Emblems or embellishments, who cares as long as your shoes look like a slice of heaven?

Marcello Toshi has shoes with delightful eccentricities that will make Aunt May’s quirks seem forgivable. From crafted silver roses to wire lined petals, the shoes mingle elegance with oddity so seamlessly.

His collection is based on the female form: top-heavy or bottom heavy.From provocative cut outs, curves and unexpected ties, the shoes are testament to the beauty of the hour-glass shape.

The shoes are handcrafted by artisans in Lima, Peru; hence the exotic names: paraplaya, hojas, caminta.

And for the social butterfly who never has too many pairs of shoes to wear, you can cross that one off your list. Let your strut do all the talking.

Skip over Filenes. Gloss over a few pre-eminent cafes, and find yourself at the doorstep of high-end beauty’s next home: Bluemercury Apothecary & Spa.

Founder Marla Malcolm Beck personally picks each product she carries in her store, which is testament enough to her due diligence.

From best sellers that include Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Cobalt, Frederic Fekkai SunShine Shield Spray to the hard to find Acqua di Parma Colonia EDP, the shelves have every eye-catching, trendy and effective cosmetic that’s worthy of the name. (more…)

Buddhism is becoming fashionable again.

The Dalai Lama was in Seattle just a few weeks ago; engravings by Japanese sculptor Shinjo Ito surfaced in Chelsea in February; and celebs like J Lo and Kate Bosworth are staunch aficionados of the religion.

So why not try a cute, inspired Buddhism DVD for education and cocktail party conversations? Anna Wilding, a New Zealand-born actress and producer, created a charming tale of Buddha Wild: Monk in a Hut that’s available on Amazon.com for $29. (more…)

Pearls commingling with contact lens cases? Pure solid silver paired with milk bottle caps?

Couture jewelry has come a long way since Cartier debuted the Love Bracelet. With all the attention the “green movement” is getting (more than Britney Spears, that’s for sure!), it is not surprising that a few smart jewelry creators have capitalized on the trend.

And beautifully.

Patrizia Iacino has done just that, with her keen eye for the funky.

Sanbitter bottle caps, milk tops and Acqua Panna caps are paired with solid silver medallions to create pieces that Matthew Barney would be proud to display at the Guggenheim.

And for you social butterflies out there, there’s more to protecting the planet than throwing a dinner party with organic hors d’oeuvres. Try wearing the “Eye Triangle with Pearls” necklace or the “Milk Cap” necklace and feel pretty and “green” at the same time.

Prices start from $150 and up, at www.globalcoolo.com

If there was such a place, I imagine it to be a pure sprite of a place, with brooks and mountains and some really soft pillows.

Perfect Earth Tours may just have the ticket.

The untarnished alpine region of the Yukon territory in Canada boasts the only five star eco-sustainable resort and spa in North America.

A 90 minute seaplane ride from Whitehorse, Canada, puts you in a location that prides itself for being 100% self-sustaining. The resort offers local Alpine herb treatments at its spa, and all products are completely organic. (more…)