Green Options

Rock Angelina Jolie’s leather look without the guilt by exploring eco-friendly alternatives and how to wear them with sophistication for a sexy fall ensemble.

When Alison Rothwell’s youngest daughter developed severe baby eczema, she searched for eczema-friendly baby clothing.

Rothwell observed when she wore organic cotton baby clothing, it helped relieve her eczema.  After she outgrew her organic babywear, Rothwell shopped for funky organic kids clothing and couldn’t find any she fancied.  So the UK-based Rothwell decided to create her own and Arabella Miller was born.

Nothing softens the chill of cold weather like wrapping up in a warm, wooly scarf. This season’s best eco picks are cleverly embellished with flora-inspired prints, natural buttons and exquisite lacy detail. Organic cotton is a choice material as well as ultra-soft light weight organic alpaca.

1. Alena Hennessy
Organic cotton adorned with queen anne’s lace using earth friendly ink, $34 at  www.alenahennessy.com

Going green isn’t as difficult as it used to be with the array of vegetarian delights and eco-friendly products available on the market today, and environmentally-conscious clothing is becoming as popular as the fashions themselves. But M641 takes it one step further with a philosophical approach to designing clothes that are living, breathing representations of the spirit, passion, and friendship that created them.  For Ina and Subu, earth-minded fashion is about a lifestyle — not a trend — and the result is a stunning experience in heart couture. 

I had an opportunity to talk with Ina, one of the founders of M641, and learned more about the designs, the philosophy and the friendship that foster feel good fashions and plaid with a pulse.

Hot eco designer/architect Oliver Heath is offering a chance to receive his design and style advice for free!

Got a question about converting an eco home?

Decorating on a budget?

Sustainable interior design?

Submit your home style design question by November 12th on the EcoCentric website to win a personal email response from Oliver, and get some professional advice to sort out your eco design problems.

This is an incredible chance to put a little eco style into your life for free!

Just today, Payless ShoeSource announced plans to launch the first-ever affordable green footwear line expected in stores early next year.  They’ve also signed an agreement with Summer Rayne Oakes, Discovery Network’s Planet Green fashion and beauty expert, author of Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion & Beauty, and model for many eco-fashion labels and was recently named “One Gorgeous Environmental Activist” by Allure Magazine, to serve as the green footwear brand’s Eco Consultant.

Early 2007 Organic Bouquet CEO Gerald Prolman predicted that by Valentine’s Day 2012, the U.S. market for environmentally-friendly flowers will exceed $100 million, as Americans spent $230 billion each year on environmentally responsible purchases. In 2005 the U.S. organic market was estimated to be worth $14.6 billion in annual sales, growing at approximately 17% per year. Clearly, this is not a passing fad as organic flowers are now the fastest growing sector of the non-food organic market.

Organic Bouquet, based in San Rafael, California, was successfully launched nationwide in August 2002. The business originated with the goal to establish the national market for organic flowers. But cofounder Prolman said it was hard convincing growers to convert. However thankfully, the pursuits of combined commitments, charitable fund-raising partnerships, and determination resulted in a reliable certified organic distribution system.

The most exciting fashion aspect of recycling is art. Wearing art as jewelry is common, but not so true when it comes to clothing. It takes a special talent to make stylish clothes from recycled materials, — an artistic talent.

Hence, I am honored to introduce you to Thai designer Nunthirat “Koi” Suwannagate, who approaches her work through the prism of art. Each piece she designs is a completely unique, one-of-a-kind handmade garment, and reflects her own personal vision.

Koi has a thing for vintage cashmere and incorporates the recycled material into her collections. Her signature style is to hand-sculpt the cashmere into fabulous rosette appliques. She also designs with organic cotton and silk. The combination is a richness and superior softness that Koi says is the epitome of luxury and pure indulgence.

Koi’s talent to enhance and beautify the natural contours of the female body are obvious, but less emphasized in the press. I think it’s because each admirer is hypnotized over the construction details, and speak less of the drape that allows fluid movement and ultimate comfort. Yet the press is dishing loads of favorable reviews from the pages of W and WWD, Vogue, Bazaar, and much more.

I often think about how ‘feel good’ a one-stop shop online would be if it could really answer my call for Style. Just imagine, eco-friendly cosmetics, jewellery, clothing, all the things every girl looks for, under a single cyber roof. Folks, I have good news: Eco Zen Boutique, a socially conscious, Arizona based green fashion boutique owned and operated by eco-preneur Tandy Stepp, has recently opened a new online store at ecozenboutique.com.

There are many reasons to overcome fashion’s destructive downside.

Sustainable bag reporting continues from Part I. There are so many great choices!

Muumuu Heaven is a shop located on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii. The family-run business got so busy producing eco-conscious and original women’s apparel from recycled Hawaiian garments, they decided to collaborate with another designer for bags to stock.

Kauai is a neighbor island, same state of Hawaii, where Denise Tjarks structures new life also from old muumuu, aloha shirts and fabric remnants. Word is spreading so fast, it’s impossible to share an exclusive not sold. But you get the idea from these two illustrations. Above is Maia, the pretty green plant print. Below that is the reverse side, an orange small floral print. Both reversible option sides are made from vintage mu’umu’us circa 1970.