Carry

Since I’m skipping a necklace, the earrings will be the focal point in accessories, so I’m shopping for them first. Then I'll search for a bracelet or cocktail ring.

And the earrings I chose--Miriam Haskell from The Way We Wore

Unfortunately a bad photo. The photo misses how lovely and chanel-ish they are.

OOPs! Were you expecting to see the dress in all it's gloriousness?  Well, I can't share a pic until after the wedding since my wonderful fiance does read my site.

Next shopping foray is for our honeymoon in Fiji and Australia. Luckily, I'll have a week in between the wedding and honeymoon to focus on that.

It’s that in between time where in some parts of the country is already snowing and in others it’s still a warm 80 degrees. But with winter on its way it’s time to think of bundling up with a coat that’s as fabulous as the clothes you’ re wearing. There’s a coat for all seasons and a coat for all occasions. From ruffles to plaid and herringbone to shiny puff pieces, you’ll stay stylish and warm whether it’s attending a party or waking the dog.

Buttons & Toggles

Strut It

Jessica Simpson flared sleeve coat

$143

macys.com

Weekend Errands

Tommy Hilfiger Wool Duffle coat

$380

macys.com

Go Team Go

Steve Madden Hooded Duffle Coat

$99

nordstrom.com

Feminine Ruffles

Fem Girl Walking

DKNY Ruffle Wool coat

$233

macys.com

Perfect Topper

Tahari Asymetrical Ruffle Trench

$198

nordstrom.com

Leather Babes

Matrix Return

Soia & Kyo

$495

soiakyo.com

Biker Babe

Kenna-T quilted leather moto jacket

$478

nordstrom.com

Pouf and Puff

Plaid and Puffy

Soia and Kyo

soiakyo.com

Cinched and Slick

Mackage satin finish walking coat

$560

nordstrom.com

Faux Fur & Fabulous

Go GLAM!

Laundry by Shelli Segal faux mink belted coat

$278

nordstrom.com

Truly Rock Chic

Aqua Mongolian lamb fur vest

$268

bloomingdales.com

Grumble:
Advertising billboards not only litter our minds but also our streets.  A bit too dramatic? 

Sure, sometimes billboards are worth it all because they’re uber sexy -- you remember Marky Marky's Calvin Klein billboard from the 80s and “Smith” from Sex and the City's!  Absolutely heart palpitating.  But, sometimes billboards are just… well, advertising that’s going to have a short run and then wind up in the landfill.  Like I said, litter, rubbish, garbage.

Goodness:
Thanks to the gurus at Green Guru, that would-be billboard waste is now fodder for bag, wallets, goggle straps and pouches.  Here's how it works... it's pretty dang simple.

Still pretty simple!

Go:
Surf on over to Green Guru and check out their RAD Billboard Series surfboard bag and small deluxe messenger bag which only cost $100 each.  They’re loaded with cool colors and no two are alike because none of US are alike…  not even Octomom’s spawn.

They also have hemp bags which are majorly on sale right now, so buy up if you’re crunchy.

If you are related to Darth Vader, then perhaps the Blow Out Series is more your speed?  As the name would suggest, these pouches, straps, wallets and bags are made of black rubber from bomber truck and tractor inner tubes, so you know they can withstand some SERIOUS abuse.  The Vulcar bag is $150, but suffice it to say, you’ll never wear it out, so it should last you a lifetime!  The wallet is only $25.

Why should you care?  Because lIfe starts to happen when the rubber meets the road... so get livin'.



Tracy Metro (and yes, Metro IS her real name!) is a TV host who was eco-chic before eco and chic were even hyphenated! Wanna learn more about this eco-conut? Grab a fare card and go for a ride at www.tracymetro.com
 

Grumble:
You drink like a fish and then happily toss those beer bottles into the recycling bin because no matter what they say, your habit actually DOES care about the planet.  Way to go, lady!  I like your recycling moxie, but how about turning those empties into some kick-ass jewelry so you can show the world how committed you are (and when I say committed, I’m not talking about that stint in Bellevue).

Goodness:
Now, I’m not insinuating you should actually DO anything other than (continue to drink and) purchase some of the hottest eco-jewelry out there.  Let’s not get crazy.  You, lift a finger?  Come-come, you’re smarter than that now that you're aware of Smart Glass Jewelry.

Go:
As Kathleen Plate (owner/designer) of Smart Glass says, “you won’t believe how beautiful a beer bottle can be.”  I am SURE your male counterpart has uttered those words more than a few times over the years, and now you can utter them right back at him as you don…

Your new danglers perhaps made from Dos Equis?  By the by, I don't own any of the danglers, but how gorgeous will the blue earrings look with your sweet tan?

Or even your new bracelets perhaps made from Boddington?  By the by, tragically I do not own the bangles but am MAD for them!  How Wonderwoman bad A-S-S are they?! 

Lastly, your new necklace perhaps made from New Castle?  By the by, I don't own any of the necklaces, but how killer is it that some of the glass has writing on it?

So, what's the moral of the story?  Drink up, let Kathleen make 'em up so you can buy 'em up which is easy to do since most items are under 100 bucks!!!

Tracy Metro (and yes, Metro IS her real name!) is a TV host who was eco-chic before eco and chic were even hyphenated! Wanna learn more about this eco-conut? Grab a fare card and go for a ride at www.tracymetro.com

 

Grumble:
With the sudden celebrity deaths over the last week, it’s just good to be alive and well, huh?!? Suddenly, that cold sore, those backed up bills and the annoying flat tire seems awfully trite because THANKFULLY you’re above ground.

Goodness:
With that, here are a few great, green products that will help you channel your inner Farah Fawcett, Billy Mays and Michael Jackson.  We’ll miss you all… especially the unintelligible David Letterman interviews, the overly loud selling of basic cleaning solutions and… well, the nose.

Go:
In honor of Farah Fawcett, here are 3 FAB 70s style headscarves in case you’re having a bad hair day (or worse, chemo!)   Lym & D’s website isn’t up quite yet, but you CAN buy these scarves at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, CA though they are quite pricey at $265 each.  Paying homage to the late, great Farah ain’t cheap, but Charlie says you’re worth it, angel.

In honor of Billy Mays (yeah, I included him in here.  Sue me!)  Here are a few green cleaning products that not only do I actually use, but ones that I really like!  Eco-Me’s cleaning solution is perhaps the B-E-S-T smelling cleaning product out there.  In fact, my house currently wafts with their yummy aroma.  If you’re just getting into chemical free cleaning products, this is a great way to start because they provide the components for you to make your own solutions.  Pick up their  Eco-Me Home Kit for $26 and get cleaning!

Here’s what’s in the kit:
Eco-Me All Purpose Spray Cleaner
Eco-Me Wood Polish Spray Cleaner
Eco-Me Scrub Cleanser

** They also have personal care products though I've never tried them... well, not yet at least!

For that pile of laundry that’s mounting in the corner, try getting rid of your liquid detergent and pick up an Official Greenwash Ball.  You toss the ball in the washing machine and simply add water!  No chemicals, no nothing!  I feel like I’m doing good for the planet, but still have some regular old detergent on hand when my duds are uber dirty.  You can pick this ball up all over the place such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Whole Foods and of course the Official Greenwash Ball’s site.

In honor of my first crush, Michael Jackson (that was before I knew he was gay!), I’d like to draw attention to our (intact) noses.  People, the nose is the body’s filter for all things bad (and I’m not just talking about the funny stuff from the 80s that people put up their noses!).  Ever come home from a run in the city and blow your nose only to find gobs of black shoot in the tissue?  I rest my case.  It’s dirty up there and deserves to be clean as a whistle!

So, why not treat the nose right and do a little preemptive clean out with the neti pot.  For $13, you can buy your very out neti pot at iherb.com.  As you can clean out your nasal passageway you can tell all those icky bits to "Beat It!"


Tracy Metro (and yes, Metro IS her real name!) is a TV host who was eco-chic before eco and chic were even hyphenated! Wanna learn more about this eco-conut? Grab a fare card and go for a ride at www.tracymetro.com

 

An eco-bag that’s far more stylish than those spouting a message.
$282
Shopbop.com

When it comes to swimwear I have multiple personalities as I try to connect a bathing suit to an image of sweet and flirty, subtle and sexy or sophisticated and smart.  Perhaps that’s too many requirements to place on small item that first and foremost needs to make a body look good.  And even then it needs to work for me—I don’t want my breasts to look to small or flattened, I want my legs to look long and and slender and my butt to be lifted.  Additionally, I don’t want to fidgit with the fit and be tugging or pulling to stay covered, no thong or boy shorts bottoms for me.
So here’s what I’m choosing between to sport at the beach and poolside this summer. Just add Havianas and water.

Sassy

Juicy Couture Beach Butterfly Bandeau One-Piece Swimdress
Shimmering butterflies cover a skirted swimdress, shirred at the sides for a flattering fit. Optional halter strap adds versatility.
 $173
Nordstrom.com

Flirty

Betsey Johnson 'At the Hop' Bikini Set
Flirty fun.
$188
Nordstrom.com

Spicy

Brette Sandler "Jane" Two-Piece Halter Swimsuit
A simple design with interesting details makes this two-piece swimsuit just right for your day at the beach. The halter top features two contrasting fabric insets holding it all together.
$150
Bloomingdales.com

Girly

You'll look as pretty as a flower in this triangle top. We fell in love with the petal details on the chest.
$90
JCrew.com

Old School Refined

Juicy Couture Beach Pleated Halter One-Piece Swimdress
Tiny pleats add texture to a flattering halter-style swimdress with a flirty flounced hem.
$123
Nordstrom.com

Rockin'

Carmen Marc Valvo Women's Embellished Solid Halter Maillot Swimsuit
Embellished solid halter maillot has a sweetheart halter neckline that ties at the neck.
$190
Bloomingdales.com

Sleek

Marc By Marc Jacobs bow-trim maillot swimsuit
An adorable and festive bow trims the single shoulder of this one-piece swimsuit. Ruched detail along the sides. Built-in soft bra.
$164
Bloomingdales.com

Sophisticated

Incredibly refined Italian jersey and perfectly finished seams make this swimwear superchic—and incomparably luxurious. We love the way it lays so smoothly on the body.
$115
JCrew.com

Mother Nature is calling. Who says you have to pay the same price for your moisturizer as you do for your jeans. Drugstores have a bounty of inexpensive beauty products with ingredients from nature like extracts that help fight wrinkles, smooth skin and exfoliate to the ever growing green movement where companies kick parabens, sulfates and petrochemicals to the curb.  And they get the job done right. From the extracts to being organic to eco packaging there are an abundance of brands that are giving you what’s found outdoors or should I say in some cases saving the outdoors.

Vickery & Clarke Jojoba and Vitamin E Facial Scrub
It’s 94% natural. Jojoba is a natural exfoliator and Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps fight signs of anti-aging. No animal testing or animal raw ingredients. Paraben-free, propylene glycol-free, petrolatum-free. Also free of sodium lauryl sulfates and sodium laureth sulfates.
$4.99

http://www.cvs.com

Burt’s Bees Body Wash
It’s 100% Natural. Wake up in the morning with an invigorating buzz. Get an intense clean with this body wash that washes away dirt and odor, leaving skin refreshed. All-natural coconut, sunflower and citrus oils clean skin while cypress and fir oils energize for skin that looks, smells, and feels its natural best. pH Balanced. Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate free. Paraben free. Phthalate free. Not tested on animals. Burt’s Bees is gathering a faithful following beyond the crunchy, granola set.
$7.99

http://www.cvs.com

Almay Pure Blends Blush and Bronzer
Hypoallergenic and it’s 98.2% natural. Paraben-free, talc-free plus the packaging is eco-friendly, made from an average of 45% recycled materials. Contains extracts from antioxidants Lotus, Acai, Orchid, Papaya and Viola as well as Vitamin C-rich Citrus Juno (Yuzu - Japanese Orange) Peel
$11.99

http://www.cvs.com


Korres Materia Herba 3 in 1 Cleansing Emulsion
Its multitasking, certified organic formula is gentle enough to use on the delicate eye area without causing irritation. Infusions of almond oil, witch hazel, and calendula and ruscus extracts leave the skin feeling healthy, smooth, and radiant.
What it’s formulated WITHOUT, duh, just about anything you recognize as a chemical:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
$27

http://www.sephora.com

Alba Botanica Sugar Cane Body Polish
It’s 94% certified organic ingredients. Sunflower oil, sugar cane, macadamia nut oil and honey are just a few of the 100% completely vegetarian ingredients. No animal testing. Plus the signature ingredient: Sugar cane contains enzymes that are extremely rich in beneficial alpha hydroxy acids while tropical nut oils provide skin soothing emollients to lift away surface impurities and infuse skin with healing nutrients.
$10.95

http://www.albabotanica.com

Naturally Upper Canada Warm Honey Nectar Body Butter
No parabens, mineral oils and synthetic dyes. Made with honey, horse chestnut, cocoa seed butter, and Shea butter. A thick, but luxurious spread for your body.
$13

http://www.uppercanadasoap.com

 

So I’d love to date more often, but I work from home and don’t make a lot of money. I have to be frugal so going out several times a week to bars is not an option for meeting guys. Any suggestions?

Grumble:
1.You just got a pedi, your toes are still wet and you can’t wear real shoes or you’ll ruin the new paint job.  
2.You just had the doc remove that horrendous bunion on the side of your foot and you, quite literally, can’t wear real shoes.  
3.You just walked the entire Javits Convention Center tradeshow floor, your dogs are BARKING and you can’t wear real shoes or your feet will fall off.

Goodness:
No need to fret little piggies!  90210 podiatrist, Dr. Sylvie created Planet Flops which just so happen to be some of the cushiest, cutest and most natural flip flops on the… well, planet!  Flops are made in Brazil from remarkably soft yet durable natural rubber and are baked under the warm Brazilian sun.  Think about it people, Brazil is known for their thong bikinis, so it stands to reason that their thong flip flops are pretty hot, too!

Go:
Hop on an American Airlines flight to Brazil… better yet, skip on over to Planet Flops and jump on board with every man, woman and child in BH who are wearing Flops.  I bet Donna Martin will be wearing a pair, soon -- and, you don't want to be left out of the cool crowd.

Tracy Metro (and yes, Metro IS her real name!) is a TV host who was eco-chic before eco and chic were even hyphenated! Wanna learn more about this eco-conut? Grab a fare card and go for a ride at www.tracymetro.com

 

Grumble:
When I say rain, rain go away, unfortunately I’m talking about the rainFOREST!  Uh oh.  When we destroy the rainforest, we displace indigenous people, animals and native species not to mention screw up our climate (but there’s no such thing as global warming)!!!!!!  Did you know that the Amazon rainforest works like an awesome air conditioner that cools down the temperature of the ENTIRE world by a few degrees Celsius?!  Now, ya know!

Goodness:
Purchase an Andira Rain Tee 100% organic t-shirt designed by youth living in endangered rain forests (in Central and South America) and a child living with environmental destruction receives a tree to replace one that has been destroyed. 

Go:
Grab a hold of your vine and swing on over to www.thegreenloop.com to help save the rainforest one tee at a time!  You can even buy your little monkey a tee and show them how  getting a little winds up giving a little, too.

Tracy Metro (and yes, Metro IS her real name!) is a TV host who was eco-chic before eco and chic were even hyphenated! Wanna learn more about this eco-conut? Grab a fare card and go for a ride at www.tracymetro.com

Grumble:
Thank goodness the campaigning is O-V-E-R and Obama’s in office. Phew. All’s good in the world, right? Well, not so fast my democratic friends. Remember all the months of seeing those McCain/Palin posters stuck in your neighbor’s yard and the Obama/Biden bumper stickers in a pile at your dry cleaners just waiting to be stuck on said bumper? What about the trash bags loaded with voter registration forms and the mess of soda cans thanks to the thirsty volunteers? Yup, all of that waste is… well, waste!

 

Grumble:
Ever feel like you’ve come to the end of the Internet?  You’ve shopped all darn day and seen the same stuff again and again and again; nothing’s inspiring and everything a bore.  I ask: where did all the creativity go, Bill Gates?

Grumble:
You’re a consumptive A-Hole who still drinks coffee from a disposable paper cup. Ugh.  Are you sure I can’t convince you to use a cute reusable coffee mug? I know it’s not as if there aren’t a zillion cute ones from which to choose! 

Fine. You won’t relent? But will you, at the very least, do away with using those silly, wasteful java jackets… for me?!

 

Macchiato your way over to Bentwood and order up a coffee cuff.  While the cuff isn’t exactly uber cheap at about $70, you can rationalize buying it because it serves two purposes… yeah, I know you do it all in the name of recycling. 

 

Grumble:
You packed on the pounds over the holidays. OK, truth be told it wasn’t only over the holidays it was during 2008’s entire last quarter that the poundage kept piling on (damn economy)! Life’s hard sometimes, I know and Ben & Jerry’s is oh so good. Aye there’s the rub, people. There’s the rub – and I’m not talking about the one your pantyhose are making between your thighs. By the way, who even wears hose these days?! I digress… 

Grumble:
Let’s face it, holiday shopping is a pain in the tuchas (for all of you non-Yiddish speakers out there: butt, tush, arse, hiney, rear). Honestly, it just doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for eco-gifts or trying to be economical with your shopping; it’s all stressful and can make this part of the year loathsome for many.    What? Me -- hate shopping? Someone quick… check my temperature!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grumble:
So I’m going to a Winter Wonderland themed party this weekend. FYI, this blogger loves nothing more than getting dressed up for a party, but I ask you: what in the hell does one wear to a Winter Wonderland party? An Ice Capades skating dress, a onesie snow suit complete with mittens and Sherpa hat or go as a Sugar Plum Fairy in sparkles from head to toe? Serious question here: would wearing the wedding dress again be too much? It is white, after all!

Seriously, this is SO Winter Wonderland… white, flow-y, sparkly! Annatarian dresses (wedding and others) are all one-of-a-kind and made from vintage and remnant fabrics. They also use eco-tech fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton, peace silk and many others. They’ll even use your sentimental pieces of clothing and jewelry (like: your mother's own wedding dress and grandmother's pearl necklace) when making a dress for you. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something GREEN! 

Grumble:
Oh the weather outside is frightful… here on the East Coast, at least! This LA girl is visiting Washington DC for a few festivities and just NOT used to this kind of chill, so it’s gotten me in the mood to bundle up from head to toe. But come on, a puffy parka does not say Prada even though it’s merely one letter off… and out of order… er, whatever! So, the question is: how does one look FAB without being frumpy or frigid?