They’re cute. They’re modern. They’re affordable. And, they save animals. What can’t these awesome art prints do? The Endangered Species Print Project is a range of limited edition art prints featuring animals like the Panamanian Golden Frog, the Seychelles Sheath-Tailed Bat and the Madagascar Fish Eagle, and 100% of the sales are donated to conservation organizations.

Artists Jenny Kendler and Molly Schafer (below), who bonded over a mutual love for animals at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, have been collaborating on projects that combine art and the environment since 2005. The super creative pair started the Endangered Species Print Project so they could use their talents to have a positive impact on the natural world.

In an interesting twist that highlights just how dire the plight of each endangered animal featured in the series really is, the number of prints available for each animal corresponds to the number of animals left in the wild. For example, only 45 prints of the Amur Leopard will ever be created, because only 45 still exist outside of captivity.

When you purchase an Endangered Species print, your money goes directly to an organization benefiting the animal featured in the art. Sales from the Indri Lemur print go to The Madagascar Fauna Group, Vancouver Island Marmot sales benefit The Marmot Recovery Foundation and so on. Each 8”x8” or 10”x8” giclee print goes for $50.

And if you want to know more about the endangered species of the world, check out the ESPP blog. They feature animals like the Silky Sifaka Lemur and the Lord Howe Island stick insect, with tons of info and details on how you can help.

Don’t miss the Endangered Species Print Project in the February/March issue of ReadyMade Magazine.

Excentree t-shirts are all organic, limited-edition (only 100 of each design), and include a tree planting in a country of your choice. You have a chance to win both a t-shirt and a tree planting (which offsets one ton of carbon) by entering the giveaway below.

Not only do they make fab t-shirts, I really like this company’s message: “Excentree is not about pushing a message. It is not about telling you how to live your life; it is not about telling anyone what to do or not to do, it is not about telling anyone what to buy or what not to buy. It is about us all doing our best, living our lives, being aware of our surroundings, enjoying those surroundings and helping everyone make an informed decision be that decision what it may.”

To win, visit the Excentree site and choose a style from EITHER the women’s OR men’s pages and leave a comment here (click on comment link at top right of post) with the style you prefer. When you fill in the comment field, it will ask for you email address. This is the address I will use to contact the winner, so use a real email.

Deets and Promises: Eco Chick does not sell, lease or lend any email addresses we collect. There will be one female and one male t-shirt winner. Giveaway ends Monday, February 8th. Good luck!

One of the four men’s tees available.

And like quite a bit of American clothing, tees are made from cotton, a crop that uses (literally) tons of pesticides and herbicides. The tees below don’t, because they’re either made with organic cotton or because they’re made of alternative materials (like recycled polyester).

OMunky is “creative eco-friendly apparel that is guaranteed to start the conversation” and there’s no doubt they showcase some cute and provocative designs (for both men and women). Look for new designs on a regular basis from this NY-based company.

Excentree makes limited-edition t-shirts, meaning “when you are wearing an Excentree top you will be one of fewer than 100 people in the world wearing it.” Made from organic cotton, a tree is also planted for each t-shirt (in a country of your choice), offsetting carbon now and in the future. Men’s and women’s shirts available (and you can win one here!)

Andira Rain Tees, available at The Greenloop, come in a variety of gorgeous prints- this is just one of several that are made in Peru by a family owned factory (workers are paid 25% than average) are all “100% certified organic cotton and handmade using only eco friendly inks and dyes. For every tee sold a child living in endangered rain forest land receives a tree to plant and learns about how they can protect their forests.”

The ‘Thank You’ t-shirt from Alabama Chanin is a hand-stitched organic cotton t-shirt with remnant fabric used for the design. Made in the southeastern USA by craftswomen making a fair wage, it is just one small part of the Alabama Chanin label, which also boasts handmade coats, skirts and blouses, home accessories and jewelry.

The A Lot to Say t-shirts are made from recycled PVC (plastic bottles) which keep them out of landfills. The somewhat saucy sayings on the front of the shirts are made with no-water printing. “These t-shirts not only reduce energy consumption by 80%, they eliminate the use of PVC products by 100%. (PVC is the highly carcinogenic plastic, which has the lifespan of hundreds of years and will be in our landfills long after we’re gone.)”

Ideologie t-shirts have fantastic prints both front and back, and their long length makes them perfect over skinny jeans or a short skit. The tees are “made out of 100% USDA certified organic cotton grown in Texas with the approval of the TDA (Texas Department of Agriculture) with PVC-free, recycled water-based inks.” The company dedicates 2% of all t-shirt sales to the Acumen Fund: “a non-profit organization that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty.”

The Adhesif Spring/Summer 2010 collection is a riot of color, pattern, and vintage loveliness, for which it’s been getting lots of attention recently (I think you can see why from the pix above and below). I caught up with the label’s designer, Melissa Ferreira, to find out how she does what she does so well.

adhesif, present and future, is inspired by the past, which is apropos as Melissa designs with vintage fabrics, making her line very green, as no new fabrics need to be created. While many designers might find this limiting, Melissa says “I never run out of ideas or inspiration. Much of my inspiration is attributed to vintage clothing and old black and white films, the costumes from 1950’s are just mind boggling!”

“My favourite design from my Spring 2010 Collection is the Suspend Shorts! (Pictured above) I just LOVE the high waist line and the shorts look so cute with tights and slouchy boots,” says adhesif designer Melissa Ferreira.

Designing clothing well involves just as much creative detail work as that which goes into a painting, piece of music, or prose writing, and Melissa seems to have the creative balance down- part hard work, part pure inspiration. “In essence the designs really choose their wearers and not the other way around. I often feel my designs have little breaths all their own,” says Melissa.

Melissa’s designs are both flattering and simple, depending on the explosive prints as almost an afterthought. Often highly-patterned clothing leans too much on it’s funkiness and too little on solid lines and drape, but adhesif doesn’t fall into this trap. The decorative fabrics are simply an embellishment of real shapes.

The Whirl Bubble blouse has an overlay of black lace, which is inherently feminine and timeless and also a big Spring trend.

Melissa also relies on textiles that come with a bit of form built in. “I typically like to work with really structured textiles like Melton wool, vintage denim (that I like to hand dye) and currently, bark cloth.” “Although I have my top secret sources for my very excellent and rare fabric finds, I do frequent vintage clothing boutiques and second hand shops. Yes, I’d say I do consider myself a fabric collector! I just love the thrill of the hunt, I attribute this to my time working as a vintage clothing buyer.”

The Ballet Bubble dress is incredibly playful while still being quite wearable.

adhesif is the French word for adhesive, and Melissa says part of the naming is in homage to her hometown of Montreal. “Originally I thought it would be kind of funny to name a clothing label after something that temporarily sticks onto a surface (which really is what clothing does, isn’t it?)

Melissa Ferreira (left) who wears mostly vintage clothing inspired by the 40’s and 60’s as well as her own designs.

What’s next for adhesif? “Fall 2010 is 30’s-inspired,” says Melissa.

See more of adhesif’s current and previous collections here, and you can buy them all on Etsy and here.

This necklace would look great with almost any outfit, from amping up a pattern-on-pattern ensemble (it’s 2010, go for it!) or styling up an LBD. Or my fave idea: Really yum with jeans and a white button down, sleeves rolled up, black patent-leather stilettos, and an almost-bare face. Let the gold and crystals light up your visage!

Why: One-of-a-Kind means that nobody will be wearing a dupe, now or 10 years from now. Celebs, and originistas, take note!

What: “Layers of vintage gold-plated chains, antique crystals and absolutely fabulous out-of-this-world antique rhinestone crystal bow.”

Who: Dotted Loop, original, sustainable, wearable art by Teresa Smed.

Price: $725 Canadian

I’ve been using my green Envirosax bag for years and it just keeps on keepin’ on! The Queen of reusable shopping bags, it is made from some material that can hold superheavy loads (they say up to 44 lbs, and I believe them) but unlike a canvas bag, also folds up teeny-tiny so you can throw it in your purse, schoolbag, or work bag (with a handy snap-tie to keep it all bundled up).

All this AND they come in very cute prints so you always look pretty darn cool with your organic French bread or kale from the farmer’s market sticking out the top. Speaking of which, they have just debuted the way fab La Boheme line of bags, which tops even their previous prints.

For your chance to win a La Boheme bag: Simply check out this Envirosax page and pick the print you like. Leave a comment with your bag print preference in the comments section below (be sure to include your best email address! in the field when you comment so we can contact you if you win). Good luck!

Contest Closes: January 29th at Midnight EST.

Have you ever found a fragrance that blended so well with your natural scent, it seemed like it was made for you? The kind of scent that compels you to furtively sniff your own wrists, and makes men find your neck completely irresistible?

For a long time I thought I would never find a perfume like that again. I was never a big fan of synthetic fragrances but gave them up completely in college, in favor of essential oils. But I’m not a master perfumer and I’ve never been able to create a blend that was just right.

Maybe now, I won’t have to – thanks to boutique perfumeries that offer up non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan fragrances that easily rival the department store stuff. Organic online beauty boutique Spirit Beauty Lounge has two new perfume lines that sound totally sniff-worthy.

First up is Tallulah Jane, exclusively sold online at Spirit Beauty Lounge and self-described thusly:

Blended with botanical essences, resins and balsams, Tallulah Jane scents are an ever-evolving olfactory experience. Ethically chosen organic and wild crafted oils are mixed together in certified organic grape alcohol or jojoba, then hand poured in small batches. No two vintages are exactly alike, so your Tallulah Jane scent is categorically unique, as if designed by nature – especially for you.

The three scents available are 333 (elegant chamomile, lavender & citrus), Gotham (sparkling, sexy earthy oriental) and Tallulah (flirty jasmine combined with heady tuberose). These roll-on fragrances are a steal at $58 for 8ml.

Then there’s A Perfume Organic, which offers two hand-crafted scents: A Perfume Organic Green (fruity rose, black truffle, soft herbal chamomile and sweet floral ylang ylang with a spicy wood finish) and A Perfume Organic Urban (sweet lemon sorbet with bourbon, tangy lime peel, basil & ginger, smoky vetiver and exotic angelica root). These two are also a major beauty bargain at $65 for 12ml.

If you just can’t choose based on descriptions, Spirit Beauty Lounge has you covered – check out their customized deluxe sample kit, which allows you to smell 6 different products up close and personal for just $15.

Sara Kirsner, designer of Doie, wearing an organic cotton dress she designed with one of her dresses in silk.

Sara Kirsner was like many a dissatisfied worker bee after graduating from college. Two years after finishing her degree, she remembers staring out her advertising job’s office window in SanFran and feeling totally uninspired. At that moment she decided to take a risk, and applied to FIT and Parsons in New York City. Since she had been sketching clothes since she was 8 and had a lifelong interest in fashion, she not only made it into school, but ended up interning at Marc Jacobs and DKNY and working in the design department of Ann Taylor.

A trip with friends to Hoi An in Vietnam- known for a plethora of tailors who will whip up one-off designs to your specifications– gave Sara the opportunity to get some samples made, and she brought them back to NYC, creating her first collection for her label, Doie in 2005. “I had the rest of the samples made in NYC, but just seeing something go from paper to a tangible, wearable item of clothing, gave me the push that I needed to start the line,” recalls Sara.

Eco Chick Editor Starre Vartan (that’s me!) wearing an organic cotton dress by Doie.

Sara says she learned about the hazards of conventional cotton from her friend’s mom, who owns vivaterra.com (an awesome website featuring eco-friendly products). “She loved my collection and asked if I could make a few pieces for her in a sustainable fabric such as bamboo or organic cotton,” she says.

Having been raised by an environmentally conscious family made her sensitive to how what she did affected health and the environment. “Five of the most commonly used cotton pesticides in the U.S. (cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite, and trifluralin) are known cancer-causing chemicals and classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as Category I and II Chemicals— the most dangerous chemicals class,” says Sara. After learning how environmentally disastrous conventional cotton is, “I will never go back.”

Sara’s Inspiration Board for the upcoming season’s designs.

Sara’s designs are consistently inspired by nature (especially tropical locales) and Asia and Japan in particular. Sara says, “I am really excited about the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. It is my favorite so far! For this collection, I drew on the laid-back elegance of my California roots to create effortlessly sexy pieces that flatter a variety of body types. I tried to return to my design “roots,” and used eye-catching Japanese-inspired prints with super soft bamboo jersey.”

From Doie’s Fall, 2009 ‘Paris’ collection

Her clothes are locally made in LA (where Sara now lives), which cuts down on her carbon footprint and lets her have closer control over production. Besides designing her easy-to-wear ecofashions, she supports other designers as well. “I love Teich handbags and Charmone shoes. For jewelry, I love Molly M designs- so cool and unique! I also love Kris Nations,” she says.

See more of Doie’s designs here Spring, 2009 collection here, now on sale.

Sara’s grandmother Doie, (above) is one of her style icons and the line is named after her. Sara says, “Even at 90 she still has the most amazing outfits and she is always put together- even around the house! She and her friends love wearing the sweatsuits that I design. They all live in Des Moines, Iowa and they are so glamorous!”

The organic beauty entrepreneur has brought natural, eco-friendly cosmetics to the masses with Josie Maran Cosmetics, a brand that proves beyond a doubt that going green can be glamorous. Pure, gentle and non-toxic, Josie Maran Cosmetics are also sophisticated and always in tune with the season’s hottest trends.

I talked to Josie about weird trends, foundation faux pas and what’s next for JMC.

SR: What’s the ugliest makeup trend you ever tried and wore out the door?

JM: I’ve always kept it pretty subtle except for bright red of course. But i remember wearing bleeding blue eye shadow with too much black eyeliner, dirty brown skin, and sloppy hair to an event once…ooops!

SR: Do you see women on the street and want to tackle them and redo their makeup?

JM: There are many faux pas but the worst is when you can see that dark foundation line under the jaw line. Blend ladies! The whole point of foundation is to look like you are not wearing makeup.

SR: Do you spy any big trends in makeup for 2010?

JM: I spy lots of gold with pops of turquoise for the eyes and confident blush wearing women!!

SR: What’s next for your makeup line – any new and exciting products coming out soon?

JM: I’m so excited to be launching my new spring collection with new, vibrant shades in the Natural Wonders Palette, and an innovative skin and hair product. I want women to feel beautiful and empowered. The spring 2010 campaign is called “I Am” and I want women to fill in the blank. For me “I am a Natural Wonder” is powerful and beautiful, two things i want women to feel when they wear the collection!

SR: What are your three favorite, can’t-live-without-them products and why?

JM: 1. Josie Maran 100% Organic Argan Oil- I use this morning and night—it’s my beauty secret to naturally glowing skin. Argan Oil is great as a moisturizer for the face but can be used all over body too. A little goes along way. I love putting it on before I apply my tinted moisturizer for beautiful dewy skin! And it’s also great for hair and nails.

2. The Jo Wood Organics Line- I love this line because they use the highest grade of essential oils and plant extracts in their product formulas. My favorite is the Usiku Organic Body Oil.

3. Rare Elements Essential Conditioner – This conditioner is amazing and it smells great. It can be used every day but a great tip is to leave it in the hair before rinsing for about 15-20 minutes. It’s also a great deep conditioning treatment.

Thanks, Josie!

The Argan-infused Natural Wonders palette officially launches in February – but you can get it now at Sephora.com. The colors are lush, bright and gorgeous for spring and summer. It packs $80 worth of eyeshadow, blush and bronzer into an adorable butterfly-adorned compact.

Check out more gorgeous green makeup from Josie Maran Cosmetics at Sephora.

As reported by Treehugger, the Ecological Footprint calendar is a collaboration between the Azara Foundation and fashion photog Gaby Herbstein to raise awareness of global environmental issues. Super-creative and totally gorgeous shots, all! Very 2010.

See the other 10 images on the calendar on Treehugger.

Carla Peterson is a famous Argentinian actress and here stylishly (or garishly? Either way it’s a fun image) represents water pollution.