Exquisite :: Conscious Style and Living

How Common is Conscious Style?
February 16, 2006

Well, things have been pretty quite here on the blog for the last few weeks as I am deep in the trenches working on several new designs to be released this spring. I would bet that a lot of the designers reading this blog can relate to the process of hyper-focusing on a design only to realize that sometimes you just have to get away from the desk and smell the roses. So, when I find myself in need of a break AND visual inspiration I can usually be found soaking in the displays while sipping a cup of organic earl grey tea at our local cafe and boutique C.C. Gallagher, or as the locals call it "C.C.'s."

Known for their impeccable sense of style I am always guaranteed a unique find and yesterday was no exception as I literally stumbled over a drop dead gorgeous tote by the Australian designer Helen Kaminski. Neither C.C.'s or Helen Kaminski are purely focused on conscious materials and living, yet as I examined the bag I was pleased to discover it was beautifully styled and made from raffia (a fast growing and sustainable material) and finished with natural dyes and leather accents.

My near spill across the lovely totes and floor got me thinking about all the interesting places I have been seeing examples of conscious style lately. I found Komodo in an upscale Long Beach boutique a few weeks ago and bamboo in its many forms is the latest love child of both the sustainably minded and mainstream alike. Even Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond are carrying bamboo bath towels and accessories.

Am I complaining? No, just the opposite, I am thrilled. As conscious style becomes more "design led" the barriers to mainstream adoption break down. All of a sudden the product is judged on its own merit rather than being a marginalized political or social statement.

So what unexpected places have you seen conscious style and products lately? Your local market, a boutique, the mall, or even your Aunt's house... let's hear about it!

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7 Days, But Who's Counting?
February 07, 2006

Even though I eschew Valentine's Day I must admit my favorite present last year was a rather lovely potted orchid. The person doing the giving knew of my passion for orchids and gave thoughtfully although one of my other passions, namely chocolate, was woefully omitted.

So, this year I will officially go on record as advocating organic flowers and organic chocolate. Either can make a thoughtful and sustainable gift, but trust me... don't forget the truffles. And while chocolate certainly shouldn't outlast the suitor, the orchid is still going strong.

Filed under: Gift Giving | Comments (0) | Bookmark with del.icio.us

Exquisite in Your Inbox
February 06, 2006

Ladies and gentleman, you may have noticed the latest addition to the site... Exquisite, in your inbox.

So what does this mean for you? Well, now you have three ways to keep up on the latest in conscious style:

1.) Visit the site

2.) Read the feed (RSS/XML)

3.) Just enter your email address and each time I add a new post it will be delivered right to your inbox. Your information will never be shared or sold and the best part is you get to sit back, relax and enjoy!

(RSS readers click here)

Filed under: Announcements | Comments (0) | Bookmark with del.icio.us

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A blog dedicated to showcasing the finest examples of conscious design and style.

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