Supermodel Liya Kebede welcomes spring @ H+M

As we're about to ring in the new year, the fashion industry is already opening the doors to the spring 2012 collections. 

Check out eco-friendly H+M's island shoot featuring Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede here.

CoverGirl ad for eco-mascara banned

The U.K. banned an advertisement for CoverGirl's NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara on claims of excessive Photoshopping.

The ad featured celeb spokesgirl Taylor Swift with dreamy skyhigh lashes that the U.K. Advertising Standards Authority said the ad was accused of making "superior performance claims." The promised "2x more volume" and "20 percent lighter" lashes were not accurate.

Swift's lashes were enhanced by Photoshop, but photo manipulation is used by many beauty ads.

Read my post on how CoverGirl's NatureLuxe line is not entirely eco-friendly.

Victoria's Secret accused of child labor

An in-depth exposé this week in Bloomberg Markets revealed lingerie megacompany Victoria's Secret gets organic, fair trade cotton from Burkina Faso where children pick the crop, fueling child labor accusations.  

The company invested in the cotton crop believing it was sustainable and supplied employment to African farmers. It's a great multimedia story on how U.S. companies try to be eco-friendly but might get burned in the end.

Beyonce & Jay-Z on "partially vegan" diet

Beyoncé has been maintaining a "partially vegan" diet during her pregnancy, and her rap star hubby Jay-Z decided to join her, according US Weekly. 

Since I have been on a "partially vegan" diet, too, for some months, I'm now interested in the news surrounding it. Yes, I get off the diet sometimes, but I do eat meat during the day and at dinner take it out of the equation. 

It's not difficult, but when you're on the gluten-free/dairy-free diet, it does get hard to be creative with restricting your diet even more.

Eco-holiday accessories

With 16 shopping days left, New Year's Day is quickly approaching and parties are already scheduled, so the must-have accessories are necessary for an eventful night. 

They include the pair of pumps to appear taller, the clutch to hold your belongings, the beautiful earrings, and the lip gloss for that midnight kiss. 

And the eco-friendly versions of these accessories can reduce your carbon footprint before the new year begins.

2b Alma Faux Suede Platform Pump (faux suede), $39.95, bebe.com.

Embossed Faux Crocodile Clutch (faux leather), $14.80, forever21.com.

 

Satin Gold Plated 3-Leaf Crystal Chandelier Earrings (handmade), $52, etsy.com.

LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint (paraben-free), $24, sephora.com.

Eco-holiday dresses @ H+M

'Tis the season to be glamorous! And glam comes in green at the corporate eco-fashion store H+M where there are several choices for the eco-conscious shopper. 

All the chic dresses are made from 50-100% recycled polyester.

Conscious Collection Dress (recycled polyester), $49.95, hm.com.

Conscious Collection Dress in Orange-red (recycled polyester), $34.95, hm.com.

Conscious Collection Dress (recycled polyester), $9.95, hm.com.

Conscious Collection Dress (recycled polyester), $17.95, hm.com.

Conscious Collection Dress in Cerise (recycled polyester), $34.95, hm.com.

Eco-friendly sleep cap

Some of us have to cover our tresses at night before falling asleep to ensure the health of our hair.  

Eco-Exquisite, an Atlanta-based company, makes an eco-friendly sleep cap made from natural fibers deriving from plants. They absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide they emit as well as biodegrade. 

Another beauty product that never crossed my mind to be eco-friendly, but it's good to realize there is a green version. 

Even the packaging is made from a plastic called biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) that doesn't contain chemicals and is recyclable.

Rethinking the vegan diet

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Since I have had allergies to wheat/gluten grains and dairy, I wasn't exactly keen to exploring the vegan diet. I mean I can't eat much in the first place, so what's the point of severing my diet even more?

In recent months, I have been hearing about the vegan diet phenomenon. People are cutting out dairy products, meats, and all other animal products like eggs and honey. 

After seeing Forks Over Knives, a documentary film on the positive effects of a vegan diet, I have been intrigued to try it. 

The vegan diet relates to eco-fashion and eco-beauty since a healthier diet can lead to a better appearance; your clothes fit better, your skin looks clearer, etc. 

So starting this week, I'm going to start slow with being vegan for one meal, then hopefully moving up from there. 

Campaign supports precious metal in jewelry

Magazines recently have had the "I'm So Over Heavy Metal" campaign ads among their pages to discourage heavy metals such as nickel and lead in jewelry and instead buy palladium. 

Palladium Alliance International has launched the $8 million-dollar media campaign promoting the precious metal's affordability and durability.

Palladium is a silver metal usually used to replace platinum as an alternative to white gold. In recent years, it has become alluring because it's naturally silver in color and is stronger than other metals. It's also hypoallergenic. 

Some people experience skin irritations from heavy metals because of their harsh properties. Even some jewelers like MiaDonna & Co. also use 100% recycled palladium.

Just another small eco-fashion triumph...

This past Thanksgiving, I participated in the Run to Feed the Hungry 5k race. While cleaning my room yesterday, I noticed the free runner's shirt I received at the event was made from 100% recycled polyester! It's a good thing because thousands upon thousands were distributed, so our carbon footprint shrunk a tad bit that day. 

Alicia Silverstone shops secondhand to be green

From People: Actress/eco-activist Alicia Silverstone, mostly recognized from the timeless chick flick Clueless, discusses her eco-friendly lifestyle including following a vegan diet and shopping secondhand. Read her interview and story here.

Hair dye allergy leads to coma

From Huffington Post: A woman goes into anaphylactic shock, possibly having an allergy to para-phenylenediamine or PPD. 

On the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Database, there are several versions of phenylenediamine that range from virtually nontoxic at 0 to very toxic hitting 10.  

Several chemicals found in hair dyes are toxic and can lead to adverse reactions in some cases.

Faux croc leather accessories @ Forever 21

Embossed Faux Crocodile
Handbag, $19.80, forever21.com.

Maybe I watched a few too many alligator/crocodile-killing reality show episodes, but their leathery skin replicas have become more appealing. 

Part of the new trends for fall and winter, Forever 21 has added several suave pieces like handbags, briefcases, and wallets made from "faux crocodile leather" also known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC. 

It's not exactly an eco-friendly faux leather, but faux leather usually uses less resources in its manufacturing process compared to real leather. And for the animal lovers, faux leather is the vegan choice. 

H+M launches Versace line

However exciting to get 

über-designer products way cheaper, nothing's eco-friendly in the newly revealed Versace for H+M line.

There's leather. There's silk. All the fabrics we've been brainwashed to appreciate because they feel soft or last longer though they're not vegan. 

Since it's the fashion house of Versace entering H+M stores, it's understandable the luxurious items have a larger carbon footprint. 

But how much responsibility does a clothing company have to uphold its eco-reputation? And if more money comes in as a result of this new line, will it become greener? So many questions, but, of course, the line is hot!

Ease symptoms of nail psoriasis with vitamins

Stress usually leads to psoriasis, a chronic condition of the skin affecting 7 million people in the United States. Unfortunately, I am one of them. 

Yesterday, I was diagnosed with nail psoriasis, and as a nail enthusiast always with the perfectly shaped moons and bright color polish, I'm devastated. 


So as my nails literally crumble to bits, I had to do some research and wanted to start at the basics with vitamins.


1. Silicon helps revitalize skin by stimulating cell growth to repair damage, and its magic can be evident in strengthening nails as well.


2. Zinc deficiency may be seen through weak nails, so adding zinc can help bring nails back from the brink. 


3. Vitamin D has shown some significant changes in nail psoriasis, especially with Calcipotriol creams. 

Eternal Optimist
by Essie, $8, cvs.com.

Either ingesting the vitamin or soaking the nails in creams and oils containing those vitamins will definitely assist in the nail growth process. It can take 6 to 12 months for the nail to rejuvenate itself. 


Even my doctor said nail polish is still OK to disguise the ugliness of nail psoriasis, so this is when eco-friendly nail polish comes into play. Now I have to decrease my use of toxic nail polish and turn to the nontoxic versions.


My post on organic nail polish remover


My post on organic nail polish

Levi Strauss plans to use less water in making jeans

From the New York Times: Denim giant Levi Strauss wants to become more eco-friendly and energy-efficient by reducing the amount of water it uses to produce our fave, form-fitting jeans.

The article says the company fears cotton could fall victim to skyrocketing prices or difficult harvests with climate change in the picture.

Reese Witherspoon carries illegal python leather bag

From Ecouterre: Actress Reese Witherspoon sports a python-skin leather bag. Typical day in Hollywood, but there's more...

It's not vegan, but it is illegal to sell or buy python leather products in California. 

Though there's a possibility she didn't get it in the state, is it still ethical to get it elsewhere?

Fashionable faux fur vests @ Buckle

Fall's here, and a great accessory to have that's making a seasonal comeback is the faux fur vest. 

Daytrip Leopard Vest, $69.95, buckle.com.

Some are fancily cute for a day-to-night affair, some are made with the ever-trending animal print, and some are perfect for those laid-back times. 

Daytrip Faux Fur Vest, $64.95, buckle.com.

Buckle, a clothing store staple at many malls across the country, offers a few choices to complement every fashionable mood at a decent price for the latest must-have.

Daytrip Faux Fur Vest, $79.95, buckle.com.

Study: High heels hurt

My Jessica Simpson leopard heels are
 two inches high, have comfy soles, and
cost $4 at a thrift shop

If you missed it, high heels hurt. The spiked heels we slide on our feet for fashionable purposes to make us seem physically loftier than we really are can harm our health.

According to a survey by MBT Footwear, out of 1,000 women, 40% experienced some type of mishap in heels like falling down or breaking an ankle. MBT conveniently specializes in making those step up sneakers we're supposed to opt for instead of sky-high heels.

The solution: Dr. Scholl's shoe liners and lower heels.

Goodwill hunting #6: fuzzy leopard loafers

Earlier this week, I finally bought a pair of adorably suave leopard-print, fuzzy-skinned Steve Madden loafers at Goodwill that I had eyed for some time but was too cheap to fork over ten bucks for. 

Then, while surfing the celeb and fashion news, I noticed my shoes happened to be in style. I found a strikingly similar match with an extravagant price tag...

Christian Louboutin Dufferin Embellished
Calf Hair Loafers, $1,295, net-a-porter.com.

Then I saw chic celebutante Nicole Richie wearing another similar pair...

Image: popsugar.com.

I totally saved so much money.

Pantene launches natureFUSION line

Jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon, haircare giant Pantene released its new natureFUSION Pro-V Moisture Balance and Smooth Vitality shampoos and conditioners with natural ingredients like aloe vera and cassia.

Though the products contain relatively low-level chemicals, there are still a few like methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, both of which received a ranking of 6 out of 10 in toxicity by the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. 

The natural (or what's considered natural by industry standards) products are to help hair maintain shine and strength and protect against damage. 

Colorful assortment of Halloween shoes @ Goodwill

A photo montage dedicated to the lives of the creatively fascinating pairs of shoes living in their natural habitat inside the blue bins at the local Goodwill thrift store. These shoes translated into Halloween attire though we know we would wear them on the regular.

Bleaching creams still on store shelves

While visiting my sister in small-town Wisconsin where Wal-Mart reigns supreme in retail shopping, I found boxes of bleaching creams only in the section for beauty products for women of color.

Of course, we can go into the racial division of beauty products, but it really touches on the racial consumerism where women with darker pigmentation are told by companies the goal of lighter skin can be reached with the contents inside a little box that costs $5 or less.

Years ago, during my freshwoman year of college, I wrote an essay about black women and the chemical punishments of beauty which included bleaching creams. I guess after I wrote the essay I thought these types of harmful products, which contain dangerous chemicals such as hydroquinone and mercury, magically fell off shelves. 

It's simply devastating to see such products targeting specific women in the aisle of a friendly department store. Beauty should be taking care what you have instead of haphazardly metamorphosing your body.

Eco-fashion makes strides @ NYFW 2011

Model at Mara Hoffman Summer 2012
show at NYFW 2011 (Image:
ecouterre.com).

The leading eco-fashion online publication, Ecouterre, always has the best coverage on eco-fashion designers and trends at the annual New York Fashion Week 2011. 

Check out the latest news here.

Fashion's Night Out 2011 Sacramento

Attending the Fashion's Night Out event at Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento last night kicked off my weekend-long birthday festivities. 

The exclusive love fashion. give hope. show headlined the event with different looks for women, men, and children. Since me and my girl were broke, we stood on the sidelines with others, but we still got a peek of the fall fashions. 

In stores like Bebe and Express, deejays blasted the latest hits, models sashayed down the aisles, and overdressed employees served fruity drinks. 

It honestly seemed fancy for suburban standards, so we had fun with the extra injection of fashion on an average Thursday night at the local mall.

Lauren Conrad attends
FNO in Los Angeles
at Nordstrom
(Image: people.com).

Nicole Richie attends
FNO in Los Angeles at
Beverly Center Mall
(Image: people.com).

Fashion's Night Out tonight only!

FNO Tote Bag, $50,
fashionsnightout.com.

Celebrating its third year, Fashion's Night Out is an after-hours party at shopping centers around the world. Expect fall preview fashion shows, parties, and other treats at your local boutiques and shops.

Created in 2009, American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the city of New York wanted FNO to become a worldwide initiative to boost the economy, restore consumer confidence, and make shopping enjoyable again. 

At most locations, the hours will start at 6 p.m. For more info, head to the official website or follow on Twitter with #FNO.

Kardashian Kollection hits Sears stores

The Kardashian sisters officially launched their clothing line at Sears stores this week. 

Though it's not exactly eco-fashion, it gets an honorable mention due to its variety of using leopard print, which I absolutely love for every occasion.

Most of the attire is made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester and elastane, but some items have the leather look without the leather like these hot leggings. 

Save 30% on all items until Saturday online and in-store. 

CoverGirl NatureLuxe line contains parabens

Commercials of songstress Taylor Swift applying NatureLuxe mascara by CoverGirl have dominated the TV screen lately, but with the mention of natural ingredients, is it really natural?

From the ingredient list, the answer is no. It's a marketing tool to say keywords like "honey" and "beeswax" to convince consumers the product is natural therefore implying it's also eco-friendly and healthy. 

But a touch of honey and beeswax doesn't mask the parabens in the mascara. The product contains ethylparaben and methylparaben, both chemicals considered endocrine disruptors by the Environmental Working Group.

CoverGirl revealed other products such as foundation and gloss balm under the line which also contain natural ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil. The foundation doesn't contain harmful chemicals, but the lip gloss contains octinoxate, a low-level endocrine disruptor. The NatureLuxe Collection still ranks better than most mainstream cosmetics since it does contain various natural ingredients. 

Though the chemicals create a low risk, some women may experience major health issues depending on other factors such as lifestyle and genetics, and the problems usually start with their cosmetics.

H+M joins forces with Elle.com

Starting today, eco-friendly clothing giant H+M will have items available for purchase on the fashion magazine site Elle.com for a limited time.

The fall collection including boyfriend blazers and '60s mod style sweaters can exclusively be found and bought on Elle's site. Since a few pieces were chosen for the project, some are on the verge of being sold out.

Though the Swedish retailer has stores worldwide, it has yet to launch a site to sell items to customers who prefer online shopping.