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.

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 

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

Versatile basics with edgy details, easy-to-walk-in wedges and an extra-roomy bag are a New York City girl’s best friends.

There’s no doubt that New York City girls have a certain edge to their style. It’s all about basics with unexpected details – and yes, black. Heels are a must and wedges keep things comfortable. And always carry a big, stylish bag – because who has time to go home before the night begins?

Alkemie Ruler Bangle
Although it’s handmade in Los Angeles, this bangle is cast from a vintage NYC-approved ruler (possibly made in Buffalo, NY). It’s made from 100% reclaimed metal and adds just the right amount of unexpected quirk to an outfit.
$154, Alkemie 

Alpaca Slouch Hat by Mayu
A hat is a must for New Yorkers in the winter — to protect ears from sub-zero chills. This slouchy hat is hand-knit with 100% Peruvian Alpaca fiber and made according to fair trade principles.
On sale for $50, Mayu

NYC Necklace
You know you’re proud to be a New Yorker. Show your love for the Big Apple by wearing this necklace, made in Brooklyn from old, recycled records.
$38, Teich 

Thieves Armour Skirt
This high-waist fitted skirt is made from hemp wool suiting (45% hemp, 40% wool & 15% tencel) and covered with beeswaxed organic cotton, which gives it a great “aged leather” look. Definitely not your average pencil skirt, this one brings a fresh supply of attitude.
On sale for $173.25, Thieves

Crewneck Sweater by Edun
This sweater by Ali Hewson’s Edun is a sexy, edgy alternative to the ol’ cashmere basic. The strategic pattern of the knits keep it from becoming too revealing. We all know we need to leave a little for the imagination, right? Wear it to work underneath a blazer and on it’s own for a night on the town.
$312, Juno & Jove 

Sabine Triangle Bag by The Sway
Every girl in NYC needs a big bag that can easily go from day to night and will hold anything from heels and workout clothes to lunch boxes and reading material for the subway. This bucket-style messenger bag is extra-roomy and has both double shoulder straps and a removable cross-body strap. It’s made from soft upcycled patchwork leather and lined with The Sway‘s signature Aboriginal-inspired organic fabric.
$490, The Sway 

Millenium Black Wedges by OlsenHaus
These 100% vegan wedges by OlsenHaus are made from ultra suede and faux leather and feature a blonde pine wooden wedge heel. The mix of materials keep things interesting and the wedge heels ensure that you can walk the entire length of Manhattan if need be.
$300, OlsenHaus 

A sense of community: A recently opened jewelry store in San Francisco might have hit on the secret to sustainable success.

Design and sustainability collide at the unique D & H Jewelers in San Francisco’s Castro district. Since opening its doors a year ago, the store has created a recession-resistant niche by not only changing the way people buy jewelry but reviving the art of customer service and engaging the local community in the process.

The staid days when conventional bridal jewelry formed the core of the jewelry business are gone. Today’s jewelry buyer wants more than a beautiful piece to mark a special occasion. Instead, they long for jewelry that is an occasion in itself. D&H delivers by taking customers on a magical journey brought to life through storytelling of a diamond’s travels, the people who sourced it, and the modern fashion that influenced a final piece’s design. And, it’s a journey made all the more warm and inviting when they’ve offered you a fine glass of organic wine.

Skillfully co-curated by the owners Lindsay Daunell and Shawn Higgins, the store includes items from the Bay Area’s established sustainable designers like Kirsten Muenster, Dawes Design, Jeannie Hwang and new talent like Corey Egan and Studio Dong. We caught up with engaging co-owner Shawn Higgins recently. Here’s what he had to say:

Why did you decide to open a store of your own? As a graduate gemologist with more than twenty-two years in the jewelry business, I got tired of explaining to others what I could be doing myself. With the many years worth of connections I have made throughout the world, I saw an opportunity to begin a better way of doing business. I’ve seen the worst of my industry – how it adversely affects people and their communities. I even considered changing careers at one point because I didn’t want to contribute any more to that. Then it dawned on me, why not take what I already know and change the way it’s done.

How have you seen the jewelry industry evolve in recent times? The industry is starting to bend to the will of the consumer to provide more transparent knowledge of blood diamonds, and “dirty” gold. More people want to know that their jewelry is locally made. They want to know where the precious metals are from and where their stones are sourced.

In engagement rings we are finding that consumers are much more attracted to the non-traditional center stones, instead of the traditional big white round diamond. More often than not, we are designing and selling engagement rings with color centers, like sapphires.

We’re constantly pushing the limit of design in our store. We try to keep a traditional feel in the pieces but focus on unique and specialty designers, so that people can end up with a timeless piece that is both handmade and fashion forward. We love showing and designing work that can’t be found anywhere else.

The Morning Star Eclipse, by Jeannie Hwang, made in reclaimed 14K white gold with obverse set black diamonds

I’ve never seen jewelry like this anywhere else. Tell us about what makes the jewelry lines in your store unique? Most of the designer lines that we carry are actually local people we have known for years and grown up with in the industry.  Each line has a unique vision, feel and personality.  What is also unique is that every artist we carry, including our own line, has signed on to a recycled metal campaign. That means all of the precious metal is from a recycled source. Sometimes the diamonds are sourced through Canada, but we have many other collectives we tap into.  One in particular I am very proud of is a collective of women in Lesotho Africa. The collective was set up with the help of a Dutch company so that women who had been miners for DeBeers for over 30 years could instead do river mining, or panning for diamonds, and the money that they would earn would help pay for their retirement. They are now retired with a little more cash than they would of working for DeBeers.

Other colored stone sources in the store and direct sales of colored stones have provided a scholarship for an African girl to go to faceting school. They have helped fund wells in the communities where these farmers have small mining operations – and by small I mean a hole in the ground large enough for a single individual to drop into.  We are trying to bring the dollars back to the community where the wealth actually comes from.

You also create custom jewelry. How do you verify the stones you use are conflict free? We have third party certification that documents a clear chain of custody from miner to customer 90% of the time. We are still striving for that 100%.

Ice Cube rings by Jeannie Hwang, made from reclaimed 14K white gold and either blue or white diamonds

Hanging out in your store is so much fun! Is this part of the strategy? Our store is the first and only of it’s kind to have a wine bar within the store. On our mezzanine level, clients can enjoy wine from sustainable vineyards and just hang out or shop with us. The Rose Cut wine bar really epitomizes our philosophy of creating a fun luxury environment that people want to come and shop and enjoy. One of the main reasons internet sales has grown so much is because customer service has been dying a slow death in America. I believe an experience like this is the new future of retailing. Thanks to my contacts throughout the world we’re lucky enough to end up with some amazing finds. We have a hand-made chess set by Hratch Nargizian, one of the finest metal artists alive today, which took 5 years to make. We also have things like Frida Kahlo’s earrings made by Pablo Picasso for her, here for sale.

Fostering a sense of community is the secret to your success. How have you achieved this so quickly? We have no secrets.  My industry has been shrouded in secrecy both from customers and each other for many years. When we find a new more sustainable source for our products we share with our artists. It sounds simple but most people tend to hold their knowledge and sources close to their cuff because they think it gives them the competitive edge.

Frankly, what’s missing in today’s customer service is customer service. I am amazed when I visit other stores how the associates will not even bother to say “hi.”  Call me old school, but I’ve always said, “If you can’t make a customer, make a friend.” Especially in the jewelry industry where you might be selling someone an important purchase like an engagement ring. We meet wonderful people who share our interests – quality, sustainable jewelry and wine – and so a natural – and very fun – community results.

 Hand woven bronze chain by Kirsten Muenster

Ila & I locket made from reclaimed 18K and sterling silver oxidized and re-purposed antique diamonds. The locket opens to reveal a place to put precious pictures or have a special message engraved on the sterling silver insert.

How to knock off Charlize Theron’s effortlessly elegant outfit, in true eco-fashion. 

Charlize Theron is one of those girls we all want to be or be friends with. She chooses her roles well, often portraying strong women who blaze their own paths through life. Through the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, Theron’s also helping reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexual violence among African youth. She also happens to look gorgeous in just about anything, but we particularly like the effortless elegance of this outfit, worn to a talk at the Times Center in New York.

Simple Black Blazer
This velvet blazer by Lavuk is made in the USA entirely from deadstock fabric. The simple cut makes it highly versatile and elegant. Dress it up with black pants and heels like Theron, or create a more casual look by paring it with jeans and flats. Eco-bonus points: Lavuk plants a tree for every item you purchase.
$215, Green With Glamour 

Black Skinny Pants
Every girl needs to have a pair of simple skinny black pants in her closet. These, by Prairie Underground, feature cool pocket details and stitching in the front. Do like Charlize and dress them up with heels, or tuck them into your favorite pair of winter boots — the possibilities are endless.
$105, Juno & Jove 

Loose-fitting Patterned Top
A top with an eye-catching pattern livens up this otherwise all-black outfit and gives it more personality. This one, by Threads For Thought, is ethically made from 50% Organic cotton and 50% recycled poly. The loose fit is key to giving this look that perfect balance between elegance and effortlessness. Eco-bonus points: A portion of sales goes to an environmental charity.
$38, Future:Standard 

Cross-strap Sandals
These strappy wedges by Cri de Coeur are a great mix of easy and dressy. Wedges are always more comfortable to walk in, and the cork ones on this pair contrast really well with the criss-cross elastic straps. Like all Cri de Coeur shoes, they are completely animal-free.
On sale for $110, Cri de Coeur