Though I would consider myself a lover of the environment (trees! Fresh air! The ozone layer!), I’ll admit that I never really stop to think about how my fashion purchases are affecting the earth. Until now, I wrongfully assumed that it was rare to find sustainable fashion, but REVEAL has set me straight. Their line of innovative and sustainable bags and accessories includes women’s purses and wallets, men’s messenger bags and some seriously cool bamboo watches. Apple geeks are also covered, thanks to REVEAL’s mobile accessories for iPads and iPhones.

What exactly makes REVEAL so eco-friendly? Their collection is made from materials like:

•         RECYCLED MICROSUEDE:  Soft, animal-friendly suede made from recycled plastic bottles
•         RECYCLED SATIN:  Luxurious satin made from recycled plastic bottles
•         VEGAN LEATHER:  Our trims and straps, like all our materials, are 100 percent cruelty-free
•         RECYCLED ZIPPERS:  Made from recycled polyester tape and recycled metal slider

Any company that can take my very unsexy bottle of water and turn it into a great purse has my vote. Check out REVEAL’s full collection and commitment to the environment at: www.revealshop.com

There’s all too much that can be said about a boot company that dons the name COUGAR (capitals). But in all fair innocence, they’re a great footwear brand with focus on winter and rain (which is welcome to leave my climate right about now). All too little (well, long on my part – sorry!) ago I was sent pairs of COUGAR wears to share. My feet happily clambered into the Regal Rain Boot (which reminds me of a riding-slash-combat boot) where the bounce in my step was more than evident and my willingness to pair them with near everything was borderline obsessive.

The winter boots I selected were the Ringo Stars, a departure from my regulars as they were complete with rubber-mixed-with-waterproofing and fur. Think sophisticated Sorels. Smiles for the newfound cozy home for my feet, nonchalant expression for the style.

Migrate your footwear to the next level and sidle yourself towards some COUGARs. I give it two booties up. That and the people around me have to lament that it reminds them of when they were kids. I need that once in awhile.

PS – Inner Geek in me, but the COUGAR website is fantastic. What a great way to start the experience with film that’s set to oldies music. Happiness. Great user interface

Thank you so muchly to Matchstick and COUGAR. Learn more about the COUGS at www.cougarshoes.com

While the Little Black Dress is often considered the number one wardrobe staple, the Perfect Black Pant also ranks high on the list. Whether you’re office-bound or party hopping, the GAP’s new premium pant collection has you covered from the waist down.

My favourites are the slim cropped pant, a great way to show off winter booties, and the perfect trouser, a must-have for any business-casual wardrobe. Your weekends are also covered with roll-up cargo khaki’s that look great with a sweater and scarf.

This new collection doesn’t forget about the boys either. The tailored straight-leg khaki’s are the perfect complement to a button-up and tie, while the vintage loose khaki’s look great with a tee and a cardigan.

As with all of my fashion decisions, the hardest part is figuring out which pair to buy. But with prices ranging from $50 – $75, I can happily buy more than one!

Check out gapcanada.ca to see the full collection. (Also, free shipping for a limited time!)

Choosing between fashion and a sustainable future has just got a little easier.  The earthly conscious minds at Reveal have come out with something that’s pretty swanky.

Low and behold Reveal’s Luxury Bamboo watch. Made from natural bamboo and handcrafted, this timepiece will sure have your bling bling sounding like thump thump (sound of wood; yeah, i know, a little lame). Its Japanese movement, tenacious structure, and eco-friendliness will definitely add a little uniqueness to your wardrobe.   Not to mention, it comes with it’s very own handmade natural bamboo box.

Do remember that bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants, so once planted, it will be back recycling that CO2 in no time.  And if the watch alone doesn’t do it for you, at least you’ll have comfort knowing that Reveal will plant a tree for every item purchased.

If your looking for a richer tone to your watch, also check out their Luxury Forest Watch made out of natural beech wood.  Also, take a look at the lightweight Chikurin Watch also made with natural bamboo.

It’s hard to believe with this beautiful summer weather that fall collections are already making their way into stores. Normally I loathe spotting fall sweaters and heavy tweed skirts in stores in June, but not so with Allison Wonderland’s new collection. Here’s why.

Firstly, she has a great name. Secondly, the pieces from her Fall/Winter 2010 collection are all named after films from the ‘70s (the Annie Hall blouse, the Goodbye Girl dress!). And finally, the collection is gorgeous.

Featuring everything from working-girl blazers to night-on-the-town dresses, the collection has a range of basic pieces that can be mixed-and-matched with items already in your closet. While the brown, grey and blue palette are perfect for a fall collection, it’s easy to add colourful tights or a patterned scarf to give your look a unique twist.

Allison Wonderland’s collection is available in stores across North America or online.