Fashion – Women – Fabulously Green

Category archives: Fashion - Women

FASHION | Link Love Roundup 3.15.08

15Mar08

Natalie Portman makes her debut as shoe designer for retailer Té Casan. Her line of high style heels are animal-friendly, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Nature Conservancy. Bravo girl!

Abigail Doan of Inhabitat serves up some fabulous recycled and upcycled collections by indie designers. It’s about luscious layers this season.

The Vintage Fashion Expo is on this March 15-16th weekend in San Francisco. You might score a vintage Gucci bag, or a make out with an haute vintage Hermes gown like the one Angelina Jolie wore to this year’s Oscars.

Vintage Fashion Expo
Nob Hill Masonic Center
1111 California St.
Regular hours: Saturday 10:30 AM – 6 PM, Sunday 11AM-5 PM, tickets $10.
Early buying takes place Saturday from 9 – 10:30 AM, tickets $20. Students with I.D. are admitted free on Sunday.

Visit the website for ticket information.

Filed under Eco Glam, Fashion - Women, Vintage| Tagged Eco-friendly, Natalie Portman, Vegan Shoes, Vintage Fashion Expo | No Comments

HOT SHOP | EcoTobi Reviewed

13Mar08

Much has been abuzz about how “green is the new black” and yet, greening your personal style still ain’t easy. Over the next few weeks we’ll post some reviews of sites where you can find a range of designer brands offering “look good, feel good” fashion. You can also recommend us your favorite fab green shop here.

The Shop: EcoTobi

The Bottom Line: Nestled inside the Tobi website, EcoTobi is a micro world of high style for Sex and the City or Entourage types. Personal stylists are virtually on hand offers a boost to help your answer style questions.

The Skinny: Easy site navigation on both women’s and men’s sections. Excellent selection of organic beauty and skincare products, with a smaller but well-edited, established list of designer labels. At this posting, store leans more skincare than fashion for now, although we expect that will change.

We’d love to see fashion and skincare categorized separately to make shopping easier. Prices are high end, but occasional deals can be found in their sale section.

Brownie Points: Props to EcoTobi for pushing a skinny, zero carbon footprint in partnership with Carbon Fund, and for its use of packaging made from recycled materials, and soy ink printing.

Best bets for guys: A pretty deep selection of graphic tees. Organic, non-toxic denim options a plenty too, though price tags still run high.

Best bets for gals: Some cute dresses, tops at various prices.

For Fabulously Green Readers
Fab Green readers save 20% off your next purchase. To redeem it, just enter FASHION20 at checkout.

Filed under Eco Glam, Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women, Sales+Shopping, Skincare+Beauty| Tagged Doie, ecoTobi, fashion+style, Fuze Organics, men's clothing, organic apparel, shopping, Tobi, women's clothing | 1 Comment

GUY STYLE | Preloved Jackets

09Mar08

These jackets by Canadian designer preloved are ideal for guys who like kickin’ it old skool. The line of urban style outerwear gets its edge from salvaged sweaters and crafted into one-of-a-kind pieces (you can actually see the process unfold on video from the homepage). Who knew that dumpster diving would look so totally righteous?

Most of preloved’s offerings are available in their on-the-ground stores in Canada, but I did happen to spot these coats online at Olio United. A few are currently on sale and perfect for spring.

For more on preloved’s womenswear, check out our previous post.

Filed under Fashion - Women, Refashion+Refurb, Sales+Shopping, Urban Style, Vintage| Tagged eco fashion, green fashion, men's jackets, preloved, Sweatshop-free, urban wear | No Comments

LONDON FASHION WEEK | Esthetica 2008

07Mar08

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This year’s Esthetica Show brought together an impressive set of designers pushing the envelope of style and sustainability. But after spending a week on Google hunting for runway photos and coming up embarrassingly short, I have to wonder just how seriously the fashion world is taking the idea of ethically conscious fashion? With the exception of Dame Vivienne Westwoods’ collection at Paris Fashion Week, it seems all of the eco fashion shows that opened New York Fashion Week and graced London made little to no headlines in the press. It seems that star power won’t even get you press since Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenburg, Doo.Ri, and Yves Saint-Laurent got no love from Elle, Vogue or even the New York Times for their first forays into eco fashion.

If any of you fabulous readers have sources to photos or videos of the Esthetica Show, puhlease let us know! In the meantime, here’s the rundown of participating designers that caught my eye based on collections shown on their websites. Enjoy!

Beyond Skin – Heavenly heels that are va-va-voom vegan. A favorite of Natalie Portman.

Fin – This Scandinavian label is new to me. Their spring collection is filled with soft, white organic jersey dresses and sleek black jackets. Behind the scenes their cotton is organic and fairly-traded, while their manufacturing is carbon neutral.

From Somewhere – One-of-a-kind boho-chic dresses inspired from rescued fabrics.

Junky Styling – Deconstructed and reconstructed into urban-chic clothing, Junky Styling is a pioneer in the art of recycled style.

Mark Liu – Ok, first I’d wear everything in his collection. Liu’s commitment to “zero waste” construction has led to the creation of new techniques that turn remnants into remarkable details.

Noir – Founder Peter Ingwersen’s label continues to deliver marvelous midnight-colored pieces made with sustainably farmed sub-Saharan cotten. Check out previous collections from Fall 2007 and Spring 2007

Viridis Luxe – Form flattering garments made from “haute” hemp and cashmere. From the photos, the pieces drape gracefully like a sensual second skin.

Filed under Couture Style, Eco Glam, Fashion - Women, Runway Shows| Tagged Beyond Skin, Eco-friendly, Esthetica Show, Ethical Fashion, Fin, From Somewhere, Junky Styling, London Fashion Week, Mark Liu, Noir, Viridis Luxe | No Comments

FASHION | Form & Fauna's Racy Shoes

27Feb08

For three years, I’ve patiently hunted for a pair of sexy, sustainable knee-high boots and it’s worth the wait. Form & Fauna’s sporty, sexy look speaks to my inner-tomboy. Sleek racing stripes are a signature in this freshman collection of flats, boots and pumps. Even though they hail from the Fall 2007 collection — they are perfectly wearable for spring. Skinny Bitches and compassionate fashionistas take note: Form & Fauna just may become the “It” label to wear.

Fabulousness Kicked Up a Notch

Inside and out they’re made sans leather, opting instead for high quality Italian-made synthetics. Heels are crafted from bamboo or renewable plywood, while the insoles and cushions are crafted from recycled yoga mats (can you say Ohm?).

Bay Bertea, the designer behind the Form & Fauna label, found the inspiration for her collection from her days as a yoga instructor. Imagine how comfy it must feel to step out (and onto) a yoga mat every day.

Form & Fauna shoes are good for your health. Fume-free with the help of biodegradable materials, and non-toxic, water-based glues and dyes. They’re made in the good, old, USA (how many things can you say that about these days).

Good karma and style? A great way to kick your fabulousness up a notch.

Check out the Form & Fauna website for stockists and stay tuned to Fabulously Green for sneak peeks into the Spring ‘08 Collection.

Filed under Eco Glam, Fashion - Women, Indie, Refashion+Refurb, Shoes, Urban Style, Vintage| Tagged Biodegradable, cruelty-free shoes, Eco-friendly, Form & Fauna, Indie, Non-toxic, Skinny Bitch, Sweatshop-free, Vegan, vegan fashion | No Comments

DIY Style File | Not Your Grandma's Sewing Patterns

12Feb08

Has Project Runway Season sparked a sudden pang to learn to sew? Whether you’re a maven with an overlock machine or a fashionable first-timer learning the difference between a needle and thread, you can find some au courant patterns that reflect your chic modern style and creative spirit. Burdastyle is an open-source pattern and how-to site featuring easy to difficult projects that are oh-so wearable.

Sew Many Goodies:

Free instructions and downloadable pdf patterns ranging from a gorgeous Garbo Skirt to a gaga grocery bag like this one below
A visual feast of end results (called “creations“) showing members’ takes on a pattern
A sewpedia with pictures to help you learn lingo, styles, fabrics and more
A forum to share tips, sewing Rx questions and offer mutual inspiration

Make it Fabulous: Style by Rescue

Raid the Goodwill or your local thrift store for your blank canvas. Gives you the freedom to experiment, goof up without guilt.
Raid your closet for cast-offs begging for a makeover.
Raid your boyfriend or S.O.’s closet for neglected tees, shirts, denim. You can dye them a radical color and transform them into a to-die-for outfit.

Editor’s Note: I’ve been MIA of late I know. It started with throwing out my back and subsequent physical therapy (good God am I at that age where I tell everyone and the postman about my back ailments? Stop me now.) Between designing my client’s residence, launching a job search and gluing myself to CNN like a election junkie, while doing my physical therapy program I’ve had little desire to string words together to make a sentence. Many of you have sent me some fabulous finds and I thank you for continuing the hunt for fab green ideas! Slowly catching up so stay tuned…

Filed under Budget Fashion, DIY Style, Fashion - Women, Refashion+Refurb| Tagged Burdastyle, design-it-yourself, DIY Style, sewing patterns | 2 Comments

Pangaya's Goodbye Sale

17Jan08

A piece of sad news just arrived in the Fab Green inbox: Pangaya, one of the first eco-chic boutiques to open online is now closing its doors. Pangaya co-founder Sean Bartlett writes:

I am writing today to let you know that after almost four years in business, Pangaya will be shutting down. An early pioneer in online eco-chic retailing, the company has realized tremendous growth and is proud to have served our loyal customers with products that combined style with substance. Operations will continue to function as normal until current inventory is sold out. During this time, the price of every item of clothing in the store will be reduced significantly (up to 80%) and represents a tremendous value for those looking to add to their wardrobe.

Thanks to Pangaya for introducing me to styling eco-chic brands like Stewart+Brown and Undesigned. We wish Sean and the Pangaya team the best.

Filed under Fashion - Women, Sales+Shopping| Tagged fashion+style, Pangaya, sale, shopping | No Comments

UK Sample Sale: Ciel, Terra Plana

28Nov07

Sarah Ratty wrote us from Ciel to alert London readers about a Christmas Sample Sale to be held this Friday and Saturday in Covent Garden. What you can expect to find: fabulous coats, shoes, frocks, boots and knits at up to 50% off regular prices. Oh-so-British style mulled wine and mince pies will be served to tickle the taste buds.

The Details:
Friday, Nov. 30 | 3pm-8pm
Saturday, Dec. 1 | 9am-7:30pm
Covent Garden
2nd Floor, 65 Neal Street
RSVP to the studio here.

The Fab Factor: Ciel fabricates its gorgeous collection using organic cotton certified by Skal, as well as hemp, silk and faux fur. According to their website, Ciel uses “only 100% Azo free dyes for fabrics, using fabrics certified by Oekotex and Confidence in Textiles labels, preferring recycled and recyclable fibres wherever possible, ensuring great performance along with eco-intelligent design made in accordance with ethical production.”

Wish I could join you all!

Filed under Eco Glam, Fashion - Women, Gifts+Gifting, Sales+Shopping| Tagged Ciel, fashion+style, luxury eco, sample sale, Terra Plana | No Comments

Holiday Sales Roundup – Where to Shop Green

21Nov07

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Fabulously Green will be on hiatus this week and back again on Monday the 26th. In the meantime, here’s a quick sales roundup for those interested in giving green and fabulous this holiday season.

Nov. 24-25 | Friends and Family Sale at Branch Home. Enter code “branchfriend” to take advantage of 20% of virtually their entire selection of modern green furnishings, accessories, bags, and gifts.

Nov. 23-26 | Equita boutique turns one and celebrates online sales on Lucina jewelry, Edun tees for guys, mod messenger bags, organic skincare products, and gourmet fair trade chocolates, coffee and olive oils.

Nov. 23-25 | One of my favorite New York boutiques Kaight is having an in-store and online sale. Enter code “Thanksgiving” to get an extra 15% off eco-luxe apparel and accessories for women.

Nov. 22-Dec. 24 | Holiday Sale at Vitamin D(esign) runs through Christmas. Enter code “HOLIDAY2007″ to get 20% off any purchases totalling over $50 on furniture, apparel, accessories and more.

Nov. 28-29 | NYC Sample Sale on Loyale with complimentary Reyka Vodka cocktails from 5-8pm on Thursday the 28th for lucky shoppers.
- Sample Sale Location: 307 W. 38th St. #1412 (at 8th Avenue)

Filed under Babies+Kids, Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women, Gifts+Gifting| Tagged eco, Eco-friendly, eco-luxe, edun, Gifts, green gifts, holiday shopping, kaight, loyale, sales, vitamin d(esign) | No Comments

Taking Green to the Edge: Nicole Bridger

16Nov07

You’d expect a designer who once interned for Vivienne Westwood to veer towards the edgier side of fashion. Vancouver-based designer Nicole Bridger certainly does. But she’s striving to push fashion even further.

Described by TheITLists as “edgy eco,” Nicole Bridger’s line has made a splash at B.C.’s Fashion Week. Her design philosophy is simple and karmic:

“Our philosophy is to do what’s right. We create designer clothing and the socially conscious thing is just how we think everyone should be living his or her lives. We use sustainable fabrics and strive to have a positive relationship with everyone who works to create our clothing. You can trust that we are doing whatever we can to make our garments and company as eco as we can, and are always looking for ways to do it better next season.”

Launching your own fashion label is challenging enough. Making it fabulously green AND fresh enough for Paris, New York (or Vancouver) is even tougher. Fortunately for Bridger, she’s done it before: co-creating the urban, organic brand oqoqo with lululemon’s founder Chip Wilson.

The Nicole Bridger line is currently available in a handful of boutiques in Canada, New York and Portland. Visit her website for a list of stores.

Filed under Fashion - Women, Indie, Urban Style| Tagged Eco-friendly, Indie, indie fashion, Nicole Bridger | No Comments

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