We at Green With Glamour LOVE doing our monthly giveaways… AND my new personal obsession is the brand new feature, “Green Goodie Review”, so why not combine the two every once and awhile?!  I’ve always been a great fan of hostess gifts and small sweet nothings… you know, those little gifties (to others or even yourself) that don’t cost a hole lot of money, but are particularly special.  Anyone can bring a bottle of wine or a candle – not that either are bad gifts, per se, just expected. The Green Goodie Review is here to bring you the unexpected, the exceptional… and the reasonably priced (most under $25)!

I grew up watching my grandmother entertain both great and small numbers with an easy elegance I’ve forever tried to replicate.  And I’ve since realized that living quite sustainably can also mean relishing yesteryear niceties like cloth table linens, non-disposable dish & glassware and herbal  home fragrances.  So, I guess the reason why I’m such a fan of Hammocks & High Tea is not only because the designs are so chic (and of course “eco”), but because the designer, Karen Young, is also inspired by her grandmother.

We’ve carried Hammocks & High Tea at Green With Glamour for about 2 years now and each season, I’m increasingly impressed with Karen’s keen design eye, but it’s only been very recently that I’ve come to learn she’s got an incredible knack for creating the most divine home fragrances!

Now for the GIVEAWAY!  For August, we’re giving one lucky reader the following (which since their arrival at the office has made everything smell incredible!):

A 100% organic cotton, gorgeously printed turquoise Linden sachet, filled with bold & uplifting 100% Certified Organic Lemon Verbena & Lemongrass herbs/essential oils. The hanging loop takes this delicious piece from closet to wherever you need a scent boost. You can even try them in a car to replace those icky chemical air fresheners (not that you would ever use one of those).  $20 for a pair.

AND a lovely laser cut, recycled Perfume Box filled with super scrumptious-smelling, 100% Certified Organic Lavender & Bergamot  herbs, florals, and essential oils.  This is a perfect piece for your closet – to make your clothes smell divine, but it’s so attractive… you may want to leave it on a table top or shelf! $28.

Leave a clever comment and you’re automatically entered to win!

Our obsession with Banh Mi started in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with one bite of the tofu version from Nha Toi tucked away on Havemeyer Street.  Easily passed by yet known by most as the best in the ‘Burg.  Sandwiches from Nha Toi were at least a weekly treat if not daily.  Once we left Brooklyn for the summer, to the hills of Vermont, we had to have our Banh Mi fix and created our own.

Sorrel was up in our garden, which has a delicate lemon flavor so we decided to use this as our tofu flavoring.  Once fried, the crispy sorrel leaves were delicious surprise!

Sorrel Tofu Banh Mi

1 package extra firm tofu
1/4 cup peanut or vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce (Or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos) save a small amount
for the baguette
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/4 cup sorrel or lemongrass
Black pepper to taste

3 crisp French baguettes at least 6” long
Mayonnaise (or Follow Your Heart’s Vegenaise, which we prefer)
Cilantro

Drain tofu and place in a flat bowl with a weighted plate on top for
at least 15 minutes to squeeze out excess water. Meanwhile, crush
together the sorrel and garlic until smashed.  Mix oils, soy sauce,
garlic, and sorrel in a bowl. Slice tofu into 1/2” thick slices and
lay one layer thick in a square baking dish or cookie sheet.  Pour
mixture over tofu coating both sides thoroughly.  Marinate for an
hour, turning a few times.  Bake in oven at 400 for 30 min turning
once, or fry in a pan till crisp.  Let cool.

Slice open baguettes, scoop out the centers and discard (or as Shane
likes to do make bread balls out of it). Lightly toast the baguettes.
Spread a small amount of soy sauce or Bragg’s and mayo on both sides,
layer in the tofu, cilantro, pickled carrots, and cucumbers (recipe below). Enjoy!!

Quick Pickled Carrot and Cucumber

3 large carrots – sliced in thin match-like strips, using a mandolin
slicer is easiest.
1/2 cucumber – sliced in 1/2” thick by 3” strips
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar, or more depending on how sweet you want your pickles
1 tablespoon salt

Mix warm water, vinegar, sugar and salt till dissolved.   Pack the
carrots and pickles tightly in a glass jar.  Pour liquid in jar till
carrots and pickles are covered.  Let sit for at least 1 hour, will
store up to a week in fridge.

AMAZING!

Abby Lutz & Shane Walsh

Switching gears from the fast-paced hullabaloo to the bucolic countryside, comes our new foodie team, Abby Lutz & Shane Walsh.   A clothing designer and photographer respectively, this couple traded in their edgy Brooklyn address for a bit of paradise on a farm in rural Vermont.  With a slower paced life now (though they still both work and turn out insanely gifted work), Abby and Shane have found themselves lingering in the garden and creating in the kitchen.  The result?  Mouth-watering, inventive concoctions crafted from the very food they grow.  Whatever is ready to be picked is what goes on the plate…  the very reason why they are The Accidental Gourmands.

Everyone warns of the summers in New York. Hot, muggy, and just plain miserable. Lucky for me I just missed the latest heat wave so my days in the big apple were hot but most definitely bearable.  I started my day hitting Soy Cafe on Greenwich Ave in the West Village (organic granola & soy yogurt; delish), then my adventure for vintage/refurbished clothing began!  I headed back to where I was staying in the financial district so a 20 minute walk and I reached Lafayette street and my first stop: Screaming Mimi’s.

As I approach, there are 2 chic ladies enjoying a bit of shade and holding bags with goodies from the store.  Once inside, my eyes begin to sparkle at the array of unique clothing in front of me. As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by an eclectic mix of shoes ranging from boots to 60s wedges to Madonna-esqe heels.

And if you’re in a rush, don’t worry. These gals have this shop set up for success; all the clothes are divided by decade so if you’ve got a disco party or woodstock revival bash your options are organized and organic.

I finished up my Mimi’s experience and decided to head back down Lafayette to another refurbished vintage shop: Zachary’s Smile.

ZS is much smaller than Screaming Mimi’s but since the shop focuses more on refurbishing than collecting vintage pieces, your options for a particular jacket, top or skirt are more likely to be found here, no matter what size you’re looking for.

The staff at ZS were extremely friendly and helpful (which is always amazing)!  I absolutely fell in love with these vintage red leather ankle booties and and some impeccably refurbished blazers.  Although a lot of the clothing has a slightly business casual look, don’t let this place go unnoticed. They have a great array of vintage boots, heels, scarves and a bright collection of vintage clothes ranging from hippie-like dresses to the latest trend in harem (balloon) pants.

And lucky for us West Coast gals, Zach and his smile just opened a shop in Silver Lake! So be sure to hit the East Side of LA  for some truly unique pieces to add to your collection.

Professional TV producer (and semi-pro shopper), Katie Vaughan, has traveled many, many miles and shopped her way across multiple countries in her young life.  And though her career is a demanding one, she always manages to find time to take several trips a year, snagging chic (and sometimes hilarious) thrift store finds all along the way.  By writing 2nd Hand Spotlight, Katie shares with us her favorite vintage shops, thrift stores, flea markets and hidden shopping spots… and maybe someday she’ll even explain what possessed her to get those metallic high tops!

This piece is perfect for Fall!!!  It’s flattering (that cinched waist is a god-send!), feminine-without-being-frilly and in the loveliest shade of steely blue.  From PI Organic (formerly Perfectly Imperfect), the makers of beautiful, luxe basics… the shirred cardy can be worn for work or play, day or evening!

Whether you want to add a chic layer for evening or polish up your farmer’s market ensemble… the steel blue shirred cardy has got your number! A tailored fit with an easy vibe, Perfectly Imperfect is the quintessential line for wearable, sustainable style! Of 100% certified organic combed cotton, machine washable. Made in Los Angeles.

Sizing note: This piece runs true to size.

This week – ONLY $50 (from $125)!!!

We’re stepping it up, People!  As our retail big sister, Green With Glamour, grows and grows… we’re keeping in stride as any younger sibling might.   We’ll still be bringing you major, eco-chic bargains, letting you in on fantastic “green” design finds and ooh-ing & ahh-ing over all amazing things vegetarian and vegan, but now you’ll be getting more than just our 2 cents.  We’ve enlisted some serious (& delightful) experts to cover what you love!

Meet our new (& seriously stylish) team:

Celebrity hairstylist & make up artist, Vanessa Rose Price, will be schooling us all about sustainable make up, hair and skin care with The (Eco) Beauty Biz.  Not only does she tame those famous Justin Bieber locks (along with a scrolling list of other celebs), but Vanessa will be taking time out of her ridiculously jet-settery schedule to bring us “eco” beauty tid bits along the way.

Vanessa Price

Switching gears from the fast-paced hullabaloo to the bucolic countryside, comes our new foodie team, Abby Lutz and Shane Walsh.   A clothing designer and photographer respectively, this couple traded in their edgy Brooklyn address for a bit of paradise on a farm in rural Vermont.  With a slower paced life now (though they still both work and turn out insanely gifted work), Abby and Shane have found themselves lingering in the garden and creating in the kitchen.  The result?  Mouth-watering, inventive concoctions crafted from the very food they grow.  Whatever is ready to be picked is what goes on the plate…  the very reason why they are The Accidental Gourmands.

Abby Lutz & Shane Walsh

And from the moment I met writer Tiffany Romigh in her well-appointed home in the Hollywood Hills, it was obvious that she was a woman of style.  Seamlessly fusing Street Art with French antiques, bold pop colors with delicate metallics, Tiffany has a knack for merging genres and mediums – and boredom is her enemy.  Never one to ask others to do what she can, Tiffany rolls up her sleeves and dives right in – whatever the task might be!  Having recently relocated to Austin, TX… she’s now faced with a whole new house to grace with her good taste – and a whole new city to explore.  With Chic Re-do, Tiffany shows us how turn the simple into the sublime and the unexpected into the unbelievable!

Tiffany Romigh

Professional TV producer (and semi-pro shopper), Katie Vaughan, has traveled many, many miles and shopped her way across multiple countries in her young life.  And though her career is a demanding one, she always manages to find time to take several trips a year, snagging chic (and sometimes hilarious) thrift store finds all along the way.  By writing 2nd Hand Spotlight, Katie will be sharing with us her favorite vintage shops, thrift stores, flea markets and hidden shopping spots… and maybe she’ll even explain what possessed her to get those metallic high tops!

Katie Vaughan

Of course, I’m still here… wrangling stories from the inspirational, unique and supremely talented bunch above!  I’ll also still be covering divine architecture (both old and new) and must have interior design pieces (as some of you know… I’m an Interior Designer by trade).  On top of that, I’m writing a  new piece called Green Goodie Review. With it I explore great, sustainable finds that are exceptional and moderately priced (under $25).  Everything from brilliant hostess gifts to vegan dog treats to organic room sprays.  Stay tuned… it’s going to get fun!

Deana Bracken (pictured with very understanding husband, Nadim)

Read on, Friends!

Gear up for Fall Fashion with the casual, but super-chic and luxe organic cotton Beatrix top by Stewart + Brown!  I LIVE in mine for Summer nights (over a bikini top with espadrilles), Autumn days (with cutoffs & boots) and even as a layering piece in Winter (perfect under a thick cardy with jeans)… and this week it’s ONLY $46 (from $185)!!!

Unbutton yours to a scandalous low or keep it high and modest… pretty darned cute either way! ONLY $49 (Reg $185!!!)  Oh-so-soft 100% organic cotton in a subtle and richly-hued plaid.  Machine washable, made in the U.S.

So a few months back, we reviewed a line of Bamboo Eco brushes by Spornette International – raves from our beauty editor!  And now, as Summer winds down and we’re headed back from vacation, back to school, etc., we think it’s the perfect time to GIVEAWAY 3 wonderful, high quality ZHU hair brushes by Spornette ($60 value)!  UPDATE: Spornette International is adding an additional paddle brush (worth another $15 – total value $75)!!!

ZHU II #2260

ZHU 2115                                                     ZHU 2110

What you get:

ZHU 2115 – Small round with bamboo handle, boar & ionic nylon bristles and tourmaline-coated barrel (to moisturize your hair as you use)

ZHU 2110 – Large aerator with bamboo handle, ionic nylon bristles and tourmaline-coated barrel

ZHU II 2260 – Large round with bamboo & cork handle, boar bristles

LEAVE A COMMENT and your automatically entered to win!

I live with a lot of animals…

So… I guess you could call me an “animal person”.  And I’m just as particular about what they eat and wear (collars) as I am about what I eat and wear.  I’ve tried many different online and storefront “eco” pet retailers, but now I found my spot!  Olive: Green Goods for Modern Dogs is a wonderful resource to find goodies for furry friends.

I’ve been on a collar kick since we adopted our latest – Welsh Corgi/Queensland puppy, Harry Kalas, last week… I like match their little neck  accessories with their personalities.  And Norman, our Jack Russell, is on his 3rd collar because I just can’t seem to find the right match for him.  So, during my neckwear search, I happened upon Olive – and boy, am I glad I did!  They have a wonderfully edited collection of sustainably-crafted collars, treats, beds, blankets, toys, food & skincare… and plenty of cat goodies too.

For HK, I found a cool, mod Black & White bamboo collar and it’s perfectly suits the little spaz!

And for Norman, I opted for the chic “Pee Wee” stripe.  He’s personality is very measured and sweet… so, a linear design seemed right – and he looks just adorable in it!

I was also thrilled to find Sam’s Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz!  Our dogs are vegetarians… and finding chewies for them isn’t very easy.  I cracked these babies open yesterday and Norman & HK happily devoured!

My order arrived promptly and to sweeten the pot, Olive had included little samples of their homemade doggy cookies (also happily devoured by the boys) and a $10 OFF coupon for my next order!  From one retailer to another, I can tell you… Olive is doing it right!

And now… Naptime!

We’re completely split down the middle here at Green With Glamour on the oh-so-controversial topic – is the upcoming trend of over-the-knee boots for Fall a good thing?   On one hand, they’re sexy, warm and smack of power… on the other hand, they may be a bit too “sexy”, they’re hard to wear if you don’t have pin-thin legs and limiting as far as skirt/dress hem length goes.  It’s a real conundrum!   That being said, here are our top 3 picks:

Ariel by Cri de Coeur

Babel by Wanted

Zeda by Madden Girl

So… What’s your take?  Over-the-knees numbers… Yea or Nea?

Alicia Silverstone loves them… as do Tegan & Sara!   Good Society jeans are as chic as they are well meaning – and this week, they’re WAAAAAY marked down!!!  At Green With Glamour, we’ve got Men’s & Women’s – 5 different styles in various washes.  Enjoy… THIS WEEK ONLY they’re $39-$43!!

The name says it all…sleek & chic! Of fairly traded, certified organic cotton denim & 2% lycra.  33 ½ inch inseam. Each pair comes with a white Good Society bandana – Rock it, if you please!

*These jeans tend to run small. Please order a size up.

Charity note: Good Society is a donor of the International Justice Mission, which helps women who have been forced into the sex trafficking industry rebuild their lives. Good Society also makes T-Shirts to support this project, called Deconstruction Reconstruction.

FINAL SALE. NO EXCHANGES OR RETURNS.

Frankly, this is a deal to beat all deals!  The other half of Green With Glamour, my business partner, Kathleen, wears the hell out of her Cook top by Ecoskin and it looks stunning with everything from cut-offs & ballet flats to a pencil skirt & high heels.  And that’s not even the best part… this week only it’s on CRAZY MARKDOWN from $183 to $45!!!

The Cook top… STUNNING (and only $45)!!!

So simple and yet so elegant! With the oh-so-flattering wrap design and the shimmery silk material, this gorgeous top will work as well with jeans as it does with a pencil skirt. Of organic hemp/silk with a carved shell button detail.

Sizing note: This piece tends to run a bit small – please take this into consideration when ordering. Enjoy!

Only at Green With Glamour!

With the sun burning bright this month… We thought nothing seemed like a better giveaway than KID SAFE SUNSCREEN by Marie Veronique Organics ($24 value)!  GWG’s Beauty Editor, Sara Jones-Rust, schools us as to why it’s an eco-chic must for you & your beloved little ones:

There has been a lot of talk about sunscreens and their safety lately. It seems I don’t go a day without an email or a Facebook post about nanoparticles, which are being shown to destroy DNA in studies on mice, or the photocarcinogenic properties of Vitamin A.  It’s a scary thing to realize that what we’ve all been slathering on our largest organ to keep from getting skin cancer or looking 20 years older than we really are, might actually be making the situation worse.

But chucking the SPF is not the answer. Clearly, making smart decisions, like staying out of the mid-afternoon sun and rocking a sun hat are good decisions. But let’s not give up our days at the beach or afternoon’s spent poolside. Summer is too short, as is life.

The Environmental Working Group, a watch dog group who has a lot of great articles on their site about sun and sunscreen safety, has a few handy-dandy lists of the best and safest sunscreens for Beach & Sport, Daily Moisturizers and Lip Balm. So all your bases are still covered.

In fact, our friends at Marie Veronique Organics, consistently rank at the top of their list for SPF Moisturizers and they want to share with our lovely Living Green With Glamour readers! More on that in a minute. They have a new product out called “Kid Safe Screen” that protects from those nasty UVA/UVB rays and contains non-micronized zinc oxide, which is “a physical sun block that reflects UV rays without releasing wrinkle and cancer-causing free radicals.” Perfect protection for both you and the little ones. Plus it’s highly absorbable and won’t leave your skin with a chalky white film, which would just be tragic against that new black bikini.

So now to the good stuff – the GIVEAWAY!  Leave a comment below and we’ll pick one lucky lad or lady to receive a complimentary bottle of Marie Veronique Organic’s  Kid Safe Sunscreen (a $24 value). Bon Chance!

Chic & timeless… the Gold Teardrop earrings are perfect for day or night!  Support Fair Trade AND be oh-so-stylish with these beauties.  Handmade in San Luis, Peru, the body of these classic beauties are gold-dipped brass with 14K gold french wires.

This week – ONLY $32!!!

Here’s my latest article for The Green Girls.  Enjoy!

I’m in a total jewelry state of mind this season.  Typically for Summer, I keep the jewelry to a minimum… big hoop earrings, maybe a bangle or two.  But this time around is different – I want bold, statement-y jewelry and I want lots of it!  Whether you opt for a simple sundress or a vintage kaftan, jewelry that packs a punch will take your look to the next level!

The taqua nut from South American rain forests is a fantastic, sustainable & chic material that lots of savvy jewelry designers… and here are some of my favorite pieces!

Also by Mui Chic are these super gorge statement rings of naturally-dyed Taqua.  What a way to finish an outfit, right?

And don’t forget the wrists!  Stack these bracelets, or wear alone… they’re instant chic with any ensemble from a tank top and cut offs to your favorite Summer dress.  From Left: Tawa by Mui Chic, Shilsol Bay by Green Diva and Kandi by Mui Chic.

I love the Popova dress… and I’ll tell you why.  The casual cool of it is obvious as is the flattering fit, but what really appeals to me is that it’s virtually seasonless!   You can rock it right now with flat sandals.  You can rock it in the Fall with tights and wedges and you can rock it all winter with a cardigan and tall boots.  That’s year-round rocking for $70 (this week only)… FANTASTIC!

Flattering and artful, the Popova dress is high style and easy to wear at the same time. Throw on with high boots, ballet flats or even flip flops… we’re talking instant chic! Of hemp and cotton jersey. Made in the US.

Sizing note: This piece runs true to size. Enjoy!

If you, someone you know or just someone who’s work you appreciate – creates incredible, sustainable home and gift pieces… LET US KNOW!  Green With Glamour is getting (lovingly) hounded by magazine editors for the best and brightest designs for Fall and Holiday… and we want to know about EVERYTHING that’s out there, so we can offer the best!

Send suggestions to pr@greenwithglamour.com and we’ll a serious look!  If you send third party designs – and your pieces are chosen… we’ll give you a written nod on the site.  Fun, right?!  BRING IT!!!

Not sure if you’ve heard yet, but new designer, The Hemptress, is just about the HOTTEST thing to happen to “eco” handbags!!!  She’s getting crazy press and winning design awards… and it’s totally all deserved.  Her bags are simply stunning – and this week the Mercedes Crossbody is ONLY $93 (originally $140)!

Hemptress bags are like vintage Chanel meets the 21st century meets hemp! And the Mercedes Crossbody is the perfect edgy-prim bag. 100% Hemp both body and bonded leather (recycled leather) trim with light gold tone hardware. Finished with magnetic snap closure and slip pocket on front. Lined with hemp/silk, patch pocket with section for cell phone in front section, zippered pocket in back. Inside zippers are made from recycled nylon. Shoulder strap adjusts from 44 inches to 52 inches. Imported.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh basil
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 cup almonds (other nuts, such as pine nuts or walnuts may be used as well)
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor until nuts are ground. Pesto should still have texture and not be completely smooth.  Seriously… that’s it.  And it was eyes-rolling-back-into-the-head good!!!

Recycled Glass Pedestal Bowl by Vidreco
Originally $63.00… this week ONLY $42!!!

Of 100% recycled glass, this pedestal bowl is a chic and easy way to take any surface to new heights. Fill with lemons or mangos and you’ll have an instant, elegant, and edible centerpiece.

Small bowl dimensions: 11.5 x 6.5 inches

As seen in Vogue Magazine March ‘09 issue!!