In a city as crowded as New York the potential for the spread of germs and dirt is much bigger than in other places. That can leave the cleanest person feeling vulnerable. Once you look around you see everyone carrying around their neatly packaged and ready to go hand sanitizer. The smart little creations even hang off the police belts like it is the latest thing in defeating the bad guys.

You should know that not all hand sanitizers are created equal and neither are their stories. The CleanWell family has a story inspired by real life and that gives them the tools necessary to create a product that will truly make you feel safe, at least from unwanted germs. Unfortunately that guy bothering you on the subway might still stick around. Just like him, most hand sanitizers contain toxic ingredients and alcohol that can be too rough on your skin. CleanWell is alohol free, all natural and provides a fresh scent. I should mention that the clean packaging is also biodegradable and looks extra cute in your handbag, especially when compared to other hand sanitizers. If you are looking for a better alternative in your hand sanitizer, look no further. 

CleanWell does have more than just hand sanitizers. If you also need to clean that city pad, and prefer to not use cleaning products that put poisonous toxins in the air, take a look at the Eco alternatives. Go to CleanWell to find out more about who they are and maybe you will get inspired to clean your hands and your surroundings the smart way. Safely. I’d say that should help you sleep a little cleaner. 

You can find CleanWell in Whole Foods, select Target stores, Vitamin Shoppe, GNC and CleanWellToday.com.

I keep at least two or three lip balms in my bag, you can never have too many delicious flavors.

Burt’s Bees lip balm with Mango Butter has it all; nourishing, antioxidants, vitamins, natural sweeteners and comes in a 30% post-consumer recycled tube. For a company that has been in the earth-friendly beauty business for over 25 years they just keep getting better.

A another favorite is a natural lip balm MoistStic, even better if you chose their healing Tea Tree Oil flavor.

I fell in love with this little tube of herbal recovery eye cream from the natural beauty experts Jurlique. It provides high performance for your tired eyes anytime and anyplace, but no need to worry because the formal is made to be long lasting. Ingredients include; Arnica, Eyebright, Cucumber and Safflower Oleosomes. This is everything you desire from an eye cream – puffiness and dark circles be gone.

There was a point in my life when I thought plastic bottles were taking over my recycling bin. If you do not use one there will not be anything to recycle and that is the best eco conscious effort you can make. On the go is a different story, using plastic can seem unavoidable at times but one eco bottle purchase can change that. Art + Water = Life = Amazing Results for an eco bottle. U-TURN 2 TAP pride themselves on being conservationists and art lovers. It was their love of art and respect for the Pacific Ocean that has created the company that would give us these very stylish and functional stainless steel bottles. The art and the mission of U-TURN 2 TAP is one to be admired. Take a U turn and replenish your body the right way. To read up on the artists go here.

To fight the summer hair frizz I keep Head Organics hair serum on hand. It is clean, non-grease and above else natural. What are some of the ingredients? They include; green and white tea leaf, pomegranate fruit, ginger root and aloe vera. There are many hair serums out there, however the reason this one is worth the space in my bag is because it can be easily combined with other products. This means my hair is not greasy at the end of the day.

To read more about organic beauty go to the Organic Spa Magazine.

The market in eco jewelry has expanded providing us with choices. Beautiful eco jewelry is available and it is up to you to make the final decision.

As someone who loves to be creative in art and fashion design I have been creating pieces of jewelry/art myself. I hope to share them with you soon. For now marvel at this gorgeous & fun feather vintage hair piece by Noaki Jewelry and read more about her work here http://www.noakijewelry.com. I absolutely love the Great Gatsby theme, mainly because the designer resurrects vintage and broken pieces from the more interesting past.

Levis

Local Celebrity Respect your Mother T-shirt in collaboration with Global Green USA, 100% organic cotton of course

90210 Organics Bambino Land Cinnamon Swirls (2 pack muslin swaddle blankets), made from 100% certified organic cotton

Bottled Up Designs Blue Willow Rectangle Pendant, Recycled from antique glass & bottles reclaimed from bottle dumps

Eco-Me Dog Leash Tote with Poo Poo Bags, made from 100% pure ingredients

Eco-Cup Single-Wall Porcelain Mug, 100% lead-free, nontoxic & reusable

If I happened to be a Manhattan lunching lady and wanted to meet the girls for a yummy treat I would head to the privately owned Joanna Vargas Skin Cares spa. There you can “feed your face” with delicious antioxidant vegetables. This seems to be the most creative Fall facial and it would go perfectly with my pumpkin and cinnamon infused hair. Take a peek at the specials:

Appetizer: Diamond peel microdermabrasion to remove surface dirt and dead skin cells.

Entree: Pumpkin and Yam Natural Enzyme Peel. Rich in Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A and C, antioxidants. Encourages healthy cell turnover. Brightens hyper pigmented areas. Raises hydration levels. Willowbark extract keeps pores clear.

Just Desserts: LED Light Therapy and Soothing Pure Oxygen Treatment

The salon prides itself on top customer service and making you feel like the Manhattan, or out of town, princess that you are. Their professionals use non invasive techniques to provide you with anti aging and natural ways to a perfectly fresh new you. Did I mention they represent the green lifestyle as well as sell all organic products?

This salon is owned by an an esthetician Joanna Vargas, well know among celebrities. Joanna is on a constant search for organic and gentle products that will provide her clients with a pleasant experience. The Joanna Vargas Skin Cares spa & boutique sounds like a perfectly private place to rejuvenate and improve on the already fabulous you. Since it was my birthday last week I am feeling a need to treat myself to glowing skin. When booking in October use a secret password “BOO!” for a discount.

The intricate stitching Alabama Chanin demands is done by hand directly from the homes of the artisans. They all live in the same area of Florence, Alabama and believe in the making quality products that can be passed on for generations. The organic materials used go hand in hand with the brand’s belief.  That is believing in community effort and preserving the American culture as well as the planet.

Natalie is proud of her Southern roots and has originally come back to her home to create a documentary.  She has produced a short film that focuses on traditional quilt making and salvages quilts. Quilting has a rich American history and is a direct source of family stories from generation to generation.  There is something so tranquil about this brand, the concept and I image the materials feel like home.

To find out more about Alabama Chanin and Natalie go to http://alabamachanin.com

Images via style.com & alabamachanin.com

Songbirds from Jessica Turner on Vimeo.

le la Moda Interviews

Visit us tomorrow to read my interview with Yotam Solomon

The youngest ready to wear and Eco caring designer to show at LA’s Fashion Week.  His work has recently appeared on America’s Next Top Model, but there is more to be found out about this young designer. Yotam was very pleasant and accommodating to doing an interview with me.  I have to say the most pleasant thing I found out about him is that he uses Eco friendly materials and partners up with charities.  Find out more than just the superficial you see on TV or runway.