05 Sep Eco-Chic on a dime and a dream

At one point I honestly thought I couldn’t afford to dress in an eco-friendly manner. Every “green” purse, dress or pair of jeans featured in the big fashion magazines had bigger fashion pricetags! So, in my mind only those on big budgets could afford to look good saving the planet. The rest of us, well, we’d have to leave our closet out of it.

How wrong I was! With just a little research I found that there are options for us stylish gals (and guys!) who care about our mother earth. Yes, you have to do the research – but those bargains are out there if you’re willing to hit the pavement in search of eco-friendly fashion finds.

Now, one thing to keep in mind that eco-chic doesn’t necessarily mean the clothes and/or accessories need to be organic cotton or hemp – perish the thought! When we say eco – it can also mean that a clothing company uses wind power to fuel factories, employs fair trade practices or joins the Carbon Neutral movement. Most companies will feature this in their literature so don’t be afraid to look before you buy – you might be pleasantly surprised by what companies care about this important issue just as much as you do.

Now the fun part – SHOPPING! Where can we get dolled up in earth friendly materials?

Globalgirlfriend at work in Nepal

1.globalgirlfriend.com – I am a fan of this site because they have clothes, accessories and health/beauty products – AND – they are budget friendly! I have my eye on a fabulous wrap dress for $38 – so I look good, my wallet is intact and I have helped a group of Franciscan Nuns in India with their local initiatves…does it really get any better than this?

Levis

2. levisstore.com – We all need jeans in our wardrobe, and most of us have many, many pairs…in more than 1 size…oy. Anyway, Levi’s has their “LEVI’S ECO” line that features a number of reasonably priced jeans and leggings featuring the Levi’s look in an organic cotton jean. Check out their site, but know that all major department stores also carry the brand including jcpenny.com and sears.com

Cottonfieldusa

3. cottonfieldusa.com – This is a great site for ladies size 0 – 22, and also has a decent Men’s collection. Most of the products look to be under $65 and they have a great array of tops and bottoms at killer prices. In reading about their organization, they talked about making “earth-honoring” clothes, and I love that…you do too, right? Go there, check out the site and get a great T shirt to cap off the experience!

Underthecanopy.com’s Bhutan Sweater

4.www.underthecanopy.com – Talk about super fashion, this site is really well-styled and has some great pieces for great prices. I’m not a fan of wearing eco messages on my t shirt, but their stuff is super stylish and gets a subtle point across in the clothes that do feature messages/logos. I am wondering what my next purchase from this site will be – perhaps the “Bhutan’ sweater in the Shea Butter – color? I think that’s the ticket!

I could go on, there are so many fashionable AND affordable eco friendly finds – its just up to us to buy them and look fabulous doing it. I think we’re up to the challenge, don’t you? Get out there and GO SHOPPING! Email me if you need help with the eco-fashion experience, I’ll probably be shopping when you send that email out…

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