(originally published at grechen’s closet on June 20, 2008)
Interview with Erin of Sodafine
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?
Yoday is hot and sticky in Brooklyn, so I’m wearing a vintage floral cotton dress. it’s probably from the 50′s and has patch pockets on the front so it’s perfect for keeping cool, but looking like I’m keeping it together! I’m also wearing my chie mihara nami sandals from last spring, and my hair pinned up in a messy bun. I don’t think I have one item in my closet that is my absolute favorite, but I will say that i have quite the vintage dress collection from over the years. I’d say that about 70% of what I wear is vintage, and the other 30% is indie-designer or eco-friendly (and the new stuff is usually from sodafine!)
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?
Sodafine is a bricks & mortar boutique, the online shop is an extension of the Brooklyn shop.
When sodafine first opened in 2002, it was mostly a vintage boutique. we started carrying handmade items and I found that more and more of my friends were making clothing… it was a very organic process from vintage and handmade to carrying eco clothing. the diy craft movement really seems to encourage understanding how items are made and what the real value of the labor that goes into the production of consumer goods from start to finish. I think once you’re clued into those ideas, it’s really hard not to make the decision to support the most ethical path possible. one thing that really stuck with me from art school is the idea that an artist has a responsibility to the content of their work. as a maker- it’s important to consider how and why you make things. I think that applies to what I’m doing with sodafine as well- I don’t want to sell things that I don’t stand behind.
What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?
This is sorta hard to say because so many items that I stock are one of a kind or very limited, so I’m not selling more than one or two of any item before it’s completely gone! and most items I choose are things that I would love to wear myself!
Right now some of my favorite things in the shop are:
This organic cotton skirt from Madrid based line Raasta
Anything by Dear Birthday:
The Teresina shoe by Chie Mihara:
And these one of a kind tanks from American Myth:
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?
Absolutely, I agree 100%, although I will go a step further and say that i don’t personally shop at walmart, h&m, forever 21 and most other big box stores. I just don’t see the point. for me, it’s like turning off the tv. after you cut the cord, you realize you don’t need all that stuff in your life! and it’s much more satisfying to make a dress for myself, or buy a dress from a talented young designer who has sourced organic and ethical fabrics.
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?
Realize that you don’t have to throw away everything in your closet and replace it with eco-labels. use what you already have, and when you feel like it’s time for a new dress or pair of jeans- be more conscious about your choices. wash your laundry in cold water on the smallest load setting, and you don’t need as much detergent as you think!
If it’s at all possible where you live, ride a bike! I hardly ever even take the subway in NYC anymore, I feel great, I know my way around the city so much faster, and I save money!
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