Men’s Snazzy Underwear Alert

Men need good underwear. It is necessary for the having of the sex. Don’t believe me? Then you are either really attractive, really rich or don’t have sex. Probably. I’m sure there are other exceptions to the “must have good underwear” rule (intoxication?) but I really just want to get to the great guys’ underwear part of this post.

I “got into men’s underwear” by being into women’s underwear. If you’re hunting for organic lady underthings for long enough, you’re bound to find organic men’s underwear in the process. Earlier today I was reading an article on genital health and “butt bacteria.” This is my life, ladies and gentlemen.

Five Bamboo’s stretchy Nomo Clean Bamboo Lyocell offerings may seem basic, but I’ve seen them on. In a word: yes. Along with that recommendation, the person wearing them told me that Five Bamboo’s Bamboxer Briefs are the most comfortable boxer briefs he’s ever worn. Comfy testicles are happy testicles.

I don’t know anyone who owns PACT underwear yet (do you?) but I love how ostentatious they are. PACT uses 95% organic cotton in each pair of boxers and briefs, and donate proceeds to various causes.

Patagonia has been eco-friendly since before it was cool. They make eco-friendly bags, shoes, pants, tops…Patagonia is the eco-hipster. Their silkweight boxers look really…breezy? I don’t know. I like ‘em.

I first found Ted Baker’s flashy organic underwear and socks in July. I can’t decide whether I like the patterns or stripes more.

Original Article

A Question Of…

There are more graphic t-shirt companies out there than there are interesting designs for graphic t-shirts…or at least it seems that way. I know how hard it is to find an organic or fair trade graphic t-shirt that isn’t…um…boring, one that says something interesting or uses are that isn’t outdated, overplayed or offensive. (Yes, I’m talking about the tribal this, tribal that trend. It is lame and rude.)

Clockwise from top left: Issues (on sale!), Pop Cult (also in a raglan sweatshirt), I Don’t Skate (also in a raglan sweatshirt), Spread the Luv, Travel Kit, Soulland, Pin Up, Skull and Bandana


Three friends from Denmark started A QUESTION OF in 2010, fusing fashion and sustainability to create a surprisingly edgy line of casual tees, tanks and raglan sweatshirts. A QUESTION OF strives to combine street fashion with a respect to people and the environment - “to make sustainable living a simple choice.” They do this by using certified organic cotton and manufacturing all of their shirts in a fair trade factory (SA8000 certified) in Tanzania. (Their Facebook page has some pretty cool pictures!)

Most of the tops and tees by A QUESTION OF are unisex, so check the fit - some art straight-cut (like typical “guys’” tees) and others are fitted or cropped. This company seems to be constantly innovating, so keep up with their Facebook page, and check out the videos on their website.


Clockwise from top left: Army of Lovers, All You Need Is Love, Animals, Here Comes the Sun, I’m Punk, You’re Not, I Like Your Blog, Make It Sustainable (also in blue and gray raglan)

Original Article

The draw of natural products doesn’t just stop at the respectful effects it has on the Earth - I, like many of you, think the natural form of many elements is way more beautiful than any manufactured version of the same element could ever be! Take gemstones for example… I’m disenchanted by the insanely smooth finish of fancy cut stones - I don’t get it! But give me a planet-grown crystal (aka “druzy” or druse) with crags and spikes and I’m one happy girl. Recently, I’ve been seeing more and more “dipped” stones. This could be a solid crystal dipped in liquid gold or silver, creating a super luxurious feel for not a lot of processing or waste. Talk about timeless… what’s more timeless than something that’s already been around for centuries? Amethyst Druzy Pendant by NY Metals, $62 14k Gold Dipped Citrine Necklace by Made Fabulous, $40 Raw Amethyst Dipped Points by Camp and Quarry, $34 Gold Dipped Quartz Point by Solis Jewelry, $70 Original Article
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The draw of natural products doesn’t just stop at the respectful effects it has on the Earth - I, like many of you, think the natural form of many elements is way more beautiful than any manufactured version of the same element could ever be! Take gemstones for example… I’m disenchanted by the insanely smooth finish of fancy cut stones - I don’t get it! But give me a planet-grown crystal (aka “druzy” or druse) with crags and spikes and I’m one happy girl.

Recently, I’ve been seeing more and more “dipped” stones. This could be a solid crystal dipped in liquid gold or silver, creating a super luxurious feel for not a lot of processing or waste. Talk about timeless… what’s more timeless than something that’s already been around for centuries?

Amethyst Druzy Pendant by NY Metals, $62

14k Gold Dipped Citrine Necklace by Made Fabulous, $40

Raw Amethyst Dipped Points by Camp and Quarry, $34

Gold Dipped Quartz Point by Solis Jewelry, $70

Original Article

Our favorite vegan cosmetics line, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, has just released a new color in a collaboration with ultra-hipster magazine, NYLON. The color is acidic raspberry pink, officially known as “Nylon” or “classic bubblegum with a neon twist.” I, personally, have only heard amazing things about OCC’s Lip Tar, but would love to hear from some other people who have played around with it! What’s the consistency like? Duration of wear? I want to try some so badly! Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ Nylon is available as Sephora for $16. Would you wear this electric pink shade? Original Article
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Our favorite vegan cosmetics line, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, has just released a new color in a collaboration with ultra-hipster magazine, NYLON.

The color is acidic raspberry pink, officially known as “Nylon” or “classic bubblegum with a neon twist.” I, personally, have only heard amazing things about OCC’s Lip Tar, but would love to hear from some other people who have played around with it! What’s the consistency like? Duration of wear? I want to try some so badly!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ Nylon is available as Sephora for $16.

Would you wear this electric pink shade?

Original Article

A few weeks back, I stumbled upon a wonderful company: Fair Trade Designs. Obviously, the name itself gives me goosebumps, and the fact that the gorgeous jewelry contained within is as sustainable as possible and fair trade, supporting women all over the world - well, that was just a jar of cherries on top. Stephanie King, the owner and mind behind Fair Trade Designs, introduced us to her plight to help bring income to communities all over the world, and in the process, we gained a lot of respect for the company - and a lot of new “wants” to our wish list, including this necklace that Stephanie has generously offered to give away! What I love about Fair Trade Designs (and all companies with this “global artisan” model) is that they really show a high level of respect to the people that they’re doing trade with. Many companies do a fair bit of “white knight”-ing with third world artisans and project it as though they are helping them to learn new skills… But what they’re really doing is erasing their cultural background and generational skills in exchange for a sewing machine or assembly line. Fair Trade Designs doesn’t do this. Stephanie and her team don’t take the role of the teacher instructing the student - the women they work with are the true artisans in this relationship.  They are the stars of the show! The Artisans Who are these women? Well, they work with women rescued from child marriages in India who make jewelry, Maasai tribeswomen in Kenya - also jewelry makers, and Mayan artisans in Guatemala who makes handbags… Not to mention the beautiful Bolivian women who made this Pilar Açai Necklace, and countless others. Here’s a bit more info about the women who crafted this necklace: Fair Trade Designs Artisans in Bolivia The artisan who made this necklace is one of a number of women entrepreneurs in Bolivia who’ve been able to life themselves out of poverty by working with a fair trade organization. As with all fair trade enterprises, they are paid fair wages and work in humane environments, oftentimes their own homes. These Bolivian artisans received an added benefit in that 10% of the proceeds from every purchase of their products is donated to Solidarity Bridge, a non-profit organization that provides much-needed pacemakers, medicine, and medical care to the people of Bolivia, 70% of whom live in deep poverty. The Goods (aka The Prize Jewels!) You’re entering to win the Pilar Açai Necklace from Fair Trade Designs: An elegant show-stopper that’s entirely handmade from repurposed  materials.  Naturally dyed açai seeds, from the fruit of the large South American palms of the same name, are strung on 6 strands of each color and joined by small coconut shell disks.  A substantial statement piece that’s still quite lightweight.  Only vegetable dyes are used.  21” long with a macrame loop closure. The açai seed comes from the fruit of the açai palm tree, native to the South American rainforests. By using the seeds from the fallen fruit to create beautiful pieces of jewelry, the artisans are helping to preserve the rainforests. They make up to 5 times more income than when they work on cattle ranches and banana plantations, both of which involve destroying the rainforests to create space for the ranching and farming. Increasing the market for their jewelry increases the survival rate of the rainforests. How to Enter There are SIX ways to enter! Like Fair Trade Designs on Facebook Follow @FairDesigns on Twitter Sign up for Fair Trade Designs’ Newsletter (& get 10% off - it’s on the right side of their homepage. under the search bar) Like Awakened Aesthetic on Facebook Follow Awakened Aesthetic on Bloglovin’ Sign up for at least one of our eco-lifestyle newsletters! Be sure to fill out the form below so we can record your entries! * This giveaway is open to international readers! :) Giveaway ends September 10, 2012 at 11:59pm! Good luck! Original Article
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A few weeks back, I stumbled upon a wonderful company: Fair Trade Designs. Obviously, the name itself gives me goosebumps, and the fact that the gorgeous jewelry contained within is as sustainable as possible and fair trade, supporting women all over the world - well, that was just a jar of cherries on top.

Stephanie King, the owner and mind behind Fair Trade Designs, introduced us to her plight to help bring income to communities all over the world, and in the process, we gained a lot of respect for the company - and a lot of new “wants” to our wish list, including this necklace that Stephanie has generously offered to give away!

What I love about Fair Trade Designs (and all companies with this “global artisan” model) is that they really show a high level of respect to the people that they’re doing trade with. Many companies do a fair bit of “white knight”-ing with third world artisans and project it as though they are helping them to learn new skills… But what they’re really doing is erasing their cultural background and generational skills in exchange for a sewing machine or assembly line. Fair Trade Designs doesn’t do this. Stephanie and her team don’t take the role of the teacher instructing the student - the women they work with are the true artisans in this relationship.  They are the stars of the show!

The Artisans

Who are these women? Well, they work with women rescued from child marriages in India who make jewelry, Maasai tribeswomen in Kenya - also jewelry makers, and Mayan artisans in Guatemala who makes handbags… Not to mention the beautiful Bolivian women who made this Pilar Açai Necklace, and countless others.

Here’s a bit more info about the women who crafted this necklace:

Fair Trade Designs Artisans in Bolivia

The artisan who made this necklace is one of a number of women entrepreneurs in Bolivia who’ve been able to life themselves out of poverty by working with a fair trade organization. As with all fair trade enterprises, they are paid fair wages and work in humane environments, oftentimes their own homes. These Bolivian artisans received an added benefit in that 10% of the proceeds from every purchase of their products is donated to Solidarity Bridge, a non-profit organization that provides much-needed pacemakers, medicine, and medical care to the people of Bolivia, 70% of whom live in deep poverty.

The Goods (aka The Prize Jewels!)

You’re entering to win the Pilar Açai Necklace from Fair Trade Designs:

An elegant show-stopper that’s entirely handmade from repurposed  materials.  Naturally dyed açai seeds, from the fruit of the large South American palms of the same name, are strung on 6 strands of each color and joined by small coconut shell disks.  A substantial statement piece that’s still quite lightweight.

  •  Only vegetable dyes are used.
  •  21” long with a macrame loop closure.

The açai seed comes from the fruit of the açai palm tree, native to the South American rainforests. By using the seeds from the fallen fruit to create beautiful pieces of jewelry, the artisans are helping to preserve the rainforests. They make up to 5 times more income than when they work on cattle ranches and banana plantations, both of which involve destroying the rainforests to create space for the ranching and farming. Increasing the market for their jewelry increases the survival rate of the rainforests.

How to Enter

There are SIX ways to enter!

Be sure to fill out the form below so we can record your entries! * This giveaway is open to international readers! :)

Giveaway ends September 10, 2012 at 11:59pm!

Good luck!

Original Article

Basically Basics

These are so unremarkable. They’re basic, light grey cargo pants with a low-rise cut. They’re normal.

However, these otherwise unremarkable light grey cargo pants are made using organic cotton and tencel. They’re something totally normal, made with ethical fibers, and that, dear friends, makes them special. ♥

The more we can find “normal” stuff manufactured in ethical ways, the better, right?

Horny Toad has a bajillion organic basics, from v-necks to dresses to cropped leggings. I found an almost-ridiculous number of items in my quick two-word search - nearly three hundred! They’re all in the handy dandy (lazy) search box below.

Original Article

It’s past time for an Etsy round-up, isn’t it? Below are items that I’ve recently added to my wish list, items that speak to my heart, and bring thoughts of love…for fashion, the earth, and the people in my life. This dress, entitled “Hello Love”, is handmade by The Fashion Loft in Singapore. This plywood wall hanging by Jennifer Lyons was inspired by the Chinese proverb: “Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come.” Specimental is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. These rough diamond earrings are glittery, conflict free, and set into 14k yellow gold studs. Orange Fuzz was one of the first to create an Eco-Friendly Shaving Kit on Etsy. The set includes shaving soap, aftershave, a body soap and shaving brush, and it all comes in a recycled cigar box. This last one is close to my heart! This Cedar Waxwing acrylic on canvas painting was done here in Seattle by my sister, Jessica. She’s the artist of the family, and another of her pieces hangs above my kitchen table. Jessica has a degree in environmental conservation (a passion for the earth runs in the family) and an adorable, hyperactive French bulldog named Gracie. Original Article
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It’s past time for an Etsy round-up, isn’t it? Below are items that I’ve recently added to my wish list, items that speak to my heart, and bring thoughts of love…for fashion, the earth, and the people in my life.

This dress, entitled “Hello Love”, is handmade by The Fashion Loft in Singapore.

This plywood wall hanging by Jennifer Lyons was inspired by the Chinese proverb: “Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come.”

Specimental is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. These rough diamond earrings are glittery, conflict free, and set into 14k yellow gold studs.

Orange Fuzz was one of the first to create an Eco-Friendly Shaving Kit on Etsy. The set includes shaving soap, aftershave, a body soap and shaving brush, and it all comes in a recycled cigar box.

This last one is close to my heart! This Cedar Waxwing acrylic on canvas painting was done here in Seattle by my sister, Jessica. She’s the artist of the family, and another of her pieces hangs above my kitchen table. Jessica has a degree in environmental conservation (a passion for the earth runs in the family) and an adorable, hyperactive French bulldog named Gracie.

Original Article

Ms. Stella McCartney, I love that you keep surprising me. All of Stella McCartney’s designs are vegan - every single one - and Ms. McCartney herself is a staunch supporter of animal rights, but did you know that Stella also works in recycled and organic materials? The above bra is made using recycled metal hardware, and the panties are lined with organic cotton. …and…AND…this bra costs around the same amount as most department store bras. Yes, I can assure you, this is real life. Stella McCartney Lace Underwire Plunge Bra: $65 Stella McCartney Lace Bikini Brief: $28 Want more Stella? Sure you do: Stella McCartney Intimates Original Article
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Ms. Stella McCartney, I love that you keep surprising me.

All of Stella McCartney’s designs are vegan - every single one - and Ms. McCartney herself is a staunch supporter of animal rights, but did you know that Stella also works in recycled and organic materials? The above bra is made using recycled metal hardware, and the panties are lined with organic cotton.

…and…AND…this bra costs around the same amount as most department store bras. Yes, I can assure you, this is real life.


Stella McCartney Lace Underwire Plunge Bra: $65

Stella McCartney Lace Bikini Brief: $28

Want more Stella? Sure you do:

Original Article

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