White Apricot

Beautiful Basics at Sweet Skins

All fabulous wardrobes start with a good foundation of basics. Think of them as the building blocks that, although they can proudly stand alone, can be layered and combined with other pieces in your closet for endless, wearable options.  Sweet Skins Clothing has mastered the art of the basics beautifully, offering a broad selection of hemp, organic cotton and eco fleece essentials that no green girl should be without.

What began in Designer Mira Fannin’s garage has grown into a well recognized name in the eco fashion industry for classic, simple designs that are as easy to wear as they are effortlessly chic. Shown here are the popular hemp cotton jersey Scoop Neck Tank Dress (left/ $70), the feminine, long Wraparound Skirt, in a hemp-organic cotton blend (center/$95), and the oh so comfy, French terry Pocket Hoodie (right/$95), perfect to snatch up as we start to transition to fall. Check out the entire line at www.sweetskins.com.

Click the Apricot to Receive 15% Off with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer!

“Comfortable” and “stiletto” go together about as well as plastic shoes and French Couture — until now! Eco friendly Melissa Shoes has once again teamed with French Fashion Legend Jean Paul Gaultier, and the result breaks all the rules. Proving his creative genius, Gaultier has created a stunning, sleek, strappy,4-inch stiletto from Melissa’ssignature recycled andrecyclableplastic. Unbelievably sexyandglamorous, these shoes are works of art, with interesting details and lines.But, the best part is that the plastic conforms to your foot, making this one of the most (dare we say it) comfortable stilettos you will ever wear. $260 and available for pre-order at www.kaightshop.com.

Deep in the heart of Texas is a designer who has a heart for environmental and social causes. Based out of Austin, Catherine Nicole creates everyday, reasonably priced, wearable jewelry designs, which are often inspired by her travels abroad, and donates a portion of her sales to various charities. Crafted from recycled metals, vintage materials, and multifaceted crystals and gemstones, each Catherine Nicole piece is handmade and as unique as the woman who wears it. Woman’s Wear Daily has recognized this creative designer as “one to look out for.” We can see why!

Shown above (from left to right) are the Helena Necklace in Sky, made with Chalcedony Quartz and vintage gold dipped chain ($116); the cloisonne Layla Earrings in Morrocan Blue ($76); and the Claire Bracelet in Carribean, made with Carnelian and vintage gold dipped chain ($96). View the entire collection, which includes bridal and a really cool line for men, at www.catherinenicole.com.

We love a great buy on a hot item. So when we discovered these super fun, supersized rings from Muichic, for under $30, we went nuts! Each of these colorful chunks is made from a Tagua Nut and has a wonderful, unfinished quality. The natural dyes bring out the unique grain found in each one-of-a-kind ring and make for an array of interesting colors and patterns. Available in three styles and five colors. At only $20-$26, get one for every outfit!  www.muichic.com.

GIANNA Helps Others Help Themselves

Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime. That adage could apply to the efforts of GIANNA, an organization led by Gianna Driver. Gianna's mother was a mail-order bride from the Philippines. The marriage did not work out, and Gianna and her mother moved to a women’s shelter, which is where Gianna spent the majority of her childhood. That is why she is so committed to helping disadvantaged women in poor rural villages and urban slums around the world. How? By identifying those who are currently producing a beautiful craft, and helping them to improve their skills and market their products.

By working with these artisans to create products that combine indigenous designs with modern function and elegance, GIANNA is helping them to improve not only their lives, but also the lives of those in their communities. From scarves and shawls to home accessories and bedding, GIANNA is changing the world, one purchase at a time. Visit www.giannafairtrade.com to learn more.