Not long ago I had the pleasure of meeting social entrepreneur, Mary Fanaro, creator of the OmniPeace. OmniPeace is a humanitarian fashion brand, donating 25% of all profits to charities promoting peace, education, human rights and ending extreme poverty in Congo, Africa.

OmniPeace reaching out to communities in Congo, Africa

As a t-shirt and jeans girl, Mary Fanaro created the silhouette of Africa logo and printed them onto various styles of t-shirts. Mary’s t-shirts are made from all eco-friendly materials and are available for men, women, and children sizes.  The easy chic tote bags are perfect for work, daytime errands… and make fantastic gifts!  Beyond the fashion,  Mary has worked closely with UNICEF & the V-Day Foundation to build and help maintain the City of Joy, a healing center and safe community for Congolese women and girls.

OmniPeace Sequins Tote, $75

OmniPeace Jute Shoulder Bag, $30

Though Omnipeace is much more than a T-shirt and tote bag line.  They’ve placed a call for action to aid the people of Congo – and YOU can easily help!

Congo Pledges

1.Urge Industry Leaders to Make Conflict-Free Products by emailing the 21 Biggest Electronics Companies here.

2. Call your Senators and urge them to cosponsor the Congo Conflict Minerals Act of 2009 (S.891).  Just dial the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for the Senator’s office.

3. Fill out the form to send President Obama a copy of the call-to-action OmniPeace Hangtag from the Congo t-shirt line.

Through high-profile endorsements, OmniPeace gained popularity in the public eye.  Celebrities from Jessica Alba to Alicia Keys,  David Beckham to Common have all been spotted wearing & supporting the OmniPeace line.

Jennifer Aniston, Sheryl Crow, Mary Fanaro, and Courteney Cox in/for OmniPeace

I am inspired by OmniPeace and Mary Fanaro because of generous and dedicated outreach to those in need (and those who are often overlooked).  Mary has built schools for children in Africa and has created support groups for women and children who have been victimized by rape and violence.  At Green with Glamour, we celebrate individuals who care for the environment and others around them. Living a green lifestyle is not only about wearing eco-friendly clothing or reducing your carbon footprint but is about bringing peace to the world around us.

One of our new designers, Cheek-ie (more styles to come), creates gorgeous & wearable jewelry from organic and vintage materials.  Their braided bracelets are my favorite pieces!  On Kara Ross’ website, I found a  similar  “silvertone” braided bracelet that resembles the Cheek-ie… but as far as I’m concerned, doesn’t come close.   Not to mention, the Cheek-ie is only $48 while the braided metal is $240…  What do you think?

Re-purposed silk by Cheek-ie, $48…

OR

“Silvertone metal” by Kara Ross, $240

Your choice.

Spring has arrived and the sun is here to stay.  And though we at Green with Glamour don’t currently sell shoes, we’ve got you covered for the best, new designs to dress up your feet this season!

Vintage fabric Shoe Clips by B. Poetic, $26-$35

I love these Vintage fabric Shoe Clips because they are handmade from vintage silk and can spruce up any pair of shoes in a jiffy. Whether you are wearing a bold sundress or dressing up your favorite cropped jeans, these luxe-looking clips are fun, inexpensive and super chic!

TOMS Purple Tangier Vegan Slides, $54

I’ve always loved TOMS Shoes because with every pair you buy, the good people at TOMS will buy a new pair for a child in need. The Vegan styles are made from hemp, recycled plastic bottles, latex arch supports, and recycled EVA outsoles.  TOMS look great with khaki shorts and plain v-neck t-shirts. If you’re feeling really stylish, try a blonde straw fedora hat to accompany your relaxed look.

Olsen Haus “Journey” Gladiator Sandal in black, $190

Olsen Haus Pure Vegan Gladiator Sandals are a must have this season. I love these 100% faux leather sandals not only because they are cute but because Olsen Haus has a high standard of ethical social responsibility in animal rights, human rights, and the environment. Who says you can’t be stylish and cruelty-free?

Lana Golden Pleather Gladiator Sandals, $28

Metallic sandals are definitely “in” this season… and Lana’s Golden Gladiators have really struck my fancy because they’re comfortable, ultra soft, stylish (of course) and what a bargain!

Paris Evergreen Pumps from Olsen Haus, $200

I am totally obsessed with Olsen Haus’ Paris Evergreen Pumps. Try wearing these heels with a cute pair of dark wash leggings, an off white organic lace tunic, and accessorize with gold jewelry. Not to mention, these pumps are great for the workplace since they have a 2.75 inch heel!

One of my favorite silhouettes for Spring is the feminine (but not too girlie) skirt!  I wear skirts constantly… for work, for play, day or night.  I keep the top fairly simple – a ribbed tank or a crisp white shirt and let the accessories & footwear really dictate the look.  I might do pearl earrings and ballet flats (or this season’s shoe star – Oxfords) for a casual day look and switch out to heeled booties for evening and add a statement necklace for evening… easy chic!

And the Ellie skirt by Mountains of the Moon (MotM) is at the top of my “Must Wear” list for this season.  Luxe but effortless, colorful yet versatile… the Ellie has it all!  I also noticed that Jason Wu’s Spring 2010 collection includes a short ruffled skirt (lovely as well), but in that it’s anything but “eco” AND over $700 more than MotM’s… my vote is the Ellie!

The Ellie skirt by MotM, $170

or

The Keira skirt by Jason Wu, $890

We’re feeling the warm weather coming our way, so we diving right in with a cool, bright tank.   Turquoise is one of those colors that looks good on most everyone – and a flattering top… how can you go wrong?!  Enter Robert Rodriquez at Bergdorf Goodman versus Covet at Green With Glamour- or in more topical terms, $275 versus $27!

Luxe details, flattering cut, hand-washable…$27* (originally $99) by Covet at Green With Glamour.

Luxe details, flattering cut, dry-cleanable… $275 by Robert Rodriquez at Bergdorf Goodman.

Both lovely tops for sure, but $27 trumps $275 for us any day (well, at least in this economy)!

*$27 is with current %0% OFF promotion – use code TWT50 at check out for full discount.

My latest article for The Green Girls:

It’s not that I’m not a fan of “mainstream” fashion, but overall I do find “eco-fashion” a lot more interesting – the risk-taking designers, always evolving textiles and heightening profile of the industry in general.

That being said, I am a sucker for a classic design… a Chanel suit (vintage, of course), a Halston gown and definitely the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress.  I’ve had a crush on that silhouette since my mother wore a handful of them in the 70s.  There’s something about DVF’s style that is unparalleled.  With her design, she has mastered the combination of bold patterns, clean designs and a flattering cuts… but to me, more important than that, she is the greatest example of an incredible & independent, easy-elegance and exotic-though-still-urbane lifestyle look.

She’s a lot to live up to… but it’s certainly fun trying!

THIS WEEK ONLY (2.3.10-2.10.10) the oh-so-gorgeous Deborah dress is 33% OFF at Green With Glamour!

A sublime design… the Deborah dress is half stunning statement piece, half wardrobe staple that will be worn season after season! Of the most luxe-looking grey remnant silk, this dress is as versatile as it is divine – wear it with ballerina flats and a cardy for day, or layer necklaces and rock your highest heels for night. Environmentally-responsible professional cleaning, please. Made in the US.

Weekly Steal*** 33% OFF – use code WEEKLYSTEAL at checkout. Originally $275 - NOW $184.25

So typically our “Runway to Real Way”s feature fashion pieces, but I think it makes sense to include some home design pieces every once and again as well.   I’m personally in love with Green With Glamour’s recycled glass cobalt tumblers. They’re chic and simple and sturdy… just what I look for in glassware!

Recycled Colbalt tumblers from Green Glass Co. at GWG, $43/set of 4

But just recently, I spied these very similar tumblers at Neiman Marcus (I mean, I’ve got to keep my eye on the competition, right?) I couldn’t quite believe that they were asking $112 for a set of 4 NON-RECYCLED (and not quite a good-looking) tumblers. Yikes.

“Iris” Cobalt tumblers at Neiman Marcus, $112/set of 4

You be the judge.

We have A LOT lined up for this coming year, but here are the top 3 exciting goodies you can anticipate from Green With Glamour in 2010:

1. The GWG product line

I, personally, am crazy-excited about the upcoming Green With Glamour line of fashion, travel and home essentials!  It’s a perfectly sized, 9 piece line of super-chic, signature pieces to wear, take with you and live amongst.  The idea started as a shortlist of items I’d prefer not to live without and has blossomed into a collection of gorgeous goodies that I think everyone will enjoy.  Unfortunately, I can’t give away too much at this point… but let’s just say it involves caftans, backgammon and animal inspirations (of course)!

2. Living GWG giveaways

Why not, right?  I think this once-horrid-and-now-getting-somewhat-better economy has softened us all a bit to the point where “free stuff” doesn’t have to be taboo.  Sometimes “gratis” can be gracious… so we’ve put into motion monthly GWG giveaways – and we’re only giving away pieces you’ll actually want.  No junk.  From life (and hair) changing bamboo hairbrushes and yummy soy candles to gorgeous jewelry pieces and fashion-forward accessories… First up – EcoTools Makeup Bags designed by Alicia Silverstone (stay tuned)!

3. And maybe… just maybe a tv series about GWG!

I don’t like to count chickens before they hatch (I actually don’t think I’d like to count chickens at all), but there has been a bit of a buzz around a reality show (I know, but don’t hate) revolving around us kooks that run/work with/live for Green With Glamour. The highs, the lows, the everyday madness that is our lives. Again, I can’t currently give away too much, but cross your fingers for us… and we’ll give you tv gold!

Happy New Year Everyone… may this be the best year yet!

From Naturally Savvy:

By now you most likely have your holiday ensemble ready and in order: your favorite Little Black Dress (LBD) from a few seasons back or maybe that brand-new (complete with price-tags) piece that you probably shouldn’t have splurged on—but it’s just so flattering, right? Now that the hard part is over, why not have some fun and pick up a piece or two of high-style-glam that adds to your current look and lasts long after the holidays have gone?

Gold Glendy earrings at Mercado Global, $48

Not only do these earrings benefit the village of San Pablo, Guatemala, but they have a beautiful Bohemian quality that works all year round! Imagine them peeking out from under your favorite winter hat, bringing a little glam to a cold, dreary day. As for the spring, tell us these don’t have “perfect compliment to vintage caftan” written all over them! If caftans aren’t your thing, how gorgeous would these be with a sleek summer dress?

Shimmery Remnant scarf by Popomomo, $48

This piece is funky, fun and surprisingly versatile! It is hand crafted from remnant materials, turning leftovers into a main dish! For the holidays, the classic girls can pair it with that beloved LBD or a man-tailored shirt and pencil skirt. So chic! The edgier gal can work it with a lace cami, ruffled mini and broad-shouldered blazer.

When the chill is long-gone, spice up your spring by adding this shiny number to a white tank, jeans and bright espadrille wedges during the day, and at night, match it with a black maxi dress and bejewelled flats for a look that’s so right.

Brazil heels by Olsen Haus, $250

You may think they’re a little pricy, but just think of how much mileage you’ll get out of these stunning shoes. By pioneering design effort, Olsen Haus have made Vegan shoes chic. These Brazils will turn heads for the holidays and on warm weather nights. Rock them with lace tights, ripped jeans and a slouchy sweater for the perfect downtown look this winter. Once the temperature starts to soar again, pair these knockouts with a bright, structured mini dress or Bermuda shorts and a girlie top.

Leather Ruffle Clutch by Refind Originals, $90

Talk about transitional. Crafted from all recycled leather, this clutch is feminine without the fuss. Large enough for all your essentials, but small enough to throw in your day bag if need be. Carry this clutch around this season with anything from a stylish pant suit or a fancy holiday dress & big gold earrings to leggings, ballet flats and an oversized tunic. Once that sun is shining bright again, picture it with an elegant white sheath dress and metallic flats, or as the ultimate compliment to a summer wedding ensemble.

Buy now and enjoy later… all fashion should deliver such longevity!

From Naturally Savvy:

By now you most likely have your holiday ensemble ready and in order: your favorite Little Black Dress (LBD) from a few seasons back or maybe that brand-new (complete with price-tags) piece that you probably shouldn’t have splurged on—but it’s just so flattering, right? Now that the hard part is over, why not have some fun and pick up a piece or two of high-style-glam that adds to your current look and lasts long after the holidays have gone?

Gold Glendy earrings at Mercado Global, $48

Not only do these earrings benefit the village of San Pablo, Guatemala, but they have a beautiful Bohemian quality that works all year round! Imagine them peeking out from under your favorite winter hat, bringing a little glam to a cold, dreary day. As for the spring, tell us these don’t have “perfect compliment to vintage caftan” written all over them! If caftans aren’t your thing, how gorgeous would these be with a sleek summer dress?

Shimmery Remnant scarf by Popomomo, $48

This piece is funky, fun and surprisingly versatile! It is hand crafted from remnant materials, turning leftovers into a main dish! For the holidays, the classic girls can pair it with that beloved LBD or a man-tailored shirt and pencil skirt. So chic! The edgier gal can work it with a lace cami, ruffled mini and broad-shouldered blazer.

When the chill is long-gone, spice up your spring by adding this shiny number to a white tank, jeans and bright espadrille wedges during the day, and at night, match it with a black maxi dress and bejewelled flats for a look that’s so right.

Brazil heels by Olsen Haus, $250

You may think they’re a little pricy, but just think of how much mileage you’ll get out of these stunning shoes. By pioneering design effort, Olsen Haus have made Vegan shoes chic. These Brazils will turn heads for the holidays and on warm weather nights. Rock them with lace tights, ripped jeans and a slouchy sweater for the perfect downtown look this winter. Once the temperature starts to soar again, pair these knockouts with a bright, structured mini dress or Bermuda shorts and a girlie top.

Leather Ruffle Clutch by Refind Originals, $90

Talk about transitional. Crafted from all recycled leather, this clutch is feminine without the fuss. Large enough for all your essentials, but small enough to throw in your day bag if need be. Carry this clutch around this season with anything from a stylish pant suit or a fancy holiday dress & big gold earrings to leggings, ballet flats and an oversized tunic. Once that sun is shining bright again, picture it with an elegant white sheath dress and metallic flats, or as the ultimate compliment to a summer wedding ensemble.

Buy now and enjoy later… all fashion should deliver such longevity!

Ooh la la… C’est chic!  When I saw Sublet’s (Dorothy) bow top – it was love at first site!  I thought… how girlie… how simply sophisticated… how fashionable without being too spendy.   It’s the kind of top that works with jeans and flats, skirts and heels AND leggings and boots – you name it.  It’s seasonless… cardigan and scarf for Fall, flip flops and cutoffs for Spring  – it’s perfection!

And I did spy an Andrew Gn top that employs the same principles… white/cream with a sweet black bow.  Similar in design, right?  Well, NOT in pricetag!

Sublet Dorothy top, $185

Bow Top, Andrew Gn, $1465

Hmmmm… what do you think?

Fall & Winter fashion is all about the layers!  The idea is to stay warm & stylish and NOT look bulked up or sloppy.  A well-designed cardigan is definitely a key piece… something with a little bit of structure that will look smashing over anything from a lace cami to your favorite vintage plaid flannel number AND you can manage it under your top layer without looking like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man!

Avoid this look!

These two beautiful pieces are perfect layering solutions in the most divine and flattering hue of blue – the major difference… the price tag.

Lutz & Patmos – $495

PI Organic at Green With Glamour  – $125

You decide…

The lovely & talented actress, animal rights advocate and eco-chic style arbiter Ginnifer Goodwin is one of those tough cases we encounter a lot with our “Do-Gooder” pieces… it’s hard to narrow down a specific week to feature her because she always seems to be doing good.

Whether she’s raising awareness to stop the atrocities of puppy mills with the Humane Society or heading up the Adopt-A-Turkey Program with Farm Sanctuary – or promoting Veganism via W Magazine… Ms. Goodwin is our kind of celeb – chic, thoughtful, talented and socially responsible!

However, this week we had to feature the Big Love actress because we spied her at Environmental Media Association Awards in Los Angeles wearing an edgy & elegant dress made of old hospital scrubs!  Did you see???

Created by students of the Academy of Art University, the re-used fabric had been treated, dyed and pleated into this gorgeous, “green” number.  Brilliant “sustainable” design meets beautiful, eco-minded actress… love, Love, LOVE!

The lovely & talented actress, animal rights advocate and eco-chic style arbiter Ginnifer Goodwin is one of those tough cases we encounter a lot with our “Do-Gooder” pieces… it’s hard to narrow down a specific week to feature her because she always seems to be doing good.

Whether she’s raising awareness to stop the atrocities of puppy mills with the Humane Society or heading up the Adopt-A-Turkey Program with Farm Sanctuary – or promoting Veganism via W Magazine… Ms. Goodwin is our kind of celeb – chic, thoughtful, talented and socially responsible!

However, this week we had to feature the Big Love actress because we spied her at Environmental Media Association Awards in Los Angeles wearing an edgy & elegant dress made of old hospital scrubs!  Did you see???

Created by students of the Academy of Art University, the re-used fabric had been treated, dyed and pleated into this gorgeous, “green” number.  Brilliant “sustainable” design meets beautiful, eco-minded actress… love, Love, LOVE!

Lisa, the lovely & oh-so-stylish editor of powerhouse fashion blog, Racked LA, attended the POPOMOMO Trunk Show last night at the Green With Glamour Pop Up Shop (after attended a day’s worth of other sales around town).  She checked out the collections, we chatted about the highs & lows of being professional and passionate shoppers… and then she wrote her review.  And I quote:

“Now THAT’s how you do a Pop Up… What makes this popup exceptional is the uniqueness of it: It’s a thoughtfully-curated collection of merchandise that you can’t get at a store down the street (yeah, we’re talking to YOU, J. Crew at Ron Herman).”

Wow.  I’m speechless (well, not really)… to have a revered pro like Lisa write such praise is truly awesome!  For her entire review – and to check out the other great stories at Racked LA, click here.

Bess’ tunic by POPOMOMO… one of my personal faves.

Lisa, the lovely & oh-so-stylish editor of powerhouse fashion blog, Racked LA, attended the POPOMOMO Trunk Show last night at the Green With Glamour Pop Up Shop (after attended a day’s worth of other sales around town).  She checked out the collections, we chatted about the highs & lows of being professional and passionate shoppers… and then she wrote her review.  And I quote:

“Now THAT’s how you do a Pop Up… What makes this popup exceptional is the uniqueness of it: It’s a thoughtfully-curated collection of merchandise that you can’t get at a store down the street (yeah, we’re talking to YOU, J. Crew at Ron Herman).”

Wow.  I’m speechless (well, not really)… to have a revered pro like Lisa write such praise is truly awesome!  For her entire review – and to check out the other great stories at Racked LA, click here.

Bess’ tunic by POPOMOMO… one of my personal faves.

I have a soft spot for Bergdorf’s.  Granted, I hope they get wise and start making much “greener” choices, but I find their overall collection Top Notch!  I was skimming their dress selections when I can across a remarkably familiar design.  Check it:

Donna Karan $1495

EcoSkin $81.50

(currently 50% OFF at GreenWith Glamour!)

Both gorgeous, but…you decide!