Archive for the ‘Eco-Friendly Fashion’ CategoryWhen it comes to buying clothes, few options say Reduce, Reuse, Recycle as much as choosing from racks of things other people don’t want. Finding a sweater at a thrift store means that sweater will not end up as trash so soon, but be granted a new life in your closet for another year or few to come! And what’s more, after spending an hour sifting through hanger after hanger, you’ll have a true appreciation for your finds — or steals, really, since secondhand shops are wonderfully inexpensive. You may not be able to pick up the most recent trend, but you’re almost guaranteed not to find anything your friends, or your friends’ friends, already own. If you’ve got a couple hours to spare this weekend, why not try your hand at the art of thrift shopping?
For novices, here we present a step-by-step guide: Step 1: Locate a thrift shop(s) Typing “thrift store [your city]” into Google is usually the simplest way to find a few local shops. Otherwise, search Salvation Army, Goodwill, or Volunteers of America online for locations. Make sure to check the hours — Salvation Army, for example, is generally closed on Sunday — and be sure you’ve located a retail store as opposed to a mere drop-off spot. Keep in mind that, like the mall, Saturday afternoons can be crowded and should be avoided if you prefer quieter shopping escapades. Step 2: Pack an iPod and hand sanitizer While this step is optional, it will maximize your enjoyment of the thrifting experience. Perusing every rack on your list can take at least an hour, so why not plug in some headphones and have fun with it? The hand sanitizer may or may not be necessary, but it’s nice to have. Those hangers might have been around the block a few times. Step 3: Arrive and grab a cart You will want to find a cart because there will be many articles of clothing that you A) are not sure if you like and B) are not sure will fit. Try them on. If it works, then you have a new $2 blazer! And bragging rights. Step 4: Have a broad idea of what you need Beware this one common pitfall of thrift shopping, and perhaps the most devastating. If you walk in with a specific cardigan in mind — navy blue with gold buttons, maybe — you will not find such a cardigan. If you walk in thinking that you simply need a blue-ish cardigan to go with your khaki shorts, you will likely be more successful. Most shops organize their massive volumes of clothing by type (button-downs, sweaters, jeans, pants, etc.) and then, within each category, by color. Don’t narrow your vision! Think broadly, or in terms of occasions — a shirt for a specific night out, for example — and you’ll be happier in the end. Step 5: Begin the search For best results, look at everything. If you need a black skirt, look at every one on the rack, and some grey ones besides. You never know what amazing, designer-label frock is hidden like a diamond among the more rough-hewn. And if you find something almost perfect, keep in mind that you can always enlist the help of a tailor. Skirts can be shortened and jackets taken in, still for under the price of new ones. Happy hunting!
Sep
9
Donate Your Trash!
TerraCycle is a company that has been riding the eco friendly wave since 2002. Today TerraCycle has grown to be an international business. It produces everything from school products to organic soil. The reason this company is unique is for the fact that they use trash donated by people to make most of their products. TerraCycle collects recyclable and even not recyclable products.
TerraCycle not only offers great products but also Celebrities are taking an active role in helping Gisele Bundchen is one star who is constantly coming up with new and innovative ways to get the general public to buy environmentally safe products. So far the model has developed an eco friendly like of skin care products and also shoes. She admits that she might not be much of a designer but that she just wants people to pay more attention to issues concerning the environment. Her shoes are made for everyone from women to kids and also men. Through their implementation of green manufacturing the shoe maker hopes to bring more attention to the critical issue of water conservation. Gisele’s other eco friendly development is a line of skincare products.
May
1
The Green Royal WeddingThe Royal wedding has been top news for over a week now. People all over the world tuned in on Friday morning to watch the televised ceremony. But what a lot of people didn’t know is how important it is to Prince William and Kate Middleton be eco-friendly. The Royal Wedding incorporated many green elements and anyone who is planning a wedding could take inspiration from them. The simplest way to be more environmentally safe is too reuse old items. The engagement ring that William gave to Kate was his mother’s, Princess Diana’s. During the wedding Kate also wore a tiara that once belonged to the Queen. Any platforms or stands that needed to be built, were built with sustainable wood. The invitations were printed on recycled paper in order to limit the carbon footprint. Keeping with the “green” wedding, William and Kate chose seasonally and locally grown flowers and food that was organic. Even the trees that were used during the ceremony are going to be replanted. One thing that almost everyone can do when planning their wedding is to set up a charity registry. The registry is really easy to set up and allows your guests to donate money to your favorite charities instead of giving you gifts, that you might not like. There are many things that you can do to make your special day more environmentally safe. Just remember that all the small things add up to significantly reduce your carbon footprint!
Over the years celebrities have shown us that even the rich and famous donate their time, money, and labor to help bring more awareness to the benefits of living “green”. Some have been very public about their efforts, such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. But even out of the spotlight many other celebrities are doing their part. When natural disasters hit many celebrities donate money to different charities and foundations to help rebuilt the ruined cities. After hurricane Katrina, Brad Pitt donated 5 million dollars to a charity that allows people to adopt a green home. George Clooney, Oprah donated a million each. While many others helped out in different ways. Actress Alicia Silverstone is very vocal about being a vegetarian; she is also a long time member of PETA and has done numerous campaigns for them. To further support the green cause, she lives in an eco-friendly home. Other stars who are also vegetarian include Tobey Maguire, Miley Cyrus, Orlando Bloom, and many more. Celebrities are such as Mary-Kate Olsen, Natalie Portman, and Kristen Bell are taking a more glamorous approach to going green. Mary Kate is an active participant in Environmental Media Association, which encourages other actors/actresses to take green (hybrid or electric) cars to red carpet events, award shows and after parties. Natalie Portman has designed her own line of vegan shoes. These shoes look just as stylish as any high end designer shoes, but do not hurt animals or the environment in their making. Kristen Bell, who played Veronica Mars, has attended a fundraiser against animal cruelty where she has offered a lunch with herself to raise the money. Celebrities are getting more involved in environmental issues every day. There are many other actors and actresses not mentioned here, that have done a big part in saving our planet and helping the people in need. Now it is your turn, take a cue from your favorite celebs and donate some money, time or find other creative ways to go “green”!
Detroit youth recently launched a creative community called Design.Define.Detroit, who aims to to “unite to build a sustainable fashion industry” in Detroit. Its goal is to challenge local businesses to look beyond the immediate benefits and profits, using their power to create a successful and sustainable fashion industry in southeastern Michigan. With plans to revive Detroit and an active youth hoping to make a difference, this campaign is anticipated to have quite a bit of impact. The inaugural event will take place downtown Detroit on November 13 at the 5eGallery. Beginning with a red carpet cocktail hour and leading into a panel discussion, one may expect industry professionals William Malcolm, Sarah Lapinski, Cedi Johnson and Mark England to speak. There will also be a runway showcase to highlight some established stylists and designers. Among these distinguished artists will be Femilia Couture, Eugenia Paul, Cameron Zachery, Makini Ahket, Von Jour Reece, Melissa Bouchard and Ziam Penn. It’s certainly a worthwhile event that one won’t want to miss. For more information on the great creative community or details on the gala, check out the Design.Define.Detroit website.
You’ve never seen rubber inner tubes look so chic. Kathleen Nowak Tucci of “My Sister’s Art” creates unique, striking, elegant wearable works of art out of recycled rubber. Her sister, Margaret Nowak Dobos, promotes her work and represents it to clients from all over the world. From their website: “She makes all of the jewelry by hand, and her necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are crafted meticulously. For Kathleen, creating is a necessity, not an option. Her line of eco-art rubber jewelry is constantly expanding as her creativity knows no bounds.”
A Gulf Coast resident, My Sister’s Art’s jewelry was featured in an oil spill-themed spread in Italian Vogue in August 2010. Their line of jewelry includes necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Here at Verde Lifestyles, we believe in making every aspect of your life eco-friendly. With our products, you can throw some life into your home decor with environmentally-friendly products. We frequently post other places and products that will keep you living green.
Another important form of expression [outside of home decor] is the way you present yourself. That’s why we often post eco-friendly fashion designers, accessories, beauty products and more. But we also think it’s important for you to do some research on your own and define your own personal style. To do this, we recommend visiting Eco Fashion World. Equipped with daily “blog” posts, tips and tricks to finding green vendors, and a list of eco chic fashion designers, Eco Fashion World has it all. It’s the perfect place for green fashion expression because you can check out designers similar to your tastes in fashion.
More than a list of designers and places to shop, Eco Fashion world provides a glossary of eco-friendly terminology and information regarding “environmentally-friendly standards.” More than a fashion database, it is filled with tons of information of green products, the requirements to be green and ways to stay green through daily living. Basically, this site can become any eco-friendly fashionista’s bible. Take a step in the right direction and start doing some green fashion research! Find those designers that fit your standards of eco-chic fashion and that exemplify what you want from your clothes. Explore environmentally-friendly guidelines, terms and ways to shop. The green fashion world is waiting: what are you waiting for?
Looking for the perfect pair of fall shoes? Stay away from brands that are doing damage to Planet Earth and take a look at an amazing and sustainable pair of shoes, instead! Coclico is a sustainable shoe brand that is designed in New York City and made in Spain. The shoes are beautifully designed and incredibly well-crafted. The fall line is absolutely gorgeous; you’ll certainly be catching some eyes! Take a step in the right direction, and put some sustainable shoes on your feet. Some of our fall favorites:
Odanak Tupelo
Australia’s leading fashion brand, Cylk, collaborated with such luxury retailers as Henri Bendel and Fred Segal to prove to the world that high-end fashion can be eco-friendly. Started in 2006, Cylk initially made clothes composed of 100% silk. Now, they have an entire ready-to-wear collection made of luxury blends that include super fine bamboo, silk and modal. While bamboo is a more well-known fabric, modal is made from the cellulose of beech trees. The most unusual aspect of Cylk’s designs is their brilliant take on the current cut-out trend and fabric removal. This unique dress draws attention to the shoulders by removing fabric from the sleeves. Cylk has the perfect combination of eco-friendly and unique, designer fashion.
Cylk is the leader in seamless eco-chic bamboo fashion, and “combines high-end fashion with environmental awareness. With an aim to promote fair trade practices and discussion of sustainability issues, the Cylk philosophy is about caring for others, respecting nature, and working together to make the world a better place.” For more information regarding their environmental awareness philosophy and to view the whole collection, check out the Cylk Web site.
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Not recyclable products such as tooth brushes, or bags from chips and candy wrappers are used to make/decorate various other products. For example, you can see a jewel case made from Cheetos bags, or a tote bag from Capri Sun packages. These items are truly one of a kind. Along with these products TerraCycle also carries fertilizer, household products and even fences. Everything you might want or need you can find on their 
opportunity for people to be more environmentally conscientious. It is incredibly easy to join the team, all you have to do is sign up, collect trash and then send it to the company headquarters. Not only will you be helping cleaning up our environment, but also with your help 
people become more eco friendly in every part of their lives. They are not only spreading awareness but are developing “green” products, as well. The products range from shoes to makeup, and anything in between.
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