FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

Now, here’s a t-shirt company that has it all going on.  It’s called Clothing of the American Mind (COTAM, for short) and the collection is environmentally safe and responsible, politically and socially conscious, sweatshop free, American made and Fair Trade. And, a portion of sales is donated directly to progressive causes and candidates fighting for issues of social and political justice, including electoral reform, supporting our troops by bring them home, preserving the environment, protecting women’s rights and countless other causes.  Plus…they’re really cool. These 100% organic tees for women, men, kids and babies, which come in short and long sleeve styles, as well as tank tops, contain messages like “Peace and Vote” and "Stop War, Yield for Peace" in totally hip designs. It’s no surprise that the company has a huge celebrity following, including Natalie Portman, Deborah Messing, Jamie Lee Curtis, Adam Levine and members of Maroon 5, Josh Brolin, Hillary Swank, Ellen DeGeneres and so many more.  We love the company’s message, which is that anyone can bring political activism into their lives just by getting dressed. Come on! Take a stand! www.cotam.org

You never really get to hear about what the stars will be wearing to the Academy Awards until they're actually on the red carpet. It's always so hush hush. But, we have learned that Heidi Klum will be wearing a yet to be unveiled John Galliano red dress to the Oscars in support of the Red Dress Campaign, which raises awareness about women and heart disease. And, you can actually win her red dress by entering the Diet Coke sweepstakes at www.mycokerewards.com. For each entry, Coke will donate $1 to support women's heart health. The goal is to raise $250,000. So, at least we've found a socially conscious gown. Stay tuned...

A JOURNEY FOR THE SENSES

“Making perfume was never a choice, but an involuntary obsession.”  So says Alexandra Balahoutis, the founder and perfumer behind Strange Invisible Perfumes, whose botanical fragrances we’ve found to be unique and quite wonderful. The names of the “parfum” and new “eau de parfum” scents are enticing and provocative, each with its own theme, like Black Rosette, signature parfum L’Invisible and Tropical Vial, but the ingredients…aahh…the ingredients. Balahoutis traveled and studied for four years all over the world to learn the art of botanical perfumery. Her fragrances use essences that are organic, wild-crafted, pesticide-free or biodynamically cultivated, excluding all synthetic and commercial grade ingredients. The result is ylang ylang and blood orange fused with hibiscus and vanilla, Moroccan red rose and Sicilian lemon in L’Invisible or ambrosial mango, jasmine, basil and botanical musk in Tropical Vial. The proceeds from Magazine Street, our personal favorite, which celebrates New Orleans with its blend of magnolia, vanilla, patchouli and botanical musk, are donated to support the Katrina relief efforts of Common Ground Relief. Oh, and we have to mention the Wild Orange Body Wash and Lotion which we are now obsessed. Since picking a perfume is such a personal thing, the company offers samples of the fragrances on its website for $7 each.  www.siperfumes.com

"LITTLE GTO....YOU'RE REALLY LOOKIN' FINE"

Remember that song by Ronnie & the Daytonas?  Are we dating ourselves?  Well, thanks to Kim White, you could possibly commemorate one of your favorite cars from the 1970’s & 80’s in a cool handbag.  As the story goes, Kim lucked into an entire warehouse of vintage automotive fabric intended for, but never used in, American cars, vans and trucks. And, of course, as any highly creative person would do, she decided to transform it into stylish handbags. Wouldn’t you?  The result is a very cool line of highly durable and colorful handbags because, back in those days, vibrant color was very “in” for car upholstery.  To make it even better, all of the fabrics were marked with exactly which car they came from.  So, you’ll know the year and make of the car your handbag’s fabric was intended for. How great is that?!  www.kimwhitehandbags.com

MINTY FRESH

You know that great almost tingly fresh sensation you get in your mouth when you treat it to a mint? Well, now your face can get in on that action. Habibi’s organic Oatmeal and Peppermint Face collection literally makes your face tingle.  Created for oily/acne prone skin, there are three products:  a face wash, scrub and moisturizer.  Your face will feel incredibly fresh after you use it and it takes care of business without drying you out too much.  If you tend to have dry skin, Habibi has other natural skin care products for you too.  There is also body care and home care collections in a variety of enticing scents. Check it out at www.habibibody.com.

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