Organic Clothing

While those who are passionate about Eco-fashion often scout every nook in order to find the perfect duds, a full wardrobe leads to one outcome-lots to do on laundry day.

I advise Eco-women to use greener detergents, especially those that are phosphate-free. In addition, switch entirely to a cold wash, which will save hot water-and decrease one’s bill at the end of each month.

Also, cold water decreases wrinkles in your clothes which means less ironing. Save energy in the long run by using the least amount of water as possible.

There’s no better time than the present to adopt an entirely Eco-chic lifestyle. After folding one’s laundry and hanging up one’s clothes, consider heading out to an organic restaurant to enjoy some locally-grown food.

Ladies, as your beauty consultant here is the effortless answer to stunning Mother’s Day gifts, she will love! Show your mom you care with thoughtful gifts that put the spotlight on their unique beauty.

For the mom who needs a little “me” time: Give your mom the at-home alternative to microdermabration for younger skin, glowing skin and fresher skin!

For the mom too busy for a makeup routine: Give your mom everything she needs to enhance her natural beauty.

For the mom who deserves a little pampering: Give your mom a reason to make any moment a little bit sweeter.

For the who who enjoys a active lifestyle: Good for her inner self and good for her outer beauty!

Make it extra special: Add an extra little “Sparkle” with jewelry and accessories.

Earth Day is April 22, what will be your gift to Earth? Remember my previous post of sustainable jeans; well most people don’t understand that although organic denim eliminates the use of pesticides, it consumes much more water and land.  It can also cost as much as 50% to 100% more than traditional cotton and consumes more than 30%-50% land.

By recycling of regenerating the cotton, we limit the need to grow new cotton. We don’t have to plant or harvest raw cotton, therefore eliminating fuel for machinery, the use of pesticides and herbicides and wearing away of the land through tilling and watering the new cotton fields.

The land can then be converted to other productive uses like planting trees for oxygen or grain to feed the hungry and ultimately lessening our carbon footprint on the planet.

Denim is made of cotton, which causes great harm to our environment both in terms of water consumption and in terms of poisonous substances and insecticides. Cotton fields stand for 25% of all insecticides worldwide, more than any other single major crop.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generated more than 11.8 million tons of textile waste in 2006 alone, amounting to a remarkable 10 pounds per person. In our world of overflowing landfills and global warming, recycling is more relevant than ever. Recycled jeans help offset the human effect of the disposable fashion industry, while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable Earth.

Remember, a pair of organic and non-organic jeans is equivalent to running a garden hose for 106 minutes, driving 78 miles and powering a computer for 556 hours.

Now can you see that organic denim is not so Eco-chic? As your fashion consultant, let me share with you a wonderful alternative.

Recycled, describes the material that has been separated from the waste stream, reprocessed into a new product and then brought back to the consumer as a new item.

Reuse Jeans is one of the first companies to do so; by no means are they perfect. They have experienced some issues on their quest to be green; their CEO is having trouble searching for recycled or Eco-friendly zippers and buttons.

This is an issue now, but in five years from now, it won’t be an issue at all if we all do our part. Our part is to support both recycling and recycled products. This creates a demand for more Eco-fashion goods, which decreases waste and makes a healthy Earth.

As your Eco-friendly wardrobe stylist, I have a wonderful gift for you; Reuse Jeans is offering all VOF readers an exclusive offer for Earth Day…..for a limit time, April 19-25 get 50% off everything with the promo code EARTH.

Thank you Reuse Jeans for that great offer and for leading the fashion industry the right Earth-friendly way!

I would love to hear from all of you Eco-women, please leave your comments! Happy Earth Day!

This months giveaway is for those that want sheer, sensational, and kissable lips!

I love how smooth this non-sticky lip balm leave my lips! So, I’m giving away the following:

Body Blends Accents Lip Balm Variety Pack. You get three shades –light pink blush, medium sun kissed, and dark raspberry rose.

Enter to win by:

• Leaving a message on this post.
• Follow VOF on Twitter, and tweet about this giveaway.
• Be our friend us on My Space, and send us a message why you want to win.
• Be our friend on Facebook.

A winner will be contacted on April 30, 2010 and asked for full name, along with their mailing address.

Many people see jeans as a wardrobe staple. As your fashion consultant, I must confess that I’m not a jean lover. Even though I’m a wardrobe stylist, I only have two pairs of jeans.

Do you know why?

In WWD was an article by Ross Tucker that shared the results on what went into making one pair of iconic Levi’s 501 style.

According to Tucker, Levi’s found that making one pair of 501’s requires almost 920 gallons of water, 400 megajoules of energy while expelling 32 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

Levi’s said, “this was equivalent to running a garden hose for 106 minutes, driving 78 miles and powering a computer for 556 hours.”

OUCH!

That’s what it take to make a pair of jeans regardless of the name brand! Now you know!

If you want to be more Eco-chic and be part of the Eco-women movement. My fashion advice is to wear jeans that are sustainable. One of my favorite Eco-fashion jean lines is REUSE!

This months free giveaway is this big, bold, and beautiful snakeskin-print faux leather handbag. Snake skin is a hot trend this season from shoes, to dress, so let this bag complete your assemble!

For a chance to win do the following:

• Follow VOF on Twitter, and tweed about this giveaway!
• Be our friend on My Space send us a message of why you want to win!
• Leave a comment on this post!

A winner will be contacted on March 15, 2010 and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Contest open to USA and Canada!

As your beauty advisor we are giving away an essentials make up kit ($60 value)

Your life may be busy, even hectic. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice looking your best. Created for every woman who’s on the go, essentials has everything you need to enhance your natural beauty in one stylish bag!

For a chance to win do the following:

• Follow VOF on Twitter, and tweed about this giveaway!
• Be our friend on My Space, send us a message of why you want to win!
• Leave a comment on this post!
• Subscribe to VOF!

A winner will be contacted on February, 3 2010 and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Contest open to USA and Canada!

Eco-friendly fashion considers and respects the environment, consumer health, and the working conditions of its manufacturers. The clothing is comprised of sustainable fabrics such as organic raw materials, recycled or reused textiles and fair-trade practices.

Eco-friendly merchandise may be costly to consumers because it can be more expensive to produce, comprised of more expensive materials, and made within the U.S. The budget friendly solution?

Eco women are Eco chic by choose secondhand or affordable vintage pieces to be Eco-fashionable without being cruel to your wallet!

Thank you for leaving your comments!

During this time of economic turmoil, be green, save money, and have fun! The best way to freshen up your wardrobe is swapping clothes, its fun, its free, and its green!

With clothing consumption hitting an all-time low, the clothing swap concept has taken off. As your wardrobe stylist, let me tell you this will satisfied your urge for new fashions without braking your wallet nor destroying the planet!

Here is how it works: SWAP (exchange) clothes, shoes and accessories you no longer need or wear, for other clothes you like! Imagine a never ending wardrobe, finding a new outfit weekly or a hang bag! It’s convenient, saves time, and offers so much more variety.

What you gals think? Please leave a comment!

You don’t need to be an environmental expert to understand that it’s easier on the planet to wear clothes you already own than it is to buy new ones.

Yet, all the newest Eco-fashion, from organic cotton jeans to bamboo dresses to hemp sneakers, scream “Buy me!”

There’s no doubt about it: Green is the new black. But the influx of earth-friendly options is no excuse to overhaul your entire wardrobe-or your budget.

Disposing of items before the end of their useful life in order to replace them with organic products is not going to save the planet!

The most Eco-friendly and economical approach is to phase in high-quality, long-lasting organic and recycled pieces as your old clothes wear out. In addition to satisfying ones urge for new fashions, the most Eco-friendly way to freshen up your closet with a little something new is clothing swap!

Giveaway of green cleaning products! Eco cleaning with legacy of clean, you can handle even the messiest jobs without leaving harsh chemicals, noxious fumes, or harmful residue behind.

Enter to win by one of the following ways:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Follow VOF on twitter (www.twitter.com/voiceoffashion)
3. Be our friend on myspace (www.myspace.com/voiceoffashion)

You can enter three entries to this giveaway by doing all of the above! You must leave a comment and tell us why you would like to win!

A winner will be contacted on December, 22 2009 and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Contest open to USA and Canada!

Who say you need to get up at 4:00am for the best Black Friday? Shop the best Black Friday in your pajamas, in the comfort of your home and with your cup of coffee!

Time is money, save both and give the best! The best Black Friday is at your finger tips, find something for everyone in your list!

Give the BEST this holiday season! The best skin care products, the best Eco friendly products, the best Eco fashion, and the best dietary health supplement!

Happy shopping ladies! Please leave your comments if this was useful for you!

We all talk about organic cotton and bamboo fiber as a green alternative to conventionally grown or petroleum-based fibers. But sharing clothing is a thrifty way to keep up with trends and reduce consumption-which also makes your wardrobe green.

As neo-grunge and menswear settle into women’s fashions this fall. My fashion advice: be Eco-chic this fall, head to yours boyfriend’s or husband’s closet and borrow rather than buy.

Here is my fashion secrets to the hottest fall trends without hurting your wallet!

1. Lumberjack Shirts
You know those shirts Al Borland wore on Home Improvement? Well plaid is hot this fall. Grab an over-sized, flannel plaid button-down and throw it on with skinny jeans or leggings. Add a belt at the waist to give yourself a figure, and you’re good to go.

2. Weathered Jeans
Boyfriend jeans are a hit this season but forget buying boyfriend jeans-use the real thing. Snag a pair of jeans and secure that baggy waist with a wide belt at the hips. Bonus if the jeans are ripped!

3. Blazers
Strong shoulders are hot this fall, so your boyfriend’s blazer is a great alternative to buying a boyfriend-style blazer. Women’s boyfriend blazers are cut for the female body, but you can avoid a boxy figure by leaving the jacket open for a casual look or cinching it at the waist with a skinny belt in a contrasting color.

4. Chic Chapeau
Hats on men and women are big this fall, and borrowing your man’s fedora or bowler is a great way to bring a little edgy menswear style to your look.

If you are Eco-chic on the street, send us your pictures and you might be feature here on VOF! Stay tune, follow us on Twitter or Myspace!

Giveaway for Eco-women who are Eco-chic and endorse Eco-fashion! Enter to win an Eco-elegance Tova Batik Bracelet!

Personal Accents offers Eco-Elegance: a unique, exclusive and planet-positive collection of jewelry crafted from recycled metal finished in white gold, genuine mother of pearl and hand-selected batik.

Enter to win by one of the following ways:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Follow VOF on twitter (www.twitter.com/voiceoffashion)

3. Be our friend on myspace (www.myspace.com/voiceoffashion)

You can enter three entries to this giveaway by doing all of the above! You must leave a comment and tell us why you would like to win!

A winner will be contacted on November 30, 2009 and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest open to USA and Canada!

Giveaway! We are giving away Nutrilite women’s supplement packs (a $30 value), daily supplement pack with calcium, omega 3s, and more for inner and outer beauty. It doesn’t need to be difficult or time-consuming to get the nutrition you need.

Enter to win by one of the following ways:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Follow VOF on twitter (www.twitter.com/voiceoffashion)
3. Be our friend on myspace (www.myspace.com/voiceoffashion)
4. Subscribe to our RSS Feed!

You can enter four entries to this giveaway by doing all of the above! You must leave a comment and tell us why you would like to win!

A winner will be contacted on Oct 31, 2009 and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest open to USA and Canada!

The fashion industry has green designers and offers green fashion for all in all price points. Are you doing your part in Eco fashion? Have you analyzed your wardrobe and see what percent of it is green clothes?

Someone asked me what does a green wardrobe consists of? The following determines what a green is about.

• Buying green clothes made of sustainable materials like bamboo, and organic cotton. Also, shopping at thrift/vintage shops and giving clothes a second life.

• Washing your clothes after 2-3 wears in a energy efficient washer and dryer. Also, using a biodegradable laundry detergent. If your clothes are dry clean only please go to a Eco-friendly dry cleaner and take a reusable garment bag.

• When your clothes are old don’t throw them away, turn them into cleaning cloths or into quilted pillow cases! If you get tired of your clothes recycle them by taking them to a goodwill store or salvation army.
• The hangers in your closet should be Eco-friendly made of recyclable/sustainable materials.
• Last but not least, remember to only buy Eco friendly products and green fashion that you need. Stay away from fast fashion even if it claims to be Eco fashion.

Are you crazy about green? Learn more about green at hartofgreen.com!

About the author: Miguel G. Who is a renowned fashion expert from the San Francisco Bay Area with over eight years of international design and fashion experience, who’s mission is to teach people how look and feel their best!

Enter to win a free giveaway! We are giving away an Artistry créme caramel hand cream! Experience velvety-soft, cared for hands every day with this lush crème.

For a chance to Win leave a comment no later than May 27, 2009! There will be two winners, the winners will be noticed by email and their testimonial will be posted on VOF by May 29, 2009!

Artistry is one of the world’s top five largest-selling prestige brands of facial skin care and colour cosmetics. From the high standards set for research and development to state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, the Artistry brand is an industry leader.

Online clothes shopping is the best way to find the best deals. Valentine’s Day is just a week away, do something sexy for yourself and your partner will enjoy it too!!!

Save 50% or more and get free shipping on orders over $100 on Eco friendly bags, Eco fashion for the Eco woman this Valentine’s Day!

Share the Love and save 50% OFF Valentine’s Day gifts that are good for you, your sweetheart, and the planet. Don’t forget to enter LOVE during checkout!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of wonderful readers! Stay tune for more eco fashion, fashion tips, and fashion videos!

Part of fashion health is to build self esteem and staying healthy. If you ladies are still doing last minute shopping for the Holidays. I recommend giving the gifts that improve self esteem and promotes woman’s wellness.

The gifts that make a difference in our lives are the ones that count and the ones we remember for years to come!

Happy Holidays to all my readers and thank you for making VOF what it is!!!!!

Black Friday is here, are you going to wake up at 4:00am to go shopping? Why not sleep in, relax with a cup of coffee, No driving, No standing in long lines, no running like crazy.

Instead have everything at your finger tips! Shop on-line in your P.J’S and have a blissful shopping experience with NO hassles, and effortless gift options for everyone in your list!!! Enjoy from free shipping to 50%-70% off and more!

For those on your list that focus on beauty and wellness: Click here!

Have a pleasant and delightful shopping experience! Would love to hear from you gals how was your Black Friday experience!!!! Happy Thanksgiving to all and Thank You for being a VOF reader!!!! Without you we wouldn’t be here!!!!

Not everyone likes to eat their veggies, but add
some green to your dinner with the Home Collection
from Ecoist.

Perfect for the minimalist - the shiny silver recycled placemats collection will reflect your delicious cooking to your dinner party.

Pair it with your silverware and light up the night with these three favorites. Mod & chic decor.

Not to sure what to give this holiday season? Make this holiday season a season to be remembered with Eco-Chic gifts. Ecoist offer gift ideas for everyone in your list: handbags, bracelets, designer jewelry, wallets, and more.

Its important to know that this gifts are made from repurposed materials (like discarded newspapers, soda can pull-tabs, glass bottles, candy wrappers, and movie billboards) as well as sustainable fabrics such as Hemp, and organic cotton. Gifts for a healthier and happier planet this holiday season!!!!

Trends drive the fashion industry, and the hottest item today gets laughed at tomorrow… all the way to the landfill.

Instead of investing our dollars in a few high-quality pieces we’ll wear for years. We buy cute, trendy, throwaway; fashion fast items from Forever 21, H&M, and other companies knowing that our $12.99 sparkly top will fall apart before it can land us on a worst-dressed page.

The cheapest fashion is the most environmentally problematic; it’s produced in great bulk, with the pressure of producing fastest, at the lowest price. The result: production that ignores environmentally friendly practices, based entirely on speculation.

If companies miss the trend, huge quantities end up in the bargain bin, get passed over and land as garbage. And the stuff you do buy - if it hasn’t unraveled after a season - accumulates in your closet.

According to the U.S EPA, Americans throw out more than 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per person, per year. That’s the weight of a third grader made up of your old sorority t-shirts and sweat socks sitting in landfills.

Conscious consumption is key, there is no point in buying something to wear it once. You don’t have to live in a commune, but you can incorporate it into your daily life. You can be eco-conscious, financially savvy and fashionably unique by buying less and shopping vintage - the ultimate form of fashion recycling.

There are so many clothes already out there, it’s a good way to avoid over-consumption. You don’t need new clothes every season when there’s so much good stuff people can re-wear and re-use. Being green is a lifestyle not a trend!

How to be Eco-fashion forward without breaking your budget. You don’t need to be an environmental expert to understand that it’s easier on the planet to wear clothes you already own than it is to buy new ones. Yet, all the newest Eco-fashions, from organic cotton jeans to bamboo dresses to hemp sneakers, scream “Buy me!”

There’s no doubt about it: Green is the new black. But the influx of earth-friendly options is no excuse to overhaul your entire wardrobe-or your budget.

Disposing of items before the end of their useful life in order to replace them with organic products is not going to save the planet.

The most eco-friendly and economical approach is to phase in high-quality, longlasting organic and recycled pieces as your old clothes wear out.

Are you looking for fun and Eco-chic jewelry? Remember that an accessory can make or break your outfit but this Eco-chic recycle glass earrings will take your outfit to the next level!

The colorful glass used in this unique earrings is individually selected and cut, look closely and you will see recycled glass bottles of familiar brands. Recycled glass jewelry is the way to make a statement and show your eco-chicness!!!

Here is a closer look between conventional fabrics and Eco-friendly fabrics which will allow you to determine if you want to put a little green in your lifestyle or not! Take a look and let me know if this was helpful to know!

•Cotton
Conventionally grown cotton uses enormous amounts of pesticides, about 55 million pounds last year in the United States, ranking it third behind corn and soybeans, according to the “Green Guide.” Some pesticides are considered carcinogens, added to that is the heavy use of nitrogen fertilizer.  The Sustainable Cotton Project says a third of a pound of chemicals is used to make one cotton T-shirt.

•Synthetics
Polyester and nylon come from petroleum-based chemicals, not a happy thing, plus lots of energy is used in production.

•Wool
Conventional wool often involves dipping livestock in pesticides. It might include the use of hormones and antibiotics and harsh detergents are used to clean the wool.

•Rayon
It sounds good that rayon is a wood-based fabric, but its production gets criticized for high use of chemicals and water. Co-op America Foundation says lots of wood pulp gets wasted in the process. A newer product called Tencel, also from wood pulp, is said to be easier on the environment.

•Dyes and finishes
Garments are treated with dyes and other agents that contain chemicals and heavy metals. Some of it ends up in waste water. “Low-impact dyes” are one answer and might be noted on garments, but the use of the term isn’t tightly governed.

ALTERNATIVE FABRICS

•Organic Cotton
Growers of organic cotton swear off synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Lots of stores now sell organic cotton apparel, and name brands offer organic options. Levi’s, for instance, has “Eco” jeans. But it’s costly for producers to go organic, and organic cotton garments are often pricier. Also, organic cotton represents less than 1 percent of the market. The industry really can’t go all organic and satisfy the entire demand for cotton clothing. A more workable solution will be cotton that’s sustainable and cleaner but that doesn’t rule out all pesticide use.

•Organic wool
Organic producers don’t expose their sheep to synthetic pesticides or hormones, and they follow sustainable grazing practices.

•Bamboo
It grows fast and requires few if any pesticides. Bamboo fabrics feel silky some bamboo fabrics are certified chemical-free. But bamboo has been dinged recently by critics who say some producers in China, as demand grows, have gone increasingly chemical from the fields to the factory.

•Hemp
Hemp is a relatively Eco-friendly crop, requiring little if any pesticides. And fiber made from hemp is known for its durability. Hemp clothes come from abroad and It’s illegal to grow hemp here in the States.

•Recycled plastic
Recycled soft drink and water bottles are turned into polyester, which is made into apparel. Patagonia has offered such fabrics for years, and others are following suit.

•Soy
Extract some proteins from the leftovers of tofu production, mix in some organic compounds and voila, soybean fiber. Soy fiber fans like that no extra crops are grown to make soy clothes and sheets.

Being a fashion follower instead of a fashion leader is Not the way to be Eco-Chic. Here are some ways to green your accessories and be a fashion leader to those around you!

Pick a good vintage
The second of the three Rs, “reuse,” grants an existing item a second lease on life, instead of purchasing brand new. No new manufacturing resources will be tapped into and we’re spared from any additional pollution and carbon emissions.

Make it a fair trade
Shelling out for fairly traded gear supports fair labor conditions and workers’ rights, especially in developing countries. Helping producers get a fair price for their labors and promoting self-reliance also empowers them to break the cycle of poverty.

Repurpose for a purpose
Because the mining of precious gems and metals is an environmentally ravaging process, some jewellery designers have been taking a different, more eco-friendly tack. Recycled metals include a form of silver reclaimed from used photographic film.

Suss out sustainable
Accessories made from sustainably produced or recycled materials are lovely to behold and kind to the planet. On the fabric front, choose textiles such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and even soy silk.

Take care of your wares
Repair a torn purse strap or restring a broken necklace instead of consigning slightly damaged goods to the rubbish heap. Treating your accessories with a little TLC will extend their longevity.

Buy conflict-free
Conflict or “blood” diamonds sold in war zones fuel conflict and human-rights abuses in several African countries. Make sure your diamond retailer can provide paperwork or otherwise prove that the diamonds are conflict-free.

Buy indie
Check out indie crafters creative talents at markets. Because their businesses tend to be small their carbon footprints are smaller than multinational retailers.

As promise, here is fashion recycle 2! Hope these Eco-Chic recycle tips help you do your part in going green and to make a difference in the world! Please let me know if this tips were helpful!!!

HANGERS
Recycle: Sort wire hangers with other glass and metal recyclables for curbside recycling pick-up.
Donate: Your local dry cleaners will happily accept and reuse your old wire or plastic hangers on new customers.

FLEECE
Recycle: Patagonia’s Common Threads Garment Recycling Program will recycle your used Patagonia fleece, Polartec fleece from other manufacturers and Patagonia organic cotton t-shirts. Just please wash them first before you take them to any Patagonia store. Patagonia will also recycle your Patagonia Capilene underwear, washed of course.

EYEGLASSES
Donate:Drop off your old prescription eye glasses, or even non-prescription sunglasses at a LensCrafters near you. LensCrafter’s charity, Give the Gift of Sight provides free vision care and eye wear to under-privileged individuals in North America and developing countries around the world. Or, send them to Lions in Sight, another organization bringing basic eye care and eyeglasses to the needy.

MAKEUP
Recycle: You should only keep concealer, lipstick, eye and lip liners, fragrances, powders, blushes, and shadows for a year and a half to two years. But there are still ways to practice sustainable beauty. One good way is to reuse compact cases for eye shadows, blushes, and powders, and then just buy the refills when you run out.

Recycling Loop
As well as recycling, it is important to buy products made from recycled and post consumer materials. This will increase the demand for recycled products as well as create a good recycling loop.

30 may be the new 20, but GREEN is definitely the new Black! Please recycle your unwanted clothes, it’s good for the clothes, it’s good for your closet and it’s good for the environment! Become and Eco-Chic woman with the following recycle tips!

FORMAL DRESSES
Donate: The Glass Slipper Project collects new and almost-new formal dresses and accessories and provides them, free of charge, to high school students who are unable to buy their own ensembles for Prom.

WORK CLOTHES
Donate: Dress for Success is a group providing a business suit or other clothing appropriate for the workplace to women needing outfits for job interviews and, after they get the job, a second suit to wear to work. They also provide clients support to help them develop their careers.

There are 66 chapters in the U.S. and 78 in other countries. Donate business clothing, coats, shoes, handbags, and briefcases that are in excellent condition and no more than five years old. Clothing in size 14 and up is especially welcome.

It’s annual suit drive, called Send One Suit, or S.O.S., runs every spring. You can drop your suit off at any Dress Barn nationwide. To donate any other time check with your local chapter.

WEDDING DRESS
Donate: Hard as it may be to part with, your wedding gown could do a whole lot more if it wasn’t sitting in the back of your closet. By donating your dress to “Brides Against Breast Cancer” you will enable brides-to-be to find one-of-a-kind gowns at discount prices and the proceeds will help grant a wish for a woman with terminal breast cancer.

SHOES
Recycle: Turn in your old athletic shoes, any brand, to Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program so they can be ground up into new material and used in a different way to make new sports surfaces like soccer and football fields, basketball and tennis courts, tracks and playground surfacing.

Recycle: For you Crocs lovers, you can recycle your old Crocs!! Crocs are used as padding for children’s playgrounds. Mail them to: Crocs 1510 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO 80501 and clearly mark the outside of the package with “RECYCLE!”

Donate: Soles4Souls is a nonprofit organization that collects gently worn shoes and then distributes them worldwide to those in need. So round up those shoes that are taking up space in your closet, bind each pair together with a rubber band, and send them to one of Soles4Soul’s two warehouse facilities.

I think this is a great way to go green and help those in need as well! God bless you and stay tune for fashion recycle 2!

With the spotlight shining so brightly on recycling, clean fuel and sustainable farming, green clothing is now emerging as the next step in Eco-friendly living.

Greening up a wardrobe can include buying products made from alternative fabrics, shopping at vintage and thrift stores, reusing worn out clothing as rags or for crafts and even taking better care of clothes so they last longer.

Another green closet tip is shopping at vintage, thrift and consignment stores. Many stores offer like-new clothing at cheaper prices. Second hand clothes can be cost-effective for families and college students. The green factor is present since energy and new raw material are saved.

Once clothes have been worn to shreds and drained of fashion-based qualities, they can still be recycled. Using cut up clothing for rags and crafts saves money and ensures every piece of clothing lives out its usefulness.

Taking good care of clothing keeps down the cost of buying new clothes and is
considered sustainable, since it makes the most out of the life of a piece of clothing.

A few tips include:

• limit using the dryer because it wastes energy and fades clothes.

• turn clothes inside out to keep them looking new.

• wash in cold water to save energy and prevent color bleeding and fading and sort clothes by darks, lights, whites and use delicate cycle to keep colors more crisp.

Eco-friendly laundry detergent is now available for those so inclined. A green closet can be accomplished in many ways, on just about any budget, with a little effort.

A wedding gown is one of the most important dresses a woman wears her in life. Some wear a classic, and timeless gown that can be pass down to her children. While some just want a simple Eco-friendly gown that can be given back to the Earth.

In my quest to find an Eco-friendly bridal designer I came across Wholly Jo’s. She is a UK-based bridal gown designer who offers one of a kind, unique and individually designed gowns. She uses organic, fair trade, cruelty free and bio sustainably produced fabrics. Her motto is Beautiful wedding gowns that don’t cost the Earth!

The vast majority of conventional wedding gowns never see the light of day again after the event, most of her gowns are designed so that they can be worn again. The gowns are mainly natural fibers making dying them an option. She encourages her clients to consider lending, selling or reusing them.

Wholly Jo’s works with honesty, integrity, and ethical practices in all aspects of her business. From ethical banking, green tariff electricity to recycled paper, green is always in her mind! She uses Freecycle and buy used if she can and supports local suppliers when ever possible and give 10% of our profits to charity every year.

My girlfriend doesn’t like big purse or handbags, she is the only girl that I know what doesn’t carry much in her purse. I’m inspiring her to be a bit more Eco-friendly, so for her birthday I gave her this fabulous Ecoist purse.

This purse is so unique that it works with all of her wardrobe! For her the accessories make the outfit!! And in these case purses allow you to make the most out of your wardrobe and that is very green!

I love Ecoist because they offer different purses and handbags in different sizes and shapes! Also, they are a very socially and environmentally responsible company. Their products are made of recycle materials, organic fabrics, and sustainability is applied in all areas of their business for a healthier planet for generations to comes! Now this is a True Eco-friendly (Green) company, so ladies don’t be fool with companies that pretend to be green!

If you would like an Ecoist bag, now is the time. They are having a Summer Clearance sale! Save up to 70% on summer merchandise. Use the code “BYEBYESUN” and receive an additional 15% off, only applicable on special offers and clearance items. Hurry sale ends 9-10-08!!!!!

Are you a “green warrior”, an environmentalist or just someone ready to give the total effort to making your wedding as Eco-active as possible, consider the tips below:

The Cake: A green wedding begins at home. Rather than contracting professionals to bake your cake consider creating it yourself in your own home. Baking your own wedding cake in your home stove expends less energy than the commercial ovens used in professional bakeries, and you can control the ingredients.

You can use free-range eggs, whole flour, organic milk and sugar, and other all-natural ingredients, creating a cake free of additives and preservatives. Transporting the cake to the reception yourself also prevents the bakery’s delivery truck from consuming fossil fuels and releasing exhaust fumes into the atmosphere. Of course, you need to ask a friend or relative to help you!

Favors:Give guests a favor that keeps the wedding spirit going, giving unique wedding favors such as seed packets allows them to create a growing memory of your special event. Seed packets are quickly becoming one of the more trendy wedding favors on the market, exactly because of their lovely finished product!

Flowers: There is an online company called Organic Bouquet, which sells certified organic roses and exotic flowers, all grown without chemical pesticides and insecticides. Organic roses are naturally fragrant and, because they are free of chemical pesticides, they’re also edible.

You can safely use them to decorate cakes or cupcakes, sprinkle on salads, or to make rose-scented sugar (just toss a few petals into a bowl of sugar). Or save your organic roses and make potpourri; fill cellophane bags with the mixture and send them to guests with your thank-you notes.

The Gown: My opinion on wedding gowns is to choose the dress you love! The one you envision passing down to your children. This is the greenest thing any bride can do: Invest in an exquisite piece to be shared with future generations.

Invitations: Look for seeded paper that germinates when planted, tree-free paper alternatives made from hemp or bamboo. Or choose 100% post-consumer recycled stock produced from discarded newspapers, office paper and magazines. Also, ask your printer to use a soy-based ink; it’s a greener choice made from renewable soy beans, and the end result can be brighter, clearer printing.

Lighting: Let there be natural light conserve resources by getting married outdoors or in an area with plentiful natural light. Getting married in the temperate months of spring, when the days grow longer, allows for maximum lighting time available.

If you’re getting married during warmer months, build a tent to offer shelter to your more heat-sensitive guests, decorating its sides and poles with fresh wildflowers. If your wedding goes after dark consider lighting up the night with bee wax or soy bean candles, solar lanterns they charge in the sun all day long and cast a soft glow at night.

Hang them in the trees, or use them to line the lawn to create pathways. Since they need no special wiring, you can put the lanterns wherever your heart desires.

Place Cards: Pluck leaves from trees and hand write with a permanent-ink pen the guest’s name on each leaf; add an extra-skinny ribbon at the stem and tie the leaf around the napkin. Stamp large river rocks with guests’ names using an alphabet stamp set available at any craft store; rest a rock at each place setting and ask guests to return the rocks to a river, or add them to a garden or planter in their own homes after the reception.

Use what you have: Lemons from a backyard tree could be marked with guests’ names using a sharpie. Pieces of broken terracotta pots or ceramic tiles make lovely place cards as well.

Recycling: Ask caterers to recycle cans, bottles and aluminum foil and insist on a no-Styrofoam policy.

Wine: Organic wines, which are made from grapes grown without chemical pesticides, have improved by leaps and bounds over the years. Bonterra which translates into “good earth” is a high-quality, reasonably priced line available nationwide.

An all-organic and biodynamic wine retailer in New York City: Appellation Wine and Spirits, offers a mind-blowing variety from both large and small winemakers around the world.

Food: Work with caterers and bakers who use organic and locally grown ingredients. If you were to use disposable dishware consider using biodegradable flatware and other earth-friendly items.

If you are a bride to be and planning a green wedding? I would like to hear the journey of your green wedding!

How is it possible to know if an item of apparel is truly sustainable/Eco-friendly/green? There is no Eco-police to patrol the fashion environment, there’s no way that I know of to prove sustainability.

That said, there are new developments in the field almost daily. The latest is Bernardo Green, a collection of “Eco-friendly” suede jackets where “green” production can be thoroughly traced and verified. According to a spokesperson for Bernardo Fashions, “each garment is completely green from its farm origins to the finished product. Created from biodegradable elements, every garment can be tracked by consumers to its origins by entering the printed code on the Bernardo web site.”

The belted blazer sells for $228 and is made from pigskin that is a byproduct sourced from Hormel Foods. The tanning process recycles water to be drinkable. The dyes that color the skin are all organic, as are the buttons and lining. Because 95% of the suede is organic, it is biodegradable.

Of course, the jacket is available in green, caviar, purple, seal, biking red, orange and black. Comes in sizes XS-XL, for questions write to Bernardo Fashions, 463 Seventh Ave, suite 706, New York, NY 10018. Isn’t this wonderful? We get to know the origins of the product. Hope to hear from you ladies who purchase this jacket and let me know if you tracked its origins.

Hamnett stormed off the fashion stage four years ago after her appeal to use organic cotton fell on deaf ears. She was ahead of her time and people didn’t see her vision.

However, the designer who’s over-sized T-shirts with slogans like “Choose Life” and “Use a Condom” were all the rage in the 1980s is now enjoying a return that “ethical fashion” is in vogue!

British designer Katharine Hamnett is enjoying a comeback now that the fashion industry has caught up with her campaigning notions about clothes. Hamnett’s return comes as western shoppers increasingly demand clothing made without sweatshop or child labor and develop a fondness for environmentally-sound fabrics that are made with recycled materials or cotton grown without pesticides.

Today, she is not only enjoying a revival of the slogan t-shirt look-the fabulous Sarah Jessica Parker wore one in the “Sex & the City” the movie. Hamnett also plans to launch an “ethical denim” jeans line that proves ethical doesn’t mean frumpy.

She is trying to convince designers that going ethical makes business and fashion sense. Studies shows that companies that followed ethical practices are more profitable and favored by consumers, Hamnett says organic cotton adds only 5 percent to the cost of a t-shirt but raises profits for poor cotton farmers by 50%.

In other words, fair trade is important and allows everyone to live a decent life.
Its obvious eco-friendly clothing with fair trade is not a passing fashion fad! What do you think?

This is where fashion enthusiasts come to see, hear, view any and all that excites us about FASHION!!!!!

My passion in the area of fashion is endless and I appreciate you reading my blog which in reality, is YOURS!.

Count on it! This will be one of the largest hubs of ordinary fashionable people doing extraordinary fashionable things. This includes:

• Fashion Opinion
• Fashion Joy
• Fashion Fear
• Fashion Excitements
• Fashion Criticism
• Praise

Or, maybe you just have a really cool story to share. This is your vehicle and safe place to get it FIRST! What’s hot, what’s not, and everything that’s changing in fashion that you would need to know.

God Bless You,

Miguel

What is more versatile item than a great pair of jeans? Worn with a hip tee and boots, they are downtown cool. With a great pair of heels and a blazer, they blend in at the office…and with a sexy top and strappy stilettos, they can boogie the night away. How many other items in your wardrobe can say that?

If you think organic denim is code for “mom” or “hippie” jeans, you are in for a shock. These companies feature all the latest and greatest in colors and styles from the low-riding relaxed fit to the super skinny jean and every fit in-between. Thanks to some of the most recognized names in denim, there is plenty of jeans that let you and the earth live happily ever after. Most are made from 100% organic cotton, dyed with natural indigo dyes and some even feature recycled zippers, buttons and rivets here are our picks for the top five most eco-friendly and stylish jeans.

Del Forte Denim:
Designed for the “eco-chic woman who is transforming the face of fashion,” Del Forte jeans are made from 100 percent organic cotton and come in classic and fashion forward styles. Check out the “reJEANeration” limited edition skirt made from recycled Del Forte jeans.

Denim Therapy:
Okay, this one isn’t really a clothing line, but it is a good way for those of you who refuse to part with your favorite jeans to still do something good for the earth. Instead of throwing out your jeans when they become ripped or torn, salvage them by sending them to denim therapy, where they will be reconstructed with a woven-in color matched fabric.

Good society & sling & stones:
We’ve grouped these two together because they come from the same designer. Good Society is the “affordable” line, while Sling & Stones is the high end line at about $350 a pair! But, according to the company, Sling & Stones denim is made of American-grown organic Supima cotton, one of the finest and rarest natural fibers on earth. They say that the cost of this fabric alone is more than the entire cost of producing most other ‘premium’ jeans…and they have 24K gold plated hardware… even the thread is real gold. Good Society is also made of 100% organic cotton…just not the rare one. Both lines donate a portion of their proceeds to charities to help people in under developed countries.

Levi Strauss:
The original creaters of jeans has evolved and produced two eco friendly lines: Levi’s Eco and Levi’s Capital E. What’s the difference? Eco is made with all or a large percentage of organic cotton, while Capital E features all organic cotton, as well as recycled buttons, rivets, zippers and natural indigo dyes. Both lines feature the same style and quality that made this brand famous.

7 for all mankind:
Who doesn’t love their “Sevens?” Now you can love them even more, knowing that they offer a line made from 100 percent organic cotton in both men’s and women’s styles, all in a wash appropriately called Yosemite. These are so popular that the company keeps selling out quickly every time they get them in, so keep checking the website if you don’t see them.

Handbags are a great accessory, but the Hottest handbags are inspired by nature and design for the well being of all! Here are four of the Greatest and Hottest handbag lines that are eco-chic and sophisticated!

HER Design

Helen Riegle has been producing beautiful handbags, inspired by nature, out of sustainable materials since 2004. In fact, HER Design was one of the first eco friendly handbag lines I discovered. She continues to come out with luscious new styles.

Ecoist

Ecoist started it all…recycled candy wrappers. I chose Ecoist because their newest Spring 2008 collection look pretty sophisticated.

Beth Springer

Beth believes in zero waste and she works to that end everyday. Her bags are made from reclaimed and vegetable dyed leathers, and 100% organic hemp/cotton lining.

Kim White

Kim White uses the most innovative fabrics to create eco friendly handbags. Kim’s bags are predominantly made out of reclaimed car upholstery from the ’70s and ’80s. The result is a great line of bright whimsical bags. Each bag comes with a tag, showing the model and year of the car it came from. Kim also works with some beautiful vintage florals and other fabrics intended for use in furniture from the ’50s to the ’70s.