Now this is a must have for econistas. I am in love with these glasses, they are sooo freakin hot. They are made by iWood ecodesigns from sustainable wood veneers. There are a couple pairs available on the saks website, green house section. They have a show room in Kentuky, so if you're in that area, go check them out.
Another large luxury retailer has launched a green department, which is again, a sign that green is economically sustainable! The revolution is on. They include some familiar brands such as Loomstate, Beau Soleil and Organic. But there are some fresh faces on there, like Song (tunic below) and Ogle as well as specific pieces from other collections like Alabama Chanin and Eileen Fisher. I think it's an online phenomenon, but it's worth a trip to the store ;-) just to be sure.
In addition, the department highlights a great charity, charity: water, that's mission is to provide clean drinking water to poor areas worldwide. I can't tell if Saks is donating anything to the charity or if they're just providing free advertising space, but it brought the charity to my attention so it's doing something I guess.
Ok, now this company is doing bold and beautiful things in the apparel realm. Israeli based Bagir is innovating in both technology and tailoring. Their Ecogir Recycled line of tailored suits is made from 100% post consumer recycled material. the fabric and lining are created from discarded PET bottles. So not only do they divert waste from landfills, they alos reduce the carbon footprint. They also have a line of suits that are 50% post consumer recycled materials.
They also have a line of Ecogir Organic which uses organic cotton, bamboo and tagua nuts. The jacket is made from organic cotton, the lining from bamboo and the buttons from the nuts!
This company is definitely one to watch people! Where can I buy shares?
She Bible is a small, San Francisco based label that started out with a handmade screen printing kit in the kitchen. Designers Deirdre O'Boyle and Stacy Rodgers turn out a simple, unique collection that also has sustainable pieces such as the mini dress above made, in part, from organic cotton. Other simple and basic casual wear is made from bamboo and viscose.
Now here are some bags that are worth their price tag. They are handmade from recycled, thrifted leather jackets by Ashley Watson in her Vancouver BC studio. You can see the jacket detailing, pockets and seams in the bag design wich makes each piece a one of a kind. The spring collection is available at Beklina and elsewhere.
Another plastic bag substitute but this one is simple, chic and made of felt. Made by Illustration by Mary-Ann, you can order one custom made in a bunch of different colors and sizes.
Well this is a refreshing evolution of a large retailer... a whole section devoted to sustainable wares. Of course, the coolest thing they carry are some Edun tees and a wonderful sweater coat by Viridis, but still, Nordstroms knows that the revolution is ON!
It's difficult to imagine springtime while in the midst of a cold, dark winter, but after drooling over the Thieves Spring collection, the sun seems to be coming out early. I've always appreciated the label's delicate balance of urban flavor and feminine wearability, but this season, i think they've out done themselves. They are successfully playing with the high waisted silhouette in unconventional ways through empire waisted tanks, high waisted skirts and dresses with ruching. The delicate graphics that grace a few pieces are not overpowering and then a few stand outs, like the jacket below, provide impact. Their clothes are made from a variety of fabrics including soy, bamboo, lyocell, wool, and tencel.
After encountering Beau Soleil at one of my favorite boutiques, I decided to check back in with them to see what's up for spring. I have to admit, I was disappointed...yawn. This season's vision is not as avant guard as their fall collection. In the past, they were wearable, on trend yet still had an air of sophistication that made their designs different. But this spring, we have boring colors, the same embellishments on all the garments and even some cheesy elements. Here are a couple of the cuter things made from bamboo ....
