I can learn a lot from Friday night dates with my husband.

For starters, I learned I can convince him to change out of his crumpled work clothes into something chic if I smile real big and hand him a martini when he comes through the door. Once the babysitter arrives and we are ready to roll, we don't just have to walk down to our neighborhood haunts on West Portal, but can actually venture out to new places in the City. Like...the de Young Museum at Golden Gate Park. Yes, on Friday we explored Friday Night at the Museum which a friend had told me about during a morning workout. From 5pm to 8:45, all exhibits are open, including the amazing glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly, which we explored after a glass of wine and observing some very serious tango dancers closing their eyes and strutting across the lobby.

But what is a date without shopping, you ask? Naturally, I had to do my EcoSalon homework (what an excuse) and hit the museum gift shop, where I was blown away. One standout: The baskets woven from telephone wire by Zulu weavers from Aita Design ($300 for the large one). Apparently these fabulous spiral baskets are crafted with methods passed down from generation to generation, including weavers recognized internationally for their work, which is largely done at home. I also learned just because I drool over something and find it fabulous doesn't mean my husband will buy it for me, even if my birthday is just around the corner. Maybe next week I should deliver that martini in baby doll pajamas. What do you think?

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While recently scouring the internet for great eco fashion finds to blog about, I discovered a few designers who are turning vintage camera parts into wearable accessories. Now, I certainly wasn’t the first to discover Craig Arnold, the Aussie whose passion for cameras and recycling led him to develop his re:vision collection of “camera cuffs.” I give credit to the folks at Gearfuse, GeekSugar, Inhabitat, and Five Non Blondes for scooping Craig’s work, but I’m going to go one step further and give you more than just a product write-up.


In my research, I also found artist Debra Dresler’s camera lens watch on 3r Living. A common trend in creating eco-friendly jewelry, turning non-traditional materials and everyday objects into accessories is no new idea. But, here’s what I’m wondering – is vintage camera part turned accessory a new eco-fad? While I personally don’t love any of these looks (although you may just catch me in one of Craig Arnold’s simple cuffs), I do appreciate original concepts and unique finds. I also have a few friends who would go gaga over these picks.

I think I’m still on the fence about this one, so I’m going to leave it to you to decide. Is it rad or bad?

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Did I bring too much?

Lately, I’ve come across a lot of hype about packing lighter. Our fellow eco-friendly sites and publications have accepted the stance that less of a load is somehow better for the environment and are touting the idea in all of their tips and guides to a greener existence.

Good-natured and well-intended, this lightbulb-gone-off advice is driving me crazy. The airlines are laying it on thick in the way of hefty baggage fees, and our sister green authorities have fallen hook, line, and sinker (less luggage = less fuel = less emissions). Are the airlines at all concerned about the environment or are recently established fees just a way to compensate for the higher cost of fuel?

Sure, packing lighter may seem like a green idea in theory, but as any fashionista knows, this spartan plan will inevitably backfire. The less we bring, the more we’ll buy while away, leading to greater purchase of new goods. It’s a bit of a fashion catch-22 and the airlines certainly are capitalizing on it. If you're not a dyed-in-the-cashmere fashionista, packing light and avoiding the purchase of new goods may be a snap. (But then, I think there's a little fashionista inside you dying to get out...why are you at EcoSalon?)

So, rather than pack so lightly you're bound to buy more (admit it, you know you'll be tempted) just pack a little smarter. Here are my 5 top tips to pack smart - and avoid the temptation to splurge:

Create a master packing list—a personal blueprint, some might say—including essentials for any and all trips.

Choose a base color (the most obvious is black) so that you'll easily be able to mix and match.

If possible, opt for lighter-weight clothing. Fabrics like denim are heavy and bulky when you're tight on space. Quick-drying materials are also key.

Roll instead of fold. You'll encounter fewer wrinkles and will find that you can squeeze a lot more into one bag/suitcase.

Use accessories to diversify outfits. You may be wearing the same basics, but if you choose a belt one day and long necklace on another, you have successfully created two different looks.

Image: moon soleil

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I’m not one to knock working hard and rewarding yourself with a few indulgences from time to time. I do draw the line, however, at overindulgence. You’ll still catch me rolling my eyes at anyone who aspires to one day own the infamous Hermès Birkin bag. Not only does the price tag start at $7,500, but the wait list to get one also averages two years.

Why, oh why, I ask myself, would anyone want to wait that long and pay that much to own something that isn’t even unique anymore? Yet, just as I say this, I discover the latest hot ticket. And yes, ladies, it just happens to be green. The Kooba tote, which is making its second exclusive debut at Barney’s, is made of unbleached organic cotton canvas with recycled metallic cork trim.

I have to admit, it is tres stylish and much more reasonably priced than the Birkin (only $245), but it's yet another “it” bag. If you’re lucky, you may be able to score yourself one online, but from what I’ve heard, the wait list for this summer’s most wanted bag may just rival its overpriced couture counterpart. To each is own, but I say get your own style and bypass this bag.

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Summer seems to call for clutches, diminutive bags that rest ever so lightly on our laps at the Hollywood Bowl or on the side of our chair at a favorite outdoor cafe.

With all the hype about the dangers of resting our hefty handbags on the ground (a filthy habit when you think about what collects on that floor) the strapless little clutch is the way to go when paring down for hot weather. Raffia is becoming a popular fabric for green designers producing decorative bags. A trend is to pair the organic raffia with wood, tiger's eye, crystal or other jeweled adornments that really stand out against the understated canvas.

A great example are the raffia cuties from Mad Imports. (Sara, Kim and Larkyn are major fans.)  I'm truly mad for the site's stunning assortment of clutches like the GiGi design which comes in seven amazing shades with cotton lining and a highly tactile, oversize wooden button accent ($69). The yellow bag is to dye for!

A bit more dressy are the hand-embroidered Heather bags ($79) featuring wildflowers and a snap enclosure, available in four shades. Or go totally groovy with the Opal bag ($75) in a rainbow of pretty colors and adorned with a massive oval wooden button.

More upscale but still green is the Eco-Clutch from Simply Soles, a chic little black number forged from recyled water bottles. The darling clutch ($195) even has a detachable black and white silk floral pin to add or subtract panache.

Even more delicate, the Franchi Rue Raffia Floral Flap Clutch ($97) of woven raffia with a lacy macrame trim in either pink or blue from Zappos. This is a great choice to pair with a cotton dress for an afternoon event.

If you have a big budget for a swank event, splurge on the Raffia Clutch by Anya Hindmarch ($385) at Vivre. It's studded with faceted tiger's eye and a gold diamante snap. The same designer makes a similar raffia clutch with crystal adornments and a tassle.

If you have no budget, fool them with the Limited Edition Straw Wristlet Clutch from standby source, Target for a mere $10.49. It's black and tan and pretty darn chic with a little flower in the corner so you still come out smelling like a rose.

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During the surge in mod furniture in the 60s and 70s, Lucite was all the rage. Lucite, an acrylic product similar to plastic, was used as an alternative to glass. It showed up everywhere - from tables and chairs to bathroom tiles - and was popular for its vibrant luster.

The large amount of lucite products in circulation meant a lot of waste. But lucite is beautiful, and deserves a second life. Fortunately, designers agree. Jewelry designer Rachel Essex has a vintage lucite and plastic pendant collection (shown above). Be sure to check out her pink lucite. (Desiring something more clear? BUZZ has just the thing.)

But its not just lucite that's making a splash. Plastics are showing up in conscious jewelry at an alarming rate - alarming because it's hard to admit to having a preference for plastic jewelry. Batucada Paris has a line of jewelry made from low-impact plastics that is absolutely stunning. Yes - stunning plastic jewelry.

Things really are changing.

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I’m a big believer in Mies van der Rohe’s dictum "less is more". I’d much prefer that you use what already hangs in your closet. And as much as the lesser green in me would love to encourage you to buy a newer, cooler version of this or that, the greenest me would never do such a thing.

But, if you happen to be in the market for a weekend bag - meaning, you’ve never owned one or yours is on its last thread or doesn't match a thing you've bought in the last 2 years - then have I got the bag for you.

This isn’t your “travel to Europe for two weeks” bag, but rather your “sneak away for two days and hopefully no one will notice you’re gone” bag. More specifically, it is the Kantha weekender bag by Rising Tide Fair Trade (RTFT).

Each bag is hand-made from cotton kantha textiles. Any fabric with embroidery stitching that forms or outlines decorative motifs is considered a kantha textile. Traditionally kantha is used to make saris and quilts.


RTFT chooses its kantha fabrics which are then woven into colorful, geometric patterns and made into bags by artisans in a fair trade women’s’ cooperative in West Bengal. The bag trim is cruelty-free dark brown suede or canvas.

And the result is a uniquely rich and sophisticated, not to mention, sturdy bag that measures 12” x 20” x 8” with two 12” suede straps.  The RTFT weekender isn’t cheap at $220, but for a piece of luggage that is sure to last a lifetime and not go out of style? You can’t get much greener than that. They now have coin purses ($24) as well, which couldn’t be cuter.

Go ahead, I trust you to tread and shop wisely.

I’m all about product functionality, but if something doesn’t also look good, then forget it. I love designers who understand what it means to create an extremely stylish product without forsaking purpose, which is why I was drawn to Malcolm Fontier’s collection. I’m quite picky about working details, so I was impressed when this line passed my test.

Since Malcolm’s toiletry cases survived my intense checklist, you can be sure you’re set for all of your upcoming summer getaways. 100% vegan-friendly, these cases sport a large compartment lined with plastic to keep liquids safely tucked away to prevent spilling. They also have a pull out pocket insert, which can be unsnapped for taking a few necessities for a night out. This team really did think of everything.

Note: If you like these toiletry cases, check out the brand’s line of sleek wallets.

If you ask me, when it comes to embellishing my living space, the only thing better than stylish objet is stylish objet with a story behind it. These stunning, hand-painted Bamboo boxes are much more than just home décor: They are the fruits of unrelenting artistic ambition and a brilliantly creative mind.

An only child raised by farmers on the island of Bali, Wayan Genep always aspired to become an artist. With the help of his fellow villagers, Genep learned to skillfully carve and paint. When he made the decision to partner with Novica, his eye-catching crafts became available to décor aficionados like us around the world. (Set of 3 available at Novica for $104.95.)

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Even though I do most of my lounging in my bed and on the cozy couch in my living room, my true relaxation zone has always been my bathroom. Treating myself to facials and deep-conditioning hair treatments helps me to unravel more than reading a good book or watching a classic film.

When you're in a décor frenzy, don't overlook this pivotal area. As you pamper yourself with bubble baths and pedicures after a long day, your surroundings should complement this peaceful method of unwinding. My latest favorite: unique accents that are both functional and charming, these Stone towel hooks are tactile and clever.

Flowing water smooths these earthly wonders lining the riverbeds and coasts of New England, and each one taken for decorative purpose is replaced with a rough stone for nature to take its course. (For more stone-embellished items, take a look at the Stone mugs and Cairn candle holders we have blogged about.) If you’re in need of ornamental hooks for the rest of your home, make sure to check out the Jiv Jiv hooks from Saldendro design that we recently featured as well. (Stone towel hooks available at sponsor VivaTerra for $49 each.)

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