PHOTO BY PR PHOTOs (Angelina Jolie in sexy black leather mini dress at Inglorious Bastards premiere) If there is one fall/winter garment Angelina Jolie knows how to work, it’s leather. In fact, aside from her lips, it’s probably the most well-known feature on her body.  And there is no doubt that, for fall 2009, leather is in. Unfortunately, the material stirs up about as much controversy as some of the larger-than-life celebrities that wear it. If you’re vegan, an animal rights activist, or just plain socially-conscious, leather is a material you’ve learned to live without…until now. Eco-fashion has finally caught up to demand and there are now ethical options for leather and leather-like clothing and accessories. In this 3-part series, I’ll give you the scoop on:

1.where to find ethical leather options
2.how to avoid looking gaudy in leather (no chaps for this lady!)
3.the #1 hottest, must-have leather piece that will pull any look together

Let’s start with exploring more ethical sources for leather…

Read more of this story »

With autumn in full swing, I caught up with Deana Bracken, designer and owner of Green With Glamour, to get a take on this season’s eco-stylish trends.

Check out her top picks to get a read on what’s current..

Read more of this story »

But don’t get glum, chum! Cleaning up your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean replacing your funky tops or flirty skirts with half a dozen beige t-shirts and drab, shapeless dresses. The proof - if you need it - can be found at Ecouterre, the new online magazine from Inhabitat founder Jill Farhrenbacher.

Read more of this story »

As a young girl, I was in love with Nancy Drew. Being inspired in sixth grade by Nancy’s sleuth skills I wrote my own mystery (starring myself) and called it, “The Mystery of the Purple Polka Dot Pajamas.” Lizz Wasserman, owner/designer of popomomo, herself inspired, created a fall fashion line with Miss Drew in mind. For some reason, and please correct me if I’m wrong, I think popomomo’s fall line will kick my sixth grade book’s buttocks.

Read more of this story »

Once upon a time, a young woman, oh let’s just call her Emily, was vintage shopping. She tried on garment after garment, in love with their colors, styles and worn appeal, yet nothing fit. She held handfuls of fabric behind her back, yanked hems up a couple inches, glared at long droopy sleeves and was saddened by puckered torsos. The girl, completely frustrated, left the store in a huff, dreaming of vintage items that couldn’t be bought.

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as finding that beautiful vintage item that no one else owns. However, it’s disappointing when it doesn’t fit quite right. Maybe it’s too long, the sleeves are too big or it’s shaped like a large square. Deborah Brosenne, owner of Taxi CDC, a.k.a. vintage re-constructor extraordinaire, excels in making vintage items new again by deconstructing and designing them into a perfect fit.

Read more of this story »

Not long after working for Eco-Tique, an eco-friendly fashion boutique in St. Paul, Minnesota, I began rummaging the internet for fantastic eco-friendly designers that struck my fancy. About a day or so into my search I came across She-Bible; my heart stopped. I had found my organic soul-mate. All of us ladies at Eco-Tique went a bit gaga for She-Bible and immediately began selling the spring garments at the store.

Since finding She-Bible I’ve had my eye on quite a few items, pining over them each day with or without drool running down my chin, a couple of them being The Faithfull Pantsuit and The Bandit Scarf. I’m pleased to announce, for my birthday, I purchased both these items and am overflowing with bliss. Everything I’ve bought from She-Bible (six items- I like to keep track of my She-Bible closet count) has exceeded my expectations, always modern, artistic, unique and inspiring. 

Read more of this story »

Necklush is quite possibly a gift from God made by the hands of two men, Stephano Diaz and Troy Mattison Hicks. The Necklush (patent pending) was created in Brooklyn, NY and was first sold on the streets of NYC. Now available on Etsy, Supermarket, online retailers, and the duo’s very own site it’s sure to win over any accessory addict, like myself.

Necklush can be worn by males or females all year round making it an essential eco-friendly accessory. Each scarf (print included) is handmade to order, use only non-toxic inks and many colors are available in organic cotton!

• Natural with any print
• Dusty Blue with any print
• Creamy White
• Black with Silver
• Brown with White
• Banana

Read more of this story »

When it comes to eco-friendly fashion, there are two things that ring my bell: Affordability and outside-the-box thinking. Few companies have managed to impress me the way HT Naturals has on both of these counts.

Take their polyester for starters. Often, customers walk into Eco-tique in St. Paul (where Nature of Beauty is housed), look at the HT Naturals long-sleeve t-shirts, see that they’re 50% polyester, and ask skeptically, “How on earth that can be eco-friendly?” The answer:

Read more of this story »

I doubt that carrying a chic, designer bag topped your list. 

But with all of the eco-minded designers popping up, using alternative materials to craft high-end, contemporary creations worthy of a runway romp, you can do your part to save the planet, and look stylish doing it.

Here is a list of the must-have sleek and sustainable haute couture handbags available for the eco-savvy shopper:

Read more of this story »

I got a chance to get the scoop on her inspiration and objectives and couldn’t wait to share them with the FGS readers. Keep reading to hear about her Fashion Week eco-find and what gets her going to inspire other green fashion mavens.

Read more of this story »

“LuxGreenLiving.com stemmed from the increasing consumer demands we have experienced with each new Toggery collection; our goal was to find a way to provide consumers with the best selection and to make it as easy as possible for them to purchase online. It then occurred to us to take it one step further and create a site that could become known for offering the best quality and style in all things organic. 

Read more of this story »

Dig ‘N’ Swap

Dig ‘N’ Swap has a new solution

Read more of this story »

Models, designers and media will all be offered emission-free transportation to and from the shows courtesy of Aveda branded petty cabs; organic & locally sourced food is being served to models, stylists, makeup artists and production crews backstage; all use of fur is being eliminated; show invitations and programs are being printed on post-consumer recycled paper; and they’re replacing all bottled water (400 p/show on average) with reusable SIGG bottles that will be filled with NYC tap water (which is actually some of the most pure in the US believe it or not).

Read more of this story »

Literally and figuratively, these are the Best Green Dresses Of Summer that can easily be integrated into an early Fall wardrobe as well.  Find out where you can snag one or all for yourself below (at great prices too):  

1. Perfectly Imperfect: “Cecielia” dress in Leaf.  This dress is so popular that every vendor whose carried it has sold out.  If it’s a must-have for you too, contact PI directly to find out if there is one out there that hasn’t been snatched up yet: www.pi-tees.com. 

2. deux fm: “Betty Long” dress in Teal.  Tencel/lycocell blend.  On Sale: Was $150/Now $75 at Kaight. 

Read more of this story »

The collection is said to be vintage-inspired and will be named “Bootheel Trading Co. by Sheryl Crow”. No launch date has been announced, but rumor has it she’s flying to Australia this October to meet with her partners about the line.

Read more of this story »

Karen Stewart and Howard Brown, partners in life and work, call themselves “Organic Pioneers” because when they began in 2002 there wasn’t much demand for things like sustainable fabrics and eco-conscious style.  They decided to break out of the typical textile mold, had a vision for something greater and have undoubtedly been trailblazers in the industry. 

I was given an exclusive sneak peak of their Fall Collection which hits stores within the next couple weeks.  You can expect the same quality craftsmanship and romantic looks that are quintessential Stewart+Brown. 

Last week I had the opportunity to interview Howard Brown.  Check out the interview below…

Read more of this story »

Fashioned from street banners, billboards and wallscapes used at events and typically made with non-biodegradable materials to withstand wind and rain that would typically end up in landfills, the company neatly cuts and folds the scavenged materials into functional form.

Versatile

Photo courtesy of Green With Glamour:

Made in the USA with remnant silk

“This is my go-to dress for the season! The taupe-ish grey color, the feminine-without-being-fussy silhouette, the sublime, remnant silk construction and the versatile wearability are all components of a very special piece. Whether I opt for flat boots and blazer or tights, heels and a leopard-print cardigan… this dress is the perfect Fall piece for easy chic!”

Artsy, Elegant Classics

Photo courtesy of Green Diva:

Hand hammered hoops made with 100% recycled silver

“I’m a hoop earrings girl… always have been, going to assume I always will be. I wear mine everywhere from the Farmer’s Market to an evening on the town! From dresses to jeans, hair up or hair down, these silver hammered hoops are always appropriate and stylish. Deliciously lightweight, they have an artsy elegance that works as well with my feminine, yesteryear vibe for this Fall as they will when I go back to my 60s/70s caftans for Spring!”

About the Author
Katherine is an eco-enthusiast and owner of Green Diva, a socially-responsible jewelry boutique that uses ethical materials exclusively; such as recycled precious metals, Fair Trade gems and pearls, organic elements and reclaimed materials.