You may not be a biker babe, but you are probably a gal who needs a jacket.

Thanks to Raw Earth Wild Sky, we have a Motocross jacket that fulfills both needs.

Each of their organic pieces are hand-made in Los Angeles with signature details including deconstructed seams and raw hems, novelty hand-dyed, hand-stamped and hand-painted techniques along with interesting trims applied in unusual ways to create a raw, unique feel for each piece. Their garments are all produced using low-impact dyes (less metal, oil and water) in dye houses that use recycled water to reduce their label’s impact on the environment.

“The look is beautifully relaxed and broken-in, yet well crafted. We use only the best organic and other sustainable fabrics and earth-friendly methods in our lines creation,” says the Raw Earth Wild Sky website.

A little background info: Designers Karen Kananen, a native Californian and Brit Samantha Robinson met roughly 14 years ago while working at the same company in Los Angeles and became great friends. They cite their intense love of fashion and concern for planet, along with the births of their daughters (now 9 and 8 respectively) as the driving force behind their decision to start their label. (Leave it to children to make you want to save the planet a little longer).

While many years of experience working the markets in L.A., London and New York have brought their cumulative experiences to their own label’s table, the two continue to evolve, most recently with Kananen’s designing behind contemporary label, ‘eco-ganik’ taking it from ‘birth’ in 2004 to $1.8 million in two years – selling to many well-known and influential stores like Macy’s and Anthropologie.

But on this day, for this week only, the only thing that matters is this pretty little jacket. You like?

Well then leave a comment below letting us know how much and we’ll get you in the running to win.

In the meantime, I’ll be reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance pondering values…

The post Raw Earth Wild Sky Motocross Jacket Giveaway appeared first on EcoSalon.

Considering that the average American now consumes over 28 gallons of bottled water each year, all packaged in single-use plastic, it’s a good thing that many companies are now incorporating recycled PET (the stuff those bottles are made out of) into their lines.

Yes, recycled PET has made its way onto the mainstream runway along with a bevvy of other smart eco-friendly materials. But it’s not just about innovative technology or drool-worthy duds from the likes of Linda Loudermilk. Stylish picks in eco-friendly materials are well-suited to daily life – everything from yoga to yardwork. Check out some of our favorites:

Outerwear

A longtime household brand in the sailing and yachting community, Henri Lloyd has also made its way onto fashion lists. Now the company known for its all-weather sporty yet fashionable jackets is another big name to join the list of brands that use recycled PET.

Henri Lloyd has teamed up with Japanese textile factory Tejin Fibers Ltd. (a factory that also works with brands like Patagonia and Nau) to launch the first program worldwide for the collection and recycling of used marine apparel, as well as incorporation of Eco Storm recyclable, waterproof fabric made from recycled polyester fibers. Henri Lloyd’s 2010 Blue Eco Range of sailing wear will feature the new material, and we’re hoping it spreads to more of the brand!

Workout

Yoga-based apparel company prAna has an extensive line of workout gear, perfect for your morning asanas, that uses recycled polyester fibers. Favorites include the Lolita Pant and the Bella Sport top.

Beyond recycled PET, prAna is a sound and environmentally conscious company. In 2005 prAna launched the Natural Power Initiative to raise awareness about renewable energy amongst customers, retailers and the outdoor industry. This year, the Natural Power Initiative is expected to prevent the emissions of 17,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

Footwear

Ok, so I’ll go ahead and admit that these shoes aren’t made with recycled PET, but they’re too distinctive and eco-friendly to go unmentioned. Although it might not save any plastic bottles, El Naturalista’s Recyclus line does use recycled rubber and footbeds. In fact, the line is built on the idea that the entire shoe should be recyclable at its end of life.

“The name will be Recyclus; you will only need to pull a thread, and the sole, the in-sole, the leather, and the laces will separate into independent pieces to be deposited in special recycling bins that we will offer to stores.”

Bag

Hopefully your new year is going to be filled with lots of plans for intriguing adventures, which means you’ll need a sleek bag that can still carry a lot. Welcome the Motil Ped by Nau. The shell, lining and shoulder webbing are made of 100% recycled polyester. With a laptop pocket and ample zipper pockets inside, this can be your go-to back for any occasion, be it casual or fashionable.

For the home

Complete your sustainable wardrobe by adding a few key items around the house. As always, consuming less means more, but if you’re home is in need of a little freshening up, the Teppas stackable containers (made, natch, with recycled PET) from IKEA are a fun way to kick off a more organized lifestyle in the new year.

Main image: Adria Richards

The post From Yoga to Yardwork, 5 Great Picks for the Eco-Material Girl appeared first on EcoSalon.

Menswear inspired eco suit jackets? Heck yeah!

But I’m not talking Miami Vice pastels, I’m talking the tailored and the rocker – definitely a worthy wardrobe staple you should be considering.

Why? Because it’s a versatile piece that will always be there for you at the office, for cocktail parties or late night at the underground bar you’ve always wanted to go to but couldn’t because you didn’t have the right suit jacket.

Of course.

In fact, I not only want a black suit jacket, I want the perfect t-shirt to wear under it. Something like this with just a little pop of color. Maybe I’ll even do my hair like hers.

Sure, the look is trendy right now, but there’s just something so fresh about what to pair with jeans, my favorite pencil skirt or even black trousers.

Taper me, rock me and let me loose!

The post Rockin' It Manly appeared first on EcoSalon.

I know the month is December, the season is winter and the days and nights are pure brrrrrrr, but bear with me – I’m in the mood for spring. I could wait until after the holidays to spout my springtime cheer, but why? The rain just stopped and the sunshine is peeking through the hovering grey clouds.

Not that I’m complaining…about winter. The seasons are subtle and virtually unnoticeable in Los Angeles.

Which explains why a coat like the Whitney called my name. What I love most about the Whitney Coat by Kelly B is the 100% bamboo denim fabric that practically shimmers. The liner is 65% hemp, 35% silk and feels like butter. It’s hooded, high-waisted with big buttons and a full skirt that hits just above the knees. A practical piece that isn’t simple or boring, the Whitney Coat is available in sizes extra small to medium for $217 at BTC Elements.

Lucky me – I’ll be wearing the Whitney no matter what the season.

The post Whatever the Season, I'll Be Wearing the Whitney Coat appeared first on EcoSalon.