The Great Diva “ShoeCycle”
January 3, 2010 by Tania Reuben
Filed under Diva Fashion, Diva Musings
By Tania Reuben
The title has SHOE in it so if you have a X chromosome and are reading this, chances are we have your attention!
We’ve all done it. Spent way to much money on a fabulous pair of shoes. Gotten them home, worn them, they hurt, worn them again, they still hurt. Couldn’t find the right outfit for them – I’ve heard rumors of such happenings.
Now with most shoes when this happens, we pass them on to goodwill or a friend… but we all have the shoes we hold on to… we just can’t part with them.
What if someone else had a pair they coveted in their closet that wouldn’t hurt your feet…? What if they could find you? We have dream, a dream where all coveted, fabulous, toe pinching, too narrow shoes find new homes on the feet that will be perfect for them.
Do you share this dream?
HOW IT WORKS:
1. Go to the PND Facebook Fan page and add a picture of your coveted – unwearable on your feet – shoes to the ShoeCycle album. In the caption include all the important details, brand, size, why they don’t work for you, to narrow, to small… Check back from time to time (say hi while you’re visiting!) see if the magic pair that is right for you has been added to the album.
2. Find a pair in the album that you just have to have? Tag them with your name.
3. A “Cycle” is complete when each person giving a pair of shoes will receive a pair of fabulous, dying to be taken out of the closet shoes. This could take 2 people or it could take 20… who knows… but how much fun will it be to find out!
4. When you are in a completed “Cycle”, email your address to the person who has tagged your shoes (photo).
5. Ship your shoes to the person that tagged your shoe (photo).
6. (Finger’s Crossed) Welcome a pair of new shoes into your world!
Is it possible that we can find homes for all the dazzling shoes just dying to be worn out… hoping to be picked… night after night… day after day. We’re not sure… but we’re doing are part to represent these shoes. One day at a time, one shoe at a time, spreading the word on behalf of neglected left behind shoes everywhere.
The Fine Print
Participate at your own risk. PND will not be held responsible for shoes not sent or received. This is a fun idea, please don’t participate if you don’t plan on following through.
We will not intervene or get in the middle of any SHOENANNIGANS!
Diva Review: Allison Mooney Design Jewelry
December 26, 2009 by Tania Reuben
Filed under Diva Fashion, Diva Gift Guide, Diva Reviews
By Tania Reuben
I love Etsy! Their motto is Buy, Sell and Live Handmade. Those who aren’t familiar need to check it out! Etsy is a site for designers and artists to list and sell their wares. One of the best parts about buying from an Etsy vendor is knowing that you are a part of truly supporting the person who made your item. My only problem with Etsy is there are so many vendors you can sometimes get lost browsing for hours.
One of my favorite finds on etsy this year is Allison Mooney Designs – CLICK HERE – to view her etsy shop. Allison creates beautiful Jewelry, browsing through her site I wish I had most of her designs in my collection.
When she sent me a pair of her White Topaz and Filigreed Sterling Silver Drop Earringsto review I was thrilled. So thrilled that I couldn’t chose on just one of her designs and had to order a pair of the Brushed Vermeil Trapeze Earrings too! I’m glad that I did, the Trapeze Earrings are comfortable enough to wear all day long, super light and delicate yet dressy enough to wear out for date night.
White Topaz Drop Earrings Retail for $30
The Silver Drop Earrings are gorgeous. They are exrta light and comfortable. Dressy enough to wear at a cocktail party, but you could just as easily wear them with jeans and a t-shirt to add a little sparkle. You do need to take care with the drop earrings, they will tangle if not stored correctly and you may find yourself spending a minute or two setting the dangle straight, such is the life of any dangle earring.
Allison’s designs are whimsical, elegant and have a timeless feel to them. At the same time her pieces are perfectly current. Achieving that balance is a remarkable feet in design! I’m sure it was this balance that caught the eyes of Nordstrom buyers where her jewelry has sold.
Allison is a vendor with Nordstrom, but hasn’t shipped any new styles to them this year. Her focus has shifted from volume production to motherhood. She has missed attending Nordstrom trunk shows where she was able to meet her customers, socialize, and showcase over 200 pieces allowing her to show her full range.
Allison is thankful for the positive response to her jewelry & her etsy store. She loves having a creative outlet that allows her to help support her family while still enabling her to be with her daughter during the day.
The holidays are Allison’s busiest time of the year, so she is grateful to have a supportive husband who steps up to the plate. Taking care of the majority of the cooking, cleaning AND babywrangling. Allison claims he’s her biggest fan, but I might have to fight him for that position!
Allison squeezes in her business with support from her husband, between baby naps (she’s lucky that little Mooney continues to take 2 naps!) and by sacrificing sleep, often staying up till midnight to complete orders during the holidays.
Take a few minutes to browse Allison’s store – you’ll be sure to find something you can’t resist! If Santa didn’t bring you something shiny this year, pick out something yourself.
Congratulations to Carrie C, the winner of this great prize!
WIN a $30 Gift Certificate to Allison Mooney Designs!
HOW TO ENTER:
There are a few ways you can enter, leave separate comments for each entry.
Mandatory:
Become an Email Subscriber to PND using the form in the sidebar.
- The subscription must be confirmed. You will receive and email that you must reply to for your entry to be valid.
- Already a confirmed Subscriber. Complete any one of the additional entries options – Leave a comment letting Diva know you’re subscriber name and the entry option you selected.
Additional Entries
1. Go to Allison Mooney Desings at Etsy and share your favorite design here! I promise it will be tough to keep it to one!
2. Stumble, Digg, Kirsty, or Technorati favorite this post. Leave a comment with your name and the link.
3. Follow @purenaturaldiva (use link on the sidebar) on twitter. Leave your twittername in a separate comment.
4. Become a Fan of Pure Natural Diva & Allison Mooney Designs on Facebook. Post this giveaway as an update, leave your FB Name or Name with a copy of your update in a separate comment. One entry for each.
5. Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste “WIN Gorgeous Handmade Baubles!!! Diva Giveaway: $30 Gift Certificate from Allison Mooney Designs http://bit.ly/52PMSh @purenaturaldiva”. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
6. Write a post on your blog linking to my blog and to the – Good for two entries. Leave this comment twice so you get both entries!
This giveaway will run through midnight on Dec 30, 2009 PDT, with winner being announced December 30, 2009. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen.
Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S and Canada.
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target=”_blank”>Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List….
Diva Review: Couture Cottons Organic Undies
December 8, 2009 by Tania Reuben
Filed under Diva Fashion, Diva Reviews
By Tania Reuben
Couture Cottons has a suggestion: Go Green Down Under.
I’ve recently began to add organic clothing & fashion to my list of area in my life I’d like to improve upon. To that end, my goal is to wear something organic, eco friendly or handmade every day. I’m not saying I succeed, but it is my goal Down under is a good place to start, but the choices in the marketplace are limited.
Sandra Richards created Couture Cottons after an extensive hunt for cotton underwear left her wanting more, more style, more comfort, more coverage without being a “granny panty”.
Sandra recently sent me a pair of their boy shorts in Midnight Black to take for a test drive. There will be no photos of my tush in this review, so you can relax.
The panties are made in the USA out of an organic cotton/bamboo blend, are super comfortable and deliciously soft. For those of you that don’t know, I’m an S Factor girl and we tend to wear a lot of boy shorts! I wear a size 6 and the small they sent fit me perfectly with no unsightly boy short bulge or roll from the band being too tight.
From a style perspective, I would pick the lace thong over this boy short. My boy shorts tend to be a little on the tinier side, but that is my taste. I’m sure they reach a broader audience by adding that little extra coverage. For women wanting attractive styling details with more coverage you’ll love this short.
Women with latex allergies will be glad to know, all their elastic is latex free.
The Couture Cottons site has this to say about the benefits of choosing organic underpinnings:
Wearing Couture Cottons lingerie has some great health benefits! Couture Cottons selected fabrics that were superior to conventional fabrics because they have considerably less chemicals and toxins that have the potential to be absorbed through the skin. Also, the attributes are healthier for women with health issues than conventional fabrics:
Organic cotton is breathable, allergen-free fabric is a better product for women who have sensitivities to toxins in fabrics that can absorb through the skin.
Doctors recommend women who suffer from urinary tract infections and yeast infections to wear breathable fabrics to help prevent reoccurring infections.
Couture Cottons offers the perfect type of fabrics for lingerie products that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins in a “couture design”.
Couture Cotton panties retail for $26.99 a pair or 3 pair for $75. This might be higher than we’re used to paying, but consider a Victoria’s Secret boy short retails between $10-14 a pair and they are neither organic, nor Made in America.
WINNER: Jessica K check your inbox!
Couture Cottons is giving one Lucky PND reader a super cute set of Organic Cotton Pajamas
Retail Value $70.
HOW TO ENTER:
There are a few ways you can enter, leave separate comments for each entry.
Mandatory:
Become an Email Subscriber to PND using the form in the sidebar.
– The subscription must be confirmed. You will receive and email that you must reply to for your entry to be valid.
– Already a confirmed Subscriber. Complete any one of the additional entries options – Leave a comment letting Diva know you’re subscriber name and the entry option you selected.
Additional Entries
1. Go to www.CoutureCottons.com and share your favorite style here!
2. Stumble, Digg, Kirsty, or Technorati favorite this post. Leave a comment with your name and the link.
3. Follow @purenaturaldiva on twitter. Leave your twittername in a separate comment.
4. Become a Fan of Pure Natural Diva & Couture Cottons on Facebook. Post this giveaway as an update, leave your FB Name or Name with a copy of your update in a separate comment. One entry for each.
5. Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste “WIN Super Cute Organic Cotton PJ’s!!! Diva Giveaway: a $70 Value from Couture Cotton http://bit.ly/6b2cGM @purenaturaldiva”. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
6. Write a post on your blog linking to PND and Couture Cottons – Good for two entries. Leave this comment twice so you get both entries!
7. Add the PND Button to your site. Leave a comment with the link.
This giveaway will run through midnight on Dec 19, 2009 PDT, with winner being announced December 21, 2009. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen.
Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S.
Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List….
Diva Giveaway & Review: Urth Handbags
December 4, 2009 by Tania Reuben
Filed under Diva Fashion, Diva Reviews
By Tania Reuben
Looking for the ultimate eco accessory? Look no further than UrthBags.
This is a company that creates something from nothing (or most peoples trash). They actually have an entire line made out of recycled juice boxes and old magazines! Additionally they use biodegradable materials for some styles.
Urth also works with Fair Trade organizations to manufacture their bags. Their mission is to promote a hip, earth-friendly lifestyle and provide opportunities to those who are less fortunate. Their goal is to inspire more people to recycle, reuse & become more Eco-minded in our overly ‘disposable’ world.
They recently sent me one of their “juice box” handbags to try. So far not one toddler has asked for a drink from my purse.
The Monica Retails for $56
They sent over the “Monica” which I knew I would love for evening wear because of the matte silver color. I was really surprised at how good the bag looked.
I left some lovely designer bags at home to take the “Monica” out to a fancy Hollywood fundraiser! I kept hoping someone would pay it a compliment so I could brag that it was made of juice boxes! I’m taking it out a few times this holiday season so cross your fingers!
Take a minute to look through all the great styles they offer and next time you want to add a handbag to your collection, consider helping the earth by selecting an Urth Handbag.
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Laurie – Check your inbox!
One lucky PND reader will win a $75 UrthBags Gift Certificate!
HOW TO ENTER:
There are a few ways you can enter, leave separate comments for each entry.
Mandatory:
Become an Email Subscriber to PND using the form in the sidebar.
– The subscription must be confirmed. You will receive and email that you must reply to for your entry to be valid.
– Already a confirmed Subscriber. Complete any one of the additional entries options – Leave a comment letting Diva know you’re subscriber name and the entry option you selected.
Additional Entries
1. Go to www.UrthBags.com and share your favorite handbag here!
2. Stumble, Digg, or Technorati favorite this post. Leave a comment with your name and the link.
3. Follow @purenaturaldiva (use link on the sidebar) & @UrthBags on twitter. Leave your twittername in a separate comment.
4. Become a Fan of Pure Natural Diva & UrthBags on Facebook. Post this giveaway as an update, leave your FB Name or Name with a copy of your update in a separate comment. One entry for each.
5. Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste “WIN AN ECO Handbag!!! Diva Giveaway: $75 Gift Certificate from UrthBags http://bit.ly/5zAl6x @purenaturaldiva”. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
6. Write a post on your blog linking to my blog and to the – Good for two entries. Leave this comment twice so you get both entries!
This giveaway will run through midnight on Dec 12, 2009 PDT, with winner being announced December 14, 2009. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen.
Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S.
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target=”_blank”>Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List….
Diva Guide: Fabulous Eco Sweaters for Fall & Winter
November 25, 2009 by Tania Reuben
Filed under Diva Fashion, Diva Gift Guide, Diva Holidays
By Tania Reuben
Organic Merino Wool Cardigan $75
Organic Cotton Cardigan $110
Organic Wool Slim Fit Cardigan $75
Alpaca & Wool Cardigan $160
With winter moving through most of the country there is nothing like a great sweater.
Living in Los Angeles it doesn’t get too cold, I probably wear sweaters daily. We are cold in the morning (if you call 48 degrees cold and I do) and often in a t-shirt by midday – cardigans offer warmth with flexibility. Dodging to avoid the snowballs being flung my way by mid-west and east coast readers.
Recently I’ve been on a hunt to find great eco sweaters. I thought if I was looking, maybe my readers were too. It didn’t hurt that as an added bonus I’d be able to feature some fabulous woolens from my sponsor, hessnatur. I searched through pages on Google, hunting and found nothing I loved. The sweaters from my sponsor, were better than anything I was finding.
My plan had been to feature one or two styles from hessnatur. After my search, I couldn’t find anything I wanted to add. I did make an honest attempt. From the style of their offerings, the ethical manufacturing, the number of organic selections, to their pricing. They have some of the best eco friendly sweaters I could find. Did I mention the variety of styles they offer? They hands down had more styles, color and variety than any site I visited preparing this piece.
Sweaters make a great gift because they tend to be more forgiving fit wise, but if it’s not right, it’s nice to know that you don’t have to pay more money to return an item. hessnatur is currently offers free shipping and returns, for worry free online shopping.
Links to some of the other items I found researching for this piece: Gaiam & Fair Indigo
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Diva Review: NeuAura Shoes
November 20, 2009 by Tania Reuben
Filed under Diva Fashion, Diva Gift Guide, Diva Reviews
If animal and eco friendly footwear are important to you, then NeuAura could make just the shoe you are looking for.
Think that sounds boring? Think again! Created by, Arti Upadhyaya, she founded NeuAura shoes to dismiss this myth and bring stylish, vegan, and eco friendly shoes to the market.
A GREENER SHOE
Miette Criss Cross Sexy!
Arti has aligned herself with a manufacturer in Brazil, that has been awarded a “Green Seal” from the Brazilian Technological Institute for Leather, Shoes and Accessories for their green efforts. They recycle material waste generated from manufacturing, use water-based adhesives, less toxic solvents, and they also use chemicals that are more environmentally safe. Additionally, they advocating recycling and preservation in their community. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Tell the truth, when you think Eco Friendly footwear, you think of something more birkenstock than manolo. Taking a look at the NeuAura line will redefine this for you.
Are you looking forward to special for the holiday? NeuAura has a few sexy offerings in it’s line up. I selected the Miette – in red! The shoe that arrived at my doorstep did not disappoint. It is stunning. I love the criss cross straps, thin heel and how sexy it looks on the foot. I must confess it will look much sexier when my pedicure is fresh! The Miette retails for $104.
The Miette is a 3″ heel, so if you don’t normally wear a heel you won’t be dancing all night in this shoe. That said it is as comfortable as most of the other comparable shoes in my closet.
Ready to try NeuAura Shoes?
WINNER OF THE $100 NeuAura Gift Certificate is Jen Mathews!
HOW TO ENTER:
There are a few ways you can enter, leave separate comments for each entry.
Mandatory:
Become an Email Subscriber to PND using the form in the sidebar.
– The subscription must be confirmed. You will receive and email that you must reply to for your entry to be valid.
– Already a confirmed Subscriber. Complete any one of the additional entries options – Leave a comment letting Diva know you’re subscriber name and the entry option you selected.
Additional Entries
1. Go to NeuAura Shoes – Share your favorite Style!
2. Stumble, Digg, or Technorati favorite this post. Leave a comment with your name and the link.
3. Follow @purenaturaldiva (use link on the sidebar) & @neuaura on twitter. Leave your twittername in a separate comment.
4. Become a Fan of Pure Natural Diva & NeuAura on Facebook. Post this giveaway as an update, leave your FB Name or Name with a copy of your update in a separate comment. One entry for each.
5. Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste “WIN SHOES!!! Diva Giveaway: $100 Gift Certificate from NeuAura Shoes http://bit.ly/8gBO0v @purenaturaldiva”. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
6. Write a post on your blog linking to my blog and to the – Good for two entries. Leave this comment twice so you get both entries!
This giveaway will run through midnight on Dec 3, 2009 PDT, with winner being announced December 5, 2009. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen.
Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S & Canada!
alt=”MckLinky Blog Hop” longdesc=”http://www.mcklinky.com” />
target=”_blank”>Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List….
Organic Denim
September 19, 2009 by Tania Reuben
Filed under Diva Fashion
Denim is a staple in everyone’s wardrobe – I’m noticing that more and more designers are offering Organic Denim in their line up. Why choose organic denim, after all it’s not like you are going to eat it. Denim is only going on your body not in it.
Brands that are offering Organic Choices include:
Paige Premium Denim
Joe’s Jeans – in muse, olivia & provocateur.
Levi’s
Glacier Organic Denim - From Paige Premium Denim
With so many great brands offering up organic selections. Next time you’re shopping for denim consider organic.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for in Organic, be sure to ask. It’s important for retailers to know that their customers care about organic offerings!
Organic DenimTop 10 Buyers of Organic Cotton Globally
June 16, 2009 by Tania Reuben
Filed under Companies - Caught being Green, Diva Fashion
The global organic cotton market increased 63 percent last year!
Here are the companies leading the way:
1. Walmart
- In 2008 Walmart purchased 12 million pounds of organic cotton. Whatever your feelings regarding the retailer, as the largest buyer of organic cotton – they have become a significant global supporter of organic farming and manufacturing.
2. C&A (Belgium)
-Introduced organic cotton clothing at the same price points as it’s conventional clothing in 2007.
3. Nike
- In addition to a 100% organic offering, Nike aims to blend at least 5% organic cotton in all it’s cotton containing apparel by 2010.
4. H&M (Sweden)
- H&M started using organic cotton in their children’s line in 2007 and have been expanding their offerings across the board. They plan to use around 3000 tonnes of organic cotton this year.
5. Zara (Spain)
- They started out offering organic denim and tees in 2008, they have expanded their line to include some dresses, tops and scarves.
6. Anvil Knitwear
- Anvil manufactures a carbon-neutral t-shirt.
7. Coop Switzerland
- 2nd largest supermarket in Switzerland.
8. Pottery Barn USA
- Currently over half of their bedding contains at least 5% organic cotton.
9. Greensource USA
- Manufacturer of Organic Cotton Apparel – despite the recession, earnings are up 21% this quarter for this company.
10. Hessnatur (Germany)
- This German company works with organizations to ensure their offerings aren’t only organic, but are made in good working conditions with fair wages.
Retailers and manufacturers are responding to consumer demand for more organics.
A little good news.
Top 10 Buyers of Organic Cotton GloballyHot Shoes & Cosabella From Nimli!
June 12, 2009 by Tania Reuben
Filed under Diva Fashion
Nimli is an environmentally mindful retailer based in New York City. They require their manufacturers to ship directly to customers – this results in a significant carbon footprint reduction, eliminating unnecessary steps of shipping and warehousing.
Each of their products are displayed with icons that inform shoppers about them manufacturing, from made in the USA to vegan and recycled.
You’ll end up knowing more about what you are buying and how it’s coming to you.
Check out these fabulous Vegan Sandals from Neuaura – $129
Neaura Shinier Strappy Sandal
And
Cosabella Bamboo – Sustainable & Organic – Starting at $20, Camisole shown $84.
Cosabella Organic Bamboo Camisole
All I can say – Fabulous!
Hot Shoes & Cosabella From Nimli!
