Guess what time of year it is?!?!? Spring break time!!!!
Even if you're not in any sort of vacation-offering school program, just about everyone I know starts to get a bit antsy around March. Whether it's for a weekend or a glorious week, March is the time to break out the sunscreen and sandals. In honor of our upcoming sun-seeking travels, I've put together two different eco-friendly packing lists for two very different types of vacations.
For those of us who's ideal get-away involves sipping umbrella-ed drinks while lounging in our biggest sunglasses, the ideal packing list is mix of deep blues, sophisticated grays, and sandy accessories -- all organic, sustainable, and fair trade, of course!
The simple strapless dress will look perfectly relaxed from boardwarks to boutiques, while the polka-dotted number will jazz up salsa dancing with your spring break crush. The sophisticated denim pencil skirt dresses up sleek and sexy tees, while natural and neutral bag and shoes will look perfect paired with anything you bring (or buy!) And don't forget to pack a bathing suit! Let the rest of the crowd flop around in florescent string bikinis -- you'll be turning heads in this unique retro one piece.
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.
With all the nerves and worry about the economy these days, it's gotten a little harder to daydream about extravagant shopping. Plus, M and I were caught up in the recent surge in credit card fraud (though our bank is handling things very well) so we're a little wary about whipping out the plastic these days. But do you know what I do when I'm feeling broke but need a little fashion fix? I go window shopping! So I'm going to break my unspoken rule about only showing purchasable items, and show you the best spots to preview some of the fun green fashions lined up for Spring.
First up is Modify's Spring Pre-Sale, all of which can be browsed and pre-ordered now for shipment around March. I'm loving this delicate shirt dress from sweatshop-free company Myth & Ritual. It captures the sweetness of spring without falling into pastels or florals.
Next stop? Stewart + Brown's spring line (organic, as always!) Though some pieces are beginning to show up S+B's web store, the best place to take a gander at all the spring offerings is via Nina's Photography's Portland Fashion Week photos. Not only can we preview everything on the catwalk, but there are great suggestions about how to build outfits out of items. Personally, I love how the ruffles on this blue dress echo the ruffles on the paired crochet jacket. If you can't wait, the Stewart + Brown Flare Knit Cardi can be had for $197.
Last but certainly not least are the spring fashions from Beau Soleil. When playing one of those "bring only one dress to a dessert island" games, I'd definitely pick one of these bamboo dresses. This Beau Medallion dress would make me feel like such a goddess! It will be available for $275 the day after Valentine's Day. Something to look forward to!
Ah, vacation... I think I got a little caught up in being off, wouldn't you say? Well, it's time for some new posts for the new year!
Let's talk about thigh high socks for a sec. Sure, they had a recent fashion moment, and if you're under 30, live in NYC and work in a creative field, you might already be wearing them slouchily with loose short skirts. But if you don't fall into that narrow little demographic, I'll let you in on the secret of their real purpose -- keeping you warm without adding bulk.
Under skirts and dresses, they can look just like tights without that saggy crotch thing or that too-high-waistband-making-bulges thing. Under pants, you can cuff them just above the knee and stay warm without feeling like you're adding inches to your thighs. Plus when the weather warms up a bit (or if you live in Boston and are dealing with this global warming heat wave) you can try them slouched and all Erin-Fetherston-y and pretend you really do live in NYC with a fab creative job.
First up, these sleek recycled tree fiber thigh highs from French company G=9.8, which have gotten a lot of attention this season. Sprig praised them first, and Hippyshopper just reminded me of them. These are perfect for work days or under very very tight jeans (although in good conscious, I suppose I should recommend against the later).
Next up are these "regenerated" socks by unknown Love & Socks. I can't find anything about the company, but supposedly these are both eco friendly and ridiculously cheap? Hey, stranger things have happened. Rock these with boots and a knee length skirt for just a strip of fun color.
Finally, a super long pair from fair trade standby American Apparel. Unless you're Amazonian, you'll have to cuff these or slouch them, but that added detail makes them the perfect accent to layer under your girly summer dresses.
p.s. Notice that the American Apparel pair is NOT made of cotton. I went to a really eye opening exhibit at the Museum of Natural History on water usage. I was shocked by how much more water Americans use (we consume 151 gallons per person per day, compared to the UK's 31!) as well as how much water it takes to grow cotton. My resolution this year is to try to pay more attention the water consumption in a product the way we've all learned to be good about carbon consumption. Amusingly enough, polyester is formed by a dehydration reaction that creates water. Figured that would be a good stand by while I try to educate myself on water consumption issues a bit more.
p.p.s. In good consciousness, I also have to point out that AA's founder is going to trial in a sexual harassment suit this week.
9 months out of the year, I'm willing to put up with a little discomfort in the foot region in the name of style. 4" stilettos, wobbly platforms, you name it, I've danced all night in it. But come winter and snow on the ground, I start taking my footwear very, very seriously.
These boots by Patagonia are super cute and contain up to 20% recycled content. But mostly I chose to feature them because I trust that Patagonia made them warm enough and sturdy enough to keep my toes toasty while I'm trekking through icy Boston. There are probably cuter or greener boots out there, but if you get frostbite wearing them, what's the point?
I've found that flat winter boots look fantastic when paired with last season's organic skinny jeans, making them this winter's must have denim. A fair trade tunic sweater keeps drafts from sneaking in, while an organic wool coat plays with proportion and makes bulk (inevitable this time of year) look chic by emphasizing it with big buttons and a big collar. Top everything off with a rakish organic cap in a bright and cheery color, and you're ready to brave whatever winter might throw at you!
Mmm, now this is what I call green-leaning luxury. No one would call a robe like this practical, but trust me -- whomever is high enough on your "nice" list to get this gift will find a million occasions to wear it! A fair trade group in the Ha Dong village of Vietnam makes these gorgeous robes exclusively for Gaiam.
Gaiam Silk Kimono $99 (just made the cut off!). Perfect for that hard-working someone who deserves to take a little time off to pamper herself.
It's eco boutique day! And there seems to be something good in the Pennsylvania water as well!
Over in Pittsburgh, online eco boutique Equita is celebrating fair trade month by donating 10% of its October sales to the Afghanistan chapter of Women for Women International. Even cooler than the donation to this sustainable organization are the pretty fluorite jewelry pieces that Equita has been selling, especially the little Zakira drop earrings pictured above. While charity is wonderful, pairing it with lasting commercial relationships is even better!
Wandered over to Active Endeavors this morning, and discovered that a ton of Edun's fair trade fashions that JUST came out in September are on ridiculous sale. Yum!
The video on the many ways to tie this American Apparel bandeau dress is so totally fashion-porn-erific it almost made me laugh. But the dress really does look fabulous in all its incarnations, and a dress you can restyle for multiple occasions means you don't need to own as many dresses, which is totally green.
What's greener? The same style dress in fair trade, sustainable bamboo from a company whose CEO doesn't sexually harass employees. Ah, now that feels better.
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?
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.
