Archive for eco style

Obsessed With: Reusable Produce Bags


By Leslie · Comments (1) · May 17th, 2012

I never head to the grocery store without my reusable shopping bags, but awhile ago a thought stuck in my mind: I’m bringing my reusable shopping bags to avoid using paper or plastic, but what about all those plastic produce bags?  For the last few years my answer was to just not use bags for them… but let’s be honest, it’s annoying to have produce loose getting all smashed up.  And it’s nearly impossible if you buy from the bulk bins to avoid plastic!  I might be a little behind on this item, but heeellloooo genius reusable produce bags!  Why aren’t these on the shelves of every grocery store in the nation??  I found this neat set at Crate & Barrel.  I highly recommend you pick up some of these!  and better yet, sew your own!  Can’t be too hard, just a simple drawstring bag.

And here I am at GreenFest NYC using the bags in my Vegan Pantry presentation:

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Categories : eco style, featured, Obsessed With

Upcycling…


By Leslie · Comments (3) · April 29th, 2012

The definition according to Wikipedia of Upcycling is: ”the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher…”  Great concept right?!

I got introduced to this company Tried and True on Etsy from my good friend Briana (she always knows the good stuff!).  The artist behind Tried and True is Emily Lange.  She finds vintage pieces and “upcycles” them into something new and fabulous!  Check out one of her cake plates I used in a recent photo shoot:

photo courtesy of TheHendershotts.com

For her cake plates, Emily attaches vintage plates to vintage candlesticks and voila!

           

       

Seeing some of these vintage china settings sparked an idea.  I’d love to see if Emily would do custom pieces made up from your own family vintage pieces… How cool to have a cake plate made from your Grandmothers china?!  What a fun bridal shower gift!

Hope this has inspired you to find some items in your life to upcycle!

xo

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Categories : eco style, featured

Kathy Freston Talks Veganism, Voltaire and ‘Vores


By Leslie · Comments (11) · April 19th, 2012

You can’t be a vegan and not know who Kathy Freston is.  She’s a bit controversial, a total power chick, and clearly super cool.  Here is my Earth Day interview with Vegan Diva, Health Activist, and Author of The Lean, Kathy Freston (And don’t forget to comment below to qualify to win autographed copy of her new book The Lean!):
CONGRATULATIONS TO LEIGH FOR WINNING THE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF THE BOOK!  THE CONTEST IS CLOSED!  KEEP CHECKING FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!
Kathy Freston, Author of The Lean

Kathy Freston, Vegan Author of The Lean

Me: What is your reaction to the explosion of the Vegan Movement?

Kathy: You mean aside from occasionally dancing a spontaneous little jig and howling with joy?!  Ok, clearly I’m thrilled that people are moving away from eating animals and toward eating fabulous plant based food.  It’s funny, but I still get shocked from time to time when I see baby back ribs or suckling pig or veal on a menu; I think “really?! Babies sound yummy?”  I forget sometimes how far we have to go.  So my reaction is mixed:  I’m thrilled to see the forward movement, but I also get a impatient.  I have to remember that  it’s all about leaning in, both culturally and individually.

Me:  I’ve been following you for a while and remember in your book you advocate eating 2 percent animal ingredients when dining out.  Can you elaborate?

Kathy:  Here’s the thing:  it’s really, really hard to police every little ingredient when we are eating out.  We can drive ourselves crazy trying to be perfect.  And even more importantly, we can drive the waiter, chef, or host crazy with too many questions like “Are you absolutely, positively sure there is no egg in this bread?”.  We want to attract interest to veganism, not be so annoying that we repel it.  It only helps the animals if we are likeable ambassadors for them.

Me:  What is your best EARTHDAY tip for Vegan AND Omnivores?

Kathy:

For omnivores: Go without meat for at least a day; look what you save by doing that:

●  100 billion gallons of water, enough to supply all the homes in New England for almost 4 months;
●  1.5 billion pounds of crops otherwise fed to livestock, enough to feed the state of New Mexico for more than a year;
●  70 million gallons of gas–enough to fuel all the cars of Canada and Mexico combined with plenty to spare;
●  3 million acres of land, an area more than twice the size of Delaware;
●  33 tons of antibiotics.
For vegans:  Make something SUPER appetizing and bring it to your omnivore friends – save the earth; feed ‘em plants!

Me:  You seem to be everywhere, what projects can we look forward to from Kathy Freston!?

Kathy:  I’m not sure what’s next!  I’m loving OpenSky because I can track down amazing products – food, clothing, and accessories – that are super delish and conscientious.   I love nothing more than finding fabulous swaps for things that traditionally were animal based.  The idea that we don’t need to sacrifice our ethics to have great fashion or excellent taste makes my heart soar!

Me:  What is your advice to someone like me, who is trying to bridge the divide between “the Meaties and the Meatless”?

Kathy:  Here’s what I would say, in the words of Voltaire:  The perfect is the enemy of the good.  Keep pushing forward, but remain flexible.  Be kind and search for common ground, and in that place, everything is possible!

You can find Kathy and so many other amazing tastemakers on OpenSky — a social shopping site where you can connect with expert curators in health (like Kathy Freston!), style, food and design who share tips, advice and their faves.  In celebration of Earth Day, OpenSky is curating  a whole collection dedicated to cruelty-free products that is eco-friendly and just in time for your Earth Day festivities!

And don’t forget to celebrate Earth Day with me at Green Fest this weekend at the Javits Center in New York City or just follow my adventure here online ;-)

To qualify to win YOUR AUTOGRAPHED COPY of The Lean – Follow these instructions:

Want to read Kathy’s book?  Well she has very generously donated an autographed copy for a giveaway!!!  All you have to do is follow me on Twitter or subscribe to my Facebook page :)  Just be sure to leave a message below letting me know!  (open to US residents only, so sorry!) A winner will be chosen on Tuesday April 24th, 6pm PST.
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Categories : eco style, featured

My Fav Eco-Fashions for Spring


By Leslie · Comments (2) · April 3rd, 2012

Spring is here and here are my absolute favorite picks for this seasons Eco-Fashion!

Clockwise from upper left:

Rainbow Dress- Eva Franco

Arizona Queen Dress- Gretchen Jones (You remember her from when she won Project Runway)

Shaggy Deer Big Tote Falabella- Stella McCartney

Alexander Organi Cotton Shirtdress- Avery by Wang

Melissa Patchuli- Melissa Shoes (ps these shoes are completely recyclable! Just drop them in the recycling bin when you are done with them! How cool is that?) They can be found at my favorite store Bella Beach in Manhattan Beach, CA

Crux Dress- Ecoskin

Happy Spring!

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Categories : eco style, featured, Obsessed With

World Water Day


By Leslie · Comments (0) · March 22nd, 2012

Some of you may have known it is World Water Day today and some of you may not have.  As I sit here writing this I realize I unintentionally set a large glass of water next me… After reading about what’s happening in the world I feel so privileged to be able to have not only this glass of water, but a glass of water whenever I’d like one.  Let me share a few shocking statistics with you.

-3.575 million people die each year from a water related disease.

-The human body contains from 55% to 78% water, depending on body size.  To function properly, the body requires between one and seven liters of water per day to avoid dehydration.

-884 million people lack access to clean water.

-Today every 20 seconds a child dies from a water related illness.

-People living in the slums often pay 5-10 times more per liter of water than wealthy people living in the same city.

With the help of organizations like water.org and UNICEF hopefully these statistics will eventually be a thing of the past.  I urge you to go to their websites and see what you can do to help in your own community and around the world.

*Photos were taken from water.org and statistics from water.org and wikipedia.

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Categories : eco style, featured, Misc.

Green on Red is Gorgeous!


By Leslie · Comments (0) · February 27th, 2012

Missi Pyle, a known vegan and hilarious actress, made quite a statement last night at the Oscars by wearing a truly “green” gown while working the red carpet.  This gorgeous gown was designed by Valentina Delfino who was the winner of the ‘Red Carpet Green Dress Contest’.  The contest was created by Suzy Amis Cameron wife of James Cameron.  The gown is made from recycled polyester and silk from cruelty-free silkworms.

Brava Missi!

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Categories : eco style, featured

Shabby Apple Giveaway!


By Leslie · Comments (41) · February 9th, 2012


THE SHABBY APPLE WINNER IS BLAIR! I’LL BE SENDING YOU AN EMAIL SHORTLY. CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ENTERING!

This is the official “Welcome to the New Website” launch day and to celebrate I have a fabulous giveaway to offer you!!  Just in time for Valentine’s Day is this gorgeous ‘Spanish Steps’ dress from Shabby Apple.  If you don’t know their clothes, you will now!  They make beautiful sustainable clothing with super chic style.  I’m absolutely obsessed with their new ‘Mad Hatter’ line!

So all you have to to enter is 2 simple things: 1. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook and 2. Like my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.  And if you already do these things, don’t sweat, you are still in!  Just leave a comment below and let me know what you do :)

Bonus entries include following Shabby Apple on Twitter, following their blog, or following my blog.  Or tweeting, facebooking or blogging about this giveaway.  :)

The winner will be announced Monday February 13th.  The dress is available in any size you like.  This contest is limited to people in the US only (sorry!!)  So enjoy and spread the word!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

xoxo!

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Categories : eco style, featured

Wine Wednesday: Gift It


By Leslie · Comments (2) · December 14th, 2011

I’ve spent the last few hours online holiday shopping… I’m sure you know the story and this has played through your head: “What do you get for the person who has everything??”  Well, why not give the gift that will keep giving all year long??  A wine of the month club can be a perfect gift for just about anyone in your life!  I personally love the Gold Medal Wine Club.  It features some of California’s best and brightest wines.  The prices are reasonable and their taste is exquisite!  So this year, don’t hesitate to give the gift of wine… they’ll love it!

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Categories : eco style

Green Festival Los Angeles


By Leslie · Comments (3) · October 29th, 2011

Come join me this weekend at Green Festival Los Angeles!  It's happening Saturday and Sunday at the convention center.  With hundreds of exhibitors and speakers, there will be something for everyone.  You know you'll find me by the food stage ;) In fact, I'll be emceeing it as well as the eco fashion show.  So come by and say, "hi!" I'd love to see you! xo -L

Screen shot 2011-10-28 at 8.59.37 PM

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Categories : eco style, Fun Stuff

Get Vegucated


By Leslie · Comments (1) · October 28th, 2011

Vegucated3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I heard the Vegucated tour was coming to Los Angeles, I knew I had to go.  I grabbed my fellow veggie friend Fiona and we headed to the premiere.

I had read about Marisa Miller Wolfson (writer/directer) and all the amazing work she does in the vegetarian community before and I couldn’t wait to see what she had to say in a film… I was not disappointed!  Marisa delivers a film that is not only educating, but hilariously funny.  Yeah, I know, how do you make a movie about veganism funny, but somehow she does!  The film follows three average New Yorkers who volunteer to go vegan for six weeks.  Marisa cast the movie perfectly!  The three characters Tesla, Brian and Ellen are very easy to relate to and most importantly keep it light and are funny.  Which is very difficult to do with the films content.

Check out the Vegucated website for details about when the film will be coming to your city.

The premiere was so much fun!  We got to eat so many fabulous vegan delights!  My favorite vegan restaurant in LA, Sun Cafe was there serving canapes and kale smoothies (which are out of this world!)  If you live in Los Angeles and you haven’t been here, you are missing out on the best raw vegan food I’ve ever had!

There were also delicious treats by Obsession Confection Disorder, So Delicious, Earth Cafe, and Frey wines.  Such a fabulous evening!

Make sure you check out the movie!!

Lesliesarnasig

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Categories : eco style, Fun Stuff
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