WHIMSY

Fashion that makes you feel as good on the inside as you look on the outside? Hmmmm… I’m all for that! And feeling great abut your purchases and looking fab at the same time is exactly what you get when you shop at Five Accessories!

The Five Accessories mission is to create income generating programs for individuals in five different countries, donate a large portion of sales to worthy charitable causes and foster the use of sustainable material in fashion. So, in the “spirit of Five,” I’ve chosen my five favorites from the firm.

First is the Wood and Pearl Bracelet from Bali. Oval-shaped wood sections are united with small beads in between and finished with a circular shaped pearl overlay. This bracelet is from the Bali Collection and I love the natural materials and chunky feel. Retail $10.00

Next is the Half Moon Clutch. This clutch has a distinctive shape, cute flower accent, and is constructed out of eco-friendly bamboo and wood. Fully lined, the bag also has an inside pocket, and metal clasp closure. You can even custom order special flowers to match an existing outfit!  Was $45.00 NOW ON SALE! $35.00

Another fave is the naturally beautiful Kuta Wood Necklace. This fair trade bead necklace is handmade near Kuta, Bali of 1/2 inch round wooden balls. I love the simplicity of the design. This necklace would make a nice transition piece as fall approaches! Was $20.00 NOW ON SALE! $15.00

When I saw the Brown Coconut Bag, I knew I’d found something really special. This beautiful coconut shell clutch has a satin lining, pocket and metal clasp. Best yet, $5.00 from each sale goes to support schoolchildren in Bali! The bag is available in three sizes:

Small: 8″ wide by 6″ tall, Was $40.00 NOW ON SALE $35.00
Medium: 10″ wide by 6″ tall, Was $45.00 NOW ON SALE $40.00
Large: 12″ wide by 6″ tall, Was $50.00 NOW ON SALE $45.00

Finally, the Brown Shell Bracelet is one of the newest fair trade pieces from Five Accessories. Crafted of brown and white shell the bracelet is handmade by artisans in Bali following fair trade practices. Was $15.00 NOW ON SALE $10.00

Of course, these are just my favorites. To see more gorgeous pieces — from necklaces to beads, bags to bangles, rings and more — visit Five Accessories.

Feel good? Look great? It’s a WIN-WIN!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Five Accessories.

To me, one of the most exciting parts of the rapidly growing green movement is the surge in upcycled products that I’ve seen lately. For those of you not familiar with the term, upcycling is converting waste materials into new products of better quality. (This is the direct opposite of downcycling, or turning waste materials into new materials of lesser quality.)

I’ve written about this phenomenon before with the growing popularity of Banyan bags, fabulous bags made, literally, of paper! But my most recent find all came about because I broke my coffee pot. Confused? I’ll explain. My fabulous Brew and Wave coffee pot recent sprang a leak (comical at 5:00 am, I assure you). So, in desperation, I visited my favorite local coffee shop, Pike Creek Coffee and amidst the heavenly brews, I found fashion!

You see, Pike Creek Coffee now offers messenger bags and totes made from recycled burlap coffee sacks! No longer will burlap coffee sacks be sent to the landfill or left to languish in the corners of warehouses. And some of the graphics on these bags are absolutely gorgeous!

This idea was the brainchild of Carol Allston-Stiles, owner of Pike Creek Coffee. Carol has her coffee sacks transformed into practical and stylish bags by a network of small and independently-owned sewing groups coordinated by a coffee roaster out in Minnesota. Plus, the bags also utilize other recycled materials, including linings made from recycled cotton and plastic bottles, and webbing straps from the automotive industry.

One of the most appealing bags is the Santa Rita Coffee Tote (pictured). This tote measures 12″ high x 15″ wide x 4″ deep and is lined with a 10 oz. canvas made from recycled cotton and plastic bottles. It just shouts “coffee” to me — with the great illustration of the coffee plant laden with ripe coffee beans. The tote features an inside pocket and comfortable web cotton handles. Retail $15.95

I also like the modern, bold graphics of the ONA Coffee Tote. Like the Santa Rita, this tote also measures 12″ high x 15″ wide x 4″ deep, is lined with a 10 oz. canvas made from recycled cotton and plastic bottles, and features an inside pocket. The ONA (pictured) would be a wonderful bag for a fashion-savvy college student – simply toss in notebooks, cell phone and a water bottle and you’re ready for a day on campus! Retail $15.95

But my favorite is the Bird of Paradise Coffee Tote! The illustration is absolutely lovely, and reminds me of the sunny skies and blue waters of Hawaii. A perfect tote for the beach, the Bird of Paradise tote (pictured) measures 12″ high x 15″ wide x 4″ deep. It also is lined with a 10 oz. canvas made from recycled cotton and plastic bottles, has a convenient inside pocket and cotton web handles. Retail $15.95

Pike Creek Coffee offers a limited selection of bags online but maintains a large inventory of the bags at their coffee shop in Pike Creek, Delaware. For more information,  you can contact Pike Creek Coffee.

Oh, and don’t forget to try their amazing coffee blends. Yummy!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Helping other people is a beautiful thing! Like many moms, I’ve tried to instill this message in my kids throughout the years with volunteer projects for church, school, and our ongoing work for the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait.

So, when I learned about The Leakey Collection of beautiful “jewelry with a purpose,” I was thrilled. The Leakey Collection was created by Philip and Katy Leakey, who live among the Maasai in the Kenyan bush. The Maasai are a pastoral group of people from the Great Rift Valley of Kenya and Tanzania.

According to the Philip and Katy, the Maasai still keep their traditions intact — herding cattle and living off the land — even as modernization changes the world around them. But, a terrible drought that lasted several years has devastated their pasture lands. The Maasai’s livelihood has disappeared as their cattle died and the men have had to drive the few remaining cattle hundreds of miles away to search for better grazing. It quickly became evident that the women desperately needed a way to obtain medical supplies, and to feed, clothe, and educate their children.

The Leakey’s wanted to help their neighbors and to provide work opportunities without changing the unique culture of the Maasai. They came up with a truly imaginative idea that would utilize the excellent beading abilities of the Maasai women. And so Zulugrass was born. Zulugrass beads are made from sustainable natural grasses and dyed in a wide range of colors with Czech glass beads to add sparkle.

Today, over 1400 hundred Maasai women are making Zulugrass while continuing to lead their lives in their traditional lifestyle, using their income to better their lives and the lives of their families. Beautiful!

The firm’s website is absolutely filled with gorgeous products. One of the best is the multi-strand necklace. The necklace incorporates 16 strands of Zulugrass beads in a beautiful combination. Uniquely adjustable, you can simply pull on the satin cord to wear as a long necklace or a choker. Available in a dozen colors. Retail $24.95 – $39.95

My other favorite is the single strands, used in combinations. The 26” strands are sold individually in a rainbow of shades for an infinite variety of looks. Wear them singly, together as a necklace, short, long, wrapped around the wrist as a bracelet – the possibilities are endless! Retail $12.95 per strand, and buy 5 strands and get 1 strand free.

In addition to these lovely pieces, the Leakey Collection has an entire line of jewelry in wood and porcelain. Even better, there’s now a huge selection of fabulous accessories like sunglass holders, belts, clasps, and even bangles!

But you don’t have to just take my word for it. The secret is out and the Leakey Collection has been featured in national magazines like People, InStyle and even Money.

It’s easy to get this great style and help the Maasi. The firm has an easy-to-use Store Locator or you can even order online.

Simply beautiful!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

When Susan asked me if I wanted to write about “Kimora Lee Simmons bracelets,” I agreed without really knowing what the heck she was talking about. And I’m glad I agreed because these things are pretty awesome!

For those of you who never saw “Blood Diamond” (an excellent movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly), conflict diamonds are pretty serious business. They’re basically diamonds mined in war zones in Africa, which are then sold to fund the war. It’s pretty sobering to think about, but innocent people may have died over the sparkly diamond on your hand or the beautiful diamond studs in your ears.

In an effort to quell the sale of these “blood diamonds,” the World Diamond Council adopted The Kimberley Process, which basically tracks the import and export of ethically mined diamonds and certifies them as conflict-free.

Unfortunately, some conflict diamonds still infiltrate the marketplace, but a number of jewelry companies have initiated efforts to ensure they use only conflict-free gems in their products.

In an effort to do their part to support the cause, celebrity jewelry designers Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons created the Green Initiative and the Green Bracelet, which both support the Diamond Empowerment Fund™. The DEF is an international non-profit organization that raises money to empower and educate African people.

The Green Bracelet, which is made of beautiful forest green malachite beads, features a conflict-free rough (uncut) diamond caged in a diamond-shaped charm. Each diamond is purchased directly from the Diamond Trading Company Sightholders, which strictly adhere to rules outlined by The Kimberley Process. This guarantees that the beautiful stone in each bracelet was mined using only ethical practices and can be traced from the source to the retailer—something you can feel good about!

They’ve even been spotted on celebrities like Beyoncé Knowles, Penelope Cruz and Ludacris.

Each bracelet sells for $125 plus shipping and handling, making it a great gift for someone you love or even as a special treat for yourself. At least $20 of the purchase price goes to the DEF. You can purchase one here.

If you’d like to donate directly to the Diamond Empowerment Fund™, visit the Simmons Jewelry Company website here for more information.
(photo from SimmonsJewelryCo.com)

-Keri

Like other die-hard fans, I really enjoyed Idol Gives Back last week. This is definitely my favorite episode of the season every year! I think it’s wonderful that the creators of American Idol recognize their awesome power to reach millions and use that power to do some good in the world.

Of course, I also love the guest stars – where else can you see the Black Eyed Peas, Elton John and Annie Lenox all in one night? And anyone who knows me knows I love checking out the incredible fashions showcased by both the Idols and the guest stars! Fergie’s space-age, thigh high boots were a little over-the-top for me, but Carrie Underwood was sporting a demure wrist corsage that was simply fabulous. This is a piece that anyone could use to easily update their wardrobe without breaking the bank. In fact, I think that these funky corsages could be the next “Carrie Bradshaw flower!”

Finding one for myself, however, did not prove easy. I lucked out when I discovered Megan Leone Designs . Since 2004, Megan has been creating her signature, one-of-a-kind, bracelet handbags crafted from vintage materials. Now, in addition to her bracelet purses, she designs jewelry and modifies vintage clothing. And, lucky for us, her “fashion from the ashes” design philosophy now includes wrist corsage made from recycled zippers, buttons, and more. Megan says that her corsages were inspired by her old design job years back at a flower shop. Only these adorable corsages will never shrivel and fade away!

Two of my favorite pieces include the “Shades of Purple” wrist corsage (pictured). The flowers are cleverly crafted from vintage, purple, metal zippers and the foliage is hand-cut, repurposed leather. The corsage is further embellished with trendy pheasant feathers. This little piece would totally make a plain dress or add a punch to a casual outfit. Retail $42

The other corsage I absolutely love is “Red and Teal with Vintage Button” (pictured). Again, the corsage flowers are made of vintage zippers and this foliage is hand cut, repurposed ultra suede. This piece would make a serious statement with jeans and t! Instead of feathers, the red and teal corsage is adorned with a vintage brass and beaded button. Retail $42

Wanna rock the look? Visit Megan Leone Designs.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

As Earth Day approaches, I have been searching for companies that go beyond the ordinary in their efforts to stay green. Reducing your carbon footprint is great, don’t get me wrong, but there are some fashion firms out there that take environmental awareness to the next level.

One of my favorites is OKA b. Shoes That Love You. OKA b. makes the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn — cushy, cute, slip-on thongs that I literally keep by the front door.

But the coolest part about this company is that once your sandals are too worn out to wear anymore, you can send them back! OKA b. grinds them up, mixes the grind in with “virgin grind,” and voila! They are turned into brand new, adorable sandals!

And the program is definitely working. According to OKA b., the plant is literally filled with brilliant colors of shoes that loyal customers have sent for recycling after years of use.

I like all of the styles, but have two favorites that I reach for again and again. First, is the Lucy. (pictured above) I have these in a light honey color, which is neutral and goes with everything. This is especially useful in spring – it’s warm enough for sandals, but I can’t wear white quite yet. The oversized, intricately beaded chrysanthemum flowers give them a sophisticated edge and, like all sandals by OKA b., the Lucy is available in a rainbow of colors. Retail $40.00

I also adore the Madison. (at right) With their cute ribbon bows and jelly bean colors, these sandals are preppy personified (and right up my alley!). The interchangeable ribbons even allow you to personalize your style! Retail $30.00

In addition to the Lucy and the Madison, OKA b. has dozens of other styles — from ribbons and flowers to jewels and pendants — in thongs, slides, flats, heels, closed toe or classic. OKA b. even has shoes specifically designed for men!

No matter which design you choose, the folks at OKA b. work hard to ensure that fashion and comfort are never mutually exclusive. Armed with an eye for beauty and a mind for comfort, the savvy designers have integrated the principals of reflexology using a massaging foot bed, bringing you comfort with each step. Also, the proprietary Microplast® process creates a material that cushions feet while remaining antimicrobial, waterproof, washable, and of course recyclable!

Green and adorable sandals from OKA b., just in time for spring. What more could you ask for?

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Earth Day is fast approaching and to celebrate, the kids and I recycled over 500 lbs. of “naked books”  for a local paper drive. (Get you mind out of the gutter, the books have had their covers removed, rendering them “naked!”) Anyway, it got me thinking … what are some other easy ways to save the Earth? My top answer involved (what else!?) fashion!

You see, in my travels lately I’ve found a huge number of clothing and accessories manufacturers switching to greener materials, especially bamboo. According to a Fox News article I read recently, “…bamboo is an “a priori” eco-friendly material because it’s naturally pest-resistant, requires little water, is amazingly regenerative and [is] known to grow a foot a day. Bamboo also has a much lighter environmental impact than pesticide-laden conventional cotton and petroleum-derived nylon and polyester synthetics.”

Bamboo is a grass and is actually the fastest growing plant in the world! It can reach its maximum height in just 3-4 months and reaches full maturity in 3-4 years. It’s also completely sustainable, plus bamboo fiber is 100% biodegradable.

But the real key for me is that not only does using this great, sustainable material help the Earth, fabric made of bamboo has an incredible, silky feel and wonderfully luxurious texture. I’d call that the best of both worlds!

One of the coolest companies I’ve found to incorporate the use of bamboo in its materials is Doie Designs. Doie designer Sara Kirsner’s separates can be put together in a chic, individual way. These pieces are stylish, but casual – definitely created for the woman who is comfortable in her clothes and in her own skin!

Sara’s California Collection for spring was just released and it’s filled with pieces I simply must have! All three of the pieces I’ve highlighted are created using 92% viscose from bamboo.

First, the Big Sur Empire Hoodie. You absolutely can’t have too many. Paired with some shorts at the beach, jeans for a cool summer night, or thrown over a swimsuit on the boat, you won’t want to keep this loungewear staple in the gym! Available in white and silver (shown), black and white, and green and blue. Retail $120.

Next, this sexy one shouldered Laguna tank is a quintessential summer staple. Works with jeans, minis, shorts, skirts… you name it. And the cleverly flattering design hides a multitude of sins! Available in white (as pictured), green and black. Retail $64.

Finally, this Tiburon tennis / tank dress is far from ordinary! Style it up with heels or keep it simple with flip-flops. Perfect weekend wear. Retail $96.

About Doie Designs

Doie designer Sara Kirsner is a Marin County, California, native who currently lives in Los Angeles. Sara moved to New York City in 2002 to attend the Parsons School of Design. After interning for DKNY and Marc Jacobs, and freelancing in the design department at Ann Taylor, she decided to go out on her own and create Doie. In keeping with the Doie principles of producing locally, she recently moved herself, as well as her manufacturing, from New York City, to Los Angeles.

You can see more of the California Collection, or any of Sara’s other, fantastic collections at Doie. Or check out the easy-to-use store locator for brick and mortar stores and online stores in the US and Canada.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Do you have a favorite pair of shorts that you reach for time and again? You know, the ones that are cozy and comfortable and match whatever happens to be clean? I know I do! And now I have a brand new favorite – Escape Relaxation Shorts  from Kalyx.

These shorts are made with Kalyx’s new K-Luxe fabric – a uniquely imperfectblend of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and naturally occurring rayon. K-Luxe fabric is super soft and easy-care – just wash in cold water, tumble dry on medium.

The Escape Shorts retail for $30 and are fantastic for running, climbing, or just relaxing after a workout. With an extra wide waistband, natural color cotton twill ties, and raw bottom hems, these are casual but really cute, especially when paired with one of Kalyx’s great organic T’s.

Kalyx is the brainchild of Founder Kimberly Cayce, a former NCAA-ALL American and All-ACC Team Member at Duke University. Kimberly competed on tours around the world as a professional golfer for 5 years, so she knows more than a thing or two about comfortable sports gear!

In addition to making fabulous women’s workout wear, Kimberly’s is also committed to supporting women through the new Kalyx Cares Campaign. Kalyx is supporting City of Hope in the fight against women’s cancers.  Through December 31, 2010, $1 per sale of specially-marked Kalyx products will benefit City of Hope to support breast cancer research, treatment and education!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Today, being environmentally conscious is a serious fashion statement. And sometimes, acting responsibly toward our Earth means making some concessions to style. Luckily, that’s not the case with beautiful jewelry from Sam & Goldie!

Sam & Goldie Jewelry is a line that blends together the quality and classic style of honored heirlooms with the flair of international fashion. These pieces are hand crafted from only the highest quality, salvaged semi-precious stones, minerals, and metals.

Sam & Goldie Jewelry also celebrates the splendor of iconic cities from around the world in the Buenos Aires Collection, the Firenze Collection and (my personal favorite!) the Mykonos Collection.

For me, the Mykonos Collection truly captures the flavor of this destination paradise with raw and rough bits of amethyst and citrine, large pieces of garnet, and even geodes, all in radiant purples, greens and gold.

The Sliced Agate necklace is created from chalcedony with gold overlay and reminds me of Paraportiani church, one of the most famous and instantly recognizable architectural structures on the island.  Perfect for day or night, the necklace features a fanciful 20” chain and a striking geode. Retail $225

The Amethyst and Citrine drop pendant is a spectacular addition to any vacation wardrobe. The semi-precious stone cluster hangs from a delicate 24″ sterling silver chain. This would catch the light wonderfully while dancing the night away at Paranga or Super Paradise. Retail $147

But my favorite piece of all is the Smokey Quartz and Citrine Drop. This is a limited edition and available on-line only. A full 4” of semi-precious gems are highlighted with a gold overlay on a 20” lariat style chain. Fabulous for a day exploring Aegean Maritime Museum or shopping. Retail $317

To see the entire Mykonos Collection or the many other treasures visit Sam & Goldie. Shop conveniently online or find a store near you.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

There’s something so romantic about candlelight. As a method of illumination, candlelight is obsolete, yet there’s nothing more appealing than filling our homes with candlelight’s soft, flickering glow. For me, if the candles are subtly scented, so much the better!

That’s why I was so thrilled to be introduced to the Hervé Gambs collection of scented candles. Imported from France (and who’s more romantic than the French?!) these candles are the perfect way to set the mood this Valentine’s Day.

Like all Hervé Gambs interior fragrances and home products, this is a collection of the highest quality and exemplifies both sophistication and superb design. The most extraordinary part is the absolute purity and beauty of the various fragrances, with no hint of the chemical fabrication that you sometimes see in inexpensive scented candles.

Hervé Gambs candles are made with natural wax, lead-free wicks and for burn for hours. In fact, the extra large candle burns for an amazing 60 hours. From Lilas, to Brin de Muguet, to Feuille de Figuier (fig, my fave!), you’ll be hard pressed to choose a favorite

Available for only $49 at Quel Objet, the ultimate source for all things French.