Thursday 28 June 2012

a green Fashioning Change fling

As my Twitter followers and Facebook fans already know, I was given the incredible honour recently to create a guest look for my favourite online store - Fashioning Change.

Fashioning Change is behind the 'Wear this, not that' phenomenon that is sweeping the inboxes of eco-fashionistas the world over, offering fashion lovers eco and ethical versions of the latest trends. THANK YOU!

I knew I wanted to create a stylish, beach-chic look, something that I would personally love to wear around my beach village, and I had so much fun pulling it together.  The hardest part was narrowing down what pieces I was going to use because there's so much great stuff on the website. That may be why I've used so many accessories - too many lovely pieces to choose from. 

Below is the look I put together, Seaside Style. Do you love it as much as I do?

Take a closer look on the website for the full description and to purchase any (or all!) pieces you love.

Thanks again Kestrel, Adriana and the rest of the Fashioning Change team!

Tuesday 19 June 2012

a green shaving fling : one for the fellas

Not to brag or anything, but I have the most handsome husband on the planet.

Even on my dodgy iPhone camera he looks this good . . .
Even  better, he cares about the environment as much as I do, and has recently taken steps to green his shaving routine (not that I encourage him to shave that often, I love a bit of stubble!).  For the past month he has been trying out the Vanessa Megan line of shaving supplies with excellent results.


This cream-based shaving cream looks a bit different to the foamy 'creams' that come out of a canister, but works a treat.  The natural oils in this cream are meant to keep shaving rash at bay, which makes it perfect for those of you with sensitive skin, and it's even claimed to help razors last longer.  And I just love a short ingredients list!
Purified H2O, grapeseed oil, coconut oil*,  Jojoba Oil*, Vegetable Emulsifying Wax*, Vitamin E (Natural), Grapefruit Seed Extract, Essential Oils of Bergamot* and Vetiver*.
*Certified Organic Ingredients
The Wild Chamomile face cream is the perfect aftershave cream as it's designed to heal sensitive and irritated skin.  It smells really fresh and clean - just lovely (in a masculine way, of course). And check out these natural, and heavily organic, ingredients:
Purified H2O, Jojoba oil*, Hemp seed oil*, Vegetable emulsifying wax,  Grapefruit seed extract, Vitamin E (Natural), Calendula extract* and Chamomile extract *, Essential oils of Absolute rose, Wild Maroc Chamomile, German Blue Chamomile* 
* Certified organic ingredients
My hubby is definitely a convert to natural shaving supplies now, and he loves the scent of both these Vanessa Megan products.

Vanessa Megan do a full range of products for men, women and baby, a number of products specifically marketed as pregnancy-friendly. And of course I love their simplistic, sustainable packaging.  All packaging is recyclable, and they use only glass (not plastic) jars.  As I've recently learned, glass is infinitely recyclable, meaning it doesn't get weaker or lose anything when recycled.

I've been brushing up on my sustainable packaging knowledge lately to get ready for the Sustainable Packaging 101 workshop I'll be running with my friends at Boxer & Co on Thursday 19 July.  I'd love to see you there!



Tuesday 12 June 2012

I can create that style sustainably : InStyle June 2012 '70s inspired

I'm so glad so many of you enjoyed the first I can create that style sustainably post last week!  Since you all loved it, and I loved researching it, I'm happy to bring you another sustainably stylish look this week.

InStyle's June issue once again provides my inspiration, this time with a 1970's inspired look - definitely my favourite fashion era.

I'm sure you'll agree that there's nothing like a smokin' jumpsuit to liven up your wardrobe, and this burgundy beauty by 3.1 Phillip Lim is an excellent example:


 To recreate this look sustainably, why not try the following combination:

Jumpsuit by Rosel, made of 100% recycled silk, also
available in gunmetal grey, $250 USD.




Drop earrings made of recycled silver on Etsy, $48 USD.


Clutch made of organic canvas hand printed with
water-based inks and used truck tire tube by Super Earth
Goods on Fashioning Change, $64.50 USD

Silver leather snap bracelet by Raven & Lily, handmade with
melted bullet casings and recycled metals by HIV-positive
women in Ethiopia - I can't say enough good things about
Raven & Lily, $86 USD.

70's-chic vegan stilettos by Mink - vegan shoes have sure come
a long way in the past few years! $300GBP.



InStyle must like jumpsuits as much as I do, because there was also a feature of celebs in jumpsuits on their website, like this sexy number on the sexy Gwyneth Paltrow.


If you prefer this jumpsuit look better, then it's your lucky day because I discovered this Auralis Inc smoldering black jumpsuit with convertible 'straps' enabling you to create multiple looks:


You can purchase this organic cotton jersey
blend jumpsuit by Auralis Inc on
Fashioning Change, $220 USD.

There you have it - sustainably stylish (and sexy) jumpsuits all available at the click of a mouse.  Let me know if you make any purchases!

Tuesday 5 June 2012

I can create that style sustainably : InStyle June 2012 cover

Welcome to my first post in a new series I'm working on called . . .

I can create that style sustainably

Inspired by my latest addiction, the Fashioning Change online ethical clothing shop and its Wear this, not that look book, I'll be referencing looks from the latest fashion magazines and sharing how to achieve the look sustainably.

First up is the cover image of the latest InStyle Australia, featuring the stunning Miranda Kerr.


So, how can this beautiful look be achieved sustainably? It's quite simple.

Model - Miranda stays, of course!  Between her range of natural body products, Kora Organics, her book encouraging self-esteem and acceptance, Treasure Yourself, and her love of yoga and a natural diet, she's the perfect choice!

Dress - The cover dress is by Carl Kapp, and it's a stunner.  I'll give Carl credit for his tendency to use natural fabrics in his designs, but there is limited information on the source of the fabrics. I found these hot red (eco) dresses instead:

Found on Fashioning Change, this number by Kristinit is organic wool and made
by local women in Los Angeles. Perfect now that winter has hit Sydney!
$125 USD


Found on eBay, this Diane Von Furstenburg wrap dress is a steal! DVF is
always feminine and flattering, and this fire engine red piece is HOT.
Buy It Now for $140 AUD

Bracelet - The magazine's cuff is from Harlequin Market; HM do carry divine vintage pieces among their collection, but it's not clear from the product listing if the cover's bracelet is vintage. No matter, check out this gorgeous vintage piece!

This beautiful cuff is from a vintage seller on Etsy.
It's only $35 USD - if you like it, order quick, or I may just buy it!

Makeup - The cover look used MAC Face and Body Foundation and Napoleon Perdis waterproof mascara and Light Patrol illuminisers. To go all natural instead you could substitute:

And there you have it - I told you it would be easy! When it's this simple to eco your look, there's really no reason not to stay in style, sustainably.

Keep your eye out for the next installment, and let me know if there are any looks you'd like help to create sustainably.