Eco Friendly Gifts, Fashion, Bags

Ecoist handmade handbags are made from recycled candy wrappers, food packages, soda labels, and other recycled materials. The candy wrappers are "upcycled" into eco friendly bags, recycled purses, and one-of-kind handbags!

Ecoist has partnered with multinational brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, Disney, Frito-Lay, and M&M's, to repurpose all their post-industrial waste. So far, Ecoist has saved more than 40 million wrappers from landfills.

Ecoist’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond recycling waste-bound materials, as fair trade is also practiced. The company cares for the artisans who put their skills and love into making the products. Ecoist is a family-owned business, that pays their artisans fair and meaningful wages, as they can see the value inherent in investing in the lives of their workers, their families, and their communities.

Ecoist also plants a tree for every handbag sold. In partnership with Trees for the Future, Ecoist has contributed to reforestation efforts around the world. So far, Ecoist has planted over 100,000 trees.

View all the gorgeous items @ http://www.ecoist.com

P.S. By definition, an Ecoist is “an individual that lives a modern, eco-minded lifestyle.” Each purchase from the Ecoist website contributes to making our planet a healthier, better, and more peaceful place to live.

Diamond Jewelry

Classic Jewelry Designs, Inc., provides high quality fine jewelry. Most of the jewelry is manufactured in New York City -- the jewelry is crafted in the company's on-premises workshop. Customers can thus expect the highest level of quality control.

Here are some of their wickedly lovely pieces of jewelry:


Premium 3 Prong Studs

I usually prefer dangling earrings to stud earrings, but nothing says 'glamour' like a pair of diamond earrings! Modern yet classy, these sort of earrings are highly adaptable to any occasion, and a must have item for a lady's jewelry collection. Diamond stud earrings hold a simple and dazzling design which can match different items of attire.

The round and princess cut diamonds of Classic Jewelry are expertly cut, to maximize the sparkle and beauty of each pair of earrings. They are available in both prong and bezel styles (bezel is a groove that holds the gem in its setting).


Three Diamond Princess Cut Ring

This is a very attractive Princess Cut Three Stone Ring. Some people like the Princess because it is rectangular, while still having some of the sparkle of a traditional Round brilliant cut.

Watch out for shape appeal when selecting this type of diamond cut. Judge the attractiveness of the shape by looking at the girdle outline. Be wary of girdles which are too thin, because they are more prone to chipping. Princess cut diamonds also require four-pronged settings -- keep this in mind when shopping for one.


Contemporary Diamond Star Pendant

Last but not least, this is a more contemporary piece of jewelry from the online catalog. I personally quite fancy star-shaped accessories like the diamond pendant above. It's nice having a little piece of the night sky to accent your style.

Buy Eyeglasses Online

Frame #3391 ($8.00), by Zenni Optical

I've had to wear glasses for a long time. I remember having to pay quite exorbitant prices from time to time -- due to the frame, lens power, Anti-Reflective coating, etc.

Recently, I decided to check out the prescription eyeglasses available online. I was looking for something very affordable/economically-priced. I also wanted a plastic frame. They're more durable, can be thrown around, and I prefer the bridge as compared to the irritating nosepieces of metal frames.

I decided on 3 stores -- Global Eyeglasses, Eyewear Magic, and Zenni Optical. These three stores have a great selection of frames.

I didn't have problems with any. Here's a short rundown of the experience with each store.

1) Global Eyeglasses

Global EyeGlasses explains how to measure your PD (pupillary distance) very well, thanks to the visual below.

• Arrived very quickly -- something I always appreciate.
• The frame was a clearance pair, so I got it for just $1.50.
• + $6.99 per side for lenses (high myopia!).
• $6.99 for AR coating (which I didn't select).
• Shipping (in USA): $5.99

Discount Code: "glassyeyes" (good for 10% off)

Total Cost: $19.37

2) EyewearMagic Inc.

• Free Anti-Reflective Coating with all lenses (nice!)
• 2 free gifts. At the time of my purchase, one gift was a mini screwdriver -- very useful for spectacle screws...
• $12, frame + lens
• They also let you know if a frame is too wide for your face, according to the PD you input. I thought this was convenient.
• Find your best frame by frame style -- good info. My favorite is the executive look, how about you?
• Purchasing and production division is in China (so that's where the package comes from)
• Shipping (in USA): Flat rate of $8.00

Bits of the lens cleaning cloth were coming off on the glasses, but the lens case was unique.

Total Cost: $20.00

* 3) Zenni Optical

I liked Zenni best.

• Trendy eyewear starting from $8.00 (pic right at the top is by Zenni)
• +$4.95 for Anti-Reflective Coating
• Very high prescriptions available
• Shipping (in USA): Flat rate of $4.95

Total Cost: $17.90

That's it. I read about problems a few people had with Zenni -- slow shipping and bad customer service were the two I remembered. I experienced neither (the shipping was within the 2-week timeframe as stated on the website). Their customer service rep contacted me to confirm my order too (due to the high prescription).

I thought there'd be some kind of gimmick somewhere with Zenni, but I'm very happy with my $8 two-tone plastic frames. I enjoy online shopping when it's fuss-free. For me, Zenni takes the top spot.

Trendy, Affordable Handbags

Brown Large Vicky Heritage Stripe Faux Leather Bag
$45.99

Accessory Bug offers arm candy that’s chic and affordable. From prim and proper to trendy metallic, the picture-perfect handbags and fashion accessories quickly spice up any ensemble.

With girls-on-the-go in mind, the assortment of durable pieces is practical, as well as functional.


Yellow Aiko Faux Leather Evening Bag
$34.99



Pink Vanessa Patent Leather Boston Tote Bag
$44.99

Cathy Chiang and Peter Lin are behind Accessory Bug. The duo is accustomed to operating successful fashion boutiques. Their focus is on hip and unique accessories that exhibit similar craftsmanship as ensured in comparable designer-made goods.

Guided by Chiang’s fashion know-how and Lin’s business-savvy skills, the two ventured out on their own in 2005.

The carefully selected designs boast an amazing assortment of chunky chains, intricate stitching, buckles, beads, glossy patent and supple leathers, and lush fabrics in various faux-textures. All selections allow customers to indulge, or stock up on gifts for special occasions through the year.

PS: To get 20% off, use coupon code: mom08. It expires on 8th May 2008.

Unusual Jewelry

HeBe Jewellery sources unusual contemporary jewelry from British designers, and generally tries to stay away from the high street brands.

There are a wide range of jewellery gifts for men and women. HeBe Jewellery specialises in handmade jewellery pieces that express one's true personal style.



Nick Hubbard Love is in the Air Locket

A very romantic locket by Nick Hubbard. The locket is a beautifully formed piece on Nick's trademark oxidized silver chain. The door can be opened to reveal a tiny mouse on a red enamel background. Little silver hearts and a special 9ct gold heart complete the piece.

The locket is presented in a luxury HeBe wooden box, with a Nick Hubbard gift certificate.



Silver Necklace set with Opal Flower Detail

Here's a funky solid sterling silver necklace, with silver and opflower detail.

The necklace comes with a 16inch (40.64 cm) chain. The pendant size measures 23mm x 23mm.




Windrose Melange Mint Jewellery Box

This is a luxury Melange jewellery box from Windrose. The box is made from structured mint colored Italian leather, with a soft cushioned interior.

Two pullout draws and handy compartments (more pictures available on website) make this an essential jewellery box for serious collections! The box is also fully lockable for added security.

Heart Necklaces

Whimsical Heart Necklace

This is a simple and elegantly designed heart-shaped necklace from MuseumShop.com.

The contemporary design was created exclusively for Museum Shop by Kathleen Scott, a Rhode Island jewelry designer. The necklace comes in gold-tone or silver-tone, each measuring 1" in diameter (2.54 cm). The pendant comes with a matching 17" (43.2 cm) chain. The item is made in the USA.



"Piece of My Heart" Necklace

This is the (rather literal) Piece of My Heart Necklace. It comes in a set of two silver-plated pendants -- a circle etched with the word "Love," and a heart with the word "Always." Each comes with its own chain, so you can keep one for yourself and give the other to your sweetheart. Alternatively, you could also wear both pendants together on one chain. This originally cost $16.95, but is now going for $12.95.



Shona Standing Couple

Museum Shop also has sculptures such as the Shona Standing Couple. This is handmade in Zimbabwe and fair-trade imported. The Shona tribes of Zimbabwe, literally translated as "the house of stone," are renowned for their fine sculpting technique.

International shipping is available for these items. MuseumShop.com donates a portion of every purchase, at no extra cost to customers, to support First Book. The latter is an organization that provides arts education and supplies to children who do not have ready access to such services.

badge review

The above design is the Kindergarten Tattoo six-piece button set, by YackFou.

I never would have come across this, were it not for badge review -- a blog that features nothing but art and design button badges. I know there are plenty of badges all over the place, but Sven Palmowski (who owns the blog):

1) has a really good eye for design, and
2) really knows button badges!

Stores and studios from around the world are featured -- USA, UK, Mexico City, Australia, Berlin, Ireland. And that's just on the current blog homepage. I guess inspiration can indeed be "found on a 1 inch (2.5cm) diameter".

Sven is a freelance illustrator from Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. His own designs and illustrations are showcased on his website, Sven Palmowski.

Sour Tang

The homepage of Sour Tang welcomes you to the store for handmade, whimsical and fun jewelry, and accessories for the child at heart (as well as everyday independent woman)!

This is the first time I've seen a faux pearls combination of this sort. To me, its quirkiness and the adorable pink hue turned out to be very interesting. I used to have the notion that pearls were for a chic and mature look -- but pearls with a twist can brighten up an outfit too.

Sour Tang has a range of funky earrings, bracelets, and keychains. Regarding earrings, there's something about star-shaped ones that's entirely and uniquely hip.



This is a simple, calming necklace with a turtle charm as the centerpiece. The necklace was donated to Craft for China, a lovely arts & crafts fundraiser for Chinese orphans. The necklace sponsored two girls, Gracie, and Emma.

Sour Tang is a one-girl indie business started by Kelly Tang. Kelly has been selling her creative jewelry and accessories online since 2004. She hopes to turn the fun business into a real career some day. Currently she is a fashion design student. I'm sure of the high potential that Sour Tang will have a bunch of additions and be an expanded business in the future.

Sour Tang's first ever "After X'mas" sale is running (until 3 Jan) -- so do check it out while you still can at http://sourtang.com.

Handcrafted Silver Jewellery

The original handcrafted jewelry of Kutuu is designed and created by Hannah Salomon. The classy pieces are made primarily with sterling silver with gemstones, using silversmithing techniques.

Hannah loves working with silver and semi precious/precious stones, as they tend to have an organic feel to it. There's also that little something which makes each design different and special.

While there is usually only one of each piece of jewelry available, repeats can be done on request. Commissions are taken on too, if there's something you're interested in or would like to see.



Leaf Bangle

The Kutuu website is updated regularly with new products -- and the Jewellery Information page is a comprehensive overview of processes and materials that are a part of jewelry making.

A lot of time and care goes into making each piece as perfect as it could possibly be. For instance, several hours went into the hand woven "Constantinople" bracelet -- a byzantine chainmaile with a forged ring and small trigger clasp, weighing in at 14g (0.49 ounces).

The designs are stylish, in a subtle understated way. They have an urban coolness, blended with the timelessness of traditional crafting.

By the way, Hannah is someone who can get 2 pendants, bracelets and pairs of earrings out of ONE Paua shell from a customer. Impressive, to say the least.

Handmade Jewelry

PurpleMe.Com is a quaint business, with an equally charming website. The company has always been about unique and affordable jewelry, handmade and crafted like no other.

The jewelry is designed with gold and silver plated metal and wire hooks, unless otherwise noted, and consists of daring, funky mixtures of metallics, glass and pearls (to name a few). Each item is created from beginning to end in the founder's home in Brooklyn, NY.

The one featured above is called "Blue Ocean Fun", and I like how the two sides aren't identical. Items like "Stars Caught" -- with PurpleMe's signature PurpleBerry wrapped glass bead dangling from it -- have been featured in popular shopping webzines. Necklaces are now included in the product line as well.



PurpleMe.Com began in August '03, when the founder decided to begin a project that would combine her love of fashion and design, and her crazy obsession with the colour purple.

Hint: Keep handmade crafted jewelry inside a bag or jewelry box when not in use. That way the metals will not oxidize and your pieces can retain their unique appearance and last longer.

Fashion from Spain, Bizarre Accessories...

Outfits by Carlos Diez during the Spring/Summer 2008 Pasarela Cibeles fashion show in Madrid September 21, 2007

I just saw this on Yahoo! News. I wouldn't exactly like to walk around with that hanging all over my face. Also, check out the close-up of photo number 2 above. Quite frankly, I'm getting tired of viewing pairs of rather sickly-looking, unhappy knees. To be healthy is a better fashion statement.



Photo #3 here shows an "outfit" which I'm not really sure is what. Photo #4 has the same model looking like he's enduring the discomfort. The accessory is covering up that male model's attractive facial features and toned torso, which in my opinion is most certainly a fashion no-no. Don't ever cover up what can be flaunted.

I know fashion is a creative industry, but these accessories don't just border on the line of silliness, they cross it by milestones.

PS: The accessories thing could have ticked me off from the start, but Photo #111 on page 14, shows a model in a voluminous dress with that billowy silhouette type of look.



I find it very difficult to find that honestly attractive. When volume and lots of excess space are in, I'm always waiting to witness the humbler, cheaper, and much more durable potato sack becoming the ultimate fashion statement.

NIKEiD - Custom Designs

Nike IDs is an online service that allows you to design your own custom sneakers, bags, apparel, and accessories (watches and wristbands). You are free to apply your own choice of colors and materials to a broad range of equipment.

The favorite Nike models are there (Air Max, Nike Shox, Nike+), all from the comfort of your own home/computer. The Air Zoom Moire models (Women's>Running) can even be designed with the latest snazzy iPod colors.



The website interface is incredibly user-friendly. The Nike ID site is completely Flash-driven, so the shopping experience is unique and interactive. The webpages load quickly which is always a plus point for convenient online shopping. The main appeal lies in the freedom of personal expression by designing your own product.

There are color options for lace, midsole, and the iconic swoosh. Even the accent of the shoe can be tweaked (from a maximum range of 16 different colors), to give the product a truly personalized look and feel.

As a company, Nike has established a long-term commitment to eco-friendly organic cotton. Nike has set a goal of using organic fibers for at least 5 percent of its cotton-based garments by 2010. That means more than five million pounds of organic cotton a year. For the sake of our planet, I hope other brands will be more than encouraged to follow suit.

Bag It!

I love bags! Maybe you know someone who does too. Wide selection of bags at: Henrietta's Handbags.

One of the sections I took an immediate liking to was the vintage-inspired purse patterns by Monica Poole. Many of them had a classic old-world charm about them, which seems to be a little lacking in some of the more mainstream, mass-produced bags out in the market.

Here's just one of the pretty designs, featuring three uber lovely and psychedelic-looking feline friends. This range is designed by Laurel Burch. Her designs feature colorful animals and show off a sense of style that's uniquely, distinctly hers. The eye-catching colors immediately jazz up an otherwise "safe" outfit you might have.



The section Indygo Junction contains bag/purse patterns and pattern books for you to get acquainted with the craft itself, as well as more intricate specific designs like the Matilda purse or Nouveau Hobo bag pattern.

There's backpacks for practical folks too. Items like the delicate felted purses (using the time honored technique of pounding, agitation, and scrubbing until the natural barbs of wool fasten on to each other) are sure to be noticed if you take one of them out with you on shopping trips.

With the Folded Kimono Purse pattern, genuine vintage Kimono fabric is used. No two kits are alike as all the patterns are one of a kind.

Put on Your Thinking Cap

.........literally. For all those who love caps, there's a whole collection at

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/cap/-/fpt___________a____________D/c_51

Charming

http://www.harmonydesigns.com/details/charm.php has these pretty little charms you can choose from to do whatever you like with them - put them on a bracelet, bookmark, bag, zipper - depends on your creativity. You can make them for yourself or make a truly special gift for someone special. I've always liked charms - they're just........well, charming.

Enter the Dragons

My daughter sent me this site. As you can tell she's really into dragons. If you know someone who likes dragons, this would be the perfect gift. Beautiful silver and pewter dragon charms, pendants, ear-rings and other interesting jewelry at this site.

My favourite is this Celtic knot pendant combined with a dragon.

Hold on to your Hat...

http://www.texashatters.com/ has an impressive collection of hats that you can make to order. They even educate you on their history and tradition of hat making. Many famous people have worn or still wear hats made by Texas Hatters.

Maybe you'd like one like this one that's worn by a member of a famous Southern Rockband? Guess which band and whose head this magnificent hat sits on.








And the ladies might like this number that was worn by Penelope Cruz in one of her movies.

For the girls

Here are some fun jewelry for you gals - any ages. So many beautiful pieces at the website - go check them out. But here's just a couple of the ones I like!