That’s right, people… get it while you can!  This clutch has already proven itself in user-friendliness – the Fall 2010 edition sold out tout de suite and garnered fans such as Thandie Newton.  Now, for Spring 2011, it’s been made from fantastic, but oh-so-current vintage fabric!

This week ONLY $69 (from $99)!

See original post here…

Me & my husband, Nadim

Deana is the super cool lady behind Living Green with Glamour. “It’s essentially a lifestyle blog devoted to all things sublime and ‘sustainable’—whether that’s an organic lip balm, a vintage YSL handbag, a recipe for Vegan Bahn Mi or the best new pieces in eco-fashion and home décor,” explains Deana. “I have a handful of writers who contribute, including Justin Bieber’s hairstylist (go figure), an arty, bohemian husband and wife foodie team, a TV producer with a proclivity for vintage clothing and a Southern belle obsessed with DIY… but I do write most of the posts and edit everything else. The crux of my life’s manifesto is that absolutely no sacrifice in style needs to be made to have an environmentally, humanely and animal-friendly lifestyle.” Check out Deana’s favorite things after the jump!

Deana’s Favorite Things

	The “Colette” dress by Koch: An exciting, new line out of Dallas.  We just got it in for early Spring and I’m already wearing it! Blazer and high boots now … mile-high wedges and a smile once the weather’s warmer.  It’s oh-so-flattering, of organic cotton and a total head turner … win-win-win!
	Night Covers by The Watson Twins: I can’t stop listening to it!  The Twins’ dreamy, soulful voices covering a brilliant array of unexpected songs (everyone from Sade to The Black Keys) makes for the perfect mood music.
	Tokyo wedges by Olsen Haus: This one almost surprises me… I’m typically more of a classicist when it comes to shoe design. Give me a ballerina flat or a jute-covered heel any day, but I can’t take my eyes off of these babies! Not only are they vegan (imperative to me), but they’re bold whilst still being beautiful. I think that’s a rare combo to come by these days.
	The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel: This place has been one of my favorite spots for over a decade, but after two years of my pestering, they have several organic vodkas and gins. The vibe is upscale, but easy … the sun is shining again on their beautiful patio … and the valets treat my old, veggie oil Benz with as much respect as the brand new Bentleys that surround it.
	And I’m shamelessly including the handbag I designed for GWG: But only because I’m truly obsessed with it.  Each season the textile changes, but the design stays the same (if it ain’t broke, right?).  For this spring, I went with a vintage, dead stock cotton from the 70s.  I love the juxtaposition of the weird pattern with the fairly serious colors.  I don’t wear a lot of prints, so carrying a zesty Clutch is the perfect dose of pattern for me.

I was talking (Facebooking) with a girlfriend from high school just yesterday… and in the morning, she sent out a really lovely announcement in support of her grown stepson’s new job, in the early afternoon she sat at the hospital while her husband underwent surgery and by late afternoon she was headed to her young son’s music recital… this is what Mothers do.  Everyday they wear so many hats and handle so many situations.  What I see as incredibly impressive… they see as just another day.  So, with Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate the ladies who put us on the map!  Here are my picks of gifts for all types of Mothers -

For the Mother who loves picnicking in the park, a recycled sailcloth wine bag, $29.

For the Mother who embraces the world, a befitting necklace, $90

For the Mother who can work an “easy chic”,  a hemp cardigan, $149 (this is what I’m getting my Mother, btw).

For the Mother who hates to waste, an upcycled wine bottle coat rack, $75

For the Mother who likes to travel in style, an organic tote, $75

For the Mother who’s all about her home, a posh pillow, $73

For the Mother who wants to give back to other Mothers, a donation to Women for Women, any amount.

And… for the Mother who’s child has a BIG budget, a stunning ring, $1950

We are absolutely honored to feature the incredible Thandie Newton and her kind words about Green With Glamour.  We’re longtime admirers of Ms. Newton’s grace, style, commitment to mindful living and serious acting chops.  She’s an inspiration.

I, personally, first became aware of Thandie in 1991 (OMG, that’s 20 years ago!) when I first saw a brilliant film called Flirting.  I was immediately taken with her confident, smart girl-meets-total knock out presence.  It’s a rare combination (though also possessed then by her Flirting co-star, Nicole Kidman).  The story is poignant, the direction is sultry yet serious and the acting is stellar.  And in the past 2 decades, Thandie has built a wonderful repertoire of performances in films (and t.v.) including Jefferson in Paris, Beloved, Mission Impossible II, Oscar-winning Crash (for which she won a BAFTA), W. (as Condoleeza Rice?!),  For Colored Girls and E.R. Amazing!

Seriously stylish, regardless of occasion

Thandie’s style is that of a true “icon”.  I don’t throw that word around lightly.  Very few actresses of our generation have earned it as far as I’m concerned.  But her looks are always pulled together and unique whilst never looking fussy or overdone and her approach to fashion is that of a yesteryear social doyenne (think Babe Paley, the Countess of Bismark, Gloria Guinness).   Easy elegance.  And the fact that she calls The Clutch that I designed her “favourite of all time” is just beyond! I’m blushing.

Add to that her dedication to the environment (like convincing other celebs to swap their gas guzzlers for energy savers) and humanitarian efforts (including the support of Breast Cancer Care, Artists for Peace and Justice and the NSPCC)… and our crush goes through the roof.  Well done, Ms. Thandie Newton.  You’re a role model for us all!

Spring is officially here…so why not celebrate the season with an exotic berry fragrance in your own home!  Enter Infusion Organique’s Acai Rain Parfum de Maison.   Infused with the tart berry accords of certified organic Açaí extract and sparkling organic orange oil – Açaí Rain combines natural raspberry and currant, white peach, fresh greens and organic vanilla extract. The resulting scent captures the transformative essence of the Brazilian Rainforest for you and your home.

“Drift east from the Andean headwaters of the Amazon – through Peru to the lush jungles of Brazil. Continue under the misty canopy of the Brazilian rainforest where local Indian tribesman first discovered indigenous Palms laden with Açaí (ah-sah-ee) berries. Popular in Brazilian culture for generations, Infusion Organique has captured the fresh scent and organic power of this magical fruit in Açaí Rain.”

A beautiful and inconspicuous accent for any room or bathroom in the house, Infusion Organique’s Parfum de Maison fills the air with the rich blend of our organically infused fragrances. Non-aerosol and water-based, Parfum de Maison follows the manufacturing guidelines set forth by the carbon-reducing California Air Resources Board (CARB). So you can enjoy a fragrant, organically infused and environmentally friendly home.

Leave a comment and you’re entered instantly.  GOOD LUCK!

There’s a good (& very exciting) chance that Green With Glamour will be relocating from LA to Nashville, so it’s time to clean house!  We have SOOOOOOO many beautiful goodies… but only one size left or past season, etc.  And away they go.  Most everything on sale is between 70%-85% OFF - WOW, right?

Sooooooooooooooooo many styles!

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 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?

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?

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

If you haven’t yet tried the John Masters Organics product line… it’s really something I recommend!  To me, John Masters is very much a pioneer in the field of luxurious (but not crazy-expensive), effective and delicious, ORGANIC beauty products.  I’m a fan of everything from his shampoos and styling products to his lotions and potions.  And just in time for you new Fall feel, Green With Glamour is giving away a set of 3 scrumptious products worth $52!

What you’re getting…

JMO Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash – lathers into a rich, creamy foam (from mild corn & coconut-based cleansers) to gently wash away dirt and oil - without drying your skin.  Essential oils of pink grapefruit, bourbon vanilla & blood orange create a euphoric scent.  Follow with my Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk to moisturize.  *Certified Organic.  Contains no artificial color.  Cruelty free.  Bio-degradable.  8 oz.

JMO Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk – is a luxurious lotion that replenishes your skin with a quickly absorbing, delicate blend of milk thistle, aloe vera and sea algae.  Essential oils of pink grapefruit, bourbon vanilla & blood orange create a euphoric scent.  *Certified Organic.  Contains no artificial color.  Cruelty free.  Bio-degradable.  8 oz.

JMO Lavender Hydrating Mist for skin & hair -  the perfect rejuvenating formula.  You feel fresh and alive, your skin and hair sparkles with new vibrancy.  Excellent for extra hydration when travelling.  Use wherever you need a quick touch of beauty. *Certified Organic.  Cruelty free.  Bio-degradable.  2 oz.

Leave a clever comment as to why you’d like these goodies… and you’re entered to win!

BE SURE TO STAY TUNED FOR THE (ECO) BEAUTY BIZ EDITOR, VANESSA ROSE PRICE’S REVIEW OF MORE JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS GOODIES… COMING SOON!

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!

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!

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!

Gold accessories are the hottest thing for Spring 2010… and what’s better than an easy-chic scarf (with a major dash of glam)?!?  Throw on the Shimmery scarf by Popomomo with a tank top and jeans or over your favorite warm-weather dress and you my friend are good to go.

Handmade by the Popomomo designer herself, these scarves are crafted from remnant poly shimmer fabric from her line. Retails for $48!  LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND YOU’RE INSTANTLY ENTERED TO WIN!

Congratulations CIARA for winning March’s Green With Giveaway!

Who couldn’t use a little sparkle for Spring?  Whether you pair these babies with a tank top and jeans or your favorite Little Black Dress, these glammy hoops will “up” your look instantly!

Of reclaimed exotic wood, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and harvested by sustainable methods finished with Swarovski crystals… so chic! $150 retail.

Leave a comment below and you’ve entered the giveaway instantly!

We are just thrilled offer our glorious readers, fans & clients an exciting new giveaway for Feb… The Watson Twins gift set – which, hang tight, includes a copy of TWT’s AMAZING, NEW CD (yet to be released), Talking To You, Talking To Me!

Gorgeous, right?  Stunning photography by Dan Monick. Brilliant artwork by Desi Moore.

What critics are saying about the new album…

SPIN MAGAZINE:   “Taking a cue from Shelby Lynne, the Watsons consult vintage Southern styles for inspiration, incorporating touches of country and plenty of hot-blooded soul. The only problem with “Calling Out,” “Forever Me,” and other alluring tracks is that they end too soon — the sultry vocals, churchy organ, and stinging electric guitar of “Midnight” leave you craving more.”

ELLE MAGAZINE: “Their soulful harmonies are at the center of a sparkling pop sound that has a Memphis-meets-L.A. texture and hooks that work their charms on you instantly.”

MARIE CLAIRE MAGAZINE:
“As sisters Chandra and Leigh’s harmonies wrap around hissing cymbals and jazzy guitar, this languorous, closing-time cabaret song builds into a long slow good-night kiss to melt all your late-winter blues.”

AND you’ll win a copy of their mellifluous 2008 cd, Fire Songs…

AND a top secret, yet-to-be-released cotton tote bag (also designed by Desi Moore)!

YAY!

Leave a comment below and you’re automatically entered to win this exciting TWT set!

We want to kick off 2010, Green With Glamour’s year of giveaways, with a serious bang!  So, hello adorable, hemp and vegan-chic bags from Eco Tools… designed by none other than accomplished actress, animal rights activist and all-around-darling, Alicia Silverstone.

After Living GWG’s very own beauty editor, Sara Jones-Rust, gave the bags her seal of approval… we thought to ourselves, “you know who would really enjoy these gorgeous bags?  Our readers, clients, colleagues, um… everyone!”  And here we are.

What exactly we’re giving away:

1 Eco Tools “Overnight” bag along with a matching “Cosmetic” bag – both designed by Alicia Silverstone, given as a set.  The Overnight (11″ x 9″ x 3.3″) is perfect for traveling.  It’s roomy and chic while it’s multiple inside compartments make it easy to stay organized at the same time.  The Cosmetic bag (8.5″ x 5″ x 2.5″) is the go to bag for your everyday makeup needs.  Throw it in your handbag, on your vanity, in your car… and you’ll always have your beauty necessities at the ready!

The Overnight Bag

The Cosmetic Bag

Both bags are made of a gorgeous hemp print (non-toxic inks), lined with recycled plastic and finished with a “tree free” hang tag featuring the lovely Alicia.

How (easy is it) to win? Leave a comment on this post and you’re automatically entered.  Winner will be chosen at random and notified in the 1st week of next month.  GWG provides all shipping and handling costs. YAY!