June 2008

Interview: Nimli

by grechen on June 29, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

(originally published at grechen’s closet June 29, 2008)

Interview with Anna (buyer) and Rajat (owner) of Nimli

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What are your favorite pieces in your closet?

Flattering and easily dressed up or down, the EcoSkin Peridot Dress is one of my favorite dresses in my closet for summer events.

Basic black in the perfect length, this Doie Bamboo top has the perfect amount of detail with trumpet sleeves and a bamboo-patterned tie at the back of the neck.

What inspired you to open an eco-boutique? Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?

NIMLI is an online store only, however that’s not to say we won’t be opening a store sometime in the future! Nimli was founded in New York City in 2003 by Rajat Arora, a vegetarian since early childhood and an advocate of an organic way of life. Conscious of the pertinence of preserving the environment, Rajat created Nimli with the vision, hope, and philosophy of making it possible for people to adopt a sustainable lifestyle through an extensive offering of green products and services.

Nimli is one of the most environmentally mindful retailers due to our practice and policy that requires all designers to ship their products directly to our customers. This results in placing a much lower carbon footprint by eliminating the unnecessary step of shipping items to a warehouse for future re-shipment. Further advancing this model and striving to become completely carbon neutral, Nimli purchases Green Tags to offset the carbon released from shipping, energy consumption and other business activities. We embrace a way of life that supports goods that do not cause suffering and damage to the environment. Living in such a manner involves cultivating products and services that avoid harm to animals and prevent the depletion of the Earth’s natural resources.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?

Myth & Ritual Sack Dress:

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Mad Imports “Tusk” Bag

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JaK Random Think Green Cuff

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Cheeky Monkey Seahorse Pendant

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Azuri Reversible Pashmina Shawl – in 110 Colors!!

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Lilipad Studio Handpainted Step Stool

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I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

We agree that consumers need to consider the company behind the products or the retailers they support. There are a large number of corporations that are merely green washing or trying to cash in on the green trend. While they market & offer some green products, the majority of their business is made up of non-green products which they continue to push with profit as the prime motive. We are aware it takes time to move towards new sustainable products, however large companies have enough resources to make this shift today but they don’t. Therefore, it’s extremely important for consumers to support smaller, independent businesses that only produce or market sustainable products and adapt policies within their organizations.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

Some basic things everyone can do without much effort is recycle everything that can be recycled. You’d be surprised how much is recyclable. Shop for as many green and sustainable products as possible by always being conscious of your purchases, whether its clothing, personal care or home products.

We are a consumer society and by shopping consciously we can solve a great deal of global issues.

(Take 20% off your order of regularly-priced items at Nimli with code grechens08)

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Review: Lizzie Parker Eco-Fashion

by grechen on June 28, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

I’ve received quite a few bamboo pieces to review (scroll down for more reviews) this Eco-Month on Grechen’s Closet, but Lizzie Parker’s are definitely the most “fashion-forward” and unique of the bunch.

The “Short Twiggy” in “hotpants” has been getting me through the weekends, and walks with the dog. And it “dresses-up” quite nicely as well:

lizzie parker eco-fashion review

I love it tucked into to this high-waist skirt from American Apparel (more outfit details here) – it gives it a more “styled” look than they way I usually wear it – with my Splendid lounge pants or jeans. This top is made from 95% bamboo and 5% lycra, so it holds it’s shape exceptionally well, is really flattering on, and so soft and comfortable.

The “mtv” shirt is also really fun to wear:

lizzie parker eco-fashion review

It’s difficult to see from this picture, but it’s banded around the bottom, so it HOLDS everything in…seriously…and drapes out a bit in front. I have to wear a tank top underneath because the armholes are large, but I think this would be a great swimsuit coverup as well – if you size up so it hangs a bit lower. Again, this is made from 95% bamboo and 5% lycra. (outfit details)

Another Lizzie Parker staple in my wardrobe is this simple tank:

lizzie parker review

Although it’s really not so simple…It’s not available anywhere online, and I don’t have a more detailed picture, but it’s a racerback style, with thick hems and an extra-long style. It’s snug, so it’s super-easy to layer with; I also love to wear it with my Organic Cotton cardigan by SPUN, as well as under dresses. (outfit details)

Check out more places online to buy Lizzie Parker and her own website for more details on her collections.

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Review: Gaia Conceptions Organic Cotton Dress

by grechen on June 26, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated multi-tasking clothing as much as I do now that I have this lovely Gaia Conceptions “Love me two times” dress. I love it as a tube dress more than just a skirt, but they are both fabulous, and perfect for travel. I took this to Florida recently and got multiple days worth of outfits out of just one piece! The organic cotton is thin enough to not be suffocatingly warm when the weather is, but not too thin to be flimsy. I do usually wear a body shaper or slip underneath dresses for the extra “security” they provide, but I’m not sure it’s necessary with this dress in the darker colors. You do have to play around a bit with the top to find the perfect fit as a dress, and just fold it down to wear it as a skirt. The material is very easy to work with, and I have found that it stays put once it’s in “position” – which is VERY important with a piece like this. I also really love this color – I wasn’t sure what it would look like since there wasn’t a real-life picture on the site, but I’m so pleased with it.

gaia conceptions organic cotton clothing review gaia conceptions organic cotton clothing review

In the outfit on the left, I’m also wearing:
DarylK Cardigan (very old!)
Matt Bernson Love Sandal
Jerome Dreyfuss Robert Bag – check here for places to buy online, and the Jerome Dreyfuss website for more information about his bags, and the “Agricouture” initiative.

In the outfit on the right, I’m also wearing:
Melissa Sin Sandals in Black – recycled/recyclable plastic
James Perse V-Neck
Jerome Dreyfuss Robert Bag

I ordered a large, which according to the sizing is a size 14-16, even though I am closer to a size 12, and I’m glad I did. I don’t find it to be too big at all, and with this style, I’d rather have a little give than it be too tight. If you have any concerns at all, contact Leslie, she is VERY helpful. I also found that I could order the dress in any color – it’s made to order for you when you submit payment, so you can pretty much get it in whatever color you’d like. And you can submit your measurements for the designer to customize it to your specs if you need to. This will definitely not be my last dress by Gaia Conceptions – there are some other great styles online now that I’d like to try, and I’ll probably pick up another one of these tube dresses too. I just love it!!!

More about Gaia Conceptions at The OKO Box:

The quality of these garments is designer Andrea’s priority. She begins by selecting the best eco fabric, choosing only natural fabrics such as: Local Organic Cotton, Raw Silk, Wool, and Hemp. The Fabrics are received in their natural state, with no added chemicals or dyes. Gaia Conceptions has created patterns that flatter the figure and fit most body types. The clothing is multifunctional and keeps you feeling comfortable and stylish in the work place, a day in the woods, or a night out. All the clothing is hand dyed with low impact dyes, and stitched for durability. Each piece is made to order just for you! You can include your measurements in the “notes” section at checkout for an exact fit.

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Interview: Envi Boutique

by grechen on June 26, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

(originally published at grechen’s closet June 26, 2008)

Interview with Ursula Stahl of Envi Eco-Boutique

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First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet? How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?

Today, I’m wearing organic denim jeans by Del Forte, a striking new top by Beau Soleil (100% bamboo jersey with recycled leather straps) and red “kashmir” pumps by Terra Plana (vegetable tanned leather and recycled rubber soles). My go-to outfit of choice that will bring me from a day at the store to after-work drinks with friends!

What inspired you to open an eco-boutique? Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?

We just celebrated the first anniversary of our brick and mortar boutique last month! Envi is located on Newbury Street, the heart of Boston’s shopping district. We love our location because it is accessible to our loyal local clientbase and we also have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with visitors from around the world who visit Newbury Street for its charm on a daily basis. Our website is an extension of the store that allows us to share our collection with the rest of the world. We are thrilled to unveil the totally redesigned and upgraded shopenvi.com to those who can’t make it to Boston to check out what’s new on a regular basis.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?

A personal favorite of mine this season is the Pleated Swing Dress by Bahar Shahpar. This dress is a piece that defines modern eco-fashion. It combines a striking silhouette with sustainable fabrics without even a hint of crunchiness! We’ve had several clients wear this dress to weddings and cocktail parties this season.

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We also LOVE everything that comes from our best-selling line, Covet. Bostonians are taken by the detailing and styling of this fashion-forward brand. Many tops can be worn forward and back, skirts double as dresses… they really understand the concept of making something edgy yet functional and explore eco-fashion’s limits.

covet skirt

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

As an owner of a small business I always gravitate towards supporting other boutiques and small businesses in my personal life. People are constantly asking us how we feel about the eco-to-the masses approach that has spread from H & M to Wal-Mart. While I cannot speak to any other retailer’s practices, labor and quality, I don’t feel any resentment toward them. We are in favor of growing awareness and educating consumers on the important role green fashion plays in the industry. In fact, it is amazing for us to see the growth over the last few years that we have been involved in creating a green business. Skeptical and somewhat dismissive stares have been replaced by a sense of understanding and excitement when we explain our concept. However, with the amount of media attention and the fact that eco is going mainstream we now feel it is important to let people know that green fashion is not a trend but a viable, growing segment of the fashion industry.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

One tip I like to remind Envi shoppers is to think about the whole process. It is not just about the carbon footprint associated with creating a garment but what happens after you buy it – washing, drying, ironing, etc. It’s all about making small changes in your daily life – so wash those garments in cold water, line dry and be conscious of the energy you consume!

(check our list of coupon codes for a current Envi coupon code)

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Review: Melissa Recycled/Recyclable Plastic Shoes

by grechen on June 25, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

I have been looking at Melissa’s “plastic” sandals for quite some time now, but only just now decided to take the plunge and buy a pair. The ballet flats are especially cute, and maybe I’ll try a pair this Fall, but I just can’t wear “shoes” in the Summer time (my feet just get too hot), so I decided on the “Sin” Sandals instead.

melissa plastic shoes review melissa plastic shoes review

(Details for the outfit on the left) (Details for the outfit on the right)

I took my normal size in these (8) and find they fit true to size. They were so comfortable from the moment I put them on, I made the mistake of walking the dog with them on. And yes, that was a mistake. The rubber rubbed the bottom/inside of my second toe on my left foot RAW. This usually happens when I break out flip-flops for the first time every summer – my toes aren’t used to rubber in between them – so I should have known better. Anyway, I had to refrain from wearing them for a few days until my wound healed, and after that, they were perfect. I’ve worn them a lot, and find them to be more comfortable than “regular” flip flops, and they have more padding than my other flat sandals. I guess they are slightly gladiator-esque, but that wasn’t what drew me to them; they’re just a more unique form of the flip flop in my opinion. They’re great for wearing in the rain, or after the rain when you know your shoes will get wet – and when they’re entirely worn out, you can recycle them! They are also made of partially recycled plastic, so they’re already more eco-friendly than regular flips. The Brazilian company that produces Melissa sandals is also devoted to earth-friendly and ethical business practices, so if that is as important to you as it is to me, it’s the perfect sandal!

I bought my Melissa sandals at Tobi and used 10GRECHEN for 10% off, but you can also find them online at these shops.

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