For those of us out there who are struggling with shabby coats from days gone by and are looking to invest in a coat that will be with you for many winters to come, this Top 5 is for you!

Grace & Cello’s “Lucia” recycled wool coat cuts a sophisticated line for women headed to the office or a mid-week cocktail party. Where does recycled wool come from, you may wonder. According to Grace & Cello’s Gerri Brightwell, “The wool in our coats is created by using roll ends, scraps and other pieces of fabric that normally fall to the cutting floor and are wasted. These scraps are reconstituted into the fabric that we use for our coats.” Made in Montreal, not only are these stunning pieces sustainably made, they are also 100% sweatshop-free. So feel good about Grace & Cello’s pattern makers, cutters, and sewers- Maryse, Angelo, Leo, Tony, Mrs. Anna and Cheng hope you like their clothing, too.

The City of Angels has turned out the most coveted coat of the season: The Battalion’s “Ali Cape.” Any woman of high style and sophistication would be hard pressed not to scrounge together the necessary funds for this de rigeur coat, even amidst the current economic downturn. (I could be projecting here.) A draped hood and scarf attaches to this dramatic and colorful cloak, creating layers of fabulosity to this cloak inspired by Ali McGraw’s classic look in the 70′s. This bank account bandit by the Wong sisters is made from bamboo and organic cotton, certified by Oeko-Tex. Even if you can’t feel good about the Ali Cape’s effect on your finances, you can feel great about supporting sustainable manufacturing and farming practices. I’m going to consider it a worthy investment…for your wardrobe and the world. (Okay, that’s pushing it, I realize. I just had to purchase a ticket on the justify train with this one.)

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.

GRACE AND CELLO

I should have written about these guys long ago, because they’ve been around since the dawning of the green age, and their clothes feel like… like… like really nice clothes, and their designs are conservative but cheeky. I really love this brand, and I’m sorry I pretended I didn’t know it when I saw it across the food court at the mall- I was just embarrassed to be seen with my friends wearing clothes made by children in a sweatshop in China. But I’m still totally into you, Grace and Cello, and I’ll totally go to the dance with you if you’ll still have me. I’ll wear something you made- something organic, sweatshop free and lovely.

And if I had a real job, I would have a closet full of businessy clothes from you, since you’re so good at making cute work clothes that stand out without making you a target for corporate treachery, and your prices are reasonable, so I wouldn’t be making money just to buy more clothes so I could go to work to make more money to buy more clothes for work.

www.graceandcello.com

(from www.thegreenset.com)

Feeling a little post-holiday pinch on your fashion budget? No worries, we’re going to show you some of our current clearance favorites in simple, elegant white. These easy basics can be coordinated with nearly everything in your wardrobe…that should bring you some cheer during this next few months of winter!

For Her

Stewart+Brown Longmire Jacket $90 (Original Price: $172)
This gorgeous lightweight hemp long-sleeve is the perfect layering piece for winter. Back slit & vents at wrists show pinstripe lining, and front tuxedo styling with raw edge hems adds great detail. Wear with a simple tank and our Of the Earth organic cotton jeans for a look that is effortlessly cool!

Grace & Cello Autumn Grace Top $50 (Original Price $88)
This super cute long sleeve T has little gathers on the shoulders. Made from 100% organic cotton and super soft, so you can feel as good as you look. You can wear this stylish basic with just about anything! Machine Washable.

Edun ‘Spring Phoenix’ Graphic Tee $30 (Original Price $55)
New graphic T from Edun, this fitted, amazingly soft, organic cotton t-shirt with romantically wrought “Spring Phoenix” art goes anywhere, with anything, and makes whatever else you’re wearing look better.

Anna Cohen Bamboo Tank Top $70 (Original Price $130)
Sexy, sexy! This not-so-basic tank is sure to be your next favorite thing. Made from sultry bamboo, this hot tank has a low scoop neckline and straps that cross in the back. Layer it under a deep v-neck sweater for day and dare to bare it all for a night out dancing ! Hand wash and lay flat or “Green” Dry Clean.

For Him

Edun Mens ‘Works’ Polo $60 (Original Price $105)
Ideal for golfers, tennis players and any man who loves a fresh, clean look. Ladies, get your man ready for Spring with this perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

Loomstate Point of View $30 (Original Price $55)
It’s like that old T you’ve washed a thousand times to the perfect softness, but it’s new, organic and designed by fashion superstar Rogan Gregory of Loomstate! Lightweight, super pre-washed, with a retro feel & fit. It’s a fact-men need T-shirts and this is the best sale going for a cool designer organic T.
Note: All Loomstate shirts are sewn with side seams intentionally off bias, i.e. crooked. It’s just their thing.

Our good friends Heather and Jen from Ideal Bite, the fabulous daily e-newsletter packed with bite-sized, eco-living tips (and really good ones at that), both sported Greenloop duds while telling America on The Today Show how to have a “Green”…Red, White and Blue day. Wondering what they were wearing? Jen is wearing the Celine Halter dress by Passenger Pigeon and Heather is wearing the Rue Colonial Jacket by Grace and Cello. If you don’t see them anymore on the site, not to fret. We have several other great pieces by both designers, and will be getting more fabulous frocks from both brands in the coming months, so be sure to check back soon!