Style | Hip Moms Go Green

Party Savers

Event Leftovers is the green solution to the waste that often accumulates post-party. Eventleftovers.com is an online marketplace for both event professionals (such as florists, party stores and event planners) and nonprofessionals to buy and sell gently used party supplies. This green solution allows sellers to have an additional revenue stream while buyers score superb party pieces at a discount. Event Leftovers works for all kinds of events including expos, trade shows, conferences, business and executive functions, productions, weddings and more.

There is enormous waste in the party production business, whether items sit stagnant at a warehouse or merchandise clutters home offices, garages or stores for season after season, the opportunity to sell goods via the website presents the perfect opportunity to recycle. In today’s economy people need to get more bang for their buck and recoup event related expenses and find better deals.

Products at eventleftovers.com will include those from master event planner and celebrity wedding coordinator Colin Cowie. Having worked with everyone from Oprah to Elton John and having authored eight best-selling books, Cowie is one of Hollywood’s go-to event and production gurus. Colin Cowie Lifestyle is a registered seller on eventleftovers.com, thus, allowing everyone a piece of the star-studded action.

Exotic and Ivory

Alluring and inspired, Palma jewelry is both bright and bold and brings glossy rainbow and earth themes to life in its unique selection of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Each piece is individually handcrafted, environmentally friendly and 5% of gross sales go towards fighting cancer and preserving earth’s resources. In addition, each piece is crafted from a rare palm tree nut found along South America’s coastline with locals primarily completing the crafting process. Distinctive pieces include the Chikle necklace, which appears like it could be comprised of candy Smarties, or Chiclets gum and pairs perfectly with a cheerful top and jeans. Other jewelry items are designed with fun eco-materials like wax cotton, faux-suede, vegan straps and the tagua nuts (vegetable ivory).

Tagua is viewed as a sustainable alternative to ivory derived from animals and responsible harvesting may actually augment rainforest conservation in South America. The nuts are gathered only after they’ve matured and fallen from the tree and are dried, thinly sliced and permanently dyed (non-toxic) before transforming into pretty jewelry pieces. Locals Amazonian Indians believe that vegetable ivory or tagua nuts bring prosperity, happiness, love and abundance. Tagua is a terrific alternative to plastic and can also be found in items like buttons, sculptures, figurines and even chess pieces. The Palma Collection has been featured in Lucky Magazine, Women’s Health, and GQ magazine.

Palma is this weeks Green Giveaway so be sure to enter.

Green Style Gets a Makeover

Stylish and sustainable fashion has never been easier to purchase or admire as sites dedicated to all things clothing and chic turn an eye towards the earth. Green designers and stylists have started an “eco-revolution” and created a wave of inspiration and admiration from Hollywood and beyond. Eco-designers are thinking more like architects than activists, and are designing with contemporary and modern silhouettes. Green fashion is no longer relegated to bohemian-hippies but now is finding itself rocking the runway and making major impact on celebrity clothing lines.

Stars like Emma Watson (of Harry Potter fame) has only 100% organic and Fairtrade cotton in her label Love from Emma, which debuts in partnership with People Tree in 2010. And models are getting in on the eco-act too. Famous for her Brazilian body and her new Brady (as in Tom) baby, Gisele Bundchen has launched Ipanema Footwear. The line pays homage to the ocean in its colorful and decorative sandals and promotes the preservation of the ecosystem, specifically, marine life. Finally, tween queen, Selena Gomez started Dream Out Loud, full of fun and flirty female fashions with a focus on earth-friendliness. With all this exposure, eco-fashion is finding itself saturating the mainstream and stealing the limelight from clothing chemicals and colored dyes.

Ethical chic has been made easier with many eco-conscious online retailers banking on business from socially and environmentally responsible consumers. There’s also an array of green bloggers who are taking the web by storm and giving fun and fresh energy to a topic that can seem more science than style. Sites like Haute Nature (hautenature.blogspot.com), use a combination of art and information to surprise and encourage the green fashion movement. (One recent entry shows nearly-naked models, one posed as a sheep being shorn of his wool.) Righteous (re) Style is another blog making environmental fashion seem hip and hot. The blog encourages secondhand style sources and buying vintage (righteousrestyle.com). Finally, evolvedfashion.com is a perfect site for fashion-lovers to celebrate Mother Nature and modern chic, it presents news and insight into the green fashion industry and discusses organic clothing materials.

In addition to the aforementioned sites, fashion and passion for the planet collide in the super sophisticated website-blog called ecouterre (ecouterre.com). Jill Fehrenbacher, the editor-in-chief and founder, created an uber-upscale website devoted to beauty, fashion, accessories, design and shopping. The site highlights innovations in technology (like fiber manufacturing) that make eco-conscious living more desirable and accessible. Jill currently resides in New York and studied architecture and art semiotics in college. She adores rooftop gardens, lives for vegan junk food and has been featured in Vogue, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.

For more proof of the eco-revolution, a model-celebrity is making the rounds and exemplifying the eco-chic attitude. With a name that couldn’t be more fitting for her planet-preservation cause, Summer Rayne Oakes, was born into beauty and transformed her love of the land, namely her picturesque backyard in a town in Northeastern Pennsylvania into selling and seeking sustainable styles. Oakes graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelors of Science in Natural Resources and Entomology. She is also a Udall Scholar and National Wildlife Federation Fellow. Oakes has since been labeled with the title “eco-style expert” and “social entrepreneur” in her quest to produce books, blogs and fashion items like sustainable shoes. These fabulous eco-shoes by Zoe & Zac can be found at Payless Shoe Store. Oakes is helping to pique interest in the green movement by using her fabulous face and fashionable portfolio to create buzz. Her book Style Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty is a must have for every woman. It has been offered as one of Hip Moms Go Green Giveaways before because it is packed full of valuable information and resources related to beauty and fashion.

Fashion shows and model-celebrities like Oakes, ignite interest in the environment and its causes. And more and more websites are turning green into fun, hip and accessible by documenting fashionable feats in the eco-world and transforming them into digital magazines and web videos. Hip Moms Go Green is no different, and will begin featuring videos of fashion shows, designers and lots of runway footage on HipMomsGoGreenTV.com These videos will be full of trendy footage into the fierce world of fashion as well as offer entertainment and encourage support for sustainable stylists and designers. In addition, Hip Moms TV will feature the ultra-glam CocoEco Magazine and showcase sizzling photo shoots with celebrities and green-minded fashion in action.

Go! Other Stylish Sites with Green Lights

EcoDiva- Love the mission statement and the site.

Mission Statement:
Eco = to educate and empower you to make better choices in beauty for your health, the environment and our future,

Diva = while still reflecting your inner most style and personality

Stylewillsaveus.com

A digital magazine full of high-fashion and lots of style scoop.

Ecofashionworld.com

Includes an eco-fashion finder, blogs and a ton of news on everything happening within the world of green and glam.

Hipmomsgogreentv.com

Fun eco-fashion videos of high-style runways and CocoEco photo shoots.

Thegreenloopblog.com

Features interviews with green designers and business owners as well as shopping tips.

Ecofabulous.com

Find earth-conscious places to shop, get ideas on how to “green” your wardrobe, and other style suggestions.

By: Amy Spagnola
Contributing Writer

Green Guru

With a website that offers visuals of everything shaded in green from disco balls to lounge areas tinted in emerald, the message of Nicole Sherwin Green Events is clear. Sherwin is an eco-expert and television host who has refined the art of fusing style and elegance with green glam.

Sherwin, who specializes in throwing unforgettable parties, celebrity galas and weddings, has 15 years of experience in creating memorable productions. Her social, environmental and wellness causes blend seamlessly into her event coordinating; she has a passion for the environment, health and charity, in addition, to a love of parties and people.

Sherwin grew up in a household that included a father who studied acupuncture, homeopathy, environmentalism and naturopathy. Her father, a renowned nutritionist and naturopath even treated Prince Charles during his career. Nicole’s parents taught her about health and social responsibility from an early age and her interest in celebrity, her personality and her easy-on-the-eyes beauty catapulted her into the eco-event stratosphere.

Nicole’s company recently launched Green Lounge, an eco-luxury experience that brings companies and businesses together in a chic green-minded cocktail lounge. Green Lounge is a social and business networking platform, forum, and event for eco brands, products and organizations. Celebrities, media moguls and guests mingle in a luxe lounge setting where they can sample and buy products, meet with brand ambassadors and experience the vast variety of brands on the green scene. Chefs and mixologists are on hand to provide food and fun as well as organic nibbles, eco cocktails and other yummy treats. Spa therapists, DJs and Cirque du Soleil perfomers are also a part of many of these carbon neutral shindigs. The most recent green lounge had 500 influential attendees, including environmental advocates like actress Alicia Silverstone , Debbie Levin (President of the Environmental Media Association) and Darren Moore (Alter Eco).

More information is available at: www.nicolesherwinevents.com and see her video here.

Sunny Side

Jamie Lim loved the skyscrapers and bamboo scaffolding that she observed in Hong Kong during her teens. The beauty of the architecture provided her with the impetus to start her own sunglass line and her first collection was entirely based around bamboo. KAYU, which means “wood” in Malay was such a hit that the collection now includes a range of bags inspired by nature, which are intricately handcrafted and composed of straw and shell.

The eyewear is not only made of bamboo but fast-growing grass and other sustainable material. Women’s cooperatives and female entrepreneurs are responsible for the creation of the bags and glasses. KAYU donates all the funds for every pair of glasswear purchased to one-sight restoring surgery in the developing world. Now, that’s vision.

Check out our Green Giveaway this week, it is a pair of Kayu Sunglasses:Style, Rawa!

Beachy Green

Summertime is all about the beach, BBQ’s and bikinis. There’s plenty of ways to show some skin and still be environmentally aware. Many companies are making beautiful bathing suits while keeping Mother Earth in mind.

Duex FM: is committed to the global movement for a sustainable future. The manufacture locally under fair trade practices and use recycled fabrics for the swimwear line.

deuxfm.com

Kelly B: Using mostly organic cotton, this swimsuit line specializes in ruffles, smocking and pretty colors. It’s grown, processed, and produced without pesticides.

Kellybcouture.com

Triumph: Using the latest in ecologically certified materials, Triumph is a UK-based clothing company that also carries lingerie and leisurewear. They are the first company to use a biodegradable elastane for their undergarments.

Triumph.com/uk

San Lorenzo: This Brazilian bikini company now carries eco-friendly, organic cotton bikinis. Two new designers for the company, Megan Spurlock and Jhonatan Figueroa, are turning to eco-friendly fabrics and creating playful and fun designs.

Sanlorenzohawaii.com

Anna Cohen: This sophisticated swimwear line uses surplus factory fabric originally intended for Olympic speed skaters to create its unique looks. The company’s business practices and collections are both environmentally and socially responsible.

Annacohen.com

Eco-Panda Swimwear: the world’s only recycled nylon swimwear line. By using recycled nylon they use 27% less natural petroleum resources, and emit 28% less greenhouse gases in its manufacturing.

Eco-Panda.com

Elementary, My Dear Watson

Trendy and timeless describes the bags created by Vancouver designer Ashley Watson. Coveting all things thrift, Watson handcrafts her one-of-a-kind products from soft pre-worn leather jackets. Her recycled leather MO allows her to assemble eco-chic bags and wallets that retain some of the original jackets characteristics. For instance, pockets and seams are often integrated into the construction of the earth-tone colored bags. With a background in art studio, Watson’s wares are equally functional and artistic. Her designs are often comprised of hemp cotton twill and never include dyed leather. The sophisticated and sustainable Spring collection includes a range of styles from satchels to messenger bags. Watson’s bags are sold across North America and selectively in Europe. Her Spring 2010 collection can be viewed online at: http://www.ashleywatson.net/

G.Y.M Show~Pump up the Preservation

Puridee

Though it might seem like an acronym for a new fancy workout center, G.Y.M. actually stands for Green Youth Movement and represents a group of students concerned about the environment. These young people are working together to promote an eco-conscious future while having fun in the process. G.Y.M. educates and teaches families and kids how to reduce their carbon footprint by using everything from shower timers to re-useable grocery bags.

Emily Factor

Christened the ‘green teen,’ by media outlets, Ally Maize, the founder of G.Y.M. recently upped the ante on promoting and preaching the power of personal responsibility in creating a happy habitat by organizing the “Green Initiative-Humanitarian Fashion Show.”

Lizzie Parker

This Hollywood fashion event included clothing from designers like Emily Factor (granddaughter of famous makeup titan Max Factor) and created more eco buzz in the world of style and sustainability. Factor, who claims a “passion for preservation” utilizes reclaimed materials, non-toxic dye, organic and zero animal products in her flirty and feminine frocks. Factor presented many of her ethereal designs alongside other eco-designers like Lindee Daniel’s Puridee and Lizzie Parker. It was a fashion show that spoke to saving the planet and being stylish simultaneously.

Puridee

Something Old, Something New, Something Blue~Blue Poppy Jewelry

Delicate and earth-inspired, Blue Poppy Jewelry has both vintage and regal appeal. There’s an assortment of pieces for sale, that celebrate contemporary crafting as well as offer a nod to nature, including the ultra-pretty 18K gold Vermeil pendant leaf necklace, a rustic zebrawood bracelet as well as freshwater pearl rings that resemble a prized family keepsake. The Blue Poppy catalog is diverse and includes one-of-a-kind, vintage and antique pieces.

Fine metals are combined with raw and organic materials from the earth and each jewelry creation is designed to have special significance. Sisters Jill Redman and Erin Lockwood created Blue Poppy in 2006, and all elements are made within the United States. Furthermore, these elegant accessories are created with recycled fine metals and conflict-free diamonds. A pop (py) of decoration to an otherwise simple wardrobe is exactly what’s in store when wearing these fun and earthy designs.

Check out our Green Giveaway this week from Blue Poppy Jewelery, it is the beautiful Sister Hood Necklace. Also, Blue Poppy is offering Hip Moms Go Green readers a 15% discount at their store. Enter this code at check out: 15HMGG2010

H&M Goes Sustainable

H&M just launched The Garden Collection for Spring 2010. This line is made with environmentally adapted materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and organic linen. As the desire by consumers for organic clothing grows, H&M created a line that would please their customer and contribute to a more sustainable world. This is a store known for quick and inexpensive fashion. This looks like a step in the right direction!

My favorite looks from this collection include the adorable blue short with ruffles paired with a floral blouse and this tunic with the khaki short below. See the H&M fashion video and view the The Garden Collection line.

Going Green with Hip Moms Go Green is fun and attainable. We're dedicated to empowering you to simultaneously effect a healthful difference in the lives of your children and planet. Whether you're looking for tips on how to make your existing home green, want to identify creative ways to share environmental and social responsibility with your little ones, or incorporate nutrient-dense foods into your family's diet in a delicious way, HipMomsGoGreen is your ultimate resource. We bring all of your favorite eco-topics and products to the table to make going green part of your everyday life.