The Year of Living Gorgeously

How Green is Your Summer?

By Mary Jo Matsumoto

The “green revolution” seems to be here for good, and the best part of the hoopla is that the selection of sustainable and organic products just keeps getting better. The downside is that there’s so much hype around it, sometimes it’s difficult to tell what’s truly good for the planet and what’s just a good excuse to charge a few more dollars. Because it’s such a new market, the nuances of what makes using organic better than non-organic, and why sustainable fashions might actually help the planet the most, are often lost on consumers. As one of my friends recently pointed out, “If you served spotted owl at the dinner table it might be organic, but not necessarily sustainable.” Here are some of my fav new stylish, sustainable, and sometimes organic products that might make your summer a little greener.

Frequenting the cultural festivals near her local hometown in Mexico, designer Olga Abadi discovered the ancient Mayan technique of binding everyday materials into useable products. Abadi’s take on the crafting technique involves turning hundreds of candy wrappers and soda labels into fully functional, fun and stylish handbags The result is Nahui Ollin, a specialty line of handbags inspired by age-old techniques that sustain the environment through recycling materials collected from small, independent factories in Mexico. Not only are they adorably colorful, they are extremely durable and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. My favorite is the tutti frutti clutch, great for toting cosmetics in my bigger bag, and perfect when I want to carry a smaller bag.

If you read my blog, http://www.trustyourstyle.com, it’s not a big surprise that I’m a huge fan of organic cosmetics. I also live in sunny Southern California, so when the organic cosmetic manufacturers I’ve been interviewing started telling me that products containing SPF are not necessarily good for your skin, I freaked! The answer? Very old fashioned advice: wear a hat. The one I recommend is Wallaroo because they use UPF 50+ fabric which has been tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency and found to block 97.5% of the sun's ultroviolet rays. Best of all they come in tons of fun colors, prints, and neutrals plus there’s 15 styles. I’m partial to their best-seller, The Casual Traveler.The rounded top and 4" adjustable brim keeps your face and neck protected and a hidden interior drawstring ensures one size fits most. It’s crushable, packable, and ready for your next trip to the beach. For more information go to www. Wallaroohats.com or call (303) 494-5949.

This little suit may not be “green” in an environmental way, but it’s definitely a keeper that you will want to wear for seasons to come. (That qualifies as ‘sustainable’ doesn’t it?) Green poster girl, Cameron Diaz, was snapped everywhere she went wearing this green Le Doux bikini and I predict you will be too. The Le Doux “Lollipop” suit can be viewed at www.ledouxswimwear.com or call 1-888-284-2420 to order.

You don’t usually think of fashionable makeup and the organic movement, but think again! Afterglow Cosmetics offers a truly natural blend of pure mineral makeup with organic infused sparkling colors for a high-fashion look that’s actually safe for your skin and ideal for women with rosacea, acne and sensitive skin. Most impressively, Afterglow products have continuously been among the most highly rated for safety on the Environmental Working Group “Skin Deep Report” website. Chose from neutral colors for a bit of subtle sparkle during the day or a more sophisticated color palate for your most formal evenings out. Afterglow’s Organic Mineral Eyeshadow comes in 25 shades that will take you from day to evening and can be ordered at www.afterglowcosmetics.com

I am always a sucker for a company that makes the move into the all-natural realm, so I’m very excited to include Tarte in this roundup. I’ve always loved their products, especially their blush, that’s why I am so happy that they are now introducing their first all-natural cheek stain, Natural Beauty. Made with a preservative -free proprietary berry complex that includes blackberry, goji, acai, cranberry, pomegranate, and currant, it provides the same wonderful flush they are known for. I’m also loving their new Inside Out vitamin infused lipsticks that are preservative and paraben free and contain Vitamin C, A, E, and K, grape seed, lychee, green tea, acai, and chamomile extracts, plus jojoba, shea butter, and beeswax. I adore the old fashioned square cases that the lipsticks come in which make applying easy and fun. Available in Sweet Dreams (dusty pink rose), Zen (plum-berry), and Revive (true red). Tarte’s new Natural Beauty cheek stain will be available exclusively at Sephora and their Inside Out vitamin-infused lipsticks can be found at www.tartecosmetics.com, Sephora, and Bergdorf Goodman..

Who says organic can’t be luxurious? Under the Canopy’s 100% organic cotton Kimono Robe is soft and enveloping, not to mention free of

chemicals—just the thing to slip on before or after hitting the spa. Available

at Origin and Aveda stores and online at www.underthecanopy.com.

 

 

 

 

I’m heading out in a couple of days to sample a few organic spa treatments at the lovely Hanua Spa at Hotel Hana Maui. Voted the ‘Most Excellent Spa Hotel US’ by Condè Nast, Hanua spa uses an expansive base of organic ingredients. I’m hoping to have a very green not to mention relaxing visit and be back soon to talk about end of the summer fashions..

Wishing you many more green days!

Off Registry or On?

I have mixed feelings about Wedding Lists. Some feel the inclusion of a 'We Are Registered At...' cards in invitations are elegant and understated, while others feel the implication that you are not invited unless you come bearing gifts a touch unsavoury.

If you plan to tread the path unlisted, you could investigate the wonders of locally produced, design-led gifts to ensure that your offering is unusual and heart-felt.

I love this selection from the vast catacombs of the Hidden Art Shop. Bowl and vase may be a bit girlie, but the Flow wine rack will please many a groom, I'm sure.

What are your thoughts on registeries? What's the worst present you've ever been given?!

Large Grass Bowl £65

Baby Porcelain Vase £45

Flow Bottle Rack £30

Miss Moneypenny Aluminium Change bowl £30

Ash & Oak Flower Pot £35

Max Factor

After mini dresses, skinny jeans, cropped leggings and supposedly over the knee boots, there finally seem to be some benefits to being tall in fashion land.

 

Paisley Glam Halter Dress ($148) and Blue Print Maxi Dress (£45)

Contrary to the fashionistas' predictions of the mini continuing to take over the high street this summer, there has been a backlash in the form of ultra long, floor skimming maxi dresses. I'm putting this down to boredom with the 24/7 pursuit of perfect summer pins: these will hide stubble, white legs, patchy fake tan, scabs from energetic frisbee throwing in park incidents (admit it, you've been there) and more.

The other lovely benefit is that, in an age where black tie seems to now mean knee length or shorter or, worse, some mini satin skirt and boob tube, these dresses bring a return to the swish factor that has been lacking in my life and I can wear it in the daytime too.

After my meeting with my new boss on Friday, I fell in love with the yellow number below and reported back to my Boy with images and ponderings. I have a severe financial crisis at the moment, have not purchased anything for myself in I don't know how long, and have not a single occassion to wear it for. However, it fits me, is made of beautifully soft cotton georgette lined in viscose (you would not believe the man-made fibred summer dresses out there - why good people why?) and I am unable to reproduce it at my sewing machine.

Yellow viscose & cotton print (£59) and Purple cotton tiered Sundress (£37)

This combination does not come together often. The Boy brought out his credit card and treated me. I'm a very lucky girl.

Blue cotton print dress with belt (£54) and Block colour cotton dress (£25)

I think these would be beautiful for any occassion this summer from picnic, to garden party, to wedding, to work, depending on the level of shoulder coverage required. Just be sure to team with the appropriate shoes. Flip-flops are utterly dress-upable these days, as long as they are suitably bejewelled, or else find some sandals with a strap around the back to hide the telling flick flack noise of beachwear from your boss.

Can you hear me swish?

Bright Days Ahead

by Mary Jo Matsumoto

I warned you last month that I’d be back with lots of sunshiny fashions, and the time has now come to talk about yellow. Not that it’s breaking news--no other color has been so ubiquitous this season. Just today I was asked to write commentary about the slew of stars who’ve been wearing various shades of yellow on the red carpet. I won’t go into great detail, but I will say that unless you have the great fortune to have hair the color of spun pale golden silk or are one of the lucky ladies with a warm olive skin tone, it’s best to stay away from pastel yellow chiffon gowns.

The good news is that bright canary yellow is pretty easy for all skin tones and hair colors to wear. We could talk about some of the stand-out lemon yellow dresses of the season, but chances are you’ve already picked up some version already.

J. Crew rain hat; Anthropologie trapeze earrings; Rosie Bow belt

In case you’re shy about wearing yellow, you don’t have to wear it head-to-toe. There are plenty of great and affordable accessories that will let you stay in step with the color-me-yellow mood of the moment. Hats, belts, totes, and shoes are just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Since we’re talking about accessories, I should mention that I’ve been looking at and writing about this Jay Lane flower ring for over a month and still haven’t gotten tired of it! I just love the mix of a vintage style 60s enamel flower with shocking yellow. Plus it’s pretty…sigh. The Kenneth Jay Lane Yellow Flower Ring is available at www.etonline.com.

 

 

 

Moving on to confessions: one of my worst, most decadent vices is wearing designer sunglasses. I’m shameless about it, but I live in a place where it’s impossible to drive without them. Happily, I discovered a new affordable sunglass line this month and their shades are made in the same factory as Tom Ford’s high-end line. I’m in love with tons of their styles like the Avenue in Dijon. Check out www.sodaeyewear.com for more styles and information.

Wearing these espadrille flats around the house makes me feel like I’m on vacation. “Los Drillos” by Rubber Duck, are the creation of Danish-born designer Eik Braun Ottosen, who gives 10% of the production costs each year to Rubber Duck workers as a bonus—no shoe strings attached. “Los Drillos” come in many colors and designs, but I highly recommend the yellow Palms. There’s something very “weekend in the Mediterranean” about them, and the great thing is that they don’t cost a fortune and they’re unisex, so you can pick up one for yourself and one for your significant other, in hopes that he picks up on the holiday sensation. Shoes are available online at www.rubberduckbrand.com.

If all else fails, you can always sit the yellow craze out on a fiberglass stacking chair covered with yellow and lime poppies. These eye-popping Marimekko chairs just went on sale at Anthropologie and I’ve been trying to justify to myself why I need one.

 

 

 

 

At the very least, here’s hoping you’re able to get away to someplace warm and bright this summer. If you do, be sure and take some of Titan’s lightweight, durable, scratch-resistant and stylish 100% polycarbonate luggage with you. This super cool luggage comes in modern colors like red, yellow, black, silver, and champagne. Until this month, Titan was only available in Europe and Asia. Naturally, I’m partial to the yellow. You can find more information at www.titanluggageusa.com.

Wishing you many bright summer days in the coming months!

The Inner Wag and the Summer Wardrobe

After a beautiful sunny Easter weekend, and with temperatures set to hit 23degrees in London this weekend, ones thoughts can only go to the summer wardrobe. When considering future purchases, however, I think it apt to consider the intelligensia out there. As a poor dressmaker with a not unusual sense of style I usually fail to adhere to current trends. I love a little dabble (this year I'm going crazy with prints) but full on baby-doll and trapeze dresses have no chance in heck with me. What trends are you going to be pursuing?

This is an excellent article, questioning the development (or should that be decline) of style and the rise of the WAG... 

Take the test below and let us know how you get on. I'm delighted to inform readers of Gorgeously that I was unable to answer yes to a single question.

Have you been wagged?

Yes - if you can answer in affirmative to three or more of the following:

• Do you own a set of hair straighteners?

• Is there anything in your wardrobe from Dolce & Gabbana/Karen Millen?

• Do you own a velour tracksuit?

• Have you ever had a French manicure?

• Do you own any jewelled shoes?

• Have you ever owned, or wanted to own, a vanity case?

• Do you own sheepskin boots - even fake Uggs?

• Do you wear a baseball cap?

• Do you regularly use fake tan?

• Have you ever had a personal trainer?

• Have you spent more than £300 on a bag?

• Have you ever copied a celebrity's outfit (be honest now)?

• Do you read Heat/Ok!/Hello!/Grazia magazine?

• Have you ever had Botox?

• Have you had your teeth whitened?

How Eggciting!

Sorry. I'm really sorry. That was naff. But, this week, that's all we can manage. We're just cracking up over here (sorry). Too much chocolate, too much sugar. It's all just so eggsausting... (last one, I promise)

After a delicious weekend in sunny York I'm fully primed for the spring mood. Chocolate and yellow window displays abounded, so I thought it only fair that we give you the roundup for online egg-buying in time for the weekend. You know you can do better than the supermarket's three for a £1 nonsense. Go upmarket and really wow your special self this weekend.

Small but perfectly formed are these Fun Eggs for Little People - £13.50 for two! I'm particularly drawn to these as the company, Chococo, summon the descriptive powers of Winnie the Pooh to detail their product. That is just fine in my books.

 

 

For non-chocophiles, how about the ever-popular stacking egg cups? Watch this space for a tutorial for making egg cosies to coordinate from my old jumper (that is living gorgeously, I promise) just as soon as I get my essay written this weekend.

 

 

If you're feeling really very special (and in need of an alcoholic antidote to the cocoa) try Fortnum's Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne and Miniature Chocolate Eggs. And you can use the very satisfyingly coloured box for threads, buttons, jewellery and suchlike and join the pretty organised pool with minimum effort! 

And finally, if you're feeling in particular need of the flowers, the chocolate, the excessiveness and the indulgence, look no further than this fabulous £150 egg from Betty's Tea Rooms, seen proudly displayed behind glass in the York Tea Room this weekend. Though they deliver all manner of decadent hampers around the world, they're not willing to deliver this baby (can you imagine tripping outside the recipients' door?!) so it's limited to monied northerners. Fat Rascal anyone?

Seeing Black and White

We're absolutely thrilled this month to introduce a brand new fashion columnist.

Mary Jo Matsumoto is a Los Angeles-based fashion designer  who is launching a new line of handbags with her hand printed textiles along with a small home furnishings line. Mary Jo also writes a lifestyle blog at http://www.trustyourstyle.com and is a beauty and fashion editor at Affluent Magazine and Sheknows.com.

Every month Mary Jo will be highlighting a hot seasonal trend and finding those key pieces which will help keep us all at the cutting edge of gorgeousness.

Over to Mary Jo.

Being a March-born Pisces, I know firsthand that seeing things in black and white can be quite difficult. Fortunately it wasn't hard this past month, because the world of fashion was nothing if not black and white.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some of my favorite picks that I predict will last well beyond the month: The Mulberry bag.  This must-have accessory, so chic in a low-key/no-label kind of way, thankfully comes without too much back-breaking hardware. This fun update of a classic shape in sexy shiny patent-leather could easily be a girl's new BFF. P.S. Patent leather is more than a mini-trend. I predict it's here to stay for the next eight to twelve months, and it's doubly spot-on when it comes in black or white.

I've started seeing these retro-style patent pumps around town and think they're a great alternative to the chunky platform. The Chloe Sixty Circle Buckle patent pumps are available at www.intermix.com.

 

 

 

We've seen the skull so many ways, yet somehow it's a fresh take on these sweet yet slightly naughty patent-leather ballet flats by Loeffler Randall. 

 

For more information go to www.loefflerrandall.com or neimanmarcus.com

 

Black and White Florals:

This should be an ode to the hip girls lunching at Barney Greengrass in the month of March. If these women are any indication of things to come, we can expect to see a lot more black and white floral trapeze dresses cropping up in the months ahead.

                     Abaete                                          Anna Sui

             Diane von Fursteburg                                 Nanette Lepore

Loose and comfortable, but short enough to show some beguiling leg, these dresses are easy to throw on and I look forward to seeing them replace the now tired peasant skirts and strappy tees of last season. Diane von Furstenberg made my favorite version, but the look can be seen at Anna Sui, Abaete, and Nanette Lepore.

 

 

Ya-Ya Jefferson Trench                                                         Classic Burberry Trench

Never fear, the trench is here, this time around in all sorts of angelic versions. I like both the hip short-sleeve one like Ya-Ya's Jefferson Trench coat as well as the classic Burberry in white.

It's often debated whether tech gadgets qualify as fashion. A week after I finally broke down and got a Blackberry, the Black Pearl came out. I told myself it didn't matter, but when I found myself coveting the new White Pearl Blackberry this month, I decided to join the phones-are-fashion team. Please forgive me, I live in Los Angeles. (Hehe!  I'm so cool! I've just got a new Black Pearl and it is insanely gorgeous! So good to know that I'm at the cutting edge of style even though my legs are really not appropriate for a flimsy A-line minidress - The Ed).

 

Before I sign off, I would like to say that I am so honored to be a guest-columnist here on The Year of Living Gorgeously! First off, I love this beautiful blog that celebrates each and every season. Secondly, I adore the idea of writing about fashion as it unfolds during the month; this is truly how fashion operates off the runway and what makes getting dressed an ongoing love-affair.

February Birthday Presents - Amethyst

February girls are lucky girls. Their birthstone is the amethyst and it's a particularly hot year to be buying this stone when shades of purple are such big news in fashion and interiors. Mix it with turquoise and gold for summer, or with this season's signature grey and be the coolest girl on the block.

 amethyst lariat at mirrormirror

According to our 'Bible' here at Gorgeously  (The Bride's Book, Edited by Dorothy Stone, March 1938),

'We are told that the god Bacchus was offended one day and so he declared that to avenge himself he would have the first person he encountered devoured by tigers. This unfortunate person happened to be a lovely and innocent girl whose name was Amethyst, and who was making a pilgrimage to the shrine of Diana. As the beasts sprang upon Amethyst, Diana changed her into a pure white stone. Bacchus, repenting too late, poured the juice of a grape over the petrified remains of the unlikely maiden, which at once assumed the violet tones of the stone we now know as amethyst.'

Amethyst is just a variety of quartz, but if it's not purple it's not an amethyst. The darker and clearer the stone the more expensive it is, with the most prized coming from the mountains of Siberia. 

                                                                           amethyst bracelet on Etsy

Due to its purple colour, amethyst has been prized by kings and queens across the centuries, with Cleopatra apparently being a particular fan.

It also has powerful healing and psychic properties. It is a stone to help quieten the mind. If worn while sleeping, it helps you to interpret dreams, and to ward off nightmares. It enhances intuition and inspirations and gives you clarity and insight.

 

As a definite bonus, the name 'amethyst' comes from the Greek for 'not drunk' and the crystal is said to ward off the effects of intoxication.  The Romans are said to have drunk their wine from amethyst glasses for just this reason and maybe you can get the same effect by sourcing vintage amethyst champagne glasses on eBay.

 

 

 

 

Or why not treat your February baby to this gorgeous Anna Sui amethyst velvet dress (don't tell her it was in the sale)

 

Notable notebooks

It's a New Year and the pages of 2007 are waiting to be filled. 

What better time to make or buy a beautiful new notebook full of lovely blank pages to be filled with intelligent musings, new projects, and perhaps the outline for your latest bestseller.  At the very least it will make To Do lists and shopping lists seem more bearable.

Here are some of the best notebooks and journals we've been able to find from around the Web.

adellelouise has a different beautiful journal for each season in her Etsy shop ($55 each).

Slightly cheaper is this set of mini patterned notebooks from Denyse Schmidt Quilts at $14.95.

 

Also found on Etsy, this is my absolute favourite - apparently interleaved with fancy textured and patterned pages to make you happy when you're writing in it.

Surely such happiness is worth $90?

Rania takes Moleskine Cahier notebooks and prints silver leaves on them with her Gocco - a steal at $10 each.

Whereas if money is no object, why not indulge in the awesome Zac Posen-designed Smythson Fashion Diary, which comes in at an equally awesome £225?

Finally, we can definitely identify - as I'm sure can all of our readers - with the sentiments on the cover of this Pamela Barsky-designed journal, available for $13 at www.seejanework.com