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BEAUTY NEWS: What’s New at Urban Decay?
by Shari Emami
Upgrade your look :
Bad makeup can happen to anyone and a lot of times to good people. It is generally never intentional. However, not to worry anymore! Just use this item: Limited Edition Lipstick Cap by Urban Decay.To upgrade, simply remove the original lipstick cap and then click on the luxury lipstick cap. Perfect for the girl on the go!
It can be worn alone or over any Urban Decay Lipstick. Prices start at $15. For more information go towww.macys.com
Top 10 Green Gifts to Give this Holiday Season
by Kimberly Fisher
It is that time of year again. It’s the season to give your loved ones, co-workers, friends and family the gifts that have been on their wish list for the whole year. So what do you give the eco-conscious guy or gal that has it all? Check out this list for 10 great green gifts for the holiday season.
It’s not what you think! Really! The eco-friendly company Sort of Coal takes Korean and Japanese white charcoal and uses it as a natural humidifier, not to mention nifty design piece. Can be found at Design Within Reach for $25-$130.
LettersLubell.com offers stationary, cards and notebooks printed on recycled paper and cotton with soy ink. Great for the modern day $7-$16.
Everyone loves cashmere, and what better gift than a scarf made from free-range goats in Mongolia that are hand-looped in Napal? No harm is done to the animals, and the finished product is plush yet cozy. $295. at IanSaude.com
Elva Fields recycles old family heirlooms and vintage jewels into one-of-a-kind pieces. From $170 at http://shop.elvafields.com
For the seasoned chef or a the exploratory newbie, an organic cookbook is the way to go. Some titles to try: “Earth to Table: Seasonal Recipes from an Organic Farm”, “Food to Live by” and “Simply Organic”.
Super sleek and made from recycled aluminum, no coffee junkie will be able to resist. $140.
Choose a favorite green charity and make a donation in someone’s name. Some to check out: water.org and greenforall.org
Gaiam 750ml Aluminum Water Bottle
Help save the planet by using a refillable water bottle. BPA free and comes in a variety of colors.
Check out these all natural beauty products for the lips, face, body and hair. http://global.burtsbees.com/
Give Fido the gift of being eco friendly this holiday season with the Eco-Me Dog Kit. This 100% natural kit is reusable and recyclable and a great gift for dog lovers.
Virgins Going Green
by Shari Emami
Ever wonder what makes “green” fashion so popular? Could it be its biodegradable fabric? You may not know this, but before all the hype of “green products” and going -green fashion, there was a line that started in 2006 that was a breakthrough in both durability as well as sexy style. The clothing line I am talking about today is Sworn Virgins.
Roshanne & Alex, Founders of Sworn Virgins Clothing
I had the chance to sit down with Roshanne, in her showroom and interview her to find out what makes her products so unique. As I walk into the 5th floor at the California Mart, I notice the brightly lit room and friendly faces. I got to know Roshanne and realized that her vision is something that was far more concocted before any previous idea. Her eco- friendly line has a main ingredient, which is the bamboo fiber. It helps minimize chemical dyes in production. The bamboo fiber they use is extremely eco- friendly also because it has no pesticides and is biodegradable. It is also cost-effective as well as easy to dye and manufacture. This allows production to be done locally, so there is less cost in producing the line. The bamboo fiber used in the knits also does not hold any odor, unlike cotton fabrics. According to Roshanne, one of the most exciting parts of her job is when she sees the products out there and gets re-orders.
Not only are the clothes very convenient, but they are also stylish and affordable. Worn by some of the top celebrities like Paris Hilton and Marcia Cross, the clothes are beautiful and nice on the wallet. Prices start at $50 and can range to $120. One of the tops worn by Marcia Cross was used by making Coca- Cola bottles fused with hemp fibers. All in all, the idea and concept is interesting, but it makes for a very sexy top!
One of my favorite items is the Nadia and Sophia dress which are both traditional jersey dresses that are wearable made from the bamboo fiber. They also have reversible fabrics that can be worn day and night. The bamboo jersey tops have a wonderful cowl drape and there are a variety of dresses that flatter all figure types. So not only can you look great, but you can also wear something great that is good for the environment. Now that is something to think about next time you recycle those Coca- Cola bottles. Who knows, maybe you’ll run into Marcia Cross?
More info log onto www.swornvirgins.com
Source citation: Interview with Roshanne Aghelvi- 2947 East 44th Street Vernon, Ca
Fashion Designers Going Green
Fashion Designers Going Green
by Shari Emami
In a world full of leather, fur and animal prints it seems rather unusual that the fashion industry would take interest in doing something “good” for the public as well as the environment. However, lately it seems that the opposite is true. Now we can attribute “going green” as a new wave of trends that are going to environment- conscious folks. According to reporter Kim Dean, designers are now using non-toxic dyes and fabrics produced without the use of pesticides. “Going green is the new black” she says.
I had the chance to go to New Mart in downtown LA and interview a designer for “Organic Calfornia Rising,” clothing line. According to her, L.A’s market week, ( which is a week just for buyers , exhibitors and retailers ), has changed to a green and environmental- friendly focus in fashion. She says ” It’s a great opportunity to make people aware of the luxury and high- end line as well as do something good for the public.” As reported by the Women’s Wear Daily magazine, high- profile designers such as Jil Sander, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Narcisco Rodgriguez are all jumping on board and signing up for Earth’s pledges Future Fashion, ( which is a charity organization geared to raise awareness for eco- minded people).
Green Ingeo Fibers
However I could not help and ask myself, isn’t all of this rather expensive? I mean the cost to make a garment is rather pricy, will business’s benefit from all this? Is there a lot of sacrifice here to make a piece using eco-friendly fabrics? According to Women’s Wear Daily ( WWD) magazine, ingeo fibers ( man – made fiber/material and re- usable fibers, made from plants instead of oil ), cost 10-15 percent more than regular cotton. However companies such as Moral Fenar, Elisa Jimenez and Nadia Fassi explain that it is well worth it to spend that much more if it means creating something good for the environment and public. It is also not hurting their business as going green seems to be a growing and staying trend. This is rather refreshing news and I am soon to discover that fashion designers are not just out for profit. They have the public’s interest and well – being in mind .Some of the most well known designers like Miu Miu are using scraps from the cutting-room and saving them for handbags and garments.
I have learned a lot from this industry as well as what is in “vogue” sometimes isn’t what you think it may be. I also discovered that what may profit a business can sometimes be what you least expect. “Going green is the new black” really is a profound statement. Not only are fashion designers “smartening” up, but they for sure have the public’s interest in mind, which for so long has not been a priority of this business. It’s not just about wearing something extravagant off the runway, if it’s extreme and good for the environment, then its all the better.
Source citation
Riley- Katz, Anne ” Earth Friendly Fashion”- WWD ( 2008)
Strugatz, Rachel ” Designers Push Eco- Friendly Fabrics ( Nov 2009)
Bourne, Lead ” Going to Pieces ” – TIME magazine Spring 2008
Reporter- Kim Dean ( Raleigh, NC)- Wral.com
A Green Day In Palos Verdes
A Green Day in Palos Verdes
by Kimberly Fisher
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we only borrow it from our children”.
This ancient proverb is one of many reasons as to why green vacations are a new and trendy way to travel for the jet set that don’t want to leave a carbon footprint on their favorite planet. “Eco Travel” can be defined as “Responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment, contributes to the local economy and minimizes your impact.” These trips can not only be good for the environment, but great fun.
Terranea Resort - Palos Verdes, California
Check in to the brand new Terranea Resort, an oceanfront earth-friendly eco-resort located in the rolling green hills of Rancho Palos Verdes. Not only is the gorgeous resort green, with a commitment to environmentally sustainable practices and energy conservation efforts, but the critically acclaimed restaurants feature an emphasis on local and organic foods. The resort was created with understanding to its native environment and sustainability. The 582 neutral colored rooms feature patios and balconies awash with natural light, and unparallel views of the Pacific Ocean and pristine grounds. When venturing out of your comfortable adobe, the hotel has an on-staff trained naturalist for guided tours and will provide transportation within 5 miles, including to the nearby Trump Golf Course. Complimentary yoga and Pilates classes add to the list of green and healthy amenities at Terranea.
Start off your exploration with a healthy, environmentally-friendly bike ride tour. Not only do you get to take in all of the different sights and sounds the Rolling Hills has to offer, but you get a wonderful workout in the warm Californian sunshine. Horse trails, ocean cliffs and tidepools are a typical site in the lush landscape of Palos Verdes.
Once you are done biking, visit the South Coast Botanical Garden, which is an oasis of lush landscaping. Over 150,000 landscaped plants call the garden home, as well as a family of ducks, geese, coots and heron. Several different gardens are showcased over the 87 acre property, including the Water-wise Garden, Herb Garden, English Rose Garden, Japanese Garden and Garden of the Senses. Over 2,500 different species come from places as far away as Australia and Southern Africa.
Abalone Cove - Palos Verdes, California
Exploring the scenic coastal drive is best by car. Palos Verdes Drive will take you by some of the most scenic spots in Palos Verdes. Leaving the Terranea Resort, head done to Abalone Cove. Named after the Abalone shells found on the beach, this remote beach is perfect for daytime hiking. Trails lead to Portuguese Bend to the left and Inspiration Point to the right. Further on down the way on the left hand side you will see a small little chapel. You have stumbled upon Wayfarer’s Chapel. This redwood, glass and local stone chapel were designed by the son of Frank Lloyd Wright. Lloyd Wright is said to have been inspired by his spiritual feelings after visiting a redwood forest.
Donald Trump National Golf Course - Palos Verdes, California
Continuing the drive you will come to your last stop, the Trump National Golf Club. This picturesque, open-to-the-public golf club sports a 45,000 clubhouse, 3 dining options, pro-shop, ballroom and conference rooms. After Donald Trump bought the property in 2002, he closed and remodeled location, reopening in 2006 with 18 holes. Stop into Café Pacific for a meal to be remembered. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, dine on a seasonal menu of fresh seafood, delectable meats or savory pastas. Try the strawberry Endive Salad followed by the pan roasted Miso Marinated black cod for a light but delicious meal.
What and Where:
Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, PV, CA 310-265-2800
South Coast Botanical Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. PV, CA
Wayfarer’s Chapel 5755 Palos Verdes Dr. South, PV, CA 310-377-1650
Trump Golf Course, One Ocean Trails Dr., PV 310-265-5000
