Sweatshop-free – Fabulously Green

Tag archives: Sweatshop-free

Protoculture Tees: The Art of Irreverence

08Nov06

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.

Filed under Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women, Indie, Urban Style| Tagged Eco-friendly, Indie, Sweatshop-free | No Comments

FG's Election Fashion

07Nov06

It’s hot as an oven in California on this thrilling election day. Could it be global warming working its political charms? A shame since I had a full election outfit ready that is now too darn hot to wear. Thankfully the most important eco-election garment is wearable on a super summer November day like this.

My Election Must-Haves:
Candidates selected: check.

Proposition measures decided on: check.

Election location identified: check. (this is important because it’s changed for the first time in six years)

Chad Checker: check. Or will it be machines this year?

Voting scorecard made last night (scribbed on a recycled piece of scrap paper): check.

Certified Organic Vote for Change tee: check!

Wow, there are an inordinate amount of things to vote on today if you’re a Californian. Races for Governor, Lt. Governor, Senator, Attorney General, Controller, 1001 Arabian judges, 13 propositions. Maybe I should bring a sandwich. And a sleeping bag.

Thanks to my eco-dudette Siel aka GreenLAGirl, League of Women Voters, Jason and Rob for the initial low-down, debates and resources so I can be reasonably informed. I was on the internet for at least another two hours afterwards.

And a special thanks to the folks at COTAM for sending me this most excellent Vote for Change Shirt! Printed on a sweatshop-free American Apparel fitted babydoll tee, I’m now properly dressed for the occasion.

Note of Clarification: It’s 87 degrees in the office today with no A/C. So technically, I’m not wearing the shown garment above anymore (that was my morning gear). By stroke of great green luck, I discovered I had won a free Vote for Change TANK TOP this week at G Living (who work in the same building). So I’ve made the switch and get to spread some voting spirit all day afterall.

See you at the polls!

Filed under Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women| Tagged Eco-friendly, Organic, Sweatshop-free | No Comments

Emma Gardner Hand Tufted Rugs

13Sep06

I’m really drawn to these sumptuous hand-made wool rugs by designer Emma Gardner. Her eye for pattern and color is truly fresh, inspired and modern. Maybe it comes from her unique background: born in Japan, raised in New York City, transplanted to rural Connecticut. No wonder Emma Gardner’s designs are so eclectic.

The Fab Factor: 1) Besides being beautiful, every one of her rugs are Rugmark and Care and Fair certified–no child labor involved in the production of her pieces. 2) Emma Gardner also donates a portion of revenues to support the ending of child labor in the carpet industry. 3) They’re made from biodegradable materials like wool. Good for the land not the landfill.

Swirl Rug shown in Green

Stripes Rug shown in Chocolate

Spray Rug shown in Sea Blue

Rain Rug shown in Earth

Filed under Handmade, Interior Design, Rugs+Carpet| Tagged Biodegradable, Eco-friendly, Handmade, Sweatshop-free | No Comments

The Softest Shirt in the World

06Sep06

Morris Saintsing of Bamboosa graciously sent me a sample of their Women’s Bamboo Fine Jersey Sleep Slip. It’s the softest top I’ve ever worn–feels like silk and is feathery light on. Even better, with this season’s penchant for tunics I’ve paired this top with a pair of jeans, a tank underneath, with a strand of beads. It’s also a dream to sleep in. I’m tempted to get one in every color–and wear them for years. Eco-friendly, soft, and affordable.

Women’s 100% Bamboo Fine Jersey Sleep Slip in Black, $28

Women’s Fitted V-neck in Papaya Red, $24

Women’s Cami in Cherry Red, Bamboo Fine Jersey, $15

Bamboosa Color Palette

Thanks again Morris!
Visit Bamboosa for other fabulous bamboo basics for men, women and babies.

Filed under Babies+Kids, Budget Fashion, Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women| Tagged Eco-friendly, Sweatshop-free | No Comments

Fashion Sneak Peek: Twice Shy

23Aug06

While I’m eagerly waiting for the fabulous top I just bought online at Twice Shy’s summer sale (which is still going on by the way), I got in touch with the Twice Shy team to see what they have coming out this fall. Jen MacCormack responded right away and was kind enough to send some sneak peek photos of their Fall collection for FG readers. Much to love this season and their entire collection is organic so it’s earth-friendly too.

Men’s Polo – the graphic design, pocket and military detail on the shoulders make this a standout look for guys. No hint of preppy here.

Peasant Dress – A truly versatile dress that works as a stunning baby doll dress or skirt. This one is my personal favorite.

Peasant Dress – love double duty pieces.

Jacket in Sand [equestrian-chic!]

Men’s Tee with front-to-back graphic detail

Denim Jacket – amazing tailored cut makes it a wearable option for the work or play.

Swing Skirt – Bold, asymmetrical prints always win me over!

Shawl – Artsy take on the popular shrugs.

Thanks again to Jen for the sneak peek!

Filed under Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women, Indie| Tagged Eco-friendly, Indie, Organic, Sweatshop-free | No Comments

preloved: vintage refashioned

08Aug06

There’s much to love about Toronto-based clothing company preloved. This boutique serves up eco-friendly fashion that pays homage to the past, yet is surprisingly edgy. The preloved design team sources their beautiful preloved garments from local, to-the-trade warehouses. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, made typically from three different vintage garments. The blending of pieces seems to incite more creativity in design process, leading to unexpected and beautiful seamlines and cuts. Some pieces embrace the trendy deconstructive aesthetic. Others reflect a more Sabrina-esque femininity. Everything is handmade in Toronto. For a fascinating look inside the world of preloved fashion check out this quick little video. Currently available in Canada, the U.S, U.K., Ireland and Hong Kong.

Filed under Fashion - Women, Indie, Refashion+Refurb, Unique, Vintage| Tagged Eco-friendly, Indie, Sweatshop-free | No Comments

Organic Cotton Apparel: Best Buys

07Jul06

Yesterday’s piece by the Independent titled “Look good, save the earth” reviews the pros and cons of cotton and what is meant by organic cotton. Natural, doesn’t always mean earth-friendly, but there are several companies who’ve spent years experimenting with organic cotton that treats lighter on the earth and makes for good fashion.

On the Independent’s “Wear with Pride” list:
American Apparel: sweatshop-free, sustainable cotton clothing for men, women and kids. I’m fan of their tees and hoodies, they fit beautifully and are surprisingly soft. They’re also pretty affordable, priced a few dollars above equivalent non-organic buys. Organic cotton would make American Apparel even more appealing. Not a fan however of their current ad campaign–the erotically charged borderline adolescent models I find offputting. Here’s one I did find that’s rated G in ALL senses.

Bamford & Sons: This company is new to me. Looks like classic clothing for men and boys. Think JCrew but greener and British.

Edun: Backed by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, designs by Rogan Gregory brings sexy to sustainable. See our previous fashion review.

Gossypium: Latin for “cotton,” this British label makes casual apparel for men, women, kids and babies. Sadly, their site is hopelessly frozen, so images to share here.

Loomstate: Denim redefined, these organic casual jeans for men and women are available in the U.S., with retail expanding to the UK later this year.

People Tree: We just reported on them two days ago! Love the company and remember, there’s a great sale going on.

Reflective Circle: I’m not familiar with the company, but this year’s collection features a lot of sleek black tops and bottoms for women. I especially like the detailing on this pant.