Eva Mendes debuts fashion line inspired by thrift shop finds

Actress Eva Mendes added another title to her résumé: fashion designer. Today, she did a media blitz for her new line The Eva Mendes Collection with New York & Company.

On today's Good Morning America, she said her line was inspired by her own thrift shop finds like vintage dresses that would cost $6.

"I love a bargain, so I'm always shopping at thrift shops," she said. "I'll buy a six-dollar dress, then I'll go get a coffee and there'll be women like, 'Where can I get your dress?' And I'll be like, 'Oh, thrift shop.'"

The line will sell exclusively at select New York & Company stores and online.

Riviera Fit & Flare Dress
Vintage Rose in Grey Dusk,
$79.95,  nyandcompany.com.

Bow Blouse Eva Dot in Amber
Glow, $49.95, nyandcompany.com.

Soft Pant City Leopard in Amber
 Glow, $64.95, nyandcompany.com.

Celebs wear vintage designer duds at VMAs

The 2013 MTV Music Video Awards show was so outrageous that we're still talking about it days later. But what stood out on the red carpet were the few celebs who chose to wear vintage outfits circa 1990s.

 Miley Cyrus in vintage Dolce & Gabbana. Image: people.com.

 Naya Rivera in vintage Paco Rabanne. Image: people.com.

 2 Chainz in vintage Versace. Image: huffingtonpost.com.

H+M finally opens e-commerce in US

H+M, one of the leading clothing businesses engaged in eco-fashion, has allowed U.S. customers to shop online.

The Conscious Collection is dry right now online, but hopefully it will be replenished soon for the fall.

Model Lily Cole introduces jewelry line with sustainable rubber

Today, British model/actress Lily Cole introduced her jewelry collection with Sky Rainforest Rescue and Stylistpick made from sustainably sourced rubber from the Amazon rainforest.

The Sky Rainforest Rescue approached Cole on producing jewelry with sustainable rubber from Acre, Brazil, an area my organization works with on reducing carbon emissions from deforestation. Since rainforest-derived rubber will always be in high demand, the Sky Rainforest Rescue wanted to promote a way to extract rubber without harming the tree.

Rubber tapping in
Brazil. Image:
rainforestalliance.org.

Rubber tapping works with a tapper, who cuts the latex vessels of a rubber tree to allow the latex to flow from the tree. With rubber tapping, the tree is not cut down, and if the process is done carefully, the tree can be fine and latex can be extracted through tapping for up to five years. It also provides jobs to the indigenous groups living in the area.

Over the years, rubber tappers learned to not make deep incisions that would harm the tree. There are about 25,000 rubber tappers in the state of Acre, according to the Inter-American Development Bank, which funds the Acre Sustainable Development Program.

In the marketplace, Amazonian wild rubber is still overshadowed by cheap synthetic rubber and unsustainable rubber from plantations created post-deforestation.

“One of the reasons I was excited to join this campaign was to explore the rubber industry as a vehicle for green economics, which, if scaled, I see as offering real hope to the rainforest," Cole said. "However, if in the future the value of wild rubber can exceed what can be made from products that cause deforestation, then there is the real potential for a sustainable green economy.”

The limited edition line already sold out on the first day. The total 100% of profits will support Sky Rainforest Rescue and World Wildlife Fund’s work to help save one billion trees and provide opportunities to the local communities.

Eugenia-Khaki, stylistpick.com.

Rollinia-Nude Bracelet, stylistpick.com.

Inga-Ochre Necklace, stylistpick.com.

The eco-fashion designer of NBC's Fashion Star

Last week, NBC's Fashion Star crowned designer Hunter Bell the season's winner of the reality series. But towards the end, I began cheering for the underdog, Daniel Silverstein of 100% NY.

A few episodes back, I noticed in the corner of the screen celeb judge Nicole Richie mention Daniel's Twitter handle: @ZeroWasteDaniel. For those who are eco-conscious, "zero waste" is a giveaway phrase, and that's when I saw he creates "contemporary designer sportswear for the eco-conscious woman."

Zero-waste fashion designers use all materials, including sustainable fabrics, so they cut textile waste out of the equation, and, in turn, reduce their carbon footprint. We generated 14 million tons of textile waste in 2010 with only 15% of it being saved for recycling purposes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

During the show's season finale, the remaining contestants created pieces for Express, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy's. Below are some highlights of Daniel's zero-waste fashions:

With factory collapse in Bangladesh, should we care about where our clothes come from?

Ethical fashion grabbed the spotlight this week with the news of a garment factory collapse in Bangladesh killing over 400 workers. The sweatshop conditions are a problem throughout the world, and as we pick up clothes from our favorite stores, should we care about where they were made?

Currently, 98% of clothing sold in the U.S. is made in other countries, according to NPR. From looking at the tags in my closet, China, India, and Indonesia are top producers.

Though I support eco-fashion, it doesn't necessarily include ethical fashion. With eco-fashion, we think sustainable fabrics, dyes extracted from organic sources, or reductions in water and energy usage. We see "fair trade"  a lot but "sweatshop-free" hasn't been as visible. My pajama pants, for example, are 100% organic cotton but made in India. The major company could assure consumers the factory in India has met its requirements, but we would never really know.

This case made the news because scores of people lost their lives, but there has to be similar cases elsewhere. Companies should be more upfront to consumers about where they produce their clothes and make an effort to pay fair wages, set fair hours, and provide stable facilities for garment workers.

With the digital age, companies can even use social media, video production, and other skills to start campaigns on showing the work done inside these factories to show the consumer ethical fashion is a priority. Most companies won't, but now the companies willing to make this effort will stand out.

Where to find eco-friendly prom dresses

It's prom season, and since eco-fashion mostly centers on athletic wear, it can be hard to find that perfect eco-friendly formal dress. But some outlets have these dresses. 

Tulle Dress in Light Green (recycled polyester), $199, hm.com.

Long Dress with Bare Back in Antique Rose (recycled polyester), $59.95, hm.com.

Vintage 1950s Floral Prom Dress, $175, etsy.com.

ECO-FRIENDLY SHOPS

Asos Marketplace

Etsy

H&M Conscious Collection

ModCloth

REVOLVEclothing

Yoox

COMMON ECO-FABRICS

tencel or lyocell

organic or recycled cotton

recycled or upcycled polyester

peace (ahimsa) silk 

Also see more eco-fashion prom secrets on this post. If interested in donating a gently used prom dress, look for local donation drives or head to donatemydress.org.

Beyoncé models H&M swimsuit line for WaterAid

Beyoncé is at it again flaunting her curves in swimwear but this time it's for a good cause.

Image: H&M.

Eco-fashion retailer H&M's latest environmental campaign will support WaterAid. With the Water collection, complete with swimsuits and other summer must-haves for the beach, H&M plans to donate 25 percent of those sales to the international nonprofit.

Beyoncé, who embarks on her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour today, will appear in commercials for the campaign and debut new song, "Standing on the Sun," in May. 

WaterAid improves access to clean water and sanitation for communities in need across the globe. The organization works on the ground to implement sustainable projects and on the policy floor to support water protection.

Over the past ten years, H&M’s initiative with WaterAid has raised $3.9 million. The collection will be available in stores and online in May.

Oscars 2013: the eco-fashion highlights

Eco-fashionable celebs made a splash on the red carpet at the 2013 Oscars.

Veteran actress Helen Hunt, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in her role in The Sessions, surprised everyone when she announced on the red carpet she was wearing a sapphire gown from H+M for Global Green USA.

Image: people.com.

Skyfall Bond girl Naomie Harris wore a golden gown from the Red Carpet Green Challenge, a contest designed by Suzy Amis Cameron, wife of famed director James Cameron and eco-couture advocate.

Up-and-coming designers turn in the best award-worthy gowns made from sustainable materials to judges like Vivienne Westwood. This year, 20-year-old Ghanaian designer Michael Badger won the honor to have his gown debut at the Oscars. 

Image: people.com.

The sustainable gown is made from organic silk dyed with chamomile and goldenrod embroidered with vintage beads and recycled chocolate wrappers, according to Naomie's Twitter and Facebook.

Relive the eco-glamour of Oscars 2012.

Esperanza Spalding shines in eco-fashion at Grammys

Musician Esperanza Spalding, a longtime eco-fashion supporter, didn't disappoint Sunday night at the 2013 Grammys when she wore a Eden Diodati gown and Natalie Frigo and Red Earth Trading Company jewelry.

Eden Diodati, dedicated to using sustainable fabrics and practicing fair trade, adorned Spalding in a golden multi-colored gown with sleeves. Natalie Frigo uses recycled metals, conflict-free diamonds, and sustainably sourced gemstones in the rings like Spalding wore. The Red Earth Trading Company hires rural artisans in underdeveloped countries to create 100% handmade jewelry while Maiyet, the company responsible for her heels, practices the same economic philosophy with shoes.

Image: nydailynews.com.

Spalding, who famously beat Justin Bieber in the Best New Artist category in 2011, took home two more Grammys. She wasn't the only one wearing a designer with eco-fashion ties. Kat Dennings of 2 Broke Girls donned a Vivienne Westwood dress. Last year, the designer lent her skills to making organic cotton tees to raise funds for climate refugees.

Image: nydailynews.com.

Lauren Conrad teams up with Blue Avocado for XO(eco) line

In my March issue of Lucky magazine, I read cover girl and fashion designer Lauren Conrad of The Hills fame collaborated with the eco-conscious Blue Avocado to launch the XO(eco) line.

The line consists of lunch bags, overnight bags, and makeup bags with reusable items like cups and towels. Depending on the product, it could be made from a post-consumer recycled plastic bottle fabric called Repreve or organic cotton with eco-friendly dyes.

They all lack everyday product toxins like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), bisphenol-A (BPA), and lead. And 1% of profits goes to ocean research and conservation. It may sound small, but it'll add up.

Lunch Kit in Tuxedo Stripe (PVC, lead, BPA-free), $29.99, blueavocado.com.

Oversized travel bag in Tuxedo Stripe (recycled bottle fabric), $69.99, blueavocado.com.

Reusable Hand Towels in Umbrellas + Mini Dot (organic cotton), $9.99, blueavocado.com.

'Thrift Shop' song takes #1 spot

With an infectious tune backed by lyrics bragging about only having $20 to get a fly look, Seattle hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis hit the #1 spot on the Hot Singles list with an ode to thrift shopping.

After hearing 'Thrift Shop' a few months ago, I think it's pretty awesome a song about searching for recycled and vintage fashions overtook the charts.

This Entertainment Weekly article profiles the group and its love for thrift shops: Macklemore interview: Seattle rapper talks pizza parties, social change, new video for 'Thrift Shop'

Wrangler introduces moisturizing jeans

Image: vogue.co.uk.

Want smooth legs? At war with cellulite? Denim company Wrangler has found the solution with the first pair of jeans to hydrate the skin and prevent issues like cellulite.

The moisturizing jeans, known as the Denim Spa line, will come in three different assortments like Aloe Vera, Olive Extract, and Smooth Legs, the cellulite fighter.

Also with a dose of eco-beauty, the products absorbed in the skinny jeans contain natural oils and butters like passion fruit oil and shea butter.

Enjoy the moisturizing properties for up to two weeks. A replenishing spray for the jeans, which will be sold separately, adds longevity to the oils and butters for another 67 to 95 wears.

Currently, the Denim Spa Jeans in Olive Extract are available on eco-fashion friendly retailer asos.com with a price tag of $150. By the end of January, the other jeans will be added to the online inventory.

Bradley Cooper wears eco-tux at Golden Globes

Image: Green Carpet Challenge.

Sunday night, I watched the glitz and glamour of the Golden Globes, but I paid special attention to the Red Carpet pre-show to see if any celeb wore green fashion, and it turned out actor Bradley Cooper did!

Cooper, nominated for his lead role in Silver Linings Playbook, donned a Tom Ford tux made from European spun and woven wool. Though not exactly vegan, it was certified to be free of harmful chemicals by the OEKO-TEX textile testing system.

The eco-fashion statement was brought to you by the Green Carpet Challenge where famous eco-fashionistas Livia Firth and Lucy Siegle convince celebs to wear eco-couture by well-known and up-and-coming fashion designers.

Check out some posts from last year about celebs wearing eco-fashion at snazzy shows: 

Livia Firth wears eco-couture @ Oscars

Oscars 2012: the eco-fashion/eco-beauty highlights

Celebs wear Prophetik gowns on red carpet

Don't get 'greenwashed': avoid chemicals in your eco-beauty products

Image: freedigitalphotos.net.

A certified organic ingredients stamp decorates my shampoo bottle, but when flipped over, its contents include methylparaben, propylparaben, methylisothiazolinone, and methylchloroisothiazolinone. I know I'm not the only one tricked by the 'natural' or 'organic' marketing with chemicals lurking in countless eco-beauty products.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics calls it 'greenwashing,' where companies produce a supposedly eco-beauty product that still contains chemicals not considered natural or organic and can negatively impact our health.

WHY CHEMICALS ARE STILL IN ECO-BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Sometimes, harsh chemicals in eco-beauty products sit at the end of the ingredient list, but when these chemicals are boggled down by actual natural and/or organic ingredients, do they still pose a risk?

Apparently, yes. On a regular basis, the average person uses around ten beauty products from hairspray to deodorant, so all these chemicals are being absorbed into the body in multiple amounts.

Methylparaben and propylparaben, for example, belong in a group called parabens, which act as preservatives with preventing bad bacteria. But, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, parabens are absorbed into the skin, blood, and digestive system and have been found in cancerous tumors and urine samples.

Parabens, fragrances, and triclosan are just a few chemicals suspected of hurting our health yet remain in the majority of beauty products because they usually prolong the shelf life.

MAIN CHEMICALS TO AVOID:

• Parabens, i.e. methylparaben, ethylparaben
• Phthalates, mostly dibutyl phathalate (DBP), diethylhexyl phathalate
• Fragrance, i.e. imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin
• Formaldehyde
• Hydroquinone
• Oxybenzone
• Polyethylene compounds, i.e. PEG, ceteareth
• Methylchloroisothiazolinone & methylisothiazolinone
• Retinyl palmitate & retinol (Vitamin A)
• Triclosan & triclocarban
• Triethanolamine (TEA)
• DMDM hydantoin & bronopol
• BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) 
• Benzalkonium chloride 

Source: Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.

CHECKING FOR EASY CODE WORDS
Fragrance seems to be the one of the worst chemical ingredients with so many synonyms in the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. One of my lotions boasted its vitamins and amino acids but failed to mention both fragrance and diazolidinyl urea meant the same thing without the details.

Terms like diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, ceteareth, and polyethylene glycol are classic code words for fragrance, which all can contain a concoction of chemicals that are usually not expressed on the back of the product.

Spotting chemicals with the methyl- prefix or -paraben suffix can be relatively easy with common ingredients like methylparaben since they have moderate hazardous rankings under the database.

LIMITED INGREDIENTS COULD BE KEY
Like with natural and organic foods, look for eco-beauty products with shorter ingredient lists and read those lists because sometimes fewer ingredients means they could all be labeled natural, organic, or harmless.

Check out this quick tip sheet to see how to detect the bad chemicals in eco-beauty products.