Green Suitcase Guides

Sydney - Bird Textile Emporium

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:26:00 +0000

This emporium of eco loveliness is the name on everyone's lips. Every purveyor of style, from magazines to museums, is rushing to showcase the eye-catching designs of Bird Textile. Rachel Bending's award-winning label and store offers unique fashion, homewares and stationery which are handmade outside of Sydney, in Byron Bay using 100% renewable solar power.

The gorgeous fabrics are certified organic and water-based dyes are used to create quirky and covetable prints. With such commitment to the environment, it is perhaps no surprise that Bird Textile became Australia's first climate neutral business in 2004 and that owner, Rachel is often called upon to guest speak around the country at events focused on design and sustainability.

To see the charming range of eco products from Bird Textile, be sure to step into their emporium in Surry Hills. This is the prettiest place to find products to furnish your ethical life in the most striking, stylish and sustainable way.

380 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, Sydney.
Showroom in Byron Bay
www.birdtextile.com

San Francisco - Organic, Vegan Mexican Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:09:00 +0000

San Francisco's Mission District is the place to go for Mexican food but if you like your burritos sans meat and filled with organic, vegan goodness, wrapped up in non-GMO corn tortillas, then Gracias Madre is the place for you.

This unique restaurant is lovingly run by the same owners of San Francisco's popular Cafe Gratitude. Gracias Madre has an equally positive and inspiring atmosphere and the food is of the highest quality. Most of the produce served at Gracias Madre is local and grown at the owner's 'organic, biodynamic Be Love Farm in Pleasant Valley'.

You can bite into the flavours of Mexico with dishes such as Quesadillas de Calabaza, made with butternut squash, caramelized onion, cashew cheese and pumpkin seed salsa or try the Mole Enchiladas or Tacos served with seasonal vegetables. Don't forget to order some nutritious and delicious sides like wild mushrooms with garlic or local brown rice with cilantro, chile and lime.

The divine selection of postres will thankfully not go straight to your posterior, as only wholesome ingredients are used. Sit back and enjoy every morsel of the desserts such as Coconut Lime Cheesecake or Mexican Wedding Cookies served with homemade ice cream. You can also indulge with some lovely organic wine and beer. Vegans and non-vegans will happily lavish many 'gracias' upon this Mexican gem, due to the impressive menu and mission of Gracias Madre.

2211 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
www.gracias-madre.com

image credits: here

Sydney - Blue Mountains Private Safaris

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:35:00 +0000

Hidden amongst the Australian bush, a little over 100km from Sydney, lays a secret bush camp that will give you a real slice of Australia's green life. You can sleep by the banks of a river, beneath the open sky surrounded only by trees and wildlife. Yes, you'll be camping but you will be camping in style. You can either drive or be picked up from Sydney and whisked away to this secluded location at the southern end of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Once you hear the sounds of the city replaced by the sounds of kookaburras, you will know it's safari time. Your private guide can take you on bushwalks past waterfalls and canoe rides down the Wollondilly river as well as give you a tour of the pioneering town of Yerranderie. Remember to keep a lookout for any kangaroos, platypus and wombats.

After a day of intrepid exploring, you can return to camp to enjoy a lovely cooked dinner served with a glass of excellent Australian wine (sourced locally from the Southern Highlands vineyards). Sleep will be equally blissful because your 'swag' is actually a comfy mattress with a soft duvet and pillows. There is also an eco-friendly en suite with a hot water 'bucket camp shower' with towels and organic soaps provided. If this is what life is like in the bush, then hand me a billy can, put a damper in the fire and call my next door neighbour a kangaroo because I could definitely get used to this!

Ph: 1300 790 561 or international: +61 2 9 571 6399
www.bluemountainsprivatesafaris.com

New York - Candle 79 and Candle Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:18:00 +0000

by Mimi Giboin

Candle 79
This duplex restaurant opened in 2003 and is giving organic, vegan dining a thoroughly chic and sophisticated image. With a divine selection of dishes and an organic wine and sake bar, Candle 79 attracts locals and celebrities such as Paul McCartney and Alicia Silverstone. It's no surprise Candle 79 were 'twice rated as Zagat's number 1 vegetarian restaurant.' Try stopping by on the weekend for a stunning brunch of Homestyle Pancakes served with seasonal fruit, cranberry butter and gingered maple syrup. You can also find a gluten free menu available both here and at Candle Cafe.

154 E. 79th Street (between Lexington and Third), New York, NY 10075
www.candle79.com

by Rob Branch-Dasch

Candle Cafe
You can tell the love has been baked, sauteed and flambeed into every dish of organic and seasonal vegan food served at Candle Cafe (which also aims to use local produce when possible). Their menu featured dishes, especially the desserts, that very nearly persuaded me to move to New York City. If you thought the words, vegan and dessert, were two words that had never been placed side by side, then you are about to discover a whole new celestially sweet vegan world. How does a Decadent Chocolate Cake with chocolate frosting and berry coulis sound? Now you're thinking about moving to New York too, aren't you? When you do, have a drink for me. Perhaps the Amazon Mania smoothie or PB & J made with peanut butter, blueberries and vanilla soy ice cream. Is this what vegan heaven looks and tastes like? I think so.

1307 Third Avenue (between 74th & 75th), New York, NY 10021.
www.candlecafe.com

London - Oxfam Boutiques

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:17:00 +0000

image: David Levene/Guardian

The charity, Oxfam, has three boutiques in the strategic style locales of Notting Hill, Chelsea and Chiswick (with another two outside London in Durham and Cardiff). At these impressive boutiques you can pick up high-end vintage fashion or exclusive collections from fair trade brands such as People Tree. Also look out for the 'reinvented' outfits created by independent designers and London College Fashion students and graduates. The cool profile of Oxfam was raised even higher when fashion photographer Rankin snapped Heidi Klum and Jourdan Dunn wearing Oxfam outfits for the 'Sustain Me' campaign.

This is the ultimate way to shop sustainably and stylishly knowing each item sold will help 'raise money to fight poverty around the world.'

Chelsea - 123a Shawfield St, Kings Road, SW3 4PL
Chiswick - 190 Chiswick High Rd, W4
Westbourne Grove - 245 Westbourne Grove, W11

www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/content/boutique

New York - Pure Food and Wine

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:45:00 +0000

If you want your raw, vegan dinner infused with glamour, then Pure Food and Wine is the place to go in New York. Diners can enjoy picturesque plates of gourmet delights as they recline in either the atmospheric restaurant, slick bar, serene garden or private dining room. Some vegetarians and carnivores may also welcome the restaurant's promise to serve 'no tofu, tempeh or seitan anywhere on the menu or premises.'

Flavourful menu highlights include White Corn Tamales with Raw Cacao Mole and Thai Coconut Noodles in Galangal Red Coconut Curry made with saffron oil. Delectable desserts such as the Trio of Dark Chocolate Coated Indian Spiced Ice Cream Treats will no doubt prompt you to go and find the chefs to give them a great big hug!

Truffled Squash Pasta (image: Charles Schiller)

54 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
www.oneluckyduck.com/purefoodandwine

first and last images by Ryu Kodama

Sydney - I Ran The Wrong Way

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:21:00 +0000

Love the name, love the shop, love the stock! This enchanting store may be on the teeny side but their commitment to filling every nook and cranny with the best ethical and sustainable products is inspiring. There is an emphasis on showcasing Australian designers and products such as Northern Lights organic beeswax candles and Jangling Jack rings made from recycled vintage silver cutlery, as well as stocking products from co-operatives in countries like Nepal, Peru and the Philippines.

The area of Surry Hills is fast becoming the place to visit when in Sydney but it is stores such as 'I Ran The Wrong Way' that should be at the top of your shopping itinerary. The store is designed in the style of a local, quirky general store and it's the perfect spot to pick up a unique eco treasure for you or someone you cherish.

378 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, 2010 (Cnr Marlborough Street).
www.iranthewrongway.com

New York - Screaming Mimi's

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:57:00 +0000

The kooky cool window displays at Screaming Mimi's certainly attract attention on the streets of downtown Manhattan, and once inside the store you will find the vintage fashion is indeed unique and fun. Apparently Cyndi Lauper worked at Screaming Mimi's back in the day and the store's cool clout has only kept increasing since then. Stylists such as Patricia Field, models and style-savvy locals flock to Screaming Mimi's for vintage fashion and accessories from the '50s through to the '90s. You'll find fashion items arranged and displayed by era and a fabulous selection of jewelry, shoes and sunglasses, which makes for an ultra enjoyable and easy shopping experience.

Screaming Mimi's also has a store in Tokyo, a summer shop in Montauk and recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, proving that Screaming Mimi's has always been the place to go for vintage.

382 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003.
www.screamingmimis.com

London - Saf Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:13:00 +0000

Vegetarians, vegans and raw food aficionados will all relish an opportunity to dine at the highly popular and award-winning, Saf restaurant. Saf means 'pure' in Turkish and this is certainly reflected in the restaurant's 'plant-based and botanical menu.' Try delicious mains such as Pad Thai made with courgette noodles, enoki mushrooms and chipotle almond sauce or desserts like apple cheesecake made with a coconut lemon crust and apple sorbet. Drinks are equally luscious whether they are cups of steaming organic and fair trade tea and coffee or something a little more rambunctious from the impressive juice and cocktail bar or wine list featuring over 100 organic and biodynamic wines.

For something extra special, you can enjoy a healthy but hearty vegan roast at Saf on Sunday afternoons or if you want to go all out for a special occasion, why not book the Chef's Table for a decadent seven course meal?

152-154 Curtain Road, Shoreditch EC2A 3AT
www.safrestaurant.co.uk

New York and LA - BabyCakes

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:35:00 +0000

BabyCakes is a vegan bakery that will delight the sweet-toothed child within. One glimpse and taste of the sublime array of baked goods and you would never guess they were free from wheat, gluten, dairy, casein, soy, eggs and white sugar. Cute vanilla, carrot, chocolate and red velvet cupcakes and cakes lay beneath creamy vanilla frosting and there is also a bountiful selection of cookies, loaves, muffins, brownies and cinnamon buns all vying for your attention. Thank you bakery angels for giving us a slice, bite and sweet frosting topped taste of heaven in New York and LA!

New York City
248 Broome Street (between Orchard & Ludlow), New York City, NYC 10002

Downtown Los Angeles, California
130 East 6th Street (between S. Main Street and S. Los Angeles Street)

www.babycakesnyc.com

images from site, photography by Horacio Salinas

London and Sydney - Green Tomato Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:42:00 +0000

London
For moments when a taxi is the only way to travel, be sure to use Green Tomato Cars. This environmentally friendly company uses the silver hybrid Toyota Prius in its fleet of over 100 cars. The price is quoted when booking your Green Tomato taxi over the phone or Internet, so there is thankfully no need to nervously watch the meter increase when sitting in traffic. For your safety, it is also reassuring to know you will be texted the vehicle number and name of your driver prior to pick up.

Phone: +44 (0)20 8568 0022
www.greentomatocars.com

Sydney
Green Tomato Cars can whisk you from Darling Harbour to the Opera House and the electric engine of the Prius uses '40% of the fuel used by comparable car services and produces 60% less greenhouse gases.' This is one of the best ways to get around Sydney by car while still being conscious of the environment.

Phone: 1300 72 9998
www.greentomatocars.com.au

London - Content

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:27:00 +0000

Content is a small but stunning eco beauty boutique, situated in the sophisticated area of Marylebone. Every beauty product in the store has been carefully selected so you can rest assured there are no products containing parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, colorants or GM ingredients. Instead you will only find high quality skin care lines such as Dr Alkaitis and Suki and cosmetics from Jane Iredale and Nvey Eco.

The integrity of the products continues through to the decor and ethos of the business with vintage decorations adorning the shop and hard-core recycling programs in place. There is also a spa service offering massages, manicures, pedicures, homeopathic consultations and London's best facials.

14 Bulstrode St, Marylebone W1U 2JG
www.beingcontent.com

Sydney - Funky Pies

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Australians love a good pie but where do you go when you want a healthy, vegan pie in Sydney? After a swim at Bondi you can make your way over to Funky Pies for an ethical refuelling. You will find tasty pies made with 100% plant-based ingredients available in a variety of innovative flavours such as Spicy Thai Pie or No Wurry Curry made with lentil, coconut and chickpea curry.

There is no need to worry about ordering a pie on the fly because Funky Pies uses biodegradable packaging such as starch based plastics and recycled fibre card for their take away products. With the packaging guilt taken care of, you may as well go ahead and order a side of mushy peas, mash and gravy. Funky Pies also offer scrumptious sweet treats and organic juices and organic, fair trade coffee. Even the staff uniforms have been made sweat-shop free. Funky Pies really is saving the planet one pie at a time.

Shop 2/144-148 Glenayr Av. Bondi
www.funkypies.com.au

New York - John Masters Organics Salon

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:12:00 +0000

You've probably fallen in love with using John Masters Organics hair products at home but if you want to be truly pampered, why not visit his salon in the Big Apple? This is New York City's 'only clean air salon' and you can rest assured your lovely locks will not be bathed in any ingredients containing SLSs, parabens or artificial colors and fragrances. Because there are no chemical services on offer such as bleaching or perming and the hair dyes used are ammonia-free and herbal based, the salon has quite a delicious fragrance. Essential oils, organic and natural goodness permeate the air.

The 100% wind powered salon combines luxury with eco-awareness. The shelves are 'reclaimed from 18th century Brooklyn buildings' and the mirrors are also reclaimed. The largest mirror in the salon is actually an old doorway from India that was turned into a striking, double-sided mirror.

John Masters Organics Salon is undeniably the go-to place for glam green girls who want New York worthy hair done the eco-luxe way.

John Masters with his dog, Maya

77 Sullivan Street (between Spring and Broome), New York, NY 10012
www.johnmasters.com

London - The Organic Pharmacy

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:57:00 +0000

These sleek shops offer high quality, hand made organic products such as the best-selling Carrot Butter cleanser and Organic Glam make-up range featuring glossy lip plumps, bronzers and lipsticks. The pharmacies provide customers with excellent homeopathic products and advice and there is also an Urban Day spa where you can indulge in the popular Rose Lymphatic Facial. The Organic Pharmacy have five shops in London and one shop in Los Angeles (see website for further details).

Central London location: 36 Neal St, Covent Garden, WC2H 9PS
Further locations at Hampstead, Kings Rd, Soho and Kensington.
www.theorganicpharmacy.com

New York - Kaight

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:17:00 +0000

Kaight was one of the first eco boutiques on the scene and their sleek selection of fashion comes courtesy of beloved eco labels and designers such as Linda Loudermilk, Prairie Underground, Edun, Stewart + Brown, Lara Miller and Feral Childe. You can also pick up pretty products for the home such as organic pillows and pretty recycled cards. Men need not feel jealous of us fashion fortunate women either, as they also have a range of clothing to choose from by Loomstate and Good Society jeans. From fashion and accessories to organic home wares, Kaight never compromises on style (this is New York after all).

83 Orchard Street (between Broome & Grand), New York, NY 10002
www.kaightshop.com

London - Rellik

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:02:00 +0000

If you are seeking designer pieces from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Christian Dior and YSL, then this classy vintage store near Portobello Road is the place for you. Absorb the intoxicating fashion history of the divine clothing and accessories that fill the rails and shelves. Rellik brings to life dreams of your ultimate walk-in closet and the fantasy of having a personal shopper who always manages to find a designer treasure just for you.

8 Golborne Rd, W10 5NW
www.relliklondon.co.uk

New York - Moo Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:56:00 +0000

Thankfully, vegetarian New Yorkers and visitors to the city have a shoe sanctuary in the form of Moo Shoes which is filled with a fabulous array of cruelty-free, vegan footwear and accessories. Moo Shoes was founded by sisters, Erica and Sara Kubersky and their store features many desirable vegan footwear labels such as Beyond Skin, Novacas, NeuAura and OlsenHaus. Men will also be spoilt for choice with stylish vegetarian boots, sneakers and Oxfords on offer. If you can't make it to Moo Shoes in New York anytime soon, you can visit their online shop through their website. From sweet sandals to statement stilettos, Moo Shoes will suit any shoe mood.

78 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002.
www.mooshoes.com

New York - Ekvaruhuset, House of Organic

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:23:00 +0000

Eco boutiques don't get more achingly cool or multicultural than Ekovaruhuset, House of Organic. With stores in Stockholm, Paris and New York and a roll call of talented eco-friendly designers from New York and around the globe, House of Organic is able to deliver high quality, organic fashion with an abundance of style and ethics.

Women, men (and kids) will be thoroughly delighted by the carefully selected fashion in Manhattan's Ludlow Street store which adheres to House of Organic’s philosophy of fashion being 'sustainable, environmentally sensitive and socially responsible'. Look out for owner, Johanna Hofring's own organic designs as well as covetable pieces from the likes of Meiling Chen, Camilla Norrback, Kuyichi and the animal inspired clothing collection from Mika Machida.

If anyone had any doubts about whether organic fashion could ever look truly stunning and super stylish, they only need to venture into this store for proof that eco-decadence is alive and well and flourishing beautifully. As Johanna Hofring says herself, 'it's all about having fun and looking fabulous while saving the world'.

123 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002 (open Wednesday to Sunday 1pm-8pm).
www.houseoforganic.com/newyork

London - Eco Age

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:20:00 +0000

Actor Colin Firth is a partner in this stylish homewares store, where his wife, Livia, and brother-in-law, Nicola Giuggioli, work as Creative Director and CEO respectively. With four floors of stylish eco homeware products and expert consultancy and interior design services on offer, Eco Age will certainly fill you with inspiration on how to greenify your own abode.

213 Chiswick High Rd, W4 2DW
www.eco-age.com

London - Equa

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:07:00 +0000

Equa is one of London's first eco boutiques and it provides shoppers with the perfect opportunity to familiarize themselves with the crème de la crème of eco fashion. Edun, Stewart + Brown, Kuyichi and Wildlifeworks can all be found here as well as stellar UK labels such as Annie Greenabelle, People Tree and Enamore. From organic Del Forte jeans to divine vegan heels from Beyond Skin, every wardrobe whim can be catered to at Equa.

28 Camden Passage, Islington N1 8ED
www.equaclothing.com

Vancouver - Rail Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:37:00 +0000

Vancouver to Whistler
Vancouver is close to the world famous ski resort, Whistler (Official Alpine Skiing Venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games). You can board the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb train in North Vancouver and revel in the awe-inspiring scenery during the three-hour journey, particularly on the open-air observation car.
www.rockymountaineer.com

Vancouver to and through the Canadian Rockies
You can explore more of Canada by rail on the Rocky Mountaineer. This incredible two-day trip can take you through the Canadian Rockies and to the towns of Calgary, Banff or Jasper. It is one of the world's best rail trips.
ww.rockymountaineer.com

Vancouver to the USA (West Coast)
If you want to travel to Vancouver from the United States, you can use Amtrak's scenic Cascades train. This train operates between Eugene and Vancouver and stops in cities such as Portland and Seattle as well as passing by stunning sights like the Cascade and Olympic Mountain range and Puget Sound.
www.amtrakcascades.com

first image credit (Rocky Mountaineer): here
second image credit (Whistler Sea to Sky Climb): here

Vancouver - Trees Organic Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:17:00 +0000

Vancouver famously caters to the caffeinated cravings and calls of coffee lovers everywhere but what can the city offer organic coffee lovers? Thankfully, there are several Trees Organic Coffee shops offering organic and fair trade coffees which makes grabbing a cup of ethical java ultra easy. Trees Organic Coffee can be found in downtown Vancouver, Yaletown, Gastown and Richmond and each venue promises premium chill out time, from the quality of the coffee (which is roasted in small batches on-site) to the free wi-fi and live music nights.

Menu: Organic, fair trade coffee and scrumptious sandwiches, snacks and sweet treats (including vegan items such as scones and power cookies).
Try: The outrageously popular cheesecakes made with all natural and local ingredients (there is even a vegan cheesecake option).

Yaletown, Gastown, Downtown and Richmond (see website for addresses)
www.treescoffee.com

Vancouver - Radha Yoga & Eatery

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:58:00 +0000

Indulge your soul with a visit to Radha's. Once you step off the frenetic city streets and into this sanctuary of serenity, you'll find it hard to leave. To savasana or savour is the only question you will be asking yourself at Radha's? Partake in a yoga class or cooking class and then enjoy dining from a vegan menu that uses local and organic ingredients.

Radha Yoga & Eatery recently received a green makeover which made the premises as pristine as possible. From insulating the site with foam and incorporating more natural light to installing aerators, partial green green roof and a slick of low VOC paint, this building can certainly claim to be as conscientious as the yoga students and vegan diners who all populate this pretty piece of eco-paradise.

Menu: Vegan
Try: Nori rolls, quinoa nut burger patties with sundried tapenade or desserts of hazelnut panacotta with organic figs.

728 Main Street (eatery open Wednesday to Saturday).
www.radhavancouver.org

Vancouver - Gorilla Food

noreply@blogger.com (Green Lashes and Fashion) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:51:00 +0000

Nuts and seeds are flaunted throughout the menu at Gorilla Food and dazzle you with their versatility as they are used in everything from the drinks and desserts to the meals such as Green Tacos and Veggie Burgers. Of course, lettuce is used in lieu of bread but your taste buds won't miss a thing as the flavour-factor is positively flourishing.

Menu: Organic, vegan, raw food (take away and catering available)
Try: Desserts such as dark raw chocolate fudge and orange walnut spice cookies or the Choco-Gorilla shake made with cacao, bananas, dates, coconut oil and hemp seeds.

436 Richards Street
www.gorillafood.com