(The Starry Night over the Rhone, 1888, Van Gogh via moma.)

It’s only once a year – don’t let the family dysfunction or inappropriate gifts get to you – it makes for great cocktail banter. Enjoy the eggnog and have yourself a merry …

Year’s end brings on a flurry of parties and social engagements, time to ring it in with some panache. Today’s hand-picked collection of faves features a few easy dresses that can be worn really anytime; stockings, lounge-wear and a peek at what’s underneath — the unmentionables.

(above) Sleek, eco chic and affordable dresses – organic bamboo and Spandex blends dyed in an eco friendly manner, designed for uber comfort and style; all made in the USA and available at ethical store, futurestandard.com.

(above) Two looks in one, a classic little black (with olive hem) which doubles as a tunic; in 55% hemp/45% sustainable Tencel and made sweatshop-free in the USA; ($76) @ mountainsofthemoon.com.

(at right) It’s the Journey smart black clutch.

Handcrafted with soft scrap leather by Cali-based, Dogeared.

fetch @ futurestandard.com.

(above 2 photos, L to R)

• Versatile like crazy, wrap yourself year-round in this cute organic cotton wrap, layered or all by itself. Eairth Mandaya in naturally dyed grey/black; (only $40) and @ kaightshop.com, (NYC).
• Voila the eco undie … Designer Mary Greene upcycles beautiful silk scraps (cut, unused remnants bound for the trash) and fashions them into spanking fresh panties … handmade one of a kinds ($20/each) @ marygreene.com.

(at right) Looking for an element of surprise?

Try these on for size … soft as cashmere thigh highs from Sophie Young’s French-based, eco lingerie brand, g=9.8. Made from sustainably managed wood chips — the fabric is body-temp regulated so it won’t make you feel too hot or too cold … washes well and dries quickly, and is both anti-bacterial and biodegradable to boot.

slip on @ bynature.co.uk.

(above 2) For sleep walking – sweet organic cotton – comfy pajama set or romantic little nightie @ faeriesdance.com. (more…)

A couple of months ago, Honda unveiled its newest electric offering – an EV version of the all-new Fit hatchback -at the LA Auto Show. The car, which will hit U.S. dealerships in 2012, will join the automaker’s already impressive lineup of eco-friendly cars, including three hybrids, a natural-gas Civic and the FCX Clarity Fuel Cell EV.

With its tiny scale and can-do attitude, the five-door Fit has proven to be an urbanite dream. The gasoline-powered car is small, but peppy, while offering respectable gas mileage (27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway), and best of all, it comes in at a price that’s appealing to everyone (starting at $15,100).

We’re expecting more of the same from the EV, which will get its go from a lithium-ion battery and quiet, electric motor that can reach speeds of 90 mph. As for range anxiety, don’t fret. The Fit (more…)

Edun, Ali Hewson and Bono’s socially conscious fashion line helps you look cool while supporting sustainable trade with communities in Africa.

Hurry, before they’re gone…from the Fall 2010 Collection, two, 100 percent organic cotton scarves are now on sale: reduced to $30 from $60. (above L to R)

• The Rilke Poem Scarf is made in Kenya; black with white type.
• The Poem scarf; in jungle green is made in Uganada.

One day there may not be another building lot available. In a world of bloated urban development, an exploding world population and a finite supply of land, the need for more space, or better use of it, is becoming painfully obvious. Time for floating a new idea.

The SeaScraper, designed by William Erwin and Dan Fletcher, is a concept for a self-sufficient floating city, designed to provide a low impact, sustainable living environment that reduces urban sprawl on land by allowing us to create dwellings in the ocean. The floating city will consist of homes, commercial space, and recreational areas and is envisioned as producing all of the energy needed for its operation. (more…)

From recycled and upcycled to everything in between…here’s a quick roundup of this year’s Green Gift Guides from The Alternative Consumer crew … remember, only buy what you really need and love:

(12.21.10) Eco deals of the day: delivery by Xmas

(12.21.10) 5 Holiday Gifts for the Eco Dog

(12.20.10) Our Favorite Things, Really – (25 Tried and Trues) (more…)

• Brown Christmas…Calif. Rain Eases but Storm Contaminates Water – msnbc
• Shrewd marketing move by ethanol industry…NASCAR Give Ethanol Green Flag: Who Will Follow – npr
• My satellite-positioned automated tractor is the bomb…Smart Farming Takes Off in the West – scidev.net
• Bull crap. This is all about oil and emissions…Polar Bears Not Endangered, US Confirms – bbc
• Cleaner fuel from inedible animal fat…Fat’s Chance as Renewable Diesel Fuel – natgeo
• Fried food no-no…Eating Less Healthy Fish May Contribute to America’s Stroke Belt – sciencdaily
• The 12 Most Unintentionally Disturbing Christmas Ads – cracked.com

Retro glass gets mod and moody … These solar powered lamps are made from vintage blue mason jars and give off a soothing blue glow. The atmospheric mood lights feature an LED bulb and solar panel in the lid. The solar lamp uses one AAA Rechargeable Ni-Cd Battery to store its juice.

For vintage lovers, the silver stainless steel solar light lid closely resembles the old silver zinc style lids that were used for canning. Intended for outdoor use, they’ll shine brighter and longer with extended exposure to strong sunlight.

$18 for 1, and $55 for a set of 4 @ treasureagain’s etsy shop

Bonny Prince Charles isn’t the only British Royal going ‘green’. Queen Elizabeth II has now gone solar. This little solar figure of the Queen Mother is the latest manifestation of our irrational obsession with all things ‘royal’.

Place the SOLAR QUEEN in sunlight and watch Her Majesty wave with a teensy, yet regal, twist of the wrist. This energy saving, indifferent gesture toward the ‘little people’ has been cultivated over centuries as the true mark of royalty. God save our culture.

blue or pink; ($20) @ kikkerlandshop.com