btc elements

Stella!!! Seriously, $495 for a Top?

by grechen on October 17, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

There’s excessive, and then there’s EXCESSIVE. Don’t misunderstand me, I love Stella McCartney and her philosophy. I have a pair of her vegan sandals, a Stella McCartney for LeSportsac bag, and I’ve tried her skin care line (love the toner, hate all of the un-necessary packaging). But seriously, $495 is the LOWEST price for anything in her new Organic collection for Barney’s, which incidentally tops out at $1,595 for a cotton coat with bracelet sleeves. I mean, $1,595, and you don’t even get long sleeves?? And the item that’s $495? It’s a a top.

stella mccartney organic collection at barneys.com

A gorgeous, lovely, and timeless top, made from organic cotton (although it doesn’t specify that it’s 100% organic cotton), but I can think of some eco-friendly independent designers who produce just a beautiful & interesting tops for less money. For example:

BUTTERFLY WING SHIRT at BTC Elements Viridis Luxe Sleeveless Top at Nimli

From l to r:

The Mociun Shirt from Beklina is my favorite – I love the unique prints on all of Mociun’s pieces, and that they’re made in Brooklyn. It’s $210.

Mika Machid designed this unique butterfly print top so that the adjustable shoulder straps are actually the butterfly’s antennae. How cool! This is $195 at BTC Elements (save 20% with code “grechen”)

What makes this Viridis Luxe piece interesting is the tie waist; I love this detail. $136 at Nimli where you can save 20% with code “grechens08.”

I think Stella’s pieces are gorgeous – and I appreciate the design and work that goes into producing garments. But I’d rather spend less than half as much for something produced “locally,” in limited quantities, by independent designers. Now, when I buy clothes, I want them to have meaning; I want them to be significant somehow. And I think that’s exactly why these smaller designers started designing in the first place – not only to produce something beautiful, but to bring meaning to the clothes we wear.

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Eco-Cheap from Head to Toe

by grechen on October 9, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

As a follow-up to my recent “How to be Cheap & Eco-Chic” article (and just to have a little fun), I put together an outfit made entirely up of sale items or items you can use coupon codes on. I tried to keep things as inexpensive as possible…really, I did…but I absolutely could not skimp on the bag :)

I love this pretty dress by Feral Childe, which is $66 at Sodafine, the TOMS wrap boots are growing on me…and they’re on sale for $76 at Greenloop, and I couldn’t help but feature an Ashley Watson handbag since Kaight is offering a 25% discount code (“fall”) now.

toms wrap boot Ashley Watson Bag 25% off

And for the cooler weather, you’ll need a sharp denim jacket, like this one by Anna Cohen, $92 at BTC Elements, and for accessories, a cool wood cuff ($20 with 20% off using code “grechens08″ at Nimli) and this recycled vinyl record “tree” necklace from Ecoist (save 10% off the price of $25 with code “GRECHEN10″)

DENIM ROCKER JACKET $92.00 by Anna Cohen Betty B Sono Wood Cuff 20% off at Nimli Recycled Vinyl Record Necklace at Ecoist

The entire outfit is just a teeny bit over $500, but in my opinion, all the pieces are versatile enough you can wear them with multiple things already in your closet. A denim jacket is a must-have, as is a FABULOUS handbag that goes with everything, and when you buy the boots, TOMS will provide shoes for a child in Latin America. If you need to buy, buy “green” (from smaller boutiques and designers) and buy with coupon codes…or on sale!

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