beklina

(originally published at grechen’s closet on june 10, 2008)

Interview with Angelina, owner of Beklina

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today?

Today I’m wearing the Loyale Tularosa dress. I’m in Northern California so it’s fairly warm in the 70′s. I’m also wearing these Manimal moccasins. I adore moccasins and love the bright fushia color. I try hard to bring in neutrals and basics into the shop, but the truth is I’m crazy for prints & color.

How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?

Most of my closet is eco-friendly. Occasionally someone will give me something that isn’t, or I have old things (but they count of course Before I wore eco-friendly clothing, I’ve always been a organic/health conscious green voter. But what really moved me into eco fashion was the quality of the fabrics. I first came across organic cotton with buying baby clothes. And then bedding. Organic cotton & hemp is so lovely, last longer & they’re so luxurious. My big thing right now is domestic production. I really prefer designers that are producing in the US, including their textiles.

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

Our best selling styles this season have been the Mociun tie-dress & Stewart+Brown Convert Ruffle Skirt (which is really at it’s best as a skirt) & Virginia Johnson’s Sunhats. -these are just great. Good for travel & I keep two in my truck at all times.

The Stewart+Brown skirt mentioned above is one of my favorites in my closet. I have 4. -black, pink, blue & brown. And I also love the cropped coat. -see the bottom jacket. It looks so sharp and really goes with lots. It pulls an outfit together effortlessly. I love this jacket. It reminds me of the French & Italian women who always look so chic yet casual.

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’re online only but I know eventually we’ll have a brick & mortar shop. Our community is going through a lot of change and we’re waiting to see what happens before we make a move. Plus I have 2 small children!

I think there are many different draws to eco fashion. Some of us like to live a purer healthier lifestyle, some are political, others want the best product available. And that is what green textiles are, and most green designers follow along with that as well.

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?

Yes, I agree with your holistic approach. I also take in designers that I feel are moving in the eco trend but aren’t 100% there yet. -transitional Each season I see them add more and more to their collection that is sustainable and I feel great thinking that I may have a role in that. And yes, supporting small boutiques is powerful. Take our shop as an example, our customers are supporting a healthy farmer’s-market shopping family that supports other green businesses. And they can be really proud of that.

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?

Well one eco tip is that I’ve just realized that I don’t need to wash my cashmere sweaters after every wear. This is also kinda funny but I will wear a cashmere sweater into the bath when it needs a wash and suds it up with my Pangea Organics soap and then lay it to try over night. It so soft and beautiful in the morning. I never use dry cleaners. Though I know it’s not for everyone.

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