eco shopping : LA style

I must say, for all the cliches about the hippies in Los Angeles, I did not have an easy time finding sustainable fashion labels in Tinseltown.

I spent more time than I'd like to admit researching where to shop, including looking up sustainable labels to see where (if!) they were stocked in LA. Compounded with the horrendous traffic, it wasn't as carefree as my San Diego shopping excursion.

But all complaining aside, I did manage to track down a few gems.

Reformation
This label specialises in taking vintage and surplus materials and transforming them into new chic styles. All pieces are made ethically in either LA or New York. I had a fabulous time wandering through Reformation admiring the fashion-forward upcycled creations. I didn't purchase anything myself, the majority of the pieces just didn't quite suit my personal style, but from the steady flow of shoppers it's clear this label is a hit with many of the local bright young things.

Reformation
8253 Melrose Avenue

Myrtle
Visiting Myrtle was hands down the best part of my LA shopping adventure. (It was my last stop of the day and the only place I purchased anything, so I was thrilled to end on a high note.) Shop owner Whitney Bickers has curated a beautiful, edgy and occasionally quirky collection of independent designers into her Echo Park store, and all pieces are available online as well. Though if you're in the area, I recommend you stop in and meet the very charming and knowledgable lady herself, you'll be glad you did! Not all pieces are made of sustainable materials, but the majority are made in LA under ethical conditions. There is also a selection of vintage pieces. This shop will definitely be on my itinerary next time I'm in the area.

Myrtle
2213 Sunset Boulevard

I bought this Thomas Sires tweed skirt - made in USA
from (admittedly) non-eco fabrics.

I also bought this adorable Feral Childe top - made in USA
using sustainable practices.

SUPRNATRL
It was a fluke that I came across SUPRNATRL while in LA visiting my amazing cousin's amazing art show. This shop is new on the scene having just opened in August and carries a collection of natural, sustainable and local labels. I was drawn to the pieces by As Is - funky tees and maxi dresses - but the pieces I particularly liked were made of non-eco synthetic materials. The label started out as a vintage remake label, and still does some pieces in that style, so no need to avoid them at all costs. There are many items for men and women in natural fabrics, including hemp, and an abundance of locally-made jewellery and dreamcatchers, too.

SUPRNATRL
2400 Main Street

Teeki
My friend Yatu over at Thinking Fashion gave me the heads up about these fabulous yoga pants made of recycled plastic bottles, and I went on the hunt for a sweet pair of my own. I didn't have much luck in the few yoga shops I visited and called, apparently these hot pants sell like hot cakes, but there is an online store. One yogi I met said she heard a rumour that Teeki is currently not in production. Gasp! I hope everything's alright Teeki! We need you in this evolving world of sustainable fashion!

Northern Lights hot pants from recycled plastic?
Yes, please!

Eileen Fisher
I'd headed to Bloomingdale's in hopes of finding some Loomstate organic cotton basics, but was given a very perplexed look by the shop assistant, who insisted they did not carry that label despite what Loomstate's website mentioned. I wandered around on my own anyway - I hadn't been inside a Bloomingdale's for ages, the pretty lights, the lovely smells, all trying to get me to buy, buy, buy - and eventually bumped into the Eileen Fisher section. Oh Eileen! How had I possibly forgotten about you?!

Timeless classics by Eileen Fisher

My aunt first introduced me to this label when I was a fresh-faced teen visiting her in the Big Apple, and I should have paid closer attention to the wisdom she was trying to impart (I was too caught up in looking hot in my Diesel denim and French Connection tight t-shirt - it was the 90s).

Eileen Fisher has a strong sustainability and environmental policy, taking a holistic approach considering everything from raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, wear & wash, recycling and end-of-life. Have a read through the environmental policy on the website, I'm sure you'll be impressed with the measures being undertaken. (I am also particularly taken with the suggestion to only buy pieces you love that will be in your style for years - sage advice not frequently imparted by a fashion label.) Eileen Fisher also follows strict labor guidelines and has a focus on human rights, having become a signatory to Social Accountability International in 1997, the group that has developed fair labor standards globally. A great label to purchase some timeless classics that should last many, many years to come.

I love clear labeling. It is my dream to have
all labels do this in the future.

Vintage
LA has tons of fabulous vintage and consignment shops - including the vintage couture shop Paper Bag Princess with *to die for* pre-loved designer gowns and accessories - but I didn't have the time to vintage shop this time around.

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Even though I eventually found some great pieces and clever boutiques, generally my LA eco-shopping experience left me wanting. Perhaps it was just a reality check to show me that despite the great progress being made in sustainable fashion, we still have a ways to go until it is prevalent in mainstream stores.

Did I miss something in LA? Am I wishing for too much? Should I be glad to find some sustainable labels without over-hyping the 'greeness'? I'd love to know your thoughts on this complex topic.

xLisa

eco shopping : san diego style

Well, last week's election didn't go exactly as I'd hoped for the climate, but no time to dwell. Onward and upward to more sustainable living activities, like scoping out the eco-shopping scene in San Diego.

I've been hanging out in sunny San Diego for the past month and exploring the eco-shopping options available. I had the most fun in South Park. Within a three block radius around Fern and 30th Streets there is a lot of mindful shopping to be had - and plenty of cafes to refuel if necessary.

Clarity Soap & Candles
After finding a rock-star car space (because, sadly, I've been driving a lot due to insufficient modes of public transportation outside the CBD, thank goodness it's a Prius) I spotted some gorgeous reworked vintage furniture pieces in front of a store and was drawn like a moth to a flame. . .

Turns out it was a candle shop, and the owner also refurbishes furniture pieces. A great place to find a special gift or a treat for yourself. The candles all have at least 50% recycled wax, with customers invited to return their wax to the store for a discount on future purchases, and only lead-free wicks are used. The store also sells handmade natural soaps.

Clarity Soap & Candles
3022 Juniper Street

Mythology Eco Boutique
Touted as the only eco-boutique in San Diego, I was excited to see what was on offer inside Mythology. The owner Richard Fredrick studied fashion design at FIT in New York, and after a time designing for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Fredrick returned to California and opened Mythology. The boutique offers a variety of eco-clothing and accessories for men, women and children - I saw a few tees I particularly liked by Arbor and Horny Toad made of organic cotton and Tencel. Much of the apparel was on the casual-side (this is SoCal, after all), but Fredrick can also be commissioned to create individual pieces.

In addition to the clothing, the shop has its own line of vegan belts and a fabulous collection of vintage belt buckles, as well as loads of lovely jewellery hanging from tree branches. The sustainability sourcing credentials are high, and more than anything, it was so lovely to chat with a shopowner who really understands sustainable fashion.

Mythology
2365 30th Street

Make Good
Around the corner is Make Good, a great little shop featuring locally sourced pieces from San Diego and Tijuana as well as pre-loved items. I scored a pretty little secondhand ruffled tank, my hubby got a clever iPhone cord holder, and it was all I could do not to start a collection of the beautiful bracelets made by various local artists. The shop, which started as a collective of 8 local artists, carries pieces from over 100 artists. Make sure you have time to peruse each item carefully, there was much to discover!

Make Good
2207 Fern Street

Graffiti Beach
Walking into Graffiti Beach you just know you're going to find something really amazing. This shop was created as a space for emerging artists and designers to sell their wares, and lucky for all of us the emerging designers of today know the importance of sustainability.

Not all of the pieces were sustainable fashion, but there was jewellery made of used skate decks, bamboo sunglasses by Yellow 108, WeWood watches, sunnies by Solo, a label using a one-to-one system of providing sight-restoring surgery for each pair of sunglasses purchased, and maxi sundresses by one of my new faves, Threads 4 Thought. Not to mention oodles of gorgeous locally-made jewellery and artwork.

Graffiti Beach
2220 Fern Street

In the same building as Graffiti Beach there is also Home Ec. Studio where grown-ups and children can learn to sew - love!

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San Fran better be careful, its status as US Eco-Queen is under threat by its sunnier neighbour to the south. Next time you're in San Diego, it's well worth the effort of pulling yourself away from the gorgeous beaches, donning your most hipster outfit, and enjoying an afternoon strolling through sustainable South Park. Once you've tired yourself out, stop in the Stone Company Store for a refreshing (local!) Stone Brewing beer.

Next stop - LA!

xxLisa

voting for the climate

My fellow Australians,

As you know, I'm a champion of 'voting with your wallet' to demonstrate support for environmental and social issues. This blog is practically dedicated to the notion that each eco-purchase, and decision not to over-purchase, is a vote toward a sustainable future.  (Thankfully this makes sustainability super fun, as seen in this post about Offspring style and this post about green Nashville.)

I'm even more passionate about the democratic voting process. Perhaps this passion is driven by my American heritage, or perhaps it's a result of hearing so much devastating news about citizens living under regimes and dictatorships in non-democratic nations. Whatever the source of my passion, the cliche is true - it's a right and a privilege to have a voice in how your country is governed. In fact, I've already exercised my right and voted from overseas. I voted for the climate.

Voting at the Australian consulate in LA - the Aussie
accents and news in the lounge were music to my ears!

This election there are a lot of hot button issues at stake. The Carbon Tax. Marriage equality. Refugees. The National Broadband Network. The economy. Did I mention the Carbon Tax?

As an environmentalist I've found this election campaign supremely frustrating. With all the talk about axing the Carbon Tax focusing on economics, the sense of urgency to respond to the realities of climate change has been lacking. UN Climate Science Chief Rajendra Pachauri recently provided a stark reminder of the seriousness of the issue with his statement that the climate fight is '5 minutes to midnight'.

This election, more than ever, the environment needs our help.

It is certainly not my place to tell you how to vote - I had a hard enough time making my own decision. But I would like to offer information on emissions and the Carbon Tax to help clarify the environmental policies of Labor, the Liberals and the Greens.

Climate science

• All three major parties agree on the science of climate change. 
• Kevin Rudd once called it 'the greatest moral challenge of our generation' but his passion has been somewhat lacking this campaign. 
• Tony Abbot said in 2009 'climate science is crap' but now agrees it is happening and some of it is a result of human activity (thank goodness for Malcolm Turnbull and the rest of the science believers in the party). The Liberals will abolish the Department of Climate Change if elected.
• The Greens, well, they are all about this stuff.

Emissions targets

• The Greens have the most aggressive emissions cutting policies, committing to 25-40% reductions on 1990 levels by 2020 - the reductions recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to stop temperatures rising more than 2 degrees Celcius - and net zero emissions by 2050. 
• Labor and the Liberals have more modest targets of reducing emissions of 5-25% of 2000 levels by 2020. Labor is committed to an 80% reduction by 2050, and the Liberals will review the longer term target in 2015.
• With current commitments from developed nations, we are looking at a 12-18% reduction of 1990 levels by 2020, well below the minimums set by IPCC, hence the increased urgency. (Sorry for the scary stats, but someone has to tell you!)

Carbon Tax

• The Carbon Tax came into effect July 2012, charging money for pollution. The top 500 polluting companies in Australia are paying the tax, and they are *probably* passing these costs onto end-customers. (Mama Mia has a fabulous 5 minute guide to Carbon Tax and ETS.)
• Emissions from the power supply (the largest segment of Australia's emissions) reduced by 7% in the first 12-months the Carbon Tax was in effect, though not all reductions can be attributed to the Carbon Tax. Power demand decreased by 5% during that year and has been on a steady decline since 2008 due to: renewables becoming more popular, energy efficient appliances expanding, rising electricity prices, and a spike in solar PV installations. Most experts agree the longer-term policies deserve most of the credit, but a price on carbon is helping the situation. 
• Due to the decreased emissions, less revenue was generated from the Carbon Tax than predicted. Following a few changes in the budget, the net impact is around $1bn less over 4 years.
• Both Labor and the Liberals plan to abolish the Carbon Tax. 
• The Liberals propose the Direct Action policy, which remains vague and relies on government grant programs to achieve reductions. 
• Labor proposes moving the planned Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) up one year to begin in July 2014. This would cause the price to drop (because of the global low price on carbon, the economic crisis in Europe has not helped), meaning polluters would pay less, potentially saving end-customers money, potentially encouraging more pollution.
• The Greens want to keep the plan as is and transition to ETS in 2015 to ensure polluters continue to pay for what they emit.
• The majority of Australians were frustrated with the 'Carbon Price lie' told by Julia Gillard, but now that the tax is in effect, 43% of Aussies believe it should be given at least a few years to work before the scheme changes.
• Independent research has shown the Liberal's Direct Action plan cannot deliver the minimum 5% emissions reduction by 2020 at the proposed budget, requiring $4bn to $20bn more to reach the target. Tony Abbot has said he will not add more money to the budget, in effect ensuring Australia fails to meet its 5% emissions reductions target if he's elected.

Still with me?

I told you it wasn't looking good for the environment this year.

I know the environment is only one issue amongst a number of important concerns for Australians and will be just one consideration in your decision-making process. I ask you to remember that climate change impacts many facets of our lives now and into the future, and urge you to keep in mind the long-term health, social justice and economic benefits of voting for the climate now when you're selecting your preferences for your member of Parliament and the senate race tomorrow.

Whichever way you vote, I hope you can set aside the frustration that can come with choosing among a number of 'not quite perfect' candidates and appreciate the fact that you do have a voice. Together, we really can change the the course of environmental history. And if it all goes pear-shaped for the environment at the election this weekend, you can expect to see me at many more climate rallies, continuing to exercise my democratic rights.

xxLisa

I can create that style sustainably : Nina Proudman : Offspring 2013

First of all, let me just say, WOW. . .

I'm in the US right now and have been watching Offspring on iTunes this season, so I'm a little behind. I finished watching the final two episodes on Thursday and it's fair to say the wounds are still fresh.

RIP Patrick.

I can't believe I just typed that. I think I'm still in shock.

But I'm going to push through with this post. We need to stick together in times like these. And while we can mourn the loss of our beloved Patrick, we can also move forward and celebrate the fabulous fashion Nina was rocking once again this year.  Even we non-preggers gals were looking upon her wardrobe with envy. 

I had a great time recreating Nina's style last season, and couldn't wait to play again this year, so here goes . . .

Nina's sense of style was well and truly in tact as she blossomed throughout her pregnancy. Loose clothing is not a prerequisite for maternity wear - hurrah! Her signature layers, feminine details and splashes of colour were as playful as usual, and I was also thrilled to see so many stripes in Nina's wardrobe.

So, without further ado, here are my sustainable shopping tips to help you create a Nina-worthy wardrobe.

Cami
A camisole is the perfect place to start managing your layers. Betty Browne makes 100% organic cotton slim fit tanks in black, white and two shades of grey - super soft and made in Australia. Insider tip: read about organic cotton on the website for a special deal. For a splash of colour, try Threads 4 Thought tanks made of organic cotton and recycled polyester - perfect for that bit of stretch. Definitely one of my favourite label 'discoveries' while I've been in America this summer - affordable thoughtful fashion - and now shipping internationally!

Left : Betty Browne
Right: Threads 4 Thought, also available in spaghetti straps

Stripes
I recently covered stripes when 'styling' Taylor Swift, and found that Chinti & Parker, Honest By, People Tree and Kuyichi have some fabulous sustainable stripes this season, and Kowtow has some deconstructed stripes as well. 

People Tree organic cotton top. I think this yellow number
would suit Nina perfectly, don't you?

I also love this Kowtow take on stripes, and I think
Nina would, too

Layers
I always appreciate the attention to detail in Nina's jackets, cardis and vests.  Here are a few interesting pieces I think would fit right into Nina's wardrobe.

Kowtow certified organic fair trade cotton cardigan,
available at Indigo Bazaar

Minna vintage lace cardigan, handmade in the UK

Choolips jacket,
available at Indigo Bazaar

Pre-loved vest from Dear Gladys

Jewellery
Nina's signature scarves were not used as much this year, instead she accessorised with lovely, delicate jewellery, including a number of graceful long necklaces.

Raven and Lily are a longtime favourite of mine. The pieces are made of recycled bullet casings and coins by HIV positive women in Ethiopia. Raven and Lily also reinvest into education programs in the area. Now that's what I call styling a sustainable future.

Alem Triangle Tube necklace

Desta Antique Dangle necklace

Alem bracelets - perfect to layer on in multiple colours.

Hovey Lee is another great ethical jewellery-maker out of LA, and all pieces are made of recycled metals.

Fern Acres earrings

Sand Dollar necklace

Form fitting pants
Nina looked great again this year in fitted denim, and even showed off her pins in fabulous patterned leggings.

Left: Reuse recycled denim
Centre: Nudie 100% organic cotton Nude Kelly denim
Right: Threads 4 Thought organic cotton leggings

Boots
Okay, how fabulous were those boots?! I'm hoping we can convince Hasbeens to bring back their kneehigh clog boots in this lovely blue so we can have a sustainable pair of our very own. Until then, I recommend hunting around eBay and vintage shops for your own colourful kicks. 

Left: Gorgeous Nina and her gorgeous boots
Centre : Hasbeens kneehighs
Right : Marc Jacobs preloved from eBay

Maternity-wear
I pretty much avoided this style of clothing.  Nina did not sport many overtly 'maternity' looks, instead alternating between sizing up non-maternity tops and dresses and proudly showing off that bump in fitted camisoles paired with interesting jackets. Of course some pieces, like pants, are trickier! For those of you gorgeous mums-to-be, pre-loved is by far the most sustainable option (for the planet and your bank account!), so check first with your friends, family and local thrift shop. Since I have no firsthand experience, here is a great article on Inhabitots about getting through your pregnancy sustainably, written by someone with firsthand experience.

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Okay, that was therapeutic. Though I think I may have to watch season 4 all over again to get my fill of the Nina-Patrick lovefest. And maybe seasons 2 and 3 as well.

Until next time, give me a shout if there is anything in particular you'd like me to source sustainably.

xxLisa

guest post : Olivia Golding : organic cotton

Today I'm delighted to bring you a guest post from up-and-coming fashion journalist, Olivia Golding. Enjoy!

What Goes Into Growing Organic Cotton?

Light and fluffy, cotton is a material that plays a major role in all our lives. It's highly likely that you're wearing something that has been made from cotton right now. What about that t-shirt on your back, or perhaps the jeans you're wearing?

It was around 7,000 years ago that humans are believed to have started growing cotton in the part of the world now known as Pakistan. Over the following millennia its use spread and today cotton is used to make two-fifths of all the world's textile products.

So many uses  
The reason that cotton is so popular is that it can be used to make so many things. Clothing items made from cotton can be found everywhere, but there are some more obscure items that also use the fibres attached to cotton seeds. These fine, silky strands known as cotton linters are used to add cellulose to products in order to stabilise them. For example, food manufacturers will add cellulose to items such as low fat ice-cream to ensure the dessert is still creamy when you lick it. It is also used in grated cheese to coat the individual strands to stop them sticking together and the product ending up as one big block. And that piece of gum you're chewing on… yep, it's in that too!    

Not quite so fluffy and nice
There's no denying that cotton is a great raw material and it is no accident that is has become so important in countries across the world. Unfortunately, producing cotton has a number of drawbacks. One of the main ones is that cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world, with pesticides and herbicides used to help protect crops. Some estimates suggest the traditional cotton growing industry is responsible for almost a quarter of the world's insecticide use and a tenth of global pesticide use. There is also the issue of water usage as it takes more than 8,000 litres of water(1) to grow enough cotton to make a pair of jeans. The good news is that there are moves to curb the use of sprays that can harm the environment and wildlife. The supply of organically-grown cotton is increasing.

What is organic cotton?
Put simply, organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilisers. The overall aim is to produce cotton that has been grown in a way that has the least impact on the environment. Organic cotton farmers use compost and manure to build up fertility in land naturally, avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides. It's estimated that as many a 77 million people are poisoned each year through the use of such chemicals(2). It is always surprising to think that even though thousands of chemicals(3) have been used to turn a raw material into a finished product, so many parents will still put that material next to their child's skin. What's more, the production of organic cotton uses less water because organic systems mostly use rain fed water systems rather than artificial irrigation(4). 

Better for the workers
Organic cotton is not just better for the environment, it is also better for the people working in the industry. According to the US-based Organic Trade Association, insecticides considered to be among the most harmful to human health, including Aldicarb, parathion and methamidopho, are in the top 10 list of most commonly-used insecticides by non-organic cotton growers(5). By removing such toxic pesticides from the growing process, workers in the fields are not exposed to them and the risk to health is nullified. And there's more good news for consumers, as businesses involved in organic cotton growing also tend to abide by other employment standards international labour standards(6), covering everything from fair wages and good working conditions to acceptable working hours and avoidance of discrimination. According to Jacqueline DeCarlo, author of Fair Trade: A Beginner's Guide, about 85 per cent of fair trade-certified coffee sold in the US is also organic. So by investing in organic clothing, consumers could also be having a direct impact on the lives of employees in developing countries around the world.

This post was contributed by Olivia Golding (hello!). As I've gotten older I've become more aware of the world that we live in and how we impact it, which is why I appreciated Lisa giving me the opportunity to write about the cotton industry! It's all about spreading the world, starting in little steps. I think that too many brands currently focus on the money - rather than how they source their material! That's why I'd like to mention Beaumont Organic - an ethical and organic clothing company. A brand that reflects my own views! I hope you enjoyed my post, thanks so much for listening.

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References

 (1) http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/productgallery
 (2) http://www.cottonedon.org
 (3) http://www.soilassociation.org/whatisorganic/organictextiles/organiccotton
 (4) http://source.ethicalfashionforum.com/article/have-you-cottoned-on-yet-the-organic-cotton-initiative
 (5) http://www.ota.com/organic/environment/cotton_environment.html
 (6) http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/lang--en/index.htm

a green hybrid fling

The great American road trip, one of life's must-take journeys.

This summer my hubby and I could think of no better way to reacquaint ourselves with the land of our births than embarking on our own grand road trip of the lower 48. We were so excited to visit as many national parks, American sights and kitschy small-town USA cafes and shops as we could handle - and our tolerance is very high. And in America, with so many varying cultures thriving within her borders, and a brilliant Interstate highway system, a car really is the best way to explore.

America's love affair with cars began after the end of World War II, and throughout the 1950s this love expanded to incorporate hot rods, drive-in movies and drive-through restaurants, and Americans began to see their car as an extension of themselves, something adding to their identity. It was also during this decade that Eisenhower developed the concept of the Interstate highway system. Ultimately this love affair was enhanced by the suburbanisation of the nation, marked the beginning of the end of healthy inner-cities, and is responsible for 28% of America's total greenhouse gas emissions.

Thanks EPA for the statistics.

This meant we had to be very smart with our choice of road trip vehicle, especially with the distance we intended to cover!

At the start of our search I really Really REALLY wanted a Prius.  I mean, I'm the Sustainability with Style girl, what car is more sustainably stylish than the cute Prius hatchback?

But before we ran out and purchased the first Prius we came across, we did our eco-car homework to make sure we were getting the most ecologically-wise option on the market. I needed a life-cycle analysis of a hybrid versus electric versus diesel versus good fuel-economy 'regular' car - thank goodness for the LCA practitioners out there. . .

After reviewing many technical reports, I felt very comfortable selecting a hybrid vehicle. The latest LCA for vehicles suggests that electric vehicles have a slight advantage assuming a decent mix of renewable energy is used to charge the battery (this report from June 2012 is based on California's bill AB 32 that mandates 33% renewables in the energy mix by 2020), but since the vast majority of the miles on my car would come all at once on a road trip, where I would not have reliable charging stations at my disposal, let alone renewable energy charging, a hybrid seemed like the easy choice.

The next decision was also easy - it had to be pre-loved. No need to generate emissions and use new materials creating a brand new car just for me. Not to mention the cos savings! Thankfully there were plenty of Priuses (or is the plural Prii?) available at the Toyota dealer as certified used vehicles just coming in from lease, so I literally had my pick of the lot.

Sandy and I at Albion Basin, Utah before a hike.

And now, at the end of our great American road trip, and we've clocked over 11,000 miles in two months in our pal Sandy the Prius, and seen so many amazing sights and met so many lovely people.

But the eco-stats . . .

On average, with the car piled with luggage and camping gear, Sandy achieved great fuel economy of 47 miles per gallon (MPG). This number gets higher when we're driving without the luggage or when we're driving at slower speeds, say through Yellowstone National Park, where we averaged 54 MPG. I found a delightful webpage on FuelEconomy.gov which calculated for me how much money I saved in gas (or petrol) compared to a similar non-hybrid vehicle. Drumroll please . . .   

We've saved $581 in our first two months of Prius-ownership! That's a few sustainable fashion pieces right there, not to mention carbon offsets to make up for my travel habit.

Now that we're back in California for a little while, I hope to park Sandy for days at a time and limit my driving. I'll keep you updated on maneuvering public transportation in one of the most congested, car-loving states I know.

I'd love to know if you've had similar or different experiences buying and driving a hybrid or electric vehicle - drop me a line or tweet me about it @lisa_heinze.

xxLisa

PS - There is good news, with reports this year finding that car ownership is on the decline and people are generally driving less in this country, a trend that began even before the recession. Here's hoping public transportation can keep up!

PPS - Here's another great resource outlining various types of alternative fuels coming into the marketplace

PPSS - And here is a wonderful resource with many other links about different types of environmentally-friendly vehicles and fuel sources (thanks to some readers for sharing this one!)

I can create that style sustainably : Taylor Swift

Since I recently visited Nashville, I thought the next style I recreated sustainably should be a lovely lady with country roots and unique style - enter the whimsical Taylor Swift.

I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of her music, but I definitely have a girl crush on her after researching her style all day! Here's a glimpse at some of my favourite looks of hers and how to create them, sustainably.

Lips & Eyes
I just love the red lip that Taylor's been rocking for the past year or so and on her Red tour, and the wayfarer glasses help her own the vintage chic look she's been embracing of late.

To get Taylor's red lip naturally, try the new shade by Vapour Organics, Courage, described as classic cherry red.

Made with 70 percent certified organic ingredients, chemical free,
produced with windpower and comes in biodegradable packaging.
In addition, 30 percent of proceeds from this shade go to the
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, benefiting veterans,
something I'm sure this all-American girl would celebrate.

Lucky for us, there are plenty of eco-sunglasses on the market these days, like the below by Proof.

These glasses are made of plant-based plastic, which is renewable and
biodegradable, and a portion of sales go toward charities
  in India providing cataract surgery to people in need.

Swift Stripes
Stripes are the perfect way to create a timeless look, and Taylor wears them perfectly onstage and on the street.

Here are some labels to help you earn your stripes, sustainably.

Chinti & Parker

Available for sale online at Chinti & Parker and Browns London, definitely a new favourite of mine!

Honest By

Made with GOTS certified organic cotton.
Purchase online at Honest By (another new fave!).

People Tree

Both items made of 100% organic Fairtrade jersey cotton. Buy on PeopleTree.co.uk

Kuyichi

80% Tencel, 20% Linen, a Made By label, improving ethics
of the label year by year. This shirt is made in Turkey
under fair working conditions. Available online at Ethics Girls.

Flirty Feminine Frocks
Taylor wears a lot of skirts and dresses, and I love her look all the more for it.

To copy this part of Taylor's style, head to a vintage or secondhand shop and go wild! So many dresses and skirts have designs to last the ages, and my best vintage finds have undoubtedly been dresses. My tip: buy larger if necessary, and make sure you have a fabulous tailor to help with any nipping and tucking.

Oxford shoes
It's no surprise that Taylor's footwear is right on trend; she's been spotted wearing oxfords with everything from dresses to denim to short shorts.

I was given some fabulous oxfords by a friend, and I think if you had a good rummage through your local vintage shop you could probably locate a pair. If you can't find any secondhand, here's the next best thing:

Nisolo

Handmade in Peru through a social-entrepreneurship label.
Buy online at Nisolo Shoes.

Osborn

I just love these stripey oxfords by Osborn. 100% cotton uppers,
recycled tire heel cap,  and signed by the artisan! Buy online, and
check out some of the other colourful options for sale, too.

Neuaura

Loving these vegan shoes! Also loving the strong sustainability story
of the factory in Brazil.

Nancy Bird

I was so excited to see this Aussie label branch into footwear! Available
in a range of colours, these vegetable tanned, ethically created shoes are
on my wishlist - buy online at Nancy Bird.

Summer style
This past weekend the lovely lithe lady was spotted enjoying one of my favourite summer activities, stand up paddle boarding, in one of her favourite beach looks, the high waisted bikini.

 
To get this look sustainably, try either of these adorable high waist loving labels.

Pierogi Picnic

Pierogi Picnic makes suits from repurposed t-shirt cotton.
Each suit is made to the exact buyer's measurements,
and has a stretchy swim lining. The site also has great
vintage finds!

Fables by Barrie

Fables by Barrie creates wonderful retro pieces to make
women feel good - made in the San Diego offices,
guaranteed sweatshop free. A number of top and bottom
styles perfect for mixing and matching - FUN!

Well, thanks Taylor! I had fun immersing myself in your virtual wardrobe today. Keep rocking those fabulous looks, and give me a shout if you're ever in need of a sustainable shopping pal.

xxLisa