Chicago Designer K. Amato Goes International

Chicago jewelry designer, Kristen Amato of K. Amato, has just signed on with ShopNBC.com to go international. On May 22, Kristen will appear on the live telecast featuring her latest collection on ShopNBC.com.

Not only are her pieces unique and stylish, but they’re actually affordable! At $20-$100 each, this accessible line is perfect for any woman. Another plus? She names her many of her jewels after Chicago street names. Love that!

Want to get a sneak peak at her latest collection? The jewelry below will be available May 22.

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To see where K. Amato is carried near you, visit www.k-amato.com.

Rebecca Minkoff’s Mugly Bag Contest

We’ve heard of ugly, and even fugly…but what about mugly? According to the team at Rebecca Minkoff, a Mugly Bag is “an unpleasant or repulsive item used to carry or store mom things like checkbooks, coupons, tissues and Carole King CDs.” If you or someone you know suffers from owning a mugly bag, and you would like to benefit from it, please continue reading…

If your mother has a Mugly Bag, snap a photo of her wearing it and submit it to Minkette.com for a chance to win her a new bag. For being such a concerned son or daughter, they’ll send you a new bag as well!

Plus, from now until May 2nd, receive a free “Mamalicious” or “Pretty Mama” pouch with any purchase of $295 or more! Just enter code “LOVEUMOM” at checkout to redeem.

For more information, visit The Mugly Bag Contest webpage.

Top 5 Ways You Can Fashionably Contribute To Earth Day

Who says you can’t go green and be fashionable? It’s easy! There are so many eco-friendly brands out there. From clothing and accessories to beauty and services, there are many ways you can make a difference just by adapting one eco-friendly process into your routine. What better time to try than Earth Day?!

Here are my top 5 picks for how to fashionably contribute to Earth Day…

ACCESSORIES

Alex & Ani: This stylish jewelry company uses all recycled materials and everything is manufactured in the United States. Although they design great necklaces, rings, earrings and even a few men’s pieces, they’re known for their Bangle Bar, where you can custom design your own set of bangles. Eco friendly custom bangle bracelets? Now that’s winning 🙂

BEAUTY

Ginger + Liz: It shouldn’t be of shock to you that I chose Ginger + Liz. Their vibrant nail colors have been an obsession of mine for quite some time now and their business goes hand-in-hand with Earth Day. Their quality formulas are vegan friendly and toxin free, meaning they do not use any toluene, resin, or formaldehyde. So you can get fashionable nails without doing any harm to them (or the environment!)

CLOTHING

Bodkin: This line of sustainable clothing is just as fashionable as it is eco-conscious. They use all organic cotton, post-consumer recycled fibers and actively seek materials that use vegetable-based or zero-effluent dye processes. They really put the time and effort into making beautiful sustainable clothes. Now is the perfect time to pick up your very own Bodkin piece.

SERVICE

eDrop-Off: Did you know that eDrop-Off recycles over 32,000 pounds of clothing a year? According to their Go Green page that’s just one of the many ways they contribute to the environment. When you consign with them, it’s just like recycling your clothes. You give your gently used items a second life and you get a check for it. Going green AND getting green? (yeah I went there) Sounds good to me!

SKINCARE

REN: I’ve been using REN skincare since for about 5 years now and their products are never a disappointment. Each and every one of their facial, body and men’s skincare products are free of synthetic fragrance, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents, synthetic colours, animal ingredients and parabens. On top of that, they donate a portion of their profits to environmental campaigns. Hands down, my favorite eco skincare line!

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I hope you’ll consider these for Earth Day and beyond. Feel free to share your favorite eco-friendly ways to be fashionable in the comments section below.

Dana Rebecca Designs on Gilt

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dana Levy of Dana Rebecca Designs. I was so excited when I saw this morning that her gorgeous jewelry will be on Gilt today!

Her designs have been worn by numerous celebrities, including Vanessa Hudgens, Rosario Dawson, Anne Hathaway and MANY more. So set your alarms for 11am (central time) because these stylish pieces will go fast!

Remember, this sale is for Gilt members only. If you’re not a member, JOIN HERE and happy shopping!