Trench coats never go out of style. We’ve picked out five to wear this spring.

The trench coat is one of those classics that never really goes out of style. This spring, however, it’s a very on trend garment that you can wear with anything from cropped jeans to a cute dress. A good trench is an investment that will last for a very long time. You could always go for a classic beige one, but consider choosing from other fun variations of the trench offered right now – with colors and unexpected details giving new life to this beloved wardrobe staple. We’ve picked out five eco-trench coats that we think would make excellent additions to your spring wardrobe.

Grommet Detailed Trench Coat by Edun
This cool yet classic trench coat from Edun is made from a blend of organic cotton, polyester and hemp. The grommet details add some interest to this otherwise simple piece, making it edgier. Avoid the head-to-toe black look by pairing it with white denim, a bright-colored top and heels.
$598, Edun

Linda Loudermilk Siren Coat
This 100% organic cotton lace coat by eco-designer Linda Loudermilk is gorgeous, timeless and graceful. It’s also made in the U.S. With this trench coat you’ll hit two of spring’s biggest trends – white and lace – in one shot. Wear it with a white or pastel-colored dress or toughen it up with distressed denim.
$575, Juno & Jove

Organic by John Patrick Double Breasted Trench
This classic, double-breasted trench coat by Organic by John Patrick features a slightly relaxed silhouette with tie belt at waist. It’s made from 100% recycled cotton and fully lined in Cupro. The utility-green color is a good complement to many of springs other trends, like color blocking, patterns and pastels.
$550, La Garçonne

Mini Soft Trench by Prairie Underground
Part of Prairie Underground’s Spring 2012 collection, this oyster white trench has a simple cut which makes it a timeless addition to your spring wardrobe. If you want to add a bit more visual interest, swap out the belt for a wide, patterned or colored one.
$248, Show Pony Seattle

Vintage Belted Wrap Coat
This vintage belted wrap coat is part of Kaight’s Vintage Shop in a Shop, where the NYC-based eco-boutique is now featuring some of our favorite pieces from the shop online. Made from 100% wool, this mint green coat has pockets and is the perfect length to wear as a dress jacket.
$150, Kaight

The post On Trend: Five Trench Coats for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sustainable style news from EcoSalon’s West Coast fashion correspondent.

Sayonara Sale – Joslin Van Arsdale’s boutique, Eco Citizen has long been the go-to place for finding the most fabulous eco outfit in the Bay Area. Over the years, Arsdale has had the exclusive on the latest lines from Linda Loudermilk, The Podolls and talented local SF Designer, Sara Shepherd. Shutting its doors this summer, the store’s closing sale starts today and runs until the end of July. With deeply discounted prices on designs from Prairie Underground, Koch, Organic, H. Fredricksson, Popomomo, Indigenous, Bodkin and many more, you and Eco Citizen will be going-out with a green-colored bang this summer.

We wish Joslin all the best of luck as she moves forward.

Catch 33 – Portland is a veritable hotbed for emerging sustainable designers at the moment, which makes this weekend’s first annual Alley 33 fashion show a don’t-miss event. Hosted by Mag-Big, Siren Nation and Breedom Public Sewing House, the count for participating local fashion designers is currently at 33 and between them they’ll be showing everything from easy-fit casual wear to high couture. The show, designed to promote sustainability through local production, will re-shape the alley of Hawthorne’s 33rd Ave. into an urban runway, bringing high fashion to a public space. Doors open at 4p.m., the show starts at 6 p.m.

California Baby – Is it just me or is anyone else noticing that there are a lot of pregnant ladies around right now? Musicians and celebrities particularly seem a very fertile bunch. Since actress Kate Hudson and her rocker fiancé Matt Bellamy of Muse asked their famous friends to plant ‘celebration trees’ to mark the arrival of their baby boy, I’ve been searching for an equally low impact baby shower gift. Made in San Francisco, Bibana bib’s are made using re-purposed bandannas in punk-chic color combinations and make the perfect gift for hip parents and future rock star kids.

The post Eco Style West Vol. 18 appeared first on EcoSalon.

A curated selection of ethical wedding wear that you’ll want to wear for the wedding season and beyond.

Thanks to William and Kate, what the British wear to a wedding is getting a lot of attention as of late. One thing is for sure – we love a good hat. Deservedly considered an art form across the pond, master milliners Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy are household names, (we dare say institutions). Treacy’s fame has now reached epic proportions since he created this notorious hat.

But beyond the battle for the best topper— and that’s what’s really going on in the pews as Mendelssohn in C major strikes up—the dress code at a wedding has become more formal and restrictive. What this means is, in spite of your best green efforts, you might be considering a rather starchy-looking outfit that will sit in your closet unworn forever. While British weddings have some old time charm, if I had my druthers I’d be an American wedding guest every time.

We have it easy here in comparison. On this side of the pond, we don’t have to consider the hullabaloo of hat wearing nor the sleek coiffure they demand. The look is a little less tailored, a little more casual. You can even get away with wearing smart separates thanks in part to the many weddings here that are outdoor and often in the evening. In the U.K., you still can’t get legally wedded outside and while weddings can be set at any hour, many like the recent royal nuptials, begin mid-morning (the better to drink all day).

My favorite thing of all about American weddings is that you can wear black. As the color of mourning, it is strictly out of order in the U.K. As someone who dresses like they are permanently on the way to a funeral, it’s exciting I might actually be able to wear what I buy again, let alone incorporate the piece into my regular wardrobe.

With wedding season soon to be in full swing, deciding what to wear is a great excuse to spruce our tee-and-jean-clad selves up, an opportunity to marry color and luxe fabrics, and to leave a single ply, mono-hued wardrobe behind for an evening.

Naturally you’d want to avoid anything too flowy or romantic looking, but this is the time for wearing dresses with feminine details like draping, pleating and ruffles that while in ordinary life seem a little cloying, are perfectly pitched to the ceremony of the occasion.

In the spirit of wardrobe conservation, nix the conventional idea of having to find a bolero, wrap, or some such frippery for your shoulders once it gets chilly. Instead, temper the girlish flounces of your wedding guest look with a mannish vintage jacket—which is such an easy piece to find at a thrift store—and once home will help carry the look into everyday.

Take a look at my sustainable picks, a curated selection of ethical wedding wear that you’ll want to wear for the wedding season and beyond.

From left to right: Shutter Dress in taupe by Linda Loudermilk, organic cotton denim

Colette Dress in Seal Gray by Koch, organic cotton.

Goddess Dress by Fin Oslo, 100% fair trade, organic bamboo.

Top: Scalloped Dress by Mociun, 100% Silk Georgette

The post Consciously Wedded to Style appeared first on EcoSalon.

Spring’s little white dresses will take you softly into summer.

A clean canvas to build from.

A youthful embrace.

A sexy something to spend a summer day in.

Can you hear it? Your Little White Dress is calling you.

We agree with Lucky Magazine: white dresses are right on trend and really, what don’t they go with? Here are some of our favorites this season:

Kelly B’s Cedar Voile Dress, 100% Organic Cotton Voile, $165

Elroy’s Larkspur Dress, 95% Modal, 5% Spandex, $73.50

Rogan’s Electra Dress, 100% Space-Dyed Jersey, (optional black, 100% silk slip included), $375

Loomstate’s Nautilus Dress, 100% Organic Heavy Gauze Cotton, $295

Feral Childe Loopy Pleated Dress, 100% Organic Cotton, $145

Loup Charmant’s Raglan Touring Dress, 100% Organic Cotton, $312

Linda Loudermilk Lounge Dress, 100% Seacell, $192.50

Main image: John Patrick Organic

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The best eco-friendly boutiques online.

Eco-boutiques are popping up all over the web thanks to visionary retailers willing to take risks. While the debate over green consumption asks tough questions (is marketing lots of green stuff the answer to our consumerism woes?), it is clear that when it comes to eco fashion, the mantra is quality over quantity.

While some sites carry tried and true lines we’ve been following for years, others are peddling cutting edge sustainable fashion – making conscious consumption more provocative than ever.

Here’s an updated list of what we consider the top online eco boutiques going.

Start your shopping engines…

Annie Novotny, the designer behind Frei, opened Workshop in 2009 in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Her boutique’s 100 year old building houses her own line as well as lines like Brooklyn’s Loup Charmant, Shades of Gray vintage jewelry, D.S. & Durga perfume and a great selection of vintage leather handbags and belts for accessorizing.

Novotny’s shop also serves as a gallery and an actual workshop space for sewing classes.

In Roman mythology, Juno and Jove ruled as the divine queen and king of all gods, online they rule as a fantastic source for shopping over 70 designers. This online boutique (and store based in Sarasota, Florida), is massive but never overwhelming. Owner and buyer Olivia Bono has done well balancing high fashion with wardrobe staples including clothing, shoes, body care, home and even a nice section for men.

Whenever I want something totally different and inspiring, I click on over to Beklina. Not only is owner/buyer Lina Rennell one of the best online site curators, she designs an eponymous (eye candy) line featured on her site. Here is where you find architecturally and artistically pleasing clothes infused with all the glamor and femininity a site can offer. An additional bonus is Rennell selling fabric yardage from her own line and sustainable sweetheart, Caitlin Mociun’s of you guessed it, Mociun.

Joslin Van Arsdale’s Eco Citizen is a San Francisco staple for lines including The Podolls, Stewart+Brown, Feral Childe and more. Van Arsdale caters to women more than men but still has some fun organic pieces for your significant other you can quickly purchase before checking out with a cart full of your own new duds. We love the Jade Tribe and Collina Strada bags.

Everything at Olivine is special, (their tag line of “Atelier” says it all). With plenty of beautiful clothing, trendy beauty products and the healthiest dose of Swedish Hasbeens and Prairie Underground around, Olivine is a source of sustainable inspiration. Did I mention there’s cute baby gear too?

Three core passions inspired founder, Shana Yansen to start Jute and Jackfruit and now tie into the company’s core mission: to be smart, sustainable and chic. She accomplishes all three in her Boston based online shop filled with flattering Kelly Lane dresses, Turk+Taylor tops and Indigenous’ Fair Trade clothing.

Super girl Kate McGregor of Kaight is always on trend with her role as buyer and owner of New York City’s premier brick and mortar shops as well as having a major online presence via her blog and Facebook. McGregor can often be found working with leading sustainable designers, housing shops within her shop (Melissa shoes and a vintage section), as well as hosting fun store events. Kaight is the complete package.

In 2008, a conference speaker told Future:Standard owner/buyer Jessica Althoff  “You do not have to choose between your passions. If you want to combine them, you should.” Two years later Future:Standard was born from Althoff’s desire to support the environment, promote fair labor practices, and spend her days looking at (and wearing), beautiful clothes. We love all her indie lines that aren’t so frequently seen in other online boutiques.

Cow Jones Industrials’ owner Donna Oakes runs her vegan boutique from upstate New York as well as online with an eye for the pretty and playful: Think Popomomo tunics and dresses, Feral Childe frocks and a wide array of vegan shoes and hand bags by top designers. Vegan paradise fulfilled.

Label Gazer gives you a snapshot of socially responsible, ethical and eco-friendly fashion, then links you to where you can immediately buy it. Thieves, Elroy, The Uniform Project, Studio Jux and more, all presented so stylishly and clean with additional links to sales, sites and a designer database.

In early 2008, Mission Savvy founder Jennifer Miller picked up her journal and began writing, documenting careless acts of
animal neglect. From this introspection, Miller realized a way she could fuse both her love of clothing and animals was to open a vegan boutique (online and brick and mortar in Charleston, West Virginia). Not so strange a jump seeing as each collection of clothing is based on themed animal rights or “Missions.” Her clothing, footwear and accessories highlight not only a raised consciousness in fashion but of our furry friends.

Kate Morison and Andrea Barrett, founders of Arboretum hail from Sonoma’s wine country where the living is easy and the clothing, organic perfume and shoes coming out of this brick and mortar (as well as online eco-boutique), is refreshing. We love that they offer staple capsule collections for both men and women and only wish we lived in the same town to shop and see more!

Enjoy the pretty sounds of chirping birds as you shop. Not kidding.

Did you know that Tobi had a whole Eco Tobi section? A great selection of Matt and Nat handbags, wallets and clutches, tons of Melissa shoes, Prairie Underground and Alternative Apparel, make Tobi a perfect destination spot for those stylish staple pieces that never grow old.

Another great online boutique, Embodies also has a shop based in Larkspur, California. Owner Kenlynn Wilson bases her criteria on a few things: What fabrics are used in the clothing, where the items are manufactured (and under what conditions), what types of dyes are used in the clothing as well as the packaging the clothes are being shipped in. Curating with a careful eye, Wilson’s due diligence yields a great stable of fashion-forward eco-designers. Look for Alabama Chanin, Calleen Cordero cuff bracelets and select Linda Loudermilk.

In 2007, inspired by the fashionable direction green and ethical designers were taking, A Green Wardrobe decided to launch promoting all the organic, sustainable, or recycled and repurposed material clothing they could find from top designers. Look for Juleselin, Kris Nations jewelry, Numanu and Les Fees de Bengale.

UPDATEd 4.27.11: This post has been updated with more amazing boutiques since the original publish date.

BTC Elements combines smart style with sustainability, hand-selecting each item in their boutique’s collection of clothing, gifts, and accessories with an eye to the environment and social justice. The result: fresh, inspiring designs that are both earth friendly and ethically sourced.

Look for lines including Raw Earth & Wild Sky, Kelly B and Feral Childe.

Kathleen Rowan and Deana Bracken, run Green With Glamour from both Los Angeles and Chicago, building and curating the Green with Glamour® collection. Founded in 2007, the duo has always operated sustainably whether it’s buying for the shop or running the site on a certified carbon neutral webhost. GwG reaches eco-chic shoppers worldwide and continues to promote the concept of living with style while passionately caring for our beautiful planet.

We love that they carry Dallas based Koch, as well as a lot of L.A. based Popomomo and EcoSkin.

Equita, (Italian for fairness), is a design-conscious shop showcasing the finest in green, sweatshop-free and Fair Trade essentials for the body and home. Each item is hand-selected and thoughtfully edited to ensure a mix that is design-conscious, functional, eco-friendly, and socially conscious. In addition to ethical fashion and footwear, Equita carries green home decor, sustainable furniture, fair trade handbags and jewelry, organic and fair trade body care, ethical baby clothing, fair trade sport and wellness gear, and specialty gourmet treats.

Is that it?

Top image: Annie Novotny of Workshop, from Chicago Magazine

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Metallic Glam has been identified and secured by Style.com and WWD as a significant category for this fall. Designers such as Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karen all offered up their renditions for this eye-catching trend! Fortunately, eco-designers were equally ambitious and attuned.

Linda Loudermilk included a sleek and sexy silver dress in her Fall collection. Sara Shepherd’s silver dress crosses over from office attire to a sophisticated evening look. And if you are preparing for a night at the Opera, attending an evening wedding this fall or a charity black-tie event Leanne Marshall has just the dress for you in a full length charcoal grey gown.

Style tip: If you are fair skinned, opt for the silver toned dresses, while darker skinned femmes should sport golden hues.

Regardless of the occasion, give your standby black beauty a rest and go for a metallic number that will catch everyone’s attention and hold it!

The post Metallic Glam: The Gold and Silver Standard Gowns appeared first on EcoSalon.

Summer has been so chilly this year that it seems everyone forgot about wearing a Little White Dress and instead opted for its raven sister. Luckily, the tides have turned and some of our A-list celebs are leading the way in fashionably white attire. From movie premiers to private parties in the Hamptons, the LWD is making its comeback.

Of course you can always find a superbly tailored dress from Linda Loudermilk and this season she offers us a cool ivory hue. From Somewhere also churned out an elegant little number that has a playful side. An easy piece that is classically understated, sophisticated and accessorizes well – the LWD is here to stay!

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As someone who absolutely adores clothes but is dedicated to eco-reframing my lifestyle, I’m very aware of what I need to do to shape up my fashion appetite. I’ve swapped fast fashion for thrift store, luxury designer for eco designer and even reined in the inner consumer beast that remains within my corporeal awareness (chomping wildly at the bit, I might add).

But, I think I’ve come up against the last frontier of my journey from mainstream to eco fashionista. A fascinating report by trend analysts Forum for the Future and denim brand Levi’s, predicts that the days of owning things are coming to an end.

It makes for a fascinating read. Estimating profound clothing shortages by 2025, the study provides four scenarios that explore how we will buy, wear and think about fashion in the future. Scenario two, called community couture, suggests that new clothing from expensive synthetics or virgin raw materials will be purely the province of the rich-exorbitantly beyond the means of the majority. Clothing, like many other goods that will be in short supply, will be handled within the framework of the community. We will get our clothes from fashion swap meets – with tailors and stylists on hand – and community-clothing libraries, where people will borrow and return clothing, just like books in a conventional library.

No, I don’t collect Wedgewood, jewelry or nail polish colors but I do admit to being curator to a relatively humble clothing collection. Would I be prepared to give up my hoard for the sake of a fresh look?

If you’ve seen a homeless person pushing along a cart of treasures, you know it’s human nature to want to collect things. And, sentimental value is a huge part of owning things. Recently, I was deeply touched when a friend who suffered the misfortune of having her house burn down demonstrated how meaningful the connection is between clothing and memory. Amid the overwhelming debris and chaos, her husband went back and salvaged her sooty and smoke damaged wedding gown from the remains of her closet, sensing its loss may prove the straw to break this brave lady’s back.

I’ve no wedding dress, but lined up in the back of my closet are twelve years of dresses I’ve bought to wear to weddings, Christmas parties or other special occasion. The memories of those nights flood in. But beyond the nostalgia, I’m curious – why are they unlikely to ever be worn again? None of them are so dated that I couldn’t pull it off with a twist or flourish provided by a strategic accessory or two. While celebrities are routinely dinged for wearing the same thing twice, the fear of being seen wearing the same dress again seems well, irrational. And despite having a closet full of outfits, I dare you to count the times you’ve rushed out and grabbed a cheap knock-off of the latest runway look because you just wanted the thrill of wearing something au courant.

Interestingly, there are several early examples of the clothing library concept in the unlikely form of designer clothing rentals such as Bag, Borrow or Steal, Rent The Runway and WearTodayGoneTomorrow. Armed with new insight, I spent a heady half hour fancying myself for one night only in a Hervé Léger bandage dress that normally retails for $1050, but that you can rent for $100. Or consider for only $75, an of-the-moment beaded jumpsuit by Proenza Schouler that you wouldn’t dare invest in beyond this season. Don’t forget the eye-catching accessories that rent along side your dress for $15-$50.

While I’ve always felt that designer clothing rentals were the epitome of promiscuous consuming, since reading the report I’m starting to slowly rethink. As I imagine an eco designer rental stocked with designs from Linda Loudermilk, Edun and Stella McCartney to rent and return, I think I might be able to give up my nostalgic, hoarding ways after all. Viva la Future!

Image: Iván Santiesteban

The post Rent and Return: What You’ll Be Wearing in 2025 appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s no secret the denim industry is extremely resource intensive.

We’ve learned just how intensive in recent years, thanks to research by eco journalists and, notably, an article in WWD by Ross Tucker in which Levi Strauss & Co. publicly “shared results of its life cycle assessment on what went into making one pair of its iconic Levi’s 501 style.”

Levi’s being to jeans what Kleenex is to tissue, people were listening.

According to Tucker, Levi’s found that making one pair of 501’s requires almost 920 gallons of water and 400 megajoules of energy while expelling 32 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

“Levi’s said this was equivalent to running a garden hose for 106 minutes, driving 78 miles and powering a computer for 556 hours,” writes Tucker.

Ouch.

If you consider denim one of your wardrobe staples (and who doesn’t?) best to think sustainably designed. To help, we’ve put together a denim guide with plenty of suggestions from the fabulous Jaime Palmucci of Denim Debutante.

Here are 17 good eco bets for denim:

Loomstate: Probably the most well-known of the “green” denim lines, Loomstate is known for their basic cuts and mid-weight organic cotton denim. Like Edun, Loomstate has temporarily put their denim line on hiatus based on fit issues, but there are still pairs online waiting to be bought.

REUSE: A new brand out of the U.S., REUSE creates their jeans with 80% recycled denim. Standard styles for women (men’s jeans are reportedly on the way) and a wallet-friendly retail price of $75-95.

James Jeans: Eco-friendly washes for a dry aged denim look. Note: while this line doesn’t use organic cotton, James Jeans creator Seun Lim uses organic compounds and sun bleaching to create the washes of her jeans.

Serfontaine: Eco-friendly washes and abrasions. Like James Jeans, Serfontaine doesn’t use organic cotton. For their washes, they substitute organic fruit enzymes for chemical dyes and irritants.

reco jeans: Like REUSE, reco uses Recycled Denim in their process. They go so far as to create seeded, plantable tags on their products to eliminate unneeded waste. (Factoid: Alanis Morrisette and Woody Harrelson created the line.)

Levi’s Eco: Organic cotton, recycled rivets and buttons. Styles made with 100% organic cotton include the Red Tab Vintage Straight Jean for men, the women’s Skinny Jean and Skinny Knee Knocker Short. Other elements of the Levi’s® Capital Eâ„¢ lines include the use of recycled buttons, rivets and zippers and natural indigo to dye some styles ensuring minimized impact on the environment. Price range starts at $69.

Nudie Jeans: The Swedish brand known for their Selvedge also has some 100% organic pairs. They follow organic production procedures and use products like potato starch and pre-reduced indigo in lieu of chemicals.

7 For All Mankind: The eponymous brand and forefather of premium denim, 7 For All Mankind does carry some 100% organic pairs.

Rogan Denim: Products are Fair-Trade approved and sweat-shop free. Rogan (the namesake line of Loomstate’s Rogan Gregory) has teamed with Bono to ensure their products are sweat-shop free and fair trade. They also promote minimal washing and no machine washing.

Good Society: The Good Society “is a movement,” according to the website. “A belief that in all things we must love, will and do good. A forward thinking community blending the fashion conscious with the socially conscious.” Being organic fairly traded denim that is fully sustainable surely helps. Another denim line taking a hiatus until current inventory moves. Go forth and buy!

Joe’s Organic: Though the brand only offers a small selection, it does have an organic denim line consisting of some of their best sellers like the Provocateur, Stardust, Muse and Socialite.

Edun: Launched in Spring 2005 by Ali Hewson and U2’s Bono, the company’s mission is to help develop countries in Africa as viable sources of production for fashion by “investing in the development of a community-based value chain, beginning with organic cotton.”  Their denim line is temporarily on hold because of fit issues – stay tuned.

Linda Loudermilk: Linda Loudermilk trademarked the term “Luxury Eco” and researches products that are sustainable by meeting with and learning from scientists, and seeking out companies that create fibers without pesticides or other toxic processes. Her denim line has been made from lyocell and bamboo blends.

Kuyichi: Made from a hemp and organic cotton tencel blend with natural dyes. You’ll love this company! A European label slowly moving into the U.S.

Howie’s: Featuring organic cotton washed with an “eco-ball” for extra softness, this European denim line has been around since 1995 and is about to have a Renaissance, I’m predicting, thanks to some better-known American denim lines taking a break.

J Brand: J Brand’s Green label is coming out soon, we’re told. Made with 100% organic cotton and vegetable dyes, J Brand is widely recognized as a go-to eco denim line. Let’s hope they shrink the fit to something less than what a 6’8″ woman would wear. Normal gals, J, normal gals.

Denim Design Lab: This company transforms salvaged denim woven on vintage shuttle looms to create a “Modern Vintage” look. Sold through “only the most premium denim based retailers globally.” Well, you can’t win ’em all.

To get your daily denim fill, be sure to follow Jaime on Twitter @denimdebutante.

Image: littledan77

The post Sustainable Denim Round Up: 17 Brands We Love appeared first on EcoSalon.

While some sites carry tried and true lines we’ve been following for years, others are peddling cutting edge sustainable fashion – making conscious consumption more provocative than ever.

Here’s a list of what I consider the top 10 eco boutiques. Have at ’em!

Beklina

I just can’t convey how much I love this site, from the photos to the clothes. Always clean and easy to navigate, Beklina loves their indie designers and is willing to experiment with styles other boutiques are hesitant to try.

Love the Lina Rennell and Mociun offerings as well as these vegan moccasins by Manimal.

Beklina’s site says “Our fashion is modern organic, reflecting Northern California’s grace and beauty,” says Beklina, who believes clothing and design can be “precious, radical, nurturing, healing and wonderful.”

Guess it’s working cause whenever I go to their site, I’m instantly happy.

Embodies

I met Embodies owner Kenlynn Wilson last year at a trade show in New York. I could tell by the look in her eye she was the real deal when it came to being serious about eco.

She bases her criteria on a few things: What fabrics are used in the clothing, where the items are manufactured (and under what conditions), what types of dyes are used in the clothing as well as the packaging the clothes are being shipped in. Curating with a careful eye, Wilson’s due diligence yields a great stable of fashion-forward eco-designers.

Look for Alabama Chanin, Calleen Cordero cuff bracelets and select Linda Loudermilk.

Greenloop

Besides running a fabulous online boutique, Greenloop owner Aysia Wright is commonly used as a resource for both designers and the eco-community. She’s everywhere.

Having just wrapped up her Project Green Search in L.A., Wright’s returned to her home base of Portland, Oregon where she recently moved the brick and mortar Greenloop inside Seven Planet.

Check out the site for a veritable who’s who of eco-designers including Del Forte denim, Charmone shoes (crazy close-outs on them as I write) and Loomstate.

Arboretum

Guided by William McDonough and Michael Braungart’s Hannover Principles on our inter-dependence on nature, Arboretum owners Kate Morison and Andrea Barrett have created their own eco-study of beautiful designed clothing and accessories to show us.

Both women hail from Sonoma County where, they say a connection with the land is a part of their everyday life.
“From the rugged coastline to the majestic redwoods, we have drawn vast inspiration from our environment. Our inspiration and shared vision led us to build an Arboretum.”

Love their picks of Stewart and Brown, Rag & Bone and Prairie Underground.

Clary Sage Organics

After a busy day wearing my blogger and retailer hats, I want to slip on lounging wear with comfort and ease.

Clary Sage is my go to brand for comfy but stylish yoga pants, camisole tops and my very favorite, Convertible Wrap (feels delicious).

In addition to their own line, they have an “After Yoga” section with easy slip on skirts, tunic t-shirts and go-to hoodies.

Just when you thought you were completely satisfied with their clothing selections, they offer a great range of Lotions and Potions including my favorite body care line, Farmaesthetics and perfumes by Tsi~La (Ylang Ylang is mmm…). Search the site for your own new favorites.

Kaight

Kate Macgregor, the founder and owner of Kaight has carefully edited her boutique for men and women that dig clothing and accessories “thoughtfully designed” with organic and sustainable textiles.

Like most of the eco-boutiques listed here, Kaight specializes in emerging and independent designers who use organic, recycled and sustainable materials.

Love their Ashley Watson bags, Melissa Shoe selection as well as Dream & Awake vintage dresses.

Tobi

In addition to their traditional shopping, Tobi offers an Eco-Tobi site which I hope continues to grow.

If you can’t get to the actual brick and mortar shop in San Francisco, their 1-to-1 shopping experience can be had onlinewhich involves live chat with one of the owners to get style advice or sizing questions answered before you buy.

Lots of great natural body and hair care lines including Pangea, Hamadi and Pure Fiji as well as basics from Alternative Apparel and tried and true lines by Edun, Prairie Underground and Stewart and Brown.

Jessa Brinkmeyer, owner of Pivot

Pivot
This Chicago-based online boutique is run by Jessa Brinkmeyer on the premise that being eco doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Brinkmeyer says “A big part of building an eco-smart wardrobe is finding pieces you can keep and love.”

Very true. By picking even one sustainably designed article of clothing from Pivot, you’ve in fact begun your journey.
You might want to start with a great fitting She-Bible cardigan or Lara Miller sweater that will stylishly last you for years.

Sodafine

Sodafine has got to be one of the sweetest shops going.

Based in Brooklyn, the boutique’s owner Erin Weckerle focuses her buying on “innovative and unique handmade clothing, accessories and gift items.”

Weckerle also carries a selective collection of vintage clothing, (I recently was gifted a beautiful vintage slip from a friend who stopped in there) as well as lines utilizing eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable labor practices.

The site says “Many of the items you’ll find at Sodafine are made by individuals who call themselves artists and see their production of clothing/accessories as just one facet of their artistic process”¦We are eager to assist young artists and craftspeople with information(and inspiration) for marketing their wares. We intend to provide an interesting model of the intersection of art, craft, and fashion at work in everyday life.”

And they have.

Check out great pieces from Feral Childe, Popomomo as well as Sodafine’s own in-house line.

Kind

Kind states that their boutique is for “Living happy, living gently,” which makes me love them all the more.

Mixing sustainably designed as well as vintage finds with things for your nest, Kind is a one-stop shop with quality pieces, consciously handpicked to really reflect their store.

Check out clothing by Mika Machida and Nixxi as well as shoes by Neuaura and Olsen Haus.

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