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?

Spring Essentials : Blush, A Jean Jacket & Walk-able Heels

Spring always makes us feel renewed. Refreshed.

This is why I love the idea of taking a few things we already own and making them work for spring.

BLUSH
I’ve talked about blush many times in my style newsletter, but blush is a fabulous neutral. It works with black, navy, grey and in this example, looks great with leopard!

Blush makes the transition from winter to spring easy because it’s not as harsh as black (at this point, we’re done with winter, no?!).

And, blush is very versatile.
+ If you want a handbag that will go with everything, try one in blush
+ If you want a blazer or layering item, go for blush
+ Blush gym shoes are very popular and look great with jeans for an easy casual look (I’ve seen satin blush gym shoes that are very fun!)

A big cuff to me is always a good go-to accessory. It works with casul and dressy items.

When you’re tired of black, navy, grey and brown, try blush. You’ll be surprised just how much it works with (you can see more inspiration for what works with blush on my Pinterest board HERE).

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JEAN JACKET
Like fall, spring is all about layering, and surprise, the jean jacket has come back around!

As a child of the ‘80s, I grew up with big, boyfriend-inspired jean jackets. However, unless we get the styling exactly right, those oversized jean jackets can look frumpy (anything too long or too big will instantly make you look dowdy).

Instead, opt for a jean jacket that is a bit shorter than you would think, ie it hits at your natural waist (where dresses naturally taper in).

Why?

Because any longer and it won’t look right with skirts and dresses. (This is why a blazer will look good with pants, but once you pair it with a skirt or dress, it looks a bit off ---- it’s too long.)

I bought this jean jacket last year at H&M. It’s shorter, fitted and it has a ruffle across the back - don’t shy away from a bit of detail! It makes it unique and fun.

You don’t want cropped – you want one that’s a bit shorter than normal or is tailored (has more shape than the traditional jean jacket which can be kind of boxy).

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And, a jean jacket is so fun to accessorize!

I took my grandfather’s tie pins and put them on the lapel.

Like flowers in a vase, an odd number looks best.

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WALK-ABLE HEELS
Lastly, I think it’s a wardrobe staple to have a pair of heels (a little dressier than casual sandals or flats), that you can actually walk-in.

I bought these blush heels long before I bought these pants (I bought the heels in cognac as well since that is also a great neutral and nice if you don’t like blush).

It does help elongate the leg when you can match your shoes to your pants, but it isn’t necessary. I could have still worn some other neutral like gold, nude or bronze with this outfit. (The blush shoes just create a softer and more “spring like” look.)

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What are your favorite items to wear in the spring? Do you use any winter pieces or are you glad to pack them away and welcome in spring?