We love socially responsible luxury. Avita (Italian for “vita,” meaning life) is the brainchild of Los Angeles-based designer Amanda Shi. Her shop is a one-stop destination for those who seek to build an ethical (read: sustainable) wardrobe that uses organic, recycle and earth-friendly materials. Think classics with contemporary touches. Sweaters, dresses and tanks are made from organic cotton, bamboo or silk cashmere, and they feature bold patches, asymmetrical lines and strategically placed cutouts. For fall, stock up on recycled cashmere, which boasts the plush feel of 100% cashmere at a third of the price.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet

Hot off the beauty presses: Benefit has launched another clever product, Cupid’s Bow, which imparts “lip wow.” Roughly translated, it’s a lip shaping set to make your bow look beautius maximus. You get a double-ended pencil, with one end to accent and highlight your natural curves and the other for precision shaping, and a double-ended sponge and brush applicator for blending to perfection. Just watch where you put that pucker.

Technorati Tags: beauty, Charles & Marie, cosmetics, Marie’s closet

New York-based jewelry company Dyanne Belle is actually owned and operated by a woman named Deb Schecter. The darling designer finds inspiration in the watches her grandfather’s company produced in the mid-20th century, and the glamorous ways of her Auntie and Grandmother. Each posh piece if made in accordance with Schecter’s original design and features only genuine precious and semiprecious stones (think diamonds, sapphires, rubies, citrine and Peruvian opal). Metals include gold, platinum and silver, and no two pieces are alike. Music to our ears.

Technorati Tags: bracelet, Charles & Marie, jewelry, Marie’s closet, necklace, rings

To-the-max lashes are all the rage. How to score your own set without succumbing to glue and diamond-lined falsies? Condition with RevitaLash, an FDA-approved eyelash conditioner that promotes longer, thicker, fuller eye tresses. The application is similar to liquid eyeliner (apply it at the root), and you only need one swipe a day (thank goodness, a small tube costs $150). Within three to ten weeks, you’ll have come-hither peepers, no matter how short, fragile, thin, or sparse your natural lashes are. Move over, Bambi. A portion of all proceeds benefit breast cancer research initiatives.

Technorati Tags: beauty, Charles & Marie, cosmetics, Marie’s closet

If a picture is worth a thousand words, we really needn’t tell you that Robin Katz has a taste for mid-century jewelry. Hers are brighter, bolder and bigger than the average vintage bauble. This 1960s textured oval link bracelet (in 18k gold with cabochon coral center stones) sets our tongues wagging.

Technorati Tags: bracelet, Charles & Marie, jewelry, Marie’s closet, necklace, rings

A classic but stunning design that’s perfect for urbanites on-the-go. The long strap can be worn over your delicate shoulder or across your ample chest. This particular style will fit any of the Vivier laptop envelopes and there are inside pockets for your cell phone and small necessities. Hand-stitched details on the leather, and an interior with an African print, lend a special pinch of je ne sais quois.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, handbag, laptop sleeve, Marie’s closet, tote

Another L.A. label for the lovelies. Viridis Luxe is on a mission is to provide sustainable clothing that’s nothing short of luxurious. The line’s exclusive organic fabrics are blended from the finest cashmere and long-fiber hemp. Also for your enjoyment: exotic bamboo t-shirts and a sheer silk-hemp collection of jersey tops. Loving the Earth shouldn’t be a sacrifice and you should be able to do so while looking fashionable.

We’ve mentioned Los Angeles designer Kim White and her glorious handbags before (they’re made of vintage automotive fabrics). Now we’re loving her beautiful belts. Sumptuous leathers and textiles keep us coming back for more, and all of the metal hardware has been specially cast for the designer. Craftsmanship is at the core of the collection and styles are designed to “withstand temporal trends.” Wear them with American pride: each one is born in the U.S.A.

Technorati Tags: belts, Charles & Marie, fashion, handbag, Marie’s closet

Budget babes heed our shopping advice and head to My Roommate’s Closet. It’s an upscale outlet where you’ll find overstocks from high end California boutiques. Prices start at half the original retail cost, which is why existing San Fran locations are wildly popular. Be on the lookout for labels such as Theory, AG Jeans, Mint, Rebecca Taylor and SF-made Chaiken. Also keep your peepers peeled for a Walnut Creek location slated to open this September. If only we had a store entitled Marie’s Closet. You’d go ga-ga for our Marie’s goodies!

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, hotspot, Marie’s closet

San Franciscans are busy gearing up for Fashion Week which begins this Wednesday the 22nd and continues through the 26th. True to tradition, the event honors the talents of emerging designers and stylephiles can indulge themselves with a flurry of runway shows at the Galleria. There will also be fabulous boutique shopping and post-show parties to partake of. This year’s designer roundup will include Pink Elf, Emily Jane Clothing, Vian Hunter, Genevieve Primavera, Dcepcion, Wee Scotty, Kirribilla, Missing Piece Artwear Collective, Velvet Leaf, Vindy Co, Richard Hallmarq, Effie’s Heart (we’ve featured her before), The 615 Project, and more.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, Fauchon, hotspot, Marie’s closet