Fashion:
A Sneak Peek at Fall Eco Fashion Trends
By Bonny Osterhage

So many trends, so little time — at least, that’s our thought on the many faces of fall. While we wait patiently for the eco fashion versions to hit the stores, we thought we’d give you a sneak peek at some of our favorite fall looks that you can grab NOW! We’ll be covering all of these and more in upcoming weeks. Until then — enjoy the preview!

Swedish Hasbeens Tassel Loafer

The classic loafer has risen to new heights, with sky-high heels. This veggie tanned leather version has a 4-inch stacked heel that captures the trend perfectly! Available in black or tan. $398 at www.piperlime.com.

Nixxi Slim Fit Purple Pant

Pants as colorful as a box of Crayola crayons are making their mark this season. This purple pair in organic cotton makes a royal statement with a slim fit. $193 at www.nimli.com . Make sure you click on the purple color swatch on the far right to see them.

 
SERIOUSLY?!
Ice Cream that will Definitely Make You Scream!

Chunky Monkey, Chocolate Mint, Cookies and Cream — we have yet to meet an ice cream that didn’t bowl us over. That is, until now! It seems that Arron Liu’s Ice Cream Gallery of Hong Kong is serving up all-natural, fine French ice creams in mouthwatering flavors, including such favorites as Lobster, Foie Gras, Salmon, and Bacon and Egg. And we thought Ben and Jerry were creative. SERIOUSLY?!

Call us prudes, but we like our lobster with drawn butter, not butter flavored ice cream, our salmon with cream cheese and bagels, our Foie Gras with toast points and our bacon and eggs in the morning, piping hot! Do they serve coffee ice cream on the side with the bacon and eggs to round out the meal? The only thing more ridiculous than these outrageous flavors is the outrageous pricing. With the Foie Gras version priced at $800 HKD (that’s $102, folks), we think we’ll stick to good old chocolate and vanilla! www.icecreamgallery.com.hk

 
Beauty:
A Chip off the Old Block (of soap)

We don’t know about you, but bars of soap can leave us a bit lathered up about the mess they leave behind in our soap dishes — not to mention that they can also be slippery little suckers to grip! In an innovative combination of practicality and presentation, Plantlife’s Aromatherapy Soap and Scrub Combo eliminates both problems, by offering all natural soap grains that come with their own exfoliating bag.

Fill the bag with the heavenly scented chips and watch as your bath or shower water turns it into a moisturizing, exfoliating powerhouse of lather. When you’re done, simply squeeze it out and hang it to dry. No soap slime, no teensy slivers to try and grasp. Brilliant! Comes in six luscious scents, including lemongrass, clove, lavender, patchouli, peppermint and vanilla orange. Currently ON SALE for $10 (normally $14.45) at www.plantlife.net.

Click on the apricot to take another 30% off with your White Apricot Exclusive Offer — that makes it $7!

Lifestyle:
I’m a Little Teapot

Remember how much you loved afternoon tea parties as a child? You would set the table with your pretty china, dress up in your mom’s heels and invite all your stuffed animals to partake in your ritual. Capture that luxury again (sans your mom’s heels and stuffed animals) with a beautiful ceramic teapot, handmade by artisans in Tunisia. These beautiful fair trade creations are works of art, with each one intricately hand painted, free-hand style, ensuring that no two are identical. Dishwasher and microwave safe, they are meant to be used and enjoyed. $27.95 at www.greenheartshop.org.

Click the Apricot to Receive 20% Off with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer — That Makes Them $22.36!

Deals & Sales:
Mikuti Captures Fall’s Choker Trend Economically

When it comes to jewelry this fall, chokers are the way to go. Nestled right against your neck, they are the perfect accessory to compliment some of the more structured dresses and suits of the season. The socially responsible company, Mikuti, captures the look in a unique way, with the Furaha collection of chokers. These colorful, fair trade necklaces are handmade in Tanzania by combining the Japanese weaving technique of “Kumihimo” with vibrant Tanzanian wax fabric. Available in four distinct color combinations (shown in Lagoon), they are ON SALE for $28 (normally $35) at www.mikuti.com. Scroll down the page to see the chokers.