Country crooner, Sheryl Crow’s clothing line, Bootheel Trading Co., named after Missouri’s “boot heel” region where she was born, is all about casual, vintage comfort.

Shown (from left): Printed Tee, Vest, ‘Nashville’ Jeans, and Tunic Blouse.

It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll, just like Sheryl. When I first saw the garments in the line, I must admit, I wasn’t too impressed. When I saw that the clothes are eco-friendly and supes afforable, I took a closer look. I picked out a few pieces that seemed to represent the collection as a whole and added them to my Sheryl Crow Clothing Line buyer’s guide on Kazowie. The (stretch!) denim jeans have piping on the rear and cute back-pocket accents that are sure to make anyone’s gluteus maximus look bootylicious. I think this line defines casual summer chic and would look great with a piece or two of Lucky Brand Jewelry. Don’t you think?

Shown (from left): Bootheel Trading Co. ‘Missouri’ Jeans, Lucky Brand Jewelry: Peace Cuff, Carved Hoop Silver Earrings, Double Gold Chain Necklace, and Carved Gold Bangle.

Whoever came up with split expanders is a genius. I’m so glad that I am able to wear some of the most beautiful, hand-crafted, organic earrings I’ve ever seen without spending months to irreversibly stretch out my ear lobes to an unnaturally large size. Check some of my fave picks out on my Handmade Split Expander Earrings guide. I own a pair and there’s no way anyone can tell it’s not the real thing.

Quiz: Can you tell which are real expander earrings and which are split? (Answers below)

Split expander earrings create the illusion that you’re wearing one big fatty tapered (bone, wood, coconut, whatever) earring through an expanded lobe piercing but, in fact, you’re wearing two separate front and back pieces that connect together in your ear with a regular-sized steel earring post. If you want the look without the commitment, this is definitely the way to go. I’ve found some other very Pretty Stick Earrings (pictured below with split expanders) that also require no stretching of earlobes. Perf.

Aren’t they pretty?

[answers: a.stretch, b.split, c.split, d.stretch, e.stretch]

“Do you recycle or do you destroy the Earth?” A friend once asked me that question, and now I’m asking you the same. Earth Day is in about two weeks. It will be here before you know it, people. And I think it’s pretty cool to Recycle, Reduce and Reuse every day, not just on the one day out of the year that is dedicated to Mother Earth.

It’s also the fashionable thing now to show off your recycling skills, so that others take the hint and do the same. (Lots of people still don’t recycle, even though you can recycle almost anything!) I found some cool recycle-show-off products that are now part of the Recycle, Reduce, Reuse buyer’s guide on Kazowie. So, shop, show-off, and save Earth. Now.

I really enjoyed shopping through the shabby-chic/beach/Zen products of VivaTerra today. I never really considered this type of home décor my style, per say, but after I shopped around for some eco-sensitive, handmade home and garden accents in honor of Spring, I think I may have changed my mind. The eco-friendly items I found today would blend easily into anyone’s home, room, or garden.

These natural-looking pieces are meant to stand out in a non-obtrusive way and together, they add up to create a peaceful, serene, comfortable atmosphere in your home that any guest would appreciate. See the Springtime Garden Eco Accents, VivaTerra Wall Décor, and Eco Friendly Table Décor buyer’s guides and shop around for yourself. You may find a unique piece that suites your style perfectly! I found several!

Inspired by St. Patrick’s Day and the arrival of Spring and the fact that it’s hip to Go Green, I thought I’d focus on things green and grassy. Grass can be used in a household just like a plant to liven up a room. Take, for example, the Daisy Grass Mats - what a great way to freshen up a tabletop, bookshelf or coffee table- the flowers are removable! Embellish your wall with the über modern Piece of Grass Sod Photographic Print or Deer Standing in Grass Print- it comes on recycled card stock with water-based ink. For the bathroom, the Grassy Green Toothbrush Holder cleverly designed to hold almost anything, but really cute for the toothbrush/toothpaste combo.

For outside the home, wear the unique  Grassy Meadow Glam Dress or carry the travel size Grass Umbrella, recently featured in High School Musical.  Just be sure not to mix them on the same day!! Check out some other green products The Grass is Always Greener

When I announced this morning that “Crocs makes some pretty cute shoes,” my co-worker looked at me like I was crazy. I honestly never thought I’d ever utter those words myself either, as I was always convinced of the comfort but very skeptical, if not loathsome, of the shoes’ questionable style factor. My fashion-abhorring ex-bf4eva rocked the Crocs around town like nobody’s business, but I have just recently been able to admit that I secretly borrowed the ugly kicks for around the house and garden. (I know, I know. But, they’re comfy, lightweight, and waterproof! Can you blame me?)

The company has since created a line of pretty cute crocs for chicks that have a style all their own. They’re sort of punky, in my opinion. No longer strictly selling clogs with holes and a heel-strap, Crocs now has comfy, breathable, rubbery, non-slip shoes with attitude. They’ve got strappy heels, criss-cross wedges, metallic gladiator sandals, suede boots, and more! My faves (because I own a pair,) are the Alice flats, but I remember seeing an ad for the Cyprus heels a couple years ago and definitely would like to try a pair of those in Black and some Lena heels in Bronze.

Clockwise from left: Alice flat in Grape, Cyprus heel in Scarlet, Lena heel in Bronze, Positano t-strap in Grey (Carbon), Algarve wedge in Blue.

New rule: Though a little outdated, rubbery shoes can actually look pretty cool. The fact that they’re rubbery adds an unexpected touch, I feel. These puppies are comfortable, too. Try a pair if you don’t believe me.