Blogs

I am crazy about this vintage swimsuit from my friend Hilary's site Peppermint Vintage! I totally want to wear it with a sheer skirt just... like... this...

Photography via Peppermint Vintage and Trop Rouge

If you wash your hair, use deodorant or moisturize, take 8 minutes and watch this short video. Annie Leonard, the lady who brought us "The Story of Stuff", is in our bathrooms and it's not pretty. "The Story of Cosmetics" takes a look at the virtually unregulated, $50 billion cosmetic industry and its dependence on chemicals to manufacture the beauty and personal care products we use everyday– chemicals that have been linked to cancer, birth defects and learning disabilities.

On July 21st Congress introduced the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010; this is the first real look at the cosmetics industry in 70 years! If this bill passes the effects will be groundbreaking.

According to safecosmetics.org and their understanding of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010, provisions of the legislation would:

* Phase out ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects and developmental harm;
* Create a health-based safety standard that includes protections for children, the elderly, workers and other vulnerable populations;
* Close labeling loopholes by requiring full ingredient disclosure on product labels and company web sites, including the constituent ingredients of fragrance and salon products;
* Give workers access to information about unsafe chemicals in personal care products;
* Require data-sharing to avoid duplicative testing and encourage the development of alternatives to animal testing;
* Provide adequate funding to the FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors so it has the resources it needs to provide effective oversight of the cosmetics industry; and
* Level the playing field so small businesses can compete fairly.

What we can do:

* Ask your U.S. Representative to support the Safe Cosmetics Act.
* Share "The Story of Cosmetics" with the people in your life.

Loving these vegan ballet flats from Etsy's current featured seller, The Generation.

"The Generation shoes are handmade from 100% cotton and sustainable fabrics without the use of chemical adhesives. Traditional shoe making techniques and craftsmanship were followed in the whole process which consumes very low regenerated energy (e.g. electricity) and causes no negative impact to the environment."

Click here to read Christy's Etsy interview.

We just love this collaboration between Shabd (tie dying maven!) and BAGGU! Each bag is hand-dyed, one-of-a-kind, made from 100% recycled cotton, and comes in an assortment of sweet shades. And, did you know, using one BAGGU for one year replaces 300 to 700 disposable bags?!?!

... and we can hardly stand the wait. These photos of blogger Christina Caradona wearing her Marais Chelsea boots isn't helping either.

The boots should be making their shop appearance mid August. Of course there will be an email to announce their arrival. Sign up for our newsletter to be in the know.

photography via Trop Rouge, found on MaraisUSA blog

I spy pieces from Bodkin's AW10 collection!

These salvaged wood light fixtures and vases bring me so much joy.

"Anzfer Farms is a workshop and showroom located in the Central Richmond area of San Francisco. Started by long time friends Jonathan Anzalone and Joseph Ferriso in 2009 as a place to create unique objects and installations. Our backgrounds in the arts encompass a diversity of practices which influence our furniture and object design. Working primarily with reclaimed wood Anzfer Farms seeks to create strong and elegant pieces exploring modern ideas of color and form."

discovered via Oh Joy!

Chef Chole Coscarelli won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars with these and the recipe is available on her blog. I desperately want to sink my teeth in!

Bhalo is bringing friendship back in a big way! Each bracelet is handmade in Bangladesh from AZO chemical free, fair trade cotton and comes in a cute little newspaper box. Love.

Found on Greedy Girl

VegNews is going to India and you can join along in the adventure! From VegNews.com:

Don't miss this opportunity to travel to India with VegNews editors for a vacation you'll never forget.

After announcing our first trip to India this past February, the trip sold out in just six days. Due to popular demand, we're thrilled to announce our second VegNews Vacation to India... in 2011! If you enjoy adventure, history, culture, and delicious vegan cuisine, this is the trip for you. Join VegNews editors Colleen Holland and Elizabeth Castoria as they host the journey of a lifetime—expertly guided by VegVoyages' India afficionados, Zac Lovas and RK Singhji. An intimate group of VegNews readers will explore the fascinating state of Rajasthan along with India's capital, New Delhi, and the breathtaking wonder, Taj Mahal. Other highlights include:

* • Stay at a Maharajah's palace
* • Dine at the best veg eateries in India
* • Meander through colorful bazaars
* • Learn Indian history
* • Sleep on a world-famous overnight train
* • Enjoy daily yoga classes in stunning settings
* • Take a rickshaw through bustling city streets
* • Visit an animal sanctuary
* • Hike a national park teeming with wildlife
* • Have dinner with a local family
* • Stay in a picturesque village
* • Take a vegan cooking class
* • And so much more!

**13 days/12 nights**
Just $1595 per person

Price includes all meals, accommodations, transportation in India, pre-adventure welcome dinner, site entry fees, guides, yoga classes, live music and dances, donation to Animal Aid, and airport pick-up and drop-off. Only airfare, visa, and personal purchases are up to you!

Sounds like an amazing trip! For more information and a complete look at the itinerary click HERE.