At lur®, they’re inspired by women who devote their time to environmental and social causes that make the world a better place. They believe it’s time they’re recognized for their work, and they need your help!

They’re looking for committed, influential leaders who are dedicated to people and planet. We want to highlight and reward those who are working for a more sustainable tomorrow.

Who is a Sustainable Leader?

The believe anyone working on eco-friendly or people-friendly causes should be considered a sustainable leader. It doesn’t matter if their cause is big or small, it just matters that they are working for the benefit of people and planet.

Some examples include:
A head of a company that develops eco-friendly products
A volunteer at a local food bank
A leader of a worldwide non-profit fighting for clean water
A standout student who organizes a university recycling program
An advocate for women’s issues

Does this sound like you or someone you know? Enter now for your chance to win big!

Images courtesy of LurApparel.com

I’ve loved watching classic brands in recent years redefine who they are using the standard social media tricks that everyone uses. Hermes defines luxury by creating timeless fashion and home accessories, while honoring and appreciating the craft and human skill involved in creating their pieces. They have brilliantly developed a film showcasing the talented people who create their products and have designed a place on their website dedicated to  “Hearts & Crafts.”

You MUST also check out their Pinterest “Do-It-Yourself” page! They’ve  creatively shared templates of their famous clutch and cuff bracelets that we can download and create ourselves – how fun and SO much more creative than posting pictures (snooze) on their Facebook wall!

Let classic and artisan made design always out-live the cheap and disposable!

I can’t wait to download my own bracelet to make and wear. Here is the one I plan to make.

Images courtesy of Hermes.com.

ABOUT GLOBAL GREEN:
Global Green’s mission is to create a global value shift toward a more secure and sustainable future. They help schools, urban environments, and affordable housing to go green in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationwide, with the goal of improving the public’s health and mitigating climate change. Global Green is the national arm of Green Cross International, Mikhail Gorbachev’s international environmental organization. They started the famous Red Carpet-Green Cars Campaign at the Oscars, are facilitating the green rebuilding of New Orleans, and are also helping the town of San Bruno rebuild in a sustainable way. http://www.globalgreen.org

WHEN:
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
6:00 pm VIP Cocktail Reception
6:30 pm Cocktail Reception
7:00 pm Organic Dinner, Eco-Accolades & Program
9:00 pm Fashion Show, Dessert Reception & Party

WHERE:
Bently Reserve (LEED-certified)
301 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
http://www.bentlyreserve.com

FEATURING:
* Celebrity Hosts
* Singers Michelle Branch, Mia Maestro
* Organic Dinner by Michael Mina & Joseph Humphrey
* Absinthe’s Pastry Chef Bill Corbett
* Runway Fashion Show
* Winter Wonderland Decor
* Cocktails by 360 Vodka & Oro Pisco
* Organic wine by CADE
* Dessert Reception by Miette and The Only Cookie
* Glamorous Post Party
* VIP Gift Bags
* Showcase of Top Sustainable Companies & Designers

CELEBRITY HOSTS:
Amber Valletta, James Van Der Beek, Gavin Newsom & Jennifer Siebel Newsom, actress Cody Horn, Angela Lindvall, Michelle Branch, Mia Maestro, others to be announced

HOST COMMITTEE:
Co-Chairs: Christopher Bently, Zem Joaquin & Nadine Weil
Host Committee: Matt Petersen, Lily Achatz, Sophie Azouaou, Andrew Beebe, Christopher Bently, Chelsea Brown, Cher Chronis, Robert Fountain, Porter Gale, Anthony Gilmore, Kiki Goshay, Moira Hanes & Marco Krapels, Jordan Harris, Deirdre Holbrook, Sig-Britt Ivey, Trish & Karl Jacob, Lynda Lucero, Jorge Maumer, Lisa McFadin, Clarissa Nicosia, Heidi Pettit, Kimberly Rider, Sarah Shaw, Marla Steuer, Karen Tamblyn, Elisabeth Thieriot, Julia Vasic

DRESS CODE: 
Winter White Cocktail

ECO-FASHION SHOW:
The runway fashion show produced by Lily Achatz and Clarissa Nicosia will be a glamorous extravaganza showcasing top sustainable fashion designers and premier eco-luxury brands. Hair by Pureology. Models by Stars Model Management.

WHO’S THERE:
Rabobank, Bently Holdings, Pureology, Catamount Ventures, Earth Vision, Michael Mina, Dixie, Absinthe, 360 Vodka, Miette, The Only Cookie, Drew Altizer Photography, SF Wire, CADE, Oro Pisco, New Leaf Paper, Korbel California Champagne, Rosemira Organics, Snake & Butterfly Chocolate, Judy’s Breadsticks, Leftwich Event Specialists, Blueprint Studios, Step Into My Green World, Cavallo Point, Post Ranch Inn

TICKETS:
Benefiting the nonprofit Global Green USA
$1,000: 1 VIP Dinner Ticket
$2,500: 1 Patron Dinner Ticket (front row), VIP Reception, Gift Bag, Recognition
$ 125: 1 Fashion Show and Party Ticket (9:00 pm arrival)

SPONSORS & TABLES:
$5,000: Friend Sponsor, 2 Gala Dinner tickets
$10,000: Green Circle, Table of 10, Recognition
$25,000: Earth Circle, Preferred Seating Table of 10, Recognition
$50,000: President’s Circle, Most Preferred Seating Table of 10, Recognition
$100,000: Presenting Sponsor of Gorgeous & Green
VIP Gift Bag
Custom Packages are available

To become involved in the event, please contact Nadine Weil or Nina Storm at nstorm@globalgreen.org

RSVP:
To purchase tickets, please visit:
http://www.globalgreen.org/sf

Fashioning Change, the online shopping platform that offers ethical and environmental alternatives to mainstream brands, is giving us yet another reason to love them! The company launched its first ever clothing line last month under the name KCA by Fashioning Change, presenting colorful basics for women, men and infants. Offering up a fantastic selection of simple essentials like t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, scarves and onesies for babies, the company has made a point of keeping their prices between $19.98-39.98 so that these “Ethical Knockoffs” are accessible and affordable.

Obviously motivated to create change, founder and CEO of the company Adriana Herrera decided to take on the production of this collection after the factory fires in Pakistan that killed over 300 people. The KCA collection is manufactured in L.A. under monitored fair labor rights and made completely out of organic cotton and hemp. What’s more, the new line merges perfectly into the startup’s Promise of 5, meaning that all items are:

-       Stylish

-       Well-made

-       Protect Health

-       Protect the Earth

-       Protect Human Rights

Having made its fashion debut with the “Wear This, Not That” concept, Fashioning Change has been creating transformative action by presenting customers with fashion products that meet the same price points, style and fit as conventional brands. With over 82,000 “green shopping interventions” already under its belt, FC is well on its way to changing the decision making requisites of several online shoppers. Showcasing an admirable array of the finest designers and labels in sustainable fashion including Ananda Pascual, Hovey Lee, Reuse Jeans, Ecoology and Modrobes, FC is the most comprehensive sales platform for sustainable apparel.

KCA by Fashioning Change offers a collection of wardrobe staples to the online marketplace, also including a Quick Response Code for each item that can be scanned to view the entire supply chain of that piece. As an integral part of the FC philosophy, connecting customers to the people and places that produce the clothes they wear has played a key part in forming their selection and sharing the stories that foster sustainable shopping choices.

KCA by Fashioning Change is sold exclusively on the Fashioning Change website, which is conveniently set up as a Facebook app that can even suggest items to you based on your Facebook “Likes”.  Even better, there are numerous ways to  spread the word and gain store credit, so make your way to the shop that gives you the goods, the story and the satisfaction of a stylishly sustainable wardrobe.

All images courtesy of Fashioning Change.

Nourish was the first beauty company to ever work with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create a collection of products so pure they could be certified organic under the same strict standards the government uses to certify food (launched in 2003). The founders were concerned by numerous studies and research that shed light on the hazardous chemicals in existing beauty products, and by the lack of regulations in the personal care industry. Believing that what you put on your body is every bit as important as what you put in it, they became “organic beauty pioneers,” determined to create the very first line of chemical-free, environmentally friendly skincare products.

In 2012, they re-introduced the Nourish brand with an even more exciting line up of fabulous USDA certified organic products.  Christine Taylor (talented comedic actress) will be speaking on behalf of Nourish to share her everyday tips and strategies for going green and promoting the benefits of organic beauty products.

“I was thrilled when I heard about Nourish – a line of beauty products that directly corresponds with how I live and what I put into my body,” said Taylor. “I am proud to be a Nourish Brand Ambassador and share my experiences with others looking for simpler ways to live a greener, healthier life.”

For the last couple of weeks I’ve had the pleasure of trying out several different items in their new line.  I love knowing that the products I use everyday are free of toxins. Below are my favorites:

The Exfoliating Body Polish ($9.99) was amazing! My skin felt so smooth after using it.  The ingredients include corn cob nutrients and forbidden and jade pearl rice.

I followed with the Organic Body Wash in Fresh Fig ($9.99).  It contains a hydrating blend of soothing aloe, nourishing coconut milk, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, and a proprietary blend of moisturizing essential oils.

 I have the Organic Hand Wash in Wild Berries ($9.99) next to my kitchen sink.  Such lovely packaging!

Finally, I’m a big fan of the Organic Deodorant in Almond Vanilla ($7.99).  My 7 year old daughter loved the smell of it so much, she asked if she could use it, too.

Check out their website for the entire array of fabulous products and $5 shipping!

All images courtesy of Nourish

Thread, a new documentary aims to show how the fashion and textile industries impact the health of both people and planet.

We can’t wait to watch the film!

Vapour is a revolutionary beauty company focusing on high-performance cosmetic and skincare products.  Their formula is unique with a light-as-air texture while providing nourishing skin treatment benefits and bold mineral color. The products glide on smoothly and can be easily blended with fingers or a brush.

One factor that is extremely important to us at TGS is commitment to organic ingredients and sustainable practices.  All of Vapour’s products are 100 percent natural and chemical free, with a minimum of 70% certified organic ingredients.  From the raw materials to the final packaging (which is a convenient stick form), each step adheres to responsible practices.

I was able to try out these fabulous products last week.  Below are a few of my favorites:

SIREN LIPSTICK

Long-wearing and moisturizing, this lipstick is made from flash-heated plant oils to create the deeply hydrating and rich pigmented base.  It is formulated with Jojoba Oil, antioxidant Pomegranate Oil, limp plumping Camelina oil and an infusion of rose petals. I particularly liked the Tryst ($22).

ELIXIR PLUMPING LIP GLOSS

Elixir Plumping Gloss is made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments & vitamins. Elixir rejuvenates lips with anti-oxidant rich Acai and Goji berries and ultra hydrating, vitamin rich Organic Lecithin and Jojoba oil. Elixir contains Vapour’s lip specific infusion of hydrating Myrrh, healing Lemon Balm, antioxidant Green Tea and anti-microbial Iceland Moss. I particularly like the Discreet ($22)

ATMOSPHERE SOFT FOCUS FOUNDATION

Made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments & vitamins. Nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya complex and brightens skin with Organic Camellia.  Infused with Vapour’s face specific infusion of anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi and moisturizing and calming Lotus flowers.  I have fair skin, so S120 was perfect for my complexion ($48).

MULTI-USE BLUSH

They offer universally-flattering core colors that will work on all skin tones and all ages. Give the Vapour glow to cheeks, lips and eyes with one convenient stick. Aura blends nicely for a dewy, polished look in seconds.I used Tender212 for a very light glow ($28).

Vapour has many other products to choose from; click here to browse their website.  You’ll not only love the products, you’ll feel good about putting them on your skin.

Happy shopping

All images courtesy of Vapour Organic

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Bite Beauty is an alluring collection of lip products featuring super antioxidant resveratrol and superior color. Ranging from nude to plum, their highly pigmented, long-lasting shades were designed by industry-leading makeup artists for today’s modern woman.

My favorite is the High Pigment Matte Pencil ($24).  I love the Pomegranate color (below), which is a gorgeous dark red. Made with a double-dose of premium micronized pigments, this lip pencil delivers a modern matte look. This lip color delivers super antioxidant resveratrol, which fights free radicals with potent long-term antiaging benefits. Each lip pencil contains the amount of resveratrol found in five glasses of red wine.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This product is free of synthetics, polybutenes, and petroleum byproducts and made exclusively with lip nurturing food-grade ingredients that are healthy enough to eat.

Check out their full range of products on Sephora.com or in-store.

Harabu House, a name derived from Sanskrit, is an exclusively online destination for global-chic, stylish and eco-friendly solutions to everyday living. Launched in 2010, they strive to find sustainable products which provide economic, social and environmental benefits to those artisans who create them.

Harabu House has exclusively partnered with Glamorama Home Fashion, a soft furnishing interior design firm based in Chennai, India. The company offers premium- and luxury-range home furnishing products with contemporary styling and novel designs. The company specializes in custom furnishings such as drapes, blinds, bed linens and cushions for residential, hotel or corporate spaces.

Below are some of my favorite eco-friendly items from their website:

HANDMADE VINTAGE IKAT CERAMIC BOWLS – MEDIUM ($42)

These beautiful handmade vintage ikat ceramic bowls were discovered while traveling to Istanbul. The vintage bowls are approximately 40 to 50 years old and measure approximately 4.5in (D) x 2.25in (H). Recommended for dry goods only.

HANDMADE VINTAGE IKAT CERAMIC BOWLS - MEDIUM ($42)

TEA TOWELS FROM DENMARK – 100% ORGANIC COTTON ($19 ea.)

THE USEFUL TOWEL – $26

I love this! Conversions and measurements are hand printed on a white, 100% cotton flour sack square towel.

THE USEFUL TOWEL - $26

CITY TOTE BY MADAME MO FROM FRANCE – $28

These bags from France are so adorable! Madame Mo’s shopping bags were created as an alternative to plastic bags. They have become a simple, useful and colorful fashion accessory to be carried around town, at the beach, to the gym, for picnics. They make great gifts for any age and all occasions. 100% organic cotton.

CITY TOTE BY MADAME MO FROM FRANCE - $28

BABY NAPPY CHANGE MAT – $18

Cute, functional and comfortable, the Apple & Bee nappy mat is a one of a kind. With an outer layer of organic cotton and an inner layer of denim coated with a recycled PET water proofed finish, this mat is completely sanitary. You can hand wash it or just wipe it clean (functional). The double layers give it an extra padding for baby’s comfort. Available in the following designs: ladybird and elephant.

BABY NAPPY CHANGE MAT - $18

Check out more items on their website! They have some great sales going on right now.