A Stylish Conscience - Everlane

It was to my great surprise and good fortune to recently read in the Wall Street Journal about a website called Everlane -- an online fashion house dedicated to designing simple, chic, affordable basics that are produced at top-notch and ethically responsible factories around the world. I think their tag line says it all:

RADICAL  TRANSPARENCY

Know your factories. Know your costs.
Always ask why.

From cotton t-shirts to leather totes, Everlane has designed a truly elegant, slightly edgy, and extremely versatile collection (they remind me of the great French company A.P.C.). I could go on and on about their beautiful materials, their modern silhouettes, their versatile color palette, and their amazing mission, but I wouldn't do them justice... 

The only thing I will say is that I'm extremely excited about their new leather wallet collection (leathers sourced in Italy and styles made in Spain), which will launch on September 18th! I love how clean, simple and functional each style is and I am obsessed with their Slim Zip wallet in a burgundy (see above) and dove grey. Though I don't know the price points for this new collection, I believe and hope they will be priced as well as their other products! If so, I have a feeling these gorgeous little leather numbers are going to sell out fast!!!

To learn more about Everlane and their new line of wallets, check out their blog!

Heavenly Hair Care from Thailand

Late last year I stayed at a the Shama Hollywood, a great service apartment in the heart of old Hong Kong island. A dear friend thought it would be the perfect place to explore and have all the amenities of a modern hotel without the hefty rates. She was right on all accounts, and it was fabulous. And it had wonderful toiletries from a Thai company called Thann. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to buy any regular-sized bottle of Thann shampoo and conditioner. And more unfortunately, Thann is not sold in the United States.
After trolling the web during one of my frequent bouts of insomnia, I found out Thann is sold in Canada and they will ship to the US. Right now they are having a sale (25% off of certain items when you use the code NEXTBIGTHINGMAG). This sale ends January 20th. I highly suggest you look at the site...
After I used their shampoo and conditioner, my thick coarse hair felt like imperial silk and it dried quickly even though Hong Kong was quite humid.
Their shampoo is no more expensive than some of the higher-end brands found in your local drugstore. However, their products are worthy of a five-star spa! I've tried the Aromatic Wood and Oriental Essence products - they smell amazing! Better yet - the products are all natural and bring the luxurious scents of a Southeast Asian rain forest into your urban boudoir!

Here's a picture of a lotus flower, which I saw at the Elephant Temple in Ubud, Bali: