About Ralph Lauren Rugby’s ‘Giving Back’ line (in assoc. w/ TOMS shoes)

Giving is always in style, so for each pair of TOMs purchased, a pair will be donated to a child in need. Fashion and function meet philanthropy in these cool canvas slip-on shoes in durable cotton canvas. Cotton. Imported.

Ralph Lauren Rugby - KHAKI TOMS SHOES

$65. Features allover embroidered skull-and-bones, shield and flag pattern. Stitched overlap design with stitched tongue and elastic center gore. Finished with a striped applied patch and “TOMS” logo at the heel.

Ralph Lauren Rugby - Skull TOMS shoes

$58. Features allover embroidered skull-and-bones pattern. Stitched overlap design with stitched tongue and elastic center gore. Finished with a striped applied patch and “TOMS” logo at the heel.

Ralph Lauren Rugby - Striped TOMS shoe in Navy/Gold

$65. Patterned with criss-crossing variegated stripes in bold, luminous colors. Stitched overlap design with stitched tongue and elastic center gore. Finished with a striped applied patch and “TOMS” logo at the heel.

Ralph Lauren Rugby - Camo TOMS shoe

$100. Designed in a military-inspired camouflage pattern with a felt shield patch featuring a bullion crown and two crossed keys at the front. Stitched overlap design with stitched tongue and elastic center gore. Finished with a striped applied patch and “TOMS” logo at the heel.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t WAIT ’til the Spring comes. I’ve had more than enough of this cold, snowy, raining, sleeting weather. Blech! I think that’s a large reason why I am IN LOVE with the Nautical looks that are coming out this season. Mind you, that I can’t swim and that I get extremely sea sick. But it must be my love for how absolutely calming LOOKING into the ocean/sea can be, that makes me love all things nautical. That said, here are some of my “so so hot and fresh” picks for this seasons “sea-worthy” style:

Nautical Style TOPS

Catherine Malandrino Striped Cami in Nautical

eco-ganik Stripe Racerback Tank

$72
Black and white racerback; made of recycled organic fabric (45% recycled polyester/34% certified organic cotton/21% bamboo)

Diane von Furstenberg ‘Marisa’ Camisole

La Garconne Mayle Pia Top

$195
Silk blend jersey tank with sailor lace detail at straps.

• Scoop neck/Tank/Wide straps with stripes of black lace
• Aged metal buttons on straps
• Relaxed fit
• Color: Putty/Black
• 88% Rayon, 12% Silk.
• Fits true to size

Victoria’s Secret Racer back Bra Top

$9.99
A must-have style in a sexy shape with luxe details. Shelf bralette with substantial stretch for support with no show-through. Longer length. Imported cotton/modal/spandex.

Diane von Furstenberg Staedtler Jacket

$595
Striped, woven double-breasted jacket with notched collar. 2-button closure, 2-button detail, and welt pockets at front. 11″ vent at back. Long sleeves.

• 22″ long, measured from center back.
• Shell: 100% cotton.
• Lining: 95% silk/5% spandex.
• Dry clean.
• Made in the U.S.A.

Juicy Couture Katie Nautical Stripe Cardigan in Squash

$328

• Color: Squash
• 80% cotton 20% wool
• Dry Clean Only
• Button front enclosure
• Front Pockets
• Model wearing size Small

Nautical Style - Bottoms

Anthropologie Pastoral Sailor Pants

$128
Subtly striped, button-strewn cotton from G1.

• Tab waist
• Back welt pockets
• Cotton
• Machine wash
• 33″L
• Imported

Charlotte Ronson Highwaisted Sailor Short in Black

$154

• Color: Black
• 100% cotton
• Measures approx 13″ in length
• Button front detail
• Side zipper
• Cuffed Hem
• Welt-back pockets
• Modeled in size 2

Anlo Lane Sailor Trouser in Medium Blue Wash

$259

James JeansScout Cuffed Sailor Pant in Genoa Black

$189

• Fabric Content: 60/40 Cotton/Linen
• Rise: 9″
• Inseam: 33 1/2-34″
• Wash: genoa black
• Designer Style No. scout_genoablack

Ralph Lauren Black Label Janine Sailor Pants

$698
Nautically chic, with two rows of dapper gold buttons at the high waist.

• Faux buttons
• Welt pockets
• Wide legs
• Cuffed hems
• Inseam, about 34″
• Unlined
• Italian cotton/elastene; dry clean
• Imported

Victoria’s Secret Striped Sailor Pant

$39.50

• Wide leg
• Sits low on waist
• Easy fit
• 34″ inseam

Nautical Style - Dresses

Ellington Rugby Dress

$105
A traditional rugby, awash with nautical details, is made chic and feminine as a sporty short-sleeved

Mayle Penilope Dress

$315

• Silk blend jersey dress with sailor lace detail at straps.
• Scoop neck
• Tank dress
• Wide straps with stripes of black lace
• Aged metal buttons on straps
• Extra layer over bust with lace trim
• Skirt flares at bottom
• Color: Black/Putty
• 88% Rayon, 12% Silk.

Nautical Style - Swimwear

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Anchor One-Piece

$175

• Color: Black & White
• Rounded V-neck with a subtle plunge, medium straps that cross at the low, deep back. High legs.
• Fully lined in matching fabric for a sleek, seamless fit.
• Applied oversized anchor on front with contrasting zig-zag stitches.
• 77% nylon, 23% Lycra® spandex. Hand wash. Made in U.S.A.

Vix Swimwear Amalfi Tube Bikini

$165
Pinstriped bikini set. Halter top features adjustable metal accents at triangle cups. Straps tie behind neck and at back. Bottoms feature fold-over banding at waist and adjustable metal accents at hip. Lined.

• 74.6% polyamide/13.4% elastane/12% polyester.
• Hand wash cold.
• Made in Brazil.

Lisa Curran Birken Bikini

$172
Striped bikini set. Halter top features metal tubing between triangle cups and ruching at bottom. Straps tie behind neck and at back. Bottoms feature tie at side. Metal tubing at ties. Lined.

• 80% polyamide/20% elastane.
• Hand wash.
• Made in the U.S.A.

I LOVE coffee mugs!! I especially love creative and/or unique coffee mugs. The funnier and more unique they are, the happier they make me. I mean really… what better way to start off your day than with a coffee mug that makes you smile. =) Check these out:

My absolute fav: The Zoom Lens Coffee Mug

This mug is unfortunately just a prototype. It is currently not being sold anywhere, which saddens me beyond belief. If someone happens to come upon it one day though, please let me know!! I WANT ONE!!!! If not, well then someone out there please make this!!!!!

The Pantone Mug

These mugs are perfect for anyone that works with Pantone colors for a living (interior designers, graphic designers, interior decorators, etc.). They come in 10 lovely PMS colors and sell for $130 for all 10 (4 if you choose the espresso mugs; sold at $40 for all 4).

Espresso Mugs

I’m not really sure hot to categorize these mugs, but I just love the concept. Handing out coffee to people always seems to be somewhat tedious. They’re small. They spill. They’re hot! And especially with espresso mugs, they always have the tenious of handles. What I love about these is that you can serve them 4 at a time (8 if you have really steady hands). The presentation is clean, simple and oh-so-elegant. =)

The ON/OFF Mug

What’s great about this mug (yes, they’re all the same mug) is that they tell you when they’re HOT! Before you pour your coffee, the mug pleasantly tells you that it’s cool to touch b/c there is nothing in it (hence “OFF”; similar to a light switch). Once you pour your nice hot coffee into the mug though, it slowly changes into white, and replaces “OFF” with “ON”. It sells for $26.

“I AM NOT A PAPER CUP” Mug

Clearly! This mug is not a paper cup! For those of you that like the look of disposable cups, but who want to be environmentally friendly, this is for you!! (Btw, the mug itself is porcelain; the cover is silicone). This sells for $20.

The “New Yorker” Mug

If you live in NYC, you know what I mean. For some reason, this was the “standard” coffee cup that was given to you at all delis/street vendors/food carts when you ordered coffee. These days, the cups are a bit different. But who ever said there was anything wrong w/ honoring history?! Btw, they sell for all of $10.95 on amazon.

The “This is MINE!” Mug

This is perfect for all of us office workers out there! The idea behind it is that you “plug” the lock at the bottom to prevent others from using your mug. This ensures that only YOU can use it. It even comes with a keyring so that you can carry your plug at all times. Unfortunately, though, this is yet another wonderful concept. Sad because I think it would get huge sales!

The “I love my dog/cat” Mug

Have a dog? No? Then do you have a cat? Fish?  Cow? Duck? Elephant? Frog? If you say yes to any of these and you just absolutely love them to death, then these mugs are for you! The “dog” and “cat” mugs come in a variety of breeds to suit your needs. They sell for $16 to $18 each.

The “Mood Barometer” Mug

Are you in a different mood every morning? Do you sometimes feel like a great, big ball of bursting sunshine one day and a big, rainy cloud on another? If yes, then get these. They can tell your coworkers/family members what mood you’re in before approaching you. So now if they approach you when you’re in your “rainy day mood”, you can truly say “well you asked for it!”. They sell for $35 for all 4.

The “I Can ONLY Drink My Coffee If It’s JUST The Way I Like” Mug

Perfect for the difficult coffee drinker in your life. Now you/they can always make the perfect cup of coffee. They sell for $25.

The “I like cookies/biscuits with my coffee” Mug

I think the picture explains it all here.

And finally, for those who prefer tea instead of coffee to wake them up…

The “I Don’t Know What To Do With My Teabag” Mug

Toyota Prius (to be released in 2010)

Features

• 50mpg
• 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine (more torque = lower avg rmp on highway)
• Transaxle lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20%
• 3 driving modes to fit your needs: eV-drive mode (can run on battery alone at low speeds for a mile), power mode (increases sensitivity to throttle for sportier feel) and Eco-mode (achieve best mileage)
• More aerodynamic style (roof top moved 3.9″ to rear to emphasize wedge shape while also allowing for more rear headroom)
• 0-60 in 9.8 seconds (1 second faster than previous)
• Sliding glass moonroof with solar panels for a new venitlation system (prevents interior of car temp to rise while parked, making cool-down time shorter to reduce air-conditioning usage upon return to car)
• More room in cargo, rear legroom

Nissan Cube (to be released Spring 2009)

Features

• 30+mpg
• 122-hp
• 1.8 L 4-cylinder engine
• 6-speed manual or CVT
• Rockford Fosgate subwoofer/iPod [2] integraion/MP3/WMA CD capability
• 6 standar air bags
• over 50 cu. ft of cargo w/ seats down
• lots of ways to customize

Honda FC-Sport

Honda CR-Z

eh? what? come again?

The world is going green. I think i’ve said this before but i’ll say it again. And what does that mean? That means new ways to shop, new places to go and new ways to go about doing your ordinary day-to-day. Enter www.futurenatural.com. It’s a strictly online store that sells… you guess it, natural [beauty] products. So now when you want to buy make-up, skincare, body care items, and also want to be earth-friendly, you can have free range when you go this site. No worrying. No reading the fine print. No wondering if you picked the right item or not.

I first discovered these wallets while Christmas shopping at Metropark USA. What’s so cool about them is that they are not only fashionable and extremely thin, they’re also water- resistant, tear-resistant, recyclable and all of $15! They are made from thousands of interlocking plastic fibers spun in random patterns. They have 2 interior pockets, 2 inward facing credit card pockets, and 2 quick access business card pockets. They also expand for those that like to carry a lot in their wallets. Here’s a look:

I like this =)

They’re a company that has existed since 1981. Their philosophy: to constantly strive for new, styles and solutions for faucets; their mission: to be a corporation with dedication to  being environmentally responsible.

I cant’ understand German so I can’t give a very detailed description without stealing someone else’s words. All I know is that these bags are designed by Stefan Diez for Authentics and are recyclable.

As I’ve said before, I’m always on the lookout for eco-friendly gear. At the current moment, it’s still a bit hard. You have to know where to look; you have to keep looking; and you have to stay on top of the lingo and read between the lines. It’s not easy, but it can be done. As far as outdoor athletic gear goes though, the word on the street is that one day (hopefully soon) it’ll be as easy as reading the tag. According to Nate Simmons of Polartec, “leaders in the outdoor apparel industry are working on establishing standards so that apparel can be rated, the way appliances are with the Energy Star label”. Until that happens though, here are some to tide you over…

HELLY HANSEN EKOLAB MID-LAYER FLEECE
$69.95: Available in: white and blue

IBEX HOODED SHAK
$140: Available in: brown, cranberry and black

ICEBREAKER GLACIER
$159.99: Available in: black, white, cranberry and java

Enough said?

Well almost.

On top of being beautiful and functional and wonderful for your body, this new Herman Miller chair is GREEN. Yes, that’s a term thrown around all over the place these days. It’s become a trend; a cult, if you will. As far as cults go, though, this is a good cult to follow. As far as I’m concerned, if it’s helping preserve our earth and our lives and the futures lives to come, it can’t be wrong. That said, here it is:

The Embody Chair

What makes the Embody chair “GREEN”?

• MBDC silver cradle-to-cradle certified (MBDC is a product and process design firm dedicated to revolutionizing the design of products and services worldwide. They “offes a variety of business services and tools to help companies generate economic, social, and ecological abundance.”)
• GREENGUARD certified (GREENGUARD’s mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air. They follow best practice guidelines for preventing mold during the design, construction and ongoing operations.)
• They were produced in a herman miller facility that uses 100% renewable energy and has eliminated all hazardous waste generation
• They were produced in a herman miller facility that generates an average of 77 pounds of landfill a month, barely enough to fill one trash can
• They are 95% recyclable after use
• They are made from 42@ recyclable materials