Look around your closet and take inventory of what you have.  Do you know where your things originated?  Probably not.  Everything we consume and own has an impact on our environment, community, and the future. When purchasing clothes, we should be more leery of what we take home, as each new blouse can speak volumes about the people that had to it if it was mass-produced in a sweatshop.  A sweatshop is a working environment with difficult and dangerous conditions for the workers.  Usually these workers are exposed to harmful materials, extreme work hours, and even abuse from management.  These workers are paid less than a dollar a day, if they are lucky, for up to 10 hours of incessant work.

Thinking about making a change?  Start by taking these steps for sweatshop-free clothing.

SUPPORT NONSWEAT SHOP CLOTHING STORES
There is a growing number of clothing brands that manufacture their clothing within the United States where they adhere to strict labor acts.  American Apparel pays twice the national minimum wage and even provides an onsite medical clinic for their workers along with subsidized lunches.  Other brands include Edun, Patagonia, and Free People.

BUY USED CLOTHING
Vintage and thrift stores provide tons of near new clothing that has been tossed by the previous owner.  Instead of throwing them into a landfill, find pieces that you can use to add style and eccentricity to your wardrobe.

EDUCATE YOURSELF
It’s hard to have a completely sweatshop free wardrobe, but you have to start somewhere.  Start researching for brands that are organic and ethically produced by visiting their websites.  Most brands provide information on their manufacturing procedures.  Otherwise, email them about the materials and labor used for that awesome jacket you found.   We have featured brands such as cmarchuska and stores that sell only organic and/or sweatshop free clothing such as Fashion and Earth.  Add key pieces to your closet instead of buying new pieces at the mall monthly, and fine tune what is already in your closet.  Each choice you make can promote a better future for your style and the community.

Finding jeans we love is similar to finding the right guy.  It takes a lot of time and agony to find jeans that fit us perfectly.  What initially seems great may end up looking too baggy or unflattering if we’re not cautious when we’re shopping.  If you’ve found yourself in this situation, fear no more, as Zafu is here!

Zafu is a company that has developed a mathematical algorithm to make your butt look its best in jeans.  Using numerical calculations, product databases and body shape libraries, this California team can help you achieve that hot denim look based on a few simple questions.  After you answer how your jeans typically fit, your length preference, your brand preference, and even your typical style, Zafu generates a list of jeans on the market that work for you.

So instead of trying on an armful of jeans that never work out, you now have a condensed list of denim that have a high probability of fitting you and your style.  This service is free and you don’t even have to purchase the jeans online.  Just take the list with you next time you hit the mall so you know exactly which ones to try on.  Once you’ve found your perfect pair (or two), walk confidently and use the rest of your energy to tackle something else with your time, like finding that perfect mate.

Zafu also helps you find the perfect bra as well.  Visit them today for a more fitted tomorrow.

• You might also like our article on the 5 jeans you need in your closet

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Sometimes living in a city where mass consumption is part of our daily living, we forget the big picture. But thanks to the efforts of people like Blake Mycoskie, the realities of the world are brought to our attention and we are given a chance to incorporate philanthropy in our daily lives… by doing something as simple as wearing shoes.

After coming in third place in The Amazing Race II, Blake Mycoskie returned to a destination he frequented on the show: Argentina.  Recognizing the injustices found in rural and impoverished areas of Argentina and witnessing the poverty of children walking 2 miles barefoot to fetch water, Blake made up his mind to take action.

Inspired by the canvas shoes worn by local Argentinians, Blake designed a pair of basic shoes with rubber soles and comfortable lining and marketed it to the American audience.  He called these reinvented shoes TOMS and promised that with every purchase, a pair of TOMS would be donated to those around the world who couldn’t afford shoes.

Since the birth of TOMS shoe, over 10,000 shoes have been given to children in Argentina and over 50,000 pairs in South Africa.  TOMS shoes are available at various boutiques and department stores and have been featured in the media since it’s beginning.

Purchase a pair today and give something back to the real world.

• Also check out PONO: Fusing Fashion with Philanthropy for jewelry with a similar message and commitment.

The economy is down and we’re in a recession, but what’s a gal to do with all these fabulous deals?  It’s difficult to not shop when we’re in a buyer’s market.  The key: find an appropriate balance.  Instead of buying everything that’s marked down 70%, think of what you really need before you go out to buy it. A recessionista is a person trying to survive in this tough economy without sacrificing her pleasures in life — this means it’s imperative that she finds the best deals.  It requires more effort, but it pays off.  Here is a guide to surviving this recession while looking fabulous.

WAIT BEFORE YOU BUY
It will be on sale.  It is amazing what fabulous deals you can find for extremely classic pieces.  Most retailers have discounted their goods so steeply that few people are willing to pay full price anymore.  So take your hand away from your credit card, take a deep breath, and walk away.  When you hear of the sale, swing by and nab those killer heels at 70% off — but only because you really need them and because you know you’ll put them to good use.  Don’t forget to give outlet stores a call as well, most are willing to ship items to you.  Patience pay off.

• Read: Never Pay Full Price Again to brush up on your shopping smarts
• If you’re a shopaholic, check out how you can start Controlling the Splurge

ELIMINATE WHAT YOU DON’T LOVE
Consign, sell, give away, or toss.  There’s no reason to clutter your life (and closet) with space-holders.  We’ve written about how to love your closet by cleaning up what you don’t love and filling the voids with true classics.  Click here to read more about how to eliminate items you no longer cherish.



TAILOR, ALTER OR FIX-UP YOUR CLASSICS
Resole your Louboutins and alter your Chanel jacket instead of buying new items.  Tailoring a jacket can create a fresh style that looks amazing on your body.  Find local tailors and shoe repairmen who are able to do exactly what you want.  And for specialty items, ask designer boutiques for their local recommendations.  Once you find the right person, never lose their contact information because you’ll find that you can always reuse them again.

SCORE PRE-OWNED ITEMS
You can easily find gently worn or near-new designer luxury goods at consignment shops, ebay, private online shopping sites, and online retailers at a fraction of the cost.  It’s amazing what is available now.  There have been sightings of an Hermes Kelly for under $2000, Chanel jackets for $500, and Louboutins for $150– all in amazing condition.  So if you’re itching to shop, be sure to check out these second-hand shops for an eco-friendly shot at fabulous.

So the take away message is to be thrifty and smart with your spending.  If you use your check card to shop, make sure you have enough money to pay off your credit card in full.  Fuel your wardrobe with classic pieces and refreshing looks that will last more than a season.  Remember, you can always look good no matter what economic state we are in.

We have been featuring independent artists and designers that focus on sustainable clothing and directing you to their boutiques and stores.  Now you can find various designers and products in one central website, FashionandEarth.com.  “Eco-friendly and organic clothing fashions at FashionandEarth.com include organic women’s tops, bottoms, skirts, dresses, lingerie, shoes and accessories.  With a goal to make high-quality organic clothing accessible to the average mainstream clothing shopper, prices for tops will vary from $30 and pants from $60,” as stated in their press release after their launch.  We recently asked Adrian Desbarats from FashionandEarth a few questions about his new company, and below are some of his answers.

What is the background and beginning for this company?

We incorporated in December 2007.  However, the concept of the company was brewing for about a year prior to that.  As a Marine Biologist, I have always had a natural affinity toward the environment and had perhaps a heightened concern for our planet’s well being.  [My wife and I] have always done what we could to “do our part” such as recycling, composting, using energy efficient light bulbs and appliances, etc.  However, when my wife and I had our first child in 2005, my whole perception of the impact of our actions on the planet really got turned on its head.  I would look at my daughter and wonder – “what kind of world will she inherit?”  My deepened concern for the environment coupled with my entrepreneurial spirit led me to begin looking for something that I could do that would fulfill my desire to be self-employed but yet be part of the solution, NOT part of the problem.  That search led me to organic and eco-friendly clothing.  I felt that this was a business that complimented both my and my wife’s skills nicely and over time, it is my intent to build the business into a significant eRetail presence that will do its part to educate and provide better clothing choices to a wider audience.

How often are new designs available?

We have only just launched but we expect to add new designs about once every 3 months or so.  However, I think its important to note that our clothing is chosen on its fashion longevity, not just its material or manufacturing longevity.  In other words, we do not want nor do we promote people to throw out their wardrobe every season to make room for new styles as is often the marketing ploy of large, discount chain stores.  Our styles offer [a] broad range and enduring appeal which was our intent so that it remains in your closet for a long time to come.

Where does the company see itself in the next five years?

To steal a line from Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, we want to “chase the vision, not the money.” And that vision is to bring together the multitude of great clothing brands which meet our stringent environmental and social policies, meet or quality and fashion requirements and offer them under one roof, Fashion and Earth.  Through our dedication to our customers in ensuring our products are truly sustainable, ensuring an excellent online shopping experience and ensuring excellent customer service, we hope to build an ever-increasing and loyal customer base.  Hopefully, in time, we would get big enough that we could leverage that power to help continue the drive to get healthier and more sustainable clothing options out to the mainstream shopper.  However, as we grow, we would never lose site of our environmental foundation and our desire to be a corporation that makes a positive difference.

FashionandEarth.com also provides free shipping and returns and is currently giving The Conscious Snob readers an exclusive 20% off coupon code, SNOB20.  Just enter the code at checkout.  But hurry, this offer ends January 31, 2009.  Visit the store here.

Being “green” is not a trend. In fact, it is a lifestyle choice that includes what you eat, how you think, and what you wear.  The Conscious Snob strives to add to our readers awareness of what’s available and how it is possible to live greener, better lives.  Today we are introducing you to cmarchuska, an eco-friendly clothing line that focuses on two main issues with sustainable clothing.  Christine Marchuska, the founder and designer for her brand, found current eco-friendly clothing not fashionable and overpriced. How can we possibly look good and not break our budget while still wear sustainable clothing?  With these two issues in mind, Marchuska developed a chic line of clothing for eco and socially conscious men and women with versatile basics, tees and dresses made in the NYC garment district.  The best part?  They are affordable.

How did this clothing line start? “My background is actually not in design or fashion,” states Marchuska.  “However, I was always passionate about fashion and the environment.  I graduated from Cornell in [2002] as a Policy Analysis Management major from the School of Human Ecology.  Right after graduation I moved to NYC and started my career in finance.”  Facing a tough job market, Marchuska began working as a day trader and then into investment banking in fixed income sales.

“In May, of this year, I was laid off from my Wall Street job and decided that this was the push I needed to finally go after my true passions, fashion and the environment,” says Marchuska.  With the help of her brother Justin, the two developed their clothing line in July with a simple eco-friendly t-shirt, the mseries t.  “The tee was more of my brother’s idea, but it was the perfect opportunity for me to get out there.  I had no real knowledge of the garment industry, so me being the crazy control freak that I am decided to inundate my schedule with sewing classes, fashion courses and networking with individuals in the industry.”

Marchuska began to meet and network with a lot of people in NYC’s garment district who encouraged her to pursue her passion.  “In September I started working on my own line, cmarchuska, which is a collection of stylish and chic clothing for the socially conscious female.  I do plan from time to time to offer unisex pieces, such as the hunter scarf, but the primary focus will be women’s clothing.  November was the official launch of cmarchuska.  I still share the website with my brother and some of my recent pieces still hold the Marchuska label, but going forward all of my items will carry the cmarchuska name.”

Marchuska continues to work on new designs on a daily basis. “Currently I am constructing a dress collection dedicated to my stylish and professional friends and family who have an incredible fashion sense, but are tired of what stores and boutiques have to offer.  So all of my new items are named after the person who inspired the piece such as the lindsey dress [available SS09], the sylvia dress [available at the end of December], the samantha dress [SS09] and the anna dress [SS09].”

It looks like Marchuska will be keeping busy with her designs and promoting her company.  The company also is actively supporting two charitable organizations, Safe Horizon which supports victims of violence, and the Red Cross Society of China.  You can purchase these items on her website, or visit a boutique near you.  Another reason to shop there?  From now until January 1, 2009, enter code cmarchuska09 at checkout from their website, and get 25% off your entire order!  Visit their store now.

Like most women, you probably have items deep in your closet with price tags still on them, forgotten and dismissed.  You might even have items intentionally hidden from your significant other, and inadvertently, lost to memory.  And of course, there are the items you bought when you were on that mad spending spree, also known as “emotional shopping.”  Why have that little bit of precious closet space be filled with things you don’t love or hardly remember?  Instead, recharge your closet by emptying out the old and the ugly and replacing them with timeless pieces you’ll love.  Be conscious of what you add to your closet and you will happier with what you have instead of dreaming of the next item.  It’s not good for the environment or your wallet if you keep buying useless junk.

As we get older, we have a clearer idea of who we are.  Or so we hope.  Our fashion choices reflect how much we know about ourselves. Fashion exists everywhere, and style will never go away.  It is an individual expression of oneself.  So who you are is outwardly dictated by the type of jewelry you wear or how you wrap your hair.  A fabulous closet requires a touch of reality with a splash of excitement.  Here are ways to start loving every inch of your closet.

Clean it out. You really need an entire afternoon and perhaps some wine to get this done.  Go through your entire closet and look at every article of clothing, accessory, and pair of shoes.  Try on everything! If you don’t love it, toss it or give it away.  Stick with the pieces that work with you now.  Times have changed and so has your style.  Two years ago, you may have loved your foxy red jeans, but not anymore.  Throw them out.  By emptying your closet of the things you don’t love, you can start filling it in with pieces that work with you now and hopefully in the future.  If you want a second opinion, invite a friend over who has a clear idea of who you are and has similar fashion tastes to help you make the tough decisions.  Then reflect on how much you got rid of and realize that how you might have been spending and collecting is not the way to lead the rest of your fashionable life.

Give it away. Once you have cleared our your closet, immediately distribute your items to Goodwill, consignment shops, Dress for Success, friends, and thrift stores.  It’s better to immediately release them into the wild rather than keep them close, for fear that one terrible night you have an urge to keep it all.  Just do it.  Move on and let it go.

Go shopping.  This is the best part.  But definitely make sure you have a list of the things you feel are missing from your closet.  This is the time to find what will make your closet complete. Be very specific about what you want and do not stray. The economy is tight, so don’t run up your credit card bill over the latest trends.  And when you do go shopping, make sure you truly love the item.  Don’t fall prey to sales, no matter how inexpensive an item is, especially during this holiday season.  This is not the time to refill your closet with crap again.  You are different now.  You have refined your style and what you love, and this moment to go shopping is to add only the essentials.  Really be aware and conscious of how you spend your money.

Organize.  Then wear your stuff and love it. The next thing is to use what is in your closet by making it easy to see where all your beautiful items are.  Don’t hide items in garment bags unless they are truly special occasion items.  Let your handbags and purses be easily accessible on a shelf.  Invest in a gorgeous jewelry box that allows you to grab and go before you walk out the door.  If you can’t see what you have, how can you appreciate it?  If things are within easy sight, you can instantly look over your closet in the morning and know what to wear.  Having a cluttered closet is similar to having a cluttered desk.  You’ll never find what you need and everything becomes a jumbled mess.

After these steps, you are sure to look into your closet and smile.  But the journey does not end here.  It has just begun.  Every time you shop, you have to make sure to be conscious of what you add to your wardrobe.  The time and energy spent shopping excessive goods adds little or no value to your life.  But putting time to find satisfaction in key pieces, along with your own unique look, will make a lasting impression on your happiness and image.  Let’s avoid adding trash to our sanctuaries and enjoy what we can truly call ours.

It’s that time of year again. The shopping, the wrapping, the long lines, the major sales, the last-minute gifts, and…the empty wallets.  Not only can holiday shopping be stressful on the body, it can put strain on the bank if you don’t plan according — especially in this economy.  But we shouldn’t let the current recession inhibit the spirit and generosity of the holidays.  With a little bit of creativity and some timely organization, it is possible to show your appreciation and love without the anxiety.  Here are a few ways to make your holiday gift-giving fabulous and stress-free.

Make a list. You really do not have to give a gift to everyone you know.  Make a list of the key people you truly want to give something special to and spend time now to think about what to give them.  By preparing early, you can really find a gift that they love instead of one that will be returned or, gasp, re-gifted. If your mom has been talking about wanting those pearl earrings, start researching where to get them and order them early.  If your boyfriend is in desperate need of a wardrobe makeover, give him some key pieces to start him off to a stylish new year.  For the best friend who has everything, personalize a gift by decorating a beautiful frame with a great photo of the both of you, or give her a gift certificate to her favorite store.  Get the gifts, wrap them as you get them, and set them aside until the time to give is here.  By starting now and collecting gifts slowly, you avoid the long lines and stress of last-minute gifts.

Create a budget. And stick to it.  In the midst of the holiday season, our graciousness and generosity may move us to buy the newest and hottest items for the people we love.  But economic times are tough, and now is time to be conscious of your spending.  Set a limit to how much you are going to spend on each person and stick to it.  Love has no price limit, but your checking account sure does. The holidays are more about being with the people you love, not spending the rest of the new year paying off your credit card debt.

Have small “everybody” gifts.  For the people in your life whom you are well-acquainted with, but not good enough friends for the hassle of individual gifts, choose a small, signature holiday gift that you can give en mass.  Pick a favorite book and wrap a bunch of them with some homemade cookies.  Or stuff small stockings with treats and $5-10 gift cards.  For the ladies, another good idea is to fill fun makeup bags with travel-size lotions and body washes.  These gifts are also great to have on hand in case you accidentally forget somebody. Just make sure you remember to add that person to your list next year, or splurge for their birthday.

Set a weekend in early December to write all your cards. Block out an afternoon in your calendar to strictly write cards.  Prepare ahead of time.  Have the cards, the address book, the stamps, the pens and fun stickers all set on the table.  Add some hot chocolate and a warm cashmere blanket, and make that time an opportunity to really send them your wishes instead of a hastened and sloppy note.  Then, send them out ASAP.

Remember, start now and finish way ahead of everyone else.  This way you can leave the last few weeks of the holidays to truly enjoying time with family, friends, and loved ones.

It’s a tough economy and looking for a job is more difficult than ever, especially for disadvantaged women who don’t have the leisure of choosing which pantsuit to throw on for an interview.  Not having the proper attire oftentimes becomes another barrier to entering the work force and starting a new life for these women.  While some of us are lucky enough to reach into our closets for that Michael Kors suit or Christian Louboutin heels, there are thousands of women who qualify for jobs but just don’t have the means to dress for their jobs.  This is where organizations like Dress For Success lend a helping hand.

Dress For Success started in 1997 in New York City, but it has since become an international non-profit organization serving more than 40,000 women each year.  The objective of the organization is simple: help disadvantaged women get the jobs they deserve.  Dress For Success offers several levels of help to women, but their forte is providing women initially with attire that is appropriate for their interviews.  Upon securing a job, women can return to Dress For Success for additional clothing and accessories to start their new job with a versatile, professional wardrobe.

The next level of help that Dress For Success offers is their Professional Women’s Group (PWG) Program, which provides continued support and mentorship to the women.  The program is lifelong and allows its members to attend meetings to benefit their career retention and development.  In addition to the PWG Program, there’s also the Dress For Success Career Center to offer career guidance, resume writing lessons, and interview preparation to help women overcome some of the more daunting tasks in job-searching.

Moved by their cause?  You can help. Donate your old pantsuits to organization by dropping it off at a local affiliate or hold a Suit Drive at your office or neighborhood.  Still feel like you want to do more?  You can always donate money or spread the word.  So suit up and go solicit some suits!

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Are you in the Bay Area?  Join us at our first Wine & Cheese Charity Accessories Drive. On behalf of Dress for Success, we’re collecting women’s scarves, shoes, purses, watches, jewelry and other business-suitable accessories.

All donations will benefit the San Francisco Dress for Success to help clothe disadvantaged women so that they can attain the confidence and proper attire to successfully interview and launch their careers.

So bring your accessories and your friends and come enjoy the evening with us!  RSVP NOW

Date/Time: Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, 5pm - 7pm

Location: The Palo Alto Wine Room

Address: 520 Ramona Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301

RSVP NOW

We all have great bras.  From lacy to supportive to super comfortable, how long do they last?  When should we toss them?  Since every bra is different and based on how we care for them, an average everyday bra should last between six months to a year, longer if you rotate them enough and keep good care of them.

The more bras you own, the more you rotate among them, therefore extending the bra’s life supporting you.  A bra needs about 10-16 hours to regain elasticity.  Toss the bras when you start to notice lack of elasticity, when you don’t feel it’s providing you support anymore.  When the tightest hook still doesn’t give support, toss it.  Also, if the fabric starts to discolor or tear, that means it’s lived it’s last breath.  Just go buy another one to replace it.

To make your bras last the longest, handwash your bras in cold water and mild detergent and air dry.  Wash them after each use, as the lotions, perspiration and perfume all affect the material of your lingerie.  Never put them in the dryer, because the heat will definitely weaken the elasticity and even tangle up the bra straps.  Machine washing twists and jerks the straps and underwires around, and bras should be handled with care.  If you have to machine wash, hook the straps together and put them in a separate bag with cold water in your most gentle cycle.  Some bras are so delicate that they even need to be dry cleaned.  Just check out the care tags with your lingerie.

Take good care of your brassieres and they will give you many perky months of support!