The Versalette Challenge Accepted!

Hello lovelies! Last week we gave a shout out to one of our favorite sustainable fashion brands, Seamly.co! We also shared our favorite piece from their line, the revamped Versalette.

Midi Dress by Seamly.co – $40

In case you don’t remember, or didn’t see last week’s post, the Versalette is basically a wardrobe Swiss army knife—a piece that can be worn in 30 different ways. Seamly.co launched the Versalette Challenge this past Wednesday, where fans rock their Versalette in new ways for a week and share photos via Instagram. Fun right? It gets better though… one lucky winner will be chosen based on creativity/personal style and will snag a bag of Seamly.co pieces (including this adorable Midi dress) and some one of a kind jewelry by Native Clutter. And well one of us (Jackie) at Y&L decided to take the challenge, and we thought it would be fun to share her looks so far!

Versalette Challenge Day 1

For day 1 Jackie rocked the original Versalette in charcoal as a skirt with an owl-print tee from Urban Outfitters, chambray button down from Urban Outfitters, and leopard print wedges from Toms. The head band is fair trade.

Versalette Challenge Day 2

By day 2 of the challenge her new Versalette arrived so Jackie decided to try it out, this time as a tunic top belted with a tribal print belt from Anthropologie. Denim from Levis, sandals from Urban Outfitters, and hat from Nordstroms.

What other way’s should Jackie rock the Versalette for the challenge? Strapless dress? Off shoulder top? Bubble skirt? Once the challenge is complete we will share a complete lookbook!

Sustainable Fashion We Love: Seamly.co

Hello there lovelies! We hope you had a beautiful week and a fun weekend ahead. A while back we featured one of our favorite pieces of versatile and sustainable fashion… the Versalette! It was the brain child of Kristin and Shannon who launched the Versalette and Revolution Apparel through an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign. Like everything in life, good things come to an end and Kristin and Shannon decided to pursue different paths in the sustainable fashion world. We were sad to see the Versalette go, but luckily we didn’t have to wait long for it to reappear! Kristin has helped launch a new sustainable fashion company that uses deadstock fabric to design and make create cool, sexy, and comfy pieces here in the U.S.A..

The revamped Versalette in black – $110 at Seamly.co

Sounds awesome right, that’s because it is. We love the revamped Versalette, which is currently available in black (more colors to come) and can be worn in 30 different ways. Yup, you heard us, 30 ways! If you are looking for a great piece that you could literally wear everyday (and not look the same) we suggest giving the Versalette a try… And if you are feeling really bold why not take part in their Versalette Challenge from July 24 – August 4.

Image from Seamly.co

Wear the Versalette each day and submit a picture of how you rocked it on Instagram (#versalette). A panel of judges will pick a winner, who will receive a package full of Seamly.co fashion and handmade jewelry by Native Clutter.

How do you feel about wearing the same item in new ways?

Refresh Your Wardrobe Part 2!

Image from letsgetdealstoday.com

A few weeks ago we shared some amazing places online that you can refresh your wardrobe without breaking your budget (Twice and Nifty Thrifty)! Today we wanted to share our latest online affordable fashion obsession: Poshmark! Like Nifty Thrifty you have to sign up to shop or sell clothes/accessories but the process is pretty painless. It sort of resembles Pinterest… but full of trendy and adorable clothes that are screaming to be in your closet!

You can shop from the main feed, go to a “party,” or shop by category. The prices are reasonable, and many people sell items that are still new with tags (NWT)! Right now we are coveting this gold & hot pink tribal necklace,

$15 NWT Gold & Hot Pink Tribal Statement Necklace – image from Poshmark

and vintage triangle rivet bracelet!

$12 Vintage Triangle Rivet Spiked Bracelet – image from Poshmark

So what’s not to love about affordable, trendy, and more sustainable fashion? We don’t know you tell us!

Sustainable Fashion Part 2

A few weeks ago we did a post about 3 places that we love to shop sustainable fashion online. This week we’ve got 3 more!

Indigenous 

Flirt Skirt from Indigenous – $79.

This shop carries fair trade & organic men’s and women’s clothing lines. Indigenous works with local artisans to provide them educational materials, financing, and equipment that couldn’t be afforded otherwise. We are big fans of the “flirt skirt” in a fantastic teal color for $79.  It’s also available in merlot!

Prana

You can shop Prana in person and online. You can find anything from adorable yoga clothing to casual wear to wear-to-work pieces. The company uses organic

Nadia dress from Prana – $45

cotton and recycled polyester in their garments whenever possible. They also work with fair trade artisans to create a few great pieces for their men’s and women’s clothing lines. Prana has also made efforts to streamline their manufacturing practices and packaging to reduce waste. Besides their yoga pants, we are coveting the Nadia dress in black, on sale for $45!

American Apparel

Image from American Apparel

While not everything from American Apparel is made from organic fabrics, they do have one big advantage over many other clothing companies: they are sweatshop free and made in the good old U.S.A.! Reducing the environmental impact of transporting clothing can significantly reduce the negative impacts of the fashion industry on the environment and impoverished workers around the world. And hey, SOME of their t-shirts and underwear are available in organic cotton.

Do you try to shop sustainable clothing?

3 Places To Shop Sustainable Fashion

Glam Noir Dress – $88 from Mata Traders

This year we are trying to make better purchases. Better for us, the environment, and our wallets. So we’ve been hunting for some affordable and sustainable clothing lines. It is so hard to find “sustainable clothing” that isn’t just yoga pants and t-shirts! A girl’s (and a guy’s) gotta wear more than just lounge wear!

Here are three places you can shop for more sustainable clothing and accessories. We promise you will find more than organic t-shirts, although they usually have these too!

1. Mata Traders – This online shop is stocked   fair trade finds. The dresses are adorable, and so are their tops. You can feel good about making a purchase that supports fair trade practices and empowers your fellow woman! We are loving this polka-dotted little black dress with a sweetheart neckline! Perfect for date night 🙂
   

   Melanie Dress – $50 from Threads for Thought

2. Threads for Thought – A great shop   organic cotton basics and some adorable dresses and tops. You can even find some of their goods at Whole Foods. Our favorite part about this brand is that they are affordable! The Melanie dress is only $50!
3. Green Heart Shop – Another great fair trade online shop featuring clothing and accessories, as well as goodies for your home and kitchen! Fair trade not only ensures that workers receive a fair wage for their work, but also ensures environmental sustainability, supports participatory workplaces, and protects cultural identity. The prices are pretty reasonable and they have some great pieces that you could even rock to work. We are totally smitten with their Maureen Dress for $92.
   

   Maureen Dress – $92 from Green Heart Shop

   This stunner paired with a blazer would work for any office or board room!

Have you stumbled upon any great sustainable fashion lines? If so share with us and our readers so we can all make more knowledgeable and kind purchases!

Y&L Style Picks: EcoTools Travel Mineral Brush Kit

EcoTools Mineral Travel Brush Kit ~ $10 on Amazon or at Target.

We are starting a new series, Y&L Style Picks, where we share our favorite tools, pieces, and products that will keep you looking and feeling stylish. To start off our series we have our favorite travel brush kit by EcoTools. This 5-piece set includes a baby kabuki brush, blush brush, concealer brush, and shadow brush that fit nicely in the canvas pouch. The handles are made of sustainable bamboo, and the bristles are 100% cruelty free (made from synthetic but oh so soft fibers). Another bonus, EcoTools is a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning they donate 1% of annual revenue to environmental causes! Currently EcoTools’ 1% goes to EarthShare and Wildlife Alliance.

These brushes are affordable and easy to find, and make fantastic stocking stuffers. The 5-piece kit can be picked up at most Targets or Whole Foods, or ordered online at Amazon for around $10. It’s so nice to have eco-friendly brushes that fit conveniently in my purse or carry-on luggage without spending a fortune. The brushes are perfect for mineral makeup, and the only brush we are missing is one for applying gel eyeliner (oh well, you can’t win them all)! We recently bought these for when we are traveling, and had the chance to test them out—we were not disappointed! Foundation and blush blend nicely, and concealer is easy to apply with this set. And if you are feeling creative you could personalize your canvas case with fabric paint or stamps.

What do you think? Have you tried these brushes out?

Beauty Books On Our Holiday Wish List!

We have shared a few recipes for DIY beauty treatments here on Y&L, and don’t worry we still have more to share! But we thought today we’d share some beauty books that are at the top of our Christmas wish list! These books are full of great recipes, style advice, and inspiration. Enjoy 🙂

EcoBeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, and Bath Bombs for You and Your Friends

This nifty little book was written by Janice Cox and contains over 100 recipes for you to make at home. The recipes make great gifts, and so does this book—available at Amazon for only $13.59!

How To Be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life

In 10 chapters, author Melissa Hellstern shares the wisdom and spirit of one of the world’s most adorably beautiful women: Audrey Hepburn. This book covers both external and internal growth and beauty. A must read for any Audrey fan, and any woman really! Available for just $12.89 on Amazon.

Savvy Chic: The Art of More for Less

Our last recommendation is Savvy Chic by Anna Johnson. This book is an inspirational book on how to look stylish and sophisticated even on a tight budget! Pick it up for just $12.91 on Amazon!

What are some of your favorite beauty reads? Have you read any of our recommendations? What are your thoughts?

 

What To Wear To The Polls!

Today is Election Day, so no matter who you support, we at Y&L Style Bar want to remind you to GET OUT & VOTE! So you are getting ready to go to the polls, but not sure what to wear to sport your patriotism? We’ve got two looks whether to rock at the polls and work no matter your party preference 🙂 Enjoy and let us know if you voted!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levi’s Demi Curve Skinny Jeans in Cleanest Rinse – $78 @ Levis

Antique Silver Elephant Ring – $10 @ Etsy

Boy Shirt in Classic White – $69.50 @ J. Crew

Camp Director Tote – $54.99 @ ModCloth

Rock Star Spangled Scarf – $19.99 @ ModCloth

Frye Melissa Button Boots in Cognac – $328 @ Zappos

Fine & Sandy Blazer in Burgundy – $59.99 @ ModCloth

Scholarly on Saturday Blazer – $39.99 @ ModCloth

Obama Campaign Earrings – $12 @ Etsy

Have a great Election Day everyone!

Fashion That Matters: Eco-Friendly Handbags by English Retreads

If you are in the market for a new purse this fall or winter consider an eco-friendly and vegan option that supports sustainable small business! English Retreads, a sustainable handbag and accessory company based in Boulder, Colorado has some amazing vegan handbag options made from recycled rubber tires and inner tubes! Founded by Heather English in 2002, English Retreads has made a serious commitment to social and environmental sustainability by not only using recycled materials to handcraft gorgeous bags, but also offsetting 100% of carbon emissions from manufacturing, shipping, and employee commuting. That is pretty awesome!

So far I’ve tried out their large “Model T Tote Luxe”which is big enough to carry a 17″ Macbook Pro, water bottle, coffee mug, makeup bag, wallet, keys, and cell phone! For $118, this bag comes with a lifetime guarantee for replacement/repair and the good feeling of spending your dollars with companies committed to doing social and environmental good. The lining comes in a variety of bright and cheery fabrics made from 100% recycled consumer plastics! I’m eyeing up their smaller “Coupe Luxe” purse and a wallet… I guess Christmas isn’t too far away :-).

The bottom line is we think these purses are rocker-chic, durable, and generally awesome. Oh and at Y&L Style Bar we love socially and environmentally sustainable business women! You can check out the line of purses here. Do you have a favorite eco-friendly or vegan handbag? If so share it with us and the readers :-)!

Product Review Eyeshadow Primer

Magic Vegan Eyeshadow Primer – $7 by The All Natural Face on Etsy

So we have been testing out a lot of products lately… and we’ve got another that we are excited to share with you! The All Natural Face’s Magic Eyeshadow Primer is simply amazing. It is extremely effective, and priced totally right at $7 a bottle. This stuff works just as well as Urban Decay’s Primer Potion ($15) or Two Faced’s Shadow Insurance ($17). It has a sweet little doe tip applicator tip for easy application. I applied this magic primer after my Jane Iredale BB Cream Foundation, but before I put on any eyeliner or shadow. I even applied a little to my lower lash line and under my eye. It kept my eyeliner and shadow in place all day long! All Natural Face’s Magic Eyeshadow Primer also helped brighten up my sleepy eyes without shadow.

Did I mention that this primer is totally vegan and free of harmful chemicals (yay safe cosmetics!)? The bottom line, this stuff is a serious beauty steal, for twice as much product at half the price you’d be a fool not to try (and fall in love with) this Magic Eyeshadow Primer. You can order yours in The All Natural Face’s Etsy store and feel good about supporting another beautiful women in the pursuit of her safe cosmetic dreams!

Oh and for all you San Fran girls out there, if you are worried about getting your makeup just right this Halloween think about stopping by Y&L Style Bar and letting us take care of your Halloween makeup needs!

What beauty goods do you want us to check out for you? Let us know and we will do the tough work!

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