In February, Earthworks released its findings on how jewelers and retailers fared in ethical sourcing of metals.  The DC-based advocacy group behind the No Dirty Gold Campaign rated 39 jewelers between February and October 2009.
Among the small jewelry designers was Alberto Parada. The award-winning eco-luxe designer received a B grade, which translates to 11 points [...]

You survived Snowmageddon but don’t think of retiring your winter coat just yet.  Mother Nature continues her cooling streak with high winds and showers through March.  Now is a good time to invest in a vegan, ethically-produced coat to keep the wind and cold at bay.
Head to Carbon where you can pick up the “Maryanne” [...]

For an education in vintage, one only has to turn to Treasury.  The Logan Circle boutique covers the spectrum of fashion’s most celebrated to lesser-known designers thanks to owners Katerina Herodotou and Cathy Chung’s keen eye.  The fashion historians carry clothing, shoes and accessories as early as the turn of the century to the 80s, [...]

Upstairs on 7th is one of those boutiques that move you.  Grounded by a collection of earthy clothing, it appeals to the woman who needs her clothes to either propel her or ease her through the day.
The upscale boutique offers a myriad of international and national designers who speak the same language of comfort chic.  [...]

Melissa Lew Bradford, 27, is a local jewelry designer among other talents in art and photography.  She is the recipient of numerous competitions for her use of recycled fine silver and bamboo.  The following is part 2 of a recent two-part interview.
KL: Is each piece unique or do you create multiples of the same design?
ML: [...]

Melissa Lew’s jewelry springs into full blossom in an upcoming collection honoring the Chinese symbol of dominance and strength, the Cherry Blossom flower.  The designer draws upon her Chinese heritage for inspiration in her collection of eco-sound jewelry.
In a recent two-part interview, the designer shares what being a “green” jewelry designer means and living “green.”  [...]

At I. Gorman Jewelers in downtown DC, encased are the world’s most precious natural resources: diamonds, pearls, gold, and silver.  Some are sourced from the most exotic places in the world.  Several are produced under ethical practices.
Among the store’s best sellers is Todd Reed Jewelry, a label synonymous with turning rough diamonds into morsels of [...]

This holiday season will bring a ray of light to patients at Children’s National Medical Center thanks to the kindness of strangers.  Leading that charge is Kassie Rempel of Simply Soles who kicked off December with a toy drive to benefit Dr. Bear®’s Closet at the Children’s National Medical Center of Washington, DC.
“I offered to [...]

Shaima Ismati has a lot of ideas about how to save the planet.  It is the little things like trading plastic bags for reusable canvas totes or using stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic.  Her green lifestyle has even earned her the title of “The Green Monster” by friends.  So, it was not [...]

Next week, we will break bread (and a turkey leg or two) with family and friends on a day observed to give thanks.  Some will travel across town while others several states or even a country to mark the Thanksgiving holiday.   Perhaps, the festive weekend will include a museum or art gallery walk, a night [...]