Eco-gifts for Mother's Day

This Sunday, we celebrate the family matriarch with breakfast-in-bed, flowers, or a long-awaited phone call. Mother’s Day is payback day. After years of being told to turn off the lights when not in the room or wearing hand-me-downs, you’ve become the poster child for environmental stewardship. Thank her with an eco-friendly gift.

Give her that Calgon "take me away"-moment with a gift-set of natural bath salts from Joyful Bath Co. Chief Bath Mixologist, Rochel Roland, creates organic concoctions with therapeutic benefits from healing muscle aches and pains to promoting energy and mental clarity. The Bethesda-based company has six signature bath salts (8 – 10 oz. jars).

Say I Love You with an “Envelope Letter” charm necklace by Lanyapi Designs. The repurposed charm holds a fingernail-size thin gold-filled sheet revealing a secret message (of course, we can’t tell you or else it wouldn’t be a secret!). All charm necklaces from Lanyapi Designs are one-of-a-kind.

Even mom’s can look sexy. The figure-flattering Twistflower Dress by ecoSkin hugs the curves while playing it modest with the arm and hem lengths. The super-soft, environmentally sustainable fabric is woven, dyed and sewn in the USA. ecoSkin is sold at Hysteria.

Complement the ecoSkin dress with an oversize clutch by Nazly Villamizar. Working with Colombian artisans, Villamizar uses jute, a natural fiber sustainably grown in Colombia. The clutch is fully lined and hand dyed with 100% vegetable products. Sold online at Virtuarte.

Better yet, treat her to an eco-fashion styling service by My Signature Look. After a mini-lesson on “eco-fashion”, she will be introduced to DC retailers stocked with eco-friendly clothes and accessories. She will walk away eco-chic!

michaelTHOMAS Menswear is a House of Style

Menswear designer Michael Warren feels the weight of a house on his shoulders. The 26- year-old designer hails from a family of trendsetters, following their lead to create a smart collection of the ultimate men’s accessory: the bowtie.

The DC native affectionately labeled his line, michaelTHOMAS, after his cousin, Thomas. “michaelTHOMAS is the direct extension of not just my personal style but character,” Warren says. “The bowtie and necktie are traditional items, but my evolved style allows them to speak a new language to the new modern gentleman around town.”

Warren uses fabrics ranging in natural and synthetic fibers from denim to colored linen, sourced from Los Angeles, New York and DC, cut to the tie’s iconic angular shape. The collection, produced in New York, features prints and bold colors to suit every man’s point of view.

Of course, the question begs, can a young professional male sport a bowtie without appearing grandfatherly?

He only has to follow Warren’s lead. Warren modernizes the style by pairing his ties with a vest, sweater, button-downs tucked squarely into fitted jeans and sneakers.

“My target audience is the young modern man of the great metropolitan cities. These gentlemen range from the age 19 to 33 years of age. These gentlemen are the pace-setters amongst their friends, the staple of style in their office, and the gentleman that turns the eyes when he walks in any room.

“The gentlemen of this age segment are gaining much momentum in their career and don’t intend to stop. From fashion to government to entertainment. These men within the next 10 years will be the major influencers of their fields and michaelTHOMAS is that brand that will grow with them. Everyman my not be for michaelTHOMAS, but I there is piece of the brand in every man outside of the target audience, I just seek them out,” Warren explains. Point taken.

When Warren is not designing, he is working as a visual curator and independent wardrobe consultant in Los Angeles. Warren recently showcased his collection at DC’s vintage treasure trove, Treasury.

M29 Lifestyle Boutique

Stay-cation holds new meaning after visiting M29 Lifestyle boutique. Georgetown’s newest shopping destination localizes its parent company, Strategic Hotels Inc., international presence to give the customer a resort experience without leaving home.

Visually speaking, the store’s décor successfully invites the consumer to romanticize about long walks on the beach donning a flowing kaftan (for her) and summer-appropriate tees (for him) or taking a bike ride on an Areaware bike (lightweight and foldable!). A faint breeze reminiscent of Cabo San Lucas or the Bahamas permeates the 1,000 square foot space. Think haute gypsy jetsetters versus Lily Pulitzer-bound for the Hamptons. Art commissioned from two national galleries juxtaposes the industrial walls, complementing the colorful print floor pillows and rugs. Candles and scented soaps by Lucia and coffee-table books disguise as set props. All for sale, of course.

That is the danger M29 presents to the consumer’s wallet. Everything is for sale when everything works perfectly into your ideal resort-inspired home and lifestyle.

The staff’s selection of clothing, jewelry, and home accessories highlights their panache for luxury goods while being eco-conscious. You will find tunics by Calypso, one-of-a-kind tanks and tees by Alp-N-Rock, and kaftans by Chan Luu. There is something for him, too. Sunglasses by Beryll and Robert Charles’ silver cufflinks increases the cool-factor. For tots, dress in darling tees or watch them play with handmade Jess Brown dolls or doodle on the “White” box.

“Every designer we bring in has a story and we want our consumers to have that dialogue with them when they buy their product,” says store manager, Allison Wylder. “We carry limited items to ensure shoppers have something exclusive.” The store plans to host monthly trunk and meet the designer events.

Mental note: Stay-cation at M29 Lifestyle allows you to escape without the airfare. Shopping for yourself or a loved one just got easier. M29 is located at 2900 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.

Aveda raises funds for clean water

Aveda continues its support of clean water initiatives this month by raising funds for local projects. What began as a day of awareness in 1990 has grown into a month-long international effort, raising $14.2 million.

Did you know that 1 in 7 people lack access to clean water? The Aveda Institute of DC draws attention to this alarming statistic through an awareness campaign aptly during Earth Day month. The eco-friendly salon and retail chain is hosting store events to raise money for Potomac Conservancy. The Institute aims to raise $12,000.

Events (Gallery Place location, 7th Street NW)

April 14: $15 haircuts at 5:30 p.m., RSVP 202.824.1624

April 17: Belle Couleur Jewelry Trunk Show – handmade wire wrapped, pearl and beaded jewelry.

April 20: Special services only from 5:30-8:00 pm, RSVP required:
• $10 express facials,
• $10 shampoo blow-outs,
• $10 cuticle treatments and polish change with our new luxury vegan nail lacquers,
• Umbrellas for first 40 guests that come in.

May 1: Earth Day Fashion Show - $20 tickets; 7:30-10:00 p.m. featuring DC Fashion Week designers, drink specials, door prizes and a silent auction. Call Aveda for tickets, (202) 824 -1624.

The Potomac Conservancy aims to protect water quality through land protection and land use practices in the greater Washington area. On Saturday, April 10, the Conservancy will be hosting clean-up events at several sites throughout the watershed, including:

• The River Center at Lockhouse 8, Cabin John, MD
• Bear Branch Stream Valley, Adamstown, MD
• Fletcher’s Boathouse, Washington, DC
• Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington, DC
• Tenfoot and Sharpshin Islands via Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, VA

To volunteer, contact Deanna Tricarico, tricarico@potomac.org of (301) 608-1188 x204.

Spring forward with a Bohemian-inspired wardrobe

Peace, love and happiness. Spring weather simply commands liberation, unapologetically. Say goodbye to your wool sweaters and trousers and knee-high boots and hello to flower-induced spring dresses, cork wedges, and cross-body strapped purses. Capture that spirit by springing forward with a Bohemian-inspired wardrobe a la eco-chic fashion.

For Her – dress, shoes, handbag, and Melissa Lew necklace from Cherry Blossom collection

Calypso St. Barth

Calypso’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection builds upon the brand’s appeal to the global woman with clothes and accessories perfect for cherry blossom viewing. It boasts light-weight trousers, long tees, and maxi and knee-length cotton dresses. Personal favorite is the Lourdes dress, all-figure flattering with a flower print, pockets and capped sleeves.

Calypso is sold at Ginger.

Katie Kalsi Handbags

Designer Katie Kalsi channels her Bohemian spirit into a collection of handbags that are both whimsical and bold. The minimalist sneaks in with limited shapes and colors (boho, doctor, messenger, and clutch) but teased with touches of rivets, fabric choice, or hardware such as solid brass and nickel. Kalsi’s “IT” bag is the interchangeable strap bag featuring signature designs from her contemporary art – a favorite among entertainment celebrities.

Far from the Hollywood glitz, Kalsi works in a converted barn on her parents’ estate in Tennessee. There, she develops the concept which is then sent to production in factories in both Texas and New Jersey. The Kalsi collection is sold online and in specialty boutiques.

Salpy

Slip into a pair of Salpy clogs and tread lightly on Mother Earth. Husband and wife duo Salpy Kalaidjian and Kevork Kalaidjian create designer women’s shoes made with feather light wood bases and hand-tooled leather. Salpy shoes are available as high heels, clogs, and slides. Opt for bright colors such as “ocean” and mango.

Salpy is sold at Simply Soles.

For Him – trousers, shoes, and cuff

Panda Snack and Red Engine

Wear your eco-sensibilities with Panda Snack sportswear. The husband/wife designer duo produces a collection of polo shirts, jackets and trousers made from bamboo.

Up the cool factor with a pair of vintage denim jeans by Red Engine. The LA-based company may import denim from across the pond (Europe) but keeps production at home.

Panda Snack and Red Engine are sold at Caramel.

TOMS Shoes

Spread the love every time you wear your TOMS. Founder and head designer, Blake Mycoskie, donates a pair of TOMS shoes to children in developing countries for every pair sold. Choose from the new vegan collection, shoes made from a blend of recycled products, faux suede insoles and rubber outsoles. TOMS is sold at Nordstrom, Sassanova, Shoe Fly and online.

Fisticuffs

Local designer John Davis takes vintage belts and other second-hand leather and fashions into edgy cuffs. Fisticuffs is sold at Meeps Vintage.

Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Mojee Design

It is 10 p.m. and Mojee Shokri’s creative juices begin to percolate. The luxe jewelry designer retreats to her design studio to mull over an inventory of semi-precious stones and fresh-water pearls scavenged from her travels in Southeast Asia, Turkey, and Iran. She remains steadfast weighing her options until inspiration strikes and the pattern is sketched in memory. Only then does she call it a day – as dawn breaks.

Shokri’s non-traditional work hours suit her personality and equally her collections: bold and ambitious. Her restless spirit led her to DC from Iran to study ten years ago and one art class later, she found her vocation as an artist.

She honed her skills in photography and painting before perfecting her craft in jewelry design. The only thing missing was her enterprise.

In true entrepreneurial-fashion, she knocked on the doors of the nation’s capital most reputable jewelry stores and introduced herself to Washington’s elite.

“I was young but persistent,” says the now 30-year-old. “If you love what you do then you just have to get yourself out there.”

Her collections are sold at Keith Lipert Gallery, Wink, and Muleh, and have been featured in Lucky, DC Modern Luxury, and Washingtonian Magazine, the latter crowning her as one of DC’s most beautiful people.

“Like my collections, I tend to have an eye for unique pieces, whether it is shoes, clothing, or jewelry. I describe my own personal style as chic and edgy. I always like to include a touch of something unique to accent what I’m wearing, just as my designs tend to have a touch of flare that makes the jewelry standout,” Shokri says.

When she is not attending to her jewelry (all produced by hand), she consults with her sister in Iran regarding their wedding planning business or scours artisan markets in remote parts of the world or studies the latest trends.

Shokri’s spring/summer 2010 collection, available online, borrows from Roman architecture and decadence reined in by softer colors and one statement stone or pendant.

“The collections evolve over time,” Shokri says. “But this season’s pieces are some of my most proud designs.” Just another’s day work.

Earthworks cites eco-luxe jewelry designer Alberto Parada in recent report

In February, Earthworks released its findings on how jewelers and retailers fared in ethical sourcing of metals. The DC-based advocacy group behind the No Dirty Gold Campaign rated 39 jewelers between February and October 2009.

Among the small jewelry designers was Alberto Parada. The award-winning eco-luxe designer received a B grade, which translates to 11 points earned in 16 areas. His signatory to the No Dirty Gold Campaign puts him in the company of 20 retailers and designers in the small to medium-sized jewelers category. Brilliant Earth earned top billing with 13 points (grade A).

The signatories of the No Dirty Gold campaign’s “Golden Rules” principles agree to use cleaner gold suppliers. These suppliers must adhere to 10 tenants of protecting workers, communities and the environment. Parada uses 100% recycled gold and buys metals and diamonds from certified mines in Canada. His gems are sourced from Brazil in raw and cut locally.

In two-short years, Parada has gained national attention for his luxurious line thanks to collaboration on the runway with leading fashion designers and features in national publications such as Organic Spa and Boho. For the former jewelry appraiser turned designer, the real achievement is raising the profile of eco-jewelry.

“It is not enough to educate retailers on the importance of sustainable jewelry, but the consumers must be equally aware,” the DC designer says.

Consumers have played a critical role in exposing the fashion industry’s supply practices through anti-sweatshop and “shaming” campaigns. The jewelry industry is not indifferent to the repercussions of societal impacts. Earthworks’ depiction of the gold industry as “one of the dirtiest industries” is supported by claims that the average large gold mine uses 1,900 tons of cyanide per year and a single gold ring generates 20 tons of mine waste.

“It is amazing the amount of waste that occurs,” Parada echoes. “I choose to use recycled gold because I believe it is the right thing to do.”

In addition to signing the Golden Rules (GR), Parada has conduced a supply audit, shared the audit results with the No Dirty Campaign, and incorporated the GR into his policies and contracts.


The self-taught designer carries that spirit of transparency into the design process from the initial sketch to the goldsmith’s touch. His sketches are a study in architecture and color – a Frank Lloyd Wright meets Georgia O’Keefe – creating a visual for honesty and self-expression. The “Roman” ring, in particular, demonstrates the harmonic blend of three gold bands (yellow, white and rose) fastened by a strip of three inset diamonds, perhaps a symbolic gesture for creating a platform for different worldviews working toward a common good.

In May, Parada will launch his spring/summer collection with an unveiling at Mystique Jewelers. The collection boasts more rose gold, moonstone, and onyx, the latter a new addition to Parada’s oeuvre of stones.

To learn more about Earthworks, visit their Web site and download the Tarnished Gold? Assessing the jewelry industry’s progress on ethical sourcing of metals report.