Eco Fashion Blooming at Fancy Green

We're making new eco fashion friends all the time, and have a very fancy green lineup of reviews coming in April and May.

We'll be featuring: A lovely floral print apron made out of reclaimed bedsheets by Preloved, a Canadian company making gorgeous women's fashions out of fabric remnants. Can't wait to wear that while whipping up some vegan yummies!

Men's and women's jeans from Levi's eco line---I've been wearing Levi's my entire life - very excited to wear test their organic denim! I must try to find a photo of me as a child in my little Levi's outfits (colored twill matching jacket and pants).

A women's top and scarf by John Patrick, a super fancy eco designer. I love his take on fashion, which is posted on his site:

I envision a world in the near future where people won't ask "is it organic?" but say, "of course, it's organic."

Organic denim by Nudie. They're a Swedish company, and since my people are from there, I get to test this item. Soon, I'll be a Viking in awesome organic jeans with a great looking butt. Gotta love a denim company that has front, side, and rear views of their pants on their website. Does my butt look eco in these jeans?

Men's tees by Nate Organics. They're based in Vancouver, B.C., just a few hours up the road from us. Love their graphic tees for men and women.

A dress and men's top from Loomstate, one of my fav eco fashion companies. We've reviewed several pairs of their women's jeans in the past. I can't wait to wear test the dress at the many tea parties I'll be attending in the coming weeks, not to mention the party I'm throwing on Mother's Day!!

Here it is...I found a photo of me in my little Levi's (can't find the one where I'm wearing both jacket and pants...but I will). This is me with my cousin who was visiting from Sweden. Big Viking, little Viking. I thought it was so cool that he paid any attention to me. And now, here I am, about to sample some fancy Levi's and some fancy Swedish jeans. Two countries, one love.

So much more to come on the main site.......stay tuned.

Be Fancy. Be Green.

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Follow the Plastiki

press release from Plastiki site:

THE PLASTIKI BEGAN HER MOMENTEOUS VOYAGE ON SATURDAY 20 MARCH SETTING SAIL FROM UNDER SAN FRANCISCO’S ICONIC GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE ON AN ADVENTURE THAT WILL TAKE HER CREW ACROSS THE PACIFIC OCEAN TO SYDNEY ON A MISSION TO BEAT WASTE

THE PLASTIKI HELPING TO DELIVER A GLOBAL
CALL TO ACTION AND A SPECTACULAR ‘MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE’

SAN FRANCISCO (Monday 22 March 2010): Adventure Ecology founder and environmentalist David de Rothschild and his intrepid crew; Jo Royle, David Thomson, Olav Heyerdahl along with National Geographic filmmaker Max Jourdan and Myoo Media’s Vern Moen set sail at the weekend on the Plastiki, a unique 60ft catamaran engineered from approximately 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles and srPET, a fully recyclable material. An ‘off‐the‐grid’ vessel relying primarily on renewable energy systems, the Plastiki and her crew will journey more than 11,000 nautical miles drawing attention to the health of our oceans, in particular the colossal amounts of plastic debris, by showcasing waste as a resource and demonstrating real world solutions through the design and construction of the Plastiki. The Plastiki began her adventure nearly four years ago after taking inspiration from a report issued by UNEP called ‘Ecosystems and Biodiversity in Deep Waters and High Seas’ and Thor Heyerdahl’s epic 1947 expedition, The Kon‐Tiki. True to Adventure Ecology’s values, a compelling and pioneering expedition was needed that would not only inform, but would also captivate, activate and educate the world that waste is fundamentally inefficient design. With more efficient design and a smarter understanding of how we use materials, principally plastic, waste can be transformed into a valuable resource, in turn helping to lessen our plastic fingerprints on the world’s oceans. The Plastiki expedition took influence from the principles of 'cradle‐to‐cradle’ design and biomimicry before being realized by a multifaceted team from the fields of marine science, sustainable design, boat building, architecture and material science. The journey to date has generated opportunity for tremendous curiosity, discovery and innovation as well as a platform for discussion, debate and action.

To follow the adventure, feed your curiosity, track the crews’ individual stories, witness the challenges that our oceans and its inhabitants face and learn what you can do for our Planet, please log into the expedition’s online mission control: www.theplastiki.com for regular updates, GPS positioning, crew blogs, photography and mini‐films. Check out Plastiki photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/plastiki/

The Streets of San Francisco

Check out the fancy foods on the streets of San Fran....

New Innovation in Curbside Cuisine,
Primo’s Parrilla lights up the grill this week
Slow-grilled Argentine asado

[Oakland, CA-March 23-2010] Out of Oakland’s backyard and into the streets, Primo’s Parrilla delivers an authentic food experience through slow-grilled Argentine asado on their mobile food truck. A first within the mobile food community to offer grilled meats in the Argentine tradition of slow cooking; Primo's will light up the parrilla on location using only almond wood and (natural) mesquite lump charcoal. Starting this week in Emeryville during lunch hours, diners can log on to Primo’s twitter feed to find out where the Primo’s truck will be. http://twitter.com/vamosprimos

Available from the grill will be free range chicken and grass fed tri-tip topped off with Primo’s distinct take on the traditional Argentine accompaniment of freshly made chimichurri. Diners will be able to taste the difference through the ‘art of slow grilling’ and the use of S.L.O (sustainable, local, organic) ingredients. Also on offer are Primo’s homemade chicken or vegetable empanadas, sides of sweet potato mash with spinach, and seasonal mixed greens with homemade honey-jalapeno-lime dressing.

The Primo’s Story - Now known as the "Asador" or grill master, Oakland-resident Javier Sandes, a native of Argentina had been dreaming of the day when he could offer his beloved homeland's tradition of Asado to the wider Bay Area community. A significant aspect of Argentine culture lies within the food tradition of Asado or grilled meats. As is customary in Argentina, family and friends gather around the parrilla (grill) where various meats have been grilling slowly for many hours. This practice of slow cooking results in a more succulent, tender, and better tasting piece of meat.

Originally, Primo's started with backyard bbq parties in Oakland, where Javier’s slow-grilling techniques and traditional recipes built a following of friends who got together on a regular basis to enjoy each other’s company and Javier’s delicious food. Through the ceremony of sharing food, Javier built a community of friends who refer to each other affectionately as “primos”. Primo’s meaning “best” in Italian or “cousins” in Spanish perfectly exemplifies the Primo's mission of sharing good conversation around good people and good food.

With eventual ambitions of a real brick and mortar restaurant, Primo's will first start by joining the growing gourmet curbside cuisine community. Parked in various locations during the work week, Primo's will be serving up lunch, happy hours, and dinners in the East Bay. On weekends Primo’s will be at local farmer’s markets, festivals and fairs and will also be available for catering large groups and special events.

To find Primo's weekly whereabouts diner’s can follow them on twitter.com/VamosPrimos, Facebook and their website www.vamosprimos.com.

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El Naturalista Donates Shoes to Haiti’s Earthquake Survivors

News from El Naturalista...

El Naturalista Donates Shoes to Haiti’s Earthquake Survivors

3,500 pairs are sent to protect the feet of those who have lost everything and to help them continue walking through life with hope.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Pamplona, Spain – March 3, 2010 – El Naturalista, the Spanish-based manufacturer of eco-friendly, fashionable footwear and accessories, has sent 3,500 pairs of shoes to Haiti through the company’s nonprofit arm, Project Atauchi.

“The mission of El Naturalista’s Project Atauchi is to provide humanitarian aid, and so naturally we wanted to be part of the relief effort in Haiti,” says Mª Paz Díaz de Rada of Project Atauchi. “There are thousands of people there who lost everything, and footwear is a basic need that we could fulfill. This is just the start of our relationship with Haiti, as we plan to continue to help with the country’s reconstruction.”

On February 11, 2010, an Air Europe plane departed from Madrid bound for Haiti with the first shipment of 500 pairs of shoes to be delivered to two nonprofit organizations with a long standing presence in Haiti: Acoger y Compartir and the Congregation of Daughters of Charity. This effort was made possible by collaboration with members of Madrid Rumbo al Sur, a Madrid-based project dedicated to youth awareness and social cooperation.

Madrid Rumbo al Sur Program Director Telmo Aldaz and members of his team delivered the shoes. 250 pairs were allocated to the families and orphans of St. Gerard School in Port au Prince. Run by the nonprofit Acoger y Compartir, 300 children at this school were killed by the earthquake. The remaining 250 pairs were delivered to the Missionary Daughters of Charity. Based in Cite Soleil, the Missionary serves more than 1,500 people daily through their medical clinic and school. Both of these institutions were almost completely destroyed by the earthquake.

El Naturalista made a second shipment of shoes on February 22, 2010, this time by sea. A container with 3,000 pairs of shoes was sent to Soles4Souls, an organization dedicated to collecting footwear from manufacturers to distribute to those in need. These shoes were distributed by Soles4Souls to Haitians affected by the earthquake.

In addition to the shoe donation, Project Atauchi has begun work to help in the reconstruction and El Naturalista will allocate funds to continue helping in the future.

Project Atauchi was created by El Naturalista in 2004. For every pair of El Naturalista shoes sold, El Naturalista donates 1 Euro to the project. To date, El Naturalista has contributed more than 180.000 Euros (approximately $247,000) through Project Atauchi to care for and educate children in Peru and Africa.

For more information on Project Atauchi, visit: www.proyectoatauchi.com.


ABOUT EL NATURALSITA

Based in Pamplona, Spain, El Naturalista was born in 2002. The General Manager Pablo de la Peña had a concept in mind while creating the company - he wanted to create a global shoe brand inspired by nature - comfortable and still fashionable. The final product that El Naturalista offers is young footwear, comfortable and in accordance with the values of nature as well as with its own brand values. El Naturalista is present in 45 countries all over the world with has stores in Helsinki, Santa Monica (California), and in Paris has opened a shop in the symbolic neighborhood of St. Germain des Prés.

Information about El Naturalista and its products can be found at www.elnaturalista.com El Naturalista is distributed in the U.S. by the Ralph Libonati Co. Phone: (800) 437-2526, Email: info@libonatico.com

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Look Good, Feel Good

I woke up today, and the sun was shining, and I thought to myself, "I feel downright serene." I almost never feel that way, so I knew I was in for a stellar day. I put on my new top from Sub Urban Riot, my Nau Courier Skirt (my fav), my fun earrings from Tarma Designs, and some comfy Keen walking shoes.

I couldn't believe how cute I looked. The top and skirt combo was perfect. Finally, a top long enough to cover my waistband and roomy enough that my belly doesn't show. (I am losing 10 lbs by June!) Even the lady at the pharmacy commented on how cute I looked and relaxed I was. She even liked my hair!!

Check our main site for a review of the organic cotton top soon, and click here for a review of the Nau skirt (made out of sustainable fabric) and here for TD earrings (made out recycled stainless steel). More later. xo

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Fashion

Here's a cool photo from Adelita Style, my fashionista friend's blog. She tested some eco mary jane Keens for us.



Bookmark Adelita Style for daily fashion updates.

My friend Chet's having trouble with fashion. He thinks men's shirts should be tucked in. I think it depends on the man, the shirt, and the occasion. Read his post and see what you think





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I'm Back...Almost

Dear Readers, I am lame. I have neglected this blog for MONTHS, and I'm sorry.

I've been very busy finishing my tenth book, The Party of Your Life: Get the Funeral You Want and Deserve by Planning it Yourself. I plan to ship off my manuscript to my publisher in the following week. The book contains a lot of info about green burials, D.I.Y. and home funerals, and other information to help you plan a fancier and greener exit.

This winter we've posted reviews of some very cool eco products, including my favorite new backpack from Nau.

I'm currently wear testing some merino wool socks, several brands of grocery totes, Avalon Organics body products, EO hand sanitizer, and a variety of home cleaning products. Up next, eco fashion and eco apparel. So, please, check the site and blog mid-March for all new info.

Please, come back soon. Just give me a week or two to get back into the swing. We'll have new reviews up on the main site by mid-March, and more April. Thanks for reading.

Please send me an email at fancygreen@gmail.com if you'd like to be notified when the book hits the stores.

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