Writer and all-around-stylish-gal, Tiffany Romigh, gives a bit of advice for staying efficient & reinventing your space in the new year.

New Year, New You!  That’s what every magazine, TV commercial and blog says this time of year, hoping to lure us into new clothes, new cars, new bodies. Urging us to let our “true selves” shine this 2011.  And why not? There’s nothing wrong with a little much-needed reinvention every so often.

When you live in a tiny apartment, the way I did many, many times, you often dream of the day that you’ll have room for everything. And in the meantime, you learn how to make adjustments and make due with what you have. You tweak things until they work out – maybe not in a dreamy, I live in my perfect home way – but just fine.

Tiffany’s NYC pad

There was the apartment in New York City where my antique boat gauged my leg every time I passed by on the way to bed. The bungalow in Venice where my home office was outside on the patio. The bench that has served as a bookshelf in Venice, New York and now Austin. And so, with looking back planted firmly with my resolve to look forward, I started thinking about all of the ways that things can be changed. Reinvented. Reorganized. Used in new ways to make space.

The aggressively positioned antique boat

So, in the spirit of some new ways to make space and use of old things, like this old bowling bag that’s now a planter, I thought I would begin the year by illustrating some ways that I’ve been able to make some room in my apartments so that it may give you some ideas about your own.

1. Lots of items can become wonderful places to put plants (which are fantastic for your air quality!), like this vintage bowling bag.

Plant on the Run

2. Have fab magazines that you don’t want to throw out? Use them to disguise the ugly under-bed-ness in your room.

Not a stunning solution, but it does the trick!

3. Use the space under a bench to store your favorite books. It gets them out of the way, but they’re still accessible and brag-worthy when you need them to be.

Bench… Bookshelf… Desk?!

4. A drink cart is great kitchen storage for cookbooks and dishes that don’t fit elsewhere.

Stay organized to avoid chaos!

Wow. When you have a little breathing room, anything’s possible.  Happy New Year.

The Amedee Crochet necklace by She Bible is one of Kat’s favorite pieces.  She wears hers with anything from a simple tank top & jeans to a sexy dress with a plunging neckline. C’est magnifique…  and this week, it’s only $24!

A sexy statement in delicious crochet… a bit bohemian and a bit elegant. The braided design is chic and modern, folksy and fun. Faux suede ties allow for adjusting the length of the chic piece!  Made in the U.S. (and did we mention it’s now only $24?!)

I finally came up for air from my current job and the timing could not have been better. I’d yet to see Deana in months and The Way We Wore was having a sale! Let the perfect Sunday begin.

Now for those of you not living in LA, (or those who do and have yet to venture to this La Brea gem) let me give you some deets on TWWW.   Immediately when we walked in, the lovely ladies who work the shop told us about their exact sale items and we’re quick to help with any questions.  You will be immersed in all articles of clothing from high-wasted shorts to chic blazers, designer heels, dresses, and enough scarves to fill a trunk!

Shoes galore!

But that’s not all. Once upstairs you enter upon a whole other territory (a.k.a. My weakness) boots! They’ve got lace-up ones, high heeled, over the knee. The possibilities are endless. Not in the mood for boots? Don’t worry. There is flats, sandals, heels, and more.

Upstairs at TWWW

TWWW is a great to place to grab a quick accessory piece (their collection of vintage belts is endless) or even a classic Chanel handbag. This being said, you can go in and spend anywhere from $12 to $500 on one item. But the odds that anyone you know will have anything like what you purchase is slim to none.   So not only will you add a classic vintage addition to your wardrobe but you’ll also be a new source of fashion inspiration.

If you’re not sold yet, just check out these photos and the fabulous women donning the TWWW look.

You’ve got Green With Glamour fan, Jessica Alba, on the Tonight Show in a vintage dress from TWWW…

GWG’s patron celebrity saint, Emily Deschanel, in a-ma-zing dress from TWWW…

and last but not least, the ever stunning Olivia Wilde in a gown from this one of a kind boutique as well.

Smoky Quartz was always a stone my mother dismissed when I was a girl… so, I guess I never really gave it a second thought until Green Diva showed me their gorgeous Brookshire earrings.  Hello, second thought!  Not only did I immediately put them into the Green With Glamour collection for our beloved clients, but I bought a pair for my mother (irony) and a dear friend immediately!

Now… I like Barneys New York as much as the next gal.  I think Simon Doonan has revolutionized high end retail and they do some “eco”, so ok.  But I couldn’t help and take pause when I saw the smoky quartz earrings they carry.  $1335… yikes!  Sure, the Marie Helene de Taillac “Lady Like” version is lovely, but I honestly have to say, I still prefer our Brookshire’s.

Brookshire by Green Diva… Or Lady Like by Marie Helene de Taillac

WHICH DO YOU PREFER?

I have a sweet tooth… no doubt about it.  I also have decided as of 2011, I will not be the self-appointed, Vegan sweets sampler that I’ve happily been up until now.  Just because a restaurant actually has a Vegan chocolate mousse cake – does not mean I have to order and eat it.  But here’s the rub… the sweet tooth still exists.  I’ve tried fruit after dinner before, but it always leaves me unfulfilled.  Until now.

It was just my husband and myself last night, so I prepared 1 banana each – which was plenty.  This is fast, easy, low fat and costs about a nickel!  Caramelized bananas!!!!!

Sooooooooooo dee-lish!

Ingredients:

1 banana per person

a teeny bit of canola oil

enough maple syrup for a drizzle

Process:

Heat your skillet while you peel the bananas and slice them in half long-ways.  Add just enough canola oil to the pan to lightly coat the bottom, place bananas in pan.  While each side is cooking, lightly drizzle the side facing up with maple syrup.  Continue to cook and flip until both sides are a bit crispy and brown.  Remove from heat and enjoy!

It’s probably a good thing that I didn’t have any vanilla soy ice cream on hand, but that definitely would have added to the wonder of it all.

I know, I know.  Valentine’s is a completely made up, “Hallmark holiday”.   And we shouldn’t be told when or how to be romantic.  I will, however, tell you that I have a serious weakness for lingerie, jewelry and sweets… and any holiday that celebrates those goodies – can’t be all bad.  That being said, here are my favorite picks for the upcoming festivities.

A lot of bang for a lot of buck…

Zen ruby & diamond ring by Dawes Design, $3850

With a double-sided ruby & diamond ornament, this ring is an absolute heirloom-to-be, statement piece! Jennifer Dawes has mastered the art of “eco” jewelry design as all of her gorgeous work is hand-crafted in Northern California of recycled golds & and conflict-free gems.

Sweets for your sweet…

Gourmet Vegan Chocolate assortments from Rose City, $23-$82

The variety of flavor combinations, the old school wrapping – I’m in love!  From a mom & pop confectioner, Rose City Chocolatiers, you can find a vast and varied offering of delicious and freshly made, all natural Belgium-style vegan chocolates.  I’m currently vibing the Peanut Butter Truffles.

And a little something for lights out…

The organic chemise by Only Hearts, $45

This is not just something for which I lust… it’s something I already own!  I wear it constantly (at night).  It’s deliciously soft organic cotton with a sweet, subtly sexy design. Of 100% organic cotton.  I can’t gush enough!

So… what are your Valentine plans?

This winter has been all about pie making.  The process is quite therapeutic for me…. and it always smells amazing.  I read a great article about how pies are “in” and cupcakes are “out” (certainly over-saturated, but sad to see them go) on Healthy Happy Life and decided to try her recipe (adapted for me).  Dee-lish!

Recipe

Filling:
3 pints blackberries, rinsed well
3/4 cup dry sugar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
4 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (I used cornstarch)
1/3 cup pure apple juice or cider
2 Tbsp vegan buttery spread
1/4 cup whole grain pastry flour (organic)
optional: 1 Tbsp lemon juice + a pinch of zest

Crust:

Here’s how I adapted the recipe (pure laziness on this one).  I used 2 ready-made refrigerated crusts (Pillsbury) – 1 for the bottom and sliced the other into strips for the top.  Below is the recipe from the Healthy Happy Life blog.

2 cups whole grain pastry flour + more for rolling out dough
2 Tbsp sugar ( brown or white will work)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2-3/4 cup warm water
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup vegan buttery spread, softened
1-2 Tbsp canola oil
dry sugar for dusting on top

canola oil spray can

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees here if you’re using store bought crusts (wait if you’re making your own). First prepare the pie filling. I like leave 1/2 cup of berries out – to add later. Add your berries, buttery spread, salt and sugar to a deep skillet over medium heat.

2. Using a fork, mash down the blackberries until they are all smashed. Bring this mixture to a simmer.

3. Mix the maple syrup, apple juice and corn starch/arrowroot in a glass. Dissolve the corn starch/arrowroot as well as your can. Add this liquid to the fruit mixture skillet. Also sprinkle the flour over top – and stir well. Continue to simmer and stir as the berries thicken – for about 2 minutes. Then turn off the heat. Add in the reserved 1/2 cup of fresh blackberries and fold them into the heated mixture. (note: I leave out 3-5 fresh berries out for garnish.) The filling will thicken even more as it cools. Set aside while you work on the crust.

4. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees now if you’re making your own crusts. Combine all the flour ingredients in a mixing bowl and fold with a spoon until a plump dough forms. As mentioned in this post, it is a great skill to be able to “wing-it” when making dough – instead of using always having to use precise measurements. Once you know what texture/wetness/weight you are looking for, you really won’t need to follow a recipe. Add water/flour to adjust as needed.

5. Roll out your dough in two sections. One for the bottom layer of pie crust and one for the weave on top. I press out the dough with my fist/fingers, then roll it out gently until it is the desired thickness. For the weaves, I use a knife to slice into strands.

6. Spray a pie dish with canola oil, then lay the bottom pie crust flat. I like a deep dish because I know the pie filling won’t bubble over the sides – but you can use any size dish you’d like. Press dough around the dish edges to make it look at pretty as you’d like. Rustic-looking crusts are OK too.

7. Pour your cooled pie filling over your crust. Then lay the weave strands on top of that. Do a light spray of canola oil over top the weaved crust and sprinkle with sugar.

8. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until crust begins to turn light brown. Cool before serving. Store pie in fridge. The pie will firm up nicely in the fridge. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for best taste results.

ENJOY!

Not everyone can pull off a turtleneck… especially the very basic, boxy ones.  Here’s why the embellished turtlenecks are brilliant!  By employing an interesting silhouette and adding a bit of decoration, the turtleneck is brought up from frumpy to feminine.  And a high neckline is a fantastic way to showcase those beautiful, long necklaces!

And though we love the turtleneck with everything from wide-leg, long pants to the shortest of pants… we only bought 1 style this winter… but it’s a goodie!  From Feral Childe, the Tesla turtleneck is the perfect marriage of statement and basic.  Clearly, FC is not the only design house who had this style in mind for this season as once matronly, now only somewhat matronly fashion powerhouse, St. John, has released their own version (below).

The oh-so-chic (and sustainably made) Tesla, $99 at Green With Glamour.  The borderline ordinary (clearly we’re bias) version from St John at Neiman Marcus… $895.

Tesla by Feral Childe, $99 ____________Embellished by St. John, $895

Which do you prefer?

I’m a creature of habit for many things… my jewelry definitely is a habit.  Earrings – either or Dawes Designs hoops, old pearl studs or Julia Failey rose studs, the watch my mother gave me in college, my wedding ring, my Julia Failey Octopus ring, a Tiffany bracelet I was given in high school, and possibly another bracelet or 2… often my Fahmina bangle cuff.  I’ve always admired the way other women wear necklaces, but for whatever reason, I’ve never really been that gal.  Well, I’m using the New Year as an excuse to change all of that!  Necklaces… here I come!

DLC Brooklyn is a wonderful line… creative, feminine without being “frilly” and made entirely of vintage materials.  We sell a lot of DLC  at Green With Glamour, so I’m going to a cue from our clients… and get some for myself.  The Pearl Pendant is a new design – and I love it.  Baby pearls, big pearl… pearls, pearls, pearls!

Pearl pendant by DLC Brooklyn

I’m also very much digging the Lotus double necklace by Julia Failey (clearly I’m a sucker for pearls).  It has a Chanel-goes-a-bit-Zen vibe.  Whether with tank top or favorite LBD, the easy sophistication of this piece is a real showstopper.  Of reclaimed gold vermeil, black onyx, crystals, and pearls.  C’est tres chic!

Lotus double with black onyx, crystals & pearls by Julia Failey

Another go-to designer for us at GWG, is Green Diva.  Her pieces are pretty and refined with just a hint of Earthiness.  I’m currently finding the Summer Solstice necklace particularly appealing.  The gold & silver combo is the best!  I wear these 2 metals together every day… so why not make it even easier on myself?!  Of hand etched 100% recycled pink gold pendant on a 100% recycled silver double chain.  Bring on Summer!

Summer Solstice necklace by Green Diva

We at Green With Glamour like to think we do good – and look good while doing it.  It’s kind of the main principle behind this whole enterprise… the idea that living responsibly and living stylishly are easily combined.  However, there’s always room for growth and improvement, so here’s what we have in mind for this coming year!

1. Volunteer.  To pat our own backs, GWG is pretty damn good with charitable donations.  We support Farm Sanctuary, ASPCA, 1% For The Planet, NRDC and a myriad of local (though not always local to us) organizations and schools every year.  And though we fully intend to continue with the financial contributions, 2011 is bringing a serious ramping up of our volunteering efforts.

2. Drink more Organic Wines. We consistently buy organic produce, breads and legumes… so why aren’t we consistently buying organic wines?  There’s no good answer.  This year, rather than grabbing a bottle or 2 of whatever’s handy at the grocery, we’re going to explore more moderately priced organic vinos and stock up (how can that hurt?).  PLEASE SEND ANY SUGGESTIONS OUR WAY!

3. Spend more responsibly. And we don’t mean buying items that are responsibly made – we already do that.  We mean we’re going to be more thrifty!  Buy less.  Spend less.  Who of us doesn’t have just about everything we need?!  I know this sounds kind of crazy coming from a retailer… but our goal is to offer the best & most stylish options, not to support over-indulging.

4. Exercise daily. Easier said than done, right?  But, we’re going to make it happen!  We sit behind our computers ALL DAY (and often into the night).  It’s time for us to get off our collective asses.  Even if it’s a quick 20 minute walk with the dogs or a yoga dvd, we’re going to put time aside every day for a little moving & shaking.  It just feels good.

5. Read more books.  Who doesn’t have a fascinating stack of books building next to their bed or desk – just waiting to be read?!  The best I seem to do is an article or 2 every month from Vanity Fair. No longer!  In this day of laptops and kindle, there’s still something to be said for curling up with an actual book.  1st up… Decoded by Jay-Z (a Christmas gift from my husband).

We would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for this upcoming year… and we wish you health and happiness always.

xo Deana

The Fiona skirt by Kelly B is the perfect winter to spring basic – with a little pizazz!   And marked down to $26.25 from $105… can you really beat that?

This skirt works on everyone… it’s like a little fashion miracle! From hippy to boyish, long & lean to short and sweet (toothed), the Fiona skirt is flattering for all. With pockets and pleats in all the right places – and sexy, luxe antiqued brass stud details to finish the look, you’re sure to find you wear this skirt at least once a week! Of 95% hemp jersey/5% spandex for a bit of stretch. Machine washable. Made in Los Angeles.  And only $26.25 right now!!!

Sizing note: This piece runs true to size.

FINAL SALE