Tag Archives: eco-friendly

eco icon – birkenstock

May 1, 2009
Birkenstock

'yara' woven oiled leather sandal in habana, $140, birkenstockusa.com

I am in heaven after seeing the new styles & colors that Birkenstock just debuted in their Spring/Summer ‘09 line!

In high school, I bought my first pair of Birkenstock sandals – the Arizona – and have been hooked ever since.  Over the years they have teamed up for many cool collaborations with designers like Phillip Lim and brands like A Bathing Ape & Stussy.

Birkenstock’s were earth-conscious before it was hip…carrying on their amazing tradition of German craftsmanship since 1774.  They are considered trailblazers in this ‘throwaway’ industry because they promote repairing and recycling your old ‘Birks.’

Each shoe is made of sustainable & renewable materials like cork, natural latex and jute.  In fact, the cork used to make the footbed is actually excess material from the wine industry – when making wine corks for the bottles.

Here’s my wish list below…they literally have all the trends covered from patent & metallic finishes to earthy embellishments + pale palettes!

Check out the line in it’s entirety @ birkenstockusa.com.

Happy Shopping!

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'gizeh' patent birko-flor in striking purple, $79.95, birkenstockusa.com

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'madrid' patent birko-flor in peridot green, $49.95, birkenstockusa.com

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'kairo' woven oiled leather in antique grey, $130, birkenstockusa.com

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'cozumel' silky suede in taupe, $120, birkenstockusa.com

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sustainable sneakers

April 30, 2009

I practically live in sneakers, so if they are also good for the planet…that’s fantastic!  I did my research and found 7 different styles, so I don’t want to hear that there’s nothing cool out there.  :-)

Payless has just launched a new shoe & accessory line with super greenie, Summer Rayne Oakes.  I had the pleasure of meeting her at their Spring press preview and found her to be really engaging & bright.  The greatest thing about the new line, called  Zoe & Zac, is the accessibility… since all styles are under $30.  Check out her video on YouTube:

Sustainable Style: Talking Green with Summer Rayne Oakes

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daisy frayed skimmer in multi, $19.99, payless.com

All-American brand, Keds, is also jumping on the bandwagon with their newly launched Green Label.  The line boasts organic cotton, recycled rubber soles & non toxic dyes…even the shoe laces are made from old water bottles!  They’ve also partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree for every pair sold in 2009.

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meadow moc in khaki, $55, keds.com

I’m a total Van’s girl, and they just debuted a really big selection of eco-sneakers in their Spring/Summer line.  The styles are a bit sleeker & updated while showcasing hemp-upper and bamboo foot bed liners.  I just adore the sustainable jute wrap on this style below.

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authentic lo pro sf, $50 , vans.com

If you are looking for a more retro-looking style, Ethletic makes one that is very reminiscent of an old-skool brand.  Their shoes are totally Vegan and made with 100% Fair Trade-Certified organic cotton canvas.  The rubber for the soles is actually tapped from a tree instead of being made from chemicals like other rubber products.

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ethletic high-top sneakers in olive green, $56, autonomieproject.com

I cannot wait to buy these ditsy-print sneakers from Simple.  The company started in 1991 and have been producing earth conscious shoes since 2005.  Their fun & inspirational approach to marketing educates the consumer while also maintaining a sense of humor. Their less > more manifesto means their goal to produce 100% sustainable products might actually be realized.

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pinwheel in black multi, $55, simpleshoes.com

Etnies and it’s parent company, Sole Technology, have been around for over 2o years. Their founder and CEO, Pierre Andre Senizergues, recently announced their commitment to becoming the action sports industry’s first carbon neutral company.  After conducting an eco-audit of the business, they are looking at ways to improve their environmental practices …including solar panels, recycling efforts and water usage.

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baby jane in purple, $40, etnies.com

Keep shoes is fairly new to the game, the line being only 3 years old, but they have been fashion forward from day one!  Besides being a very unique & collaborative force, they only make cruelty- free products.  Although they are made for the ladies, the styles are considered unisex….so you can both rock the crazy, bright patterns and colors.

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the guerra in purple w/madras plaid, $95, keepcompany.com

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skate study house

April 10, 2009

Skate Study House is my new favorite design concept.  They perfectly blend skateboard culture & mid-century design with a dash of California lifestyle!  Plus, they’re also conscious of the environment and use recycled + second hand products mixed with custom parts.

The name itself is a tribute to the famous Case Study House program, which many believe was the start of the “Birth of the Cool” modernist movement in California.

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I am totally getting this chair when we buy a house this year!  The Stax Chair is made out of 3 decks and incorporates molded pieces of plywood. It pays homage nicely to the most famous chair of 20th century, the ‘Eames Molded Plywood Chair.’  

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This is called the Jet Set Lounge Chair, and it was created for both indoor and outdoor use becuz it’s made of neoprene (wetsuit material). It’s such a simplistic and sleek concept;  8 decks wrapped with neoprene cushions on a metal  frame.

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For the Comet Coffee Table, they crossed 8 skate decks together for strength as well as a unique look.  I love the use of color here with the branded decks intertwined like puzzle pieces.

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A classic riff on the iconic ‘Nelson Slat Bench‘, the LKJ Bench is truly a work of art.  In the tradition of California cool… this is made from a longboard skate deck.   It’s perfect to use as a low table or bench.

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Last, but not least!  Featuring two of my favorite reality TV stars…Rob Dyrdek & Meaty standing in front of their Skate Wall.  This folding screen is awesome and features the patterns of a real size deck.  

For more information on the SSH collection, including pricing, please stop by their website skatestudyhouse.com

 

 


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cool for cats

April 8, 2009

I came across this awesome eco-furniture for cats… and it’s so right up my alley, being the owner of two cats, Stinky & Leia.  Let’s face it, cats & cool design never go hand in hand.  The only offerings are usually covered in tapestry or a pastel rug material.  Luckily, Square Cat Habitat came along, their motto being ‘modern furniture designed for cats and their owners.’ Hallelujah!

This wall perch below is called the Buddha and it’s the perfect retreat for your favorite feline.   It’s also super practical for those of us that live in small apartments and need the precious floor space.

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Here is the view from the bottom…love the chrome brackets, it’s almost like functional art! The perch easily mounts on walls or under window sills and can support up to 40lbs.  

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The best thing is that it’s available in two environmentally friendly ways: 100% renewable bamboo or LPL (low pressure laminate) that contains recycled wood fiber.  Also, it’s made right here in the U.S.A in Portland, Oregon.

You can purchase these online at my new favorite web shop, Supemarkethq.com.  Or, to view the line in it’s entirety (I highly recommend this) go to SquareCatHabitat.com.

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the glass is always greener

April 6, 2009

This post kicks off a month of ‘eco’ & sustainable stories.  It’s really quite easy to embrace things that are good for the environment…and there is no shortage of great products out there!  

I love plants, we have quite alot of them in our apartment and when I saw this terrarium from VivaTerra, I couldn’t resist!  You can order it with the air plants & sand or on its own to display found objects.

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recycled glass terrarium, $79 with plants or $49 without, vivaterra.com

The Beach Glass series below from Rosanna is handmade in Mexico of 100% recycled glass.  All the shades of blue remind me of the ocean…and each piece is beautiful and unique in it’s own way.  

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beach glass, set of 3 small bottles- $29.50, set of 2 large bottles- $39.50, rosannainc.com

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stick your neck out

March 18, 2009

Sometimes I wonder what people did to look hip before scarves became so darn popular! Since it shows no sign of going away anytime soon…these three companies show us what’s new & exciting for our necks.

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Qilt scarf, $208, apeacetreaty.com

A Peace Treaty is a fantastic line started by two women with very different cultural backgrounds.  The printed silk scarf shown above was created using a hand-carved woodblock technique.  The colorful textiles are ethically produced, limited edition pieces that represent a different region of the world.  By fusing their love of high fashion & awareness of traditional crafting traditions …everyone benefits.

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Purple stripe scarf, $90, organicgiraffe.com

Organic Giraffe was also started by two hip friends on a mission , a fashion designer & a graphic designer. The scarves have a simple, contemporary look to them and are made from organic cotton jersey.  Plus, they are very big, which I love for versatility sake…so you can also wear them as a wrap.

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Natural w/black print, $55, necklush.com

I saved the best for last…Necklush.  I heart this line so much and totally applaud the creativity that goes into it!  Basically, it’s made out of a bunch of free form cotton loops;  that’s why it looks shredded and layered.  They also screen print them as well and will do special orders on request. It’s such a statement piece becuz you can wear it a bunch of ways….like a cowl neck or really long. I’ve included their video to do the explaining:

Necklush on YouTube

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