Brand Crush: Swedish Stockings

The world’s first eco-friendly hosiery line will keep your legs looking sexy this fall season. I discovered this brand on Instagram and knew I wanted to feature them on the blog. Stockings and tights are things we pay little attention to in regards to their environmental foot print. But they are petroleum based product and the industry is a huge player in environmental damage in the name of fashion. I can’t count the number of pairs I’ve bought over the years. They are cheap and easy to come by. Swedish stockings will change the way you think about your leggings fetish.

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Each pair is made from 90% recycled yarn, their factories are solar powered, and they purify all water used during the production of the product before sending it back out into the environment. This zero waste production is the wave. So in essence, Swedish stocking are the clams of the fashion ocean. Taking in waste and producing an invaluable and pearl of a product. And I absolutely love the stockings.

If you are purchasing from the U.S. you can expect the line to run smaller. I’m a U.S. Size 2 and the medium pair fit me just right. They are called stockings, but I feel they are more like tights with a thicker feel and less sheer. This means they are not as easy to snag, and they will last you much longer than your typical run of the mill stocking.

The Basic Olivia Stocking in Black

The patterned look, Nina Fishbone Stocking

Shop The Look:

Olivia Black Stockings also comes in cool navy color and Nina Fishbone Patterned Stocking

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S.t.e.f. Trunk Show @ Kiki Nass Austin, Texas

 

On May 19^th, 2016 I had the honor of meeting one of Austin’s local designers making waves in the sustainable fashion industry. S.t.e.f. is designed, painted, and handcrafted right here in Austin, Texas by designer Stepanie Montes and her seamstress Helen Vu.

Pictured: S.t.e.f Designer Stephanie Montes and her lead seamstress Helen Vu.

 

The event had a great turn out thanks to POM PR! Kiki Nass served delicious cocktails and pizza courtesy of Cantine.

Party guests mingle, shop, and enjoy bites and drinks courtesy of Cantine.

 

While Stephanie was very busy mingling with other shoppers, bloggers, and magazine editors, she took some time to say a few words about her line. Stephanie acknowledged the lack of attention on sustainable fashion in the fashion industry but more specifically stylish sustainable fashion.

 

Pictured: Stephanie Montes wearing her own designs and showcasing her trunk show.

 

Her current collection reminds me of morocco and the Mediterranean. With ombre hand painted blue details on her skirts and clutches. And bright whites with crystallized druzy gems and laser cuts. I’d describe her line as clean and modern with a bright touch. The geometric patterns and a-lines pair well with the blue and white color scheme. I’m eager to see her expand into more apparel options as well as colors (I don’t do so well with white). While the pieces are handcrafted, they are well made. I only found minor details that distracted from an overall well made collection.

S.t.e.f by Stephanie Montes is made with materials ranging from 100% organic cotton, hemp, and re-purposed ‘vegan’ leather. I am excited to share one of Austin’s own eco-fashion pioneers and I am looking forward to more from this designer.

You can find S.t.e.f at Kiki Nass in Austin, Texas: 1100 S. Lamar Blvd.

OOTD: Stripes for Spring!

 

 

Hello my Lovelies!

Isn’t this backdrop gorgeous? I wanted to bring in Spring with a bang! And with the help of photographer Tomas Segura, I was able to pull off a fabulous photoshoot here in Austin, Texas. I’m sorry that I’ve been inconsistent the last few weeks. I recently became the social media coordinator for 5 restaurants in the Austin, Texas area and I’m still holding down a full-time gig too! So needless to say, I’ve been busy trying to balance my schedules and still provide new blog content. Hopefully today’s post won’t disappoint!

 

I recently did a post about Spring color pairings and I don’t think it was fair for the ladies who like to keep it simple. You know the classic black and white that is perfect for any season of the year?! Yes, this styling is for you! Have you ever had an experience where you walk into the fitting room and the first thing you put on is an automatic yes? Well this dress that I found at Francesca’s was just that!

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I threw in this arm cuff as well because they are tres chic and I am obsessed with a sexy arm cuff.

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GET THE LOOK:

STORE: FRANCESCA’S

DRESS: REY STRIPED MIDI DRESS $38

CUFF: HAMMERED METALLIC CUFF BRACELET $16

PHOTOGRAPHY: TOMAS SEGURA

I love the idea of pairing a classic black and white stripe with the beautiful bright colors of Spring! I’ve curated two amazing looks below that showcase this perfectly! The first is the Bon Marche, this is a French term for good buy or steal! The second look is an ultra luxe look that I call the Splurge. Both looks showcase the black and white spring style beautifully and for every woman’s budget!

1. Forever 21 Striped Halter $19.00 //  2. Target Floral Clutch $16.99 //  3. Betsy Johnson Earrings $25.00 //  4. Forever 21 Caged Arm Cuff $9.90

 

1. MDS Donna Halter Wrap Dress $225 // 2. Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings $75 // 3. Lola Bar Cuff $10 // 4. MZ Wallace Clutch $95 // 5. Dune London Heels $69

I hope you are inspired to dress effortlessly and beautifully!

Until next time…

 

 

 

 

 

What’s the Deal with Eco- Fashion?

 

I’m sure many of you have begun to notice a trend in my blog posts. I’m always serving up the eco chic. But, what some of you might not know is why. Whenever I describe my blog to people they are often confused about the entire sustainability movement. When I mention eco-fashion I often get a response such as , “Oh like, it’s made with organic cotton?” While that could definitely fit within the category of sustainable fashion, it definitely is just one of many aspects of the sustainable  movement.

So, to decrease the confusion, I had compiled some information and incredible sources on what sustainability really is!

The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA began working on their mission to make America more sustainable in 1969 with the inaction of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

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There are numerous groups working towards this goal on a global level. I believe that as individuals, we can help in achieving this goal by choosing to purchase from companies with sustainable practices. This can be a daunting task for those who lead very busy lives. You might not have the time to do your own research, well that’s where I come in. I take pleasure in discovering brands who make their employees and the earth their top priority. I then choose to purchase their clothing, beauty products, etc. and share my TOP finds with you! I don’t believe you have to sacrifice quality, style, or convenience when making the transition to a more green life style. In fact, I’m finding the pieces are much more meaningful and stylish because it tells a story. Imagine being asked about where you bought your really cool earrings and being able to tell them about a company that pays fair wages to women in Uganda to create beautiful pieces of artwork, allowing them to get an education or support their families. Or that the shoes you are wearing are made from recycled leather!

Now I must admit I am no saint. I still struggle with the basic tasks of turning off my water while I brush my teeth or recycling. No one is perfect. And I am making the conscious effort to better in every area of my life. So if you see me on the street rocking my Calvin Klein mules, please don’t judge me! A great resource for staying abreast of all things eco, is the Global Citizen Organization please check it out and be enlightened!

 

Raven + Lily Local Sustainable Fashion

Hey there guys!

Today’s post is all about my new discovery Raven + Lily.  I found this gem a few weeks ago online. I didn’t even realize the store was based in Austin, how convenient!  I’m so glad that I can find eco-friendly apparel and accessories in my own city. And I’m so happy to share my finds with you.

 
Located at 2406 Manor Rd Austin, TX, United States

You’ll find handmade jewelry and eclectic bohemian chic statement pieces at Raven + Lily. Leather handbags, home pieces, and delicious smelling soaps and candles. The store is small and features fabulous finds. The price range is mid to high with most of the jewelry starting at $40 or more. 

  
  
  
I recently featured some jewelry from Raven + Lily in my recent post Eco Fashion for a Spring closet overhaul.

This soap smelled so amazing I had to snag it!

  

 

  
Raven + Lily: No Nasties top on sale now for $24