RISE AND SHINE
by Carrie Pollare, Editor
Here in sunny California, we're all about casual chic. We run around in tank tops, leggings and hoodies...but they're all perfectly put together and typically feature at least one recognizable designer piece. For us, it has to be comfortable, but looking good is equally important. This Malibu-esque sense of style has certainly taken the mainstream fashion world by storm. But, suffice it to say that we have not come across an eco friendly clothing line yet that epitomizes luxurious, California casual, chic as well as the collection from California Rising. It's cool...it's sexy...and it's comfy. The line, which includes dresses, tops, tanks, hoodies, skirts and pants, as well as a very hip men's collection and the most wonderful hats (below right), is made from organic cotton, hemp and the company's exclusive and luscious "slub" fabric, which co-owner and designer Jules Blaine Davis describes as "perfect imperfection" because imperfections are deliberately knitted over and over again into the fabric. Trust us...it creates a great look.
Then there is the dynamic duo behind the line, Jules and her husband, Joshua Lloyd Fischer (the business head), who are so genuine and exuberant about doing good in the world and giving back and, quite frankly, they're infectuous. Jules is an artist in every sense of the word. Make sure you check out the descriptions of the clothes. She literally gives the pieces personalities and they're a fun read. We're waiting with baited breath for the launch of her next collection, entitled "Tragically Beautiful," in which Jules examines beautiful images that, under the surface, aren't very beautiful, like an oil spill that forms the shape of a tree, all of which are artfully depicted on the clothes. According to Jules and Joshua, California Rising means "ever being the optimist." We like their style. www.californiarising.com
Make sure you check out our "Seriously?" feature, where we bring you eco products & stories that are (how can we say) crazy, nuts or "over the top."
LINDA LOUDERMILK
Linda Loudermilk could be described as the most "couture" of the eco fashion designers. After all, she invented, coined and owns the trademark to the term "luxury eco" and has been a true pioneer in the green fashion movement, often the first to work with new sustainable fabrics. For us, her collections are all about dramatic, high style elegance with an edge and her fall collection is absolutely striking. www.lindaloudermilk.com
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A – Saswashi wool jacket with organic cotton stretch pant
B – Lyocell (wood pulp) top and bamboo ribbed pant
C – Bamboo fleece dress
D – Kapoke top, natural fiber organic cotton stretch pant
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PLASTIC MADE PERFECT — PART II
by Laurel House
Last weekend, I found myself stuck in the ultimate environmentalist’s predicament. It was hot. I was on-the-verge-of-passing-out dehydrated. Somehow I spaced and forgot my favorite red Sigg at home. With neither a drinking fountain, nor an actual restaurant vending proper beverages sold in glass glasses, my only hope was to choose between the plastic water bottle or Diet Coke-filled styrofoam, peddled out of a push cart… I opted for the water.
The clear container fit so snuggly in my hand. But as I brought the bottle up to my lips to take my first quenching sip, all I could think about was the black sticky petroleum that went into making that seemingly chaste bottle filled with flavorless water, once considered the definition of purity. The fact is that, despite the brilliant marketing campaign, water contained in plastic bottles is absolutely anything but “pure,” unless you call gasoline (which is also made from petroleum) “pure” enough to put in your mouth. And, despite the fact that it is recyclable, plastic does not, and will not break down…ever.
Because we Americans are trying our best to pretend that we aren’t associated with the apparently unconscious machine that conceptualized plastic in the first place, we have been coming up with some pretty brilliant ways to remedy it. Last week was all about Recycled Plastic Perfection (or as close to “perfection” as plastic will ever get). This week, I will introduce you to plastic’s other incarnation—repurposed—basically taking plastic products and turning them into something else that we can continue to use, instead of just dump.
'BAUBELING" BROOKE
by Bonny Osterhage
She may reside in the urban jungle of Los Angeles, but for Brooke Benson, inspiration comes from a higher plane. This jewelry designer, whose work can be seen on the popular FOX television series “House” (Olivia Wilde, who plays "Thirteen" is shown below right wearing a Brooke Benson necklace), combines spiritual symbols, gold, silver, wood, semi-precious stones and one-of-a-kind pieces in her collection, which she describes as a blend of the earthy and ethereal.
From her extensive travels to Thailand, Nepal and the Middle East, Benson hand picks stones based on their uniqueness, color, beauty 
and healing properties. Benson also incorporates Tibetan pendants, featuring spiritual symbols and medicinal herbs that she obtains from a Tibetan woman, in order to support fair trade of the artists. The end result of all Benson’s travels is uniquely beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry that is designed to ignite the highest potential of creative energy in all of us and enhance our awareness of the beauty that lies within. www.brookebensondesigns.com.
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NEW COLLECTION FROM THE HAPPIEST ACTIVEWEAR ON EARTH
Doce Vida takes us to a happy place on so many levels. First, the colors are happy...vibrant hues like orange, yellow, lime green and hot pink. After all, it's inspired by the culture of Brazil. Second, the styles are happy... because the collection is designed for women of all body types. Lovin' that! Third, the fit and fabric are happy...because founder Jordan Veatch-Goffi sourced a unique microfiber stretch fabric from Brazil that is ultra soft and moisture wicking, reduces muscle vibration and fatigue, doesn't fade or lose its elasticity and instantly slims the body (of course, the strategic piping for a longer and leaner look doesn't hurt either). And, the designs are seamless, which means you can kiss tugging and pulling goodbye. Now that's happy!
The new styles include tank tops (far right), a cropped top, the"Blumenau" braided boot cut pant we're lusting after (above right), capris, short shorts and a cool tennis/golf shirt (near right) and skirt.
One more happy thing... Inside each piece is a personal mantra that is designed to inspire you... like peaceful, strong, playful or spicy. See the whole collection at www.docevidafitness.com 
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