What a beautiful color for cold weather! You'll love the vintage floral lining, too. This charming wristlet is made of salvaged cotton corduroy in an eco friendly studio out on Portland. It's the perfect size for tucking into a larger shopping bag, or slinging onto wrists for a night out sampling microbrews. Not the best color for your gift-getter? There are also two hemp version in an earthy olive and a goes-with-everything natural.
I got to check out these buttery soft vegetable-tanned belts while in NYC over the weekend. They're from Brave Leather, a Canadian company committed to handcrafting products while minimizing the environmental impact of their leather by using vegetable tanning. This is my favorite of their belts, and I was super disappointed that they didn't have my size. There's a bit of wiggle room in the sizing, so you can buy it so the smallest size fits around your natural waist to add some spunk to your float-y dresses, while the larger size drops down around the waist of your skinny pants.
Vegan, hand-made and totally lust-inducing (though no thumbs up on any green or fair trade credentials), Natalie Portman's new collection for Te Casan is one celebrity-product gimmick I'm not going to scoff at. Any committed vegans out there with a soft spot for classic, wear-everywhere-please heels? You're welcome to come drool with me.
These handmade recycled silk earrings are such a riot of color and life! What a perfect way to kick off our last week of green gifts -- eco-friendly luxuries under $25. Plus you know no one's got anything like this in their jewelry box -- these earrings (just like their recipient!) are one of a kind.
We might have hit the last of the green gifts under $50, but this adorable little handmade ear warmer is actually my favorite. A cross between a headband and a hat in beautiful bright colors, it's perfect for those in-between days when a hat seems sort of frumpy but your ears need a little extra protection. As someone whose ears are always a bit chilly, this would let me keep covered while looking totally charming (a big step up from bulky winter hats indoors, let me tell you!)
Purldrop Simple Headkerchief $38. Perfect for girls in cool climates who know that style and comfort can live happily hand in hand. GOOD B/C: Handmade.
p.s. Check back tomorrow for green gifts for $25 and under -- perfect for last minute stocking stuffers!
I love recycled tire belts for two reasons (besides the obvious "what a brilliant idea for old tires!" thing.) First: They have a totally unique look without being too wild and out there. I've worn mine (in thick basic black from Hempest) to work and didn't get any second looks. Second: They really are durable! My old leather or leather-like belts all developed cracks or kitty bite marks after a year (they were all either H&M or vintage, so maybe things weren't in their favor.) But these tires were built to withstand way more abuse than they're getting around my waist (although I suppose I can't really speak for the abuse anyone else puts their belts through.)
These belts from Zero Per Gallon have the added benefit of fun colors and an absolutely hilarious write-up (which advertises the belts' "SooperDooper-Quik-'N-EZ NoHands Keep-U-Riding Fastening System (SDQNEZNHKURFS)" amongst other benefits.) Seriously, even if all your belt wishes have been met, you should check these belts out for the write-up alone. Sizes are for boys and voluptuous girls, but I'll bet skinny little things could ask designer Jonny5 to throw together a custom size.
p.s. Thanks so much to Fabulously Green and Hippy Shopper for the fantastic reviews this week! If you don't already have these two bookmarked, get over and check them out right now.
I'm always somewhat bemused by newly made clothing that tries to mimic the look and feel of vintage scarves. Sure, the patterns and colors are pretty, but isn't half the point of wearing a vintage scarf to be unique and a little funky? A quirky little print that made you stand out in the dressing room is going to look a little silly if everyone on the street is wearing the same thing (see "fear of patterns" below.)
This Nieves Lavi top is one of the subtler offenders, but I'd still rather chose a one-of-a-kind, hand-made, recycled vintage scarf top from Grey Goat any day! I think the rich colors of this particular top would be sublime for the holidays, but if this version isn't tickling your fancy, check out the myriad of other beautiful choices.
I loved these recycled bobby pins so much when I saw them at BTC Elements that I had to track down the artist. What a brilliant idea! And what lush fall colors! Pass on the white and pink and head straight for saffron and deep red. Mmm, don't the recycled vintage fabric petals look like fallen autumn leaves?
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.
I can not even tell you how excited I am about the Rilo Kiley show tonight. Jenny Lewis has the most exquisite voice, totally kick ass style, and even though I know their latest album's a bit of a sell out, I'm totally sold.
Of course, you can't show up to an indie rock show looking Boston preppy, but this little get up would do the trick -- quirky small-designer blouse, high waisted organic pants, effortless handmade belt, bright funky vegan bag, and simply the cutest eco heels I've ever seen (seriously -- you simply must click on the link below and check them out close up.)
Ok, ok, so I'm a sucker for leg warmers, arm warmers, wrist warmers, ankle warmers... Really, it's too many years of dance class and the tropical blood in my veins. But with the crisp fall air settling in, I have to stop myself from pulling some kind of warmer on every morning.
These adorable "upcycled" gloves from Cofygirl Knits on Etsy would at least let me indulge my addition in style. I love her bright but muted colors, and of course that the price is totally reasonable. Besides, how wonderful that she's rescuing unwanted wool sweaters to turn into much-wanted warmers?
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!
Another fantastic "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...Recraft!" fair discovery was the wonderful jewelry by T8designs. Samantha, the sunny and chatty designer (thanks for the hello, Samantha!) scours flea markets to make her recycled jewelry. What makes her pieces really stand out is her incredible eye both for composition (as you can see from the necklace above) and unexpected beauty (as seen in her simple and gorgeous necklaces made from watch innards -- my mom picked up two for gifts!) Plus her prices are ridiculously low for the amount of care that has clearly gone into her work. We actually saw another artist at the fair who was doing similar, slightly less graceful jewelry for almost 5 times the price!
What I love about this particular necklace is the way you could pair it with anything -- of course it would look stunning and slightly subversive with a LBD, but pair it with a v neck sweater and preppy pants and you've got a completely unexpected work ensemble.
My favorite find at the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...Recraft!" fair was these fantastic UtiliTies vintage ties updated with stenciled words and animals by . M got one in navy with orange stripes with ravens screened on it -- quite awesome. He's been wearing ties over polo shirts when we go out, and this one will take the look up another notch.
Make sure to check out the "Hot Models" section of the website for great examples of past work and some fun clothing combos.
UtiliTies, $20 for instock, $20 and up for custom.
p.s. That kid is super cute, isn't he? I really couldn't resist the photo.
Can you tell from the neutrals that even while I'm heading outdoors this weekend, my head is halfway to fall? Greys like this organic hoodie are popping up everywhere, and this black and white patterned dress will become a wardrobe staple. Add some comfy (and bright!) shoes and a big summery bag and you're ready to soak up the last few weekends of summer (with your extra warm layer stashed away, just incase your day plans run all night.)
p.s. If you're looking for somewhere fabulous to show off your sweet duds (and you're in the Boston area), make sure you don't miss the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...Recraft!" fair in Somerville this Saturday. Even if you can't catch the fair in person, make sure you check out the great list of vendors and their Etsy pages -- scroll all the way down!
Ah, by the time the end of summer rolls around, I am so ready to be seeing the new fall stuff in stores. The rich colors and nubbly textures are always so inviting, and the idea of bundling up for crisp autumn breezes seems so appealing when you're oppressed by the heat. But actually wearing any of the new fall pieces can be just a joke -- cable knits in 95 degrees???
That's part of what's so appealing by this new fall blouse from Stewart + Brown, which Beklina just put up (one of the first glimpses of S+B's upcoming collection!) Not only will it look fantastic and air-y over shorts right now, but come fall it will be just the thing to layer under your favorite wool sweater. I've paired it here with some adorable, trouser-y, organic denim shorts, some fantastic, artisan, gold sandals and a great recycled sail tote.
Two things I'm loving right now are high-waists and long legs. I'd snap this skirt up in a heartbeat if it were closer to my waist size, since it would be perfect with flats for a picnic, and knock-out with heels for a night out.
p.s. I'm probably the last person to have figured out the following belt-tying trick (and I did it right after big waist belts stopped being cool!) but in case there's still someone out there who is as slow as I am and wants to mimic the model here... To turn a normal belt into a waist belt, buckle it at the right place, then tie a square knot with the too-long loose end around the main belt part. Bad explanation of a crazy simple solution! I'm still kicking myself that it never occurred to me before... Lately I've even been wearing M's big belts with my Del Fortes!
In honor of M's sole desire for today (which is to BBQ burgers), here's an adorable (but not TOO adorable for macho grill masters) hand screened apron. The white color means stains will bleach right out, while the little icon on the side will keep your chef focused on what's really important -- keeping everyone fed and happy!
Full disclosure -- I seriously considered getting married in a Candice Held. Can you tell I'm a sucker for one-of-a-kind recycled-vintage dresses?
Candice Held (designer) and Jordana Magin (business brain) have two collections -- their normal print collection, and their simply gorgeous creations out of vintage scarves. What blew my mind about the vintage dress I almost bought was the construction -- the entire dress was lined in a second set of equally beautiful scarves, so despite the vintage fabric, the dress felt as thought it could survive anything (even a wedding!)
I'm a little more "eh" about the normal collection, especially the Spring/Summer 2007, which knocks off the vintage scarf aesthetic yet is somehow more expensive (though I have to admit the patterns and colors are lovely.) I'm disappointed that Ms. Held seems to be focusing more on the mass produced end of her collection, but hope she keeps making those beautiful scarf creations for those of of us who want something a bit more original and a bit more earth friendly!
Candice Held's vintage collection can be found at their online web store and at Maneater Threads, a lovely SF based online boutique with a completely inefficient navigation structure.
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.
