Newcomer Anne Valérie Hash had a beautiful collection full of romantic and gauzy fabrics for Spring 2008 Couture (as seen on Style.com.) But one dress stood out from here otherwise lady-like offerings for it's shear exuberance. This beautiful Habitude dress made of hemp, silk, and organic cotton perfectly captures the essence of the Anne Valérie Hash frock in a completely wearable shape (and a shade of pink that won't wash out those of us without a yacht off St. Lucia.) Take a tip from the runway and embrace your girly side by pairing it with matching pink heels.
I'll admit it -- if I don't have a chance to see them in person, the couture shows only barely make my radar. In my mind, they're way more art than fashion. But it's true, they do set the tone of things to come, and I noticed two very conistant trends this season: luxurious colors and subdued volume. I'm glad designers are sticking with the volume-on-the-lower-half trend, and relieved that it seems to be done now with super flattering a-line styles (we all know my hatred for last spring's maternity wear.)
Here is an adorable circle skirt that perfectly reflects this new take on volume (as seen in the Valentino show on Style.com.) This adorable skirt can be paired with anything in your wardrobe (though to keep the Valentino vibe, I'd suggest a loose top in a contrasting color), is made in the US with re-purposed yarns, and (for those of you who love multi-purpose clothing) can even double as a funky cape!
p.s. Send me your eco conversion wish list (stuff you love, but wish were more eco friendly) and I'll start looking for green alternatives. CHARTREUSE dot GIRL at GMAIL dot COM!
Sprig.com is the very glossy, very light green online style magazine from "WashingtonPost.Newsweek Interactive" and the former editors of Organic Style (RIP.) This week, they're bringing you behind the scenes video from New York Fashion Week.
The first two parts of this three part series are about the eco friendly label Noir and designer Peter Ingwersen. I think what I love more than the clothes (which you can peruse at your leisure over at Style.com) is Peter's take on friendly fashion, which even includes chosing models who break out of the prepubescent/anorexic mold that the fashion world still hasn't been able to give up. What a nice reminder that green fashion is way more about attitude and outlook than organic this or recycled that.
Confession -- I didn't love the Zac Posen collection. But if the whole "Great Plains" idea set your heart aflutter, I've found you yet another recycled and reconstructed gem by Armour Sans Anguish. In fact, I think this time the "conversion" is a step up from the original!
Something about the Proenza Schouler collection hit a nerve with me -- the waists! the stripes! the skirts! the legs! The individual pieces might not have been as inspiring as those from Marc Jacobs, but they were put together just perfectly. I can't wait to see everyone on the street looking like women again!
This recycled and reconstructed Armour Sans Anguish sweater nails Proenza Schouler's quirky/preppy vibe. Make sure you pair it with something that shows off your waist!
Wow, I love the proportions that Vera Wang showed on Friday. The slim slouch was so sexy after the baby-ish proportions of last spring. Plus, doesn't it look totally comfy?
Want to co-opt Vera's look this fall? Try using a thin belt to blouse out this loose, espresso-colored organic dress by Perfectly Imperfect. Then keep things fresh by ignoring your leggings or skinnies and putting on one of fall's looser shapes, like Del Forte's new Flora flares. Just make sure to channel Vera and keep things long and lean (heels! of course!) so you don't get overwhelmed.
I know, I know. Black lace-y overlays aren't exactly new news. But this dress from Lela Rose from her show on Thursday just made me smile. Plus, it's a beautifuly detailed way to sport the black + color thing that looks so hot as we move out of summer.
Not only does this layered fair trade Stewart+Brown skirt capture the essence of Lela Rose, but it's on sale! What more could you ask for a weekend?
I love the piping on this shirt from Rag & Bone's show yesterday at Fashion Week (and the inverse version on Kate Bosworth in the front row!) Very modern and slightly geometric without looking forced. Want the look now? Try this organic top from Stewart+Brown, with it's relaxed, slightly nautical hood and that great contrasting trim.
Sometimes I lust over L.A.M.B., and sometimes it just looks like costuming (well, of course.) But here's a hot trend that's actually wearable: plaid! Try it out in this adorable mini dress from Seana Gordon (wish I could find out more about her on the web, but she's clearly small and new.)
Tomorrow starts NY Fashion Week, and just for fun, I'm going to troll Style.com for the latest runway hits and see how many eco-conversions I can come up with.
Meanwhile, check out this new dress from Edun's Fall line, perfect for skulking around the tents tomorrow. The collar is just a bit dressed up, while the relaxed shape and playful print make sure you don't take yourself too seriously. Add on some heel-less boots, like all the girls in Paris were sporting, and see if you can't snag yourself an invite to a post show shindig.
Treehugger
the ultimate go-to for all things hip and green
learned to love fashion in NY and sustainability in Berkeley; now I'm busy in Boston trying to find easy ways to keep up the green without giving up the chic.
