organic wool

10 Eco-Pieces You Need This Fall

by grechen on September 23, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

Happy Fall! This is it, the official beginning of Fall, my favorite season next to Spring. It’s finally starting to get a little cooler, and I can’t wait to pull out my sweaters and scarves. Whether you’re just starting to “green” your wardrobe, or you only need to add a few pieces, Fall is a great time to start adding some quality, environmentally-friendly pieces to your closet. (and if you’re anything like me, you’re itching to go shopping for clothes after a summer of wearing tank tops and sundressees)

Happy Shopping!

  1. Grace and Cello Tencel (fabric made from the cellulose found in wood pulp) & Wool turtleneck at Nimli for $90 (take 20% off with code “grechens08″).  This is the perfect layering piece – wear it under a super-warm coat, a sweater, or under a dress for some added warmth.

  2. Cri de Coeur Boots – made from distressed cotton canvas, 100% vegan.  Awesome boots for wearing with dresses, skirts and tucking jeans into.  $340 at Nimli (take 20% off with code “grechens08″)

    3. cri de ceour vegan boots coupon code

  3. Peligrosa Knits Cashmere Cardigan – dyed with low impact fiber reactive dyes and using fair and ethical labor practices. $248 at Fashion Ethic. Save 20% with code “grechen.”  Cardigans are always my go-to sweater; they’re easy to take off if I need to, and add a polished look to any outfit. You also can’t go wrong with a great pullover – this v-neck sweater by Stewart + Brown is on sale for $110 at Equita.

    4. peligrosa knits cashmere cardigan

  4. Doie Designs Organic Wool/Silk Coat. $450 from Doie Designs. Save 20% with code “grechen08.”  I love the cropped style of this wool coat, and the slight swing shape for a more flattering fit.  (The Fin trench at Equita, where you can save 20% with code “grechen20,” was a runner-up choice though! Or, if you’re into leather, check this one out by John Patrick Organic)

    5. doie designs wool jacket eco-chic fin trench at equita john patrick organic leather jacket

  5. Del forte Organic Denim “Marina” trouser: on sale for $97 at Tobi. Save 20% with code “grechen20.” A dark wash, trouser style jean is perfect for a casual working environment, a night out, and the weekend; it’s the most versatile denim style in my opinion. The Juniper style, available at Equita (save 20% with code “grechen20″) is also a great work-to-casual jean.

    6. del forte organic trouser jeans del forte denim

  6. Skin & Threads scarf at Beklina, made in Australia from 100% untreated merino wool. I never leave the house in cold weather without a scarf – if my neck is cold, I’m cold. I love that this one is lightweight, which makes it more useful for not-so-cold days. Buy any sale item and get 20% off you regularly-priced items with code 2sale20G at Beklina. I also like the colors and length of these Organic cotton scarves by Organic Giraffe at Shopbop

    7. skin and threads scarf Organic Giraffe Organic Scarf

  7. 73% organic cotton tights at Sodafine for $25. LOVE these. A good pair of opaque tights is hard to find, and I would venture to say that finding a good pair of organic cotton opaque tights is even harder. Today only (9/23) take 20% off with code “Grechen2day.”

    8. organic cotton tights

  8. Grace and Cello Keyhole Dress: 67% Bamboo 30% Organic Cotton 3% Spandex, $167 at Nimli. A dress is so easy to wear in the Fall – it looks great with a trench over it, or a cardigan, and perfect with some opaque tights and a pair of tall boots…Take 20% off your order with code “grechens08.” I also like this Sublet dress at BTC Elements (save 20% with code “grechen”). It’s easy to layer, and great for the weekends with tights & boots.

    9. grace and cello keyhole dress sublet dress

  9. Ashley Watson Recycled Leather “Plover” bag at Nimli. It’s no secret, I’ve been in love with Ashley Watson bags for a year or so. I love the “rustic” look of the pieced-together leather, and her color selection. I would choose this brown to add a great contrast to any outfit that features darker dresses & coats. If you’d rather have vegan, check out the Japanese Paper line from Matt & Nat.

    10. ashley watson recycled leather handbag matt & nat vegan handbags

  10. Organic Cotton Lounge Set by sheandme at BTC Elements. For the days when you just want to lounge around at home by the fire, with a good book. Take 20% off your order at BTC Elements with code “grechen”. (This organic cotton robe by under the canopy is also a good choice)

    11. organic cotton lounge set

That’s my list…what’s on yours?

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Interview: Doie Designs

by grechen on June 16, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

(originally published at grechen’s closet on June 16, 2008)

Interview with Sara Kirsner, Designer behind Doie Designs

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 am wearing the Ku De Ta dress, in black, from my Spring ’08 collection. The dress is named after a popular bar in Bali. It is so comfortable and cute- I have been living in it. I would say the Ku De Ta dress and the Uluwatu dress (also from my Spring ’08 collection) are my favorite pieces in my closet right now.

doie bamboo eco-friendly dress coupon codedoie bamboo eco-friendly dress coupon code

I am starting to include a lot more eco-friendly pieces into my wardrobe, now that they are much more accessible. I also try to wear my own designs as much as possible.

What inspired you to start an eco-friendly line? What kinds of materials do you use? Why?

I started out using regular cotton. After my first collection was produced, I was showing it to my friend’s mom, who own Vivaterra.com a great website/catalogue featuring eco-lifestyle products. She loved my collection and asked if I could make a few pieces for her in a sustainable fabric such as bamboo or organic cotton. I really liked bamboo and after learning more about it I decided to continue using it for all of my future collections. My family is very environmentally conscious. It just seemed natural. After learning how environmentally disastrous cotton is, I will never go back.

Bamboo production is not completely virtuous as there are harmful chemicals used to breakdown the bamboo into fabric, but bamboo growth does not require any pesticides and is 100% sustainable. I am trying to incorporate more organic cotton and organic wool these days. I do use bamboo because it is environmentally friendly, but I also love the feel of it! It has the softest hand and it drapes so well.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorite designs?

The hoodies and tie pants always do well every season- they are so cute to wear around town and you can also lounge around the house in them for hours. I love the Ku De Ta dress and the Pasar dress from this current collection. Those two styles are selling very 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?

I definitely agree! There are several ways to be “eco-friendly” that don’t have to do with the fabrics that are chosen. For example, I currently live in New York City and my line is produced just 10 blocks away from my apartment. Keeping the production local cuts down on fuel usage. I will be moving my production, and myself, to Los Angeles in two weeks. For right now, where my production is made is where I live. I also try to recycle boxes, paper and other office supplies needed to run my company.
I think it is important to know as much as possible about where something is made and what goes into it.

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?

If you can’t buy eco-friendly clothing, you should try to by vintage or already worn clothing. I also like to make sure that I buy pieces that can be worn for more than one season. This idea of “disposable fashion” at places like H&M, and Forever 21 is great for the wallet and a fun night out, but not so great for the environment.

Other easy tips for a greener lifestyle include, unplugging your cell phone charger or other items when you are not using them. They just suck energy! Always bring a reusable bag with you when shopping to cut down on paper and plastic bag consumption. Donate clothes and furniture, rather than just throwing it out. If you lower the room temp 2 degrees in winter and raise it 3 degrees in summer (hard to do with this heat wave!), you will prevent the emission of nearly 700 lbs of carbon dioxide a year! Try to take public transportation whenever possible and always recycle and turn off lights when they are not in use.

(check our list of coupon codes for current Doie Designs coupon codes)

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