“Envirosax bags are ‘a move in the right direction’ and are targeted at people who would normally not use an eco-friendly bag.  We are making the whole concept of reusable bags (previously dull, boring and ugly) something which is trendy and fashionable, and thus spread the message of re-use to as many people as we can.” -Envirosax 

Top 10 reasons why reusable totes are beneficial:

1. Each reusable grocery bag has the potential to eliminate 1,000 plastic bags the average family uses in one year.  One single person will reduce about 156 plastic bags in one year by using just one tote.(considering they may forget their tote once in a while).
2. Most grocery stores offer discounts on each tote that is used to purchase your groceries, offering a credit of 5-10 cents for every bag used, depending on the location and store. 
3. The Convenience Factor: It may be convenient to just have the checkout bagger put your groceries in a bag that the store supplies, however the use of a reusable tote is just as convenient, if not more, and will positively effect the environment.  An Envirosax Tote is more durable, holds more groceries, is reusable and also washable.  This in turn creates less bags breaking while carrying your food items and less trips from the car to the kitchen.
4. About 100 billion plastic bags are used each year in the US alone, requiring an estimated 12 million barrels of oil used for their manufacturing.
5. Plastic bags are detrimental to our wildlife.  100,00 whales, sea turtles, dolphins and other marine life die every year directly caused by the disposal of plastic bags.  This is due to the 3.8 million tons of plastic bags that end up in landfills or incinerators every year in the US.  Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled every year. 
6. Plastic bags do not fully deteriorate.  They decompose in a process called photodegrade (which takes anywhere from 500 to 1,000 years since sunlight and UV rays are needed in this process).  This process breaks the plastic bags down into smaller and smaller toxic particles which end up contaminating soil and water. 
7. 500 billion plastic bags are consumed worldwide ever year, which is a million a minute.  Manufacturing 10 plastic bags creates 5.5 kilograms of air pollution, which equals 2.75 trillion kilograms of air pollution worldwide every year. 
8. Most people will think that paper bags are better, this is not true.  About 14 million trees are cut down each year to supply America alone with paper bags.  The production of paper bags is just as harmful to the environment and to us as the production of plastic bags that grocery stores use.  It requires toxic chemicals like sulfurous acid (which can lead to acid rain and water pollution) and requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to manufacture the paper bags used every year by Americans. 
9. The chemicals and dyes that are used in plastic grocery bags contain cadmium, lead and other toxins that will leach into the environment during their use.  Envirosax graphic bags use inks and dyes that are eco-friendly and do not contain carcinogenic amides, while the bamboo and linen totes are printed with soy inks.
10. Envirosax reusable totes are very affordable.  Ranging from $8.00 for a durable, polyester bag to $25.00 for organic bamboo and organic linen, create your own collection of colors and styles for a personal grocery experience.

Shop the Editor’s Summer Picks

Here are my top four favorite products from Rain Collection:

A wish list is a very useful tool in today’s fast pace, tech savvy world.  I find that it not only helps your dear ones to peer into the world that is ‘you’, but it also helps as a reference tool for yourself.  Once I add to my wish list, I can return to that item and all the others I had my eye on, without spending too much time trying to find it again.

You may view my entire wish list under ‘Find a Wish List‘.

The much anticipated Sex and the City 2 is about to make it’s debut across America.  Countless girlfriends will scour through their closets for the perfect couture ensemble to determine who they will represent; themselves, or perhaps Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda or Samantha.  And in a similar fashion here at Rain Collection, we have anticipated the event of the summer for some time now.  So in the spirit of all things fashionable, here are a few of the fashions with which we will always be “carried away”

Sex and the City Collection

Every year at about this time, when the humidity starts to set in and Spring turns to Summer, most of us yearn to get away from the hustle and the bustle of our monotonous everyday lives. We are no longer able to battle with our Spring Fever telling us to go enjoy the blissful weather and smiling faces, so we give in and plan our escapes.  No matter where your retreat may be, there is always a sense of relief we feel when we reach our destinations; a feeling of freedom to explore beyond the conditioned behaviors of surviving everyday life.

Here at Rain Collection, we too indulge in the summer season and all that it has to offer.  Whether you travel to Europe to go backpacking, California to sit on the beach or just go where your family may reside, there is almost always something that we forget to bring with us that we need.  Don’t fret - we have been there before and are here to help.  We have designed a checklist for the chic; the must haves when traveling that has helped us immensely with our personal travels.

For Him

Luggage & Carry-on
Soap
Shaving Cream
Hand Cream
Dress Shoes
Tie
Dress Shirt

For Her

Luggage
Skirts
Dresses
Heels
Travel Case or Makeup Case
Hand Lotion or Hand Butter
Travel Sized Perfume
Soap

The Essentials for Both Him & Her

Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Towelettes
Bathing Suits
Long Sleeved Tops
Short Sleeved Tops
Non-Sleeved Tops
Undergarments
Shorts
Belts
Socks
Walking Shoes
Sandals
Totes for Souvenirs
Journal for Memorable Moments
Shampoo
Conditioner
Razor
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Mouthwash
Hair Grooming Tools (i.e. brush, hair dryer)
Sleepwear
Camera & Charger
Cell Phone & Charger
Laptop & Charger

For The Little Explorers

Diaper Bag
Stroller Blanket
Travel Bag
Lotion
Water Shoes
Favorite Stuffed Animal

Vital Extras

Money
Medicines
Phone Number, Addresses and Maps of Your Destination
Hotel/Rental Car Information
Emergency information & Itinerary

So, don’t forget before you board that plane or cruise liner to your exotic destination - make sure that you have your getaway must haves!

Matt by Matt & Nat, designed by Inder Bendi, is the newest edition to the eco-chic and vegan-friendly fashion house, Matt & Nat. Staying true to the philosophy of Matt & Nat, this new line of men’s and women’s fashion accessories is created strictly out of eco-friendly materials following a 21 bottle initiative; lined with textiles made from recycled, plastic bottles and constructed from faux leather. It’s no wonder this innovative accessories designer has taken the fashion world by storm.

The Big Buddha Bags collection is a rapidly growing and vastly stylish line that was established in 2002 by Jeremy Bassan in his home in Santa Barbara, California. Since then, Big Buddha has grown tremendously due to their affordable, fashion-forward and multifunctional purses.

Big Buddha handbags are ideal for women of all ages. They have sophisticated and classic looks as well as fun and playful handbags. Big Buddha Bags are made for today’s women who may juggle their careers, their families and school. Whatever it may be that keeps you on your toes, Big Buddha Bags will help keep your life organized and in style. From totes to clutches, Big Buddha has the perfect purse for any event which makes the versatility of this brand phenomenal. They are not only practical and stylish but they are eco-friendly and will not break the bank.

Here at Rain Collection we have our favorite Big Buddha Bags for every occasion. If it is a day spent running around town the Big Buddha Downtown City Bag will help with keeping everything in its place. On the other hand, if you’re looking to purchase a gift for a woman in your life then the Big Buddha Mia Tote would be the ultimate selection.  The Big Buddha Serena Clutch is essential for a night out and will add radiance to your ensemble.

Here at Rain Collection, just as the seasons change so do our Big Buddha Bags.  Spring is right around the corner and as the flowers begin to bloom, so will our selection of Big Buddha Bags.  Check back often to see our newest arrivals.

Go green with style at Rain Collection.  Be green, save green and stay on trend with Big Buddha Bags.

Who says you can’t look stylish once you become a mama?  Timi & Leslie’s convertible bebe bags keep moms feeling beautiful and fashionable without sacrificing function.  Designed by Leslie Newton, each convertible diaper bag is filled with all the essentials that a busy mommy needs, and the stylish design allows every mom to carry their bag long after the diapers are gone.  Even more, each creation by this dynamic designer is made from faux leather and is PVC free, an eco-conscious choice for your little ones and the environment.

What’s inside:

Becoming a new mom brings lots of changes, but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice being stylish to do so!  Satisfy your inner fashionista.  Timi & Leslie: “For the Woman in Every Mom.”

My eye is always on something new at Rain Collection, and my wish list always growing.  I have this obsession for constantly reinventing my space and myself, and a love for finding the perfect piece for that perfect statement.

When the Jan Barboglio Pajaros Vessel first arrived I fell in love.  This type of love only comes around every so often, and I have already mentally placed this vase in multiple vignettes in my home.  As one of the most inventive and creative artists of our time, Jan Barboglio creates a world of perfect juxtapositions with each piece she designs: masculine yet feminine; rustic yet elegant.  An artist sure to bring a statement piece to every home, one to be loved and used time and time again.

Quartz Salt and Pepper Shakers anyone?  A perfect solution to having a set that can go from your cupboard to your dinner table in two seconds flat.  I love the natural raw element of the quartz this set brings to any situation, not only because it’s oh so elegant, but the risk of breaking these as they fall out of my overstuffed cupboard is highly unlikely (yes, this has happened one too many times).

And what woman’s wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without the perfect go to handbag?  When Rain Collection introduced Kisim last year, I made an omen to carry every bag in this incredible collection.  What I’m craving now?  Kisim’s Cutout Bag in Brown.  A menswear inspired, nylon tone on tone striped bag with leather trim.  Classic combination = Instant chic for a girl on the go.