I live in Rochester, NY. Snow is often in the forecast here from October to May, and good boots are an essential part of staying warm and dry. But I hate boot shopping. With a vengeance. Trying to find boots that will fit over my ginormous calves is not my idea of fun. I frustrate sales people, I frustrate myself, and I always walk away empty-footed handed. For the past three or four winters, I’ve been wearing my hiking boots when it snows, because the idea of going to the store and going through the boot shopping process is almost more loathsome than bathing suit shopping.
When Planet Shoes offered to send me a pair of boots from their Eco Shop to review, I warned them about my ginormous calves. They suggested I try the Keen Bern High Boot in Crouton. I’ve been wearing a pair of Keen slip-ons as my primary shoes since 2008, and they are still in fighting form. I love how durable and comfortable they are. So, I agreed to give the Bern High Boot a try, even though I suspected they wouldn’t fit my problem calves. I have never been so happy to be wrong before. Not only did they fit, but they are fabulous. Read more…
Because I was a good little NPW throughout the 2010 calendar year, Santa saw fit to leave me a beautiful gift under the Christmas tree: this gorgeous Santogold bag from vegan designer Matt & Nat. The few times I’ve used it to go out I’ve received bunches of compliments on its distinctive look. When I’m wearing it I also like to pretend I’m like a modern day, non-musical Joan Jett because it is so punk rock.
In addition to being awesome-looking, Matt & Nat products are all made using vegan leather and recycled materials. The About Us section of their website words it beautifully:
“In 1995, MATT & NAT Founder and Creative Director Inder Bedi was challenged by a Mahatma to become a Vegetarian for 30 days. It was during this time that MATT & NAT was conceived. A brand and movement shaped by the power of duality. Fifteen years later, he is continuously working towards this goal – exceeding norms to offer cutting edge products that are fashionable and beautiful and yet made in a socially responsible way, or as we like to say, with Compassion. MATT & NAT products have never used animal by-products. That said, the brand is more than just vegan. It has always been a trailblazer in the environmental movement. Each product contains at least one recycled element and on average 21 plastic bottles are recycled to make linings for our bags. MATT & NAT has always been a Pioneer in Eco-Fashion.”
Plastic bottle linings! I love anything that combines form and function with fashion. So the next time you decide you NEED a new bag (this happens to me quite frequently), I’d highly recommend one of these bags. Or, you know, if you decide you NEED to buy me a gift, may I suggest this Portland bag? Because seriously: swoon.
I’m a somewhat outdoorsy kind of gal, and despite the sweltering heat this summer, I’ve done a lot of bicycling, kayaking, river tubing and hiking. All this is great fun, but for one thing: I have a watch with a metal band, and metal watch + sunscreen + my sweaty wrist = no fun. And since I’m also the kind of gal who constantly wants to know what time it is, I soon found myself in the market for a durable watch with a cloth band that I could wear while I’m enjoying the outdoors.
So I went watch shopping online, and it wasn’t long before I found Sprout. In addition to the wide selection of colors and the cute design, I was pleasantly surprised to read that Sprout watches are supremely eco-friendly. The band is made of organic cotton, the watch face and buckle are made of corn resin and bamboo, the glass over the watch face is made of mineral crystal, and even the battery is mercury-free. There’s nary a petroleum-based product in it! I was quite impressed, and between the eco-friendliness and the fact that it’s only $24 on Amazon, I bought it. Read more…
Maggie’s Organics was kind enough to send along some of their organic cotton, fair trade clothes for review. This was such a welcome project because: 1. I absolutely hate shopping and always wish someone would just pick out clothes for me to wear 2. I loved the clothes they sent.
We’ve written a little bit about how to make a white wedding more green. From invitations to flowers to food, it can be done with a little bit of extra resolve and planning. Some things take a little (ok, a LOT) more planning and resolve than others — like trying to find a Earth-friendly wedding dress that’s both suitable for a more formal affair and affordable to boot. I’m a Catholic gal through and through, so getting married anywhere but a Catholic church wasn’t an option for me, and I wanted a dress that was formal enough for the occasion but stood up to my Greenist values.
Please welcome today’s guest poster, Mudnessa, who blogs at mudpuddle.
I recently took an older pair of wide-legged jeans and made them into skinny jeans. Let me first state that I am a novice sewer, so if you have a sewing machine and have ever successfully used it, you should be able to accomplish this yourself. I did this for numerous reasons, mostly because I hate shopping for jeans. I also hate spending a ton of money on a pair and having to go home and basically deconstruct them to make them fit to my liking. Read more…
If you’re anything like me, you love watching the Oscars every year for the pageantry, the recognition of good movies, and — let’s face it — the fashion. Just once I’d like to swan around on a red carpet in a ridiculously gorgeous dress, hobnobbing with celebrities and thanking all the little people. I’m a girl; that’s how we roll.
Anyway, while most of the attention is placed on what the actresses are wearing, you may have noticed the woman in blue sitting next to James Cameron. That woman is his wife, Suzy Amis Cameron, and she was wearing the most eco-friendly dress of the night. Read more…
We’ve had several long freezing snaps in the mountains of Tennessee this winter. During the last one, which lasted about a week, I realized my wardrobe was seriously lacking in decent base layers that I could wear underneath my jeans and sweaters. I’ve been wearing the same pink Lands End long johns for about 15 years now. They’re warm and comfy and still fit, but they’re so thick they don’t fit very well under my skinny jeans. Because I knew we’d probably have a few more cold snaps and because I have a weeklong New York City trip later this month, I decided to invest in some new long undies this winter that would work under more than just my ski pants.
That’s when I fell in love with Patagonia’s Capilene line.
Read more…
The following is a guest post by the beautiful Sarah P. from Seattle, WA.
My husband jokes that I have a lady who survived the Great Depression living inside of me.
Yes, it’s true. I am a thrifty, recycle and reuse kind of girl with a penchant for innovation. So it’s sweetly fitting to write about Nicole Miller’s new venture The Field House. Inspired by the turn of the century general store, The Field House hopes to revive that early 1900 spirit of sustainability, creativity and local community. Here you can support local artisans while buying basics of soap, in-season vegetables, and nuts still housed in their shells. You can also purchase your not-so- basic afghans, woolen blankets that carry on Native American folk art traditions, and dishware with insect themes. Get your “glamor on” while perusing the many perfumes, candles, stylish jeans and flannels that are fashionable and still have the essence of the Victorian period. If you’re in need of a snack, The Field House can also help you out with a simple cup of soup or small sandwiches which are priced and portioned to treat both your stomach and wallet well.
I promise to do a real garden update next week. Well, I don’t promise, but I’ll try to. In the meantime, I will give you a quick idea of what’s going on. Bunnies. Eating. Everything.
“But, Allie,” you say, “don’t you have a big, hulking, wolf-like dog? Doesn’t he scare off the bunnies?”
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