark deserted street in an area that looked like it was once filled with bustling factories. Well this was no factory, it was a beautiful loft apartment building. Not knowing what number to press on the call pad next to the door, I called the contact number that Maria gave me, with no avail. Then I called Maria, without success! Heck!! How was I going to get in? The desolate street was getting creepier by the moment! I checked my text messages once more and there was the apartment number! YES!! Before stepping in, I got a closer look at the front door! Although the building was old, the door looked brand new, in a warm chestnut stain. The hardware was in a brushed stainless steel finish, very modern! I walked into the entrance hall and you could smell the new paint that was lit in a welcoming glow of soft light! I entered the elevator and pressed the apartment number. As the doors closed, I heard the Black Eyed Peas in my head, AGAIN, “I gotta feeling, that tonight’s gonna be a good night….”! Let me tell you it was!!
The doors opened directly to the gorgeous Tribeca Loft. I saw an Eero Saarinen table, Arne Jacobsen Egg chairs in the Bedroom, exposed brick walls and beauty at every turn (and I don’t just mean the furniture)! The room was filled with beautifully poised women. Gorgeous Hors D’oeuvres were being served and sumptuous wines were being poured. A very sophisticated break from motherhood! I love my son, but we all need a break from time to time! And this was my chance to make the most of one!
Stacy Malkan
Focusing on the moment, I was here to learn more about Tata Harper Skincare. One of the events on the agenda was a webinar with Stacy Malkan, Co-founder of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and author of “Not Just a Pretty Face”. “Not Just A Pretty Face” is a book that delves into the “UGLY side” of the Cosmetic Industry. Following was an introduction to SKIN DEEP, the Environmental Working Group Cosmetic Safety Database, www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. According to Nneka Leiba, a environmental health researcher for the Cosmetic Safety Database, this website rates the toxicity of cosmetic products on a scale of 0 -10: 0 to 2 is “green”, a low hazard; above 7 is pretty high and if a product isn’t on our site, you can type in the ingredients and how its used (say, “rubbed in”) and the site generates a score, (The Good Guys by Amanda Robb, O Magazine, April 2009). To finish the beauty seminar was a sampling of Tata Harper Skincare with complimentary facials.
The night was definitely a GOOD NIGHT! It ended with Chinese and Cocktails at a gorgeous restaurant in midtown. But I was left with a clearer understanding of the CHANGE on the horizon and the beautiful women armed with intellect and information right at the front lines!
Paper Hearts
Photo Courtesy of www.wileyvalentine.com
Wiley Valentine is a stationary company after my own heart! After learning that the owners Emily and Rachelle are graphic designers with a commitment to sustainability, I took a look at their site and learned more! Not only is the stationary beyond gorgeous, its either 100% recycled PSC or 100% cotton. As for the site, First impressions…..Beautiful! Second impression…..Glamorous! Final impression….Stunning! I looked at all their stationary and I could not choose a favorite! So, I picked to show you the one that jumped out at me at first glance! If you take a closer look, can you see the date? Well March 7th 1975 is my birthday. So I thought this was the obvious one to display! For more to view, visit www.wileyvalentine.com !
PULL THE WOOL OVER MY EYES….PLEASE!!!!!
Um Tote by Josh Jakus
I must admit that this bag makes me emotional. If you have ever had an out of body experience in a store, you would understand. I remember when my girlfriends, Tricia, Olympia and I were on Sloan Street in London. We three walked into GUCCI, and I tell you NIRVANA took over the three of us! I literally fell in love with a bag, a bag I tell you!! And my girlfriend Tricia and I proudly walked out together with the same bag in tow!! The bag was so hot, we both could not say NO! And considering I was to be living in Florida and she in Virginia, it was OK that we shared the same bag (And ladies you know what I am saying!). I feel equally excited about Josh Jakus and his pieces made of wool, a sustainable and renewable material. Stylish, Sophisticated and Eco-Friendly! For more information on his collection, visit www.joshjakus.com !
Recycled Glamour
A small gold satchel is the perfect accessory for date night or an evening out with the girls!! Glamorous, sophisticated and FUN!! But look closer….are those ring pulls I see?
From the Fenchurch Loves Bottletop Ring Pull collection, this gold satchel, amongst other pieces in the collection, was designed by Cameron Saul and made by a community group of 24 people in Salvador, Brazil. With established roots in the fashion industry by having a father that founded the famous fashion house MULBERRY, Cameron Saul designed a stylish accessory that is both eco-friendly and contributes to community empowerment. Through fashion and music, Fenchurch Loves Bottletop supports small educational initiatives that focus on sexual and reproductive health all over the world. Bottletop carries ethical accessories for both men and women. Bottletop also offers CDs of both Brazilian and African music. To learn more about Bottletop, visit www.bottletop.org!
Photo courtesy of www.bottletop.org
ECO Cycles
Fendi Abici Amante Donna Bicycle
The beautiful stitch work….. Buttery supple leather of the highest quality… The unrivaled balanced blend of colour and texture with a heightened attention to detail…. A piece that would be coveted by anyone with a discerning eye for style and taste.
Now you would think I would be describing the latest HOT bag by Louis Vuitton or the newest Gucci boot from their Fall/Winter 2009 line, but NO! It’s a BIKE!!! But not just any bicycle, this bicycle is by FENDI!
Genevieve Jones and Zac Posen
Yes, People….FENDI! And no, this is not the huffy from your youth that you would throw down on the ground outside the local convenience store. That would be an act deemed worthy punishable by death or worse….maybe 150 years in prison!
Like the Hermes Birkin Bag, this vision of haute couture on wheels should never leave your side! So if you would like to forego the Bentley coupe for an eco friendly cycle to the local farmers market, this is the eco chic mode of transportation for the Green and Glamorous. And yes this may cost as much as a first class trip around the world, but think of the CO2 emissions you are saving! Instead of burning petroleum, you are burning calories. So not only will this look good on you, you will look good on this bike. But I think I would give the fur covered satchels a miss!!!
GE’s Energy Smart Compact Florescent Light Bulb - A Light Bulb with a Facelift
Photo courtesy of GE.
You are in the store looking for a light bulb. You come to the array of options that range from incandescent and compact florescent to soft white and daylight. You want to be eco-friendly and buy the CFL bulb, but ask yourself, “Why does it have to look so UGLY?”! Well here is the answer to your eco-conscious designing dilemma, the GE’s Energy Smart Compact Florescent light bulb! It looks like an incandescent but acts like the energy saving CFL bulb. And that is because it is! This CFL bulb has had a face makeover that coincides with decadent décor. No more waiting for a light bulb moment! Your choice is clear and chic!
Please refer to www.gelighting.com for further details.
Reference: www.ge.com/products_ of http://www.services/lighting.html
Global Warming Rug
Photo courtesy of www.nel.com.mx
I love this rug. Made of 100% New Zealand Wool, this rug was designed by a Mexican design collective called NEL colectivo. NEL colectivo was founded in 2004 in order to “focus on the conceptual and playful side of design”. Similar to many other traditional woven textiles, this rug tells a story, a story about the effects of global warming on our environment. Not only is this rug beautiful, it is a reminder that everything we do to counteract global warming is a step towards preventing the potential end that is depicted by this rug! For further information please refer to www.nanimarquina.com and www.nel.com.mx .
"It's Vintage"
Photo provided courtesy of Ideal Bite
How many times do you hear celebrities on the red carpet say “It’s Vintage”, when asked what designer they are wearing? Vintage is Hot! And now September Scott Designs provides us with beautiful bags made of vintage fabrics. The use of vintage fabrics not only enhances the beauty of the product, but also eliminates the need of manufacturing new fabric, which is always helpful for the environment. So with “three snaps in GREEN formation, this one is my favorite! For a look at the full collection, please visit www.septemberscottdesigns.com!
Reference: www.idealbite.com
Green and Sleek
One of my issues with recycling is that the bins and beautiful design aesthetics did not usually go hand in hand, until now! Introducing the Mode All in One Recycling Center! It not only helps you to help the environment, it also allows you to do so in style. Sleek, Clean and Green, this beautifully organized recycling center stores, sorts and compacts paper, plastic, glass and metal. Measuring 30”h x 15”w x 17” d, this all in one can fit conveniently in most kitchens. But I would not want it tucked away under the sink. It looks too good for that! This recycling center should be given its due by being placed front and center. For further information on this product, please visit www.modeproducts.com.
Photos courtesy of modeproducts.com