Every one of these lines is fashionable, eco-friendly and made in the US or fairly traded. This way you can rest assured you are not hurting the planet on your shopping excursions…at least not too badly. Enjoy!
Why we love her? Well, really, what’s not to love about Nanette Lepore. To start with, Nanette stands by the standards of her clothing and takes responsibility for those who make her beautiful garments. In a time where only about five percent of the clothing that is sold in the US is made in the US, she represents a portion of that five percent. As said in an interview for PBS, “20,000 garments a month are cut, pinned, sewn and boxed in the garment center (Manhattan).” Preserving a drastically shrinking industry Nannette stands by holding standards for labor and quality of clothing, something that cannot be done when workers who receive little compensation for their work, produce clothing overseas. Beyond just her own brand, Nanette argues that when you do the math, the cost of producing garments in the US is comparable to producing them overseas, but bringing production to the US creates more jobs for Americans and maintains the quality of clothing.
Nanette designs in her atelier in New York City alongside her husband, Robert, who helms the business side of the worldwide brand as its President. Nanette enjoys a strong following among editors, style-makers and celebrities including Freida Pinto, Sharon Stone, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Eva Longoria Parker, Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Abigail Breslin.
There are many ways to make conscious decisions about how to use your power as a consumer. Through The Great American Apparel Diet we’ve found many clothing companies, which consciously produce their apparel, but through a new site called www.krisandkate.com two women have discovered yet another way to be conscious consumers, make the best of your buying power, and help others with your purchases. krisandkate.com, a trendy online women’s fashion boutique that opened October 2010, and has already made a real difference in the lives of women worldwide. In a novel approach to empowering women worldwide, krisandkate.com gives 10% of every purchase to two charities that provide micro-loans to women entrepreneurs and rescue girls out of the sex slave industry. You can meet two of these empowered women by visiting http://www.worldvisionmicro.org/group/krisandkatecom The brainchild of Christi Sandvik and Kathy Hennessy, krisandkate.com combines a passion for helping women create their own personal fashion statement with the strong desire to make a real and immediate difference in the lives of women in need.
“We wanted to create a fun and meaningful online environment where women can find well-fitting, high-quality fashion as well as make a real difference in other women’s lives,” says Kathy and Christi. “We believe that women empower themselves through personal fashion and can also empower other women globally through generosity and community. That is why we give 10% of each purchase to charitable organizations that support women’s justice issues and micro-lending for women entrepreneurs. We give the shopper the choice to apply that 10% to either of two charities: Compassion2one which rescues women out of the sex slave industry; or World Vision’s Micro enterprise Loans for Women, providing small start-up loans for women entrepreneurs in developing countries. In our own small way, we want to bring together the larger global community of women.” krisandkate.com offers exciting designer brands, price conscious private labels, daily and weekly specials and promotions. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for information on Deal of the Day and Deal of the Week. The site is also designed to be simple to navigate and to assist the shopper in creating their own clean and effortless look with an “outfits” category for building a seasonal wardrobe quickly and easily.
So lets face it ladies, its not always about you, a lot of times it’s about your kids, your family, and of course your man. Very rarely do we talk about the difficulties that our male counterparts experience when shopping, but now seems like a good time to address this neglected issue. If your family and friends are like mine, there is most likely a woman in your proverbial nest (this could be you) who is doing a lot of the fashion shopping for her man, and if not the actual shopping the influencing for sure. In most cases if it were up to our brothers, boyfriends, or husbands they would be sporting their old college sweatshirts 24/7.
So, while you avoid filling your own closet with clothes you don’t need, you can take a moment to think about shopping for your loved ones, who have watched quietly throughout the years as you have filled every hanger and shelf in your closet with new items from each season.
Finding clothing that is consciously produced is difficult enough for women, let alone men. Now think about finding consciously produced apparel for a tall, slender man. If you have one you know what I’m talking about when I say “darn near impossible.” We have found a solution to this struggle with a new shirt company called Longshot Apparel, the fabrics are woven in Italy and hand made here in the USA! They are “tailored taller” for the tall fit guy who usually has to suffer wearing baggy oversized shirts or take every shirt to the tailor in order to own one which fits properly. This is perhaps why men would prefer to stick with their old college sweatshirt instead of venturing into the scary world of department stores or if they are so daring, into specialty men’s shops.
Longshot Apparel is an online retailer. All of the shirts are available exclusively online and they offer free shipping both ways! As the company eloquently states on their site “Longshot shirts are perfect ready-to-wear casual shirts that can be dressed up or dressed down. Ideal for an important business meeting sans tie or for a night out, our shirt design is meant to be versatile and always in style”.
Beau Soleil.
- “The company’s focus is on sustainability, fair trade and labor, as well as organic raw materials with the end goal of offering consumers environmentally healthy clothing choices without sacrificing fashion.”
- The clothes are within a reasonable price range you would expect to pay for an item such as new dress at Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters
Beau Soleil is eco-chic at its best! Designer Anne Salvatore Epstein has released an eco-friendly line of clothing that would get any girl excited. Shirts and dresses are nothing short of high fashion, and considering her experience working at Marc Jacobs, how could we expect anything less.
The company holds the values of fair trade and labor, sustainability, use of organic raw materials while providing us with fashionable and sexy clothing. Her inspiration came when she became pregnant in 2005 and “she and her husband morphed their ‘overly excessive’ New York City lifestyle into one that is ‘Simple. Modern. Organic.’” The designs are sleek and sexy providing women with eco-friendly outfits for anything from a first date out to basic V-neck long sleeves for a cozy evening in! Fabrics are made “out of bamboo, a sustainable material, vegetable-dyed organic cottons and vintage, tencel, which is made from eucalyptus tress, as well as recycled leather trims” How cool is that ladies?!
Prairie Underground.
- Clothing made in Seattle
- Organic Cotton and Hemp Blends
Prairie Underground is a Seattle based company founded by Davora Linder and Camilla Eckersley. Davora Linder’s prior work as a sculptor has proven to be a valuable asset to the design of their clothing. The organic cotton and hemp blends allow for a strong, lightweight, ecofriendly fashions, which are made to fit women of all shapes and sizes while never losing its femininity they follow the natural curves of the body with ease. Camilla Eckersley’s nine years of experience in the fashion industry specifically in the lingerie designs can be seen in the flirty ruffles and bohemian button up tops. Their cloaked hoodie is a great item for all seasons and is a perfect alternative to a basic zip up sweatshirt for those rainy days. Their clothing can be found across the nation at various boutiques and has been featured in magazines such as Nylon and Lucky as well as being seen on celebrity fashionistas like Jessica Alba and Leelee Sobieski.
Three Dots.
PURE ••• EFFORTLESS ••• LUXURY
Three Dots is an evolving concept in lifestyle dressing based on great fabrics, inspired design, fastidious construction and the perfect fit. Co-founded by Sharon Lebon in 1995 in California, the company began with three styles, three sizes, twelve colors – it was an instant success. Today, Three Dots is a growing company with an increasing global distribution. The expanded collection for women includes exclusive knitwear, cashmere and wovens, as well as a selection of key styles for men.
Three Dots’ iconic trademark, the ellipsis, is heat-stamped directly onto the fabric, reflecting the product’s clean, minimal design. The sizes of the garments are differentiated by the color-coded dots. This clever labeling idea is matched by sophisticated design details, including our signature flat-locked stitch.
The company already has a store in Tokyo ’s fashionable Daikanyama district. The brand can also be found at Scoop, Intermix, Fred Segal Couture and Bloomingdale’s, as well as in top boutiques throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia.
A favorite of Hollywood starlets and New York editors, Three Dots is more than just a fashion collection – it’s a lifestyle.
“MADE IN USA”
Three Dots takes pride in creating clothing that is “Made in U.S.A.” The factory and corporate headquarters are based in Garden Grove, CA, inside a 70,000 square foot building. Designing, cutting, sewing, and shipping locally enable Three Dots to meet the demands of a fast-paced market. Our consistently high-quality product has helped the brand to win loyal and satisfied customers for the past 15 years.
- Works with factories around the world who represent the “Gold Standard.” These factories must use the highest environmental and labor standards, controlling factory pollution, and enforcing fair labor as the cornerstone of the effort.
- “Launched in New York City in 2004 by designer Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn, Loomstate was founded as a casual brand dedicated to creating demand for certified organic cotton using socially and environmentally responsible methods of production.”
Loomstate’s Newport Trench caught my eye right away and their products continued to dazzle me as I searched the rest of the website. Fashion-forward, but with a bit of a twist like the surprise detailing on the back of the Orchid Zip Front Hoodie, Loomstate leaves nothing to chance. This is a company that cares and is fully committed to organic farming and green methods. Not only are the dresses, graphic tees and tops available for women great, but their men’s line is fantastic as well. Zip-up cardigans and hoodies that are just dying to be bought for your boyfriend/husband and then stolen for yourself. They also have denim for both men and women in a variety of styles, and washes from Sky Blue and Soft Gray to the deep Samudra. Purses, hats and even soccer balls are offered under their accessories tab; and the sale items (40, 50, and 60 percent off…) are begging for you to snatch them up.
Men’s Cardigan
Newport Trench
- The prices are not as modest as Gap’s, but not unreasonable for clothes made out of carefully crafted organic cotton.
- Can purchase on their website.
- Made by artisans all over the world.
- “We are committed to: Supporting and preserving fair trade wages and artisan cooperatives, investing in natural and organic fibers and environmentally-friendly dyes, and spreading the beauty of handmade, eco fashion.”
Indigenous, founded by Matt Reynolds, who visited South America and fell in love with the local knitting and the souvenirs he brought home, and his friend Scotty Leonard, brings together artisans from all over the world. They have been running the business for over 13 years now, and it is clear that they know what they are doing. The specialty seems to be cardigans and sweaters; heavy knits in fantastic prints. It almost makes me pray for summer to be over so I can cuddle into the comforting Wrap Hoody, or curl up with a good book in the Asymetrical Zip hoody. They also offer flirty summer pieces like the Twister Skirt and the Yoke Tank. And don’t forget about your men, because they have cardigans and collared shirts for them too. Overall a fantastic find; a free-trade clothing company that cares about the environment.
Men’s Cardigan
The Wrap Hoody
- Prices are similar to Nordstroms or Banana Republic, and pieces are quality like you would find at Nordy’s and Banana too.
- Order on their website.
http://www.indigenousdesigns.com/
- Made by women in struggling countries across the world to help them gain economic stability.
- “Global Girlfriend was created by Stacey Edgar in 2003 to help women worldwide gain economic security while providing you unique products and a simple way to help women in need. Our fair-trade boutique offers a line of trend-setting, women-made, fair-trade products including stylish apparel, accessories and gifts with one purpose — helping women in need help themselves.”
When I saw the Bidri Lotus Earrings, I fell in love. Small, circular and dangling, they each have a lotus outlined in bright, dazzling white. I would want them if I found them at Forever 21, and I especially want them now because I know that they were made in India by women who are trying to find economic stability. Among the hundreds of other items Global Girlfriend offers, in beautiful batik print, is organic cotton apparel, handbags and even scarves and shrugs. These pieces come from Asia, South America, Africa, the Middle East, parts of Europe and even women here in the United States. Jewelry includes not only the incredible lotus earrings but also bright, bold bangles and necklaces made out of delicate glass beads. Another plus is the bath and body products, with scrubs, shower gels and soaps to create the perfect spa in your bathroom at home. Just seeing the smiling faces of the women and children you are helping in pictures on the website makes it worth it, but to also get cute clothes and accessories?? Priceless.
The Bidri Lotus Earrings
Handmade Cotton Batik Dress
- Prices are low, especially when considering each piece you buy helps a women who is struggling to stay on her feet.
- Buy on the website.
https://www.globalgirlfriend.com/gifts/site.do?siteId=344&site=&context=Artisan&subtext=Handmade
- Manufactured in New York City.
- “c. marchuska is an eco-friendly clothing line by Christine Marchuska and Brooke Bresnan, which provides chic and sustainable clothing at affordable prices. Manufactured in New York City, the clothing is designed to embody versatility throughout different trends and seasons in order to stay true to the sustainable fashion mantra of producing less waste. The sophisticated clothing with green benefits is the perfect match for the socially conscious woman that doesn’t want to sacrifice style, price or comfort to help save the planet.”
The sold, bright colors of the clothing at C.Marchuska will surely jump out at you, whether from the website or walking down the street. The fantastic hues are just one reason why New Yorkers love this brand. Blue, orange, red and even turquoise are common as well as the classic black and white. A young brand, it was started in November of 2008, founders Christine Marchuska and Brooke Bresnan are certainly making a splash with their form fitting (and flattering) dresses, shirts and skirts. Their take on the LBD comes in the Monika Dress which, as they say on the website, “is the perfect fitted chic dress for work or play.” They also offer a chic Live Green t-shirt with a twist, “vivons vert” is displayed across the chest in what else, green font, on either a white or a black shirt. That way you can be sure to let everyone know about your dedication to the green movement.
The Erin Dress
- The clothes are not cheap, most dresses coming in at $150-$200, but they will last for a lifetime.
- Order online or at a few retail stores listed on their website.
- Made in Chicago
- Vaure Couture (spelled for “haute couture” with a V for vegan, but said like “vote”) is the first apparel line to focus on developing high style high performance fashion with one major challenge – no animal derived materials.”
Yes, you did read that right. Vaute Couture, founded by animal lover Leanne Mai-Ly Hilgart, is a 100% vegan line of coats, shirts, tanks, jewelry and soon to be dresses. These are the definition of eco-chic; modern designs with classic shapes made to suit your body perfectly. It started out as a coat brand, Hilgart was frustrated with no vegan clothing available for the long Chicago winters. She has long been an activist for animal and environmental rights, and was surrounded by designs already from working as a model. The company did 8 months of research on textiles to find the right fabrics, and came up with recyclable and eco-friendly options. Even the buttons on the coats come from UK landfills. Everything is made in Chicago or made fair trade, which is very important to Hilgart. The tees and tanks come with quirky phrases such as “no animals are harmed in the making of this girl” and “V is for vegan.” My favorite is the peacoats, which come cute and flirty as well as more tailored. I cannot wait to see the hand painted, hand dyed organic cotton mini-dresses that will be released in the next collection.
- Prices don’t even come close to breaking the bank at $150 for coats and $30 for tanks and shirts.
- Buy online at their website.
- Made in L.A.
- “POPOMOMO stands for post-postmodern movement. Instead of floating in relative perspectives and endlessly reworking the past, Popomomo focuses on the new and true; creating idea — as opposed to trend — based pieces.”
Everything about Popomomo, from the inpiration behind it’s name, to what their clothes are called (The Date With Ned Dress…The Second Date With Ned Dress, as well as, Best Party Ever Dress) screams 2010 and the new generation. It is companies like this that the “hipster” teenagers of America thrive on, though no longer are these clothes only available to the youngsters. Loose, lazy pieces allow you to feel amazingly comfortable and look fantastic, though also like you haven’t tried at all (“Oh, this old thing?”). Reminiscent of Urban Outfitters, my favorite store when I have money to burn, I cannot get over the prints on their v-neck t-shirts and the dresses just waiting to be thrown on for a night on the town. You might think there is no way a brand this cool would be eco-chic, but you are wrong. They use 100% organic and sustainable fabrics, design and produce locally (L.A.), and use low-impact dyes, not to mention they even power their cars by recycling waste veggie oil. I know you cannot wait for the diet to be over, so in 70 days hurry and buy something, anything, from Popomomo. I know I will as soon as I my next paycheck is in the bank.
- The designer used to work for Free People and Urban Outfitters, so prices are comparable, but so worth it since all of these pieces are sustainable and we know exactly where they came from.
- Available at a few retailers in New York and California as well as online shops. A list is on the website.
- Made in California
- “We set out just to make great clothes during the process we discovered that: A single cotton t-shirt requires over 700 gallons of water to produce. A bamboo t-shirt requires 35 gallons. T-shirts made from recycled soda bottles consume a ½ gallon less gasoline than shirts made of virgin polyester. Conventional cotton production accounts for 25% of global insecticide use and 10% of global pesticide use, but it only represents 3% of global agriculture.…and we recognized a higher calling.”
These lightweight garments, made out of bamboo, not cotton, and recycled soda bottles, are the perfect addition to any wardrobe. Dresses, t-shirts, cardigans, track jackets and even boy-shorts are all produced with 1/2 the amount of water needed for making clothes out of cotton. The Spring/Summer 2010 collection is my favorite with The Bamboo Short Panel Dress (a light blue dress with green seam detailing you could wear on a girls night or to church) and The Bamboo Boyfriend Sweatshirt (a knit, off the shoulder piece that could go with jeans…or with nothing). Your husband and kids could shop here too; they have sweatshirts, shirts, boxers and sweats for men, and shirts and sweats for tots. Clothes come in solid prints as well as a modern plaid design and specked (think Robin’s Egg, just not blue). Enjoy their simple items that have the ability to be dressed up or down, or not at all. The company is 100% hands-on, from where they buy their yarn, to packaging their products. When learning that the dye factory they were using wasn’t disposing of their water properly, they switched to a different one that was even farther away so that they could be sure to be as eco-friendly as possible. Besides their fantastic clothes, there is nothing better than supporting a company as dedicated to the eco movement as this.
- Prices are on par with Banana.
- Sold Nationwide at Neiman Marcus and in a few boutiques in California, Colorado, Florida, Oregon and Texas. Also, purchase on their website.
- Everything is handmade in a studio in Vancouver, B.C.
- “Ashley Watson and her staff handcraft her one-of-a-kind leather products using exclusively recycled material. She began designing handbags with recycled leather in early 2005, inspired by the original features of soft and gently worn jackets purchased from charity thrift stores. She ultimately incorporates these features, such as pockets and seams, into each unique bag or wallet design.”
Ashley Watson bags are unique in a way that only eco-fashion can be. Looking at pictures of the bags, I can just feel the buttery, recycled leather underneath my fingers. With every bag handmade in Vancouver, B.C. you can be sure that all the care in the world has been put into it, especially with Ashley herself overseeing the entire process. The bags come in fantastic colors, such as bright blue, red, and deep purple; not even the tan is bland. I cannot imagine all the hours it takes to put the minute, but very important details on each bag. Every button and stitch is perfectly placed so that you are sure to get compliments whenever it is on your arm. She also offers wallets and some accessories as well, which includes makeup bags and beautiful belts.
The Plover Bag
- Prices comparable to some of the cheaper purses at Nordstrom, $200-$400.
- Sold online, as well as a few stores around the US and some overseas. Check the website for specifics.
- Hand made by Maasai women in Kenya
- “Based in The Rift Valley Kenya, East Africa, The Leakey Collection founders Katy and Philip Leakey, combine their talents in interior design and the arts with their love of nature to develop stunning handcrafted products for an international market.”
Created by Phillip and Katy Leakey, the youngest son, and his wife, of Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey. Who were Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey? Glad you asked! Louis and Mary Leakey are famous paleo-anthropologists, perhaps best known for establishing the human evolutionary link in Africa, and their work at Olduvai. A young Jane Goodall (think chimps), a personal hero, got her start under the tutelage of Louis Leakey. Philip and Katy Leakey, who live in the Kenyan bush among the Maasai, wanted to provide work opportunities and help the environment while honoring the local culture.
Why I love the line:
1. The colorful strands are light-weight, beautiful and fun to wear (I like to pile them on and mix and match)
2. The ingenious beads are eco-friendly and made by Maasai women in Kenya using a special grass (read the much richer background here)
3. Harvesting the grass helps preserve wetlands (the Maasai are historically a herding culture, there was a drought and their cattle don’t like “old” hard bits of grass — who would? Previously, the grasslands were burned to make way for new sprouts, destroying wetlands in the process)
4. Making the beads provides income for Maasai women, funds local education and helps put and keep Maasai kids in school
5. Did I mention the beautiful designs?
Multi-Strand Bracelet
Natural Fibre Necklace
- Not terribly expensive, and well worth the $40-$100 you will spend on a necklace that was made by hand in Kenya.
- Buy online and also at stores listed on their website.
http://www.leakeycollection.com/index.php
(Review by Amy Tucker)
- Made in USA
- “ANAMU designs utilize the timeless beauty of vintage and forgotten items to create new treasures.”
Vintage items are used to create beautiful purses, clutches and necklaces at Anamu. Creator Ana Maria uses “upcycled” scarves to make purses in a variety of prints. Each one has a delicate gold chain strap, and I can almost feel the satan of the scarves. They would go perfectly with any LBD and I’m sure it would become your go-to bag for a night out, with just enough room for phone, keys, breath mints and makeup. The necklaces are classic, sleek and modern and are offered at jaw-droopingly low prices. Their home products include magnets and push pins made out of the kind of buttons you would only expect on Marie Antoinette’s dresses. Coming soon are clutches made out of vintage cotton bandana’s with native prints. Remember the accessories loophole ladies, and start shopping at Anamu!
Scarf Clutch
Bow Tie Necklace
- The jewelry is cheap, at around $40 for quality necklaces and though the purses are a bit pricier, $80-$120, they are worth it.
- Order on their Esty shop, link on the website.
http://www.anamuonline.com/index.html
- All manufactured in USA
- “All garments use the finest 100% organic cotton yarns. All woven labels are 100% organic cotton. All hangtags are made of 100% recycled paper. All garments are manufactured in the USA, leaving behind a very small carbon footprint.”
Liv Grn makes simple shirts, tank tops, track jackets, shorts and sweat pants; all for the more casual dresser. The soft organic cotton makes them as comfortable as you can get, but with the Liv Grn logo splattered across every item, it’s not exactly work attire. Since logos are more for the younger generation, I suggest not even going there unless you are under 30. If you do fall into that age range however, the pieces are fun and especially perfect for the busy college student who hardly has time to put an outfit together before class. Their v-neck t-shirts would look fabulous layered underneath a cardigan for a weekend shopping trip; and the loungewear is great for hanging around the house, or dorms. With unique colors like teal and lavender, you are sure to draw all the right kinds of attention. Also, feel good about supporting the green cause since 10% of every sale is donated to Global Green, one of the largest and most recognized Green charities.
- Shirts range around $40-50 which might be a bit steep for myself, but when considering the benefits you can spend away, guilt-free.
- Available at retail stores listed on the website.
http://www.livgrn.com/index.html
- Made in India, fair trade
- “Organic fairly traded denim that is fully sustainable.”
This denim jean company, which is made out of organic fair trade cotton comes in three styles for men and women and a variety washes, including “raw,” an almost chocolaty color, and “charcoal,” which is deep grey. Not only does the company fully support their factory workers with fair wages, safe work and no child labor, they also support 210 orphans living in India and are working to stop human slavery and the sex trade industry. Eco Stiletto calls these, “the best-fitting organic denim jeans.” Your body will look just as good as you feel in these jeans, after you pick up a pair and enable them to continue their “good” work in India.
Boot Cut Jeans
- At only $99-118 a pair, you can afford to buy some for you and all your friends!
- Sold in stores in 12 states as well as some eco online stores. All found on their website.
- Made in the USA
- “reMade USA is a design company that upcycles used materials to make one-of-a-kind objects. Our mission is to create beautiful, long-lasting, well-made products that positively impact the environment, our users and our makers. All products are hand-crafted in the USA.”
The bags at reMade USA are to die for. They take used leather jackets that are found at Good Will or consignment stores and create pieces of art…that go on your arm. In gorgeous blacks, tans, and browns you will see fashion-forward purses for any type of woman. Duffles for the athletic woman, totes for the woman with a lot of stuff, fancier bags you can take to work, and even clutches. Besides the fact that these bags are 100% recycled, they are incredibly in-style. Purse after purse caught my eye, and I could just imagine them slung over my shoulder while shopping with the girls. Even better is that every bag is unique. Since they take individual jackets to make each purse, you can be sure that what you are getting is one-of-a-kind. They also offer to take your own personal leather jackets and turn them into a purse that you have a hand in designing. There is nothing better than turning your obsolete jacket from the 80’s into something that you can use everyday; and they also take $20 off the price when you supply your own jacket.
The Kearny Bag, one of my favorites.
- A variety of styles come in prices from $80 (clutches) too $350 (totes); extremely reasonable for something that can never be copied.
- Order on their website.
http://www.remadeusa.com/oneoffs.html
- Made and designed in LA.
- “Forged from 100% reclaimed metals, husband-and-wife design team Ashley Lowengrub and Dara Gerson’s striking, one-of-a-kind designs are equal parts art and accessory.”
The word Alkemie means, “the art of transforming something common into something precious,” and there is nothing common about the jewelry found at Alkemie. Stunning gold is formed into incredible shapes for their rings, earrings, cuffs and necklaces. The rings are heavier, and many in the shape of animals which has recently become a very popular form of jewelry design. Alkemie puts their own spin on it though, and I couldn’t help but want every piece I saw. Dainty loops connect the chains of many of their necklaces, an emblem hanging in the center. There is something for every style here, and there is even a men’s shop. Made out of 100% recycled metals, feel free to adorn yourself with 100% earth-friendly accessories at Alkemie.
Dragonfly Necklace
- Pieces come anywhere from $100-300, which means that they will probably not end up recycled again.
- Found in many stores around the world and in the US as well as online stores that are listed on the website.
- Designed and made in California
- “ecoSkin is a privately-held California apparel company offering chic, contemporary designs for the eco-conscious but fashion-savvy woman. Core to its planet-friendly mission, ecoSkin uses only environmentally sustainable luxury fabrics woven, dyed and sewn in the USA.”
My friends and I would shop at ecoSkin; pre-teens would shop at ecoSkin. My mother would shop at ecoSkin, and even my Aunt would shop at ecoSkin. That is only one of many appealing things about this earth-friendly brand made and designed in L.A. by industry veteran Sandy Skinner. Offering everything from casual shirts to evening-worthy dresses, there is something for everyone and every moment of your life. Outfits come in toned-down blues, reds and pinks as well as neutrals such as grey and beige. Their looser tunics and summer dresses caught my eye, and I know my mother would love the selection of wrap dresses; they are perfect for the office. The clothes are begging you to style them which allows fashion freedom and the ability for them to easily slip into any existing wardrobe. With Sandy closely watching every step of the process to make sure the clothes are made with environment in mind, you are sure to walk away feeling guilt-free and with a jump in your step that these flirty pieces will surely produce.
Twistflower Dress
- Prices are on par with Banana, though unlike Banana these items were not made in sweatshops in China, so overall a good deal.
- Sold in boutiques in 31 states as well as show rooms in LA and there is an online store.
http://www.ecoskincollections.com/ecoskin/index.html#
- Made in a family-owned factory in Mexico
- “At Green Bees, for every tire that is rescued from the landfill, four shoes are produced. Keeping in line with their planet-saving credo, Garcia and Clancy use only full-grain leathers that are byproducts of the meat industry and considered waste material. Tanned without formaldehyde or heavy metals, the leather is then crafted into bohemian-inspired footwear in a family-owned factory in Leon, Mexico.”
With soles made out of recycled tires, and the rest of the shoe made out of genuine leather, you cannot help but love this classic footwear. There are a limited number of styles, but most, such as the Molly Shoe, come in a wide range of colors. Old-fashioned loafers and boots that can be seen on the farm as well as the street are among what is offered. The Emma Boot, a short boot with small detailing on the leather was my favorite. And when makers Garcia and Clancy are donating a tree for every pair sold, there is no reason not to buy one of each!
The Erma Boot (left) and the Emma Boot (right).
- Reasonable prices, since leather is never cheap, but some of the newer sandal styles come for less.
- Can purchase online or at a few stores in California and limited other states. See website for details.
http://www.shopgreenbees.com/index.htm
- Made in US
- “Crafted solely in recycled EcoGold and conflict-free stones, and donates a percentage of sales to Women for Women International.”
These bright gold pieces speak for themselves and will jump out at you. Maker Danielle’s attention to detail is apparent in the placing of every last stone. The jewelry isn’t garish and made for show, it is delicate and intentional. I loved her Constellations Collection, which offers new versions of the classic astrology necklace. The star patterns are also available on rings and earrings. It’s surprising that it was the first collection for this accomplished designer.
The Leo Constellations ring.
- I would wait for an anniversary or Christmas to ask for these, with prices coming in at a minimum of $500.
- Buy at the online shop found on the website.
- Produced in L.A.
- “Doie was born from the idea that it is possible to be stylish and comfortable while still helping to protect the environment. Each versatile piece is made from earth friendly fabrics such as bamboo jersey, organic cotton, organic wool, or 100% silk.”
Designed by a Parson’s school graduate (yes, the same one from Project Runway), you’d expect Doie to be effortlessly chic, and it does not disappoint. The classy silk shirts of the NYC and Paris Collections will always be in demand and the Los Angeles and California Collections offer summery pieces, perfect for the beach or a Saturday afternoon with the family. This is the ultimate find; run, don’t walk. Earlier collections are not necessarily to my taste, and certainly not for the fashionably-safe, but I encourage you to take a look if only to admire the designs. The website includes write ups on all the fabric used, so you know exactly what you are wearing and where it comes from.
A shirt from the NYC Collection.
- Most items have incredible sale prices, almost reminiscent of Old Navy or H&M. Get it before they are all snatched up!
- Available in 21 states and a variety of online stores, all found on the website.
- Made in Guatemala, but all their factories are WRAP (Worldwide Recognized Apparel Production) certified, monitored, and inspected regularly which means they meet the standards for fair wages, employee safety, and child labor.
- “We exist to make better clothing in a better way. To make you look and feel better. To make the Earth a cleaner place. Our process is better because we recycle. What do we recycle? Well, anything and everything…as long as that thing can be used to make high-quality clothes. That’s the key. We never treat making better clothes and helping our environment as two separate things.”
- Prices are amazing, similar to Gap, which when I tell you they are eco-friendly and probably better made, really puts things into perspective.
- Purchase on their website.
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