Greta Guide

QualiTea.

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:31:00 -0500

Yesterday, I stumbled into a place that caused such bewilderment and excitement all at the same time- the barista read my face, smile and then talked me through the menu of a cafe devoted solely to tea called Argo Tea. This is not your average tea house either! Not only do they have a vast variety of teas on offer, they prepare them in the most titillating of ways.

Care for a Tea-ccino? Or an Earl Grey Creme? For a non-coffee drinker and tea fanatic (like myself) it is a little slice of heaven! So, here is the scoop- they are a company based out of Chicago, and they only have one location in New York- 949 Broadway on the corner of 22nd and Broadway- that is currently open. Keep your eye out for them or make a special trip the next time you are meeting someone for a ‘tea’.

The upside.

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:42:51 -0500

“Sometimes people are asleep in their lives and they don’t even notice it…” That is one of the many insightful quotes from the independent film “Lemonade”. A film about how getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to a group of people who shared their stories of triumph.

What I liked most about this film is the way it challenges a person to look at where they are in life and what motivates them to get out to bed every day. So many people play it safe. Fear keeps us locked in places that don’t allow us to flourish and really reach our potential.

Hard times are life’s greatest blessings. If you use them constructively (albeit after you have had a small pity party) you grow in ways that seemed unimaginable. One of the off-shoots of this film was a story about a site that was created to showcase business cards from people’s past jobs from which they were fired. They then write on the card what they are doing now and one positive outcome from being laid off. It is an amazing and inspiring compilation. It’s called Cards of Change- take a look.

The show of all vintage shows...

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:22:04 -0500

If you are in New York City this weekend, you MUST attend the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show! One of the best in the world with 90 different vendors, this show leaves nothing behind. So, make your list and bring it along to start scoring some unique pieces to update your wardrobe for spring.

It is this Friday (1pm- 8pm) and Saturday (11am- 6pm) at the Metropolitan Pavillion- 125 West 18th St, NY.

Click here to get on the VIP list and receive $5 off the $20 admission.

Another twitter triumph!

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:06:35 -0500

I have to say, I give mad props to this TweetMyBag contest just launched my Rebecca MInkoff. What a great way to share your style, get inspired by others and potentially win a new bag. Nice work.

So, let’s see your favorite bag… enter here.

The Key To ‘Shift’- a sustainable fashion conference...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:31:11 -0500

The Key To ‘Shift’- a sustainable fashion conference in Berlin (January 2010). Awesome collaboration, amazing designs, inspiring individuals… check it out and join in next time!

Simple luxury.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:04:13 -0500

“Luxury is to have simple things.” That is the concept behind the recycled and sustainable clothing line by Daniela Pais called Elementum. The collection was on exhibit at the recent Key To ‘Shift’ conference in Berlin, and caught my eye immediately.

Clean lines, neutral colors, versatility- I am all about this one! Each piece has at least three different ways it can be worn- talk about an economical article. There is a real design element as well. The pieces challenge the norm and provide the wearer with something of individual interest. And even though this is a luxury line, the prices won’t scare you off. This may be a bit bold, but I am prepared to call this one of my best finds in 2010.

This month a DJ saved my life.

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:37:27 -0500

I love how music- introduced at various points in your life- can capture emotions and encapsulate a period of time forever. I have spent the past month in a variety of places, meeting with really special people and adding life’s amazing experiences one by one. Here is my playlist which registers this period of time for me. Hope you enjoy it too!

Mike Snow- Silvia

Golden Silvers with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble- Arrows of Eros

The Noisettes- Don’t Upset the Rhythym

Janelle Monae- Sincerely, Jane

Beach House- Norway

Vampire Weekend- Oxford Comma

Caesar feat. Robyn- I Blame Coco

Pixie Lott- Mama Do

The bag of the future...

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:38:00 -0500

Excuse me while I geek out for a moment, but this bag is kind of the ultimate accessory. A bag that not only holds all of your modern day essentials- cell phone, ipod, laptop, camera, flip camera… but charges them too!

The bag features a built-in solar panel that can collect enough solar energy to channel power through a cord and either directly charge your devices or charge a battery to store up power for later, and they are made from recycled fabric. Brilliant!

A combination of functionality, fashion, technology, design and sustainability- need I say more. Visit Sakku to get yours.

The truth about H&M.

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:09:47 -0500

Over the past month H&M has taken some pretty hefty hits on the image front. To be fair, it doesn’t go without merit- I was completely shocked and appalled by their damaging their own goods of excess stock that they then threw into the dumpster. What a terrible waste of resources!

Now H&M is under the gun about GM (genetically modified) cotton that has been ‘mixed’ in with the organic cotton supply that they sourced for their new organic collection to be released this spring. I am not necessarily defending H&M, but what I want to stress is that this cross-contamination of GM cotton with certified 100% cotton is a new issue that the fiber producers are dealing with, and does not actually reflect the ‘unwholesome’ engagement of H&M in their attempt to become more eco-friendly with an organic line.

See, at the moment, certified organic cotton farmers are dispersed within the same growing areas as conventional cotton farmer who may use GM cotton seeds. So, if you are an organic cotton farmer sandwiched between two GM cotton growers, when the wind blows- those GM seeds have the possibility of being carried over into your organic turf. Therefore, your product becomes tainted, though you have passed off on all the regulation and standards to claim organic status. Is it making sense now… ?

So, although I am greatly disappointed by H&M’s previous action in their disposal of extra stock, I will stand up and say that this recent news is not entirely their fault. In fact, this is an area that clearly needs attention and perhaps from this a new system for regulating the distance between organic and conventional cotton growers will be established.

For the past 4-5 months I have been engrossed in all of the hard...

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:27:40 -0500

For the past 4-5 months I have been engrossed in all of the hard work that goes into writing a dissertation. Today was the day I revealed and defended all my work. Above is the video I produced to showcase the key facts, opinions and practices surrounding sustainable fashion that I discovered through interviews and reading lots and I mean LOTS of literature.

If you are wondering what sustainable fashion actually is, why people are talking about it and whether or not it is just a trend or a movement… this film will quench all of your queries!

Many thanks once again to all of the people who gave their time, thoughts, energy and enthusiasm towards contributing to something that is bigger than all of us. Enjoy!

The Key To.

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:30:00 -0500

I am on a very quick trip to Berlin at the moment- popped over from London to attend The Key.To Shift sustainable fashion conference. Not quite knowing what to expect, and it being my first time in Berlin, I was blown away yesterday with the setting, attendees, designers, and presenters.

Fellow eco-fashion blogger, Magnifeco was there- fresh from the Eco Chic Fashions session at the UN in Geneva (also going on this weekend). She said, at the UN they are trying to figure out what to call this ‘sustainable fashion’. We had the same discussion in a workshop last night. Whatever it must be called, it is apparent that there is a real shift towards sustainability and environmental consciousness that is gaining momentum globally in the fashion industry. Nice.

I’ve learned so much and been exposed to some really great new eco fashions. Over the next few days I will be posting about it all.

GretaGuide girl beauty products.

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:32:00 -0500

After many requests for the goods on what beauty products I would include in my ‘Ten Things Every GretaGuide Girl Should Have’, I dedicate this post to sharing those secrets.

A really nourishing cream- I am in love with the Blood Orange Vanilla Body Milk from John Masters Organics.

Concealer- Well Rested by Bare Escentuals is awesome, and I also use it to take the red out of spots on my face and de-shine the bridge of my nose.

Lip balm- the Ecocentric Lip Care from Pangea Organics rocks my world. Doesn’t matter which kind, they all feel amazing and provide long lasting lip moisture.

Refreshing Spray Mist- Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir is as exotic and magical as it sounds. Made from purified water, grape water and essential oils- this concoction helped the Queen of Hungary preserve her youth. This is the one that I use for pretty much EVERYTHING- freshening a room, my pillows, my face, and as my own version of a deodorant.

Ten things every GretaGuide girl should have.

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:45:00 -0500

I recently read an article about the 30 things a very stylish woman should have- and most of them I agreed with, but I also thought, “What would be on my list?”

So, here are the ten things every GretaGuide girl should have:

1.) A style signature, or trademark if you like. Mine is the ever present one off pink nail on my right hand.

2.) A really nourishing cream to use on hands and feet before bed. Your body heats up while you sleep, so using a heavy cream at night is ideal for absorbing and restoring moisture.

3.) One amazing designer handbag. Something that makes you smile when it is slung around your arm. It doesn’t have to be new, and it certainly could be vintage- but investing in a durable bag that only gets better with time is priceless.

4.) A classic necklace or pair of earrings for every day wear.

5.) A crystal nail file for maintenance- the file seals the nail and helps prevent cracks and breakage. Keep your nails short for your manicures to last longer too.

6.) A fabulous scarf that compliments one’s skin tone or eyes. It is the one piece that sits so near your face and can bring out your coloring.

7.) Good concealer. I have said it before, and I will say it again- so many women neglect to buy a good concealer to even out the skin tone beneath and around their eyes, yet it is on the one thing that really makes a face look fresh or finished.

8.) A quality lip moisturizer. If you get the right one, you won’t need a lip gloss because the moisturizer will keep your lips supple while displaying your natural lip color- which really is the best color you can wear (mother nature knows best).

9.) Hair powder or dry shampoo- the only way I get away with a day or two between washes, which is much healthier for your hair than an every day cleanse.

10.) Refreshing mist spray- I will use this to freshen my pillows, moisturize my face when traveling and it also doubles as my deodorant. Try to find one with natural plant extracts or essential oils instead of manufactured fragrances.

Return of the '50s hot pant!

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:46:10 -0500

It may be too soon to tell, but I am forecasting a hefty return of the hot pant this spring. Higher waists, maybe some pleats, and varying lengths… Yep, it is going to be great!

The best news is, that as fashion does go through these cycles- a great place to pick up a pair is your local vintage shop. Like this stunning pair of Chanel silk-lined shorts from Rice And Beans Vintage.

Or, this sweet patterned pair offered on Market Publique. Such a classic feminine crossing into masculine dressing piece a la Katharine Hepburn… Get in on this trend now and snatch up a unique pair before the hype makes for slim pickings.

The golden rule.

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 08:44:00 -0500

We all grew up with our parents instilling the importance of treating others as we would like to be treated. In a very simple way that remains constant. What changes are the circumstances we find ourselves in when exercising this rule.

The thing to be aware of is that this sentiment swings both ways. I find myself sometimes inspired by someone’s energy, receptivity and consideration- that is when I internalize those attributes I admire to pass on those good feelings.

On the other hand, sometimes people let you down, or don’t handle situations in a way that resonates with you. During those times, I like to step outside of the situation and learn from it. I think to myself, “I would never treat someone that way!”- but would or have I? This is where the learning takes place. You must challenge yourself to not harbor resentment or bitter feelings, but rather to turn the experience into motivation for your actions going forward.

Empathy is a powerful thing, and having stood in the shoes of the person on the receiving end of your actions,you can tap into how you felt and what you vowed to do differently. We don’t have control over other people, but we do have control of ourselves and our personal evolution- that golden rule is playing somewhere in the background of our minds and can be a useful tool.

Make a difference in Haiti- give blood.

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 06:51:00 -0500

The devastation that has hit Haiti continues to unfold as more of the injured are found, the death count is now around 45,000 and one of the poorest countries in the Americas struggles with a tragic natural disaster.

There has been an outpouring of ways to help the Haitians- from fashion brands donating 10% of their sales in a relief effort to help Haiti, and charities turning their offices into clothing collection stations- such as charity:water.

One area that I’d like to bring your attention to is the need for donated blood. Donating money helps contribute to saving a life, giving blood makes a difference. In the US, someone needs blood every two seconds- can you imagine what the need in Haiti is right now?!

So, now that I’ve got you all motivated to go out and give- here are my guidelines for a successful donation:

1.) Eat a good filling meal at least an hour beforehand.

2.) Hydrate- before and after, but no hot drinks after- it shocks the system.

3.) Take a multi-vitamin or an iron vitamin the day of and day before. They will do a test to see if you have sufficient iron in your system, and this will ensure that you do.

You can go to these websites (Red Cross & National Blood Services) to find the nearest blood bank and schedule an appointment to give. If you are type O negative you MUST go as you are the universal blood donor, but all blood is helpful.

If you are healthy, giving blood can be very good for you. Basically, you are letting out old recirculating blood and then your body has to replace it with new fresh blood. I like to go through this process at least once a year.

(Also, be sure to check the guidelines listed by the blood banks about giving blood. You have to weigh at least 110 lbs, be in good health, be clean of certain medications and not have traveled in certain countries during certain times- so you will want to check all of those off. You should always put your health first and discuss whether giving blood is right for you.)

Bring back the braid.

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:15:00 -0500

Walking through Selfridge’s in London the other day, I came across a little stand in the beauty section that was all the buzz. It is a new stand dedicated to braided hair accessories- basically fake hair that can more or less match your own and be used to offer various styles. I loved it!

I really think it is fantatsic how the public is getting closer to replicating the looks they see on the red carpets or in the magazines. Celebrities don’t all naturally have the perfect amount of hair to do so many wonderfully creative things- why should we?

Fake hair has a bit of a stigma, but if you can get past it and find a piece that matches your color closely, you have opened a whole world of possibilities for a new ‘do.

Care for some street style inspiration...?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:35:19 -0500

I will openly admit it- I keep old catalogues in which I think that the styling is good and use them to help inspire my outfits on days when I really cannot pull it together. I like to think of it as my sweet little style reserve.

Luckily, some other fashionistas have caught on to this need for fashionable dressing porn. The book Who What Wear, is one of my favorites, and now I have another one to add to my collection- the Weardrobe 100. A new book that is coming out featuring all of the best 100 looks posted to weardrobe.com from 2009, including yours truly.

Very excited to be sharing the page opening with my good fashion friend, WhatIWore too! The book is packed with fashionable ladies from all over the world- showcasing various styles and providing a broad range of seasonal dressing. Such an amazing compilation- I have a feeling this is the first book of many for Weardrobe…

Plan and cast.

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:05:00 -0500

Make your plans and then cast them out to your audience. Loving the new site Plancast, where depending upon whom you subscribe to, you can see what conferences they are going to attend and when, coordinate trips, and generally get inspired by all the great outings your peers are arranging. You can link it to Twitter or Facebook too- feeding all your streams.

Go subscribe now to reserve your name- this is going to be big.

Ever wonder where this little blogger is from…? Let me...

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:49:59 -0500

Ever wonder where this little blogger is from…? Let me show you. X