shefinds» eco-chic

The Numbers Are In – Americans Are Going Green

SheFindsSusannah — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:00:06 +0000

A new survey concludes that many U.S. consumers will soon convert to eco-friendly products, says WWD. About 59% of shoppers are expected to make the switch in apparel, with even more (74%) converting in the health and beauty department.

Get a kick start on this trend with our guides to paraben-free beauty, eco-friendly underwear, and eco-friendly shoes and handbags to accessorize. We’ve also compiled some of our favorite organic and eco-friendly clothing and products – click through to see a slideshow of some of the best (safe) duds and beauty products.

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Online Swapping Is The Eco- and Budget-Friendly Way To Get Exactly What You Want

SheFindsErin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00:06 +0000

They say one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure, and the eco-friendly, budget-conscious and tech-savvy among us are taking that idea to the web.

Most online swap sites work the same way: upload images and descriptions of the items you’re willing to part with, peruse others’ items up for grabs, see something you love, and propose a swap. These sites all hold their swappers to high standards, so your information stays safe and the goods are typically trendy and in nearly-new condition. Picking a favorite site depends on what features you value most in a swap venue: variety and quality of the goods, ease of swapping, thorough search systems, etc.

ThredUp provides pre-paid envelopes, so your swaps stay post office (and cost) free. SwapStyle shows every thumbnail image on the same page, so you get a big-picture view of everything that’s available. DigNSwap’s searchable word cloud makes finding particular brands, sizes and categories a cinch—and serves as a good reminder of labels and items you might have forgotten you wanted. Rehash has an active and chatty online community, so you know the minute something new hits the swapping block. And SwapItGreen’s trading points system is perfect for great hagglers.

If you’re just not quite ready to start swapping, look for the best goods on the cheap. We’ve got top picks for handbags under $250, great cheap scarves, and discount jeans to make a staple for an array of outfits.

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Vegan Makeup That’s Friendlier To Animals Than Hayden Panettiere

KFrost — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:00:17 +0000

It’s not easy being vegan—even when it comes to cosmetics. For makeup to be truly vegan, the product not only can’t be tested on animals, but also mustn’t include any ingredients derived from an animal source—including animal byproducts. Yet, some “animal-friendly” makeup brands claim to be vegan, but a quick check on their ingredient panel shows otherwise.

The good news is vegan makeup lines do exist, and a few major brands offer vegan cosmetics. Here are four of our faves:

1. Stript Peek-a-Boo Mineral Veil ($25)

Stript Make-up’s Peek-a-Boo Mineral Veil can be used either alone or to set makeup. It makes my skin appear as though I’m being viewed through a soft-focus lens. Which on some days is very, very necessary.

2. vonNatur Eye Colour Natural Minerals ($16)

Every time a little pot of certified-vegan vonNatur Eye Colour Natural Minerals comes across my office desk, I do a little dance. The pigment is rich with underlying tones that aren’t your usual fare. Plus, the color wears long, won’t crease, and can be extremely intense if you wet your brush.

3. Beauty Without Cruelty Lip Gloss ($39)

Beauty Without Cruelty’s Lip Gloss doesn’t go on too hair-caught-in-your-gloss thick, gives lips a soft, subtle touch of shimmer, and reminds me of another favorite twist pen that I heart (Stila Lip Glaze)—but with vegan contents.

4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($11.50)

I just want to give Urban Decay a big hug for its honesty. The company clearly states it’s “animal-friendly” but that not all products are vegan. It does produce more than a handful of vegan products, though, and I’m currently penciling in the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Electric on my lower lash line.

For some eco-friendly picks, check out our earth-loving shopping and cleaning guides.

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Not Your Daughter’s Jellies: Four Styles That Won’t Break (Or Get Gross) After A Month

SheFindsJenn — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Of all the 80s trends that I’ve seen return, I really never imagined jellies would be a hot item again. Although, now that I’m seeing all of the new styles available, it’s hardly the same old thing.

Granted, they’re all still plastic, so you’ll notice that the sweat usually absorbed by your leather sandals is a little more, shall we say, tactile. Although, lots of these cute style are breathable, provide plenty of flow-through, and are built to last.

1. I couldn’t decide whether I liked these See by Chloe Ankle Wrap Jelly ($125) sandals better in plum (here) or the jade. You can decide, but both jewel tones are rich and pretty, and would look great paired with a sundress.

2. Marc Jacobs’ Mouse Flats are a wardrobe staple, and it’s just a nice gesture of him to reissue the Jelly version ($160) in a set of bright spring shades.

3. Want to know when a trend has officially hit the zeitgeist? When a brand like Tod’s broadens its traditional mojo to create this eye-popping orange Jelly Thong Sandal ($175). Still waiting on the coordinating tote, though.

4. Perhaps my favorite new find is eco-friendly Brazilian brand Melissa Plastic Dreams (which StyleBakery Teen recently highlighted as a great rain boot alternative). The shoes use 100% recycled plastic and the designs are spot on. The Campana Zig Zag ($63) are edgy ballet flats gone deconstructed.

Check out our Spring Shoe Guide for trendy styles all under $100.

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A Concealer For Bad Skin Days That’s Actually Good For Your Face

KFrost — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

What: RAW Natural Beauty Perfect Balance Concealer and Highlighter Trio, $38

Why: I’m convinced RAW Natural Beauty’s Perfect Balance Concealer and Highlighter Trio is the eco-Wonder Woman of disguise. It does—and masks—everything. Not only is it free of the bad guys (chemical dyes, preservatives, and fragrances), but it packs in all of the good, natural stuff (botanical peptides to firm up any saggage, Brazilian acai extract to smooth wrinkles, and caper berry extract to clear up skin).

Blending the two concealers to perfectly mask any skin discrepancies is super-easy. And, let’s not forget the highlighter—it brightens my skin, drawing the attention away from any annoying zit campers who’s days are now numbered (thanks to that caper berry).

Get Yours: DermStore.com

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You Can Be Nice To The Environment Without Blowing Money On Pricey Organic Clothes

SheFindsSuzelle — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

MOBama has made affordable fashion hot and with the administration putting a priority on green efforts, eco-fashion is becoming more affordable than ever. You no longer have to shell out for Stella McCartney stuff on YOOXYGEN — there's now such a thing as a big green bargain.

Payless has a new line out by Zac & Zoe that offers organic shoes like these Aspen Hooded Sandals ($27) at very Payless prices.

Forget Loomstate.. Target has a bunch of eco-friendly finds that don't require a fancy launch date. Check out this leaf bracelet ($40) made from recycled metal.

Greenloop.com
has everything from scarves to pants, all made from organic materials. They carry the always affordable Spun line, which includes this comfy cotton wrap dress ($50, was $95).

Even Levi's is getting into the game, with affordable organic denim. Check out the eco Mid Rise Boot 553 Jeans ($69.50) which are made with 98% organic cotton and 2% lycra.

For an affordable line of tops, check out the Revenge Is line, where we found this incredibly well-fitting, soft, and on-trend graphic Earth Day tee ($32).

Shop our guide for more ways to buy – and wear – green.

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News: Aveeno’s First Come First Serve, YSL Does Green x 2, And More…

Bryn — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

To honor the day, our news is fashionably green:

1. At noon today, the first 1000 people to log on to aveeno.com/jubilance will win an Envirosax bag designed by Jeff Tsui, the winner of Aveeno and FIT's Earth Day design contest. You can check out our Eco-Shopping Guide for other handy bags. [PRNewswire]

2. YSL is launching a collection of organic t-shirts, tanks, and totes to debut in June in support of the release of Home, a film that hopes to raise environmental awareness. Remember, shop at ysl.com today to support The Climate Project. [FlyPaper]

3. EBay has come out with a list of how to stay eco-friendly, and along with going vintage and hitting up Loomstate, our hands-down favorite is definitely number 4: shop online. Enough said. [eBayInsider]

4. Adrian Grenier, along with other celebs, is providing the label art for Kiehl's newest item. We're big fans of green beauty products, especially ones that help our hair chill out in the frizzy weather. [Stylelist]

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A Shopping Guide For The Green That’s Hiding In You

Bryn — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Today is without question the most appropriate day of the year to at least consider a green purchase. We all know going eco on the fashion level doesn't lend to everyone's aesthetic, but after browsing the trendy picks in our Eco-Shopping Guide, we hope you'll turn a new leaf (yeah, I said it).

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and get the latest trends, sales, and deals delivered directly to your inbox. This week we featured the best trenches for spring weather.

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Deal Of The Day: Up To 50% Off Grocery-Toting Totes At Shopbop

Bryn — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bringing a bag to the grocery store is the least we can do. And with the three below on sale, you'll look forward to transporting your groceries in a fun tote.

Marc Jacobs' Locket Big Tote ($117.60, was $168) folds up into a tiny little square when not in use. Genius.

This Thankyoulady Tote from Leftover Bags ($19, was $38) features a simple graphic printed on eco-friendly organic cotton.

Take it to the store or use it at the beach – either way, the Mad Imports Fetch Tote in Punch ($60, was $120) puts you in a good mood.

More Sales & Deals:

Victoria’s Secret: use coupon code VSSWIM40 for 40% off select swimwear today

New York & Company: Up to 70% off

Pacific Sunwear: Additional 50% off dresses and skirts

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Got Bags? De-Puff With An All-Natural, All-Soothing Hydro Roller

KFrost — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

What: Laveré Naturkosmetik Hydro Energy Cool Eye Gel Roll On, $55

Why: Oftentimes, especially after a night full of lychee martinis, I’ll wake up with enough fluid pooled under my eyes to put me on par with Mary-Kate Olsen’s biggest handbag. Not pretty.

Getting my roll on with Laveré Naturkosmetik’s handy Hydro Energy Cool Eye Gel Roll On has markedly diminished my early morning bag-lady appearance, and its cooling, firming formula puts the pep back in my skin, regardless of any hangover.

For eco-lovers, the formula is all-natural (and the roller is nickel-free), de-puffing, stimulating circulation, and strengthening skin’s cells with water lily flower, caffeine, and rooibos extracts. And, if I must be honest, it’s really fun rolling it around my eyes.

Get Yours: Lavera.com

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