Landscape with Hagar and the Angel (1646) / Claude Lorrain / © National Gallery of Art

Landscape with Cephalus and Procris reunited by Diana (1645) / Claude Lorrain / ©National Gallery of Art

Landscape with the Marriage of Isaac and Rebecca (1648)/ Claude Lorrain / ©National Gallery of Art

Pastoral landscape (1646-7)/ Claude Lorrain / ©Timken Museum of Art. The Putnam Foundation Collection

Landscape with Narcissus and Echo (1644)/ Claude Lorrain / ©National Gallery of Art

The Enchanted Castle (1664)/ Claude Lorrain / ©National Gallery of Art

Classical Roman ruins, ideal beauty, mythic characters and pastoral settings are the primary themes found in the paintings of famed landscape painter Claude Lorrain. Born Claude Gellée in the French Province of Lorraine in the 17th century, Lorrain mainly worked in Italy. Known as a Baroque painter, he was quite successful completing many drawings and books in addition to paintings.

thank you to: National Gallery / Timken Museum of Art/ Art Finder

Beautiful blue gowns, classy wrap dresses and stunning printed pants make up this excellent Spring 2012 Collection. Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra have been making apparel for well over a decade. This burly looking design duo uses Air Dye technology an eco dying technique for clothing. Air Dye is a fairly recent discovery that uses air to imprint fabrics rather than water.

This particular collection is romantic, sophisticated and mature. Jewel toned solids and prints are sexy in an understated way and oh so feminine. I simply love to see the same colors — see the 2nd and 3rd blue dresses — and prints with different styles. Fortunately Costello and Tagliapietra are coming out with a lower priced line of dresses. This selection of clothes looks good on women of all shapes and sizes. Such glamourous chic clothes!

thank you to: photos: Costello Tagliapietra/ photographer: Yannis Vlamos / (via) Style.com

The first dress in white is simply beautiful don’t you think? I also like the pewter colored dress next to it. Organic by John Patrick Spring and Resort Collection 2012 has several comfortable, relaxed and fashionable selections. Some of my favorites are presented here. Rather than focus solely on trends the designer chooses to present a specific style for the Spring 2012 Collection. The look is a casual American style with a menswear look that says adventure. Colors are neutral combined with olive, ruby, gold and orange. Don’t let the laid back quality fool you, these clothes are polished in an effortless way.

It’s so great that John Patrick has been designing eco-friendly clothing for more than a decade. In addition to recycled neoprene and nylon (for accessories), Patrick also uses reclaimed and recycled fabrics. Pieces are utilitarian and functional with a luxurious feel that will last for many seasons. For the Resort 2012 Collection think sporty but with street flair rather than the desert. Clothes have a functional and “cool” quality that most anyone can wear. Don’t you just love relaxed refinement?

thank you to: photos: Organic by John Patrick / photographer: Filippo Fior / (via Style.com)

Titania is a true talent. Studying at Eindhoven and FIT, she truly focuses on craft, details and design with very stylish results. Minimalism gets a naturalistic, artisan and humanistic touch. One of my favorite things about her apparel this season is that the clothes are versatile and are wearable in many different ways if you use your imagination. Her clothing echoes the forms of the human body and has a cerebral appeal. Think clothing as conceptual art and its relationship to the body but for the fashion market. These clothes are suitable as a staple for creative and open-minded thinkers.

Take a look at her previous collections on her site here. Just like this season, expect to find beautiful colors, swing styles and refined silhouettes. Much future success to Titania!

photos & video: thank you to Ecouterre, Titania Inglis, Eco Fashion Week

While it’s still winter, thoughts of spring and spring fashion in particular come to mind. Amour Vert has a wonderful collection for spring 2012. Each piece is stylish and comfortable yet easy to wear. These are clothes that make you look good and feel good. A few of my favorites include the versatile striped maxi skirt, the pretty blue mini dress, the beautiful rose colored maxi dress and the black mini dress. Which styles are your favorites?

video: thanks to Harold Escotet

As 2011, the International Year of the Forest, comes to an end, please enjoy this magnificent video “Of Forests and Men” from Yann-Arthus Bertrand. Wishing you a most happy 2012!

video: thanks to Good Planet

Can you believe that it has been 2 years since the last edition of Conscious Shopping for the Holidays? It’s hard to imagine. Just as in 2009, the premise is to spend Black Friday, Cyber Monday and beyond giving to the charitable organization(s) of your choice. This year’s list  is all new; the old list can be found here.  These  groups could use helping hand. What a great way to bring joy to the Holiday season and beyond!

2011 is the International Year of the Forest.  Sustainable Harvest International  works with Central America.  As of January 2008, Forest Guardians, Sinapu and the Sagebrush Sea Campaign reorganized as WildEarth Guardians.  Founded in 1973, Rare develops partnerships with communities to resolve global conservation concerns. The Conservation Fund, founded in 1985, partners with various communities, corporations and governments to fulfill their conservation requirements.   Nature Canada focuses on conservation in Canada and specializes in bird conservation, habitat protection, wilderness preservation and connecting people to nature.

Animal Welfare Institute has been around since 1951. They work to end abuses and cruelty to animals including habitat protection, deforestation and protecting threatened and endangered species. The National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization and embraces conservation as part of the nation’s heritage to be passed on to future generations. Based in New York City, Natural Resources Defense Council is a highly effective advocacy organization dedicated to solving pressing environmental concerns. Portland-based, Ecotrust works with people and communities to create profitable economies in cooperation with nature.

Ecology Fund is part of the Hunger Site Network and offers free and paid donation based options for a wide variety of causes. Two of their causes include the Animal Rescue Site and the well known Rainforest Site.

Organizations such Charity Watch, Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator can offer help with ratings and provide additional info about your charity of choice. Cultural institutions such as your favorite art gallery and museums are also happy to receive donations. As these stunning photos point out, forests are truly critical to communities and species. Have a happy and conscious holiday season!

photos: thank you to good planet