2011 Earth Month

It's an oldie but a goodie! Sticking to what works, Swedish brand Weleda has used organic and natural materials including pure plant extracts, herbs and flowers in their premium skincare products since 1921. Their hero product Skin Food ($22.90) uses a combination of organic chamomile, calendula, wild pansy and other nurturing oils to relieve rough and damaged skin. Better still, it's one of those products that you can use all over your body from your face to your hands, nails, elbows, knees and even to soothe dry lips. To celebrate their 90th birthday, Weleda have a mini-sized set available from June including the Citrus Creamy Body Wash, Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream, Skin Food, Wild Rose Body Oil, Pomegranate Firming Face Serum, Salt Toothpaste and an Iris Hydrating Facial Lotion sachet ($29.90).

Stockists: 03 9723 7278

Ever been inspired by the vintage styles of Rachel Zoe, only to walk out of your local Vinnies empty handed feeling frustrated and uninspired? Thrifting for vintage gold is a finite skill (as Alexa knows), and once mastered is a fab tool for updating your wardrobe for a steal. "At Vinnies, a good deal equals a good deed, because by shopping or donating you are directly helping people in the local community...Moreover, you're directly helping the planet by recycling," says St Vincent de Paul spokesperson Julie McDonald. Agreed! We quizzed Vinnies resident stylist Karmyn Pembridge on her top tips for bagging an eco-bargain.

Top tips for a successful vintage hunt at Vinnies:

What is the best op-shop buy you’ve ever scored: Some of the treasures I have purchased include a fabulous black leather jacket from George Gross that was only $60, a classic 60s style black Charlie Brown dress which was only $30, as well as Sass & Bide buys for under $25.
What should people look for in particular when scouring the racks? Aside from looking for things on your list, you should keep an eye out for surprises! Never turn a piece away if it's not your size. If it doesn’t fit, you may still be able to get it altered to fit you perfectly. Consider walking into the men’s section as well. There are no rules at Vinnies. The outfits are waiting for you to create them.
What should people avoid when it comes to buying second hand? Avoid pieces that don't suit your shape, style or colouring. That high neck top from Scanlan & Theodore may be enticing, but if you have a large bust then leave it for someone else.

Want to know more from Karym? You can register for Vinnies "Styled by" sessions here.

Miranda Kerr helps puts the chic into eco-chic, showing others that you don't have to lack glamour to live a greener lifestyle. Here, the model mum tells us about her skincare brand KORA Organics, shares some tips for going green at home and reveals the organic baby brands that Flynn just can't get enough of.

In terms of eco-minded fashion, what labels do you wear/try to support? I love vintage shopping, there's nothing better than finding a one-off vintage piece. I also really love Edun Live and Stella McCartney's eco-friendly line.

Do you have any green-minded modeling mates?It’s difficult to name one but it is amazing how more and more people are becoming eco-friendly and green focused.

There are lots of fab environmentally friendly baby labels around — do you have any favourites for Flynn?It’s wonderful to see that organic baby clothes are more accessible now. A few of my favourites are Purebaby — beautiful organic baby clothes, Natures Child have soft organic bath towels, Cotton Doll, Organic babe and Kids wear and Naturebub.

What made you want to start KORA Organics? I created KORA Organics because I was unable to find a skincare range that was organic and contained the ingredients that I personally was looking for in a skincare line. KORA Organics has given me a platform to share the benefits of living a healthy and organic lifestyle with others. KORA Organics skincare products are "food for the skin" — they nourish, nurture and protect the skin. All KORA Organics products contain noni — my all time beauty secret!

More from Miranda . . .

Miranda Kerr helps puts the chic into eco-chic, showing others that you don't have to lack glamour to live a greener lifestyle. Here, the model mum tells us about her skincare brand KORA Organics, shares some tips for going green at home and reveals the organic products that Flynn just can't get enough of.

What made you want to start KORA Organics? I created KORA Organics because I was unable to find a skincare range that was organic and contained the ingredients that I personally was looking for in a skincare line. KORA Organics has given me a platform to share the benefits of living a healthy and organic lifestyle with others. KORA Organics skincare products are "food for the skin" — they nourish, nurture and protect the skin. All KORA Organics products contain noni — my all time beauty secret!

More from Miranda . . .

Miranda Kerr helps puts the chic into eco-chic, showing others that you don't have to lack glamour to live a greener lifestyle. Here, the model mum tells us about her skincare brand KORA Organics, shares some tips for going green at home and reveals the organic products that Flynn just can't get enough of.

What made you want to start KORA Organics? I created KORA Organics because I was unable to find a skincare range that was organic and contained the ingredients that I personally was looking for in a skincare line. KORA Organics has given me a platform to share the benefits of living a healthy and organic lifestyle with others. KORA Organics skincare products are "food for the skin" — they nourish, nurture and protect the skin. All KORA Organics products contain noni — my all time beauty secret!

More from Miranda . . .

With a five-day weekend on the cards, many of us are hitting the road for a trip away. If you're anything like us we know you'll have trouble culling any of your beauty must-haves from your list so it's all about packing smart — downsize, avoid taking any glasswear and opt for 2-in-1s where possible. To coincide with Earth Month, we've rounded up 10 of the best eco-chic travel buys from brands such as Ecoya, Biotherm, VS Sassoon, Apple & Bee, Lush and more . . .

Keep reading . . .

Lauren Bush may come from a family with a public profile but she’s still worked hard to build a business that’s focused on helping out those who grow up with a much less-privileged life than her. As the granddaughter and niece of two former American presidents, her mother, Sharon, says Lauren and her siblings “did have privilege growing up, but they never felt different from anyone else.” Since graduating from Princeton University, Lauren, 26, has put a lot of effort into her philanthropic ventures, which include her successful FEED Projects and eco-friendly fashion line. With the FEED Projects, Lauren and her team produce bags and other merchandise (from environmentally-friendly materials) with all proceeds going towards their mission to “FEED the world.” The company has sold more than 500,000 bags (Lauren often carries a tote to events), which has resulted in bringing more than 58 million meals to underprivileged children.

But that’s not all Lauren has to celebrate — she recently got engaged to her long-time boyfriend, David Lauren, son of the designer Ralph! She told US Harper’s Bazaar, “Out of all the people I could’ve met and fallen in love with, it’s just ironic that David would end up with someone named Lauren.” As for the name she’ll be taking once they’re married? “I think it will be Lauren Bush-Lauren. That’s not final, but I think it’s nice to have the same name as your husband. I am sort of old-fashioned in that way.” Lauren Lauren might look a little odd!

Yesterday Hugh Jackman hosted a benefit for Live Below the Line, an initiative that sees people going for a week on less than $2 a day. In a new video he talks more about how the program helps raise awareness about extreme poverty, when participants realise how much they have to go without when their budget is limited to such a tiny amount (that doesn’t even cover the price of a coffee!). And even if you’re not officially taking part during the week of 16-20 May, Hugh says there are many ways people can make small sacrifices, just by giving up anything that you usually take for granted, even if it’s only for a day. See what else Hugh has to say about the campaign, as well as what he’ll be giving up, in the clip.

For more information check out the Live Below the Line website.

Angela Lindvall is clearly as smart as she is beautiful. The American supe' has teamed up with jewellery designer John Hardy on a collection of hand crafted pieces made from recycled sterling silver. The Hijua Duo Collection by Angela Lindvall and Guy Bedarida is inspired by bamboo, both aesthetically and environmentally, with a percentage of every sale of the hand crafted, recycled sterling silver pieces going to a community based bamboo planting scheme in Bali. Put simply, the "wear bamboo plant bamboo" tag line sums it up. Press play to see Angela lending her face to the campaign, as well as rolling up her sleeves in the Balinese jungle and putting her money where her mouth (or should that be face) is.