Stripes are what it’s all about for summer 2008. This striped tunic by California Rising is the perfect beach cover-up. A lightweight organic cotton hoodie with a cozy front pocket pouch is just the thing to fend off the evening chill after a long day in the sun. Beyond style and comfort, California Rising produce all their garments with a focus on sustainable fabrics and low-impact dyes. Their entire line is lovingly made in the USA.

If you haven’t already heard the beautiful story of Toms Shoes yet, they donate one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you buy…Not that any extra motivation is needed whatsoever to grab yourself a pair of these cute and comfy canvas slip-ons. They’re the ultimate summer shoe for the boardwalk or the boardroom, the nightclub or the yacht club.

These nautical pieces smack of the French Riviera, making a statement that is both bold and absolutely classic. Make sure to earn your stripes before the summer’s over.

Ecco Domani creates Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Chianti for the unitiated. Much more exciting than their wines though, are the opportunities they create for up-and-coming fashion designers through the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation (EDFF) awards. EDFF has announced a new award for 2008-guess what it is? The Sustainable Design Award, of course. EDFF has presented women’s and men’s wear, as well as accessories awards since 2001. Each winner of an EDFF award receives a $25,000 grant to help produce a show in February at the prestigious Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

Applicants for the Sustainable Design Award may design for women or men, and must include the three elements of sustainability: environment, social equity, and economic viability. The designs must use environmentally friendly materials and production methods that promote fair trade or social equity for workers. All entries must be completed by Friday, October 3, 2008 at 5:00pm EST.

Former winners of EDFF awards include Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, and Alexander Wang. This year’s judging panel includes Marylou Luther (Editor of the International Fashion Syndicate), Sally Singer (Fashion News & Features Director at Vogue), Christopher Bollen (Editor-In-Chief of Interview), Kim Hastreiter (Editor-In-Chief and Publisher of Paper), Nicole Fischelis (Fashion Director at Macy’s), and Julie Gilhart (VP of Fashion Merchandising at Barneys New York).

“Fashion is a very real reflection of the times we live in, and Ecco Domani is the first to create an award for those emerging designers who are not only thinking about fashion design, but also how the whole process affects the planet,” said Julie Gilhart. “True talent, in my opinion, is creating the same great design, style and energy that talented designers give, but also being concerned about lessening the footprint they are creating. It is most definitely the future of fashion, and with this new category, the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation is once again breaking new ground.”

To apply for the Sustainable Design Award, go to EccoDomani.com to download an application.

What does this sign in the middle of a field have to do with sustainable fashion? Well, it’s a long story… To those of you with cable TV, paying a premium to view Discovery’s newly launched Planet Green channel, you recognise the name of the town in Kansas that was destroyed by a tornado last year and now the topic of a reality show produced by Leo DiCaprio, chronicling its reconstruction as a LEED certified community.

Here is where it all gets a little confusing. Fashion sets trends, and trends set fashion. In the 90’s we experienced a 70’s revival. This new century the 60’s are back in vogue, along with it a feeling we never had a chance to finish what we started during the Woodstock era. Suddenly a fresh crop of internet billionaires are discovering the hippies were right, investing in what we should have invested into 30 years ago.

Green technology is on fire… Green architecture a religion… trickling down to all forms of design… photovoltaics, wind power, nano this and nano that… organic agriculture… sustainable fabrics, fair trade, electric cars, huge sails for cargo ships, bio-fuels for Virgin Airlines, we’re all rediscovering our connection with Earth and Universe, seeking balance. It’s a good thing, at long last.

But here’s the glitch, fashion waits for noone, fashion only lasts a season, and to who knows which way the wind blows, comes the spoils of the next revolution. Feels to me green jumped the shark, not that it should, or that it would, because we need to fix the mess we made, but the whole idea of “green” needs to evolve beyond crass commercialism, into something much more subtle, subdued, with nuances and undertones, so it grows new converts, and doesn’t lose the hardcore element that brought it to life in the first place.

Continue reading Every Puppy Starts Out Chewing The Furniture

There’s no greener way for an eco fashion maven to refresh the wardrobe than to reuse and revamp what you already have. Rob and Corinne of Threadbanger, the Quintessential Web TV Heroes Of DIY (that’s an original moniker), are going to show you how to make flip flops out of an old yoga mat. No way. Way. Check this out-it’s shockingly easy.

Now, on the off chance you find this video absolutely fascinating but can not imagine using scissors or a glue gun to craft your very own footwear, you can always purchase some eco flip flops that do not require assembly. Ladies, take a look at the Simple’s Cushee hemp sandals (I love the aquamarine myself.) Guys, take a gander at Splaff Flops made of recycled car tires…very manly.

And whatever way you decide to get your flop on this summer, make sure to enjoy some of the many gorgeous natural places in your area. I mean, you’re changing your purchasing habits to benefit wildlife habitats around the world, now get out there and savor them before summer’s over!

jack&marjorie use military surplus materials such as wool blankets, ground sheets, parachutes and webbing, then combine them with more feminine elements including vintage lace, silk, brocade and buttons to create unique yet functional handbags and accessories. In the Quince Clutch, they use tent canvas and vegetable tanned leather and accent the two fabrics elegantly with pin-tuck detailing and vintage buttons. This zippered puch is lined with organic cotton twill and is made in Canada. Make sure to match your new clutch with a jack&marjorie Enoki Wallet. So charming.

Whether you’re thinking Jackie O. or Michelle O., the classic cut and styling of the Grace & Cello Poet Dress is undeniable. The beauty of a true classic is both versatility and durability, and this little sleeveless number has got both. Organic cotton twill shell with silk lining, you can wear this knee length shift to the office, a 5-star restaurant, wedding, funeral, bar mitzvah, bris, poker game, polo match, fashion show, farmer’s market, cocktail hour, choir practice, Vegas, Virgin Islands, Venice-you get me. All Grace & Cello garments are lovingly made in a Canadian design studio. The Poet Dress was $174, and is now marked down to only $87. Sizes are going fast, so if you want it, get it! Also highly recommended is their emerald green racer back camisole, so elegant and only $49.

This organic cotton hand-stitched tie is Made In The USA by the innovators at Crow Clothing. The assymetrical point definitely gives you a “too hip to be square” kind of feeling. Men can feel right and tight in the black or clay version of this sustainable menswear basic. Did your mother ever tell you that whatever men can do, a woman can do it better? Well, that might just apply when it comes to this tie, because what could be hotter than a stunning woman in a white button-up, tie, and sweater vest tucked into some high-waisted dark denim jeans with a skinny belt? Am I projecting here? Fall’s coming up ladies and gentlemen, so get this autumnal accessory while it’s on sale for only $32!

These bright blue beauties from Simple Shoes feature hemp uppers, certified organic cotton woven linings, recycled car tire pedbeds, super cute button snaps, 100% post consumer paper pulp foot forms, water based cements to hold everything together, and even ships in a totally start-of-the-art post-consumer recycled box. They were $50, but for just a few more days these Eco Sneaks are marked down to $25…and we just got them in!

Tom’s Shoes are always buy one, get one free. For every pair you buy, a pair is given to a child in need of shoes. Tom’s has given away thousands of pairs of these canvas shoes to kids in Argentina and South Africa. Not only do the shoes feel incredibly good to wear, they feel incredibly good to buy.

Greenloop stocks the best of the best in eco fashion on the web and now’s your chance to enjoy the sustainable style revolution for less! Greenloop’s Annual Summer Sale is happening now through July 20th, and it is one of the best times of year to get in on our incredible selection of eco chic organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and recycled clothing. Save up to 70% on some of the best ethical style and eco accessory brands around…Stewart+Brown, Loomstate, Edun, Peligrosa, Habitude, Vy & Elle, Jack & Marjorie, Toggery, Del Forte, Pi Organics, Linda Loudermilk and so many more. We will be adding new items all week long, so shop early for the best selection!

Courtney Dailey is based in LA where she does double duty as a fashion photographer and a professional make-up artist. We met on Model Mayhem, or Myspace, can’t remember… I pride myself having become the green conscience of Model Mayhem, tracking new talent to see who the next green stars are going to be. Courtney and I shared a singularity of vision. She joined GreenMUA, a project we started to assist professional make-up artists to green-up their kits. I asked her to be my first interview victim on the Greenloop.

Lips Nvey Lip Lustre Armor Rose, Eyes Alima Cosmetics-Azure Model Amie

Hi Courtney, where are you from originally, what brought you to LA? Couldn’t have been clean air!

Ha, Yes, it was most definitely not the air quality! I was born and raised in Detroit. I made the “big move” in November ‘07. In recent years, Detroit’s economy had been in a serious and vicious decline. Despite my love for the Motor City, I needed to find an outlet for my creativity, where I could still survive as an artist. I thought about New York, but my prerogative is, if one is going to pick up their lives; pack their cats and rabbit for a road trip, the destination should be somewhere warm.

Is it true what the mayor says, Los Angeles is fast becoming the capital of green fashion? There’s such a buzz with Hollywood celebrities going green, how does it affect professionals in your industry? What changes does it bring?

There is a lot of Buzz about the green movement, and it’s refreshing. I think LA has long been ahead of the game. Coming from the Midwest where post consumer recycling isn’t a cost efficient option, Los Angeleno’s recycle everyday. Continue reading Courtney Dailey, Shooting Green in L.A.

Find all of your favorite ethical brands at up 70% OFF. This sale only lasts 10 days so you better get shopping! Sale ends July 20th.