Olive the ecofashionista

End of the Year SALE at Olive ....

2011-12-28T00:03:00.000-08:00

Come in December 28 - Dec 31 for an end of the year SALE to remember ..... and find some AMAZING items!!

Love in Green,

the ecofashionista

Guinevere, The Long Cloaks Cousin

2011-12-07T14:50:00.001-08:00

Prairie Underground's Long Cloak Hoodie is one of there most popular selling pieces to date. As soon as customers see it, it's clear why it has developed a cult like following. Last year they came out with the equally as adorable and fuctional; Guinevere Hoodie. The Guinevere was created as a slimmer fitting more fashion forward version of the Long Cloak. With similar, slightly puffed shoulders, The Guinevere is just as cute over leggings or as a statement piece in addition to keeping you warm all year!

Guinevere in Roobios

It has two sets of extra large pockets, the lower of the two created with muslin, landing right at the lower hips to create a layered look. The Long Cloak follows an A-line which is wonderful for a lot of body types but not perfect for everybody, The Guinevere is a slightly generous form fitting line and two way zippers to change tightness.

They are both favorites of olive! Especially the brand new AMAZING Roobios Color in The Guinevere that just arrived! Both of these jackets are just two more reasons why Prairie Underground is always a best seller. Well made in Portland, Oregon of organic materials their products are worth every hard earned dollar spent on them and every Prairie piece owner will you tell the same!

Check out both and many more pieces by Prairie Underground in the store or online at www.theecofashionista.com. Order by December 15th to ensure delivery in time for the holidays. And always contact us if you have questions about styles, sizes or colors not listed or extra special delivery options!

Love in green
thee ecofashionista

A second chance for The Tridents...

2011-11-30T17:08:00.001-08:00

We're closer to Christmas than September and architecture doesn't usually go hand in hand with eco fabulous jewelry, but in the Alex & Ani Shipment today it contained the piece I had been most excited about receiving ... The Trident Wrap.

I have always found it important to remember September 11th all year long. As Americans, it changed our lives, unknowingly taught us about our strength as a nation and the importance of gaining understanding from lessons no matter how difficult. As well, the men and women giving their lives, to protect the freedoms threatened that day, deserve our appreciation for their constant fight for what makes our country what it is.

As many of us do near the anniversary of September 11th, this year I consumed myself with articles and shows dedicated to that day and what it meant for our country. On the actual date I found myself watching, Engineering Ground Zero, a very interesting look at the museum that would occupy Ground Zero. The construction of the museum was paralleled in thought only by the contrasting construction that put it together. Along with the state of the art demands in and around the working subway system, forward thinking green architecture and a contained mix of solace, history and remembrance, would stand two scarred reminders of what happened that day.

Beneath the wreckage and in spite of what tried to take them down, unbelievably unbowed, and in tact, two, 70 foot columns from the Word Trade Center's North Tower were found. Among the tragic loss in the footprint of what they helped support, they laid horizontal for the first time since 1970. The more that was pulled from the remains, the more it became apparent that these two symbolized much more than the 90 tons of metal that gave them their strength. But it wouldn't be an easy road back. Like the American pride that helped to conceive and motivate the ahead of it's time architecture, the 16 acres that contained the World Trade Center, along with the country, had been battered and scarred and would never be the same.

When the nine story steel columns were originally drawn into the plans for the towers, they were to be the perimeter support system for the buildings that would change lower Manhattan. The innovation required to construct what would be two of the tallest buildings in the world, was matched only by what they would stand for. Initially conceived as an urban renewal project, the towers would exude the power, success and confidence it took to create them; what unfortunately, would make them a tragic target decades later. As the facade began to show, the major source of strength for the towers became somewhat of a controversy. Not everyone agreed that the external skeleton of trident like columns, bracing nearly 10 million square feet of office space was visually appealing. Many found it to be cold and uninviting. However, the towers became the symbol initially planned, two striking pillars of the most recognizable skyline in the world. Steadfastly holding up their duties until September 11th, 2001.

Forty years after companies started moving into the first completed and northern most tower, the two surviving columns, were commissioned once again. The "tridents" as they became known, were to serve as one of the most emotional pieces of The National September 11th, Memorial Museum. After a decade of rest The Tridents were placed vertical for the second time in their life, less than 100 feet from where they stooduntil September 11th, 2001.

Once again, their strength is the support for an unbelievable structure at One World Trade. Again, they cradle the dreams and pride of a country. Only this time, they stand alone and their support is an intangible reminder.

Among the intense emotion, solemn and inspiring, The Tridents would seem far out of place for anyone without knowledge of what they made it through. They don't look like their surroundings, the difference is blatant. Simple lines and humble structures have replaced the architectural definitions of American success and fearless power that stood before them. The seemingly out of place Tridents wear the scars of a tragedy and are no longer perfectly spaced links in an infinite design aimed at the sky. They have shed their smooth aluminum shell for the internal steal that gave them strength. Together they stand, side by side, blemished and burnt, but straight and unwavering. Stark reminders of what that day destroyed and changed forever.

No longer the bold symbols of brute power and success, The Tridents now tell a story of a different strength. They have returned as the humble proof of The American ability to hold strong to what defines our nation, even in tragedy. And as a reminder of the important responsibility to arm the future with the truths of the past.

Love in Green

the ecofashionista

Holiday Shopping Event This Thursday

2011-11-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

The fourth annual Spirit of Danville Pre-Holiday Shopping Event is This Thursday, November 17th from 5:00 - 9:00pm. With the holiday season fast approaching, over 50 Danville merchants have come together for an evening of holiday cheer that will save you money while benefiting local charities. Free Trolley rides will shuttle shoppers between Downtown, The Livery, and The Rose Garden Shops. Tickets are $5, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the charity from which you purchase your ticket including the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon, Blue Star Moms, Role Players Ensemble, Hospice of the East Bay or Danville Alamo Garden Club. Exchange your ticket for a wristband the night of the event, and you’ll be pampered with holiday discounts and goodies throughout Danville.

Obviously we encourage shopping locally and supporting small business owners whenever you can, especially if you enjoy the different and personal aspects they bring to your community ... but this event especially, is a great time to shop for the holidays while supporting those businesses that help to shape your community!

Make sure to stop by Olive this Thursday night for a very special store-wide holiday promotion!

Love in Green,

the ecofashionista

Sleepy Head

2011-11-16T12:13:00.001-08:00

(Sorry, this ones a long one, I tried to condense as much as possible. Save it for one of those night you can't sleep, it should help ... or maybe not! )

I have felt strongly about organic mattresses for a long time, do I own one? No, I'm working on it because the more I think and read about them the more their importance seems major. Like people who hate their job or their best friend, it's odd how much time we spend doing certain things and are never aware how much of our lives they encapsulate. The average American will sleep 1/3 of their life ... let that sink in. It might not feel like it now. A bun in the oven can compromise most mamas sleep patterns, making it more difficult to, stay asleep especially as you are up and down many times, to fall back asleep when woken up (obviously happening a lot because of the former) and with dreams becoming very intense, often vivid and emotional, it may not seem as rejuvenating as before the bun. (Interesting info on preggo zzz's http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/your_pregnancy/sleep_during_pregnancy.html#) However, in the end, that mattress of yours is getting more horizontal time then any college dorm room. My point being, shouldn't that be a mattress made of the most healthy, quality materials?! Weirdly, most are not.

Most conventional, large-scale mattress manufacturers use synthetic fabrics and foams in their products. Many add a number of other highly toxic chemicals, like; Polyurethane, Methylene, Chloride and Benzene (carcinogens like the ones in cigarettes), and fire retardants.

Yes, crib mattresses are unfortunately, made out of many of the same materials and chemicals. Sad face. With growing consumer awareness of what makes up the the bed they put their buns to sleep on ... healthier options are becoming easier to find, which is great, but it is definitely leading to more questions, options and controversies; Organic Cotton, Eco Foams, Eco Wools, Natural Laytex, Government Mandated Fire Retardants and on and on. The more you read, the more you find and the more questions pop up.

Are they necessary? You will probably find people as mixed as they are in reference to their own mattresses (and agreeing that a healthier mattress is important doesn't necessarily mean it's doable currently, but maybe something you can reach for). A natural crib mattress, while more expensive then it's controversial competitor, is not nearly the kind of investment that a full size will be. And I guess you could look at it as a priceless investment if you go that way.

Like many products it's easy to read words like "Green", "Natural", "Ecofoam" and be sold. But it's really important that you read what the mattress is made up of. It's easy to add a layer of organic cotton and then cover a mattress in vinyl containing chemicals and call it "Organic". Do your research and read all you can about all of your options. This may also include a serious effort to be sure of ingredients, many mainstream companies have to be contacted for this information and don't provide it freely (red flag if you ask me!). There is a ton of frigging information, it can seem overwhelming, but it can be boiled down to a few important areas;

Chemicals to avoid:

Polyurethane foam ("Memory Foam"," Soy Foam")
BPA (Bisphenol A, Phthalates - the same chemical you probably avoid in plastic water bottles),
VOC's
Formaldehyde
PBDEs (Polybrominated diphenyl ether - used as fire retardants).

Crib Mattress Structure:

The Core - Could contain Laytex, Foams, VOC's
Padding - Watch out for BPA's, Formaldehyde
Flame retardant material and chemicals, - watch out for PBDE
Cover or "ticking, - Watch out for Toxic Plastics and Vinyls

Regulations: Government regulations require mattresses to be constructed with flame retardants, unfortunately many of these are nasty chemicals. Try to find the least toxic ways of accomplishing this!

A company that continues to come up as exceeding expectations in the production of natural and safe alternatives to many large named companies is; Naturepedic (nope they aren't sponsoring this site so you can rest assured I'm unbiased)

Staying rational - We've all be sleeping on our beds for years, decades in some cases. And the majority of us were raised on futons and in hand me down cribs painted with led based paints ... we're okay. The buns ahead of us will be okay, but that doesn't mean it's smart to take the first option to pop out of the Babies R' Us isle ... take some time and think about it, do a little research and if it lights a fire to do something different, do that.

Love in Green

the ecofashionista

Ger Your Rub On

2011-11-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Whether you're the kind of girl who doesn't close your eyes at night without washing your face and applying serums or you're more of a risk taker, seeing how long that club makeup will last at work Monday morning, this is one skin care tip, while you are home to that bun, that you need to add to your routine (or lack there of). Now, I am definitely one of the former, I could probably operate a small country with the amount of money I have spent on skin care products and because I wasn't blessed with the "I don't really wash my face" type of skin, I have zero problem squeezing another step into my routine. If you don't have a routine ... this should be your new one... Belly Cream!!!

Say it with me ... BELLY CREAM ... BELLY CREAM ... BELLY CREAM. Say it because no one wants to say (or for that matter see)... STRETCH MARKS ... see it just doesn't look good in all caps or on your pretty skin!!

Many people are under the assumption that stretch marks are unavoidable... you're getting them or you're not. You either have the type of skin that can't stretch or you don't. This is a tiny bit, sort of true. Stretch marks are the result of your skin being stretched farther and faster than it can keep up with (actually it's severe pulling force on skin that overcomes the dermis' elasticity.) Hence, you see it on people who gain weight very quickly or body builders who kicked it with Barry Bonds for a hot minute and now their biceps are bigger than their ever shrinking heads. Hormonal changes and genetic make-up can determine how much stretch your skin can accommodate and how the marks will look. And yes it's true some skin colors and tones will show stretch marks more, darker, lighter or thicker than others. Chances are if you are growing a lot in a short amount of time you will have stretch marks, but you can help! And I can help you. Help me help you Jerry.

Continued softening of the skin is going to help the skin stretch farther. True story and I don't need a degree from Harvard Medical School to say that. It's true. It will not take away the possibility of stretch marks but it can greatly aide your skin.

This is the trust tree...you are most likely going to gain weight in your breasts, your hips and thighs too, it's cool, everyone's doing it, but it means don't limit it to your tummy! It's not a bad thing it's exciting. Make it your time ... whenever that is, just out of the shower, at night before you sleep, at lunch in the office (maybe try the bathroom). Add it into the same time every day like brushing your teeth, this way you feel guilty if you miss it. But really, who will want to when it's your time each day to relax. Five minutes to reflect on the day, think about baby names or how to talk your family into more than one day a week of babysitting, whatever. All while you are what I like to call "lubing up"! (If you can lube up more than once a day - you get extra credit!)

Now for the lube. As usual there are a ton of options. Because of the nature of this website and my personal preference, I will stick to eco choices... well because they are best! So let's look for colorant, paraben, petroleum and sodium laureth sulfate free! (FYI many awesome mamas make their own - Awesomely eco website btw!) And some of the best ingredients are going to be; cocoa butter, vitamin E, Almond Oil and Sesame Seed Oil. Some of the best out there based on reviews seem to be:

It doesn't matter if you are 9 weeks preggo or 30 weeks, get to it. It's not going to hurt to start early and it's better to start late than never at all. So, go ahead and get your rub on!

Love in Green

the ecofashionista

Triclosan .... The Jury is out!

2011-11-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

The dangers of Triclosan have been brought to light quite a bitover the last couple of years. The antibacterial agent found in many skincare products is also found in some toothpastes and household products and isproving to wreak havoc on ourwater systems, sea life and making it’s way into our drinking water. However,as humans do, we so often forget about what happens to things long after wewash them off our bodies down the drain, out of sigh out of mind.

All of that ickyness aside, it’s the affect on humans that is thefocus here. Triclosan is not currently known to be hazardous to humans, as saysthe FDA’s last review (the same federal department that gave its stamp ofapproval to Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Shampoo just yanked off shelves forreformulation). However, there has been so much information contradicting whatthey initially reported that they have engaged in a whole new set of studies,and will be announcing the results in 2012. What has caught their attention isthe change in hormones that Triclosan causes in animals. Now it’s true thatwhat happens in animals doesn’t always occur in humans but the concern is thatthe half life (fancy word for what happens after we think it’s gone, washed offour body, dishes or clothes, and can no longer be seen) of Triclosan is muchlonger than initially thought, and that human fat cells seem to be a placewhere they flourish in this state. The FDA is also looking into it’s aide indeveloping anti-biotic resistant germs and it’s affect on the human immunesystem.

A chemical like Triclosan can disrupt hormoneregulation causing thyroid and estrogen-related health effects and may affectfetal growth. Because of its link to fatty tissues, there are many people whobelieve it can be an issue in breast feeding.

Now every single time something comes up about a product in usetoday, should it require an all hand on board flip out? No. And to that extentthe FDA does seem to do the best it can with the resources available, but beingpreggo means paying a little more attention to those things you might not havebefore.

What is really important in this information is that at the bottomof everything, Triclosan – whose recent use has been antibacterialsoaps, gels and face washes, is actually shown to remove no more germs orbacteria than soap and water. We shouldn’t be afraid to do simpler, easierthings because we are bombarded with products that they say do something better. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about chemicals you don’t know aboutand to learn exactly what you are putting on your body, becausethat ends up in your body.

The jury on Triclosan is out but it might benefit you and your buns to take an inventory of the products you currently use with Triclosan in the ingredient list, if it's something you can live with out or replace with a non Triclosan containing product ....give it a try. This is a good website for a basic list of products known to contain Triclosan; http://drbenkim.com/articles/triclosan-products.htm

Love in Green

the ecofashionista

Disclaimer

2011-11-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

As the first couple of blogs in this section begin, let me be thefirst to say; I am not a scientist, a hippie, a mother, or a judger (usually).I am a fairly rational (don't tell my boyfriend) down to earth girl who justwants us to all be as healthy as we can while we make choices, yes some hardones, every day to take care of our planet. If everyone has all the informationin the world and decides to do things differently than I would… cheers, that’swhat makes the world go round (well unless you are choosing to not take care ofthis planet I share with you). There is an abundance of informationthat most people don’t have or have time to have. There are somany choices and options that are easier to make than people have been mislead to think, that I can’t help but put thetiny bit in my head out there, so the 6 people reading thishave more information. It just feels good to have more information, doesn't it?!

I will try to highlight things and information that make sense, some of the products might be expensive, some of the information might seem unnecessary, but my only attempt is to open a door and get the hamster wheel turning. Information is only what you make of it. Again, Isay, I am not a mother and am a fair baby sitter at best, although I sense myskills will be put to the test in the coming year. However, I do know thatnothing is as easy as it looks from the outside, so I promise to try to keepthat in mind when writing.

As well, I am a rational individual, who enjoys bud lights andPhilly cheese steaks more than your average frat guy. And $600 shoes lookpretty to me for me no reason and make me feel like Victoria Beckham until Itake one upright step or think about who made them and where. I make mistakesevery day that affect myself and the environment negatively, and I don’t ever expect to get toa point where I don’t. But what I do try hard to maintain is balance; a balanceof information and trends, a balance of the most important things I can do andwhat is out of the question, a balance in what I can expect from othersand what I don’t know about those outside my world. I am just fumblingalong like everyone else, but I really believe that we can all fumble our waythrough this together, taking responsibilities when appropriate and allowingourselves to change what seems like irreplaceable routines at first … becoming moreaware of ourselves, our environment and our affects on both.

Like so many otherareas of life, the more you know, the better your children will be taken careof and the more every child around you will know.

So, here goes ... I will try not to bore you, but if it happens, justclick on over to the next entry because more than likely I bored myself rightout of the chair and found something more exciting to write about. All the topics won't be yawn worthy or scary, there will be many funny, inappropriate, shopping inspiring write-a-thons too!

Love in Green,

the ecofashionista

Green Buns in the Oven

2011-11-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

With the super exciting news that Olive will be an Auntie toa handful of its closest customers and friends in the next year, I have foundmy self side tracked with many thoughts; worries and anxieties about keepingthe ovens and buns that mean so much to me as healthy as possible. It’s actually been a bit overwhelming. Probably just asoverwhelming as the e-mails, texts, phone calls and non stop questionasking has been for my bun baking homies, who have anxieties a' plenty of their own. I find myself thinking about in theshower, in the car, while I should be sleeping, doing laundry and blogging about Olive! So, Ihave put a lot of thought into how I can mold this energy into somethingproductive and a little easier to handle for those who have helped create this new interest. Now, they can access information I think might be important and interestingwhen and if they choose, which I feel is a better plan. This, instead of theunsolicited berate of worrisome communication that probably frightens themfrom ever leaving me alone with their children in the future, for fear I willlock them inside some sort of Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene and PVC freebubble.

The way I feel about clothing and our every dayroutines is being transposed into a new area for me as some of myfriends embark on their new journeys and its super exciting. This is a great time to expand my interests with the same basic ideas that created Olive; If what we put on and in ourbodies can be better it can and should be better for our children. If thechoices we make all day can be better for the amazing planet we share, then we should make better ones as soon as we can, for our children and ourfutures. Our children will learn from us and hopefully do even better, so they should have the best start they can.

So whether you're an oven with a bun or without, in search of eco information for yourself, or to pass along, you can find new posts in the Green Bun Category or follow the blog to get updated on new posts!

Love in Green

the ecofashionista

Coming in October... Pendleton's New Line

2011-09-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

The Portland Collection, a line aimed at the bridge market from established designer, Pendleton which is a sixth generation company known for iconic textiles and and plaids. The line, completely produced in The USA is the design brainchild of three young Portland Designers, who of whom created Church & State. The basic Americana, Western wear feel that has been Pendleton's staple for the last 148 years are still very much a part of the line but a younger feel with trimmer lines has been incorporated.

Not only is the entire line produced in The United States but since Pendleton owns two of the last remaining Wool mills in the United Sates, one in Oregon and one in Washington, they are able to use wool from sheep residing in the same area to complete their designs.

While wool is naturally a renewable and sustainable fiber, Pendleton also uses 100% virgin Wool, which means the wool has not been used in any other product making it recyclable and compostable and is certified by the MBDC.

The first season for the new collection is this fall and I am so excited for Olive's first delivery in October!! Stay tuned for arrival dates and information!! And remember you can shop24/7 on www.theecofashionista.com

Love in green,

the ecofashionista

It's birthday time ....

2011-09-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

The reason we have made it three years is because of you ... the customer. Please stop by and visit us tomorrow 10 - 5 ... receive 20% OFF all purchases and check out the brand new fall items!!! We can't wait to see you!

Love in Green,

the ecofashionista

Don't miss the Downtown Danville Street Festival tomorrow

2011-07-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

Kick off summer with the first of two Downtown Danville Street Festivals hosted by the Discover Danville Association. Tomorrow and August 7th from 5:30 - 8:30 will feature live music and entertainment as merchants play host to wine tasting and food pairing- in a car-free environment. The entire community is invited and encouraged to display their civic pride by shopping and dining locally on these two evenings. Whether it is sampling fine cuisine in an ambiance that is uniquely Danville, perusing a specialty boutique, enjoying the sounds of roving musicians, or savoring a cup of coffee - come downtown and experience the essence that defines Danville.

* Beer & Wine Gardens * Live Bands & Bistro Dining * Kid Zones ....and The numero uno reason ... Supporting all your local shops

Make sure to come out from 5:30 - 8:30 and visit the Olive booth for Gift Certificates, Soy Candles & Jewelry Give Aways!!

Love in green,

the ecofashionista

Summer is finally here ...

2011-06-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Our new neighbor Total Threads is also having their grand opening Thursday. We are so excited to have them in the center and hope it's a great success! Stop by and check them out!!

Come by tomorrow and get ready for an eco hot summer!! Or shop online all day, use the code ECOSUMMER at www.theecofashionista.com.

Love in green,

the ecofashionista

2011-04-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is like Olive's birthday around here and I do geta little excited to celebrate. Just in case you haven't been celebrating allweek long like a true diva ecofashionista, you are in encouraged to at leastleave a little time on Friday. Pop in and enjoy all the of the eco fun,including amazing promotions, Raffle prizes like a one month membership at TheStudio, Amazing goodies from Mangia Mi .... and more.

Do your part this week and in the midst of finding at leastone simple eco move to add to your routine for the next year be sure to stop into Olive and enjoy!!

Love in green,

the ecofashionista

Feathers Are Here from Hawaii!!

2011-04-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

Feathers are impossible to ignore these days whether youspend time at the local high school hang out, watch Steven Tyler on AmericanIdol or have take the plunge yourself and already been feathered, you knowabout feathers! ... But can we feel okay sporting this amazing trend? Yes, yeswe can! And oh how exciting is!

My dear friend Jamie who started Sophie Grace Designs, ishelping Olive get going with feathers. An amazing and creative jewelry designeramong many other things, Jamie has hand made some pieces for Olive usingrecycled Coral and Gems where possible and feathers in a manner that doesn'tleaves birds heading for the fields.

Come in and try these babies on or shop 24/7 atwww.theecofashionista.com. We will get Jamie hard at work again because chancesof these hot pieces hanging around for long aren't good!!

Love in green,

the ecofashionista

Spring Curator is in and Fabulous!!

2011-04-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

As She-Bible has grown into Curator, the line has only gotten better, with the same affinity for vintage flair and the planet. The Spring line is amazing and here are some of our favorites...

Lucie Tee | Watermelon

Sylvie Cowl Tank | Charcoal

Alex Pullover | Vanilla

Cheyenne Tank | Sand

Come in and try on the new Curator pieces or shop 24/7 at www.theecofashionista.com!

Love in green,

The ecofashionista

The Spring Fashion Preview goes on ....

2011-03-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Olive and other great Danville boutiques were a part of The Spring Fashion Preview at The Studio last night. Despite the rain, we brought out spring in full force. So much in fact that I can't help but keep it going .... so we are offering 15% off all the pieces show cased last night, online (use code: EcoSpring) and in store, through March 31.

So ... hurry in andreceive 15% OFF all of these and more through the end of March ... You can alsoreceive an online discount using the code: EcoSpring 24/7 atwww.theecofashionista.com.

Love in green,

the ecofashionsta

Spring Fashion Preview

2011-03-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the best of spring fashion, wine, applies, raffles and much more tomorrow! Just call The Studio to RSVP. The tickets are a free and it will be a great escape from this rain to think about hot spring fashions!!! Olive is offering 15% OFF all day to anyone attending the event and The Studio members!!

We hope to see you tomorrow ... and if you can't make it, stop in another day and check out all the spring fashions from the show.

Love in green,

the ecofashionista

Koch is in !!

2011-03-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

The Flannery dress was the first piece out of the box ... and it is amazing!! The first delivery from Koch has only created more excitement for the next.

Koch is the brain child of Nicole Musselman Boykin, a California bred fashion designer. It is made up of hand-printed textiles and handbags, inspired by her far flung travels to Africa and Asia. All of the textiles begin with Nicole's drawings or paintings on canvas. The entire line is made by local artisans in Texas and New York. The press is already starting on the stand out pieces of this spring collection and summer looks just as gorgeous.

Come in and try on the new Koch pieces or shop 24/7 at www.theecofashionista.com!

Love in green,

the ecofashionista

JADE tribe is in .....

2011-02-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

JADEtribe goodies are in and they are to die for. The Panada Clutch with beaded strap in Orange, Tan, Blue and Green, Sandra Bullock's favorite, Mimi Hmong Small Clutch in Blue, Orange and White, The Nicole Messenger Bag in Black, Red and Indigo, and Woven Beaded bracelets in gold and turquoise.

JADEtribe, the work of Kimberly Hartman is all about nature. It’s about a return to love and giving back, it's a little bit beach-y, a little bit bohemian jet set, and 100% natural and ethical. JADEtribe is the true embodiment of fashion with a conscience. Whether it’s the handbag repurposed from hand embroidered baby carrier cloths, the hand braided jewelry that jingles, or the organically dyed and hand loomed traditional textiles, each element of JADEtribe carries in it a piece of the hearts of the women in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand whose lives have been improved by making it.

I am loving the small clutches, they are the perfect size for an out on the town bag to hold a little of everything or all of your make-up in your daily bag. You can check out the items on line www.theecofashionista.com, but to purchase, please call the store 925.362.0767, or email sales@theecofashionista.com and we will have it shipped out ASAP! Don't miss out!!

Love in green,

the ecofashionista

Calling Fashionistas Everywhere!

2011-02-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

As I started thumbing through the February issue of MarieClaire last night, I opened up to a section almost as if it was meant to be.... an amazing piece by Jenni Avins, of the closet tour blog. I always getexcited to see eco discussions in mainstream outlets and this was no different.Full of tips and a realistic ideas of what environmental and ethical consciencecan mean to fashion if we start to apply it in small doses, this piece waswonderfully written and hit home. I immediately researched the writer and foundher blog to be an extension of her realistic discussion on what can sometimesseem like a cluster of far fetched ideas .... too small to ever gather theattention of the masses and those that produce for them. It always helps me tohear the stories that aided in the thought thought process of those that goagainst the grain, and what it is that has pushed them towards a new way ofthinking

At the bottom of the article there are some great spring ecopieces .... one from new designer, Koch, that will be in Olive in mid March.... I can't tell you how excited I am to for this brand. Nicole Musselmandescribes her brand as, Beach girl and city girl mixed into one and lookingeffortlessly chic while living a busy, sometimes chaotic, occasionallyglamorous life. Every piece in the collection is completely manufactured inTexas or New york. Here are a couple of the pieces we will have in for midspring and I can't wait!!!

Check back for updates on Koch deliveries and check out TheCloset Tour Blog!

Love in Green

the ecofashionista

A Body Oil you will love!

2011-01-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

Since it's creation, Duchess Marden skincare has brought themost natural and effective products to the hands of all ecofashionistas, thatwhile simple are completely luxurious! Just added to the list of products, isthe Duchess Marden Damascena Body Serum ... and can I just say ... WOW.Luxuriously hydrating, this serum softens and firms skin while working as ananti-inflammatory, minimizing discoloration and helps with scarring and stretchmarks. It's meant to be used right after taking a shower, while your skin isstill damp or added to bath water! This little bottle of goodness is perfectfor dry, parched, winter skin and only needing a little with each applicationmeans it will last a while!!

I am usually a luber upper after each shower so adding this tomy routine, took all of two minutes. I keep it in the shower and put a quartersize on before I'm completely dry. It absorbs super quickly and leaves behindsilky, not even close to greasy, delicately scented skin ... PERFECTION!

Come in and take a sample home or shop 24/7 atwww.theecofashionista.com. You will be in love immediately, I promise!

Love in Green

the ecofashionista

An Alternative for us all!!

2011-01-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

Alternative Apparel has a new line ... to show their green.Alternative Earth by Alternative Apparel is in the store and online and it'slooking and feeling great.

Alternative Apparel has always had their feet on the groundwhen it came to the planet, but until recently they hadn't always usedmaterials that a true eco fashionista would appreciate. While some of theiritems are mixed with conventional cottons they are adding organic cotton,naturally occurring rayons and dying practices that make us proud!! And thebest part is it it's still got that hand crafted signature vintage softnessthat has kept people coming back. As they continue to grow they are proud tojoin the effort to sustain their natural environment. A portion of their salesbenefits a variety of environmental organizations and charities and whenproduction takes place outside the United States it always certified fair tradewith the utmost social responsibility.

Come into and try these on or shop 24/7 onlineat www.theecofashionista.com.

Love in Green

the ecofashionista