Living Large... Living Green!

It's Easy Being Green with Our Eco Friendly Faves

Check out these great ways to introduce a greener way of life in to your world!  LDS is spotlights our Top 10 favorite eco-friendly finds.  This is a great way to begin your transition of going greener in stages that you'll enjoy.  We know you'll love it as much as we do!

Fekkai au Naturel

Natural has never been so luxurious. Frederic Fekkai's Au Naturel collection is ideal for adding movement and body to hair by introducing a plant-based formula.  This product line is free of sulfates, parabens, dyes and synthetic fragrances.  Infused with beneficial essential oils Fekkai au Naturel does not sacrifice texture or scent.  Eco-conscious materials complete the package and the results are flawless.
www.fekkai.com

Korres 

The Golden Goddess Collection features Korres' best-selling color formulas.  This set includes Abyssinia Mascara in Black, Eyeshadows in: Silver, Golden Bronze, Golden Brown and Golden Green, Eyeliner Pencil in Golden and Cherry Oil Lipgloss in Bronze.  Korres is made of natural products and this set is exclusive to Sephora.
www.sephora.com ($39.50)

ECOBAGS

Don't leave home without one!  ECOBAGS Mission is to "clean up the planet one bag at a time" and with style at that!  They are producers of environmentally friendly and socially produced goods.  ECOBAGS consider themselves a "triple bottom line company" focusing on: planet, passion and profit.  Owned and operated by woman, this crunchy-cool company is located near the Hudson River just north of NYC.

Attention LaDolceSwag Readers!  10DOLCE (case sensitive) and this is for 15% off of your entire web purchase, now through April 30, 2010.  Not to be combined with any other offers

Visit www.ecobags.com to pick your favorites today!

Method Home

With so many products to choose from this is our favorite!  A must for every home, the Method Bathroom Cleaning Kit is a staple.  All bases are wiped clean for tiles, tubs and thrones!  le scrub is a gentle abrasive made with milled marble for a deeper clean; lil' bowl blu is a bleach-free bowl cleaner to remove tough stains and ring-around-the-rim; tub 'n tile is a plant derived spray to fight soap scum and mildew stains with no harsh fumes and finally, flushable bathroom wipes perfect for quick clean-ups on sinks, countertops, toilets and tiles.  Method products are biodegradable, non-toxic and have a fresh scent.  Your bathroom will smell like a spa retreat!  www.methodhome.com ($16)

Oceana

Living Blue. Oceana has announced it's second annual Ocean Hero contest.  The contest was such a huge success in its inaugural year, it has been brought back to spotlight and honor individuals who have gone above and beyond to help the ocean. 

Nominations can be made at Oceana.org/heroes.  Nominees of all ages are welcome, and a Junior category has been introduced for those under the age of 18.  Finalists are selected by Oceana and then the winner will be chosen based on the public's vote.  Winners will be announced in conjunction with Oceana's celebration of World Oceans Day this June. 

All finalists will receive a Nautica gift certificate and their stories will be highlighted on Oceana's website.  Winners will receive a $500 gift card from Nautica and a trip to Los Angeles for the "Oceana World Oceans Day with Nautica and GQ" Event on June 8th, 2010.

Last year, winner John Halas, developed a reef buoy mooring system and has installed it in nearly 40 countries.  However our heart was stolen by 12-year old, Casey Sokolovic, who baked cookies and sold organic coffee to raise money for a sea turtle rescue!

Ava Anderson

Recently TV host, Dr. Oz, focused on the toxins in just one cosmetic product: Lipstick.  The list of horrible ingredients was outrageous and of course anyone who applies this lipstick is absorbing that directly through the lips and into their body.  This led me to rethink of what I was exposing my skin to when using moisturizer, toners and facial wash.  It was mind blowing!

Then I heard about Ava Anderson.  Ava Anderson, a 16-years old, native of Rhode Island, created the first ever complete line of skincare products that are 100% non-toxic!  The existing line currently includes: cleanser, toner, exfoliator, moisturizer, lip scrub and eye makeup remover pads.

www.avaandersonnontoxic.com

Greenjets

Lower your carbon footprint WHILE not feeling guilty for flying!  Greenjets has the most affordable jet card, jet charter and shared ride private jet services.  Greenjet Card Memberships offer the smartest way to fly private.  

Sharing the flight with others, while still basking in the luxury of a private plane, reduces the number of jets in the air and the impact on the environment.  Using Greenjets will also save your wallet 50% - 90% off charter - annual guaranteed fixed seat prices!

• New York - Florida as low as $1,400
• New York - Chicago as low as $1,400
• New York - Los Angeles as low as $2,800

7,052 flights saved*		10,578 seats filled*		3,490,740 gallons of fuel saved*		37,048 tons of CO2  saved*
Based on projected year-1 of flight activity

Arranging travel through Greenjets is also super easy.  Simply input your trip details online or call: 800-916-5387 and a concierge will contact you to arrange the flight.  

Attention LaDolceSwag Californian readers: During March, California residents booking seats or buying Greenjetcard Memberships enjoy a 20% discount!  www.flygreenjets.com

LunchBots

Snacking just became even more fabulous with 100% stainless steel lunch and snack containers!  This eco-friendly alternative is a durable and reusable solution that avoids using plastic containers and disposable baggies.

Uno containers are ideal for sandwiches, wraps and salads while the smaller Pico are perfect for quick bites.  Great for packing healthy lunches for work, a convenient nibble on the road or for children's "waste-free" lunches at school.

Get better?  They are dishwasher safe!  www.lunchbots.com

Skinny Bitch in the Kitch

Who needs "Skinny Girl" when there is a Skinny Bitch in the Kitch?  LDS has been a fan of the Skinny Bitch series for ages, but the votes are in and these girls can kick-ass when it comes to cooking!

Let the gals help you revamp your meals.  Stop cooking crap and start looking HOT!  

They heard your whining and authors (i.e. self-proclaimed pigs,) Rory and Kim understand life without lasagna isn't a life worth living.  Or how chocolate cake is vital to survival.  They are here to prove you can keep your SB standard AND eat like a whale!

Check out:

Bitchin’ Breakfasts PMS (Pissy Mood Snacks) Sassy Soups and Stews

Down Home Cookin’ Grown-Up Appetizers Happy Endings (Desserts)

And a ton more!  They are all sooooooo good (and easy to make)... it's a freak-out factor of plus ten!  Seriously, WHAT are you waiting for?  Get your skinny tush in the kitchen! http://bit.ly/9gm3S6 ($14.95)

Frégate Private Island

Located just four degrees south of the equator, Fregate Private Island is accessible by a 20 minute scenic flight from Mahe.  Rising just 410 feet above the Indian Ocean, this island symbolizes tropical paradise at its best.

Covering only one square mile, Fregate is the most remote and secluded of all the Seychelles granite islands.  Boasting seven white beaches and a vibrant coral reef, the resort hosts no more than 40 guests at a time.  

The resort offers 16 private villas and there is no airstrip; however there is a helicopter pad and marina.  The island is also exclusive to its guests as no day visitors allowed.  Each villa is also positioned to guarantee ultimate privacy.  Each villa has a large terrace with day bed and private jacuzzi to extend the living area.  Villas are also decorated with colonial-style furnishings and state of the art technology.  Cell phone reception is also clear.  www.fregate.com (starting at $1,660 per person/night)

LaDolceSwag... doing it's best to save the world, one step at a time!

We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. We chose the merchandise that creates the BUZZ. To purchase merchandise or for more information, please contact: info@ladolceswag.com


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Sweet Dreams are Made of These

Welcome to my dreams. At night music and fashion dance through my head. A parallel universe waits for me each time I close my eyes and think in song                                                         




Items in this set:

Chanel t-shirt
Leather biker jacket, $2,295
Belted Plaid Shorts, $20
Fernando - Black, $925
Lulu Guinness Union Jack Lips Clutch, $675

We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. We chose the merchandise that creates the BUZZ. To purchase merchandise or for more information, please contact: info@ladolceswag.com


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I Love a Rainy Night!

I am not a fan of rain.  HOWEVER, it does hold a very special place in my heart because I love splashing around in puddles with stylish umbrellas to go with my fun Wellies!

Recently I discovered Davek New York, an upscale line of umbrellas specially designed for strength and durability.  The umbrellas are not only very aesthetically pleasing, but they are extremely reliable engineered to combat the most extreme weather conditions while withstanding the test of time.  So much that Davek New York even extends an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee.

Choose from four different styles as well as various gift packs.  I happen to really love TheTRAVELER ($79):

TheSOLO ($99)

TheDUET ($149)

TheGOLF ($99)

Now go stay dry!

We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. We chose the merchandise that creates the BUZZ. To purchase merchandise or for more information, please contact: info@ladolceswag.com
 

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I Want It... I Need It... I MUST HAVE IT!

Due to popular demand, I am about to share with you again my prized Rolodex of the best online shopping haunts!  Over the years I have jotted down everything I love, articles I've read and pieces that I must have for my collections with hopes of one day writing a Fashion Encyclopedia of all the great finds every woman should own from A - Z.

WPR?

Why Pay Retail?  Are you shopping in all the right places?

Below are links to the best of the best; however there are a few you must have the inside track and be invited 

to. For those, shoot us a note at: info@ladolceswag.com and we'll add your name to the proverbial guest list for your very own invite!

The Sample Sale: great back pocket site for the likes of Max Studio, Nine West and Laundry

http://bit.ly/adEu9k

Billion Dollar Babe: amazing finds from my favorites, Michelle Vale as well as vintage Chanel & Louis Vuitton.

http://bit.ly/bCJnLz

Haute-Look: Gucci, Cartier, Kate Spade... Oh My!

http://bit.ly/9JiDVT

Gilt: perfect laundry list of everything from Marc Jacobs to Burberry footwear.

http://bit.ly/ayj3qV

Ideeli: beautiful evening bags and AMAZING Badgley Mischka shoes! best giveaways HANDS-DOWN. Plus, their Red Clearance Sales are famous.

http://bit.ly/akHIv7

Rue LaLa: Cavalli, Kors and Frette... need I say more?

http://bit.ly/cXgED5

Stella & Dot: just what the doctor ordered for when you are over KJL!

www.stelladot.com/ladolceswag

Other staple online shops:

Bluefly.com Net-a-porter.com Couturelab.com theoutnet.com

And don't be a fool, make sure to drop us an email so we can include you on a few other sites that are invite only! Oh so exclusive :)~

Remember... you don't have to have a million bucks to look like it!

We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. We chose the merchandise that creates the BUZZ. To purchase merchandise or for more information, please contact: info@ladolceswag.com


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Yummy... Life. Lick it!

"Guess who's back... back again!"

Kirstie Alley! 

And I cannot wait to see this Sunday, March 21st at 10 pm,  what she is about to "dish" on the upcoming premier of her A&E television show, "KIRSTIE ALLEY'S BIG LIFE™".

With "Team Kirstie" on her side, Kirstie Alley has emerged as one of the great actresses of her generation, proving time and again that she is capable of great depth and range, with a comedic timing second to none. “KIRSTIE ALLEY'S BIG LIFE™,” a docu-series for A&E, which chronicles the many aspects of her extraordinary life, from her battle with weight loss to her role as a single mother trying to raise two normal teenagers.

One of our lucky readers at LaDolceSwag will win a their very own KIRSTIE ALLEY'S BIG LIFE™ gift to help them get a head-start on bathing suit season!  Simply make sure you become a fan of ours on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and retweet: 

Follow & Retweet @LaDolceSwag to win a fun prize package from "KIRSTIE ALLEY'S BIG LIFE™" Tune in Sunday for the Premiere!

From A&E TV: 

A&E presents "KIRSTIE ALLEY'S BIG LIFE™," a new real-life series that chronicles the extraordinary life of Golden Globe and two-time Emmy winner Kirstie Alley from her journey with her weight loss program to her life as a single mother trying to raise two normal teenagers in the Hollywood spotlight. The series premieres Sunday, March 21 at 10PM ET/PT with back-to-back episodes.

Many people remember Kirstie as a Romulan-Vulcan officer in Star Trek II, a sexy Emmy-winner as Rebecca Howe in “Cheers,” the star of blockbuster films Look Who’s Talking and Drop Dead Gorgeous and of course, for her star turns in “Veronica's Closet” and “Fat Actress.” For three decades Kirstie has been making headlines and staying in the forefront of the American conscience. Now, she’s granting her fans unprecedented access inside her life…and what a life it is.

“This show has been cathartic for me...shown me who I really am...again,” says Alley, “And it’s really freaking funny.”

Good Luck! 

We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. We chose the merchandise that creates the BUZZ. To purchase merchandise or for more information, please contact: info@ladolceswag.com


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Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow.

You've heard of Taxi Cab Confessions, well this is my Closet Confession.

Welcome to My Cathedral.

My whole world could be falling apart at the seams, but if there is one thing that everyone knows about me, despite any turmoil, crisis, natural disaster or messy house, my closet is always impeccable.  First divided by styles: dresses, pants, skirts, jackets, shirts, etc. and then by color.  My hand bags all nestled away in their own sleeper bags lined up like soldiers, and my collection of shoes are each in their own clear box from my beloved church, The Container Store.  Each pair of tall boots are arranged in a row so one boot faces in and the other out. This way I can easily pick and choose which color and heel would go best with my outfit.  Wooden hangers are always matching and face the same way, while sweaters are folded in a hanging rack so each one can be surveyed carefully.  Tucked away in a translucent rectangle box are my collection of scarves neatly folded in tiny squares.  And my socks are stored in wicker boxes, while my vast array of wallets are kept inside the original boxes - then in a sturdy bamboo container.  Four fabric suitcases house my collection of costume jewelery and sunglasses.  Each belt dangles from it's own hook. Get the picture?  My closet is my art collection. My Warhol.  My masterpiece.  My heart.  It brings me happiness in a chaotic world.

What's the problem with this Fashionista's paradise?  I've run out of room and I feel like I have the lead in "Sophie's Choice" and need to choose which of my children to go!

Time for spring cleaning.

I have always lived by the cardinal rule you can never have enough accessories.  If you know me, I don't skimp or buy junk, I can't do it.  I constantly think about what a waste of money it is, and I always end up not loving it, donating it or worse, throwing it out.  I'd rather wait, save my pennies and splurge on the classics.  I also have no problems spending money on haircuts or facial products because those are the two fashion items I am stuck with for the rest of my life, wear everyday and I they cannot be replaced.  

Before I go further, contrary to popular belief, I am not, and I repeat, am NOT a shopaholic or addicted to shopping.  I'm too poor to be a shopaholic. There is no amount of credit that could afford this supposed "shopping" addiction title I've been branded with.  I won't lie, I adore fashion, I love window shopping, I can spend endless hours thumbing through glossies, adding tear sheets to my style binder and my wants to my wish board. When I spot something I must have, I save up and creatively figure out a way to grab it before it sells out!  Also, it cannot be ignored that for the last 12 years of my life I've been employed as a professional shopper.  I am paid to know the latest rage and fashion trends.

Clothes on the other hand are another story.  I have a very keen (i.e. expensive) eye for the classics.  It's pretty simple, I refuse to spend a ton of money on trendy pieces.  I have this exceptional radar where I can peruse a whole store and automatically zone in on *the* perfect classic item with laser beams zooming out of my peeps.  Then, "viola!"  Just what I figured, out of every piece, without even knowing who the designer is, without fail, I hone in on the most expensive piece possible only to have my heart broken that I now have "another" thing to save for and add to my board.  

While some say this is a curse, I think it's a blessing because my instincts have never been wrong, I never question it, and my closet is filled with timeless classic pieces and silhouettes that will withstand the test of time. Perfect example: Gladiator Sandals.  I hate them.  But I recognize they are in style right now.  This is a piece you cannot go and buy a cheap pair.  They are on every runway that you'll be able to spot the imitations a mile away.  That being said, I don't care how "in" they are at the moment, but I would never go and spend a lot of money on a pair.  So I'm taking my money elsewhere.  I'll invest a little more and buy a great pair of strappy metallic sandals that will not only stand out amongst EVERYONE else and their mother donning the gladiator gear, but I'll be able to wear these treats for the next few years until they are so old they are falling apart!

Time to get back on track... What goes and what stays?

Keep one, toss two!

Do I... wear it?

Do I... love it?

Does it fit?

The "What ifs...?"

So why do I have so much guilt hanging on to some of my junk collection?  The "mistake" purchases.  It's the nagging, "What ifs...?"  What if... I gain weigh?  Loose weight?  Get pregnant?  Or the WORST... What if it comes back in style?????  Then I start with the scenarios... dear Lord, please help me: "What if I have a 'wedding' in 'New York City' in 'December'?"  C'mon, Nicole!!!!!  Or, "I *could* have a business meeting in San Fran in October."  I can't believe I'm so married to these single pieces that I'm willing to hold on to my non-classics for the chance that "something" may happen!  What's worse, is these pieces are trendy fashion pieces.  Meaning, they are good for one season.  If I still keep them past the six-month mark, or even in to the following season, I'm bound to act like a mom who is still thinks it's OK to wear long preppy skirts with wigwam socks and penny loafers!  

Since fashion is all about creating a story, the less money your "it" piece is the more money it's going to take you to make it look like a million.  You need to make sure you add all the bells & whistles.  But that tried and true LBD hanging in your closet can be dressed up, dressed down, for work, dinner or out on the town.  Change your earrings and necklace and it's just as wonderful as that crisp clean white button-down I always gush about.

So where did I go wrong?  Just because something still fits and I looked good in it once doesn't mean I should keep it.  Please grant me the strength to get through this project and not hold on to things for sentimental (or made up sentimental) reasons.  

One day soon I too will have a chandelier hanging in the middle of my closet, but until then, here are some of the ones I dream of at night when I lay my head down on my soft pillow.  Zzzzzzzzzz.

We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. We chose the merchandise that creates the BUZZ. To purchase merchandise or for more information, please contact: info@ladolceswag.com


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