Here’s a great interview with the designers of Charmone, a vegan shoe line I mentioned below, in my Boots for Vegans post, by fellow eco-chic bloger Fashion, evolved.
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eco-chic
Tobi has been one of my favorite online boutiques since their launch a couple of years ago, and most of what I love about it is their awesome eco-Tobi section. I really admire “mainstream” boutiques that devote a significant part of their inventory to eco-friendly items; I think it’s a great way to encourage customers who otherwise aren’t seeking eco-friendly products to consider them. Eco-tobi carries a great selection of beauty, jewelry, handbag, shoe and clothing brands like Doie, Melissa (recycled plastic shoes), Stella McCartney for LeSportsac, Juice Beauty, Araks, Edun, Stewart + Brown and more.
You can usually save 10% at Tobi.com with code 10GRECHEN, but through 9/18, you can save 25% (on new arrivals AND sale items) with code FALLATTOBI. Heading into Fall, it’s a great time to pick up one of the uber-popular Prairie Underground hoodies or jackets:
Cloak Hoodie |
Moth Coat |
Short Cloak |
or, seriously splurge on a Stella McCartney for LeSportsac travel bag (I have a SMC for LeSportsac piece from last season that I love to death – it holds WAY more than you think it possibly can, is super-stylish, and my go-to travel bag)
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Nimli, one of my favorite eco-boutiques, has just added LOTS of new items for Fall. I am loving everything, but I’m most excited that they now carry Ashley Watson recycled leather bags and are offering YOU a 20% discount with code “grechens08.”
I have been talking about Ashley Watson’s lovely recycled leather bags & wallets since I first discovered her a couple of years ago, but I think now’s my chance to snag one for myself!! (check out more places online to purchase Ashley Watson)
Ashley’s bags start at $374 and top out at $418 for the first bag on the left. She handcrafts all of them from 100% recycled leather in Canada and has steadily been gaining recognition here in the US for her beautiful bags. I love them!!
More fabulous Fall arrivals at Nimli from Kelly B, Nuugard Designs, Prarie Underground, naturevsfuture, and rebe (and they’re all more environmentally friendly than many other mainstream designers).
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(originally published at grechen’s closet June 26, 2008)
Interview with Ursula Stahl of Envi Eco-Boutique
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.
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.
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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I am so excited to review one of Beth Springer’s eco-chic handbags! I’ve been a fan of her line for quite some time, and now that I have an Ecovertible bag, I’m an even BIGGER fan! The Ecovertible bag is made from suede and reclaimed leather “bits,” it’s also lined in organic hemp linen. The Ecovertible is totally convertible from a shoulder to a messenger bag and is the perfect size for essentials. I carry a large wallet and makeup bag, a SIGG water bottle, and random electronic equipment; everything fits perfectly, and is easy to access.
I received this bag last week and have carried every day. Honestly the thing that impresses me the most about this bag is how light it is; I almost forget I have it on! The bag has one inside zippered pocket (big enough for all my “random” stuff), a snap at the top of the bag to keep it closed; the longer strap is NOT adjustable, but both straps are removable. Here’s a look at the bag both messenger style, and as a shoulder bag (I mostly wear it as a messenger bag):
I truly love this bag, and feel great about my small step in an more earth-friendly direction. I am definitely on a “green journey” together with Beth Springer, who is constantly progressing her designs and materials to be even more eco-chic: using vegetable-dyed leather, hemp linen linings, and producing her bags 100% sweatshop-free in the US. Hers is the type of company I’m excited to support, Beth Springer is an independent designer, hardworking female entrepreneur, and committed to doing better every day. Although bigger companies like Banana Republic, Target, Levi’s and more are jumping on the “green” bandwagon, smaller companies and designers are where the heart of the green movement is; they have been the engine of growth up until now, let’s not leave them behind…
Check out more of Beth’s handbag designs at her website, and save 15% when you enter “GrechensGirl” in the coupon code field!
Outfit Information:
on the left – Stewart + Brown Organic cotton skirt, James Perse top, Delman Mona Flats
on the right – Samantha Treacy Wide-Leg pants, Splendid tee, MICHAEL Michael Kors sandals.
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