Thursday, July 24, 2008

Bravo's "In!" the Green Revolution


This was the first officially green episode of Project Runway. Yay, good job Bravo and Project Runway!! The fabrics used in this weeks episode were made of sustainable silks, bamboo jerseys and hemp blends. Unfortunately, they didn't discuss the fabrics that much, and the challenge was to make a cocktail dress so the audience didn't get to see the wide variety of sustainable fabrics there are out there. Nonetheless, the movement is alive and well. In the past, PR has used recycled cloths for challenges which is the ultimate in sustainability because it doesn't require new raw materials. Perhaps someone will comment on the eco-consciousness of repurposing clothing in a future episode this season.


The episode featured guest star econista Natalie Portman who was there to not only support green fashion but to plug her vegan shoe line that was produced by Te Cesan. Portman has been a vergitarian since she was 8 and has been looking for quality stylish vegan shoes for a long time, until she decided to design her own line. Much like her personal style, the shoes are delicate, eclectic and fun. She's donating 100% of the proceeds to various charities that benefit the environment and animal rights.


Thanks Bravo for elevating awareness and calling out the main stream fashion world... you either in or you out ... of the green revolution.

Oh, and for all you PR fans, Christian Seriano's collection is for sale on Blue Fly. It ain't cheap but it's hella fierce!!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Zerkahloostrah Custom Handmade Shoes


Circus b'zerkus handmade platform pumps women's 8.5 $365


Yes, cobblers do still exist and you can find them on Etsy. Here is one of the best, Zerkahloostrah. A wonderful sense of style and (as it appears on the monitor) great quality. Of course they aren't cheap, but the whole point of buying custom or handmade shoes is to avoid the mass produced, sweat shop marketplace and go with something traditional and long lasting. This is type of buying power is in the tradition of getting value from longevity - not disposable trend, which is why this Etsy seller is on the right track. The styles are an elegant fit season upon season.

custom retro platform pumps $500



custom purple and green sandals $500



custom red delicate mary janes $500





Thursday, July 17, 2008

Who Loves Elroy?



I do! Just a few weeks ago, I was feeling like there wasn't much going on in the sustainable fashion world. But after digging a little deeper I stumbled across a vein that led to a perfect nugget of gold: designer Leanne McElroy's collection Elroy. Why didn't I know about it sooner?

Based in Vancouver BC, Elroy is a fully sustainable collection using bamboo and organic cotton fabrics. "I found there was this missing niche…that just wasn't available out there. There was yoga wear and the elastic pants and elastic tank tops. It just wasn't stuff I was looking for." Says McElroy. "I'm really drawn to Asian minimalism and the style of the '40s and '50s. I have a couple of jackets that are definitely inspired by an Audrey Hepburn–type look. I try to make structured and tailored pieces that really fit a woman's body."

These influences are very apparent in the spring collection of well tailored and meticulously detailed designs. McElroy understands the woman she's dressing - the Audrey Hepburn of today, a true econista who's elegance is beyond fashionable, it's responsible. I'm sure Elroy's fall 2008 collection will be fabulous, I'll be sure to keep an eye on this nugget and pass it on.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Paper Doll by Heather Treadway



I love it when I encounter a designer in a round about way only to realize I've seen and admired their work before. It makes me feel like there's a purpose in all of this googling. The purpose being: finding talent! Here we have Portland Oregon based designer, Heather Treadway who hand makes all of her garments (etsy store) from conventional fabrics. The not-so-preppy deconstructed woven argyle sweatshirt is absolute genius, but it's a deceiving introduction to her sensibility. The collection as a whole is more sporty and futuristic than the argyle would suggest. Treadway takes classic streetwear pieces and spices them up with scifi flavored details. When considered as a whole, the streetwear line is very west coast party ready wear - stylish layering, comfortable and easy to move in. Whether dancing to a DJ in the woods, on the beach or in the desert, Paper Doll will get you through the fun in style.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Lizzie Parker Fall 08 Misses the Mark



I'm a fan of Lizzie Parker, the eco-chic designer who's design sensibility is perky, fresh and comfortable. But the Fall 08 collection is anything but fresh, in fact, it's drab and drapey. What econista wants to be draped in drab? With layers of Jersey hanging around the neck and over the shoulders, the designs look more like yoga wear... which for fashion designers who want to be more chic than eco, that's the kiss of death. We all know we can find bamboo yogawear anywhere... Econistas are looking for style, and Lizzie Parker Fall 08 doesn't deliver. Is there a glimmer of hope? Maybe, if you can find something from her spring collection like the outfit below on sale...Sorry Lizzie.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Sharyl Crow Developing an Eco-chic Line



Word on Rodeo Drive is that Sharyl Crow is heading down under to meet with some business partners at Western Glove Works about launching an eco-chic denim line. Not only is she, herself a gorgeous gal in cowboy boots and jeans, but she's been a spokesperson for the environment for years. In fact, this spring she hit the road on a nationwide tour Rocking the Globe-L Warming Tour and even blogged about the people who came out to protest (are there still skeptics out there... perhaps they were paid by Exxon).

In April, Crow was invited to the White House Correspondence dinner, and, like a good econista, she confronted Carl Rove about Global Warming (she was supposed to introduce him at the dinner). After flinging some well researched statistics and facts at Rove and receiving a few short tempered responses, Rove turned to stomp away like a spoiled little boy. Sharyl touched him on the shoulder and Rove spun around, probably foaming at the mouth, and said "Don't touch me!!". What heterosexual man refuses a caress from Sharyl Crow? I digress. So, econista will keep you informed about Sharyl's eco-friendly line. Stay tuned.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Made in the USA




4th of July means all things american. Celebrate your Independence from corporate greed and big business this year by supporting your local, hand-makers. Here's a made-in-the-USA roundup of etsy treats.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Nasty Gal Vintage




A great way to kick off the new month is by getting nasty. I recognize nasty gal vintage from her ebay shop a year ago, but she's branched out into her own online storefront and is getting some big time press. Only problem with letting this little know secret out of the bag...everything is sold out. Not only are the cloths funky, but her photography is wonderful! So bookmark this site and check back regularly so you can take advantage of the owner's funky eye and wonderful ability to find these unique, one of a kind pieces.