Archive for February, 2009

Are you a man looking for the perfect bag?

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Our society has created a silly atmosphere of steroid-powered masculinity complete with muscles, tank tops and bad shoes. Why, I ask, do a lot of men still feel the need to fit into this WWF-esque category of manliness?

The ultimate man bag - the Bentley. It even sounds manly.

Haven’t we reached a point in our progressive culture where men can rock a pink polo and a colorful bag without feeling like they are sacrificing their sense of masculinity?

If you are a guy who wants to ease into “manbag” territory, take some cues fromus at English Retreads and we will have you swearing by your bag in no time. The English Retreads Bentley messenger bag is far from the stereotypical “murse” (man-purse). The Bentley has its roots in fashionable design and is the complete opposite of the uptight leather briefcase. Here are a few reasons that you, as a man, should carry the Bentley:

  1. The material comes from reclaimed truck inner tubes. How manly is that?
  2. You will never have to worry about being teased for not matching; black can go with anything, anywhere, at any time.
  3. David Beckham carries a man bag, and everyone loves David Beckham
  4. You no longer have to have lumpy jeans or a silly backpack because all your stuff will fit in the Bentley!
  5. If you happen to spill your beer (or your cosmo) on the bag, it wipes right off. None of that dry cleaning/washing machine nonsense needed here.
  6. It is one of the more durable bags on the market; you’ll have it for a long time.

Hopefully this helps give you a little insight into why the Bentley is the perfect carry-all for men. It actually is an amazing bag for women too (but don’t tell your boyfriend that).

Black is back!
Lauren, Blog Maven

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Why didn’t Oscar go green?

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

So I started watching Oscar coverage at 3 p.m. yesterday. Yes, that is 3 and a half hours before the actual show even started; I am very aware that I may be celebrity obsessed. As the E! News crew covered everything from Anne Hathaway’s favorite snack to Jay Manuel’s runway walk to Ryan Seacrest’s interest in fashion, I was struck by the lack of environmentally focused pieces.

These days, “going green” in Hollywood is just as hot as the ever-popular grapefruit diet or 105 degree yoga. I expected that when all eyes are on Hollywood, celebrities and the Academy would take a bigger stand towards environmental causes that are so relevant to all of us.

Granted, there were the stars such as Meryl Streep (love her!) who showed up in a 2010 solar-powered Prius and even more celebs who attended the pre-Oscar Global Green Bash. What I would’ve loved to see was an adored name such as Angelina Jolie rockin’ an organic fabric Stella McCartney gown. Or Leonardo DiCaprio (a celebrity eco-god) with some sort of “environmental” ribbon fastened to his tux as a major conversation piece.

The show’s effort to decrease their environmental impact seemed less stellar than Jessica Biel’s understated and sloppy dress. Let’s hope this recession goes away soon and we can get back to other equally important causes in the future.

Lauren, Blog Maven

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Another reason to <3 Boulder: the Arts and Crafts Co-op

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

If you plan on spending a day strolling down the gorgeous Pearl Street Mall taking in the sights of Boulder, be sure to stop into one of our favorite retailers, The Boulder Arts and Crafts Co-Op. They are one of the oldest art cooperatives in the United States and a definite Boulder landmark. Alongside our handbags, the co-op sells a stunning array of jewelry, glasswork, and home décor, all from diverse artists across Colorado and nationwide.

For the past few weeks, the Arts and Crafts Co-Op has been featuring an amazingly creative English Retreads window display. We have gotten some really great compliments from friends, customers, and people who have never heard of our company before. If you are in the Boulder area, be sure to stop by and check out our stuff and let us know what you think!

Hooray Boulder!
Lauren, Blog Maven

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Ten tips for stores that want to be greener

Monday, February 16th, 2009

1. Give out reusable-non plastic shopping bags to customers with your company logo on them. Offer a small discount on their next purchase if they bring the bag back to use on their next shopping trip. We like these from modcloth.

2. Use eco-friendly packing/wrapping/shipping materials. Salazar Packaging sells recyclable, biodegradable, and renewable materials that will leave less of an impact on the environment then common plastic materials. 800giftbox.com sells fun, recycled packaging materials that are perfect for gift wrapping.

3. Encourage your employees to carpool or take the bus. Also, let your employees know the benefits of biking to work-healthy and eco-friendly!

4. Find creative ways to incorporate recycled materials into your company product tags or into a shabby chic display.

5. Take steps to offset your stores’ carbon footprint. Native Energy and Terrapass give ideas for and offer businesses renewable energy credits and offsets to help you become carbon neutral.

6. Use all-natural cleaning supplies! Many people do not realize the amount of harmful chemicals used in household cleaning supplies. We recommend Seventh Generation.

7. Find a local recycling center to recycle the packaging material your product comes in. A huge amount of waste is created each day from plastic product carrying bags.

8. If you can, carry eco-friendly products in your store! Most eco-friendly companies would be glad to create a small display sheet to help educate consumers on the benefits of buying green.

9. Recycle your junk mail and request your catalogs and bills online. Millions of tons of catalogs and bulk mail go tossed and unread each year. Just think of all the trees you could be saving. You can also join the Ecological Mail Coalition.

10.  Go solar! Solar power drastically reduces energy use and can save you money in the long run. Many states provide rebates and deductions to homes and businesses that use solar power.

Green is good,

Lauren, Blog Maven

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Top 5 V-Day gift guide!

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

If you haven’t heard, Valentine’s Day is this Saturday! Our Large Bentley was just featured in Purely Delicious Magazine’s latest issue in a great article on eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts. I love giving gifts that are unique, thoughtful and a little quirky, which inspired me to make a list of my Top 5 Picks for Valentines Day this year (and an excuse to do a little online shopping). Also, these gifts will make your lover happy any time during the year. Girls loves surprises!

1. An Organic Bouquet of Flowers

Now I would describe myself as an anti-flowers kind of gal. I tend to resist all things overly romantic, but I really can’t get over how beautiful these flowers are. Greenopia has an amazing selection of organic flowers that any girl will absolutely melt over. Step a little out of the box with the stunning pink and yellow Crown Majesty Roses.

2. Organic Beer of the Month Club

I know from experience that this gift wins you major girlfriend (or boyfriend) points. Sit back and watch with enjoyment as your man get’s his new organic six-pack sampler each month and takes a tasty trip through organic beer-land. Choose from a 3-, 6- or 12-month membership and make sure you get enough to share!

3. Sundance Peaceful Love Necklace

Valentine’s Day jewelry tends to be a little cheesy and overworked, but that shouldn’t stop you from buying it, especially if it is thoughtful, unique and didn’t come from the Target display case. The Sundance Catalog was started by Robert Redford and has a beautiful selection of handcrafted jewelry and clothing that any girl will love and appreciate. The Peaceful Love necklace is a really pretty blend of gold and silver and is delicate enough to wear everyday with every outfit. I love it.

4. LaVanilla Natural Vanilla Grapefruit Perfume

Again, perfume can be a little cliché, but how can you go wrong with a scent that is described as “sweetly seductive and kissed by sunshine.” LaVanilla Laboratories combine antioxidants, amino acids, and essential vitamins and minerals into their perfumes to keep you smelling sweet and staying healthy!

5. Beautiful Sweets Organic Cookies!

These fun cookies are a great twist on traditional boxed chocolates. The cookies are not only brightly decorated and delicious, they are made from 100% USDA Certified organic and local ingredients and the packaging is also 100% eco-friendly. You can’t go wrong with cookies on Valentine’s Day.

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Style, naturally

Monday, February 2nd, 2009

Everyone’s favorite model, activist and author, , launched her new book Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty today at major bookstores across the world. We were so happy to learn that English Retreads is featured in this amazing book! Summer Rayne Oakes is THE go-to girl in the green movement and we are so happy to be a small part of her success.

For a peek into her book, check out the YouTube video she just uploaded where she talks about how she carries her Model T Tote Luxe everyday! See, Summer Rayne Oakes is proof that you can be both high-fashion and eco-friendly. Pick up her book today!

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