ecofabulous

Loyal(e) To Style and Sustainability

Loyale’s clothing line is proudly made in the USA, but the style influences for their Spring 2008 collection clearly have roots across the ocean: loyale cites rock and folk artists from the 60s as their latest inspiration. Though the line has always rocked, it improves and expands each season, but they still donate a percent of their profits to green corps and use organic cotton and bamboo jersey to make dresses, jackets, and tunics with a swinging sense of sustainability. In petal pinks, poppy blues, and an assortment of versatile neutrals, loyale’s collection ranges from groovy, flowy pieces like the Weston dress and standard staples such as the fitted, buttoned-down Cerro top to standout pieces like the Pasadena dress. On any given day at the office you will see one of the ecofabulous ladies sporting a loyale piece, because we are all loyal to style! Oh, check out loyale's chic dresses for budding eco-fashionistas.

Pure Alkemie

The new Alkemie jewelry collection has fashionistas everywhere cooing with baroque glee. All designs are made from 100% reclaimed metals (copper, nickel & sterling or gold & silver upon request); some of the pendants even utilize recycled bullet casings. Where there is leather, it's obtained from cattle ranches that use 100% of the the animal (rubber can be requested as a cruelty free alternative). Made in the U.S. from a husband and wife team, Alkemie gives new meaning to the art of transforming something common into something precious. Available at the Econscious Market, an online philanthropic marketplace where 50% of net profits go towards the charity of one's choice. And for San Franciscans, Alkemie is now exclusively at Sarlo Wick, where you can also peruse SW's spectacular antiques.

From Barneys to Target: Rogan Gregory

What is hip, organic and safari inspired; comes from the hands of eco-conscious designer Rogan Gregory (of Edun and Loomstate fame); and only costs $30 on average?! It's Rogan for Target, this summer's foray into sustainable fashion from the oft stylish superstore. Target is proving once and for all that looking good and going green doesn't have to break the bank! Interestingly, though, this hot line will debut at the chicest of stores, Barney's. Of course hot items move fast and you have just three days to hit up Barney's in Beverly Hills to get first dibs on the collection beginning this Thursday, May 15th. If you can't make it, however, you'll find Rogan at Target soon thereafter (yet, I'd bet you won't find it on their shelves for long). Happy eco-hunting!

FIN-tastic

Scandinavian design house FIN may well be our newest go-to brand for those elusive work-to-play essentials. Their spring/summer '08 line (which they have offset to be completely carbon neutral) uses organic cotton and fair-trade certified fabrics to create classic pieces like cardigans, dresses, and skirts with a twist....

Sneak Peek of Stella

What could be a more fabulous way to begin the day than by sipping tangerine champagne and trying on layers of Stella McCartney’s organic spring collection? Rebecca, one of our LA ecofab correspondents spent Thursday morning at a private show in Stella's Beverly Hills Boutique, where guests oohed and awed over silk floral jumpsuits, vegan stilettos and wool mini-dresses. In every gorgeous line Stella uses 4 to 5 organic materials, which is music to our ears. Laurie David of StopGlobalWarming walked away with a stunning navy blue bag with ever so subtle white tie-dyed spots. Rosanne Arquette and Amber Valletta seemed obsessed with the sumptuous sweaters. But most exciting was when Stella came out of the back room with a special dress and stilettos and insisted that our our savvy ecofab representative try it on…With the room's reaction, I just hope she doesn't leave us for a career in eco-modeling! Paul, looks like it is time to hand down your vegan crown. 

Going Grün

Shoe guru Adidas goes green with its spring/summer collection this year. New to its Originals line, Adidas introduces Grün, a collection of shoes that takes its name from the German word for “green.” The three guiding principles of the line are “made from,” “recycled,” and “reground.” The collection features classic styles like the Form and the ZX 500 runner, only made with recycled and natural materials. You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled and your credit card poised for the launch of these stylish sneaks. I cannot wait to get "my Adidas"!

Goodbye for Nau

We had tons of reasons to love Nau: a corporate code of social and environmental responsibility, a commitment to making stylish and sustainable clothing, and a program that enabled buyers to choose a charity where 5% of their sale went. So why, oh why did they go out of business? It is definitely not because they were on the road to righteousness. It is simply the fate of many internet-based business...they raised too much money (but not enough) and tried to scale too quickly. The clothing industry is tough and trying to sell garments on the internet before launching stores where people could try on the incredibly comfy and flattering pieces was a fatal error. Writing this post brings tears to my eyes. The team was so passionate and committed. There is good news in all of this bad news, however, because you can get all of their rocking outerwear at 50% off. Had my husband not ordered two more pairs of the sexy organic jeans and a gorgeous jacket to match just a week before this announcement, he would be the first to click. Nau it is time to say farewell and hope that the team brings their vision to another endeavor. With admiration and sadness, Zem and the ecofabulous team.

*Photo by Ben Moon

Revolutionary Robes

A simple way to create a relaxing space in your own house is to just slip on a robe and cozy up with a book, but pesticides are such a buzz kill. That's why we love the Nandina robe. A blend of certified organic cotton and plantation grown (read: sustainable) bamboo, Nandina’s fibers call to mind your favorite worn in tee. The materials are free of toxic substances, and, according to the company’s website, they often surpass the highest standards set by textile testers, Oeko-Tex. With a variety of products, you can stock your bathroom with bath towels, hand towels, mats, and washcloths. And since it's not very relaxing to have to iron, their goods are wrinkle free!

Hot Stuff

As temperatures hit the 80s here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we can't help but start thinking about what summer will have in store for us. Kate D'Arcy for Toggery has procured a line of fun, flirty clothes that scream summer. With bright colors like red, teal and fuscia, Toggery is a testament that eco-friendly dyes need not be dull and lifeless. These organics flow and don't hug the body too tight for those especially hot days. Plus they're versatile; they can be dressed up or down and can be worn morning, noon and night (you might want to change at some point, but that is just a suggestion, because I don't always heed that advice). Made entirely from organic cotton and bamboo in a domestic, "certified socially responsible " manufacturing company, these pieces will not only prove to be long-lasting essentials in your wardrobe, but make an essential statement about everyday wear for the eco-fashionista.

Sweet Shirt Alabama

Natalie Chanin, founder of Alabama Chanin, is known for her cottage industry approach to fashion: she employs local artisans to create her gorgeous and unique garments, home items, jewelry, and fabrics by hand. She strives to make her business part of a sustainable, viable community in small town Alabama. A popular mainstay at Barney's, she’s now  greening her operations even more: adding a new Organic Series with 100% Certified Organic cotton fabrics in soft and creamy shades, staining materials with tea and discarded coffee grinds, and even offering a DIY version of one of her hip t-shirts for ambitious eco-fashionistas. The DIY package features a 100% certified organic cotton tee as well as all the materials (other than scissors, needles, and pins) to make your own custom Stars and Skull creation, so that those of us with more sewing talent than spending power can share a piece of Chanin’s sustainable, hand-crafted, and glamorous vision.