Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

Recycling is one very important way to cut down on personal waste. Since most of us are in a constant state of updating our wardrobes, it is important that we keep the earth in mind while we are filling our closets with new duds. This may sound intimidating, but there are several easy and fun ways to recycle your wardrobe. If you are lucky enough to live in a city with a Buffalo Exchange, head on over and trade in your unwanted clothes for clothes that others have recycled or just walk out the door with cold hard cash (you can get paid to recycle! pretty sweet!). You can also donate your old clothes to thrift stores and in some states you can get tax returns for your donations. Thrift and vintage stores can be sources for one of a kind, amazing and cheap purchases. Another place to find great vintage goods is at estate sales. Or, take a note from Karla of Karla's Closet and explore your local flea markets. Another great recycling center is eBay, you can sell your unwanted clothes and look for special stand out pieces from all over the globe. For great vintage finds on eBay, try Treasure Chest Vintage which is run by Rumi of Fashion Toast or try Liebemarlene Vintage. Enjoy Recycling!

Makeup Making a Difference

I love mac cosmetics, not only because of their incredible variety of colors and products but also because of their desire as a company to make a difference. Since 1994 the MAC AIDS Fund has raised over $128 million dollars to help fight AIDS. They have a line of lipsticks and two shades of lipsglass called the Viva Glam line. All the proceeds from the purchase of Viva Glam products go directly to the MAC AIDS Fund. The Fund uses the money for grants and special initiatives. MAC cosmetics is also committed to helping the environment, for this reason they reward their customers for recycling with their Back to MAC Program. For every six packaging containers you return to MAC, you receive one lipglass or lipstick. I asked an employee what the company does with the recycled packaging, she told me they use the recycled materials to make play ground equipment for schools (although I am not sure if this is correct). The company also uses minimal packaging and vegetable-based inks for printing. they also use recycled paper and paperboard in their offices. This is a company at the forefront of popular cosmestics that is doing their part to create a better world. Some of my favorite products from MAC are mineralize skin finish and studio fix applied with the small buffer brush (which is also the perfect size for traveling) and the lip balm with SPF 12 (they usually sell these in seasonal scents and colors, which are always fabulous). Do it up!

My Favorite Panties

I was introduced to these adorable panties by my Mummzy. Hanky Panky makes super comfortable, very sexy panties that are made in the USA. I prefer the low rise thong but if you like a higher rise go for the original thong, they also make a boy short that is very cute (although I have never worn this style). This company sources all their panties, bras, etc. in the US which means they did not have to travel as far to get to you (less fuel, less resources, healthy earth). They also make a thong from organic cotton (grown in the US without pesticides) and a thong for breast cancer awareness. I know they are pricey but I think they are worth the investment. I usually wait until Nordstrom is having one of their big sales and get them then or I ask for them for my b-day/Christmas (I have slowly built up my collection). They wash very well, I run mine through the washing machine in a lingerie bag and line dry them. My mom washes hers by hand with the Nordstrom's lingerie wash (a great eco-friendly alternative) and then hangs them to dry. Hope you enjoy!