Sara Brancato of The Four Hundred sustainable design showroom, Starre Vartan of Eco-Chick, and Lara Miller, eco fashion designer. Check out our awesome shoes! I'm wearing the Melissas by Vivienne Westwood.

Last week was a busy one, kicked off by the Lexus Hybrid Living/Waterkeeper salon at the home of William Wachtel and Annie Zabar.


James Blunt performing in the living room!
Image by Remy C.

It was a fairly intimate evening, with RFK Jr. speaking and James Blunt performing in the host's living room. Delicious organic food, VeeV acai liquor cocktails, and green networking was enjoyed by all.

I especially enjoyed meeting Kristine Stratton, the director of Waterkeeper (which is the umbrella organization for the Riverkeepers, which started on the Hudson River and now watch over the environmental health of 182 rivers around the world).


RFK Jr.'s speeches always make me cry a little. I love the Hudson River so much, and he speaks about it so eloquently!
Image by Remy C.

I got to tell Kristine how I interned with Riverkeeper when it was still based in my hometown of Garrison, NY in an old farmhouse just a few miles from my beloved Hudson River. I was only 20 when I worked with them; that internship was one of my first lessons in how to take environmental passions and put them into action.


Lexus Hybrid Living brand specialist in a Linda Loudermilk suit, and Elizabeth Harrington of Greenopia!

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Summer Rayne Oakes in front of the Zoe and Zac line for Payless

I have to admit I was (pleasantly) surprised when I got an invite a couple weeks ago to check out Payless Shoes' new green line, but when it comes to mainstream brands greenifying, I target="_new">put my skeptic's hat on. But I have to say I was pretty impressed. Considering how many shoes they sell (Collective Brands, which is made up of Stride-Rite and Payless combined, sells a whopping 200 million pairs a year), if these guys can do it right, it will make a huge difference.

Lucky for us, Payless is going to make these shoes as inexpensive as their other lines -- none of the Zoe and Zac (green) line will be more than $30 a pair.

None other than Eco Chick Summer Rayne Oakes was at the Payless event to answer my questions -- she's the brand's sustainability strategist for the new line, which will debut in April of 2009. "They have organic cotton bodies, the dyes are heavy-metal free, and all the metal details are nickel-free," she said of the printed ballet flats, sneakers, flip-flops and espadrilles in the collection. Even the elastic band on one style is made from recycled PET. We also discussed adhesives, the material that makes up the foot beds and the soles, and without getting into all the chemistry specifics, I'll just say that Summer and Payless covered a lot of the sustainability bases for the very first collection in their green line.

"We want to do a better job, as corporate citizens," said Mardi Larson, a spokesperson for Payless I met at the event. And when I told her about my concerns about the 'ghettoization of green' -- that companies would make a green line to cater to the people that cared, leaving the rest of the public with the same old (Earth-disresepecting) stuff, she explained that what the company learns from the green shoe line will eventually be incorporated into all of their Payless products. "We want to democratize green," said Mardi.

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The good news is that I really don't need much in the way of new shoes this Autumn. But I have been feeling decidedly dowdy of late and I realized I don't really wear very sexy shoes (cool shoes, interesting shoes, comfortable shoes, arty shoes, fabulous shoes, yes, I have all of those, but sexy shoes? Not a ONE!). I thought I would share the results of my quest with you.

The Peacock, shown above, is available at Embodies.

These yellow pumps from Form and Fauna are very Mad Men, and like the buxom redhead on the show, totally droolworthy. All F&F shoes are vegan and have major eco-cred: "Upper is a biodegradable synthetic, heel is made from scrap alder wood, insole liner is open cell rubber." NICE!

Sexy and classy all tied up together. These are available at Ped.

Everyone who knows me knows I'm a little obsessed with Cydwoq shoes. Their women's boots and sandals are absolute knockouts (I've had a pair of sandals for about three years from this company, and they are wearing beautifully and they are my MOST comfortable sandals ever). All styles are made from vegetable-tanned and naturally dyed leather, handmade in Burbank, California, and these above are so hot! The men's shoes and boots are really fantastic too, and worth checking out.

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Detail from LaGrima, made with organic linen twill with cotton embroidery and natural pigments.

Last Sunday night, at the beginning of fashion week, I met a very hopeful version of the future. The hessnatur show was the epitome of the direction I think fashion is headed in: supernatural fabrics in beyond modern designs.

This perfectly curated set of inspirations is fundamentally futuristic, and not in a 1960's-Jetsons way, but a very real glimpse into what's coming. Iconic designer Miguel Adrover's collection was Bladerunner meets The Hobbits, or maybe Mad Max meets Pan's Labyrinth. It was insanely creative, gorgeous, textural, and monumentally fabulous.

Take note of organic fabrics that are sustainably sourced and the sculptural lines; a vision of the future that includes human beings living in real harmony with the Earth.

(For even more amazing images from this magical show, check out Starre's blog, Eco Chick.)

Philodendron; stitched merino wool lined with organic hand-dyed silk batik. I love that the leaves on this suit even have intimations of stomata (the normally microcsopic spaces through which plants breathe).

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The Fashion Flipside show on the Lower East Side of Manhattan was a blast- hundreds turned out to check out a fashion show that featured LES stores, many of which are eco-friendly.

Hairy Mary's showed a bouquet of reconstructed dresses, and Kaight brought out the pretty, grown-up girl frocks. Lael, a new boutique that carries some ecofashions, showed us a string of reminders of why we love summer clothes (even when we don't love summer). Daha Vintage, The Dressing Room and David Owens Vintage convinced me to renew my love for the hunt for preloved clothes - every one that survives is an original.


Photo by James Nova
Proving that this isn't the first summer we've seen maxi dresses; this gorgeously patterned find is from the 70's. (Daha Vintage) And yes, that's me in the sunglasses seated at the left.


Photo by James Nova
Owner/designer Sharon (Hairy Mary's) does a full-length and shorter version of this strapless lovely called in a variety of reused polyester fabrics.

Photo by James Nova
Neo-Grecian organic cotton dress that will show off your legs. (Kaight)

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Check out what Kelly has to say about the Lexus Hybrid Living Suite she decorated in Washington, D.C.'s Fairmont Hotel.

The fabulous and accomplished Kelly LaPlante's gorgeous first book, Ecologique, is a breath of fresh air. For several years now, ecofriendly decorating has had a definite aura of cool modernism, as if there was only one way to design a green interior, and that's with lots of (sustainable wooden) cubes. LaPlante has different ideas. As she writes in the introduction, "Reconsider what you think you know about "the green look" -- bamboo flooring, modular furniture, neutral colors, and all other icons of the sustainable design movement. Green is a standard, not a style."

LaPlante proves that you can foster any style sustainably, by showcasing a pretty wide variety of decorating challenges she has take on over the last few years.

There's the electric-car driving California politician's office done up 50's retro style, (with vintage typewriter to add interest and a houndstooth print rug made from recycled and recyclable carpet tiles), and the themed eco-cottages in Venice Beach gussied up with restored and creatively used antiques, recycled polyester fabric-covered sofas, and art by locals.

And then there's the celebrity homes; Ally Sheedy's Manhattan apartment that's painted with low-VOC coral paint, edged-up with Sheedy's own guerilla girl poster collection and mellowed out with antiques. Amy Smart's sunroom is now complete with an organic cotton-covered sofa and vegetable-dyed area rug, and Michael Rappaport's restored junk-store 'tombstone chair' which finishes off his Barton Fink-inspired bedroom.

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It took me ages to heed my traditionalist-with-a-twist grandmother's advice about undergarments.

"Starre," she told me, "Whatever kind of work you do or whatever ridiculous outfits you wear, make sure that you have pretty underwear on." Staring at me with her green eyes that had seen The Great Depression, World War 2, the end of two marriages, and the raising of two sons in a time when single mothers were scarce, she added, "Not for anybody else -- for yourself."

This advice was extended in the mid-90's when I had taken to wearing men's boxer shorts under some comically voluminous JNCO pants and the plainest bras and camisoles beneath reams of flannel, having decided this was way cooler than lace. But I always remembered what she said and now my drawers are filled with lingerie in pretty prints, with bows, ribbons and lined in silks and super-soft cottons.

Being the Eco Chick, I try to keep in mind how all my purchases (even the dainty ones) affect the environment, and this summer there are enough lingerie looks (and bra straps peeking through diaphanous fabrics) to justify getting some fresh eco-undies. These are my top picks:

I'm loving the intimates from Enamore, which range from camisoles and knickers made from organic silk to garters and chemises in cozy soy and organic cotton mixes, and they even have non-cheesy wedding night ensembles and bridal lingerie (including organic silk garters!).

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Though it may feel like makeup is a necessity when you wake up exhausted, hung over or both, in reality our little pots and tubes of color are extravagances. And like four-dollar coffees, frosted-to-death cupcakes and doggie sweaters, these little indulgences are what makes life fun.

But at what cost do our good times come, to both our health and that of the planet (which is really one and the same)? I'm not the only one who thinks that life's little luxuries should come with zero impact; if it's not necessary, then the first rule should be "do no harm."

Good thing the beauty industry is catching on. Following in the wake of sustainable fashion, less-toxic makeup is now available everywhere from the drugstore (Physician's Formula's new Organic Wear line) to makeup megastore Sephora.) But for a serious selection of the most toxin-free cosmetics, check out online retailers Kaia House and Futurenatural.

We know that consumer pressure can encourage companies to consider the impact of their products, but the makeup industry also works with professional makeup artists (pro-muas) who can have influence on both the companies' products they use and the clients they work with. Greenmua has a great listing of companies, articles and links for pro makeup artists who are interested in making their industry more sustainable.

I spoke with the Australia-bred Emma Pezzack, the owner and founder of Futurenatural, about Earth-friendly makeup for regular women and the new move by makeup artists to bring these products into the pro makeup arena.

Emma Pezzack

TDG: What put you on the path toward sustainable cosmetics?

Emma Pezzack: In a nutshell I grew up organic (my family lived on a farm) and my parents were very self-sufficient and all about being seriously resourceful. We had cows, goats, chickens, fruit trees and a massive veggie garden. My mum used to round us up on Saturday mornings and we'd have to pick caterpillars and slugs from the veggies since we never used any pesticides. That was just how we lived and it really stayed with me. After working in beauty (as a makeup artist and on the business side) since I was 15, one day I had an epiphany that I wanted to create something that resonates with what I've done and what I want to do that will have influence in the beauty community. I really want to impact the world in a positive way.

TDG: How do you decide what products to offer at Futurenatural?

EP: Right now we have 25 lines altogether, with more to come. Our vetting process is stringent. It's not enough to be a brand with organic and natural ingredients. We also look at the social impacts and other environmental impacts like packaging. It must be well-designed and cannot contain any highly suspect ingredients. No parabens, petrochemicals or propelyne glycol allowed!

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The day we've been waiting for has arrived! It's officially Spring, and besides doing some spring cleaning, if you're like me, you are anticipating warmer breezes and sunny, if muddy days.

I'm so sick of all my winter layers upon layers, with their dark colors and oppressive knits (until next Fall, when I'll be all excited about them again). While I'm pulling my lighter clothes out of storage, I think I need to inject one or two new pieces into my spring wardrobe. Celebrate the new season with some new (or recycled) ecofashions that aren't hard on Mother Earth.

Ryann

Asymmetry makes sense in an uncertain, imperfect world; check out this one-shouldered organic cotton Grecian-inspired tunic from Ryann. And speaking of tunics, here's one with adorable gathered 3/4-length sleeves (and winter-belly hiding detail) on the front by Song, in a blend or organic cotton and linen.

Song

A long vest like this one made from a hemp and cotton blend by Tinctoria Designs can convert a casual sleeveless dress into something a bit more dressy come cooler evenings. Keep your core warm while still rocking a short skirt or shorts with the addition of a cozy vest, like this one of recycled cashmere by Deborah Lindquist.

Tinctoria Designs

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Chances are, you've heard about the environmental ills of the world since your first Earth Day in kindergarten. Since you already recycle your plastic bottles and turn off the bathroom faucet while you brush your teeth, you might be wondering what other easy, fun things you can do to show your love for your mother -- Earth that is.

One easy way is to follow the three R's -- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (just like the Jack Johnson song!). When you need something new, keep them in mind. Look for stuff made from recycled materials like rubber or PET plastic bottles, reused components like reworked leather or vintage fabrics, and reduce by choosing products with less packaging or ones that are made closer to your home. Here are some easy-to-find things to get you started:

H&M

Some of our favorite stores are going green this Spring. H&M has put together a collection of organic cotton dresses, tops and pants that come in the season's hottest colors. When cotton is grown it uses a lot of pesticides and other chemicals. In fact, cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world! Pesticides and herbicides can pollute local water and soil, so looking for organic cotton, which is grown without all the nasties, is a smart way to go.

Levi's

There's a lot of organic denim (jeans material is mostly cotton) out there too. Check out Levi's trendy light gray (such a cool alternative to white) low-rise jeans or cropped denim trucker jacket, which is mixed with a bit of spandex for comfort.

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If you were lucky, you got some great gifts for the holidays that you will use for years to come. Electronics are hugely popular this year, so you might have found a new laptop, PDA, cell phone, GPS or MP3 player (or if you've been really good, some combination of the above) in your stocking.

Before you even crack the binding on the instruction manual for your new toy, make sure to recycle your old unit responsibly. Only 10-15% of electronics get recycled, and considering all the heavy metals and other nasties that are inside them, it just makes sense to recycle them rather than toss them into a landfill, where their toxic chemicals can eventually get into the air and water.

Staples is the first retailer to take back all electronics for recycling as part of their Eco Easy program. Bring your cell phones, laptops, printers, faxes, rechargable batteries, GPSs, monitors, notebooks, cameras and chargers to any Staples store, even if you didn't buy the stuff there.

Once you've recycled, you can then go online and check out some of these cool accessories for your electronics, many of them made from recycled stuff themselves! What goes around comes around!

Act2Change

Recycled laptop covers and sleeves from Act2Change are made from 17 recycled plastic bottles per bag, making another market for reused plastic and keeping your laptop safe too.

Rebe

Rebe's fabulous laptop cozies are made from gorgeous vintage fabrics that are one-of-a-kind, and you can even get these custom-made to fit whatever size laptop you need.

Conserve

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It's the middle of winter, and while it may seem like the last thing you want to do, getting outside can make the season much more fun -- or at least bearable. Stop hibernating and get out there! Reveling in some daylight sun on your face (make sure to wear sunblock of course) can buoy the spirit, so try a new winter sport like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, trailrunning or hiking.

Stepping outside midwinter doesn't have to be a cold, torturous experience; as long as you have the right gear, you can play outside and be comfortable too. The bonus is that when it's chilly out, even at popular parks you'll likely have the place to yourself, so you can really enjoy the natural world without a lot of distractions. Think of the things unique to winter; ice crunching under your feet, crisp air roseying your cheeks, and trees creaking in the quiet cold.

REI

Start with a good base layer, choosing technical materials that will keep moisture away from your skin (whatever you do, DO NOT wear cotton underwear, which will make you feel cold and clammy). REI now carries performance underwear for both men and women that uses activated charcoal to wick moisture away from the skin's surface, controls odors and offers UV protection.

The North Face gets their charcoal from bamboo, while Marmot uses coconut husks. This technology has a much lower environmental impact than previous treatments, and according to the companies, will make for long underwear that keeps it's special properties longer. Make sure that both the bottoms and tops fit fairly close to your body; they shouldn't be skin-tight, but you want a slim cut. Women might want an extra layer; check out the Vista tank from Sierra Designs, which is part of their new Green Effect products program. The company also offsets all their energy use with wind credits to fight global warming.

Teko

Don't forget a good pair of socks! If your feet are happy while you're running around outside, you will be too. Try these Ecopoly socks from Teko, which are made from 77% recycled polyester and are specially designed to stay put on your foot so they won't ride up -- or down -- while you're out and about.

Nike

Depending on how cold it is, your next layers should be the ones keeping your core body warm. Try layering a fleece, like this one from Nike (made with recycled fabric) for women, or the recycled avalanche fleece from Google that's perfect for the techie-obsessed dude.

Patagonia

Layer with a vest next if you tend to get chilly easily so you can keep cozy. Guys can try the Patagonia Micro Puff Zip Vest, made of 90% recycled polyester on the outside, with a 50% recycled lining and recycled insulation too. Ladies will love the Hemp Hoodlamb Vest, made of a blend of super-tough hemp (a plant that grows easily without pesticides and herbicides) and organic cotton on the outside and fuzzy faux vegan 'rabbit' fur on the inside.

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