recycle your clothes at H&M!

Some of my closest friends know how neurotic I can be about recycling, composting and in general, doing good for our precious earth.  If I took this neuroses just a small step further with people, it might make or break a friendship...

This is why I am so excited to hear about H&M's new global recycling program!  Beginning in February, shoppers will be able to exchange used clothing for discounts in select H&M stores, including the downtown and U. Village locations here in Seattle.  You can bring in any piece of clothing from any brand in any condition and you'll receive a voucher for an in-store discount (yet to be announced) on a future purchase.   

What will happen to your old clothes?  H&M is partnering with a global recycling company called I:Collect, which will reprocess the used textiles to create new garments with them.  Because 95% of clothes that end up in landfills can be used again in some capacity, H&M wants to reduce the environmental impact of garments and create a closed loop for textile fibers. 

While I am not a super frequent shopper of theirs, this definitely gives them major cred in my book, and possibly a few more visits post-February!

a holiday collaboration follow-up

Back in July, I blogged about the Target + Neiman Marcus holiday collection.  Today, I am blogging to brag.  

Our adorable niece Amelia asked for a "super fancy dress" on her Christmas list.  In my state of panic and frenzied last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve, I decided to see if Target had any affordable fancy dresses that had maybe gone on sale.  When I came across their Target + Neiman Marcus section with everything marked down 50% and this Marchesa dress, I knew I had struck gold.  

Check out what's left of the collection here (ships for free)---I contemplated this Marc Jacobs pouch (I'm a huge pouch fan) and this DVF jewelry box but decided I should be shopping for other people, for once! 

Hope you had a lovely holiday!

wish list: accessorieeees, pleeeeease!

Speaking of tassels, I'll take one of each of these, please... 

Tassel Bracelet ($52)

Tassel Key Chain ($28)

winter nails

I'm loving these two colors (+ an added touch of sparkle!) this season...

OPI Steady As She Rose $6

Essie Carry On $8

one to watch...

Marissa Webb is an up-and-coming designer who debuted her label at NYFW this year... and I am a huge fan already!  It's really no surprise because she was Head of Womenswear and Accessories Design at J.Crew.

Her pieces definitely have that J.Crew "aura" about them, but what I love is how well she balances the femininity with a bit of masculine edge.  And the color selection is gorgeous!  

a minor, tassel-tastic DIY

I was recently re-introduced to tassels, and reminded how fun they can be to accessorize with, thanks to Potluck Paris.  On a visit to their office/warehouse a few weeks ago, I was gifted this amazing necklace which was made in-house by the lovely lady in charge (the idea was inspired by her recent trip to Paris, where she saw similar accoutrements)! 

After several wears (paired with the J.Crew necklace seen above to make a small "neck party"), I started noticing tassels popping up everywhere.  Then, I had an idea...

I had been in the market for a new clutch to add to my collection of one (this one in Poppy), and came across this gem on ASOS.  When it arrived, I really thought it could use a little zhuzhing... like a tassel!  I hopped onto Etsy and found a huge selection of leather tassels, and ended up with this, priced really well and not a lot to ship.  Using some pliers and a jump ring, I connected the tassel to the zipper and voila!

You can get a jump ring at any jewelry supply or bead store.  Remember to get one made of a metal that isn't super pliable so it doesn't come right off when you pull the tassel to open your clutch. 
 

you + donate = a cute tote

 {image + styling by noelle sharp}

While there are many great deals out there on this Black Friday, one of the best I've seen all day is on USA Projects.  My friend Carrie's sister, Christy, is an artist currently based in LA and hand-weaving is one of her specialties—she has been teaching in this area for the last 7 years.  

In her effort to raise money for a Jacquard loom, there is a super fun deal being offered on her USA Projects campaign page.  For a $50 project donation, you get a canvas tote bag screen-printed with an image she designed (shown above).  The best part is, she has matching funds available for the next $1,000 worth of donations meaning that until those funds are exhausted, totes are only $25 (plus you get a tax deduction)!

So what are you waiting for?  Get on it!