Sensational deals, gorgeous green goods…for $99?!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is here to kick off the new year! We’re offering you $500 worth of incredible eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee. The Fashion edition is already history, and our Food, Travel, Entertainment, Beauty and Baby versions are going fast. (Really wanted Fashion? Go to The Frisky and sign up to win the last one in a giveaway!)

With more Boxes heading out the door, take this opportunity to have a look at what $99 can get you when it comes to carefully curated green goods. Scroll to see the contents of each Box and be wowed enough to buy your own for gift giving or split the Box with a friend!

Choose from: Conscious Eating, Travel, Health + Beauty, Mom + Baby and Entertainment.

Hop on this now or totally miss out. The only hard part of this equation will be for you to decide which Box you want most. (We won’t tell if you buy more than one.)

Here’s what we have to offer:

Planning adventures for 2012? Look no further than this Travel Box to get you equipped for all of your free-roaming endeavors. It’s full of everything needed to inspire, gear up or store away while you travel the world looking for adventure.

Whether you’re a new mom, are expecting, or have friends and family with little ones, you’ll love the Mom + Baby Box. There are enough full-sized products and projects here to try out as well as share! And did we mention all the items in the Mom + Baby Box are non-toxic and eco-friendly? We love it!

Since we’re in the middle of winter, we think the best way to embrace the season is to pack an Entertainment Box full of everything you’ll need for a night in. Warm up with a mug of organic hot chocolate and throw on a DVD; this box is all about keeping you entertained and cozy through the winter months. Can we say eco-hibernation?

The Health + Beauty Box is chock full of organic, luxe body care, jewelry and healthy goodies – a perfect way to start off 2012 and turn over a green leaf. Featuring full-size gorgeous green goods, this was our most popular Box last time around, so hop on this now or miss out!

The Conscious Food Box will have you wanting to eat better. It’s one month into 2012; how are those healthy resolutions going? Hopefully well, but if you need an extra boost of support in eating better this year, look no further than our Conscious Food Box. It’s packed with treats and products that are good for you and the planet. From gluten-free cake mix and a cookbook to reusable produce bags and coffee mugs, we hope this Conscious Eating themed box inspires you to live by our Food section motto, “good food, from good places with good people.” You’ll even receive an EcoSalon-exclusive, USA-crafted ceramic espresso cup (doubles as a shot glass).

We promise you’ll enjoy whichever one (or two, or three) you choose. Enjoy!

Today’s conscious perfume lover can now find beauty in a nature-based signature scent.

When Coco Chanel famously said, “Wear perfume wherever you want to be kissed,” she was no doubt planning herself a romantic February 14th. Sales of perfume always go up dramatically around Valentine’s Day, but beyond our desire to feel more attractive to others, why do we “wear” perfume?

Like our choice to wear certain clothes, we simply want to carry around something beautiful that reflects how we feel inside. Today’s conscious consumer, increasingly aware of the benefits of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, can now find that beauty in a nature-based signature scent.

Jenny Pao, a San Francisco based holistic healer and founder of Nectar Essences has been developing homeopathic flower-essence sprays for her bespoke clients since 2007. “I had so many people ask for aromatic counterparts to our healing sprays.” So just in time for Valentine’s Day, Pao has launched three new organic perfumes. Made with 97% certified organic ingredients, they’re botanical and free of synthetic fragrances and chemicals.

Amethyst captures the scent of pink rose and scarlet rhododendron along with hints of cedar, nutmeg and cacao. Hints of amber and sandalwood underlie an aromatic bouquet of five different roses in Rose Quartz While Turquoise carries the scent of night blooming jasmine and Ylang Ylang balanced with a woodsy, equatorian Palo Santo.

“Organic perfume is more subtle than synthetic fragrance,” Pao says. “It is never overpowering and the scent has depth.” She recommends that the perfumes are reapplied on your pulse points every 3 hours.

In addition to providing a burst of olfactory heaven, each perfume is infused with gemstones for balancing emotional and mental well-being. The perfect way to start a romantic evening.

A scene inspired by a midnight desert, a Warhol muse, and personal tragedy at Gretchen Jones’ Fall/Winter 2012 presentation.

Outside it was snowing, but inside Chelsea’s Root Drive-In, a desert had been realized.

This wasn’t your sun-kissed, white linen and turquoise desert, though. This was darker, more melancholy – the desert at midnight. The room was pitch black, save for small spotlights trained on the models, who stood on wooden platforms arranged in a circular pattern among sand and stones. In one corner, a smoke machine created a haze. In the other, the Gang Gang Dance’s Brian DeGraw spun mellow electronica.

The occasion was sustainable designer Gretchen Jones’ Fall/Winter 2012 presentation, and when I spoke with Jones about the inspiration behind her new collection, the decor made perfect sense.

“This season I’ve been dealing a lot with life and death and how they’re intertwined,” said Jones, whose father passed away shortly after her premiere solo presentation last season. This new collection is in homage to the man, whose Apache background served as Jones’ primary design muse.

Like every season, Jones also drew inspiration from literary and musical influences: The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe, Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, and, appropriately, Desertshore by Nico, a 1970s German singer and Andy Warhol muse.

The resulting collection was striking, with strong silhouettes and decadent but sustainable materials. Among the most eye-catching ensembles were a digitally printed silk floor-length gown and a sleeveless pantsuit made from burnt orange wool lattice.

“The textiles tell the real story,” Jones told me. “I use them to inform the audience about where I am.” She explained that the wool lattice represents the contrast between life and death, while a purple crocodile print embodies the process of transformation that she’s undergoing.

The outfits were accessorized with hats from Little Doe, boots from Durango, and archived Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo jewelry from Ruby+George. Minimal make-up and cracked turquoise nail polish (which I’m totally rocking this spring) completed the models’ looks.

Some of our favorite pieces, along with close-ups of the details, are featured below.

Images: Jessica Marati

The trend for the double cuff makes a strong aesthetic statement and gives a feeling of indestructibility to the wearer.

For the past few seasons, cuffs have been decorating the wrists of fashion’s most stylish models and muses. The big, indestructible-looking bracelets looking like shields of armor, are studded and gilded in gemstones, one on each arm. You’d be forgiven if the trend reminds you of Wonder Woman striking her signature battle pose, crossing her wrists and deflecting bullets with her cuffs.

Coco Chanel’s iconic Maltese Cross Vendura cuffs were inspired by Byzantine artwork discovered during her travels. The cross was the symbol of the Knights of Malta, a Christian military order charged with the defense of the Holy Land after the First Crusade. 

Superhero powers aside, it’s a bold, powerful look that has appealed to warrior women through fashion history. Audacious and assertive, Coco Chanel was rarely photographed without her iconic Maltese Cross cuffs designed for her by Vendura in the 1930s. Matching cuff mainstays moored Harper’s Bazaar editor Diana Vreeland indomitable style through the 1960s. Leading the charge for modern day lionhearted style is Elle’s Kate Lanphear, whose chunky cuffs work to assert her cult androgynous and punky aesthetic.

Elle’s Style Director and modern day fashion icon, Kate Lanphear’s all-black looks are often armored with a mixture of leather studded cuffs.

While combined with other jewelry, the look is most definitely an eccentric style statement. Worn alone, matching cuffs look clean and modern. Match the scale of your cuffs to your sleeves. With a delicate cuff go with a simple sleeve, with ornate, embellished cuffs balance with a strong shoulder or architectural sleeve. Feel the power of an accessory that can transform a look from glamor girl to amazon in a flick of a wrist.

The growing love for cuffs means there are plenty of options to choose from this season, from plain gold or silver to studded and ornate. 

ALSO READ:

Now & Then: The History of Turtlenecks

Now & Then: The History of Tights

Now & Then: The History of Skinny Jeans

Now & Then: The History of the Chevron Stripe

Now & Then: The History of Penny Loafers

Now & Then: The History of Go-Go Boots

Now & Then: The History of the Poet Blouse

Now & Then: The History of Ladylike Gloves

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day by dressing up in head-to-toe red, and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

However you feel about Valentine’s Day this year —  giddy writing love letters or turning up the volume on that breakup-tunes mixtape — it gives us a chance to break away from the ordinary. And when it comes to fashion, it’s a good excuse for dressing head-to-toe in red and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

Orla Kiely Prom Dress
This sweet little sleeveless dress by Orla Kiely has a gathered skirt and bow. The pattern, which is actually small coffee cups keeps it from being too cutesy. Made from 100% organic, Fair Trade certified cotton in India.
Approx. $94, People Tree

Tiny Heart Necklace
This tiny heart necklace is sweet and simple, a discreet way to whisper to the world that you still believe in love. Handcrafted in San Francisco, by designer Kris Nations, using recycled 14k or sterling overlay.
$35, BTC Elements

Erica Weiner Sweetheart Necklace
When Erica Weiner found a small quantity of these vintage heart necklaces from the 70s, she thought they seemed to just ache to be inscribed with a message. Make your perfect Valentine’s statement and write your message with teeny tiny letter stamps.
$65-80, Erica Weiner

Apple & Bee Hearts Tote
With inside pockets and lots of great compartments, this super practical organic cotton tote will make a great shopping companion, spreading the message of love wherever you go.
$37, Apple & Bee

Hovey Lee Allott Necklace
This elegant heart-shaped pendant is designed for everyday wear, yet the genuine pink peach shell, lends it a unique glowy sheen. Available with 14kt gold-filled  or sterling silver chain.
$76, Hovey Lee

Alkemie Single Rose Ring
Roses are the ultimate symbol for love, and unlike a dozen red ones this ring will not fade. Handmade in Los Angeles, using 100% reclaimed metal and Austrian Crystal. Available in silver patina as well.
$154, Alkemie

Pink/Red Heart Lady Dragon Shoes
These new Anglomania Lady Dragon shoes by Vivienne Westwood and Melissa brings a more glitzy side with gold edged mirrored hearts that make your feet ready to party. Made from Melissa’s signature earth-friendly rubber.
$230, Vivienne Westwood

Your weekend bag for a stay at the Pantone Hotel — versatile basics in bright solid colors.

When packing for a weekend at the Pantone Hotel in Brussels, go with the theme and bring colorful basics that ensure that you blend well into the surroundings. It’s a bit chilly in Brussels right now, so versatile basics that will keep you warm is a must.

Organic Woven Scarf – Pantone 144
A big scarf is a must-have when you travel anywhere. This one, by fairtrade fashion company Indigenous Designs shines on a bright shade of orange (Pantone 144) and dyed using low-impact, eco-friendly dyes.
$19, Indigenous Designs

Organic Sweater with Tail – Pantone 3945
This lemon yellow (Pantone 3945) sweater by Organic by John Patrick is longer in the back and shorter in the front, perfect for matching with anything from your favorite travel tights to a fancy skirt.
$212, Otte

Braided Hat with Tassels – Pantone 290
With earflaps and fun braided tassels, this bright blue (Pantone 290) hat is a fun addition to your cold-weather wardrobe. It’s hand knit by formerly disadvantaged mothers in Njabini, Kenya.
$26, Njabini Apparel

Baggu Backpack – Pantone 184
This neon pink (Pantone 184) backpack is made from 100% recycled cotton duck. It’s great for carrying all those essentials with you while exploring Brussels. If pink is not your color, there are several more to choose from.
$34, Baggu

Olsenhaus Wedge Booties – Pantone 249
“Bring comfortable shoes” is one of the cardinal rules of traveling. But we think you should also pack something a little more suitable for evening pleasures, like these bright-purple (Pantone 249) vegan booties by Olsenhaus.
On sale for $150.50, Cow Jones Industrials

Merino Silkweight Crew – Pantone 570
This top from Patagonia combines the technical merits of merino wool with travel-savvy style. The lightweight fabric is designed to keep you dry, comfortable and odor-free — it’s a mix of chlorine-free merino wool from non-mulesed Australian merino sheep and 100% recycled polyester.
$65, Patagonia

Slim Color Pant – Pantone 172
Give those black pants you usually travel with a rest. This deep orange (Pantone 172) slim color pant is the perfect colorful travel companion. Each pair is handwoven in Romania and are absolutely unique (you can enter a special code located on the inside seam to find out how).
$145, Kaight

Does Edun’s far reaching ad campaign have the ability to change consumer mindsets?

Without the glossy ad campaigns typically employed by fashion houses, star-ethical line, Edun has managed to become the most well known and celebrity beloved conscious clothing collection out there (having Bono and his wife, Ali Hewson as the line’s founders doesn’t hurt). Posting double digit growth last year and announcing plans that both Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus will pick up the line, the fast-growing sustainable clothing label has just unveiled their first advertising campaign.

An advance look at the ads reveal Edun’s spring looks shown alongside six species of butterflies indigenous to Africa. According to a WWD interview with Hewson in Africa – where the brand reportedly produces much of its clothing and supports local farming communities and factories – she explains, “We really wanted to capture the essence of Edun, and of what inspires the brand, which is duality and transformation.”

Some of fashion’s hottest design talent was enlisted to create the campaign, Photographer Ryan McGinley was the visionary behind the engaging images, British Dazed and Confused Editor, Jefferson Hack, served as the on-shoot creative director.

Skeptics have pointed out that Edun’s partner company – luxury group LVMH bought a 49% stake in the company in May 2009  - utilizes far from sustainable practices. And a now infamous campaign featuring Bono with Hewson, parading through one of the poorest landscapes in the world carrying LVMH luxury bags, may not have not helped win over the critics either.

What is clearly persuasive is the reach of the label. With the campaign set to break in the March issues of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Dazed & Confused, AnOther, T The New York Times Magazine and the Sunday Times of London, its ability to change mindsets is far-reaching. Also included as part of the campaign, is a launch event set to take place during New York Fashion Week and short “blink videos” that will appear on Edun.com and via social media outlets. The message that “eco-friendly” and “socially-aware” are desirable clothing attributes is about to get some wings.

Steal Michelle Williams on-screen style and channel your inner Marilyn with these figure-flattering, eco-savvy classics.

While she initially seemed an unlikely choice, Michelle Williams morphed seamlessly into the role of silver screen icon Marilyn Monroe. A performance which has, so far, earned her a third Oscar-nomination and a Golden Globe Award. Never known for her sex appeal, Williams is now embracing it fully, showing us all just how versatile a great actress can be. We love her own understated pixie haircut and cool, casual Brooklyn-style but thinks she shines especially bright in this Vogue editoral, shot by Annie Leibovitz. With some figure-flattering, eco-savvy classics, we an all channel our inner Marilyn.

High-waisted Pencil Skirt
This “Secretary Skirt” by Study puts a slight spin on the classic high-waisted pencil skirt by adding some interesting details. Made in New York, from 50% cotton and 50% recycled polyester.
$198, Juno & Jove

Fitted White Shirt
Made from 100% organic cotton, this “Shrunken Shirt” by Organic by John Patrick features double button pleated cuffs and French seams. Tuck it into your skirt and leave a few buttons open at the top.
$198, Juno & Jove

Sexy Undies
Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. We’re pretty sure that Marilyn (or Michelle) would not have walked out the door without some hot-looking undies underneath that outfit. This set is by Clare Bare, a Brooklyn based designer specializing in eco-friendly lingerie made from bamboo jersey and vintage fabric. All of her pieces are made locally using sustainable design practices, and are structured to flatter your body in a natural way without the use of constrictive hardware.
Gigi Bralette, $52 & Gigi Garter Hot Short, $50, both Clare Bare

Black Eyeliner
Nothing is more crucial to re-creating than a good eyeliner. This matte, satin-finish liner by Alima is easy to apply and contains nothing but 100% pure, BDIH certified, luxurious mineral pigments.
$11, FutureNatural 

Start the new year off right with these sensational deals, gorgeous green goods, and (count ‘em) six editions to choose from.

Bigger, better, and just plain…boxier, it’s back. Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is here to kick off the new year! We’re offering you $500 worth of incredible eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee.

This time around, we’ve bumped up the assortment to six boxes to choose from: Fashion, Conscious Eating, Travel, Health + Beauty, Mom + Baby and Entertainment.

Hop on this now or totally miss out – Boxes often sell out in just hours! The only hard part of this equation will be for you to decide which Boxes you want most. (We won’t tell if you buy more than one.)

Here’s what we have to offer this time around:

Planning adventures for 2012? Look no further than this Travel Box to get you equipped for all of your free-roaming endeavors. It’s full of everything needed to inspire, gear up or store away while you travel the world looking for adventure.

Whether you’re a new mom, are expecting, or have friends and family with little ones, you’ll love the Mom + Baby Box. There are enough full-sized products and projects here to try out as well as share! And did we mention all the items in the Mom + Baby Box are non-toxic and eco-friendly? We love it!

Since we’re in the middle of winter, we think the best way to embrace the season is to pack an Entertainment Box full of everything you’ll need for a night in. Warm up with a mug of organic hot chocolate and throw on a DVD; this box is all about keeping you entertained and cozy through the winter months. Can we say eco-hibernation?

The Health + Beauty Box is chock full of organic, luxe body care, jewelry and healthy goodies – a perfect way to start off 2012 and turn over a green leaf. Featuring full-size gorgeous green goods, this was our most popular Box last time around, so hop on this now or miss out!

The Conscious Food Box will have you wanting to eat better. It’s one month into 2012; how are those healthy resolutions going? Hopefully well, but if you need an extra boost of support in eating better this year, look no further than our Conscious Food Box. It’s packed with treats and products that are good for you and the planet. From gluten-free cake mix and a cookbook to reusable produce bags and coffee mugs, we hope this Conscious Eating themed box inspires you to live by our Food section motto, “good food, from good places with good people.” You’ll even receive an EcoSalon-exclusive, USA-crafted ceramic espresso cup (doubles as a shot glass).

Just because we’re stuck in the middle of winter doesn’t mean we can’t look good and feel good. Slip on your new eco-friendly designer shades, sling that rocker chic, buttery recycled leather tote from VivaTerra over your shoulder, and head on out or crack open a book to do some DIY from our Fashion Box…or indulge with a gift certificate or two!

We promise you’ll enjoy whichever one (or two, or three) you choose. Enjoy!

The pullover with a high collared neck still has a powerful allure that communicates, “I’m different.”

The Gap revived this imagery in their 2006 “Keep It Simple” Campaign.

More familiar to the British as a polo neck, English polo players first wore turtlenecks in the 1860s. Their adoption by Noel Coward in the 1920s turned turtlenecks into a middle-class fashion trend, and early feminists made them into a unisex item. Since the middle of the 20th century black polo necks have been identified as the uniform of radical academics, philosophers, artists and intellectuals.

Stone memorably paired a gray mock turtleneck from the Gap with a Valentino skirt and Armani jacket for the 1996 Oscars.

As an anti-tie, smart form of dress for those who reject formal wear, the turtleneck – also available in a simpler variant as a mock turtle neck – was surely a deliberate fashion choice made by Apple visionary, Steve Jobs. Communicating a desire to stand apart from others, his ubiquitous black turtleneck became an essential part of his uniform as the leader of those who think different.

Jil Sander Turtleneck Sweater, Céline Leather Strap Bag

Enjoying a revival this season, the winter staple was seen anchoring looks on the runways of Ralph Lauren, Celine and Jil Sander. A fantastic layering piece for when you want to wear dresses year round. They’re at their best worn with skinny jeans, slim fit trousers or a pencil skirt. In this age of so-called fashion democratization, the pullover with a high collared neck still has a powerful allure that communicates, “I’m different.”

ALSO READ:

Now & Then: The History of Tights

Now & Then: The History of Skinny Jeans

Now & Then: The History of the Chevron Stripe

Now & Then: The History of Penny Loafers

Now & Then: The History of Go-Go Boots

Now & Then: The History of the Poet Blouse

Now & Then: The History of Ladylike Gloves