Editor's Pick! Featured Blogger: Rachel of EcoStiletto.com!

A few years ago I was lucky enough to sit right next to Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Editor & CEO of EcoStiletto.com & MommyGreenest.com at a fashion show during Los Angeles Fashion Week.Well, we immediately hit it off and chatted throughout the show. I just couldn't wait to share this amazing site (if you haven't come across it already!) and the amazing things Rachel has done with it! And, I am not the only one raving about it! Check out the LOVE they have received from eco-chic celebs too! 

1.) Tell us about your baby, EcoStiletto & how was it born.

I'm a journalist and I'd been writing about fashion and beauty for a while when I realized that the products I was reviewing 1. never seemed to do what they said they would, like erase my wrinkles, and 2. contained some pretty toxic chemicals. At the same time, green fashion and beauty was exploding! Once I started learning about eco-products that actually did what they said and didn't contain chemicals, I was sold. I created EcoStiletto as a place to show women that you can be as gorgeous and glamorous as ever, while still working to shrink your carbon footprint. Hence, the stiletto metaphor.

2.) What is your favorite eco brand/line? Why?

Right now I'm loving Alaffia hair care products. (www.alaffia.com) First and foremost, they work--I was at the salon yesterday and my hairdresser took one look at my formerly-limp-suddenly-luxurious hair and was like, "What are you using?" Second, they're totally chemical free--nothing on my Big List of Things That Suck. (http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/) But the coolest part is the story: The line was founded by Olowo N'djo Tchala, who is originally from Togo, Africa and now lives in Washington State. He sources all the shea butter from fair trade collectives in Togo and supports the communities there. He also organizes bike drives twice a year for the girls in the region, who typically give up school because they can't make the five-mile walk. And he works to educate people in his community about the dangers of things like female genital mutilation. Not the most fun subject to talk about, especially for a guy. So this is an example of the perfect line for EcoStiletto--it does what it says it does, it doesn't give money to the cosmetic chemical industry, and it supports a community in need. 

3.) What can we find in your make-up bag? 

I'm a total minimalist when it comes to makeup. I have three kids, so typically I just have time to slap on some tinted moisturizer--Physician's Formula Organic Wear, at the moment--and go. So I'm loving the Living Luminizer by RMS Beauty, which is a totally organic, chemical free line created by a makeup artist here in Los Angeles named Rose-Marie Swift. The Luminizer is amazing! You just dab a little bit on your cheekbones, around the outside socket of your eye, your lower lip, the tip of your nose and all of a sudden you look just kind of awake and, yes, luminous. You can put it on in the car!

4.) When your not writing for the site what can we find you doing? Tell us a little more about Rachel.

If I could, I'd do yoga every day. Right now I have just enough time for one class a week, and I crave it like chocolate. There's nothing better to get me out of my head and work through the little aches and pains that come from sitting at a computer 12 hours a day! And about once a month, I try to hit the Give + Take swap shop, which is this amazing boutique in Playa del Rey. (www.giveplustake.com) You bring the clothes you're not wearing and trade them in, then you get to pick from everyone else's swaps. Everything is clean and beautifully presented on wood hangers. It's still reusing and recycling so it's totally green, but it's less of a hunt than thrift shopping, because everything's already edited for you by the owner Dora, who is a fantastic on site stylist, too! 

5.) What is on your holiday wish list? 

Anything by Melissa Joy Manning. Her recycled metal jewelry with fair trade stones is consistently the most gorgeous stuff I've ever seen.

6.) What do you have planned for the future? 

Giving away even cooler eco-swag--right now we're up to $1,200 per month in giveaways to our free newsletter subscribers! And next year I'm doing an eight-event series of Green Girls Night Out parties at Kimpton Hotels across the country--they're super green, so it's a perfect match. Watch out, I may be coming to a city near you ;-)

What You Don't Know About Rachel! 

Pet peeves: Sustainabullies, defined on The Big List as n. A person who makes others feel guilty for perceived eco-sins; (s)he’s holier than thou and probably drives a Prius. Yes, I made that up.

Favorite color: When my daughter was born, my then two-year-old son said, "Mommy, I love all the colors of Julia." It's so random, but I love that. We're all made of colors--who could choose? Okay, now I sound like a total hippie.

Likes: I'm obsessed with Matcha green tea right now. It's a powder, so you can drink it hot or cold. And since I gave up drinking coffee, it's my go-to for an afternoon pick-me-up.

{STAY CONNECTED, ALL THINGS RACHEL} 

EcoStiletto.com & MommyGreenest.com

http://twitter.com/ecostilettor

http://twitter.com/greenestmommy




As always, THANKS Rachel! You are a doll! xoxo 

Our Chat With Trista Sutter...

We all know Trista Sutter. The super sweet former participant on ABC's The Bachelor. Lucky for her it was a blessing in disguise as she was the runner-up for the show's first season and she was made the first star of one of our favorite shows, The Bachelorette. But now we know Trista as a hard working momma and loving wife and just a down to earth gal. We were beyond excited when our editor, Casi, sat down with her and catch up on everything in her life!

Since watching you on The Bachelorette your life has changed so much. Did you ever imagine when you signed on with ABC that you would be where you are today?

NOT at all!!!  I seriously was just hoping for a fun little trip to Malibu and a cool adventure with the first Bachelor.  But much more than that happened...with the icing on the cake of course being my blessing of a family!!  

Would you ever consider having your own reality show with Ryan and your family? 

We have considered it and have had numerous offers for one, but up until this point have decided that it wasn't quite the right time.  Never say never though!

Seeing your tweets during the last seasons, we know you still must be a fan. Do you have a favorite season to date? 

I am definitely still a fan and always will be!!  Watching the show honestly takes me back to how I fell in love with Ryan, so I LOVE it!  Favorite season to date...of course the first Bachelorette!!!  If it's not a season I was on, then I would have to say that I loved watching Bob search for love. He's still a good friend and I wanted him to find the woman he deserved.   

What did you think about the most recent bachelorette Ali's decision? 

I thought Ali and Roberto was a match made in chemistry heaven.  From what I saw as a viewer, it looked like they were genuinely in love and sincere in their desire to find someone. 

As a mother of two you look fantastic! How do you find time to exercise? Do you stick to a plan or diet?

Thank you!!!!  Honestly, I have no idea.  I think it's really all about holding yourself accountable, and for me, that means hiring a trainer or setting a time with friends to take our friends for a walk.  I don't really stick to a plan other than chasing 2 kids around my house all the time!!!  I do take a supplement called Abdominal Cuts that helps with my midsection and helped me lose weight after both my babies were born.  It doesn't make you feel jittery and is filled with omegas and vitamins.  I love it.  (www.revolutionlifestyle.com). I also truly believe in eating in moderation!

I have 3 girls under 7 and I have to tell you that I just ADORE the collection you designed for My Vintage Baby, "Winter Rose" - especially the mixing of prints and the detail in the jeans are just so different which we always look for. It is just so precious! How did your partnership come about? Are you working on your next collection? 

 I'm so happy to hear that...thank you!!!  I actually heard about the line through Twitter and then met the founders at an event they were sponsoring in New York.  They asked if I'd be interested in collaborating and I was ALL for it!!  Not only did I fall in love with their clothes, but their business helps support stay at home moms who are reps and donates a portion of the proceeds to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  It just felt right.  We are working on our next collection...so much fun!!

What is one piece of advice you would give to all those mommas out there when it comes balancing work and family?   

Remember that you are human and you can't always do it all. It's okay to say "no" to whatever and whomever, if you are feeling overwhelmed, and know that people will (or at least should!) respect you for doing what you have to do for you and your family.

What is up next for you?  

 Wow...a lot actually.  The Biggest and most important thing, (as always!) is making sure my kids and husband are happy!  Next on the list right now...supporting Ryan and helping him reach his goal of raising $100,000 for an adventure camp for young adults with cancer through an organization called First Descents.  We are still looking for $10 from 10,000 people...it is a truly inspirational cause as we have learned firsthand through its campers and attending a camp ourselves.  Just go to:  First Descents.

And now, see just what you DON'T know about Trista:

1.    I can wiggle my ears.

2.    I am a true Hoosier...being born in Indianapolis and going to Indiana University.

3.    I can't eat foods that are jiggly or mushy or extra chewy textures (i.e., bananas, jello, and seafood).

4.    I get teary when I yawn.

5.    I am allergic to dogs, cats, and especially horses and still get hives when I pet my own dogs.

6.    I have a half sister and a step sister, but grew up as an only child.

7.    My favorite sound is the laughter of my children.

8.    One of my dreams is to write a children's book.

9.    I had my gallbladder removed.

10.  I am a HUGE country music fan...especially of Tim and Faith and Brad Paisley.

11.  I don't drink a lot of caffeine.

12.  I was on the first season of Dancing with the Stars and got "beat" by Evander Holyfield!

13.  My husband is the person I admire the most.

14.  I've always wanted to attend New York Fashion Week.

15.  I am ADDICTED to red velvet cupcakes.

Not only is Trista a FABulous cupcakeMAG supporter she is a super-mom and a genuine, down-to-earth person. We just adore Trista! For all things Trista, follow her on Twitter!

Nicole Scherzinger performs in The Blonds at the 2010 People's Choice Awards

Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls wore a crystal embellished, black faux snake stretch jersey one shoulder mini dress by The Blonds while performing with Cobra Starship at the Peoples Choice Awards in Los Angeles a few nights ago on January 6.

If you don’t know who The Blonds are you’re truly missing out as they were recently announced winners of The Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation. Special made to order pieces for the likes of Katy Perry, Rihanna, Shakira, Madonna, and Britney Spears are all part of The Blonds world. The MAC Viva Glam advertising campaign featuring Fergie, dazzling in a silver chain and crystal corset, specially made by The Blonds is also included on their list of Hollywood glam. From Elle Magazine and Vogue to America’s Next Top Model and E! News – The Blonds have been featured everywhere.

ALL ABOUT THE BLONDS

Phillipe and David Blond, a.k.a. The Blonds, met in New York City eight years ago and have been designing together ever since. Phillipe Rollano was born in Pierto Rico, raised in New York, and studied design at the well known Fashion Institute of Technology. He went on to do freelance illustration for DDC Lab and various publications before becoming one half of the design duo, The Blonds.

As for David Trujillo, originally from Key West took on Fashion Merchandising and Design at the International Fine Arts College in Miami. For ten years David dressed the windows and interiors of high-end retailers such as Macy’s Herald Square and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Together, Phillipe and David have created collections that have taken the design world by storm. Featuring glitz, glamour, crystals, chains, sequins and more, their pieces have garnered rave reviews all over the fashion industry.

The Leslie Greene Collection

All About Leslie

Over the past 18 years, fine jewelry design Leslie Greene has continued to satisfy every woman’s desire for fine jewelry that flaunts chic style, luxurious quality and a timeless classic appeal. Her talent for combining treasured classic with modern trends has truly brought her to the forefront of the world of jewelry design.

In addition to her Couture collection of fine jewelry that flaunts the opulence of 18k gold,diamonds and gemstones, Leslie Greene has now introduced Sterling, a collection that includes sterling silver, as well as sterling silver with gold accents, both embellished with the luxury of diamonds. Leslie’s philosophy is that jewelry should make a signature personal statement and she aspires to create pieces that become a reflection of who a woman is, not what she wears.

A graduate of Manhattan’s prestigious FIT, Leslie has been the recipient of many honors throughout her career. Awards include the 2006 Retail Choice JQ Designer of the Year, 2004 JA Golden Apple Award, Town & Country’s Diamond Designer’s Excellence Award and the Women’s Jewelers Association Award for Excellence in Design.

SPOTTED: Cheryl Hines, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Brittany Snow, Debra Messing, Reese Witherspoon, Brittany Murphy, Teri Hatcher and Madeline Zima (plus some) have been seen wearing Leslie Greene from the city streets to the Emmy's.

For more info and detail on each piece from Leslie Greene please visit her website.