The Conscious Snob believes how she dresses introduces and shares knowledge about environmental issues.  She also believes that what one wears is a reflection of his/her stance to live deliberately and shop consciously.

Sustain the Planet, Maintain Your Cool
Do you sometimes wonder why these so-called stylish designer sunglasses that are made of plastic cost hundreds of dollars?  Because people relate to the premium brands and respond to a sense of luxury and exclusivity.  Yet, they are simply mass-produced.  While the world crazes about premium designer sunglasses like Gucci, Chanel, Tom Ford and Oliver Peoples, etc., a new generation of premium eco-eyewear has been introduced by iWood.

All parts are shipped directly from Italy and only a limited pairs of wooden sunglasses are produced in the US each year.   These babies can cost a fortune ($300+), but if you are going to pay top dollar on plastic designer eyewear that goes out of style each season, why not invest in a pair that’s handcrafted, fashion conscious, and easy on the environment?

iWood Features

• Components from around the world
• Eco-sustainable wood veneer
• 100% fully adjustable and UVA/UVB protection
• All iWood sunglasses can fit prescription lenses
• Hypoallergenic
• Lightweight
• Bold & international statement

Online shopping has become a safe enough arena for retail purchases that many people feel comfortable purchasing books, shoes, clothing and even expensive jewelry online.  One annoying thing about online shopping, however, is that you end up with a mailbox full of emails, notifications and newsletters. You may opt to not receive these emails, but then you also run the risk of missing out on sales, valuable coupon codes, and (gasp!) knowledge of spanking new commercial goods.

iStorez is a website that offers you all the benefits that online stores have to offer without cluttering your already full inbox.   iStorez allows you to select your favorite e-tailers’ current newsletters and deals right on the website.  You can easily go directly to the retailer’s website once you have found something you love, and it also helps you find specific items from apparel to media.  They even have deals for different personalities such as the Eco Adventuress to the Urban Fashionista.

Why are these companies so great?  They take care of the deals for you. It’s a little mall right on your desktop that fits to your likes and styles.  You save mailbox memory and real time so that the rest of your day can be free to do other, more important things in life.  Kiss bye bye to retail spam!

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.

Shopping. It’s a word that elicits mixed emotions.

Consumption and spending are necessary in our society. It boosts the economy and brings the groceries home. Yet when words like “Balenciaga” and “Fendi” are brought into the conversation, shopping takes on new meaning. There are always those (commonly referred to as the boyfriends) who believe in simplicity, minimalism, and having only what is needed. There can be occasional fun things scattered here and there (like the Nintendo Wii), but ultimately, money should go towards long-term investments and personal well-being and health. Is it really necessary to spend over $200 on shoes, or $2000 on a handbag? Yes and no.

A closer look at the other side of the argument reveals attributes of creativity, beauty, and variety. What woman doesn’t love being beautiful and confident in her clothes? (And quite frankly, these were the very clothes that caught your eye, honey). No, it’s not necessary to purchase a new purse or outfit every day just to follow the newest trends; yes, it is important to to indulge occasionally and wisely in what we love (in this case, shopping). Occasional, smart shopping and gradual accumulation of quality items that can last beyond a season and possibly even a decade can be worth it. Shopping can be an investment, if you go about it the right way. Purchasing a pair of quality shoes to match your pant suit for work as opposed to cheaper heels that will only last you a month is worth it. Purchasing a nice, classic summer handbag is worth it if you know you can wear that year after year.   Sure, it may mean that you’ll have to store it away when winter comes, but if it’s a classic piece, it’ll be painless (and fun!) to retrieve it when the time comes.

You don’t always have to choose between being either the “frantic” shopaholic or the frugal minimalist!  Just make sure you’re taking your other expenses into consideration and not shopping yourself into debt.  Find the right balance and be conscious of what you’re adding into your collection.

HOW TO ENSURE  THAT YOUR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE STAYS FABULOUS?

Know what you want. Like how people say to never do groceries when you are hungry, never go shopping when you just want to shop.  Have something in mind.  Either create a list or visualize what it is you want.  Otherwise, you end up buying items that you never even wanted and that end up sitting in your closet untouched and unloved.

Set a budget. Yes, it’s been said over and over but it must be emphasized and repeated.  If you’re looking for great boots, set a limit to how much you are willing to spend.  If you only have $50 for boots, don’t buy the $400 pair.  It’s possible to find fabulous boots AND forgo the sinking feeling in your stomach when you see the credit card bill.

Don’t fall for sweet temptations. Just because it is 50% off, that does not mean you should get it.  Sales lure you in, and with discounts everywhere right now, the temptation is strong.  Just resist.  A great way to decide if you should get something is to ask yourself if you will still buy it at full price.  If the answer is no, don’t get it.  Loving an item for its price is short-lived.

Be picky. If you are a shopaholic, chances are you probably have more clothes than you know.  Learn from your experiences.  How long does it take before you cycle through the same item or outfit again?  Do you really need more than one color of the same piece?

Shop with honest friends. Forget going shopping with friends that love everything you try on.  Enablers never help your wallet or your closet.  Instead go with friends whose opinion you really trust.  They also will be able to dissuade you from getting that second tweed Chanel blazer, or those new Louboutins that you know are too high.  Keep these friends close — they are invaluable to your happiness and your bank account.

Don’t over-browse online stores. Online sales can be tempting from time to time, especially with the convenience of not having to go to the mall but instead having items delivered right to your door.  On top of that, it’s easier to find deep discounts online than it is to find in the stores.  However, it’s also easy to fall into the trap of constantly looking for deals across the world of eCommerce.  Next time you find a good deal online, remind yourself that the same sale (if not better) will come around again in the near future.  Pace yourself.

With these suggestions in mind, we hope that you become a savvy shopper.  By being smart and conscious about what you spend, shopping can be both rewarding and fun.  If you have more ideas, we’d love to hear them.

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 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