GREEN Businesses Promote People, Planet and Profit

Image via Wikipedia

Many of you know that your closet is full of garments made from countries all over the world.  I cannot say that I am void of these. I mean, let's face it. We are living in one of the hardest economies of our time.  However, without getting too political, "we must be the change we wish to see in the world" (Ghandi).

After the fabulous Belladonna Marie fashion show, on Portland's waterfront OBB, I received some engaging feedback from fans, press, buyers, and even the models.  Even though, admittedly, being a 'green' designer is extremely challenging, the feedback reiterated why I decided to become a designer in the first place.

Every time I create a B.Marie look, I am not only excited about the style created, but also the ethical grounds that each look stands upon. 

I know that it is hard to commit to a completely 'green' lifestyle, especially when finances are tough.  I do think, however, that if more people understood what was involved in producing garments, inorganically, they may reconsider their purchases, despite the costs. 

Without going to far into this, and boring you to death, I hope this makes you reconsider your buying decisions. Support the 'green' designers, or at least the local businesses.


Thanks for reading.

Totes Can Be a Girl's Best Friend

Image by See-ming Lee 李思明 SML via Flickr

We all know, as women, that a handbag can complete you.  These days there are enough styles and versions of handbags to match the periphery of personalities that women possess.

My go-to bag, and thank the style world that it is still 'in', is a tote.  I recently stumbled upon the best one out there. It matches everything in my wardrobe, has style to 'boot' and is designed by one of my all-time, American designers, Michael Kors!! 

If you want it NOW, order it here. I know, we just can't help ourselves, right?
http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod9270018&parentId=cat8519&masterId=cat8501&index=8&cmCat=cat000000cat8501cat8519

The best thing about a bag like this, is you could put your entire bathroom and closet inside. 

If you aren't currently in the "Michael Kors" salary department, Elle is selling it at a discounted price of $298.  Of course, bags like this can be found at places like H&M. You might be surprised at what you find at thrift stores, as well.  Although it won't be a Michael Kors, it can still be a show stopper in your day to day style.

Have fun shopping and look forward to tomorrow's style advice.

XOXO,

J

Diamonds are not a Girl's Best Friend

Image via Wikipedia

Have you seen Blood Diamond or any documentary on where diamonds actually come from? If you haven't, please check out the video below. If you have, refresh your memory with the clip, or read on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH05ADGdWAE&feature=related
It may seem strange that I, as a fashion writer, am writing about this issue.  But to me, it is a perfect topic for the fashion community to be discussing.  Diamonds are the center of what woman, in this world, deem to be most beautiful, most luxurious, and most desired. Although I do not take this platform to tell women, or men for that matter, to buy or not to buy diamonds.  I do, however, encourage all to be informed of where they are coming from.

Although Blood Diamond is not the only film that was made about this ongoing issue, I would like to thank those involved for placing it into mainstream media.  At the end of the film, the true stories of how most diamonds are sourced begins to be linked, and a representative is finally allowed to speak about the truth behind it.  Please watch this clip now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfVH25sK0KA&feature=related
I encourage you to watch this film, if you have not seen it.  My hope is that discussions around this issue will eventually lead to less hate, and NO crimes to obtain diamonds.  Human life is the purest luxury, and no soul is worth more than another.  Let's stop the violence.