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| Lovely Feather Tote by Evakatharina on Etsy |
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| Feather Print Tote by Holly Trill on Etsy |
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| Feather Necklace Tote by A Ray of Sunshine on Etsy |
Showing posts with label Eco-Chic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eco-Chic. Show all posts
Lovely Reusable Feather Totes
Dan Eldon + Toms Shoes = Heartbreakingly Amazing
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| a sample of Dan Eldon's amazing work |
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| Dan Eldon's amazing journals |
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| That is the ACTUAL thumbprint of Dan Eldon. Wow. |
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| "Journey is The Destination" written all over the shoe. A Dan Eldon quote. |
About 10 years ago I stumbled upon a gorgeous collection of scrapbook style art from artist and photojournalist Dan Eldon. His work fascinated me on many levels. I had always loved that messy style of scrapbooking and combining art techniques. I loved his use of painting, photography, drawing and found art all together in one. He created these amazing journals of his travels and opening one was like taking a journey yourself. They were heartbreaking in their beauty and emotionally strong in their ability to show you the world. Dan Eldon was killed during a protest in Mogadishu.
I have a few of his books (art books) and have given them as heartfelt gifts to many. His work lives on via his family on this amazing website http://daneldon.com/ and as I just discovered through my new favorite shoe company Toms Shoes. I was gifted a pair for Christmas and they are my new favorite! The story behind the line is simple, they make amazing shoes, stylish and comfortable, and for each pair you purchase a pair is purchase for a child in need of shoes. What could be better than that!
You can imagine my smile when I stumbled across this bit of information on the Toms Shoes website while I was checking out their kids line for Juliette (which is adorable by the way). Take a moment to see this line inspired my the spirited life of Dan Eldon. His work is amazing and these shoes are a great tribute to his life and passions. You simply must check them out.
My eyes are tearing just thinking about how proud he would be to be apart of a company that donated a pair of shoes for each one purchased. I think I might need a new pair...
wow.
(Images of Dan Eldon's work straight from http://daneldon.com and shoe pictures are fromhttp://www.toms.com)
Shop it Green: Steals & Deals Edition!
In the whirlwind of a weekend of shopping, I've been staying pretty low key. I stocked up on a few organic goodies at Drugstore.com who had a 15% off site wide sale, I picked up a few stocking stuffers and a few Mrs.Meyer's Lavender candles for our home. Anyway...
In an issue of InStyle Magazine I have discovered tons and tons of coupon codes for amazing deals including percentages off and free shippings. I thought I just must share them here! I am not sure of each codes expiration, so forgive me if they don't work. Here they are (including lots of eco-friendly options)
Castorandpolluxstore.com - code: instyle10 (20% off)
Shop.moxsie.com - code: instyle15 (15% off)
*Check out their 'Eco-Shop' full of lovely eco-friendly jewelry, makes for the perfect gift!
Bodenusa.com - code: st20 (20% off)
*Includes darling clothes for babies, kids and great picks for Men & Women!
Lulus.com - code:instyle (20% off)
*They've got the coziest looking infinity scarves in great colors
Greenwithglamour.com - code: instyle20 (20% off)
*Including the most precious handsewn stuffed animals that you must pick up for the babies in your life!
AlexandAni.com (I've blogged about them here on Urban Branches, check it out) - code: instyle (20% off)
*A must for the gals in your life, crafted of eco-friendly materials!
Ecoconsciousmarket.com - code: instyle20 (20% off)
*The one stop shop for everyone on your list, score eco-conscious radios, baby clothes, art, skincare and clothes for men & women
Tobi.com - code: tobi20style (20% off)
*Click on their eco-tobi link on the main page for eco-finds such as Alternative Apparel, Juice Beauty, Envirosax, Korres, Ren, Matt & Nat and much much more
Beautorium.com - code: instyle (20% off)
*Fill your cart with Weleda, John Masters Organics, Suki, Dr.Hauschka, Trilogy for Men and lots more
Skincarebylana.com - code: instyle (20% off)
Upurea.com - code: instyle20 (20% off plus a free gift)
*Score non-toxic nail polish!
Threepotatofourshop.com - code: instyle3p4 (free gift with purchase)
*I love this site for their flea market finds!
Pure-habitat.com - code: instyle2010 (20% off and free shipping on orders above $100)
*Check your list and pick up some organic, fair-trade and cruelty-free goodies for all those on your list)
Froghollow.com - code: instyle15 (15% off)
*Give the gift of organic fruit, what better! Includes 25 varieties including peaches, cherries and nectarines that are send directly from the farm.
Polarnopyretusa.com - code: stylepop (20% off non-sale items)
*The coolest of the cool clothes for babies and kiddos, and they've got an eco section to boot!
And don't forget to stop by PureandLittle on Monday for a 50% off site wide sale! Pick up lots of organic and natural goodies for your purest baby.
What are you waiting for, get to shopping! Oh and to keep it extra earth friendly, shop with a friend of relative, and save on shipping fuel! (and you can share the cost too, score!)
In an issue of InStyle Magazine I have discovered tons and tons of coupon codes for amazing deals including percentages off and free shippings. I thought I just must share them here! I am not sure of each codes expiration, so forgive me if they don't work. Here they are (including lots of eco-friendly options)
Castorandpolluxstore.com - code: instyle10 (20% off)
Shop.moxsie.com - code: instyle15 (15% off)
*Check out their 'Eco-Shop' full of lovely eco-friendly jewelry, makes for the perfect gift!
Bodenusa.com - code: st20 (20% off)
*Includes darling clothes for babies, kids and great picks for Men & Women!
Lulus.com - code:instyle (20% off)
*They've got the coziest looking infinity scarves in great colors
Greenwithglamour.com - code: instyle20 (20% off)
*Including the most precious handsewn stuffed animals that you must pick up for the babies in your life!
AlexandAni.com (I've blogged about them here on Urban Branches, check it out) - code: instyle (20% off)
*A must for the gals in your life, crafted of eco-friendly materials!
Ecoconsciousmarket.com - code: instyle20 (20% off)
*The one stop shop for everyone on your list, score eco-conscious radios, baby clothes, art, skincare and clothes for men & women
Tobi.com - code: tobi20style (20% off)
*Click on their eco-tobi link on the main page for eco-finds such as Alternative Apparel, Juice Beauty, Envirosax, Korres, Ren, Matt & Nat and much much more
Beautorium.com - code: instyle (20% off)
*Fill your cart with Weleda, John Masters Organics, Suki, Dr.Hauschka, Trilogy for Men and lots more
Skincarebylana.com - code: instyle (20% off)
Upurea.com - code: instyle20 (20% off plus a free gift)
*Score non-toxic nail polish!
Threepotatofourshop.com - code: instyle3p4 (free gift with purchase)
*I love this site for their flea market finds!
Pure-habitat.com - code: instyle2010 (20% off and free shipping on orders above $100)
*Check your list and pick up some organic, fair-trade and cruelty-free goodies for all those on your list)
Froghollow.com - code: instyle15 (15% off)
*Give the gift of organic fruit, what better! Includes 25 varieties including peaches, cherries and nectarines that are send directly from the farm.
Polarnopyretusa.com - code: stylepop (20% off non-sale items)
*The coolest of the cool clothes for babies and kiddos, and they've got an eco section to boot!
And don't forget to stop by PureandLittle on Monday for a 50% off site wide sale! Pick up lots of organic and natural goodies for your purest baby.
What are you waiting for, get to shopping! Oh and to keep it extra earth friendly, shop with a friend of relative, and save on shipping fuel! (and you can share the cost too, score!)
DIY //Between the Lines\\
I came across the most amazing, innovative and cool DIY site that you simply MUST check out! Click here to go straight to Between the Lines for tutorials on such awesome things as DIY heart garlands, ornaments and a denim and leather tote I am desperate to make myself!
They've got tons of great earth lovin' DIY projects all of us (yes, even you) can do. Check out a few of my favorite here:
Quick Fix Grocery Bag
Instructions:
1. Take an ironed adult size T-shirt, right side out. (You could use a kid's T-shirt for a smaller sized bag).
2. Fold it in half as shown in picture 2.
3. Cut off the sleeves as shown in picture 3 and put them aside as you'll need them later to make a little pouch.
4. Cut around the neck-line as shown in picture 4.
5. Sew the bottom of the shirt closed using a French seam. If you're not familiar with the French seam check out this post. (Basically, you sew the hem closed on the right side, turn the bag inside out and sew another seam, sandwiching the first seam inside). Next, sew boxed corners, as explained here, in step 1. You could iron everything flat now, if you like.
6. Place the bag in front of you on a flat surface. Starting from the bottom, fold over the bag as shown in picture 6, about 2 1/2 inch, that is.
7. Now, starting about 3 inches from the side, with your scissors make 1/2 an inch to 3/4 of an inch cuts through all layers, leaving about 1 1/8 inch between every cut. Continue like this all the way to the other side and stop about 3 inches from the side seam.
8. Next, fold it over some more (an additional 2 to 2 1/2 inch) and repeat the cutting, but now right in between two cuts from the previous line, as shown in picture 8.
9. Go on like this a couple more times, depending on the size of your bag - I did 5 rows in total.
DIY: Colorful Wire Clothes Hanger
We're still in summer mode here, though for K. today is the last day of his summer vacation, unfortunately. This year's summer vacation has been very relaxing - Carpe Diem (seize the day) has been our motto. We've been doing plenty of things but only because we wanted to. And today I really wanted to do something crafty! So I did. It took me a while before I came up with something, though. I made a big mess as I kept pulling things out. But then eventually pieces fell into place when I found a wire clothes hanger (check out this article if you'd like to find out more about the origin ofthe wire clothes hanger - the drawings are great!).
The result of my crafty afternoon is this enhanced, colorful wire clothes hanger... with a short description in 16 photographs. Again, it's an easy craft you could have your kids do or help you with on a rainy afternoon.
What you'll need:
- wire coat hanger (the ones you get at the dry cleaner's)
- bias tape, ribbon, or a piece of fabric
- a piece of (masking) tape
- white glue
- optional: ribbon, rivet punch + rivets
Steps:
1. If you don't have ribbon or bias tape at hand, make your own (pic. 4 & 5) by cutting a long strip from a piece of fabric. Don't bother about cutting in bias, we want the ribbon to fray! Yes, fray! Although I had only a small piece of fabric, I cut one long strip from it. This is how: start cutting a strip lengthwise from one side to the other, BUT WITHOUT CUTTING THROUGH TO THE VERY END! Repeat, alternating sides as shown in the diagram below.
2. Attach the ribbon tothe wire coat hanger as shown in pic. 6 and wind the ribbon around a couple of times to hide the tape.
3. Next, start twisting the ribbon aroundthe wire all the way around. Don't be afraid of the fabric fraying - we like the effect! To make sure the ribbon is everywhere tightly twisted around the wire , check once in a while and twist the ribbon between your fingers as you work your way back to where you stopped.
4. At the bottom of the hook twist the ribbon around both wires and work your way up the hook (pic. 9 & 10).
5. Cut off the ribbon leaving a 1 inch end. Put on some white glue and next continue twisting the ribbon, smearing the glue in and over the fabric and such way that the tip is completely covered and there are no loose ends left (pic. 11-13).
6. Optional: Decorate with a6. Optional: Decorate with a tag. I used stamps for this and the motto of our summer "Carpe diem". Make one for every family member and have their names on it, or if you plan for a summer party make one for every guest. The possibilities obviously are endless. Use the rivet punch to attach a rivet and tie to the hanger with a piece of ribbon. All done!
(All images and content come directly from Between the Lines, thank you!)
They've got tons of great earth lovin' DIY projects all of us (yes, even you) can do. Check out a few of my favorite here:
Quick Fix Grocery Bag
Instructions:
1. Take an ironed adult size T-shirt, right side out. (You could use a kid's T-shirt for a smaller sized bag).
2. Fold it in half as shown in picture 2.
3. Cut off the sleeves as shown in picture 3 and put them aside as you'll need them later to make a little pouch.
4. Cut around the neck-line as shown in picture 4.
5. Sew the bottom of the shirt closed using a French seam. If you're not familiar with the French seam check out this post. (Basically, you sew the hem closed on the right side, turn the bag inside out and sew another seam, sandwiching the first seam inside). Next, sew boxed corners, as explained here, in step 1. You could iron everything flat now, if you like.
6. Place the bag in front of you on a flat surface. Starting from the bottom, fold over the bag as shown in picture 6, about 2 1/2 inch, that is.
7. Now, starting about 3 inches from the side, with your scissors make 1/2 an inch to 3/4 of an inch cuts through all layers, leaving about 1 1/8 inch between every cut. Continue like this all the way to the other side and stop about 3 inches from the side seam.
8. Next, fold it over some more (an additional 2 to 2 1/2 inch) and repeat the cutting, but now right in between two cuts from the previous line, as shown in picture 8.
9. Go on like this a couple more times, depending on the size of your bag - I did 5 rows in total.
DIY: Colorful Wire Clothes Hanger
We're still in summer mode here, though for K. today is the last day of his summer vacation, unfortunately. This year's summer vacation has been very relaxing - Carpe Diem (seize the day) has been our motto. We've been doing plenty of things but only because we wanted to. And today I really wanted to do something crafty! So I did. It took me a while before I came up with something, though. I made a big mess as I kept pulling things out. But then eventually pieces fell into place when I found a wire clothes hanger (check out this article if you'd like to find out more about the origin of
The result of my crafty afternoon is this enhanced, colorful wire clothes hanger... with a short description in 16 photographs. Again, it's an easy craft you could have your kids do or help you with on a rainy afternoon.
What you'll need:
- wire coat hanger (the ones you get at the dry cleaner's)
- bias tape, ribbon, or a piece of fabric
- a piece of (masking) tape
- white glue
- optional: ribbon, rivet punch + rivets
Steps:
1. If you don't have ribbon or bias tape at hand, make your own (pic. 4 & 5) by cutting a long strip from a piece of fabric. Don't bother about cutting in bias, we want the ribbon to fray! Yes, fray! Although I had only a small piece of fabric, I cut one long strip from it. This is how: start cutting a strip lengthwise from one side to the other, BUT WITHOUT CUTTING THROUGH TO THE VERY END! Repeat, alternating sides as shown in the diagram below.
2. Attach the ribbon to
3. Next, start twisting the ribbon around
4. At the bottom of the hook twist the ribbon around both wires and work your way up the hook (pic. 9 & 10).
5. Cut off the ribbon leaving a 1 inch end. Put on some white glue and next continue twisting the ribbon, smearing the glue in and over the fabric and such way that the tip is completely covered and there are no loose ends left (pic. 11-13).
6. Optional: Decorate with a
(All images and content come directly from Between the Lines, thank you!)
Get your Green Kicks, err Keds!
Keds (yes! Keds!) is back, and now they're boasting an organic line of shoes to boot (or to sneaker actually). They are affordable, wearable and will bring you right back to childhood, that will be enhanced of course if you decide to decorate yours with puffy paint or pull our your bedazzler!(Image: from Keds site)
Eco-Shoetastic!
I'm no hypocrate, I've got my share of leather bags, wallets, shoes and belts in my closet, but I do try to find chic alternatives when I can to avoid using animal products. Here are some super stylish options for you from Kaight, a eco-friendly minded chic shop in NYC. Plus you can wear them all out in the rain!
Oh and I just had to include the cutest of all, Vivienne Westwood + Melissa for BABIES!
1.Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Lady Dragon IV
2.Melissa Ultragirl Meia
3.Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Ultragirl IV
4.Melissa + Vivienne Westwood Baby
Oh and I just had to include the cutest of all, Vivienne Westwood + Melissa for BABIES!
1.Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Lady Dragon IV
2.Melissa Ultragirl Meia
3.Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Ultragirl IV
4.Melissa + Vivienne Westwood Baby
Lovely Canvas Totes
I have a bit of a collection of cotton canvas totes. It's sort of an obsession my husband will confirm I'm sure. I really can't be adding to my collection at this time, but you can!
Where to buy:
French Grocery Tote
Arrow Bag
Oui Oui Tote
Paris Maptote
H&M Does It Green
Just when I thought I was off shopping for a little while ( I just stocked up on a few summer essentials) H&M goes and debuts it's new eco-friendly line, and it's actually tres chic!
All pieces are made with organic or recycled materials. I am lusting after a jacket myself. Hopefully when I make my way there on Saturday it won't be completely pilfered.
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What To Get Your Sweetiepie?
This year, pucker up and give out free kisses, that's super eco-friendly! That being said, only kiss the ones you love of course, and if you must spend a few buckaroos stick to the earth friendly kind. Ditch cut flowers to a beautiful plant for the office, to remind them of your beautiful face each time they lay eyes on it...other ideas?
Treat them to a full body massage with natural body oils, bake an organic apple cinnamon pie!
Here are some more easy to buy online purchase you can have sent right to your hot stuff.
Recycled leather, oh yes!
Ashley Watson Card Holders $80 at Beklina (use this code for 25% off: DCFEB, thanks Daily Candy) You can slip in a coupon for that massage...sexy!
Darling little cookies from One Lucky Duck. They are Raw organic, sans butter, white flower and sugar yet are oh so delicious!
Treat your honey to sumptuous new towels in Valentine's red of course! These babies are made of beechwood fibers. From Branch Home.
Revive the art of the notecards by giving a beautiful set of these 100% cotton (yes, that means no trees!) cards for a cool $16 from Letters Lubell.
Whatever you do end up doing, remember it IS the thought that counts, don't waste your money on cheap crappy chocolates or candy nobody wants. Invest in something he or she will love, or give something free, like your time and attention.
All images from sites linked above.
Treat them to a full body massage with natural body oils, bake an organic apple cinnamon pie!
Here are some more easy to buy online purchase you can have sent right to your hot stuff.
Recycled leather, oh yes!
Ashley Watson Card Holders $80 at Beklina (use this code for 25% off: DCFEB, thanks Daily Candy) You can slip in a coupon for that massage...sexy!
Darling little cookies from One Lucky Duck. They are Raw organic, sans butter, white flower and sugar yet are oh so delicious!
Treat your honey to sumptuous new towels in Valentine's red of course! These babies are made of beechwood fibers. From Branch Home.
Revive the art of the notecards by giving a beautiful set of these 100% cotton (yes, that means no trees!) cards for a cool $16 from Letters Lubell.
Whatever you do end up doing, remember it IS the thought that counts, don't waste your money on cheap crappy chocolates or candy nobody wants. Invest in something he or she will love, or give something free, like your time and attention.
All images from sites linked above.
Eco-Lust Worthy
There's a voice in the back of my mind that reminds me that supporting the leather industry is just as bad as supporting the factory farming industry. Do I know where my leather shoes, belts, wallets and handbags source their leather? no. I hope over time animal sources will become as important to material goods as they are becoming to the food industry. For the time being, I will seek out alternative choices and hope things start to change.
But, I still like me a leather bag. Problem, yes. Answer, yes! Recycled leather. I've seen a few designers use recycled leather in the past few years and I couldn't be happier to find yet another!
Ora is Randi's project, and fashion is her passion. She loves how each piece carries the stories of their previous owners through the details and character of the leather
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Canvas Totes Get a Stylish Makeover & 30% off!
Time to update the canvas tote! I've got a fleet so I have to stay away from these darling canvas totes, but I know there are folks out there who's canvas totes are ripped & used to shreds, literally. I've had a few break straps myself.
Angela Adams has amazingly fashionable prints and with a Daily
Thanks Daily
*use code
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