An old proverb states that it is better to travel well than to arrive. There are many interpretations of that profound statement, but the most literal one is also applicable. So, as we gear up to make the trip home for the holidays, it seems appropriate to focus on just a few items that will make your trip that much more comfortable (regardless of the airline you are flying).

An ethically sourced and produced scarf from The North Circular keeps you stylishly cozy when the cabin temperature starts to drop. Of course, you will need a carry-on bag that fits all your snacks and gadgets. For this we recommend the upcycled leather top handle oversized satchel from The Sway NYC.

A long day of traveling can be hard on the feet, but not when you slip into a pair of Kuyban loafers. Every pair offers their signature insole supports which transform any pair of shoes into a walking dream. And when you are relaxing in flight, don’t forget to pull out a pair of socks to keep your toes warm. We are fans of the recycled cotton pair from Socksmith.

Finally, what would a travel bag be without a balm for your lips, hands and face? Not to worry, the folks over are Lush have the just the thing- the Ultrabalm!

Holiday travel can be hectic, but with a little forethought and some signature luxuries – including a newly downloaded book for your iPad or Kindle, the traveling may very well become one of the best parts of your trip.

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The streets of Paris exude that je ne sais quoi…  Everywhere you look there is a perfectly-styled ensemble worthy of Scott Schuman’s lens!

It’s an effortless chic that only French women can pull off, in which a thrifted t-shirt layered over another tee and under an oversized blazer achieves the perfect mix of fashion-forward street chic dressing while still firmly grasping the ethos of a classic French woman. The thing I love most about Paris is that there seems to be an invisible line between unspoken but strictly understood rules of dressing that all French women keep secured in the back of their mind. This is countered with a playful exuberance to stand out and style something different when putting together an outfit. The result is unabashed fashion genius! Hm, no wonder it is the fashion capital of the world.

So, here are my humble (et hem, American) observations of la mode a Paris for fall 2010.

– Layering is essential, especially long layers. Have a look at Lily Cole’s ethical line, The North Circular, for all the key pieces for bundling up in style.

– Hats are loved just as much by the French as their compatriots across the channel. You can still sport that fedora going into fall. Get a high grade organically produced one from Livity.

– Black never goes out of style. A classic blazer goes a long way and gets you extra style points in Paris. Scoop one up from Beaumont Organic.

– A beautiful bag makes the woman. The Sway is an new eco-leather line that uses leather scraps to produce lush bags in classic color ways that will last a lifetime.

No matter where you are in the world, a little French infusion is always good for the soul and may even prompt a coup de foudre!

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Now in it’s ninth season, Estethica lies at the core of London Fashion Week, featuring designers that are committed to sustainable, ethical and eco practices in the production of their lines.

Catch designer interviews and previews of their upcoming collections from Henrietta Ludgate, Minna, Lily Cole’s The North Circular, Good One and more in our EcoSalon Exclusives video below. And be sure to check out all of the rest of our coverage from London Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2011.

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For five weeks beginning January 13th, I’ll be working with a small group of 7th and 8th grade girls interested in fashion. My assistant is a fashion design student from the local high school, a 16 year-old honor student who has already showed me her 23-piece collection.

Together, we’ll engage the kids with recycling and reusing everyday items like milk jugs, candy wrappers, toilet paper rolls and cereal boxes, fashioning them into dresses, skirts, innovative hats and whatever else they come up with. It’s Eco Fashion 101 for budding designers.

Not only do I hope the class is fun and a refreshing change of pace from their regular academic routine, I hope they learn something about sustainable design and reusing.

While we have a multi-generational work force now in the sustainable design, field pushing the boundaries of fabric and form,  these younger kids are our future. What they learn now matters.

I take inspiration for the course from a few fascinating people and groups working to make their own fashion mark.

In November, the British Fashion Council launched an ethical clothing initiative called esthethica. Six designers, including Ada Zanditon, Christopher Raeburn, Goodone, Minna, Nina Dolcetti and The North Circular were selected for a mentoring program to make their businesses greener.

All six designer businesses have been selected to receive one on one expert support from one of three industry mentors: brand consultants Susanne Tide-Frater and Yasmin Sewell and buying consultant Bev Malik.

Another grooming venue, the Chicago Fashion Incubator, which meets at the city’s Macy’s on State Street, provides six emerging Chicago-based designers with workspace and education about the business of fashion and mentoring. The Designers in Residence are provided office space, including computers and software, a workshop room with sample production space and a resource section as well as a showroom (not to mention the help of of Chicago’s eco-darling Lara Miller).

Just south of where I write, New York City’s own Nolcha has fast become the platform for emerging and independent fashion talent. Securing their inaugural Ethical Fashion Preview of Spring/Summer 2010 last September at New York’s Carlton Hotel (a true success for the participating eco-designers), Kerry Bannigan at Nolcha says, “We’re super excited about our first step into the ethical fashion world. It’s absolutely on trend in the industry, yet there’s never been a professional hub to showcase ethical designers in New York before now. This is a peak time to launch our Ethical Fashion Preview.”

Nolcha’s success linking the fashion industry has helped new fashion entrepreneurs learn what it takes to evolve in the challenging industry from all angles. Here’s to hoping they do even more in the sustainable design realm.

In the back rooms of high-end department stores, in the dusty brick buildings of cities and studios near and far, these young men and women are being groomed for big things. Seeing as we’re a society that defines ourselves through what we wear most of the time, we should pay heed.

My New Year’s wish? That we all make a conscious effort to support them. Take some time today to learn more about groups in your city or town that are engaging our future designers and see how you can help. It’ll be way easier than starting your new diet and exercise regiment.

I promise.

Main image: esthethica

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