While I'm going to miss dropping in on fab Boston eco boutique Envi at they're old Newbury digs, there's one bright side to their new move across town -- a huge sample sale! Prices start at $10 and nothing is over $100. Plus, you get to nosh on organic cupcakes and champagne. Yum! So, Boston greenies, get yourself out into that gorgeous sunshine and over to the new Envi. Tonight (5/20/09) until 8pm!
Not in Boston and bummed you're missing out on the fun? Well, I doubt the Envi girls will ship you a cupcake, but you can catch the sale online here. Everything's discounted, but the Del Forte Bluebell Organic Jeans are a real steal, $40 from $194, in a flattering dark wash and a hip flared cut.
This weekend, Bostonians should check out the smattering of new fall clothes at Envi (find them at 164 Newbury, right up from Copley.) The major highlight (for me at least!) were fantastic tops from new label Toggery -- bright, fun colors, up-to-date shapes and stunningly low (under $50?) prices for 100% organic cotton.
Urban Renewal, if you haven't run across it, is the recycled clothing wing of Urban Outfitters (Forbes tries to explain the evolution here.) I always struggle with shopping for Urban Renewal -- like American Apparel, I agree with the idea behind the line, but find the CEO kind of abhorrent. Wait, but are there CEOs out there that I would LIKE if I knew more about them? Anyway, sometimes I wuss out about the politics and shop the fashion, which you have to admit is pretty cute.
I have somewhat mixed feelings about the Beehive, as well. I get it. I really do. And the food was WAY better than I'd expected after reading the reviews. Hopefully by the time the management works the kinks out, the hype will have died down and those of us who are genuinely psyched about jars of pickles and jazz will have the place to ourselves.
On the the important stuff: this outfit is just hip enough to add a little real character to the Beehive or any other little see-and-be-seen spot. I'm completely converted to the high waisted look, as you can tell. The key, I've decided, is to pair the high waist with a tucked in top that is meant to stop high, like this cute plaid one which already has a natural waist tie and the ideal blouse-y shape. Add on some hot heeled jellies and a bright clutch, and you're ready for a night on the town.
* On a side note, I'm a little suprised that Treehugger called the line "new" and "limited-addition." I always think of them as authorities on all things green, but since I have personally been buying Urban Renewal for almost 5 years, I'm going to have to take some of their fact-checking with a grain of salt.
Sometimes I secretly wish that Envi were either a larger store or that owners Callie Smith and Ursula Stahl were a bit less personable. Sure, it makes dropping in feel kind of like raiding your fabulously well-informed friend's closet (helped by the fact that both girls serve as real-life models of their wares.) But it's a little embarrassing to know that eventually they're going to compare notes and realize, "Whoah, that girl has a serious shopping addiction." I've already dropped by 4 times in the one month they've been open, and I have to talk myself out of going more often on the off chance they've gotten in something new.
The clothes at Envi have a young, almost West Coast feel -- cute casual dresses, beachy pastel colors and a ton of trendy jeans. When I was in shopping for my own new pair of jeans, the girl working pulled me out of the dressing room to give me honest and much-appreciated advice on the fit. As someone who often shops alone, I can tell you that's pretty rare (at least for me, in Boston... maybe I have too many tattoos and not enough pearls.)
You can read a bit more about the store's founding at the Boston Globe, or check out Daily Candy's somewhat strange write-up, but if you live near Boston, you really should just trek over to Newbury and check things out yourself. (You can't get lost --- Envi's at 164, right next to Lush, and personally I can smell them a block away.) If you're not in the area, definitely make sure to check out the Envi online shop. I obviously haven't ordered from there yet, but one of the girls was putting together an internet order by hand when I was in the shop one night, which is a pretty charming way to imagine your eco friendly purchases getting to you.
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.
