Image Source: delawareforest.com

Our rePlant program and partnership with American Forest has been going strong since the beginning of 2010 and we are happy to announce that in that year we planted a total of 2,172 trees!! We want to thank our wonderful REVEAL customers because with every item we sell we plant a tree with American Forest.

Our contribution helped with the Cape Chiniak Reforestation Effort and the Yellow-Cedar Common Garden Study in Alaska, as well as the Mountain Communities Wildfire ReLeaf, the Los Padres Conifer Forest Restoration, and the Slide and Grass Valley Fire Reforestation in California- just to name a few.

American Forest is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the country. For the 20th consecutive year, they have been planting native trees in ecosystem restoration projects across the United States and around the world. Checkout their website to learn about the great programs they offer, global projects they are working on, and ways in which you can help at: www.americanforests.org

Here’s to the rest of another great year with American Forest and hoping to plant double the amount of trees we planted in 2010!

With Love,
REVEAL
REVEALshop.com

At REVEAL, we do our best to create the most beautiful earth and animal friendly products possible. As the name suggests, we reveal how our products are made, empowering consumers to make well-informed, conscientious choices. While we know that it is impossible not to leave a footprint, we want ours to be in the right direction.

♡ When you shop REVEAL handbags, wallets, laptop bags, bamboo gadgets, and iPhone accessories, you also help restore the planet. For each item purchased, REVEAL plants a tree.

♡ We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line anytime.
Contact Us // Facebook // Twitter

Fashion is fun, loud, flirty, and feminine this summer! Check out this season’s trends of bold color, lace at it’s best, long hemlines, and lot’s of prints!

Color!

Summer is welcoming the most brightest, boldest, eye-catching, and statement- demanding pieces- so do not be afraid, you are free to  mix and match colors like it’s no tomorrow.  Over-kill on this trend is almost impossible (I said almost) and throwing in a contrasting black piece like an oversized  blazer to the mix is highly encouraged. Hyper colors like teal, eclectic blue, poppy, grape, and citrus hues are what this trend is all about.

Fun & Flirty Lace

Image Source: Style.com

Image Source: Style.com

Form-fitting, flowy, neutral, or bold— anything goes with this romantic summer influence. This trend isn’t new but has eloquently evolved.  Delicate and more intricate are the styles with less emphasis on all-over use of lace and more on the accentuation of details within a piece.  We advise to approach this trend with a little caution as it’s easy for a lace look to come off cheesy or trashy. Choose classic pieces that aren’t extremely revealing that use lace by way of contrast or compliment to another material to avoid the groupie look- and brighter the colors the better!

Long Hemlines

Image Source: Style.com

This trend does not only apply to skirts and dresses—tunics and jackets for summer are also boasting elongating shapes creating more drama to an everyday look.  For skirts and dresses floor sweeping, ankle grazing, and midi are the hottest lengths this season.  This long hemline’s perfect pairing is with hot colorful wedges and a classic tank—appropriate for any and all summer rendezvous!

Prints for Days

Image Source: Style.com

This season encourages print overload whether it be floral prints, spunky animal prints, abstract art motifs, stripes, or polka dots—and it’s all done with a little 1970′s retro flare.  Mixing multiple prints in one look is part of the trend and the term ‘clashing’ has dropped any negative connotation.  We suggest have fun with it and go crazy.  It is summertime after all!

Hope you enjoyed reading.  We hope you have a happy and safe 4th of July!!

With Love,
REVEAL
REVEALshop.com

At REVEAL, we do our best to create the most beautiful earth and animal friendly products possible. As the name suggests, we reveal how our products are made, empowering consumers to make well-informed, conscientious choices. While we know that it is impossible not to leave a footprint, we want ours to be in the right direction.

♡ When you shop REVEAL handbags, wallets, laptop bags, bamboo gadgets, and iPhone accessories, you also help restore the planet. For each item purchased, REVEAL plants a tree.

♡ We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line anytime.
Contact Us // Facebook // Twitter

Simply stated, vegan leather is an animal-friendly alternative to real leather. The term vegan leather can actually mean several different materials that look and feel similar to traditional leather. Materials like:

Vegetan- a shop owned trade name for one grain of microfiber

Lorica-a wide range of Japanese microfibers including gloss-faced ones, dyed and softened in Italy. A type of artificial leather promoted by Sidi, an Italian bicycle shoe maker.

Birko-Flor-this proprietary material of Birkenstock is made of acrylic and polyamide felt fibers; a variation is made to replicate patent leather.

Birkibuc- another proprietary material of Birkenstock, made of the same materials, but designed to replicate the look and feel of nubuck leather.

PVC- also known as vinyl

Kydex- an acrylic PVC alloy

Cork Leather- made from the bark of cork oak trees

Ocean Leather- a little known versatile leather made from kelp

So what does this mean for handbags?

It means there is no longer a reason to buy traditional leather when the alternative animal-friendly options look and feel just the same.  Vegan handbags are fashionable, stylish, affordable, good for the environment, and you don’t have to be a vegan to sport one.

Vegan handbags are colored with natural dyes and there is a wide array of color options to choose from.  Some of our most popular vegan handbag styles are made with other earth friendly materials such as recycled polyester and recycled satin to add contrast and give a more elegant evening look.  Vegan leather offers the look of luxury without the unnecessary harm to animals.

So for fashion’s sake—chose to buy products that are animal cruelty free, such as vegan leather, which will help not only animals, but also humans and the environment.

As always, thanks for reading!

With Love,
REVEAL
REVEALshop.com

At REVEAL, we do our best to create the most beautiful earth and animal friendly products possible. As the name suggests, we reveal how our products are made, empowering consumers to make well-informed, conscientious choices. While we know that it is impossible not to leave a footprint, we want ours to be in the right direction.

♡ When you shop REVEAL handbags, wallets, laptop bags, bamboo gadgets, and iPhone accessories, you also help restore the planet. For each item purchased, REVEAL plants a tree.

♡ We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line anytime.
Contact Us // Facebook // Twitter

Daydreaming about summer approaching has gotten all of us at REVEAL talking about vacation destinations that are not only amazing, but low impact.  Because we all have our own idea of what our perfect vacation is, whether it be relaxing on the beach, exploring a new land, or getting into shape, we decided to share a few of our favorites with our awesome readers.

Have an Adventure!

Machaca Hill, Toledo, Belize

Escape yourself to a coveted rainforest retreat close to the ocean for snorkeling adventures, scuba diving excursions, and incredible Mayan Ruins!  And it doesn’t even come close to stopping there. Caving adventures mountain biking, jungle drives and hikes, as well as nighttime night-vision guided bird and animal watching tours are some of the endless adventures to be had within the large amount of Toledo rainforest acreage. All adventures are focused around the low impact of the environment and species that surround. This place goes out of their way to reduce travel impact by offering their own indigenous culture as part of the experience- by using local food and local staff.   For more information, visit http://www.machachahill.com

Tone Up & Recharge

Bikini Bootcamp- Amansala

Located in Tulum, Mexico, this fitness retreat is nestled near spectacular Mayan Ruins, on a white sandy beach, and in front of clear turquoise water—a relatively undiscovered eco friendly paradise.  (We know about it because our founders Terry Omata and Jiaying Wei got married in this romantic little town and had a blast!)

The accommodations of this retreat are in the signature eco-chic design.  The rooms are made of stone and wood with thatched palapa roofs. The atmosphere is that of a little village. They go out of their way to reduce their travel imprint by using local food and staff all the while you are rejuvenating and recharging your life from the inside out.  This retreat is a kick-start to your lifelong fitness regime.  From power walking to high-energy cardio workouts, sculpt yoga to African belly dance; this adventurous fitness & yoga holiday is an amazing tune-up for the mind, body, and spirit!   For more information, visit http://www.amansala.com

Zen Out

Yoga Thailand- Koh Samui

This travel destination is geared toward personal growth and transformation through mindful yoga practice, wellness, and detox within an eco-centric community.  A couple of our Reveal staff members just got back from here and look great!

You don’t have to be an experienced yogi or a lone traveler to indulge in this retreat.  Begin your yoga journey and bring your family along with you- all are welcome.  Located on the south of Koh Samui, right on the beach, this retreat is all about teaching a healthy lifestyle with a sincere yoga practice.  All rooms have an ocean view with green and lush surroundings.  Their eco-friendly buildings make use of cross ventilation, natural lighting, rainwater harvesting, and solar power.   They only provide biodegradable soaps and shampoos, as well as no disposable cups or utensils.   For more information, visit http://www.yoga-thailand.com

We would like you to share with us your favorite eco destinations!   As always thanks for reading!

Love,
REVEAL REVEALshop.com

At REVEAL, we do our best to create the most beautiful earth and animal friendly products possible. As the name suggests, we reveal how our products are made, empowering consumers to make well-informed, conscientious choices. While we know that it is impossible not to leave a footprint, we want ours to be in the right direction.

♡ When you shop REVEAL handbags, wallets, laptop bags, bamboo gadgets, and iPhone accessories, you also help restore the planet. For each item purchased, REVEAL plants a tree.

♡ We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line anytime.

Contact Us // Facebook // Twitter

Image Source: clickonf5.org

Sales of the iPad 2 have surpassed all expectations. In the debuting weekend alone Apple sold 500,000 iPads— that’s 3 times more than that of the original.  Demands are through the roof for this new and improved tablet device and they are continuing to climb. Sales forcasts by analyst are predicting that 45 million iPads could be sold in 2011.

The iPad 2 is a slimmer, lighter, and sexier version of its predecessor.  It comes in 2 color options of black and white instead of one, and it boasts a dual core processor for a much faster and fluid web surfing experience.  The screen quality of the iPad 2 is better than the first—with brighter lighting and richer colors, and I can’t forget to mention it is equipped with not only one camera, but actually two.

With the sleekness in design and abundance in functionality, the iPad 2 is making people realize that it is not only a device for sending mail, reading newspapers, and checking the weather, but it also is a tool that can be used in the workplace enabling people to work faster and smarter.

Teachers are using the iPad to keep track of lesson plans and notes about their student’s progress.  Salespersons can use it in a way to pitch their company to new client and streamline the paperwork involved.  Health care workers are able to keep track of patient info with built-in apps such as Epic Cantro, which enables them to get patients medical history faster and more accurately right at their fingertips, face-to-face with their patient.  The iPad 2 is not only taking over the way we access information in our casual life, but also in education, business, and healthcare.

Its hard to imagine what new functionalities they will come up with next for the 3^rd edition of the iPad….in the meantime, REVEAL has your iPad and tech accessory needs covered with our sustainably sleek and sexy iPad cases and purses.

The Ashlee iPad Purse, The Manchester iPad Mini Brief Case, and The Milan iPad Sleeve.

Love,
REVEAL
REVEALshop.com

At REVEAL, we do our best to create the most beautiful earth and animal friendly products possible. As the name suggests, we reveal how our products are made, empowering consumers to make well-informed, conscientious choices. While we know that it is impossible not to leave a footprint, we want ours to be in the right direction.

♡ When you shop REVEAL handbags, wallets, laptop bags, bamboo gadgets, and iPhone accessories, you also help restore the planet. For each item purchased, REVEAL plants a tree.

♡ We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line anytime.
Contact Us // Facebook // Twitter

Earth day is just around the corner and all of us at REVEAL are getting excited for the festivities! As we surfed for various Earth Day celebrations on the web, we came across a campaign called A Billion Acts of Green-http://act.earthday.org.  This site inspires and rewards simple individual acts and larger organizational initiatives that further the goal of measurably reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability.  They also list thousands of national Earth Day events and actions.

Read on to check out some events we think are amazing!

LOS ANGELES, CA

Zavellia Eco-Charity Fashion Show

Friday, April 22, 2001- 6:30pm- 9:30pm

Zavella, A Colorado based eco apparel company is showcasing their hot new Spring and Summer collection of one-of a kind bamboo and organic cotton tees and hoodies in celebration of Earth Day.  Hosted by G2 Gallery this event’s proceeds will directly support a variety of environmental charities.  $5 donation-based admission, everyone is welcome. For more info visit www.info@g2gallery.com.

SAN FRANCISCO

Multicultural Music Festival & Sustainable Living Road Show

April 23, 2011 10am-6pm

Earth Day SF is a free public event focused on helping the community take action steps toward creating eco-sustainable solutions to local and ecological global change.  3 different stages will simultaneously feature music, performance, and talks by well-known speakers and activists highlighting pressing environmental issues and promoting solution oriented community action.  For more information regarding this awesome earth day event go to www.earthdaysf.org.

BOULDER, CO

Ceremonies for the Earth

Friday April 22, 2011 7pm-9:30pm

Open your hearts and minds to Mother Earth on earth day by adding spiritual practice to your actions. Edie Stone, a certified Shamanic journey guide and teacher, hosts this outdoor spiritual event.  On this day, Edie will guide you through the ceremonies from Peruvian shamanism and Celtic practices as a way of returning energy to help heal the Earth’s energy system. “The single most powerful change we can make is a cultural shift from seeing the Earth as our sacred Mother.” www.ShamanStone.org

LAS VEGAS, NV

Earth Day Awareness 100% Organic & Vegan Bake Sale

Friday, April 22, 2011 10am-6pm

This green/vegan consciousness event is free to the public and donation-based. Weal Organics- the company that is co-promoting this event will not only sell their delicious backed goods but also educate the public on how easy and delicious it is to follow clean, healthy, sustainable eating habits and inform consumers on numerous facts and statistics being large eco-system damaging corporations and the horrors within the commercialized food industry.

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Earth Day Festival and Green Business Expo

Sunday, April 17^th, 2011 8:30am-6pm

www.nolaearthdayfest.org

This unique event is the only one of its kind-focused solely on engaging the local community, environmental organizations, and businesses around environmental sustainability. This fun-filled event includes a day of music, bike rides, green product-and service-oriented companies, environmental justice organizations, and various children’s activities.

NEW YORK, NY

Future Anxiety- An Eco-Awareness Comedy at The Flee

April 15^th-May 26^th

The Flee Theater presents the screenings of “Future Anxiety” a play, to kick off their environmental efforts in going green (paperless programs, eco-educational activities and awareness blogs).   Future Anxiety is a dark comedy about what happens when our “bad habits” finally catch up with us.  The play opens at the April 15^th and starting on Earth Day April 22^nd, donations will be collected for both the NRDC and Earth Day Network for every performance. For more info visit www.theflee.org.

We encourage all our gracious readers to take part in an Earth Day event this year.  Also check out our Facebook page next week for daily REVEAL product givaways in celebration of our beloved fans and planet!

Thanks for reading!

With Love,

REVEAL

REVEALshop.com

At REVEAL, we do our best to create the most beautiful earth and animal friendly products possible. As the name suggests, we reveal how our products are made, empowering consumers to make well-informed, conscientious choices. While we know that it is impossible not to leave a footprint, we want ours to be in the right direction.

When you shop REVEAL handbags, wallets, laptop bags, bamboo gadgets, and iPhone accessories, you also help restore the planet. For each item purchased, REVEAL plants a tree.

We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line anytime.

Contact Us // Facebook // Twitter

Here are a few simple tips to get you started:

REFASHION!

You can do this by turning old clothes into new favorites.  Refashioning the clothes you already own can be as simple as cutting off a pair of jeans into capri pants or shorts, sniping sleeves off old T-shirts to make muscle T’s, repainting a pair of shoes, turning scarves into belts, or sewing on a few buttons to spice up your existing pieces.  For more advanced refashioning buy a sewing machine and create a new dress from an old garment or take your ideas and your old duds to a seamstress and have her do the work.

Refashioned Cardigan into Ruffled Sweater

Refashioned Hospital Scrubs into Fashion-Forward Skirt

GO BACK TO BASICS

When considering your first eco purchases start with those that are essentially timeless.  You want to ask yourself “When is the item likely to have a long life-cycle in its own right, to lengthen the amount of time before it requires updating?” Purchasing items such as a basic little black dress, slim-fit organic cotton tee, or a classic handbag like REVEAL’s Taylor, the perfect sophisticated handbag that will surely stand the test of time, are ones that will be timeless enough to wear again and again, yet versatile enough to mix and match with more trendy, updated purchases.  Even Oprah agrees with us on this one!

USE MINDFUL CONSUMPTION

Buy what you need, and don’t go on excessive and lavish shopping sprees. However, we know being fashion-obsessed can make this difficult to follow. As mentioned before a good compromise is to try and go easy on the trends, injecting classic pieces into your wardrobe that will never go out of style. This extends the life of your clothing, making it less likely you will dispose of last season’s looks.

SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

Read the labels.  Purchase items that are made with sustainable materials that include fabrics like bamboo, linen, organic cotton, soy, and wool. There are even more scientifically advanced, sustainable fabrics, such as SeaCell (seaweed and wood pulp) and Eco-Spun (recycled soda cans and bottles). Avoid fabrics that don’t use natural dyes. Dyeing fabrics uses more water than most industries. Also, consider reducing the amount of animal products in your wardrobe, such as leathers and furs.

REVEAL uses recycled products whenever possible.  Our recycled satin, suede, and polyester are made from post-consumer plastic bottles!  http://www.revealshop.com/pages/sustainability

SPEAK UP

Store owners are dedicated to serving their customers so when enough people demand eco-friendly fashion alternatives, they most likely will comply with those requests.  Say something when the opportunity presents itself or if you want to become a political advocate for all things green, we support that too!

Go Get ‘Em!

With Love,

REVEAL

REVEALshop.com

At REVEAL, we do our best to create the most beautiful earth and animal friendly products possible. As the name suggests, we reveal how our products are made, empowering consumers to make well-informed, conscientious choices. While we know that it is impossible not to leave a footprint, we want ours to be in the right direction.

When you shop REVEAL handbags, wallets, laptop bags, bamboo gadgets, and iPhone accessories, you also help restore the planet. For each item purchased, REVEAL plants a tree.

We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line anytime.

Contact Us // Facebook // Twitter