Category archives: Urban Style

Angela Johnson: Frocks that Rock

There’s something really captivating about designer Angela Johnson’s sense of style. Self-described as “punk couture,” “vintage inspired” and “kitschy ready-to-wear,” Angela’s gowns exude feminity “but with a dark side.” So if you tend to gravitate towards the adventurous style of Gwen Stefani over the classic appeal of Nicole Kidman, look no further than these bold-n-beautiful gowns refashioned from vintage fabrics.

With the menswear trend back in full force this Button Down Party Dress made from thrifted men’s shirts will prove who wears the “dress” in the family. Wear it with a crenoline petticoat for extra “pouf,” (available separately). $300 at Angela Johnson

T-Shirt Ball Gown, by Angela Johnson, $400 at Unsung
A daring black number that makes a statement–literally. This gown incorporates international iconography (I can just about read the Chinese characters at the waistline). Only one available for snapping up!

Each gown is one-of-a-kind (no fears of deja vu on the red carpet for you). You can either leave the T-shirt choices up to Angela or supply your own castoffs. As with the rest of Angela’s clothing, you have to expect that Angela’s sense of humor will be included with this dress.
Angela is Phoenix-based, but her clothing is available through a variety of retailers listed here.

Winter Fashion Sale at ShopEnvi

ShopEnvi is an online boutique that consistently offers fresh looks from fashion-forward, eco-friendly designers. Usually the price points are just out of my reach (which isn’t really saying much), but thankfully right now there are deals-a-plenty on stylin’, organic clothing that is still wearable during the winter season.

Here are a few personal picks:


Tantra Tunic Hoody in Carnelian, by Under the Canopy, $17.00 (60% off)
Made of 100% organic cotton, this tunic apparently is comfy enough to double as loungey pj’s or a casual top for layering. A form flattering basic, the lightly flared sleeves and hoody give it extra hip factor.


Distress Wash Foil Tulip Skirt in Black, by Super Lucky Cat, $38 (50% off)
Recycled sweatshirt refashioned into a flattering rocker-chic style skirt. Gold Foil print embellishes the front, and the seam lines of the back will do wonders for those of you blessed with posterior assets.


Heron V-Neck in Dusk, by Twice Shy, $22 (50% off)
Made of 95% organic cotton, 5% lycra for a little stretch
Bird-inspired prints have definitely been a fresh trend this year in fashion and interior design. Perfect for the coming of spring.

Asymmetrical Batwing Tunic in Ruby, by Twice Shy, $34 (40% off)
I fell in love with this abstracted woodsy print last fall. Sadly, the black one I had my eye on sold out. But if you want to look pretty in pink, this top is a great bargain by one of my personal favorite designers. Made of 95% organic cotton, 5% lycra for stretch.

Happy Shopping!

Graffiti Art for Grownups

If you are a fan of the latest wall decal trend but wish for a more greener option, these Graffiti Stencils at Urban Outfitters may be just the thing. There are ten motifs in all inspired from natural and urban objects. Stencils are made from vinyl and can be used on fabric, furniture, walls and floors. Simple choose your colors and your paints, grab a few brushes and graffiti away. Available exclusively at Urban Outtfitters online.

Traffic Motif Graffiti Stencil, UrbanOutterfitters.com, $10

Sparrow Motif Graffiti Stencil, applied (neatly) with spray paint

Deer Motif Graffiti Stencil, and a tee people will fawn over.

Powerlines Motif Graffiti Stencil, no electricity required.

The Fab Factor: Vinyl is certainly not a green material, and we hope to see alternatives from Urban Outfitters in the future. However props go to the stencils’ reusability. I also appreciate their versatility to update your home and your wardrobe alike and you can pass them on to another crafter when you’re finished. For extra eco-health factor, try using an low VOC paint (how about Yolo Colorhouse, milk paints by Anna Sova or Old Fashioned Milk Paint of Benjamin Moore’s Eco Spec paint.

Sarah Cihat: Rockin' Dishware

We’re loyal fans of Sarah Cihat’s collection of rehabilitated dishware. Bold motifs, rich colors. Plates are sourced locally from her neighborhood Good Will or Salvation Army and given new life. In honor of this season’s rocker chic trend, we thought you’d get a kick out of some of these pieces that look as good on your wall as they do on your dining table.


Axel Rose playing Sweet Plate o’Mine…

The Fab Factor: Recycled and refashioned plates, we love their double duty function as dining accessory or a work of art. Made using non-toxic glazes and handcrafted by Sarah Cihat herself. Not to mention a positive example of rockers in rehab.

Sarah Cihat dishware is available in retail stores in the US, Canada and Japan. You can also e-mail her directly for custom orders. Ceramics range in price from $35-59 each.

Protoculture Tees: The Art of Irreverence


Ok, I couldn’t resist a little post-election humor. And since this Trash the Republicans tee by Protoculture was handprinted on supersoft, sweatshop-free American Apparel tees I may get away with it today.

Protoculture is the brainchild of ex-punk rockers Justin Fellers and Matt Giles (read their quirky story here), a t-shirt design company that proclaims to create “the finest retro-futuristic targeted nonsense that makes others jealous of your good taste.” Be your own judge.

Men’s Cycle of Violence Tee, $20

Femme Dangereuse, long sleeve sheer jersey tee, $32

Nouveau Lily Tee, cap sleeve preshrunk tee, $30

Men’s Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’ Tee, $22

The Fab Factor: Los Angeles-based Protoculture sources their tees locally from American Apparel, and silkscreen their tees by hand in the U.S. It’s not directly stated on their site if the inks are green.

You Spin Me Right Round Like a Record Baby

If Jeffrey Sebellia’s win on Project Runway is any indication, rocker chic may be making a comeback. These funky bags by Le’Album just spin me back. If you were blessed to remember collecting records (yes I say blessed!) just a visit to this site will satisfy any nostalgia you have for those sleek black 10″ Lps. JB Hoffman is the mastermind behind these rockin’ totes–saving hundreds of albums from an eternity in the landfills. It’s much better spent living it up on the town with eco-rocker chics anyway don’t you think?

How fun are these? The Police, Donnie & Marie, Journey and the coolest design by a band I don’t personally know: Haircut One Hundred. Can someone enlighten me?


The Fab Factor:
These babies are recycled and made to order. You can choose your own record to fit your own personal tastes–many are even collectibles. There’s also a choice of fabric for the inner lining–though existing fabrics don’t color coordinate with all available albums. You may however also request recycled fabric for extra eco-factor. And they arrive in approximately 10 days. They are handmade in Seattle.

Available at JB Hoffman. Now if only it were possible to get one made with Spinal Tap. Hmm.

Thanks to FG reader Brett for sending in this find!

Hip Green Digs…Under the Highway?


Many of us (FG included) would cringe at the thought of living near a freeway. What about under one–literally? This home designed by Boston-based architects Jinhee Park and John Hong of Single speed Design may just change our minds. Built almost entirely of leftover materials, this house shows us how “trash-to-treasure” can work in architecture and interior design — with stunning results.

The Design Challenge: To design a new residence using the residual materials from Boston’s Big Dig construction site. According to John Hong, “he had a junkyard full of concrete and steel and this idea to recycle it into a house.” Blessed with a client daring enough to use his home as the guinea pig for the experiment, Park and Hong took on the challenge.

The Materials: 600,000 pounds of construction site discards such as steel beams and concrete off-ramps–compliments of the I-93 highway!

How many Boston commuters do you think would notice that the steel frame and 13 highway panels used in the house formerly made up the Central Artery off-ramps?

The Interior: a hipster loft showcasing concrete salvaged highway panels and beams.

The Fab Factor: Ironically, the heaviness of the recycled materials made it possible to support a fully landscaped rooftop garden. All materials were locally sourced to boot. Could this become an interesting case study for homes?

Via Business Week via Architectural Record

See more work by Single speed Design.

FASHION WEEK | J'aime La Mode Ethique

Oohlala–Paris is hosting their third annual Ethical Fashion Show this weekend! Four days of innovative, socially conscious couture, ready-to-wear clothing and accessories from an impressive list of international designers from over 20 countries.

Anyone in Paris today? Tickets are still available at the door for today. If you go, we’d LOVE to hear from you!

ETHICAL FASHION SHOW
Le Tapis Rouge
67 rue de Faubourge
Saint Martin, 75010 Paris

Soochi by Govadhan Group Ready to Wear
[India]“Not just a brand or a boutique; it’s an organisation dedicated to offering the best quality of natural fibres and transform the lives of traditional Indian artisans.”

Munchu’s [Thailand]
Visit: Soiwat for more info.

Makabu [France]
Streetwear and Sportswear inspired and refashioned from vintage jackets and blazers.

AOI
One of a kind pieces made from vintage silk kimonos

Headquarter [Thailand]
A design collective creating fashion for one’s inner rebel-with-a-cause.
Visit: Soiwat for more info.

La Vie devant Soie [France-Cambodia]
High style bags and accessories made from recycled materials. Emphasis on fair trade.

BEST OF PRESS on EFS:

Sofa Brick: Corky Art

sofa_brick3sofa_brick2
Lego’s for adults? Yes and better! These Sofa Bricks by Japanese designer Aya Koike invite users to tap their inner-designer to create a wall, a piece of furniture, or an art piece. Made of soft molded eco-friendly cork, they’re lightweight, comfortable and sturdy. Perfect melding of fun and function.

sofa_brick2

Manufactured by NAGAYANAGI co.,ltd.

Via MocoLoco

Anenome Chair

anemone_chair
Here’s another whimsical chair that takes its inspiration from preloved materials. The Anemone Chair designed by Fernando & Humberto Campana wraps lengths of translucent PVC garden hoses around a steel frame to create an updated, eco-friendly take on the bean-bag shaped lounge chair.

Spotted at Yanko Design