Green Gifts under $25: Delish organic wine

Here are Chartreuse Chic, we try to accept the men in our lives the way they are. And so we recognize that as much as we'd like to dress them in some sexy organic jeans for the holidays, they're really not that interested in such things. So when it comes to boys, we're focusing on the big three: food, gadgets... and now booze!

The funny thing about Frog's Leap wine is that I've actually had it a million times and never knew it was organic! In fact, years ago I even worked at one of those NY restaurants where you had to talk about wine like you understood it (honestly, who genuinely understands wine?) and even they didn't know it was organic. Maybe that's because the bottles only claim to be "responsibly farmed" to avoid any supposed stigma attached to being a CCOF certified organic vineyard (I guess in the wine world, it's still not hip to be green.) Hey, I'm not complaining -- the bottles I've had have poured tasty, tasty stuff, and when it comes to wine, that's what really matters.

Frog's Leap Zinfandel $24.20. Or better yet, snag some at your local wine shop (shipping in bulk = fewer resources!) Perfect to add some big flavor to a big night in.

p.s. Now, we learned a little last week about the difference between natural and USDA approved organic. It doesn't look like Frog's Leap has that later seal of approval, so read a little about their farming practices if you're worried and decide if their version of organic rates high enough on your green meter. If only everyone were this forthcoming!

Green Gifts under $100: Luscious organic perfume

I'll admit it -- I love perfume so much, I'll probably be changing my smell every few months for the rest of my life. Now, I know there are people in the world who are given a scent at 16 and wear it to their grave. But if you know someone who steadfastly eschews a signature scent, there's nothing better for the holidays than introducing them to a totally unique smell they've never tried.

Tsi-La starts with a certified organic alcohol base, then adds all-natural essential oils and plant botanicals to make their lovely and unusual scents. I think the "Saqui" perfume sounds ideal for winter -- it's a combo of Christmas-y spices rounded out with sultry vanilla orchid and topped off with bright citrus notes. I'd wear this one to a dark jazz club, and let everyone guess what, exactly, I might smell of.

Tsi-La Saqui Natural Eau De Parfum $85. Perfect for that girl-about-town who likes to keep things unexpected.
GOOD B/C: Organic.

Make your lazy weekends eco sexy

It's going to rain tomorrow, and for a change I'm totally up for it. Know why? I've got a bit of a cold (maybe from last Friday?) and I'm looking forward to spending as much of the weekend in bed as possible.

Now, I'm a big fan of lounging gear that's cute, not frumpy. Sitting around in ripped and stained old gym clothes is a downer. But sitting around in sleek organic capri sweats and a comfy organic terry robe with some sexy printed organic cotton lingerie peaking out -- now that's just decadent! Add in some luxurious organic flannel sheets, and you'll be spoiling yourself all day without ever leaving your bed.

Skin Organic Terry Robe $165, Ecoganik Capri Side Tie Sweats $85, Enamore Paradise Pansy Bralette $92, Enamore Paradise Pansy French Knickers $74, Gaiam Organic Cotton Flannel Pinstripe Bedding assorted prices.

Off topic: Organic haircare

Ok, so I know this is a blog about eco friendly fashion. But of course no one interested having a green closet isn't somewhat curious about going green in other areas of their life. The first stop for that would be Treehugger's fantastic green guides. But there are a few favorites of mine that are just too wonderful not to spread the word. So that's what weekends are for!

My first post about green products absolutely HAS to be about John Masters. Everything in his line of hair and skin products is both organic and totally luxurious. Right now, my hair routine is completely streamlined: Citrus and Neroli Detangler when I get out of the shower, and a touch of Sea Mist Sea Spray with Lavender (I never mastered the blow drier, so have been a convicted faux-drier since even before it occurred to me to save the electricity.)

Not only am I delighted by how easy the John Masters make my hair, but I had a gorgeous hair cut at his clean air salon in NY. It was a treat to myself on our last trip down, and I'll have to admit, I wasn't wowed when I walked out. My poor friend A had to listen to me whine all afternoon that it was a beautiful cut, but I wanted "more." But after a wash and style of my own, I realized, what "more" could I want than a beautiful cut that always looks beautiful? Seriously, the John Masters stylist managed to tame my thin-yet-curly mane into a perfectly respectable cascade of waves (well, the stylist and the detangler, of course.) So yeah, I drank the kool-aid. But I look great doing it!