Style spotting on the streets of New York.

What makes you current: red skinny jeans, brown leather satchels, Ray Bans, sailor shirts, cobalt suede pumps, gauzy scarves (still), gauzy blouses, neon watermelon anything. Nothing wrong with that.

What makes you stylish: a put-together je ne sais quois all your own.

While we were rushing from one show to another during New York Fashion Week, we stopped every stylish girl (and a few guys) we saw. Here are some of our favorites. We love their personality, their confidence, and their style.

Above; Sarah, Toronto, so chic!

Barbara and David, New York City, one very coordinated couple

Soren, Denmark, marching to his own drum

Camilla, Denmark – we like what she did with that scarf!

Flora, NYC, in a vintage blazer and Chanel bag, cuffed trousers and polka dot Paul Smith shirt

Check out those Rock and Republic shoes!

Patricia, Brazil, in a cut-out romper and suede-and-woven wedges – dig the hat!

Greta, New York City, in a vintage silk skirt and vegan Cri de Couer wedges

Becky, New York City, rocking plaid and a red Miu Miu satchel

Yes, we’re shoe lovers. Dries van Noten

Mary Lou, an 81-year-old Lincoln Center professor with more spring in her step than many twentysomethings, New Y0rk City – look at that Downtown bag!

Christina, New York City, decked in floaty feathers and pink hair tips

Christen, Minneapolis, in an impeccable skirt and patterned bow tie

Tara, (where else?) Los Angeles, casually rocker cool

Fashion bloggers Jena, Chicago and Amy, Chicago, dressed for cute comfort

Text by Sara Ost; images by Amy DuFault.

The post EcoSalon at NYFW: Street Style appeared first on EcoSalon.

Highlights from our event.

To kick off a green Fashion Week, EcoSalon was pleased to co-host a (Sustainable) Fashion’s Night Out party Thursday, September 8th in partnership with New York’s Textile Arts Center, Of Rags, and the New York City Fair Trade Coalition. Over 500 guests came by to nosh on raw, vegan brownies, swig delicious organic bubbles, talk eco fashion and check out new looks from some of New York’s rising green talent at the TAC’s new West Village location in Manhattan. We loved meeting with all the designers, artists, nonprofit folks, fair trade entrepreneurs and fashionistas in attendance.

Party goers also scooped up goodie bags and EcoSalon’s exclusive Feral Childe “Stop the Fashion Pirates” tee shirts, partial proceeds of which help to support Feral Childe, the indie brand currently embroiled in a lawsuit against Forever21. Scroll down to see some of the highlights of the event, which culminated after 10 p.m. in a surprise birthday celebration for Editor-in-Chief Sara Ost (who broke down in a shameless frenzy of gluten glory to eat at least two delicious frosting-topped cupcakes). Photo evidence, oh yes.

While we were all there to shop and support eco fashion and participate in Fashion’s Night Out, of course, these two editors have to say it: Damn if we don’t have some good looking’ readers. (Special thanks to stylish vegan man-about-town and EcoSalon’s favorite ethical raconteur Dan Mims for swinging by, as well.)

Jewelry and fiber designer Erin Considine and Textile Arts Center Co-Founder Owyn Ruck

Of Rags crew: Liz Westendorf, Liz Ricketts and Branson Skinner

Event guests mingle and talk eco-fashion

Knitwear designer Kaelyn Garcia, New York City Fair Trade Coalition’s Pamela Alimurung, Lori Imbesi, writer Alyssa Alimurung and Afia designer Meghan Sebold

EMpower’s Virginia Dooley

Designer Eliza Starbuck, EcoSalon Managing Editor Amy DuFault and EcoSalon Editor-in-Chief, Sara Ost

Our (Sustainable) Fashion’s Night Out bags were chock full of great goodies!

Nature vs. Future designer Nina Valenti and social media and marketing guru Camille Marchand

Designs by Feral Childe, Ohm-Mongo, and more

Kaelyn Garcia shows us knits are hot

EcoSalon Editor-in-Chief Sara Ost and writer and social media maven Alyssa Alimurung

Co-Founder and Editor of Green House of Fashion, Zanna Schumacher

Guests at our event were invited to cut the tags from their clothing and pin the tags to the corkboard. The Textile Arts Center will then trace the origin of their clothes, helping party attendants learn more about where their fashions come from.

Fashion writer and founder of Greta Guide and FASHIONmeGREEN, Greta Eagan

Designer Nina Valenti, Buddha Nose founder Amy Galper, RESTORE co-designer Celeste Lilore, Social Media expert and writer Anandi Premlall and the ever fabulous, RESTORE co-designer and mayor of New York, Anthony Lilore

Kestrel Jenkins, writer for Ecouterre and founder of Hoverstyle and Jill Danyelle, Occupational Therapist and founder of FiftyRX3

Erin Considine Jewelry

The feisty Eliza Starbuck ready for war wearing her exclusive Feral Childe for EcoSalon “Stop The Fashion Pirates” t-shirt

Shabd’s luxe maxi dress

Rachel Miller, Sustainable Fashion Professor at Pratt, Rhea Alexander, Founder and Designer of DIGS, DIGS architect Ali Soltani

Each designer provided an interactive statement for guests to learn more about the inspiration behind their brands.

Designers Meiling Chen and Eliza Starbuck

EcoSalon Managing Editor Amy DuFault and designer Nina Valenti

Exclusive Feral Childe for EcoSalon “Stop the Fashion Pirates” t-shirts

Source 4Style’s Elizabeth Cloyd and Afia Designer Meghan Sebold

The Textile Arts Center’s Manhattan Manager Addison Walz and TAC co-founder Owyn Ruck

Wool and the Gang takes knitwear to new heights

New York City Fair Trade Coalition’s Pamela Alimurung and DIG’s Rhea Alexander

Happy birthday to EcoSalon Editor-in-Chief Sara Ost!

Countdown to sugar high in 3, 2, 1…(please don’t tell Marketing Manager Anna Brones about the cupcakes).

The post EcoSalon at NYFW: (Sustainable) Fashion’s Night Out Party Highlights and Pics appeared first on EcoSalon.

ExclusiveIntroducing the Summer Luxe Edition of our dreamy discount shopping offer, The Box.

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is back. We’re offering $600 worth of sensational summer eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. This is a guarantee.

Featuring full-size gorgeous green goods, we advise you hop on this now or miss out!

Whether you’re off to one of our favorite eco tropical retreats or not, every sustainable babe needs these cool summer finds:

Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses

Summer is the perfect time to increase your pucker potential with Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses, a 4-pack of glossy color including a light champagne, pretty pink, sumptuous fig, and juicy sweet guava. Juice Beauty’s products are all organic and are made without parabens, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances.

These lip glosses are part of The Box but if you purchase something from their site and use the code “EcoSalon,” you’ll also receive a full size hydrating mist.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Kayu’s Bamboo Rawa Sunglasses

Kayu’s sunglasses feature 100% UV gradient lenses framed elegantly in bamboo and includes a case and cleaning cloth. For every pair of sunglasses purchased, KAYU donates $20 to fund one sight-restoring surgery in the developing world. The collection has received rave reviews and has been featured in Vogue, InStyle and Elle, but this month it is all EcoSalon. Peruse the Kayu site for beautiful bags as well.

(Retail value of $130)

Bright Young Things Everything Halter Top

Eliza Starbuck, designer and founder of You Bright Young Things, recently created a capsule collection for Urban Outfitters and this Everything Halter is one of the pieces. Known for her inspiring creation of the LBD for Sheena Matheiken’s Uniform Project, Starbuck is offering her micro-tencel halter which converts into a number of different pieces (including a skirt), to us for The Box and we love her for that.

One size fits most and half will be black while the other half come in a burgundy (see the link to the Urban Outfitters site to see colors) – specify which one you’d prefer. First come first serve on this!

(Retail value of $89.00)

Recycled Cement Sack Tote

I’m not sure I can write this piece about the Recycled Cement Sack Tote better than the Global Girlfriend site did: “Make a concrete statement about your support for women in need in Bangladesh as they work to cement a new future! This shopper tote is a great bag for trips to the grocery or for daily use and you’ll feel good knowing your purchase has enhanced the lives of women artisans.” Handmade and fairly traded from Bangladesh and now, ready to hold all your summer 2011 beachy items.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Lucy Siegle’s To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World?

Author Lucy Siegle is a weekly Observer columnist, an environmental columnist for Marie Claire and a regular contributor to a number of other publications, television and radio. Her recent book To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World? is a look at the inhumane and environmentally devastating story behind the clothes we so casually buy and wear. Luckily, you’ll be reading this on a beach coated in non-toxic sunblock and in a skimpy bikini when you get to read about the impact your wardrobe choices make.

(Retail value of $25.00)

Yala’s Bamboo Dreams Beach Towel

We think something you just can’t be without this summer is a great beach towel and when we saw these from Yala, we knew we’d found the perfect one. Enjoy your time beachside, poolside or at the spa with your own natural towel made from bamboo and organic cotton. We love the Koi fish swimming among water lilies in cheerful colors. If you choose to purchase The Box, one of these three towel colors will be yours.

Go to the Yala site now and get 25% off these beach towels with EcoSalon25 code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $39.50)

VivaTerra Flowered Thermos

This lightweight, reusable enameled picnicware from VivaTerra is 34 ounces of double-walled thermos heaven. An antique look bows to a long gone era’s ornate enamelware design but still borrows from today’s technology to keep liquids hot or cold for many hours. Which, when you’re enjoying the beach all day and need liquids, this is vital (so is looking stylish drinking from this while there).

(Retail value of $55)

Blissoma Amend, Antioxidant Sprayable Lotion

The last thing we want to promote is ruining your delicate skin, and the summer sun will take your luster away if you let it. Irie Star let us give you Blissoma’s Amend, an antioxidant spray lotion designed to replace those sticky aloe gels with a power-packed formula of superfoods and herbs to regenerate skin. Organic Rooibos tea, Acai oil, organic Linden flower and Comfrey soothe and rebuild skin cells to be more resilient to resisting UV damage. Soak its minty-fresh cooling sensation in, sister.

Go to the Irie Star site now and get 2o% off Amend with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $16.99)

Pawling Print Studio’s Geometric Notebooks

Sometimes sitting under a shady beach umbrella or taking a hike on your favorite trail gets you inspired. Pawling Print Studio’s notebook will help you make those thoughts linger in private (we hope) infamy. Their 32-page notebooks are printed with soy-based inks onto a chipboard cover and feature a wrap-around, hand drawn geometric illustration. The Box will have two of these mini notebooks which are perfect to jam in your back pocket or beach bag.

Go to the Pawling site now and get 15% off these notebooks with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $8.00)

$50 Gift Certificate For Vegan Eco-Boutique Mission Savvy

Mission Savvy is a vegan eco-boutique that curates ethical designs for the conscious consumer. 5% of all sales go to animal rescue and wildlife conservation projects around the world so you can double up on feeling good about your purchases. $50 can go towards any item on the site over $100 which could include an organic cotton dress or pants, vegan heels, bamboo top or great accessories. You decide – but you’ll have a hard time doing that with how many great options there are!

Send us pictures.

Got to Mission Savvy’s site now to get 20% off all spring/summer. Enter ecosalon at checkout.

(Retail value of $50.00)

Coola Chemical Free Sunblock

Coola’s mineral sunblock with an SPF of 30 is a sheer and natural mineral sunblock that delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for the whole body. Says Coola: “This unique formula gives your skin an army of time-released Vitamin C – nature’s powerful antioxidant that helps reduce visible aging by battling damaging free radicals.”

Rated by EcoSalon Beauty Editor Katherine Butler as one of her top eco-friendly suncare products!

(Retail value of $34.00)

FluffyCo T-shirt

FluffyCo’s premium apparel line unites organic cotton and eco-heather blends printed with FluffyCo’s signature graphic prints. Printed in small batches in the Bay Area, some styles using water–based inks. All shirts have a fabulous soft, luxe feel and cute hand–printed hangtags. They did this adorably hip bird pattern tee on an eco-heather exclusively for The Box and we now love them even more (if that’s even humanly possible).

(Retail value of $34.00)

Skincando Luxe Brew Lip Balms

Each Skincando lip balm is filled from small hand spun batches and is guaranteed to give your lips a magical glow. We loved how they were described to us from the company as smelling and tasting like Pizzelle cookies. The key essential oil in the balm is Myrrh, which has been used by royalty for centuries to heal and beautify the skin. I imagine this might be the best pre, during and post sun lip balm we may ever try.

(Retail value of $15)

$50 Gift Certificate From A.D.O. Organic Clothing

A.D.O. designer Angelika Krishna infused her spring line with impressionistic pastel hues derived from turmeric, sandalwood, pomegranate and Indian basil. 100% Organic knits and cottons are then treated to Ayurvedic ingredients to make buttery yellows, summer blues and hues derived naturally, from nature. The end product is a non-toxic, sustainable soiree of comfortable, breathable separates for spring and summer. $50 towards a beautiful dress or breezy tunic will go a long way here towards having something extremely beautiful in your warm weather wardrobe.

Go to the A.D.O. site now and get 25% off with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $50)

Global Girlfriends: How One Mom Made It Her Business To Help Women In Poverty Worldwide

From the Global Girlfriend site: “In 2003 Global Girlfriend founder Stacey Edgar had a $2,000 tax return and a deep desire to help provide economic security for women in need. She knew that of the 1.3 billion people living on less than $1 per day, seventy percent are women. What she didn’t have was a business plan. Or a passport. But that didn’t stop her from creating a socially conscious business that has helped poor women in five continents feed their families and send their children to school. ”

It’s true, Global Girlfriend has since grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise that specializes in handmade, fairly traded, eco-conscious apparel, accessories, and items made by women all over the world. Stacey’s Global Girlfriends book is her inspiring story of following ones convictions. Sounds like a perfect summer read while snuggling in a hammock, oh, and then going to take over the world.

(Retail value of $24.99)

Aurea Golden Grass Earrings and Mini Box

Aurea is a fair trade business that brings jewelry and accessories made of golden grass handwoven by skilled artisans in Brazil to women all over the world. The company sources directly from artisans and producer-owned associations that decide on their prices and are in control of their production. The result is a collection of jewelry that has its own shimmer and shine from nature itself. Sustainable fashion writers Abigail Doan, Kestrel Jenkins and others (cough, us, Sara Ost and Amy DuFault), are often seen wearing Aurea jewelry. Light and pretty, they’re the perfect piece paired with a pretty summer dress.

The box below is a good place to store them so no sustainable fashion writers can sniff them out and try to steal.

(Retail value of both is $90)

Aurea’s Golden Grass Mini Box

How to get it + the fine print:

The Box is available now through July 31 or until supplies last and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. (International shipping is not available at this time.) There is a $20 shipping and handling fee. All sales are final. Please allow up to two weeks for shipping. To purchase The Box, email thebox@ecosalon.com directly with “The Box” in your subject line. Supplies are extremely limited – this debut offering is available to the first 25 shoppers only. Please limit 2 orders per person. Payment accepted through Paypal or credit card.

The post EcoSalon Exclusive: The Box Is Back, Baby (and It’s Summer Luxe) appeared first on EcoSalon.

A weekly roundup of EcoSalon’s top stories.

This week has been a veritable feast of words and thought with five brilliant, new writers joining us.We thought introductions were necessary, so without further ado, here’s our Friday 5 featuring the five.

Taking natural makeup to dizzying heights, Kristen Arnett’s column High Definition is a new weekly foray into detoxing our makeup bags and giving us healthier cosmetic options. Expect to be wooed by everything from runway makeup trends to celebrity makeovers. Arnett is an internationally renowned makeup artist and founder of the Green Beauty Team, styling high profile celebrities and runway models as well as being a sought after beauty expert, educator and teacher for other makeup artists.

Sex By Numbers is columnist Abigail Wick’s weekly exploration into the sexually fascinating and provocative. Expect an ongoing look into the emotional and sexual  lives of the modern day woman and for insight and inspiration as she explores the “sex” of women and the terrain they must travel.

Dominique Pacheco picks up where Heart Of Art left with a new art column HeARTbeat, offering a weekly glimpse into the artistic inspiration driving artists all over the globe. Look for her conscious art trends and how they tumble through social media to shape the very culture that binds us all.

Stay tuned for next week’s launch of Places & Spaces at EcoSalon, with new columnist Kara Dicamillo as your travel guide. She will inspire you to carve out a vacation on your calendar with all the gorgeous locations and accommodations she finds that share a love for environment. From tent glamping to lavish built environments, fair warning, you’ll feel compelled to pack your suitcase.

Seasoned sustainable writer Starre Vartan has just started penning intriguing stories in our Sex section that are titillating and on trend from stories that praise the human body to contraptions we use to promote (or prevent) sex. We are eager to learn more…

Image: arquera

The post The Friday 5, Vol. 12 appeared first on EcoSalon.

ExclusiveEcoSalon partners with top green companies for an amazing Earth Day product offer and charity donation.

We’ve brought together some of the best, most desirable eco-conscious brands to give you The Box: a full sized exclusive assortment of home, fashion, beauty, fitness and body products to keep all to yourself or to give for Mother’s Day. No sample sizes here, honey.

This is a one-of-a-kind offer you won’t find anywhere else. We’ve been hard at work all month with the companies below to score you an exclusive $500 worth of in-demand green goodies for just $99! The conscious brands included wanted you to discover their best products, and we wanted to treat our readers to a fantastic spring shopping deal. And thus, The Box was born.

Secure your order today as it’s first come, first serve. Supplies are extremely limited. You’ll want to order today especially, because in honor of Earth Day, 10% of all Earth Day proceeds will go to the Waterkeeper Alliance, a powerful group making way for “Communities to stand up for their right to clean water and for the wise and equitable use of water resources, both locally and globally.” The vision of the Waterkeeper movement is for fishable, swimmable and drinkable waterways worldwide. (Please go to their site to learn more.)

Just what’s in this Box? You won’t believe it. Here’s what EcoSalon and our brand partners have put together just for you!

Envirosax Reusable Bags

Envirosax is proud to help protect the environment for tomorrow’s generations by providing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable shopping bags. Be the envy of all at the farmers’ market, or anywhere you need a bag, with these bags in pops of rich, saturated, cheerful floral colors. These Origami bags offer a spring palette of flamingo, raspberry pink, and key lime. We’re just getting started. Ready? Read on.

(Retail value of $8.95)

Coola Chemical Free Sunblock

Coola’s mineral sunblock with an SPF of 30 is a sheer and natural mineral sunblock that delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for the whole body. Says Coola: “This unique formula gives your skin an army of time-released Vitamin C – nature’s powerful antioxidant that helps reduce visible aging by battling damaging free radicals.”

Rated by EcoSalon Beauty Editor Katherine Butler as one of her top eco-friendly suncare products!

(Retail value of $34)

GreenSmart’s Akepa Accessory Pouch/iPad Carrier

GreenSmart’s accessory pouch is is perfectly sized to fit an iPad and is also well-suited for cables, power supply sources, extra drives or batteries. The padded Neogreene construction and the plush lining provide a protected, organized pouch to hold all the things that make your mobility possible. We love Greensmart’s Neogreene for its lack of phthalates, VOCs, chlorine, and metals that are traditionally present in neoprene, and we also love that the company uses 25% less energy to manufacture and 25% less petroleum to produce their products.

You will, too!

(Retail value of $19.95)

Sir Richard’s Vegan Condoms

Sir Richard’s believes safe sex is a basic human right and with only a fraction of the global demand for condoms being met each year, they’re donating one condom for every one sold to patients in Haitian healthcare centers. Healthcare providers in the settlement camps and clinics have expressed a need for more free condoms to keep a probable surge of new HIV infections from happening in the post-disaster regions of the country. That the condoms are made from 100% natural latex and without the dairy product casein, which coincidentally also makes them vegan-friendly, is just the sexy sugar on top.

(Box of 3, retail value of $6)

Loomstate’s BLANK V-Neck Tee

Quite possibly the best t-shirt going, Loomstate’s BLANK V-Neck in Eclipse Purple will be one of many you collect for your t-shirt drawer. Made from 100% organic cotton and detailed with signature Loomstate skewed seams, this insanely soft tee features the perfect length, perfect sleeve and perfect neckline. It’s almost as if they created it to perfectly sculpt a woman’s body. (We’re pretty sure they did.)

All of the The Box’s Loomstate t-shirts are sized medium to fit many different body types. Several EcoSalon editors of different shapes and sizes wear the medium well.

(Retail value of $40)

VivaTerra’s Chindi Mat (and $75 discount on all merchandise!)

This bright and cheery Chindi Mat from VivaTerra was crafted in the tradition of rag rugs and potholders. We think it’s the perfect addition to any green girl’s eclectic, personal decor scheme. Rescued from material scraps, tightly woven Indian Chindi begins as a mound of remnants and ends up as vibrant domestic flooring solutions. Each mat is one-of-a-kind and can be used a number of ways including as a bath or kitchen mat, door rug or gardening pad.

It doesn’t stop there! VivaTerra is also offering $75 off any $250 purchase including sale and clearance items, which with Mother’s Day coming up fast, is your golden ticket (and box). Look for the certificate in The Box.

(Retail value of $39 and $75)

Good Clean Love

We’re not sure we have to say anything more than what the Good Clean Love site says: “Good Clean Love products are even better together! When you change the scent, you change the love experience. Using our aphrodisiac products in sequence for multilayered foreplay and then long lasting and luxurious lubrication is a gift that will keep giving back to you.”

Yes, please. Founder and Loveologist, Wendy Strgar, created her core products to meet the personal intimacy needs in her own marriage of 24 years, which in turn inspired her to create a family of products using healthy and natural ingredients that make love accessible in relationships.

Includes Body Candy, Love Oil and personal lubricant.

(Retail value of $30)

Gaiam’s Peace On Earth Yoga Mat

Share your love for Mother Earth while you Downward Dog on Gaiam’s Peace On Earth yoga mat that provides superior grip, padding and stability. This yoga mat is safe for all users and contains no latex.

Founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1988 by Jirka Rysavy, Gaiam is a valued resource to customers who appreciate the environment, a sustainable economy, healthy lifestyles, alternative health care and personal development. Is that you? We bet it is.

(Retail value of $21.98)

Alabama Stitch Book

Natalie Chanin is the sustainable world’s ultimate queen. A designer, writer and workshop guru based in Florence, Alabama, her beautiful hardcover book, Alabama Stitch Book, is the first book of an on-going series. Expect to find various projects and stories celebrating hand-sewing, quilting and embroidery, as well as a collection of projects and stories from her clothing and lifestyle company, Alabama Chanin.

We agree.

(Retail value of $34.95)

Potting Shed Creations’ Basil in a Bag

Too cute and convenient for words. Founded in 1998, Potting Shed Creations is now an internationally recognized brand committed to elegant design, handmade craftsmanship and catering to one’s love of something simple and pure: gardening. We love that the entire design team and all employees work out of an old elementary school based in Troy, Idaho, package their products in a minimal amount of packaging and are USDA Organic certified.

Their Basil in a Bag is a great place to start or to add to your kitchen garden.

(Retail value of $8)

Zhena’s Fair Trade Organic Herbal Tea Sampler

In 2000, founder Zhena Muzyka’s son, Sage, was born with a severe birth defect and with a mountain of medical bills, she was struggling but determined to earn the money it would take to pay for the surgeries that would save Sage’s life. Drawing on her degree in aromatherapy and a love of tea, and backed by a little seed money from friends and family, Zhena embraced her Ukranian Gypsy heritage and became a tea cart peddler on California street corners, and consequently, saved her son.

Zhena’s Gypsy Tea offers not only teas but herbal infusions, producing hand-crafted, all natural and organic beverages that are 100% organic and 100% Fair Trade certified. Each sampler contains 4 embossed recyclable air tight tins containing 4 sachets of 100% certified fair trade and organic tea for 16 total sachets of Acai Berry, Lemon Roobios, Fireside Chai, and Italian Chamomile.

(Retail value of $8.99)

People Towels

PeopleTowels are an on-the-go alternative to paper towels made completely out of 100% organic Fair Trade Cotton. These cheeky, clever, versatile personal towels are designed to save trees, reduce landfill waste, cut CO2 emissions and conserve water. Every day, over 3,000 tons of paper towel waste is produced in the U.S., alone which should be a wake up call to carry one of these with you to wash later.

Go here to see the styles you’ll get in your 3-day pack, including More Rings, Less Waste, This Is Not A Paper Towel (above), and Love. You might get so passionate about these you’ll want to become a PeopleTowels Ambassador to proclaim the good news.

(Retail value of $17.99)

All Nighter Hair Powder

If you’re like us, you are so over washing your hair everyday. Allow us to introduce The All-Nighter, an eco-friendly styling powder that builds volume, absorbs excess oil, freshens hair and extends your blowout. Contains microfine, real silk powder to add manageability while imparting a luxurious, satiny feel. No talc, no aluminum, no silica and absolutely no synthetics of any kind. Perfect for humid nights on the town, or, the morning after.

Leave it in for great texture or brush it out for an amazing “fresh from the salon” look.

(Retail value of $18)

Alima Pure Eye Shadow in an EcoSalon Exclusive Obsidian

Alima Pure started out making mineral makeup because they cared deeply about women’s health as much as the planet. They use only the purest cosmetic-grade mineral pigments with no additives, fillers or fragrances that can irritate your skin or clog your pores. All Alima cosmetics have BDIH natural cosmetics certification.

We love that the shadow can be used wet or dry as a lid shadow or eyeliner. Multi-tasking products rule.

(Retail value of $9)

Zoya’s Kimmy Nail Polish

Future Natural, our beauty brand partner for The Box, says of Zoya nail polish: “The average nail polish is basically nothing more than a refined version of automobile paint. We know they make your nails look gorgeous, but they contain a hefty amount of dangerous toxins (dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde). Zoya contains none of these chemicals.” Available in a great range of fashion colors and voted longest wearing nail polish by Womens Health Magazine, as well as being listed in Lucky Magazine’s Green Guide. And it’s recommended by the EcoSalon beauty team.

(Retail value of $8)

A Perfume Organic Sample Set

We were lucky to have Amanda Walker at EcoSalon Shops last June and are happy to have her involved in The Box.  This beautiful set from A Perfume Organic holds four fragrances in a pretty, printed muslin bag. Each perfume is attached to a recycled paper card and is a perfect way to test her collection, to use as a travel companion or to gift. Each organic perfume has a minimum of fourteen beautifully blended notes in the purest apricot kernel, avocado and jojoba oils. All of the oils are obtained from organic, wild-harvested and sustainable sources & each formula is certified USDA organic. The petite bottle and flower seed-embedded box can be planted and recycled.

We’ve still got more for you. Ready?

(Retail value of $20)

Primitive

Who doesn’t need a new lip gloss, and this sheer sienna shade from Primitive, Ibiza, is the perfect companion for sundresses post-beach as well as into the night with that sultry LBD. Future Natural says: “MAC has met its match! This award-winning line of 100% natural lip gloss from Primitive Makeup gives all the high shine of a gloss, without the sticky mess. The gorgeous shades are beautifully wearable and ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter and vitamin E.”

(Retail value of $18)

$25 Juno and Jove gift certificate

$25 Juno and Jove Gift certificate

Launched in 2006 in Sarasota, Florida, Juno and Jove has emerged as a premier shopping destination for the socially conscious consumer both online and at their brick and mortar shop. Looking through their carefully curated list of designers, you might be surprised by how many eco-talents you don’t know as well as solid favorites.

We love that they offer women’s as well as men’s clothing and shoes, and beautiful pieces for the home, too. Once I started perusing the site, I really couldn’t stop. Along with a focus on consumer education, Juno & Jove strives to create a sustainable lifestyle destination by offering clients products from brands that embody social and environmental responsibility. The team at Juno & Jove has carefully chosen designers based on high standards in both outstanding craftsmanship, as well as socially responsible corporate practices. Merchandise is selected for its construction quality, design aesthetics, durability, material content, maintenance, and practicality. We are in love.

(Retail value of $25)

$25 Beklina Gift Certificate

Anyone who follows EcoSalon’s fashion section faithfully will know we have a pretty big crush on Beklina. Designer Angelina Rennell whose line Lina Rennell is also in her very carefully curated shop says she is comforted by nature and inspired by design, “Beklina is passionate about living at the harmonious crossroads of the two.”

Look for stand out lines like Mociun, Stewart+Brown, Shabd, Organic by John Patrick, Rachel Comey and Ivana Helsinki.

Rennell’s shop is a family operation that hand selects the best available in sustainable style and heirloom wares with a modern organic vibe that quite clearly reflects Northern California’s grace and beauty. Beklina believes clothing and design can be precious, radical, nurturing, healing and wonderful.

(Retail value of $25)

How to get it + the fine print:

The Box is available from 4/22-5/22 and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. (International shipping is not available at this time.) All sales are final. Please allow up to two weeks for shipping. To purchase The Box, email thebox@ecosalon.com directly with “The Box” in your subject line. Supplies are extremely limited – this debut offering is available to the first 25 shoppers only. Please limit 2 orders per person. Payment accepted through Paypal or credit card.

A big thanks to FutureNatural for arranging the exquisite hair, perfume, skin, nail and beauty assortment in this promotion.

Thank you to all the wonderful brands participating in this very special event!

The post An EcoSalon Exclusive Offer: Announcing…The Box! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Editor’s note: EcoSalon is fully FTC compliant. We will always disclose sponsored editorials to you.

ExclusiveSaffron Rouge and Alima Pure debut Obsidian, an exclusive eyeshadow just for EcoSalon readers.

When organic beauty shop Saffron Rouge told EcoSalon that they wanted to work with Alima Pure to create an exclusive eyeshadow for us, we were more than thrilled to participate and of course, to let our readers know about the line. From Manhattan to Cape Cod, we’ve been on the green scene and meeting up with organic makeup stylists who have taken the time to try out the line. Our talented artists were able to transform even two busy editors into lovely-lidded ladies. Check it out!

Our first stop was to eco-boutique Kaight, trendy mecca for sustainable shoppers in New York, where we met up with green friends and Green Beauty Team founder and award-winning runway makeup artist, Kristen Arnett. Arnett made us over on the shop couch (thanks to Kaight’s fabulous founder and owner, Kate McGregor for sharing the space!). Arnett created different looks for us to show how well the shadow works for day and night. She demonstrated a natural, fresh look on DuFault and a just-a-little punk night look on Ost. (See the slideshow below for close-ups.)

EcoSalon Managing Editor Amy DuFault (left), and Editor-in-Chief Sara Ost get made over by Green Beauty Team Founder, Kristen Arnett.

On Cape Cod, where Managing Editor Amy DuFault hails, we headed over to local hot spot, Salon Belor and met up with makeup stylist Sara Gilman and our model Dena Papi for some more takes on the Obsidian/Pink Coral duo.

Model Dena Papi gets her eyes and lips Pink Coralized.

A satin matte shadow, Alima Pure is created with lush mineral pigments and can be applied wet, resulting in an intense eye liner, or applied dry over the lid to add color and warmth (see the slideshow to watch it transform). We loved the combination of the Pink Coral with the Obsidian and how they could interchange for day to night depending on how it was applied. We also were amazed to see that the Pink Coral could be used wet as a lip gloss.

EcoSalon’s exclusive color, Obsidian, we found to be a wonderfully, shimmery dark grey-brown that makes a gorgeously dramatic shadow and can pull double duty as a liner. And the color works well on all skin tones. Thanks to Alima and our sponsor Saffron Rouge, the spring to summer trend of muted darks and nudes as well as bright corals are a perfect accessory to everything from citrus frocks to neutral dresses.

Considering themselves color as much as fashion junkies, Alima says their reasoning behind choosing our exclusive color was based on being avid readers and realizing our audience is stylish and sophisticated but that there’s “Enough whimsy and playfulness on the pages of EcoSalon to know that a little sparkly fun is not out of the question!”

View the slideshow below to catch behind-the-scenes shots of our fun makeover journey.

To get your free eyeshadow:

The Alima exclusive eye shadow and our makeover adventure has been proudly sponsored by Saffron Rouge, the organic beauty and personal care online shop. In this special exclusive offer, Saffron Rouge is giving away a free EcoSalon eyeshadow by Alima to any reader with the purchase of $100 or more in organic beauty products. Saffron Rouge has a comprehensive assortment of cosmetics, hair care, skin care and personal care (even products for men and baby!) that is upscale, chic and 100% sustainable and healthy. They’ve got all your favorite brands – Alima, Weleda, Dr. Hauschka and many more – so be sure to bookmark them. Use the exclusive discount code ECOSALON at checkout on your next order to get the free Obsidian shadow.

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Amy DuFault before, ready for her makeover on a sunny but brisk day in NYC with Kristen Arnett at Kaight Shop. What look will Arnett create?

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Arnett and DuFault chat about the look they want, and get started. Arnett is a big fan of Alima. You can see how much fun these two are having. Boutique visitors were curious what we were up to, and Arnett was happy to share her organic beauty tips.

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Pretty and polished, DuFault shows off Arnett’s first makeover, a perfect daytime look that’s fresh for spring. Arnett used the Obsidian powder to form a thin, muted eyeliner, then blended carefully. She finished with a little bronzer and lip gloss.

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DuFault looking a little mischievous. (When doesn’t she?)

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The obsidian and peach combination works perfectly with DuFault’s coloring.

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Editor-in-chief Sara Ost’s turn in Arnett’s hands.

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Arnett gets to work. Ost’s usual routine is just a little mascara and lip gloss, and she tells Arnett to get creative.

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Arnett uses Obsidian and a wet brush to create a sexy defined cat eye.

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The finished look! Ost hasn’t seen it yet. Arnett explains it’s amazing the versatile looks that can be created with a wet brush and a good mineral powder shadow like Alima.

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Mama like.

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Arnett, Ost and DuFault at Kaight after the Saffron Rouge makeovers are complete.

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At Salon Belor, our gorgeous model Dena Papi gets an Alima makeover by Cape Cod makeup artist Sara Gilman.

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Gilman uses the accenting peach color to add extra dimension and fullness to Papi’s smile.

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A subtle smoky Obsidian smudge makes the look both natural and sexy.

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DuFault, Papi and Gilman with the finished look. We love how striking Papi looks with the lip and eye combination.

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Thanks to Kaight for hosting our NYC Saffron Rouge makeovers!

If you like this special offer from Saffron Rouge and EcoSalon, let us know in the comments. Tell us what you think of Obsidian, how you’d like to wear it, and what future exclusives you’d like from us.

The post EcoSalon Exclusive! Alima Pure Eyeshadow Gift Offer from Saffron Rouge appeared first on EcoSalon.

Afingo’s Fashion Forum on Sustainability and Philanthrophy highlights and commentary.

At the recent Afingo Fashion Forum held in New York City at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Inhabitat founder Jill Fehrenbacher moderated a talk on “Sustainability and Philanthropy,” and included panelists Julie Gilhart, the former creative director of Barneys, Melissa Kushner, founder of Goods for Good, Lisa Salzer, founder of Lulu Frost, Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra, designers of Costello Tagliapietra, Starre Vartan, publisher of Eco-Chick and author of The Eco Chick Guide To Life and Summer Rayne Oakes, green spokesperson, model and co-founder of Source4Style.

Highlights

The panel, with its diverse composition of authors, entrepreneurs, executives and designers, mainly reviewed familiar, even comfortable, themes in eco fashion today, such as marketing a green label and educating consumers. The most engaging insights included a consideration of the standards to which any fashion brand, eco or otherwise, must hold itself, as well as a call for improved labeling for consumers.

Gilhart, who comes from a fashion background first and a sustainable background second, has the expertise and clout not only to help brands and coach designers towards a more sustainable path but to speak frankly on it. “Our clothes aren’t going anywhere,” she said in response to whether fast fashion houses like H&M or Target will suffer from all this consciousness. That is the reality, and “To not deal with the realities of the world is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Attacking the bigger brands…isn’t going to help. The most important thing is education. If we can become more educated, we can create models that are more attractive. Right now there’s not enough philanthropy to change the world.”

Complementing Gilhart’s pragmatism, Vartan called for practical tools for consumers, such as a universal and standardized rating system that would account for sustainability preferences including water, textiles, fair trade, non-toxic dyes, et al. Much like a business index or nutrition label, a rating system would empower consumers to make more conscious choices instead of relying on potentially greenwashed claims – and blindly hoping for the best.

Commentary

While the hour-long panel was informative and beneficial for an entry-level sustainability talk, there was the hope that with such an impressive roster, the questions as well as the answers could have been more challenging. Who are symposiums for, and why have them at all, if the dialogue hesitates to push the issues forward, much less stimulate nuanced discussion?

After the panel concluded, one underwhelmed owner in the sustainable fashion industry wondered about how effective the symposium model in general is: “They sort of just don’t do what they’re supposed to do.”

“What’s that?” we asked.

“Get us to a point where we are considering something new,” she said.

And perhaps that’s it. A dynamic symposium might begin with including people who do not agree, something we discussed with moderator Jill Fehrenbacher after the panel concluded. For those versed in eco fashion issues, the panel instead amounted to a green chorus, with many responses sounding like rehearsed refrains. “Read the labels.” “Educate yourself.” “Sustainability means different things.”

After an easy hour, an incredulous Fehrenbacher checked Gilhart on her contention that talent finds its way to the top by virtue of being talent. Really? In fashion, isn’t it just as much who you know? Fehrenbacher pointed out that many exceptionally talented designers never “make it,” or have yet to do so, but Gilhart was dismissive, insisting that the cream will rise. The moderator held Gilhart hard to the claim. Gilhart has championed many green fashion brands and is deservedly beloved in eco fashion circles, but Fehrenbacher is right. It’s strikingly naive to assert that fashion is a pure meritocracy.

If only the symposium had started off on this footing.

These sustainable crusaders are each pushing forward in their own niches, and admirably so. Take Kushner, who is making a real impact on textile waste and creating partnerships that build an infrastructure for orphans. But when presented with the opportunity to challenge one another and excite the audience, the refrain turned predictable rather than fresh. Are we simply too tired fighting the green fight to challenge our own rhetoric and in the process, take the eco message further? If a movement is to go mainstream, it cannot be afraid to constructively examine itself. Gilhart did not specifically articulate this, but her realistic assessment as a mainstream fashion executive carried the hint.

If green fashion is to evolve into the mainstream consciousness, trotting out standard lines about corporate responsibility or reminding people to read the labels does little service to the cause. To get to where we want to go will require constructive criticism, not amiable lip service. Supporting each other is vital, but nevertheless, if we refrain from pushing and prodding at the complexity of the issues inherent in eco fashion – after all, we’re still talking about buying pretty things – people will tire of the same old song.

This is not to say there aren’t a plethora of examples of eco fashion progress, as Fehrenbacher noted. There are, and the designers, entrepreneurs, marketers and media participating in this progress deserve respect and recognition. But if we’re talking about pushing eco fashion mainstream – shifting an entire global industry paradigm – then we owe it to ourselves to develop more sophisticated approaches and compelling ideas, as well as an elevated marketing and media discourse. We ought to be tough on the home turf, lest we continue to be dismissed when we step off the green.

Image: Afingo

The post Afingo’s Fashion Forum on Sustainability: The Green Refrain appeared first on EcoSalon.