Gift idea: It has never been so easy to be a tree hugger

I recently came across the Tree Nation website www.tree-nation.com. I think this makes a wonderful VALENTINE'S GIFT for a special someone, a friend, or even yourself.

Tree nation has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme on a project. Their goal is to plant millions of trees in the Sahara in order to build a heart shaped forest (non sarcastic "awww").
Tree fees begin at 8 euros.

Another tree planting project takes place in New York City and is organized by the New York Restoration Project, founded by Bette Midler. it is called Million Trees NYC and their goal is to plant 1 million trees around the boroughs of NYC. These trees however cost significantly more than those of Tree Nation. The starting donation is $100.00. You cannot however, be told of the location of the tree you donated (I called to ask thinking it would be very cool to give someone a tree and tell them where it is exactly.)

So many of us have woken up to the fact that the little things we can do everyday really do help the environment. This is just another not so every day way to contribute while telling someone you are thinking of them.

All Eyes on You, Mrs. President

The election of Barack Obama has created renewed interest in the American political landscape for many. There is excitement in the air for change as well as for the new residents of the White House. The media have dubbed it the second coming of Camelot.

As the Obama family prepares to take up residency at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this month, the world waits with anticipation. Today’s picture of presidential perfection is much more transparent. The Obamas seem to many like the family next door which allows many to relate to them more than they have to previous first families.

The couple’s relevance permeates into all areas of lifestyle...even fashion! Many a headline has been written in respected publications about Michelle Obama’s personal style. Journalists and talk TV hosts have described her look as being in the style of a modern day Jackie Kennedy.

Ms. Obama claims not to have a stylist. She does however have relationships with designers such as Maria Pinto in Chicago who furnished the beautiful purple sleeveless sheath dress and the turquoise ¾ sleeve dress she wore at the Democratic National Convention. (Trebay, NY Times June 8, 2008)

Amongst all of the hard political issues, as always the image and wardrobe choices of the candidates’ wives made news. A casual dress worn by Michelle Obama on The View sold out in one day. When asked about her style Ms. Obama explained that she enjoys every day economical fashions as much as she enjoys the occasional designer gown.

The dress was from an American chain store called White House Black Market and retailed for $148.00 USD. Click here to watch Michelle Obama in The View wearing the dress and chatting about her wardrobe at the 12:00 minute mark.

Not only is being relatable and economical politically savvy, it became a trend much before the start of the credit crisis. Many designers have expanded their empires by teaming up with retail chains to create affordable fashion for the everyday woman. For instance, the partnerships between Isaac Mizrahi & Target, and Vera Wang & Kohl’s.

Once again we receive the message that it’s not how much it costs, but how you wear your clothing that counts. Of course quality matters, but what matters most is whether you know how to put yourself together (accessories, coordination of pieces, colour combinations etc.) and walk with comfort and confidence.

My advice: Wear what you like and wear what you can afford. I’ve known many a person who would rather have designer shoes than a good meal but it may not be worth it. These days even our style icons pull from the rack as well as the couture closet!

Photos of Michelle Obama's outfits: New York Times fashion article

Golden Globes 2009 Women's Fashion Review

This was a year of beautifully draped fabric and flattering silhouettes. In terms of colour soft neutrals and metallics were very prominent (white, gold, cream, grey) with only a few nominees and presenters choosing red/orange (Eva Longoria Parker, Elisabeth Moss), blue (Drew Barrymore, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Debra Messing), purple (Anna Paquin, Rumour Willis), yellow (Christina Applegate) and black (Kate Winslet, Isla Fisher, Tina Fey).

The mermaid silhouette was one of the most popular of the night. This shape best suits the hour glass figure or “X” body proportion type. Gowns that are fitted on top then loosely draped beginning at the waist, then falling to the floor are good for a variety of body types.

When celebrities work with stylists they of course choose dresses they like but they also consider participating in what will be the “hot” trends on the red carpet. Consequently, we often see a lot dresses that are similar to each other in style and colour. To a degree this in turn influences retails designers and the fashion taste of the publics who watch and admire celebrity style.

The members of companies such as ABS (headed by Allen Schwartz) are known to watch the award show together. As soon as the actors hit the rug they begin planning, sketching and choosing which gowns to knock off.

These dresses can be purchased in American department stores and online through companies such as Neiman Marcus, The Shopping Channel, Blue Fly, and E Dress Me.

Note that knock offs are sometimes very close in design to the original but it many cases they are re-designed to better suit the average woman’s body. In other words, shoppers need to be able to wear these dresses without the help of body tape and a personal stylist!

I have personally never seen a knock off that was constructed of fabrics as high in quality as that of the original gown. This is because the knock offs are sold at a fraction of the cost of the original. What was an $8000.00 designer gown might be copied and then sold at a price of $350.00.

Clearly artisitic integrity is not a priority here. Companies like ABS do seem to have a market which keep them in business however.

For some watching the red carpet specials is a chance to enjoy Hollywood glamour hard at work. For others it can be a quick tutorial on what’s hot and what’s not. It is also an opportunity to decide which styles you like and why. Inspiration for your own life can and should be taken from anywhere and everywhere!

While I sometimes browse the best and worst dress lists, I do so out of curiosity only. The opinions of the many talk show hosts, commentators and so called fashion police do not influence my opinions.

The photos above depict 2 of my favorite looks of the 2009 Golden Globes. They are credited to J. Merrit and owned by Getty Images.

Eva Longoria Parker dress - Reem Acra
Ava Mendes dress - Dior

Restaurant Review: MoRoCo Chocolat

I recently visited MoRoCo Chocolat in the Yorkville neighourhood of Toronto. The relatively new chocolate boutique and salon offers flavourful sweets & savories as well as delectable décor.

Experience

When you enter, you find yourself in a modern white space that allows you to focus on the variety of small chocolate treats. You can then continue through to the plush dining room done in deep purples and grays with black, white and crystal accents. It was a bit like having coffee in the 1930’s. Anyone who knows me will tell you that my enjoyment of this place makes complete sense.

On both occasions the service was pleasant and efficient.

Food

My friends and I ordered the following items:

• Chocolate by the sip: “dark bold” flavour (a cup of dark chocolate, not hot chocolate)
• Bicchierini (a multi-layered chocolate espresso drink)
• Chocolate truffle flavours “Geisha”, “Soft Serve”, Chai One On”, “Full Throttle”
• Scrambled eggs, sausage and potatoes from the brunch menu

The flavours of the drinks are bold and the truffle tastes range from the usual to the unexpected. The chocolate by the sip (dark bold favour) was especially strong even if you are accustomed to rich dark chocolate. The chocolate by the dip (fondue style) may have been a better bet.

$

Coffee and chocolates for 2 - approx. $20
Brunch and chocolates for 2 - approx. $45

In this case as is many it seems, you pay for the experience as well as the food. I recommend this place as a once in a while spot of brunch, lunch, dessert or afternoon tea/coffee.

Image

MoRoCo Chocolat is an excellent example of branding well done as the look and feel of the restaurant was exactly what I had expected simply by viewing the logo.

Location

99 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto,ON 416.961.2202
http://www.morocochocolat.com/
note: closed on Mondays

Ask the Expert: Health and Diet

The beginning of a new year means many include improving their diet among their list of goals.

Increasing numbers of people are now considering naturopathic medicine as an option for treating some persistent health problems that have not improved with the help of prescription medications. As an image consultant, I often aid clients in the search for professionals (such as medical doctors, massage therapists, personal trainers etc.) who can help them to improve various aspects of their lifestyle.

Here are some quick tips to get you started. They have been provided by Dr. Yvonne Stiles, a Canadian naturopath.

Everyday health tips & facts: weight management and energy level improvement

• Shop around the aisles of the grocery stores not in them – that’s where the healthier items are usually displayed.

• Stress management is very important and can be done in many ways. When one is stressed, cortisol levels in the body increase which causes insulin to increase and sugar to be stored.

• Decreasing caffeine consumption – this will help to decrease stress, and improve energy levels. For every cup of coffee, drink 2 cups of water.

• Working out 5 times a week (combo of cardio workouts and resistance training) regulates stress and hormones

• Maintain a regular sleep time and amount of sleep (8 hrs is best for most people)

• How much water should you drink exactly?
Your weight in lbs / 2 = # of ounces one should drink each day
(A 128lb person should drink 64oz – which is 2L of water/day)
There are approx. 8 ounces in a 250ml cup.

• Drink fluids away from meals, because drinking with meals can dilute your stomach acid and digestive enzymes, inhibiting proper nutrient absorption.

• Eat in a relaxed environment. When you eat on the run your body is in sympathetic mode. This means you are not able to digest your food as well because digestion takes place when you’re in parasympathetic mode.
In other words, the body is focused on movement and muscle function rather than the digestive process.

Dr. Stiles practices out of Mississauga 905.855.0988 and Etobicoke, Toronto 416.234.1451. She is available for private as well as group consultations and speaking engagements. She can be reached through Zayna Mosam Image Consulting info@zmimage.com / 416.907.8156 or through her website www.yvonnestilesnd.com which features her bio.