InSpa Creates a 'Fashionably Responsible' Pedicure

Last week, I was lucky enough to test out a new water-efficient pedicure that will soon be offered at InSpa, a chain of day spas in Washington and California.

Today, about 8 gallons of water are used for the service and sanitation of each traditional 'tub-soak' pedicure. InSpa figures that this adds up to about 2,200 gallons of water a day across their eleven stores, not to mention the fact that chemicals must be used to sanitize tubs after each service. Can you imagine how much water all the spas in America are using each day?

InSpa prides themselves on being innovative and eco-minded, so while looking to reduce their ecological footprint, they started working on a new pedicure that not only eliminates a large consumption of water, but also reduces the risks associated with water-borne bacteria.

So how do they do it? Gone is the huge tub of water for soaking. The new treatment uses steamed towels to wrap your feet and soften the skin. The result is something akin to the hot towel on a first-class flight or a nice blanket straight from the dryer, except your feet are the ones bundled and kept nice and warm, while the steam does it's job. The foot rub and massage are relaxing and indulgent, and the polish at the end is the icing on the cake. I really did prefer the towel method to the traditional foot soak - it seems much cleaner and actually more comfortable since you aren't getting wet.

Kudos to InSpa for this "Fashionably Responsible" update to a traditional service. We hope other spas and nail salons will follow your example and help save one of earth's most precious resources...while still providing a stylish fix.

FOLLOW InSpa on Twitter as @InSpaFriends

VISIT InSpa's Website or Facebook Page

Thanks to Kelly for inviting Fashion Ethic and providing additional information

Leanne Marshall's Collection for Bluefly Debuts Tomorrow

Last week, we received word that Project Runway Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall's mini collection for Bluefly will be available on their site starting tomorrow, July 8th. Here, we've been following Marshall and her LeAnimal line of "Fashionably Responsible" apparel for several years, even before launching Fashion Ethic in 2007 and really appreciate her rise in the industry as she continues to promote ethical fashion.

Marshall's collection will include seven styles: 2 tops, a skirt, jacket, and 3 different dresses in crisp blues, pinks, and purples. From the looks of it, expect more of the dramatic textile manipulation and soft architectural shapes that we have come to adore from this pioneering eco-fashion designer. Prices are said to range from $98-990, and eco-friendly materials and dyes have been used in most of the garments (the blue dress is unfortunately not bamboo or tencel. No word yet on the labor used.

CHECK OUT Leanne Marshall's eco-friendly Bluefly collection when the page goes live July 8.

Can't wait for tomorrow? SHOP Leanne Marshall's Etsy site for the "Mae" dress or fellow Portland-eco-fashion-designer Emily Katz' line at Fashion Ethic.

'Naturally Chic' with Fashion Ethic's Pop Up Shop at Ella Mon!

We are so excited to announce our "Pop Up" Shop-Within-a-Shop at Ballard's beautiful Ella Mon boutique.

The Fashion Ethic Pop Up Shop opens next Friday, June 26th for a week of residence in the front of Monica Treacy's fantastic store.

Kicking off the opening will be a "Naturally Chic" Weekend full of in-store events at Ella Mon, where you’ll learn how natural, eco-friendly and “Fashionably Responsible” choices in your closet and cosmetics are easy to make and still insanely chic.

All weekend long, you'll have opportunities to:
SHOP eco-fashion essentials from Fashion Ethic’s “shop within a shop”
POSE for a natural headshot with Alison Jensen Photography
PAMPER yourself with a natural paraffin handwax
VAMP it up with a new hat from deVuono and Mikele Keiffer Millinery
ADORN yourself with eco-friendly jewelry designs from Thinknow Design
DISCOVER the Malie natural beauty line
MEET local designers and artists

10% of the weekend's sales will benefit Junior League of Seattle. Stop by for morning mimosas, mid-day massages or evening wine & cheese shopping and other events all weekend long, June 26-28. Additional “surprise” discounts taken at register. Check back next week for more details and schedule of events!

WHEN: Fri June 26- Sun June 28
WHERE: Ella Mon Boutique, 5404 22nd NW in Historic Ballard
TIME: Friday 11am – 9pm (event kickoff at 4pm)
Saturday 11am – 7pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm

LEARN more about Junior League of Seattle and their work around the city

Zoya Nail Polish: Get Our New Favorite for FREE

Lately we've been testing out the new professional nail lacquers that happen to be free of some of the nastiest chemicals around (toulene, formaldehyde, and DBP). We've found that Zoya polish simply can't be beat for color selection, value, ease of application, and staying power. This line has it all.

So imagine our delight when we went to their site at Zoya.com and saw that they are giving away FREE bottles! Simply enter the code ZOYA at checkout and receive a free bottle of polish worth $6.00.

There's no telling how long this offer will last, so hurry on over and check them out today. With over 300 shades to choose from, it can take some time to choose the right color! We recommend Coco, a classic medium shade, or any of the deep berry lacquers in the Pulse collection (pictured above). They make the perfect complement to all the Berry Shades at Fashion Ethic!