eco chic – EcoSalon

4 Ways to Be Certain You’re Investing in Eco-Friendly Clothing

Mariana Leung — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 09:00:27 +0000

We love style. We love fashion. We also want to make sure our sartorial choices do little damage to the world as we can. Eco-friendly clothing manufacturers throw around terms like “conscientious” and “sustainable fashion”, but what does that really mean?

There are plenty of fashion designers that describe themselves as eco-friendly. While brands may use it as part of their marketing plan, are they really good for the environment?

How do you choose sustainable fashion?

1. Shop Low Impact Dying

While many fabrics may start out as sustainable fibers, the finishing process can cancel that out pretty quickly. Organic cottons quickly lose their earthy appeal when chemical dyes and formaldehyde are used to treat them. South Carolina-based Gaia Conceptions grows its own plant and pigment-based dyes made from natural sources to color its clothing. These are great for both the planet and the wellness of the person wearing them. The company also uses fiber reactive dyes. These are developed for higher absorption rates so chemicals are not needed to fix them to the fiber. This also means that less water is wasted or used.

2. Let the fabric suit the fashion

Fashion fans love silk as a luxury fabric. Unfortunately, many don’t realize that typical silk manufacturing involves boiling and killing the silk worms after they have produced the fibers. Peace silk or vegan silk is a fabric made only with silk fiber casings only after the worms have emerged and moved on. This is a much more humane practice but costly. To keep it truly eco, peace silk should be bought in natural colors. This makes peace silk an ideal choice for green weddings. Conscientious brides often have a natural aesthetic for their wedding and are willing to splurge on the perfect dress. Boutiques like The Cotton Bride in Brooklyn, New York are committed to using such fabrics. Their wedding gowns are even sewn in-house.

fair labor artisan weaving eco-friendly fashion textiles

3. Respect the maker

We hear a lot about Fair Trade and fair labor practices. Is there a way to really know if your dress was made by a happy seamstress? You can support that ethos by shopping from designers that work with organizations like the Ethical Fashion Initiative, a joint project with the United Nations. You can check if your brand is accredited by the Fair Labor Association. These organizations ensure that workers have decent working conditions and wages. Some companies like Satara go a step further in providing skills training and financial guidance. Its website even allows you to find the individual woman who made your garment. The fashion industry has enabled many women in third world countries to improve their quality of life and become financially independent.

4. Wear Fabrics Made from Recycled Fiber

Buying a jacket that helps empty the landfills of all those plastic bottles? That is fabulous. Patagonia was one of the first major clothing manufacturers to work with PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fabrics. Its patented Polartec fabric is a form of polyester. While a synthetic, petroleum-based textile sounds like the opposite of eco-friendly, PET’s main strength is that it uses recycled fibers to produce. Recycling garbage like plastic bottles and collected old garments to make this fabric cuts down on the energy and fossil fuels needed to make it compared to traditional polyester. While this may not please organic trendsetters, this should make upcycled and recycled fashion fans happy.

What sustainable fashion boils down to is often what your Eco-friendly clothing is boiled in. Many fibers can be farmed or produced in a sustainable way, but the finishing is what makes or breaks its Eco cred. Also, think about who is doing the boiling. Guests are afraid to mistreat a chef at a restaurant handling their food. Wouldn’t you want to make sure the person making our clothing is happy too?

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Images: Mariana Leung

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5 Eco-Friendly Celebrities We Love…Rocking the Green Life with Style

Leena Oijala — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 09:00:30 +0000

These 5 environmentally aware and active eco-friendly celebs are rocking the green life with sustainable style.

1. Alicia Silverstone

Alicia Silverstone may have played your favorite ‘9os high school romedy character, but she is far from clueless when it comes to eco friendly and green living.

As the founder of sustainable lifestyle platform The Kind Life, Alicia offers up a bevvy of recipes, news on animal rights, eco style tips and reflections on life as an earth loving mama. We especially love her recent blog post on kind winter and fall coats from eco fashion label VAUTE!

2. Emma Watson

Recently lauded for her gender equality speech given to the UN General Assembly, the newly nominated 24-year old Women’s Goodwill Ambassador already has many socially and environmentally aware causes under her belt. Having worked with eco fashion label People Tree, designer Alberta Ferretti and Green Carpet Challenge founder Livia Firth, it’s clear that Miss Watson has a passion for sustainable fashion and the well-being of the earth and its people. Last year she also became an ambassador for Camfed, an organization educating and creating leadership opportunities for girls and women in Africa.

3. Leonardo di Caprio

The Leonardo di Caprio Foundation has been campaigning for the health of our oceans, rainforests, Antarctica and our access to clean water since 1998. He’s been named as the UN Messnger of Peace on Climate Change, and is actively involved in protecting endangered species and humanitarian work. To top it off, this original heartthrob wears the latest in men’s eco chic fashion, supporting made in USA brands. Oh, and apparently his NYC pad is one of the most eco-efficient urban dwellings on the planet. We’d love to be invited over for dinner!

4. Jessica Alba

This Golden Globe-nominated actress is also the founder of The Honest Co., an online platform dedicated to helping moms give their children a healthier and safer life by offering environmentally friendly products for newborns and toddlers. Alba has incorporated eco friendly products and habits into her lifestyle, and is actively involved in charities such as Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, ONE, Habitat for Humanity, Project HOME and more.

5. Adrian Grenier

This eco advocate / blue-eyed babe is so committed to the environment that he launched a show based on the subject called Alter Eco. In 2009 he also joined forces with film producer Peter Glatzer to launch a multi-media platform called SHFT that focuses on sustainably chic living. Mr. Grenier is also a dedicated advocate of animal rights and environmental protection, aiding and volunteering for organizations such as the International Bird Rescue and PETA.

Who are your favorite eco-friendly celebrities?

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Being an actor and heartthrob just isn’t enough for Entourage star Adrian Grenier: he’s dedicated himself to becoming an eco-advocate too. After contemplating how he could best use his fame to the planet’s advantage, he collected a real-life posse of friends, actors and experts to come together on his environmentally focused TV show, Alter Eco.

The eco-lifestyle and makeover series premiered on Planet Green in 2008, and is still going strong. “It’s a show about finding creative ways to have fun that happen to be good for the environment,” he says. Easy, accessible and creative, the solutions suggested can be applied to our lives in easiest of ways. Check out an episode on Eluxe TV, here.

Yet, in the 21^st century, a TV series itself isn’t enough to really connect with an audience, so Adrian and film producer Peter Glatzer joined forces in 2009 to create the multi-media platform, SHFT www.shft.com, whose aim to to allow the public to approach sustainable living in a more accessible format. The website features video, design and fashion inspiration to encourage all-round, better green lifestyles.

Importantly, Adrien doesn’t just make programs about how others can help the environment, but he practices what he preaches too. He’s been active in several eco-campaigns on several issues, ranging from climate change to saving the endangered bluefin tuna, and he’s as green as he can be in his personal life–to site just a few examples, his house is surrounded by plants and trees he dug in himself; he drives a hybrid car, and his home is energised by solar panels.

He even launched a beer business, called the Churchkey Can Co, which offers beer in 100 percent recyclable steel cans, which instead of using pull tabs (which can harm wildlife), use an old-fashioned churchkey instead. Grenier insisted on steel cans because these have a higher recycling rate than aluminium, and because recycled steel saves 75 percent of energy compared to raw materials.

How did this star become so eco-conscious? He cites his mother, who met his father in a commune and ‘was a bit of a hippy,’ as a huge inspiration in his eco-awareness, claiming that she raised him surrounded by greenery (in New Mexico) and always pointed out the importance of clean air, water and living habitats, not just locally, but globally.

Talented, kind, gorgeous and he loves his mama? The man couldn’t be more perfect.

– See more at: http://eluxemagazine.com/people/adrian-grenier-green-and/#sthash.inNUuLuI.dpuf

Talented, kind, gorgeous and he loves his mama? The man couldn’t be more perfect.

– See more at: http://eluxemagazine.com/people/adrian-grenier-green-and/#sthash.inNUuLuI.dpuf

Talented, kind, gorgeous and he loves his mama? The man couldn’t be more perfect.

– See more at: http://eluxemagazine.com/people/adrian-grenier-green-and/#sthash.inNUuLuI.dpuf

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5 One Piece Swimsuits for Sizzlin’ Summer Days

Leena Oijala — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 09:00:41 +0000

Make a splash this July in one of our top 5 swimsuits for those sweltering hot summer days!

Eco-friendly swimsuits and bikinis are making their way to the mainstream in a big way this summer, with our favorite brands offering up a range of styles and colors that are right on trend. From sultry maillots, barely there cut-outs, and more modest tube suits and halters, eco chic swimsuits are your ticket to a cool and conscious poolside or beach experience.

1. In the Wave One Piece by Odina

Sexy but suitable for surfing and swimming all day long, this one piece from Odina is made entirely from recycled materials. Manufactured with sea-respecting love in California, all Odina suits are designed to be surfed throughout the world. The T-back halter and booty short will stay on even in the biggest of waves, while the cut out detail adds a touch chic sensuality. Odina, $140

2. Deep U Shape One Piece by Bantu

Sexy, sleek and simple, this one piece from South African label Bantu is just as gorgeous as it is comfortable. Available in various prints, the elegant design shows off just enough skin but also stays on in the water – you can even wear it as a top to and from the beach! Made from traditional African wax cloth designs by local artisans, helping support ethical and sustainable local business. Bantu, $185

3. Milano One Piece Swimsuit by La Blanca

Stay cool in this cute and chic monokini from La Blanca, whose designs are sophisticated yet playful. The suit is designed to flatter curves with ample and well-placed shirring, and offers great support for ample chested women. We love the simple black and white design, and think it would be perfect paired with a floppy hat and some bright red lipstick.

Bloomingdale’s, $99

4. Fashion Wrap Monokini by Mallory Curlee

Undeniably chic, this monokini from eco friendly designer Mallory Curlee is dramatic and drop-dead gorgeous. The excess fabric can be fashioned in numerous ways, while the attached, high-waist brief is elegant and modest. Better suited for lounging by the pool or picnicking on the beach, this suit can nonetheless take you from morning tanning sessions to dinner and a night out. Made entirely by hand in the USA from recycled materials.

Mallory Curlee, $275

5. Shirred Swimdress by Eco Swim

Modest but romantic, this shirred swimdress is forgiving, feminine and so easy to wear. Part of Eco Swim’s new 2014 collection, this suit is made from recycled materials and part of the proceeds go toward dolphin protection and research for sea life preservation. Perfect for a strap-free tan line!

Nordstrom, $128

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7 Adorably Cute Crop Tops Just in Time for Summer

Leena Oijala — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 09:00:00 +0000

Finally, cute crop tops are here for another summer – rock them eco-chic style this season with our favorite finds!

Who doesn’t love cute crop tops? They just scream summer–but, you know, in that cute, quiet summer breeze kind of way.

We’ve rounded up 7 of our favorite cute crop tops from eco-friendly brands and designers.

1. Leaf Tank Print by Samantha Pleet The scalloped edges on this sweet and sensual crop tank are right in line with summer’s tropical print trends. Perfect to pair with high waist denim shorts, a skater skirt or matching shorts like in the pic above. Made from organic cotton and designed, cut and sewn in New York’s Garment District. $119, Samantha Pleet

2. Ohana Silk Top by The Reformation If LA’s hot, new eco fashion brand The Reformation knows how to do one thing right, it’s crop tops. We love the chill and chic Ohana Top made from surplus silk, since its pretty much easy to wear with just about anything. It’s comfortable, but sexy enough to pair with a loose fit jeans or trousers for a effortlessly cool look. $118, The Reformation

3. Barrosa Crop Tee by Loomstate If you’re looking for something easy and breezy, this super cute reversible crop tee from Loomstate is just the ticket. Choose between the calmer emerald green or eye-catching lime green depending on your mood and the occasion. This top is made from eco friendly Tencel, which is amazingly soft and makes for a great after beach cover up (in case you burned your back..) $54, Loomstate

4. Nina Cropped Bustier Top by A Piece Apart The geometric cube print on this quirky but sexy bustier top is a cross between modern Mexico and fiesta colored paper flowers. We love it’s juxtaposed simplicity and attractive dizzying factor that will no doubt turn heads when donned on the sunny streets or summer festivals. Made from cotton and designed and manufactured in NYC. $295, A Piece Apart

5. Tie-Front Americana Top by AFIA The tie-front crop top is a classic, and one that we’re so glad is back this season! Afia’s rendition is a gorgeous v-neck design made out of two tone geometric and stripe print wax cotton from Ghana. Throw it over your bikini for a beach cover up, pair it with some safari shorts for a summer BBQ or a simple maxi skirt for a boho look. $50, AFIA

6. Shelby Top by The Reformation Okay, so we had to add another top from The Reformation because they have so many cute ones! The lace Shelby Top made from surplus rayon blend is romantic, alluring and embodies the perfect amount of French chic meets LA cool. Wear it with a pencil skirt for an elegant look, or a pair of leather shorts or faded denim for a rougher edge. $118, The Reformation

7. Move Keep Your Cool Crop Tank by Alternative Apparel This is the perfect top for those sweaty summer work outs – it’s made from a breathable eco gauze jersey, is super lightweight and the open back is a nice touch. Choose from yellow, grey or black, pair with your favorite work out shorts or capris and off you go! $32, Alternative Apparel

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4 Easy to Get Eco Chic Looks for Festival Season

Leena Oijala — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 07:00:04 +0000

Get geared for 2014’s festival season with these 4 eco chic outfit ideas.

This year’s festival season has officially taken off with the likes of SXSW and Coachella already under our belts where edgy, casual cool and street style reign supreme. Take a cue from this year’s festival going trendsetters and gear up with some gorgeous jumpsuits, pretty prints, bright colors and sensible sandals from our favorite eco chic fashion designers, and get ready to party in style.

1. Chaotically Chic
Festivals are your opportunity to go bold and be noticed. To make a statement, choose bright colors and popping patterns that will turn heads. Keep yourself comfortable in a pair of SWASH leggings, perfect with a funky top like C of C’s Miriem Black Tank with its cute puffy details. Both items can be found at Beklina, an awesome online store featuring sustainable independent designers.

2. Girl Next Door
This super cute ensemble from Prairie Underground is perfect for a gal who loves comfortable, simple and carefree outfit that will take you through an entire festival weekend. The logomania dress and girdle capri from the Summer 2014 collection are great together, but also work well as separates with a simple tee or tank, making many outfits out of one look. Shop it at any store that carries Prairie Underground!

3. Cute & Cropped
We absolutely love this colorful, knit crop top from Kaight NYC. Made from hand loomed Indian raw silk and knit in NYC, we think it’s perfect for those mid summer festivals. Pair it with leggings or cute shorts like these high-waisted chambray shorts made by hand in Oakland, also available at Kaight NYC.

4. Jump it Up
Chic, unique and totally cool, the Maxwell jumper from NYC based designer Ilana Kohn is your ticket to the most awesome festival look of the year. Cinch it with a skinny belt, slip some wooden bangles on to your arms, some wedge sandals (or flats for longer days) on your feet and you’re set to go!

5. Nonchalant Vixen
This look is sleek, sexy and totally effortless – don a handmade Sea and Sky tunic by San Franciscan Sarah Hinz, with a pair of natural leather and recycled tire sandals from Avarcas. Top it all of with some big gold jewelry, and a pair of hot pants (for modesty) and you’ll fit right in at the next Bohemian event.

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Images: Thomas Hawk, Avarcas, Sea and Sky, Prairie Underground, Beklina, KaightNYC

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10 New Year’s Resolution Tips for Your Eco-Chic Closet

Leena Oijala — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 08:00:08 +0000

Step into 2014 with a fabulous, fresh and eco-chic closet!

Does your wardrobe need an update or a bit of pizzazz for the New Year? We’ll we’ve got some advice for you – this year’s resolution can start in your very own closet, and turn into one of the most enjoyable, creative and chic New Year’s commitments you’ve ever made. Read through our 10 fantastic and simple tips to turn your closet into an eco-friendly fashion phenomenon.

1. Get ready to sift through it all
First things first, which means you’ll have to actually know what’s in your closet before you can deal with it. We recommend setting aside a free day or evening dedicated to closet cleaning, and gathering some boxes for anything you are planning on taking to the local thrift store or charity shop.

2. Take it all out
This means taking everything (and yes, we mean EVERYTHING) out of your closet. Make sure you have enough room in your room to do this, cleaning up and putting things away before gutting out your closet.

3. Organize all your clothes into sections
Organize your clothes in away that makes sense to you, but doesn’t get too complicated. Place t-shirts in one place, pants in another, dresses in another, and so on. If you’re really into organizing, you can even color code your clothes, but do what works best for you to save time in the mornings and keep clutter at bay.

4. Use the 20/80 rule
This means that you’ll have to evaluate which clothes and accessories you actually wear, and the ones that spend most, if not all, of their time in your closet. The average American wears about 10 to 20 percent of their clothing, so do yourself a favor and set aside anything that you only wear 20 to 0 percent of time for the boxes.

5. Arrange a clothes swap with friends
Your unused or discarded clothes might be treasures for your best friends, and you may find the perfect party dress or office shirt in their thrift store box, so set up a swapping party. Make it a girl’s night with some tunes, drinks and delicious snacks!

6. Upcycle!
Maybe you just can’t part with that favorite, old tee or pair of jeans that you never wear because they’re so worn out. Refashion them into a stylish new addition to your wardrobe with one of the several online upcycling tutorials, or play around with your own designs to come up with something completely unique.

7. Learn how to make do and mend
In our consumption oriented, throw-away culture, fixing our torn or holey garments isn’t a pastime many aspire to. But learning how to sew a tear or patch a hole can be so rewarding, and well worth the effort to repair your favorite sweater or pretty dress. You’ll probably save some money too!

8. Blend simplicity with great accessories
Basics like black trousers, simple tees, A-line dresses and sweaters are fantastic staples for your closet, since they can be dressed up or down with quirky, decorative or bold jewelry, scarves, belts and cover ups.

9. Go for the eco-chic alternative

Is there an essential garment of accessory you need to top off your 2014 look, or maybe your missing some basics for layering? Skip the Zara’s and H&M’s and choose an eco-chic alternative that’s good for you, the planet and the people that made it.

10. Learn how to make your own
This is probably the coolest New Year’s resolution you could make for your closet, and a very eco-friendly and rewarding one. The best thing about making your own clothes is that no one else will have one like it, and you can make it fit your body perfectly.

Image: Mr. X

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The Thigh’s the Limit: 9 Eco Chic Knee High Boots for Winter

Leena Oijala — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:00:06 +0000

Walk the eco chic talk this winter in a pair of our top 9 knee high boots.

1. Still looking for that perfect pair of boots to take you through the cold weather and harsh conditions? We’ve rounded up our top nine eco-friendly and super chic knee-high boots, like the gorgeous Apollonia Boots from Naya pictured above to add to your winter wardrobe. Browse through and take your pick!

2. Timberland Earthkeeper’s Bethel Buckle Tall Zip Boots are simple and smart, easy to pair with almost anything. Get them in dark brown, tan or black at Zappo’s.

3. We love the sexy vixen look of Neuaura’s Halle Boots – perfect for a night out on the town or an office meeting that calls for some kick-ass winter heels.

4. Looking for something a bit fancier? Kailia Footwear’s Sincerity Boots are all glitz and glam with their maroon sequin pattern, also available in a splattered silver pattern. Make them part of your New Year’s Eve party outfit!

5. Fringe is totally still on trend, and this super chic Cri de Coeur Nora Fringe Boot is absolutely gorgeous. Made from vegan leather, these showstoppers are super comfy and perfect for any occasion!

6. Looking for an awesome pair of rain boots made from 100% natural rubber? Roma Boots are the ticket to rainy weather footwear and available in both glossy and matte finishes.

7. Okay, so Beyond Skin’s ROMEO Over the Knee High Boots aren’t exactly knee high, but they’re so stunning we couldn’t resist. Get them while they’re still on sale!

8. Channel Evangeline Lilly in the latest Hobbit film with El Naturalista’s Funghi Boots, which are made from vegetable tanned leather and low impact manufacturing. This brand is known for their superb ability to make comfortable shoes, so be prepared to find a pair that fit like they were made for you.

9. Last but certainly not least, we love these art deco inspired patchwork Vinnta Boots from Austrian label Think!. The sturdy sole and heel will take you through even the iciest weather, and the chic design will top off a cute 1930s inspired outfit.

Images: Naya, Timberland, Neuaura, Kailia Footwear, Cri de Coeur, Roma Boots, Beyond Skin, El Naturalista, Think!

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How to Accessorize with Upcycled Leather: Bags, Shoes, & Jewelry (plus DIY!)

Leena Oijala — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 11:24:28 +0000

Fall is here, and we’re all about the leather trend that’s hitting the streets after making its debut on the runways this Spring. We’re here to give you some eco-chic trending advice, and show you how to ride this trend in sustainable style by accessorizing your wardrobe with upcycled leather.

Whether you like to get crafty with your own hands, or admire the work of those that can turn one woman’s trash into every woman’s treasure, find out how to work the leather look this season. We’ll give you tips on DIY tutorials for cute earrings, bags and direct you to some of the nifty crafters that are turning old leather leather jackets and such into gorgeous, on-trend accessories.

Bags
Leather bags go with almost anything, and what’s could be better than giving your tattered leather jacket a new life as your favorite new handbag? The woman that first brought this concept to the eco fashion market is the astounding Shannon South, who makes gorgeous bespoke bags from clients’ leather jackets under her ReMADe USA project. South also has a collection of finished bags made from remnant leather from the furniture industry—she’s one resourceful gal.

We’ve also got some favorite leather upcyclers on Etsy; TheCOBShop makes simple, useful and vintage inspired backpacks from old bomber jackets, while Apaluz makes super chic foldover clutches (below) out of upcycled leather pieces.

If you are a yogini or an aspiring one, check out this boho chic, DIY yoga mat bag from Sincerely, Kinsey. All you need is a rag rug, a circular piece of upcycled leather and a leather belt to make this colorful bag (below)!

Shoes
These customized and upcycled leather Esmerelda boots (above) from SnapDragonBoots on Etsy are cute, rocker chic and right on trend. Designer Holly Hattaway sources vintage cowgirl boots and turns them into stylish kicks to pair with skinny jeans, leather shorts or a figure-hugging dress. Contact her for a custom order in your size.

For something a little simpler and more feminine, and ideal for the indoors or winter getaways, go for Erinbonnie’s handmade and upcycled leather ballerina flats, available in a range of neutral and pastel colors.

Jewelry
Although leather is a tough material, it makes some of the most delicate and easy-to-wear jewelry. We love leather feathers, and especially these Flying leather earrings from underanewlight. They’re bright but delicate, and available in several gorgeous colors – wear them with your hair up to show them off!

To make your own upcycled leather earrings, check out this tutorial on Chelsie Daily Style—a super simple, quick and stylish way to upcycle and leather old belt or bag strap.

Upcycled leather necklaces are at the top of our list when it comes to accessories, especially the ones is HakNik’s Etsy shop. We went nuts over all the handmade creations in the collection, but the Petal Collection Necklaces have really caught our eye. Pair this statement piece with a simple dress or top.

We’re also loving this upcycled leather headband from Finnish shop Vietto, whose collection includes other upcycled leather pieces. Wear it with your hair up or down and pair it with a boho chic outfit.

Images:Shannon South, TheCOBShop, Apaluz, Sincerely, Kinsey, SnapDragonBoots, Erinbonnie, underanewlight, Chelsie Daily Style, HakNik, Vietto

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Wear This, Not That: Minna vs Ralph Lauren

Fashioning Change — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:39:12 +0000

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Wear This, Not That: Blu Democracy vs BCBG

Fashioning Change — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:55:46 +0000

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