I bet you’ve already heard of them before. Featured regularly on blogs, in newspapers and magazines, TOMS Shoes are the talk of the world. Scoff not – this isn’t just another shoe company. As the logo above explains, with each pair of TOMS shoes purchased, a pair is given away to a child. Yup, it’s that simple: one for one. For many kids, this is the first & only pair of shoes they’ve ever had.

In just 4 short years, TOMS has given away over 600,000 pairs of shoes in 28 countries. Even after hearing about the brand nearly 4 years ago, I’m just now joining in on the fun (call me tarty to the party!). Earlier this month, I bought my first pair of TOMS:

Ironically, my shoes arrived on May 5th, which happened to be TOMS 4th anniversary as a company. What are they like? Let me say this: I’ve worn them every day since I received them – EVERY day. The are a heck of a lot more comfortable than I thought they would be. The shoes fit my narrow feet comfortably without falling off & I didn’t develop any blisters (common issue when wearing shoes without socks).

The original TOMS shoe design, which has no laces, is based on a traditional shoe from Argentina called alpargata. They are meant to be worn without socks, but you can sport them any ole way you like (woot). Along with my pair of shoes, I purchased my mum a $50 gift card for Mother’s Day. She was very excited & loved the gift – she’s ordering the Red Bridgeport Linen Classics.

This is the beginning of a beautiful shoe wardrobe for me, thanks to TOMS. I’m partial to the newer Cordones style – they’re like the next generation of Keds. Had TOMS been around in the 1940s-60s, I’m sure all the Hollywood starlets would have been wearing them with their high-waisted jeans. Before I get myself another pair, I’m getting my husband in on the action; I’m thinking the Blue Harbour Cordones.

[Image taken by Victoria Klein]

J. Crew’s Sherpa Long Hoodie ($70; in pewter) :: saw this darling in my local J. Crew store & almost physically drooled over how soft ‘n cozy it is

Anthropologie’s Crocheted Cowlneck Sweater ($118; in dark yellow) :: though not very thick, it’s a beautiful color & has a nice feminine shape, thanks to its crochet pattern

Anthropologie’s Sweater Sleeve Coat ($228) :: I don’t need a new coat this winter, but I sure want this one. I wish it came in a jewel-toned purple plaid pattern (I like bright-colored winter coats, though not red).

J. Crew’s Pixie Pant ($88; in black, blue) :: Can’t help but envision Audrey Hepburn when I see these. They are delightfully cozy & have great stretch to them. I could see them becoming a favorite for day-to-day wear (which is usually jeans).

Aldo’s Balduf Boot ($130; in gray) :: Haven’t tried these on yet, but I’m on the hunt for a new pair of low/no-heal boots. I like the versatile color, buckles, & mid-calf length.

J. Crew’s Kelcey Crackle-Metallic Ballet Flats ($125; in metallic guava) :: These will do diddly-squat for me in the snow, but having a bright yet comfortable pair of flats has been on my “list” for a long time. These fit the bill marvelously.

TOMS Barletta Cordones ($69; in grey) :: I’ve wanted a pair of TOMS since the company first premiered in 2006. They just recently released their first design with laces & I’m swooning all over again. Simple, stylish, and functional!

What’s on your Current Yearnings list?

After adopting a fully-sustainable lifestyle over 5 years ago, I’ve spent my money on nothing but eco-friendly options. Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed many times & pass my “misses” onto to mum, who happily uses anything she gets for free (while I’m just trying to replace her addiction to Suave).

For the past 4-5 months, I’ve reeled in my spending & haven’t had the chance to try anything new. As expected, my list of skin care brands I want to try continues to grow. At the top of that list? It’s always been suki.

Why suki? Lots of reasons!

+ Ingredient lists I can always pronounce, which include nothing but natural, organic, fair trade & local ingredients.

+ All products are certified cruelty-free.

+ Sublime packaging that is easily reusable & recyclable.

+ An uber-impressive rating from the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database (though not all of their products are listed yet).

+ Company founder, president, and sole formulator, Suki Kramer is in her 40s, but looks 23 – if anything, that should be all the proof you need that these products work!

Mentioned in nearly ever major magazine, suki is an even more amazing company than I realized. A few fun facts that I learned recently: all products are made & shipped from their factory in Northampton, Massachusetts (about an hour from me!); 100% owned by Suki herself and staffed 95% by women; active supporter of 16 worthy non-profit organizations, including the Clean Water Fund, Co-op America, Friends of the Earth, Breast Cancer Fund, and Cancer Prevention Coalition.

OK, so I love what suki stands for … but I’m not going to recommend something if I haven’t tried it myself. The opportunity to test a few suki products, selected especially for my skin (see them in the picture above, which I took in my bathroom), presented itself and I jumped at the chance!

For the past month, I’ve been using sukiface transformative cleansing clay and sukispa bio-active purifying face serum twice a day, every day. It was less than a week before I started seeing results: smaller blemishes, less redness, more even skin tone, and less newly-formed blemishes. The results only got better as I kept using the 2 products. Right now, I have one zit … just one; that hasn’t happened in years. I’m still a bit flabbergasted at how well this stuff works – I’m just waiting for my skin to break out in a zit orgy (but keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn’t).

The only drawback? Cost – $43.95 and $75 respectively. I’ve been looking for an all-natural, DIY recipe to help keep my skin clear, but in over a year of research, I have yet to find one that really works. If you could only splurge on one skin care product, I’d recommend the sukispa line of serums. Yes, they are $75-80 a piece, but since you only use 2-4 drops with each application, they last 1-2 months before you need to buy more. They strong, concentrated, and powerfully effective.

Sometimes, the old saying is undeniably true – you get what you pay for.

[Image taken by Victoria Klein]

There’s so much to love about them:

+ 100% organic cotton

+ Lightweight & easily layered

+ Mid-thigh length

+ Raw hems

+ Available in 3 sleeve lengths (long, 1/2 sleeve, & short-sleeve)

+ Available in 6-12 different colors & patterns which change each season

I can’t say enough good things about them … except the prices, of course ($76, $73, & $62). A simple web search will often turn up discount codes for the brand’s online store – you can almost always save a little on your order.

The only wrench in our plans? My husband got promoted at work last week (hooray!). Now he’s a manager and will be running a retail store. You know what that means: longer hours, more commitment. We still need to talk to his district manager to find out if he would be able to get a week off in early August … keeping my fingers crossed!

Anyhoo, Block Island and beaches have been on my mind a lot (thanks, Coastal Living) … which also means I’m thinking about summer attire. I’ve had this bikini bookmarked for almost a month & I’m saving my pennies to be able to get it for our honeymoon.

Available exclusively on Anthropologie’s website, the bikini is designed by Rachel Pally. The 1950s style is just enchanting & the nautical stripes make it perfect for any New England beach. I’m a sucker for high-waisted anything too (no, I don’t think it makes me look like a granny!). I’ve actually been searching for a bathing suit just like this for a few seasons, but every one I find it made by some overblown Italian brand that wants $500 for it. Thankfully, Rachel’s version is much more affordable.

Rachel Pally “Vargas” Halter Bikini Top ($98)

Rachel Pally “Vargas” Bikini Bottoms ($98)

[Images courtesy of Anthropologie]

My practice sputtered from one weekly class to another, but within 2 years, I was practicing daily at home, reading every yoga book I could find, & growing in ways I could never have imagined. My passion for yoga led me to work the front desk and produce the newsletter of a major SF yoga studio for a year & even an interim position at Yoga Journal Magazine (which I’ve also written for 7 times). Even after moving back to Connecticut in January 2009, I dedicate myself to a regular daily yoga practice, even if it is only 10 minutes.

A love of creativity and yoga was what brought Tara Hogan & I together. We first met online while I was living in San Francisco. I was first drawn to her simple & honest, yet powerful eco-inspired designs she made for her company, Ink+Wit. Turns out she was also a certified yoga teacher, which ended up giving me the chance to feature her in Yoga Journal Magazine.

After chatting on the web for almost 2 years, we talked on the phone for the first time last week – it was magical. She has become one of a handful of true friends I’ve ever made. Before the summer is over, we will get the joy of meeting in person (I’m going to take pictures). Both personally and professionally, Tara is a glowing beacon that I am thankful for each day.

Now … in relation to all that … my dear friend Tara has a new line of tunics and tank tops that are inspired by, you guessed it, yoga! As with all her creations, Tara brings her fresh and fluid style to 3 unique designs that look great on everyone. I’ve got one of the “Peacock” tunics for myself & I must say that it is my new favorite piece in my (very small) wardrobe.

The “Got Kombucha?” Tank Top. $30/each.

The “Peacock” Tunic. $36/each.

100% Organic Cotton “Yamas” Tunic. $36/each.

Yamas are yoga’s code of conduct for life, which help to separate us from our ego & become more enlightened (similar to Buddhism’s Noble Eighfold Path).

For more info about Tara’s new clothing line & the inspiration behind each of the designs, visit the Ink+Wit blog.

[All images courtesy of Ink+Wit]

Your gift presentation should be as meaningful as your gift. Give Luck. Give Love. Give Wisdom. Give a lovely gesture with these reusable fabric gift wrap. Hand-printed on organic cotton with soy-based inks. Measure 28″ x28″. – from ChewingTheCud.com

Though they are intended to be used as gift wrap (known in Japan as furoshiki), Chewing the Cud‘s designs remind me of my all-time favorite collectible: tea towels. I’d buy a few for gifts, a few for use  in the kitchen, and a few to hang as art.

[Photos from Chewing the Cud]