Great Ways To Do Good | Guest Contributor Post

I was recently contacted by fashion enthusiast Morgan Gray who wanted to share a few of her thoughts with Green Eve's readers. Morgan recently started her own blog: "Gray & Gabbana" to make her voice heard in the fashion community; she is big on philanthropy and believes that there is more to fashion than meets the eye! Here's what she has to say about the philanthropic aspects of fashion:

Sometimes we do good directly, by performing random acts of kindness or donating to a worthy cause. However, that isn’t the only way to contribute. We can easily and effortlessly support companies who do good with purchases that you can be sure help to carry on the good works in the world.

Philanthropy and Fashion

Who doesn’t enjoy fashion! Most of my favorite companies to support seem to have a pretty cool social mission. Whenever I want a fresh look or a trendy pair of sunglasses, I shop at Warby Parker. This benefits my pocketbook and me because they offer affordable designer eyeglasses that stack up to the competition. No need to spend over $300 for a new look. Also, the company gives back by partnering with non-profits that train low-income entrepreneur women to sell affordable eye wear to those in need in their respective countries. So for every pair of glasses the company sells, they donate a pair!

I adore cute, quirky hats, and I’ve found a couple of my favorites at WORN. This organization, a part of Catholic Charities Fort Worth, helps immigrant women supplement their income with hand-knit items they can sell. Each woman in this program has relocated to the Fort Worth area from a war-torn, poverty stricken part of the world, and WORN provides them and their families a hand up.

Philanthropy

Each month, I try to make sure that a portion of my earnings goes to a worthy cause. Naturally, I have a few favorite organizations to support. Vital Voices, an international organization that focuses on investing in women is one of my all-time favorite philanthropies. To date, their international staff of over 1,000 pro bono experts has trained and mentored more than 14,000 women from more than 144 countries. After their experience within the program, these women return home to mentor other women and girls in their own communities. The result is a powerful movement of women helping women to impact their world for change.

Every person has the power to impact the world for good. There are many ways in which we can do good—there really is something good in this world for everyone. I hope these ideas have inspired you look into your own favorite ways to give. 

H&M Conscious Collection Featuring Vanessa Paradis

With the cold and snowy weather here in the UK at the moment, the only thing that has been keeping me going is the thought that spring is right around the corner. Besides the sunshine and happier faces that come with spring, the H&M Conscious Collection is yet another thing to look forward to during the season. For this year's collection, the high street giant teamed up with French actress and singer Vanessa Paradis to be the face of the 2013 Conscious Collection. The collection is yet to be revealed, but watch below a video of  behind the scenes footage of making the campaign film directed by Johan Renck.

What a beautiful woman! And lucky one might I add (hello Johnny Depp!). But seriously, can't wait to see this year's collection!


Anoud x

Christmas Gift for Her: Stella McCartney Biodegradable Heels

Stella McCartney has always shown her dedication to sustainability and environmentally friendly fashion by proving to the industry that you do not need to slay a crocodile to create luxurious items. With Christmas right around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about her biodegradable shoes for Fall/Winter 2012, as they may be something some of you would consider gifting the special fashion-savvy girlfriend/friend/wife/sister etc,..

Stella's cruelty-free kicks were first spotted on the runway of Paris Fashion Week back in february, and they are made of pleather and faux-croc with soles made from Aspinat, which is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from natural and renewable raw materials. The shoes are unconventionally beautiful with a strong contrast between the chunky white sole and the dark upper  sole.

Shop the collection here!

Happy guilt-free Christmas shopping!

Anoud x




Images: stellamccartney.com, ecouterre.com

"Sophisticated Sustainability"

I first spotted these watches at Bloomingdale’s in the Dubai Mall, and the key word when it comes to WeWOOD Timepiece watches is “Natural”. These eco-watches first emerged in Florence, Italy and are not made of any synthetic and toxic materials. But what is really so great about them is that for every watch that is bought, one tree is planted and so, you can surely feel that you are making a positive difference in the health of our planet!

When it comes to fashion, people are going to buy the product, whether it is eco-friendly or not because of the design and style. However, WeWood watches are statement pieces, being sophisticated and earth-friendly, having a positive impact in restoring Mother Nature.

Below are a few pieces from the WeWood time pieces Collection: 

For more, visit their website: http://we-wood.us/

Jazi xxx

(Source for images : http://we-wood.us/collections/collection) 

H&M for Water Summer 2012 Resort Collection

Our beloved H&M's latest project that aims to make it a more sustainable retailer is its summer resort collection, appropriately called: H&M for Water. The collection, made of sustainable materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, linen and silk, is inspired by Hawaiian style, featuring floral and palm filled prints.

25% of the sales prices will go to WaterAid, supporting the non-profit organisation's sanitation projects in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, where most of H&M's clothing is produced. The collection is now available at 200 H&M stores worldwide and online. Shop the collection here!

Here are my favourites:

Love them all; such fun pieces perfect for summer and hitting the beach!

Anoud x

Images: hm.com

H&M Conscious Collection Spring 2012

It's spring time, and with that comes another colourful and gorgeous Conscious Collection from H&M. This year's spring collection for women, men and kids, made with 100% organic cotton and other sustainable materials, is dominated by blush coloured and on trend pastel frocks. The collection was unveiled early last week, after the gorgeous Exclusive Conscious Collection Red Carpet Looks for Spring '12 hit the fashion blogosphere by storm. Below are my favourites from the Spring 2012 Conscious Collection, which hits selected H&M stores April 12.

Which piece is your favourite?

xx

Anoud 

Images: H&M

H&M Conscious Party Collection Winter 2011

H&M never fails to amaze with their Conscious Collection, and their Conscious Party Collection Winter 2011 is no exception. As always, the collection is trendy, stylish and of course sustainable using materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and tencel.

Here's what Helena Helmersson, H&M's head of corporate and social responsibility had to say about the new Party Collection capsule: "For us, it's important that when they come to a store, whatever a customer chooses – if it's a Conscious item or not – they should feel that it's produced in a responsible way. We work hard and we're at the forefront of sustainability. But with these collections, we want to highlight it even more – these materials are extra sustainable!"

Shop the H&M Conscious Party Collection!


Happy green shopping!

Anoud x




Images: hm.com

Lanvin For A Great Cause

To celebrate the launch of Lanvin’s debut girlswear range, Lanvin Petite, the French fashion house teamed up with the charity Dessine L’Espoir to create four adorable limited edition dolls. The charity, which supports African women living with HIV, is one of Alber Elbaz’s favourites, and this is not the first time the two have collaborated to support the cause.  

The dolls are based on Elbaz’s quirky illustrations, dressed in miniature versions of looks from Lanvin Petite. What’s most important is that they are hand-embroidered by women of Swaziland who are supported by Dessine L’Espoir and are HIV-positive. Through this employment scheme, these women’s quality of life is enhanced so they are more capable of providing for their families. 

Starting from November, the dolls will be available in Lanvin boutiques and all other stores that will be carrying the new range. Each doll will retail for £220 and a percentage of each sale will be donated to Dessine L’Espoir.

Anoud x

Images: dessinelespoir.org 

The H&M Fall 2011 Conscious Collection

I have always loved all of H&M's Conscious Collections, because not only are they made from sustainable materials, but they are always very stylish & right on trend. This fall's collection, however, has got to be my favourite! Inspired by the 'sweet romance of Swedish folklore', the collection is very feminine and defined by beautiful pieces with delicate embellishment, gorgeous lace, and a floral print perfect for fall.

Here are my favourite pieces from the collection:

The white lace dress and skirt are, as Rachel Zoe would say, BA-NA-NAS!

The H&M Conscious Collection Fall 2011 will be available in selected stores starting from October 6, 2011.

xoxo,
 

Anoud

Images: H&M