Go Crazy, Conscious Consumer {at Zady}

When I first started Surviving Green, I had a notion that I'd focus on eco-friendly fashion and living. It proved rather difficult in 2009, but today more designers are under scrutiny about where their fabrics are coming from and how their designs are coming to life, and the conscious consumer is becoming much more prevalent. 

So when I heard about Zady, a retail startup focused on the conscious consumer, I just about jumped off my seat. Created from the mind of a Foodspotting co-founder, which I am also a huge fan, now we can do some serious knowledge-shopping (meaning we'll know where every product comes from). Already a stellar list of local brands are lined up to join Zady during their premiere next month, according to TechCrunch, including Nashville denim designers Imogene + Willie and handbag creators Clare Vivier. 

{shop more at Imogene + Willie}

BaubleBar Birthday

Today marks one month until my birthday. 

My birthday tends to get overshadowed by the popular drinking holiday that falls on the same day, so there aren't many traditions that I keep for the annual celebration other than some form of red, white and blue appearing in the mix. But there's one thing that always remains an important staple marking another year of birth - I get myself a gift. This year I'm finally going to purchase something from BaubleBar. I've been eyeing their colorful gems on favorite bloggers and Pinterest for too long, and have decided to indulge on my own. Hooray!

Beso Summer Wishlist

Part for Cup of Jo's giveaway, part as a distraction from reality. 

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Etsy Obsession

I absolutely love Etsy, and although sometimes I forget it's around when I'm searching for something particular for my home, office or wardrobe it is always nice to get little reminders {like this one from Anne} about how wonderful this site is. I've only purchased a few things from here {like these sweet tiles} but every time something new pops up in my mailbox it's pleasantly packaged to perfection and completely fitting for my personal space. 

Though sometimes the items are a bit quirky, Etsy is an essential marketplace for anyone looking for something unique for their home, vintage finds or splendid local deals. I can't wait until I can completely outfit my home with some new additions - like those pillows! 

{images 1, 2, 3, 4)

Craving: Animal

{Yves Saint Laurent twill coat, £1,195; Leopard print legging, $40; Steven by Steve Madden flat heel shoes, $120; Alexander mcqueen handbag, £845; Lucky Brand Jeans leopard print scarve, $50; Banana republic, $50}

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend and I went shopping throughout the city to find some necessary wardrobe updates for the season (and trip to NYC). While she didn't have any luck, I think I found something at every location - and I couldn't stop checking out the leopard prints. While I had to limit myself to just a few items with these bold pattern, I couldn't help but think of a few other additions I might add to my closet as the season gets more crisp.

shopping color

A few months back I went up to Costa Mesa for work, and snapped some pictures at the "anti-mall" 

just a few streets down from our hotel. It a quite the surprise to find some unique shops in a city 

known for one of the world's most generic, luxurious and commercialized shopping centers (South Coast Plaza)

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

While getting my watch sized this afternoon (as seen here), I discovered a little watch shop with great service and even better decor. It isn't often that there are shops these days that are anything but random jewels and evil little men, but this hidden gem offered surprise after surprise. I felt like I was walking back in time, or into the film set for "Benjamin Button" with these large scale watches.