I recently hosted an event at Pivot where Chicago designer Annie Novotny of Frei Designs demonstrated how she naturally dyes some of her garments and accessories with pomegranate juice. First, select a 100% pure juice (no sugars or additives). Pour the juice in a large bowl and add some vinegar and water. The vinegar helps to set the color and also adds brown into the hue.

Let your garment (Annie was dyeing scarves at our event) sit as long as you like, depending on the desired color. Next put the item in a hot salt water bath to set the dye. Then rinse in cold water until the water runs clear. Dry the item, and then finally press it with a hot iron.

Pretty simple, right? Annie acknowledges, that yes, after some time and washings the color might fade. But, if you are unhappy with how your item is aging - simply get some more pomegranate juice. I myself think that this process is a simple reminder of the impermanence of our environment and resources.

Clearly, you don’t need to be a designer to try this out on your own. Have some white pants you love, but just can’t bear to wear them with that tiny stain you can’t get out? Give them new life with a fresh color!

A Dyer’s Garden is a handy resource for more ideas on other materials to use.

This is one reason I opened Pivot, a boutique devoted to organic and sustainable fashion in Chicago, last September. Prior to starting Pivot, I was working as a journalist with a fashion focus.

Through my research and reporting I discovered the developing and intriguing world of eco-fashion. I became fascinated with the fabrics and designers who were choosing to create collections that were not only beautiful, but also conscious of the environment. To me, this was simply smart. If you can have both fashion and regard for the earth, then why wouldn’t you?

So, while usually descriptors such as “green,” “eco-friendly,” or “earth-friendly” are used to refer to fabrics such as organic cotton, lyocell, peace silk or bamboo, I prefer to point out that they are just smarter alternatives.

I wanted to wear these fabrics, I wanted to support the designers and most importantly I wanted to share my excitement with others. I’ve always considered myself to be a “connector” of sorts. I love it when I can introduce someone to another person or resource that can help them.

After recognizing that Chicago was lacking an eco-boutique and a retail environment dedicated to promoting and growing the industry, I realized that opening a store would be the best way for me to share my enthusiasm and passion with the city. And that’s how I came to eat, breathe and sleep eco-fashion.

For the past seven months I have so enjoyed introducing customers to new materials, processes and the designers leading the way. Now I’m delighted to be part of Feelgood Style to continue advancing smarter fashion. I bring a very commercial and consumer-driven point of view to this blog, as every day I’m trying to find new lines that my customers will love, designs that will work for real lifestyles and bodies, and information on products that makes sense. I look forward to connecting you with smart, fashionable finds!