How to Clean Your Washing Machine

We can't talk about washing your clothes if your washing machine has never been cleaned!

If you've been following me for awhile, you know I would never recommend anything made with toxic ingredients. Now, more than ever, we need to keep things clean and safe (and not lower our immunity with toxins)!

Image : Amazon, Spectrum Organic White Distilled Vinegar

When using white vinegar, I like to use the Spectrum brand since it comes in a glass bottle (bye, bye plastic!), and it doesn't have any fillers or synthetics.

Image : Amazon, Meliora Unscented Laundry Powder

Meliora means "better" in Latin and I just love everything about this certified B corporation, 100% single-use plastic free, Leaping Bunny Certified, non-toxic cleaning product company!

Not only is this unscented laundry powder made with the exact 3 ingredients in my homemade recipe (baking soda, washing soda and castile soap), but it's a Chicago-based company with a wide range of non-toxic, sustainable products from an all-purpose cleaning (sold in a glass spray bottle -- just buy the flakes when you need to refill it), to an non-toxic oxygen brightener (great bleach alternative since bleach weakens fibers immensely), to a non-toxic stain stick.

And here's the key - these products really work! :)

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Want to reduce how many toxins your body absorbs by making your environment as clean as possible?

I've put everything I know about switching away from toxic beauty products, a $30 shower head filter that removes nasty chlorine (say goodbye to dry, flaky skin!), non-toxic cookware, alternative to aluminum foil and more in this online course.

It includes resources and products to make your kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (and all the products we use and absorb there), as clean and as simple as can be. No harmful ingredients allowed! :)

And, everything is linked to products available on Amazon - super easy! The course also includes oil free, gluten free, and dairy free recipes so you can be giving your body the least mucus forming and clean foods possible!

CLICK HERE to check it out!

Psssst - And more non-toxic options are available on this blog under the “natural products” category. Please let me know if you have any questions or how I can help! :)

Happy Book Lovers Day!

August 9th is Book Lovers Day! Yay! I love books and these are fun, easy reads anyone can enjoy. You don’t have to be a fashionista to appreciate these books. :)

Mademoiselle Chanel
A comprehensive book about the history of Chanel from her childhood, to lovers, inspiration and, of course, her radical views on women & fashion. She was the first one to put logos on the outside and she made smelling good an art form.

Bringing Home the Birkin
What a delightful read! This is the true story of how Michael Tonello figured out how to get a Birkin every time he walked into an Hermes store (even though they were always “unavailable” and required a wait list — even for celebrities).

The Essence of Style
This is an amazing book that demonstrates how the French became the leaders in fine food, chic cafes, style, sophistication, high fashion and glamour. Champagne, couture or high heels, anyone? (Hint: The French stole Venetian workers who were better at making bigger and taller mirrors, even though the punishment was death if anyone found out who smuggled them in, who they were et cetera. It was that competitive!)

Deluxe : How Luxury Lost Its Luster
This is my favorite. Of all time. Excellent writer, with excellent research — it really gives you a complete background of how the fashion industry has turned into what it is today (bags and sunglasses have the biggest mark-up —-> sometimes almost 12x!)

NOT PICTURED - The House of Gucci : The Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed
This was a fantastic true story of the start of Gucci (Tom Ford era and all), but in true Italian style, woven with a lot of drama, complicated family dynamics, sex and scandal. Loved, loved, loved this book, but on the way back from Paris one time, it got dumped in the garbage as Air France weighed my carry-on and handbag.

While I was able to wear ALL of my jewelry through security, my carry-on was still over the limit so the book got tossed!

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I hope you will enjoy these books as much as I dd and cheers to great stories and the talented people who write them (and live them :).

Please share - what are some of your most stylish reads?

Why Sweaters Are The Exception To The Rule

When it comes to the majority of our wardrobe (tops, blazers, skirts and pants), we usually want these items to be pretty simple.  Of course they can have some fun style elements like a kick pleat in the back of a skirt or a twist on blouse, but too much detail and it makes them hard to mix 'n match.  

However, sweaters are the exception to this rule. 
 

Pierre and I - he is helping me write my blog post. :)

Normally we can jazz up outfits with fun shoes and accessories, but in the winter, it's hard to wear necklace or bracelets with most sweaters.  And, shoes are a fun option, but boots are expensive and not as easy to change up as flats or sandals (and boots take up a lot of room in a closet!) 

This is why I think sweaters should have some detail or embellishment.  They are the exception to the rule!
 

Details don't have to be over-the-top, sometimes a unique color is all you need to bring some style to your winter wardrobe!  The marigold sweater is MaxMara, the grey sweater is from BCBG and the black sweater with the zipper down the back is from the brand, only mine, which I bought at Nordstrom.

Once you have the basics* in place, start keeping your eye out for some fun sweaters you could add to perk up your winter wardrobe.  Not all sweaters have to have jewels on them, but a fun neckline, an asymmetrical hem, or some detail like zippers would be a good addition. 

*  For the basics, I would suggest a black, off-white and either a gray or navy sweater.  I also think it's a good idea to have a sweater in a pop of color like raspberry, emerald green, purple... whatever color you like! 

Sweaters should have some shape to them (boxy is never a good look), and try to keep them above the hips.  And, don't think you have to have a turtleneck as your basic - for someone with a large chest, this is the worst option.  Instead, try sweaters with an open neckline like scoop, v or even a small cowlneck. 

Lastly, sweaters are one of the items where I would spend a bit more money.  I don't really want to wear acrylic or acetate close to my neck and skin for a majority of the year (why can't summer be longer than winter for those of us in the Midwest??! :). 

And, a sweater in wool or cashmere always seems to last a lot longer than most of my tops and other wardrobe items (even jeans!). 

So when shopping for sweaters, hold out for something in a reliable fabric, a great color, or a cool design.  You're get a lot more joy and use out of something like that versus a tissue-thin sweater that will need to be replaced next year! 

And, don't forget that you can save some money and wash your sweaters at home! 

Do you invest in sweaters?  Where do you like to spend your money when shopping for your wardrobe?