Your Daily Thread

February 26, 2010 Written by Connie Wu

Celebrities and common folk alike can relate when it comes to the dilemma of what to wear.  But without celebrity buying power, owning expensive, high-end designer fashions can easily reduce our budgets to shreds.

Taking a cue from this seemingly eternal sartorial struggle, Harvard Business School students Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss dreamt up an online destination where women could borrow designer dresses rather than buy them.

The idea behind RenttheRunway.com is as simple as that.  The rent-a-dress concept allows you to avoid purchasing expensive dresses that you’ll wear only infrequently, so you can easily satisfy your cravings for pretty designer frocks without cluttering up your closet.

The site stocks dresses from designer brands such as Diane von Furstenberg, Proenza Schouler and Thread Social – and you can rent any of them for just 10% of the retail price.  Costs range from $50 – $250 for a 4-day rental (plus a bit more for an 8-day rental).  Suddenly a designer gown that was completely out of your price range can be yours, if only for an evening.  You won’t even have to dry clean it.  Simply mail it back in the included pre-paid packaging and drop it into a mailbox, and you’re on to the next dress.

Hesitant to pick out a dress online?  If you’re unsure what size you wear in Herve Leger, never fear.  The site allows you to rent a dress in 2 sizes, so if the first size doesn’t fit, you’ll have a second, back-up dress as well.

Hurry and sign up for an account to start browsing outfits on the site – wedding season is fast approaching, and you’ll want to make sure you have the perfect dress to rent!

ydt Deal Alert: For a limited time, ydt readers can get 10% off their rental at RenttheRunway.com/YourDailyThread with coupon code YDTFEB2010 through March 1, 2010.

February 12, 2010 Written by Connie Wu

Chocolates are a classic Valentine’s Day gift.  And while we have fond memories of M&Ms and Hershey’s Kisses from our grade school days, we’re especially intrigued by the artisanal and sustainable candies that have emerged in recent years.  Nicobella truffles are likely to be an eco-foodie’s Holy Grail: a triumvirate of gourmet flavors, organic chocolate, and vegan ingredients, to boot.

Nicobella has its own take on the traditional chocolate truffle.  The usual cream ganache center is replaced with natural vegan ingredients and antioxidant-rich fruits and nuts, such as blueberries, green tea and pumpkin.  Dark chocolate, also naturally full of antioxidants, makes each truffle a luxurious indulgence.  You’ll find a variety of exotic flavors from Nicobella, such as Walnut Flaxseed Crunch, Sunflower Banana Butter, Pumpkin Chai, Blueberry Almond, or Ginger Green Tea.

Nicobella works with Fair Trade chocolatier Theo Chocolate to produce their dark chocolate truffles in order to ensure their chocolate is made under Fair Trade conditions.

We think these toothsome treats will be a much preferred alternative to eco-unfriendly cut flowers. Shop online or see all of Nicobella’s brick-and-mortar locations on their website.

ydt Deal Alert: Get 15% off your purchase of Nicobella chocolates with coupon code YDTVDAY. Offer good through February 28, 2010.

January 29, 2010 Written by Connie Wu

L.A. native Ana Maria has always been a collector.  Throughout the years, she gathered beautiful vintage scarves purchased from flea markets, intending to wear them as headbands, waist sashes or the like, but they never seemed to meet that fate.  This gave Ana the idea to create her handbag line Anamu and make her scarf collection into vibrant, patterned clutches.

Each one-of-a-kind Anamu clutch gives vintage fabrics a second life by using at least two different scarves to make each bag, topped off with signature yellow stitching and tailored pleating.

Anamu uses the proceeds from sales to support Create NOW, a Los Angeles-based organization that transforms the lives of at-risk youth through creative arts mentoring, education, resources and opportunities.

You can shop Anamu’s Etsy shop for fun styles such as the metallic Muse II Envelope Clutch ($92) or the Red Blue Morocco Clutch ($80).  The Primped Black Lace Clutch ($90)is another great option in ladylike lace.  If only our childhood stamp collection could be reincarnated into some cute accessories, too!

Anamu www.anamuonline.com and on ETSY at www.anamu.etsy.com

January 15, 2010 Written by Connie Wu

Ah, the hustle and bustle of the holidays and New Year’s is finally over!  So what better to lounge about in on a lazy January weekend than a comfy pair of PJ pants?  Stellina’s eco-friendly bamboo collection features pretty loungewear and sleepwear separates made from bamboo jersey.  Bamboo fabric is made from the pulp of the bamboo plant, a sustainable resource that requires no fertilizer or pesticides for growth.

Each Stellina item is simple and understated, in muted shades perfect for mixing and matching.  We like the Bamboo Cardigan($64) layered over the Ava Chemise ($62).  We’re sure you’ll want to spend more than your fair share of time sleeping, relaxing, and recovering from the holidays in these lovely, eco-friendly pieces.  You can shop for these pieces and more at Stellina’s website and online shop, StellinaStyle.com.

December 18, 2009 Written by Connie Wu

We have lots of childhood memories of origami and paper crafts – so maybe that’s why Ecoist’s colorful handbags are so appealingly whimsical.  But these Ecoist bags aren’t just novel, they’re also eco-conscious.  Ecoist works with packaged goods companies such as Coca-Cola, Disney, Mars, Frito Lay and AVEDA and uses product wrappers to create upcycled handbags.  Each bag is made of pre-consumer packaging that would normally be discarded due to misprints and overages.  Instead of going straight to a landfill, these wrappers become part of a bright, colorful new handbag!

Ecoist works with designers such as Columbian-born Nazly Villamizar and Mexican industrial designer Emiliano Godoy to come up with the handbag designs.  Each bag is made in a Fair Trade, sweatshop-free production center in Peru.  In addition, Ecois partners with the group Trees for the Future to plant one tree for every handbag – Ecoist has planted over 80,000 trees in the last four years.

The slim “Skinny” ($98) is a great casual clutch, and the giant “Mega” ($168) is a carry-all tote that would be ideal for travel or even grocery shopping.

ydt Deal Alert: Want your own Ecoist bag?  Get 10% off your purchase at Ecoist.com with coupon code YDT

Learn more about the Ecoist at www.ecoist.com

December 4, 2009 Written by Connie Wu

Apliiq hoodies make us smile.  Each article of clothing features fun and whimsical patterned fabrics – such as a patch of brightly-colored plaid on a pocket or an unexpected ikat print lining inside the hood.  The resulting style is distinctive, urban and somewhat reminiscent of an eclectic but modernized patchwork quilt.

Apliiq sources deadstock and vintage fabrics from the fabric district in downtown Los Angeles and upcycles them into patches and linings for their American Apparel cotton t-shirts, sweatshirts, dresses and more.  They also collect scrap fabric from local contractors that would otherwise be discarded and make it into packaging and bags for Apliiq products.

You can find styles such as the ultra-cute, nostalgia-inducing Where the Wild Things Are-inspired Max Hoody ($99) and the bright and funky Charlemagne Hoody ($68) at Apliiq.com.

Like what you see?  We’re giving you a chance to design and win your own Apliiq hoody, without having to lift a needle!  As an added bonus, the winning design will be made available for purchase to the general public on Apliiq.com.

How to enter:

1. Go to Apliiq.com/Custom.html, select “hoody”, and customize it!

2. Take a screenshot of your custom hoody (for instructions, click here for Mac and here for PC).

3. Go to the ydt Facebook Fan Page and upload your photo!  Feel free to comment on other fan entries as well.

ydt Deal Alert: Regardless of whether you enter or win, you can still get 15% off at Apliiq.com with coupon code comatoast.  Valid through December 18, 2009.

Attending Unique LA this weekend?  Apliiq is leading one of the DIY workshops in the ydt-sponsored Eco-Lounge, and you can also receive 15% off by mentioning coupon code comatoast.

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Apliiq is located at 548 S Spring St Shop 114, Los Angeles, CA 90013  Web:  www.apliiq.com Twitter:  twitter.com/apliiq

November 13, 2009 Written by Connie Wu

Vroom vroom!  Us Angelenos are always on the go, so is it any surprise that food on trucks is a culinary staple in a city of commuters?

We’re especially happy about the sustainable  food trucks that have parked their mobile kitchens at L.A. sidewalks and parking lots throughout this city.  We’ve rounded up a few worth adding to our original list from this summer.

Gastro Bus

http://www.thegastrobus.com

Farmer’s market inspired menus each week give the Gastro Bus a place on our list.  We’re especially fans of the organic shakes and the seasonal menus happening every Sunday at the Los Feliz Farmer’s Market.

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Cafe Nagomi

http://www.cafenagomi.com

An organic Japanese seafood restaurant on wheels, this truck travels throughout the Westside to deliver organic seafood, gyoza, Miso soup, veggie dishes, and more.  Meals are around $13 for a combo, including an entree, two side dishes, soup, salad and rice.

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Franken Stand

http://www.myspace.com/TheFrankenStand

Though they don’t claim to be organic (as far as we could see – their website is a nearly unreadable MySpace page), Franken Stand delivers vegan sausages throughout LA – a great alternative for vegan food truck chasers!

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Organic to Go

http://www.organictogo.com/

With a name as straightforward as it comes, this organic cafe’s catering truck delivers its organic sandwiches, soups and salads all over Los Angeles.

The Sweets Truck

http://www.thesweetstruck.com/

Taking Sweets to the Streets and giving back to the community while they’re at it is what this truck is all about.   Not only does the Sweet Truck provide delicious sweets around town.  They give back percentages of their sales to organizations that make a difference.

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Want to know if any of these sustainable food trucks are in your area?  Check out their websites for full schedules, menus, Twitter names and contact info.

Also be sure to check out the latest one stop shop for all your LA Food Truck action and Twitter feeds at www.findlafoodtrucks.com and keep on truckin’!

Images via California Taco Trucks and Eat To Blog

October 30, 2009 Written by Connie Wu

Burning Torch is a Los Angeles-based clothing line that uses luxurious recycled fabrics to create unique men’s, women’s and children’s fashions with fun, distinctive silhouettes.  Using repurposed vintage materials helps reduce waste, and the cashmere and silk materials make for glamorous “green” garments.

Burning Torch is the vision of UCLA grad Karyn Craven, who combines cultural elements as well as modern style in her wearable designs.

We’re fans of the tailored Cashmere Jacket ($590) – its lace detail at the waist and sleeves makes it a lovely topper to any fall outfit.  The men’s Recycled Cashmere Hoodie ($525) is a classic zip-up hoodie in recycled cashmere fabric.  The Children’s Pink & Purple Cardigan($175) is a cute color-blocked cardigan, also made out of recycled cashmere.

Seem like something sweet to add to your holiday wishlist.

Learn more about Burning Torch and shop on line at www.burningtorchboutique.com