It's a new year. Why not snag a fresh pair of organic jeans in a sleek trouser cut and a creamy white wash from fresh company... the Gap? That's right, the original home of the boring basic seems to be switching things up a bit. Fingers crossed that this is a trend for 09!
What does this pair of jeans have going for it, beyond the obvious reasonable price tag and nationwide availability? Well, they're a loose, breezy cut that seems like a breath of fresh air after two seasons of skinnies. Then there's that color, that earthy cream that keeps them from being too sailor-bright. All that, and they're a full 98% organic cotton. Good job, Gap -- keep it up!
Organic flare leg trouser jeans $60. Or go ask to see them in your local Gap, and make sure every employee knows that you love eco fashion ;)
How adorable is this? Some entrepreneurial gals from Philadelphia got the rights to all the iconography from The All American Girls Professional Baseball League (you know, from that famous movie about their first women's baseball team?) Happily, they chose to show off these vintage prints on organic tees with chemical free printing for their Vintage Blue line. There's a design for every character, but I happen to love this "Doris" tee -- one part Rosie the riveter and one part 50's pin-up girl, because really, aren't we all?
More into neutrals these days? New company Bumboo is offering super-soft-looking bamboo and organic tees with careful details like shirt-tail hems and pretty embroidered leaf logos. To make them even sweeter, they sent over a coupon code to take 20% off your purchase. Is it time to stock up on some special basics? I'd like to add the long sleeved version to my collection; in fact, wouldn't it look nice layered with the "Doris" tee? Switch things up by putting the U-Neck on top, letting just a touch of the vintage print
Somehow both sophisticated and cozy, this classy sweater dress from Banana Republic offers a full dose of style despite being only 25% organic. Try it with dramatic jewelry and bright accessories (as styled here) to make all the LBDs at your next party jealous, then pair it with skinny jeans and snow-boots while you hike out to look for this year's Christmas tree. Because BR is a big retailer, you'll be able to find your perfect fit with versions in both tall and petite.
Remember that fabulous recycled bikini by Aaron Chang from way back in March? Well, turns out the fabric was such a hit that he released a whole line of recycled bikinis! You can try the psychedelic print for the pool, but I'm daydreaming about spending my next vacation surfing in this wave-screened bikini.
I'm especially psyched that it reverses to black, since I've collected a black-centered mix and match swimming collection over the years. It's a trick I learned from the girls in Hawaii, who never bother wearing matching tops and bottoms. You get to expand your options while never risking a useless orphan swim piece if the elastic goes out in half of your set!
I just had to post this lovely bamboo dress from one of my favorite eco-designers, Beau Soleil. Currently being auctioned off by a seller with an "ok" feedback rating of 96.8%, so bid at your own risk!
1. Get yourself to your local target (or head to their website) and get this organic Rogan tee right now. It won't be as iconic as the tiger tee will become (trust me, like-minded eco-fashionistas will recognize each other on the streets in 2 years because of that tee) but trust me, once you get it on, you won't want to take it off. The cotton is ridiculously soft (seriously, I could barely stop touching it in the store), the color has a comfortable, warn in feel like it's been in your closet for years, and if you're cooped up studying for the one test that will determine your future career options, you won't want to wear anything else (or maybe that's just me.)
2. After a year of obsessively working on his model, M is finally starting up his green investing fund, and has started a blog about the experience. The firm is called Smug Investments and you can also track his progress on his blog, Smugly Green. Of course I'm biased, but I think green investing is really cool. Not only is it a good idea financially (unlike some fashion and lifestyle purchases, you don't have to pay a premium to invest greenly), but it's just another way to support responsible industries! Anyway, I know M would love the support and feedback of the green community (his financial buddies have given him the thumbs up so far), so spread the word and let him know what you think!
p.s. I know. No posts in a while. Been so busy. But as soon as I come up for air in mid-June: a jean guide (skinnies and bootlegs!), an eco tour through Newbury Street, and some reviews of some of my favorite eco fashion items and eco beauty finds. I promise!
Girls always want to look good. That's a no brainer. But admit it -- there are also those occasions, those less-than-special-occasions, where we don't just want to look good -- we need to look better than we ever have before. I'm talking awkward high school reunions, lunch with the "friend" who snagged your promotion, or, worst of all, the wedding of an ex... those times when you need to be absolutely certain that you can walk into a room and be "that girl" who looks effortlessly amazing.
First off, let me say I hope you can avoid as many of these events as possible. But if not? Wear this dress.
Your waist will look miniscule, your curves will look Dita-esque, and with a pretty pair of flats and your hands casually hanging out of the pockets, you'll look like it never occurred to you that seeing you ex-crush, ex-friend, ex-whatever might be awkward. Sure, it might be a little petty to get your revenge by looking that much better than anyone around you. But oh, it will feel so good.
Confession: I can't wear yellow. Nothing against the color, but I'm half Chinese and, well... it just doesn't work. But I really don't want to be neglecting all you lucky folks out there who look fab in sunny shades (especially since they're ideal this season.) So, it's time for some pretty, yellow, eco friendly clothing!
Gina Michele is a new designer to me, with a tiny but adorable eco-collection of bamboo dresses. All four are available at Couture Candy, but this pretty yellow dress is my fav. I love the navy accents and the emphasis on the waist, plus the flirty sleeves and length can't be beat. You could pair this with a blazer and brown boots for the office, chunky platform heels and hair down for a date, or even over your teenie bikini with flip flops at the beach.
p.s. More of a jeans kind of girl? Make sure you vote to the left on your favorite types of jeans. We've got a bit of a competition going on between sultry skinnies and stalwart bootcuts right now -- make sure you weight in!
Did this sale pop up at the perfect time, or what? Things might still be a bit chilly here in Boston, but the sun is staying out later and brighter like it knows I'm ready for a little more heat.
You can turn up the temperature in this flirty little number from Passenger Pidgeon. Wouldn't it look cute with some tights or thigh highs? You know me, I'm a sucker for bright legs -- pick purple or maroon to spice things up!
Happy President's Day, everyone! In honor of the holiday and the heating up race for the next Prez, I'm re-posting these cute organic tees with party mascots on their back. A little political activism never hurt anyone, especially when it looks this adorable!
p.s. Is everyone registered to vote? Go do that right now, to make sure you're registered in time for the big race! And if you're unsure about who you're going to support, or if you just want help deciphering the political landscape, my new favorite no-spin site is Factcheck.org. They're an independent site run out of U Penn that looks into candidates' claims and calls them out on inaccuracies. Glad there's someone policing the politicians!
A little more love for the red? I can only dream of having somewhere to wear this beautiful dress next week (hint, hint, M!) That slinky red silk is fair trade from Bali, and the sequins are actually recycled leather! Plus running into this dress at Envi was a nice introduction to fair trade company Alchem1st, a wonderful brand I hope will be picked up by some more US shops soon. Until then, you can brave the weak dollar and the expensive shipping and check out Alchem1st at Adili, a UK boutique that's having a big sale and delivers to the US for (wince) about $39.
Good for the world = 8/10 Del Forte is really an eco pioneer. These jeans are made of organic cotton grown in California and Texas, then sewn and finished in fairtrade conditions in LA. Points added because everything is done in the US, which means that shipping these jeans around takes a little less energy. Minor points off for using cotton, which (much as I love it) consumes an incredible amount of water as it grows.
Plays well with others = 10/10 Jeans have become ubiquitous for precisely their ability to mix into any outfit, and this pair is no exception. Plus, I succeeded in having them tailored to the exact perfect length for heels (when worn long) or flats (when rolled up.) The dark wash looks good with just about everything I own, and these Del Fortes have become my go-to for days when I'm feeling slightly "blah" about my other clothing choices.
Ten year survival = 4/10 Fashion-wise, I don't think bootcuts are leaving us anytime soon. They're flattering on pretty much every body type, and so far have survived the skinny and the wide-leg trends and are starting to pop up in the mainstream again. Now, will these exact Del Fortes last that long? I'm not so confident about that. The denim is well made with just enough stretch to keep these jeans going day to day (and I'll admit to being impressed by how little they deform with repeat wear.) But the second time I tossed them in the wash (followed by an air dry) they faded slightly but noticeably, and it took weeks of wear to get their texture soft again. Plus, I might be paranoid, but I've been noticing a very slight thinning in the ever-delicate inner thigh area (ladies, you know what I'm talking about!) Fingers crossed that I don't end up with any holes, because these are absolutely my favorite jeans!
or, Happy Chinese New Year! Celebrate with a lucky red dress in organic cotton (and get yourself ready for a romantic Valentine's Day next week while you're at it.)
It's not often that I see a celeb in a photo wearing a cute outfit and get to post it directly without an eco conversion. But this long, relaxed organic dress has been seen on everyone from dolphin-lover Hayden Panettiere to mom-to-be Christina Aguilera (looking smashing above.) Though Gypsy 05 isn't a traditionally "green" company, they chose to make this dress with organic fabric and natural dyes in a solar-powered factory. I wonder if it's coincidence that their one green foray is the dress that's be come a hit? Hopefully this success will inspire the designers (and others!) to keep choosing green.
This dress looks perfect for LA or anywhere else relaxed and not too chilly (actually, I was daydreaming what a warm and sexy nightgown it might make for here in Boston!) Right now we east coasters might be looking at the first flakes of snow, but that doesn't mean the rest of the country isn't basking in some global warming!
Tis the season for organic fleece jackets! They're popping up everywhere, in styles for layering, snuggling and showing off, so you're sure to find the perfect version to keep out the chill.
My personal favorite is this tailored version by Naturevsfuture -- it's the perfect combo of comfy, warm, and pulled together, plus I love the off kilter buttons. Try this one instead of a sweater to spice things up.
The wide collared Ecoganik version is the prom queen of the bunch -- it's mentioned on Elle.com and sold by Anthropologie, BTC Elements and Kaight, but Modify is the only boutique with all sizes available. I like how cozy the styling is, with every detail from the empire to the gathered pockets making me think, "relax." Throw this one on when you're running weekend errands, and know you'll look perfect no matter who you run into.
My last (but certainly not least) pick is also by Ecoganik, but black and double breasted with a matching scarf. The precise styling makes this ideal outerwear for all of you in climates with just a touch a chill in the air.
I've always been impressed with the construction and creativity of Doie Designs (here in Boston, they're carried by Envi.) But for some reason, I never found a design that got my heart racing and my blood pumping. It probably has something to do with my irrational fear of patterns -- I always think, will this match what I own? will I get bored of it? will I show up at a party and blend in the wallpaper? Silly fears, I know, but they always make me pause when it comes to committing to patterned clothing.
All that changed last week when founder Sara Kirsner sent me an email to remind me to check out her eco brand. Looking at the new Fall Line, I saw a ton of new pieces with her signature style -- Asian-inspired prints accenting hems, necklines and even elbows. Again, I thought, "Beautiful, but those patterns..." And then I saw this bamboo tunic dress.
First of all, the cut is just perfect right now -- flowy enough to evoke last season's girly dressy trend, sleek enough to stay away from last season's infantalizing trend, short enough to be uber sexy, loose enough to stay totally sophisticated. Then there's that pattern -- it doesn't scare away even the most avowed pattern fearer (me!) but is just that one extra touch to make this one LBD that won't be forgotten. Plus, notice how the arm sashes' position calls attention to your waist? That's right, an optical illusion that keeps things hour glassed without needing Spanx.
You could pull this one off with tights and flat boots at your office. But I say save it for heels and something (or someone!) really special.
The water-based prints on these adorable organic tees are a subtle way to show off if you lean left or (gasp!) right. Get yours now to get ready for the big show down after primaries!
Having a tough time adding high waists and wide legs to your life? Relax! These perfect organic flares will solve all your problems and still look stylish once the extreme highs and extreme wides have passed (while feeling perfectly summer of love the whole time... yes, a few days in a gorgeous Provincetown beach house made me all nosalgic for easy breasy fashion.)
Del Forte Flora Jeans $194. Try code "hitobi" for a 10% discount (haven't put this particular one to the test, but I know there's always some code for discounts at Tobi.)
With the air getting crispy and the first plump pumpkins (and super warty gourds!) showing up at the farmer's markets here in Boston, I thought I'd celebrate by suggesting this goth-y yet comfy hand silk-screened tee by Bonbi Forest. Maybe I'll get this to make up for probably not having the time this year to make any of Martha's got-but-chic Halloween cut outs. Sigh. When I dream, sometimes I dream in Martha.
You know what I love even more than the color of this jacket? It's that the casual, relaxed front is off-set by a perfectly tailored waist in the back. That means that even if you're having a bulge-y feeling day, you can look sleek and sexy from behind. Now, won't that come in handy post-Thanksgiving!
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.
