Tag archives: Sweatshop-free

GUY STYLE | Preloved Jackets

09Mar08
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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?

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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.

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FASHION | Form & Fauna's Racy Shoes

27Feb08

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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?).

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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.

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Fabulously Green Steals & Deals

31May07


For the fashion-minded and budget conscious, here are some summer sales to help green up your wardrobe without breaking the bank. First up is a sale at Beklina on season ready tops, jewelry and accessories. Our picks: a delicate graphic Lace Trim Cami by Stewart + Brown made of 100% pima cotton (shown left) and a crisp, summer weight Multi Stitch Trench made sans sweatshop by Myth and Ritual (shown right).

Allison of Under the Canopy wrote us to announce an online sale of their effortlessly elegant collection of women’s basics. Tops starts at $19.50–a true steal for beautifully made, organic cotton pieces that can be dressed up or down, or worn in layers. Under the Canopy is one of my personal favorite labels for form flattering, super comfortable tops. I practically live in them.

There’s also something for the G guy: Green Goody Thursday at BTC Elements at celebrates Dads with a 15% off sale on all men’s gear. Our favorites? The Billboard Messenger Bag, restyled from discarded New York City billboards so it’s not only hip but virtually indestructible. Side and mesh pockets hold water bottles, gym gear, notebooks. The Havana Shirt by Indigenous Designs is made of organic cotton offers a subtle hipster look.

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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Passenger Pigeon | Spring 2007 Collection

06Apr07

Spring has arrived at Passenger Pigeon and I’m all a-flutter for their line of screen printed bamboo voile dresses, lyocell wrap dresses and soy-blend tunics. All designed, sewn and printed in Canada, sans sweatshop labor. Modern, artsy, truly fabulous fashion.

Lori Dress, available in salmon pink or black+white
Made either with hemp/silk/organic cotton blend (pink) or bamboo voile (b+w)
Both lined with 100% silk

Yvonne Dress, 100% bamboo voile and lined with 100% silk

Norah Reversible Wrap Dress, 100% lyocell on the outside, interior made with lyocell/polyester blend

Elise Dress, made with soy/cotton/spandex and lyocell/polyester knit sash made with hemp/tencel/silk blend

Kylie Tunic, a truly versatile top. Available in green or black
Made with a soy/cotton/spandex knit

Retails in Canada and the U.S. and online at various retailers.

Clickworthy read: Designer Heather Schibli’s Q+A with Blogto

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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Fab Friday | Fashion Finds

10Mar07

Sorry for the late posting! Here are some of my favorite high-style, guilt-free fashion finds from around the web this week:

ETHICALLY ENTRENCHED

Multi-Stitch Trench by Myth & Ritual, $290
Sweatshop-free Cotton
Spotted at Beklina

A WARM WEATHER WEDGE

Vulcan Wedge by Mink Shoes, $400
vegan and eco-friendly cork
Spotted at Haute*Nature

SHINY, HAPPY PEOPLE

“People” Barrel Bag by aGainNYC
made with vintage fabrics, suede straps

A SEXY SATCHEL

Doorknocker Vegan Satchel by Chinese Laundry, $63
Spotted at Alternative Outfitters

Enjoy your weekend!

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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Going Green for the Roots Jam

16Feb07

The webcast of the pre-Grammy, 4th annual the Roots Jam is up on G Living! See who came out to lend their eco-support towards promoting composting programs in L.A. schools. VIP giftbags filled with green goodies were given to 75 special celebs. Fab Green joined the press core which was far more friendly and gracious than I expected.

I got to pal around with uber green blogger, Siel aka Green LA Girl. Both of us are camera-shy, but Siel (on the right) pitched in to interview celebs for ecorazzi and proved herself a natural with a mike (girl, I told you so!).

Eco-style spottings were thin on the Green Carpet, so I put in an eco-fashion showing. Let’s break it down:

Alive tee by Under the Canopy in mineral blue-grey (left). This is an unbelievably soft, organic cotton tee that fits like a second skin. The ruched-detail on the cap sleeves give a dressier look to a closet basic. $38 at Under the Canopy.

I wore a solid-colored version of the long-sleeved Conscious Tee. It fits me like a dream, and the scoop neck with ruching gives my tomboy-ish frame a more feminine look.

Underneath I wore Chakra Tank in Mudra Red. Like the other Under the Canopy tops this rib-knit tank fits perfectly. My only complaint is that the back side of the embroidery can be a bit rough and itchy.

The handbag: My Strawberry-colored Anarkali bag by Conserve. I bought this at Hip + Zen last year for an affordable $39, and get tons of compliments when I go out. When I tell people they’re made from recycled plastic bags, and support fairly-traded cooperatives in India they ask me where they can get one. Grab one at Hip and Zen or Overstock.
Thanks to Under the Canopy for sending me samples. Photos courtesy of fashion photographer Ram Gibson. Thanks for sharing Ram!

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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Angela Johnson: Frocks that Rock

18Jan07

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.
Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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Gift Guide p.2: For Gadget Loving Guys

28Nov06

Here are some green gifting ideas for your favorite urban hipster, technophile, High Fidelity-loving boyfriend, husband, brother or guy pal. Happy hunting.

Movie Billboard Wallets by ModuLab, $19USD, spotted at re:modern
Refashioned from Hollywood’s cast off vinyl billboard posters, these wallets have been a popular eco-style item this year. Chile-based Modulab also makes a wide variety of bags.

The Fab Factor: Supporting recycled style and landfill rescue (pat yourself on the back). One-of-a-kind giving for your special someone.

Headphone Tee by Modern Planet, at elsewares.com
NY-based designer Danielle McGurran is the self-proclaimed “smarty-pants underachiever” behind the Modern Planet collection. Her designs are hand-illustrated sans computers and printed on American Apparel tees.

The Fab Factor: Tees are sweatshop-free (thanks to American Apparel). There’s also the added benefit of supporting an indie designer and domestic manufacturing.

Portable Bamboo Speaker, $129-199 at AudioCubes.com
Japanese genius strikes again. These speakers by Bird Electron use no electricity–not even solar. Say what? I’m too electronically handicapped to explain it, but apparently it optimizes the natural resonance of bamboo to create quality sound. Comes with a stereo-mini plug that can connect to a laptop, computer, iPod.

The Fab Factor: renewable, sustainable bamboo (what CAN’T you make bamboo), energy-efficient, sleek and portable. cutting edge sustainable design.


Dragnet Messenger Bags by FREITAG, on sale $139 at hivemodern
These ingenious bags by Swiss-design duo Daniel & Markus Freitag are made from used truck tarpaulins from European freight trucks. The tarps are virtually indestructible and colored with various logos and images that are cut down to create Freitag’s bold looks. No two bags are alike. You can also shop online or at Freitag.com for thousands of bag styles and wallets. Or design-your-own using Freitag’s handy Bag Cutter design tool.

The Fab Factor: Freitag not only uses recycled materials in their products, but to build their retail store as well. Their Zurich flagship stort was designed using 17 recycled freight containers. Shipping container architecture and interior design isn’t necessarily new (think the Nomadic Museum by Shigeru Ban and the Pallotta TeamWorks Headquarters by Clive Wilkinson Architects) but it does perfectly reflect the spirit of Freitag. Read what the NY Times had to say about the brothers, the brand and the store.


ixi collapsible bike by ixi $799-999 new, or $599 for factory seconds
Foldable, collapsible bikes are ideal for apartment dwellers who are short on space, but light on their feet. The ixi is an FG standout for its smart design AND stunning looks. My husband and I have been drueling over these for months (I almost bought a used one on ebay). But owning a second bike seems excessive so for now I’ve committed to using my mountain bike to get around town. If the ixi price tag seems too steep, there are other optionc. Check out this article by San Francisco Chronicle that covers various bikes with their owners, along with a list of other manufacturers.

The Fab Factor: A lightweight, portable bike like this makes it easier and enjoyable to leave that car behind. Indirectly helps the planet through use of smart, efficient design.

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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Fashion Watch: Sworn Virgins

28Nov06

Sworn Virgins is a Los Angeles-based label favored by many Hollywood celebs and fashionistas for their flattering, easy-to-wear dresses and tunics. And since the collection is exclusively made using supersoft bamboo (and 5% spandex for stretch), these pieces end up feeling like a silky second skin when worn. Co-founded by knitting mill owner Alex Amini and designer Roshanne Aghevli, Sworn Virgins emerged from their personal mission to create beautiful organic, eco-conscious fashion. Not to mention the silhouettes happily suit many body types–draping in flattering ways without being overly clingy.Long Lattice Dress in black, spotted at L.A. Star Style, £45.00Intricate lattice detailing creates an inspired look that wraps from front to back. A silk sash at the waist gives added elegance and softness to the look.Black Dress, $150 at Adasa.comA classic criss-cross front made fresh with a bubble-inspired skirtDrape Front Tunic Dress in crimson, $106 at Girlshop.comHelen of Troy look out…Kimono Dress in Slate, spotted on sale at tensixteen for $96.60.The kimono style dress has popped up everywhere this season and with good reason: it’s a flattering silhouette for most body types.Dress with Band in Green Tea, spotted at tensixteen, on sale for $103.60Simple, sexy dress with asymmetrical shoulder straps give it free-spirited appeal.The Fab Factor: Bamboo is a favored eco-friendly material because it grows quickly and without the need of pesticides. It’s biodegradable and anti-bacterial to boot. Sworn Virgins proactively pursues new methods for reducing the amount of waste created during manufacturing. Their current goal is to recycle up to 50% of its water used in the dyeing process. Their clothing is made in the USA, with the majority of the dying and manufacturing done locally in and around Los Angeles.

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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A Fabulously Purple Party Dress

17Nov06

According to Tim Gunn of Project Runway purple is “in”. So why not forgo the traditional red or black dress and opt instead for a purple frock by enamore this season.

First up is enamore’s Pansy Shift Dress, an adorable vintage-inspired little number. Each dress is made to order by hand in the UK, and designed using a gorgeous organic cotton sateen print called Graceland by Harmony Art. Designers and sewing divas may want to check out our previous writeup about FG fave Harmony Art textiles and fabrics for your own collections.

The Plum and Pansy Day Dress is made from organic cotton sateen with a plum-colored hemp and tencel bust detail. This dress is also made to order by enamore. All handmade dresses requires 21 days from fabrication to delivery.

We’ve covered enamore’s line of eco-glamourous lingerie before, which would look stunning under these dresses. Sexy and sustainable, their French-inspired undergarments are made from hemp, a renewable plant fiber proves appealing for hippies and fashionistas alike.

The Fab Factor: enamore’s clothing is made from organic or sustainable materials including hemp (feels like linen), bamboo (simply silky), cotton and silk (though there is a healthy debate about the “eco-friendliness” of silk).

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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