Enviro Chi Chi

Cruelty Free @ Modcloth

2010-12-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

I've always loved Modcloth, but I love them a little more now that I've discovered their fabulous - and extensive - vegan offerings.

There's over 200 cruelty-free items in their shop. Click here to see.

Eco Fashion @ Thieves Boutique

2010-12-18T17:36:00.000-08:00

I heart Thieves Boutique. Eco-friendly haute couture? yes please!

Holiday Dresses

2010-12-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

I'm completely in love with the vintage dresses at Esty shop Little Orphan Fannie. And the prices are ridiculous -- can you believe one of the dresses pictured here is less than $30.00?

Crazy!

Shop | Nelson Rarities

2010-09-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

The vintage and estate treasures featured on the Nelson Varieties website are absolutely stunning. Their inventory includes antique pieces from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arples and Durand, to name but a few. Their gallery of gems won't fit into every budget - some pieces cost upwards of $100,000.00 - but it's worth a view nonetheless.

Eco Art

2010-09-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

The recycled paper collages made by Etsy seller Vantiani are absolutely brilliant. I love how simple construction, when done right, can create a stunning visual impact.

Shop | Mr. Larkin

2010-09-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Check out Mr. Larkin, a fashion line cormprised of recycled/vintage materials, hemp, organic cotton and other natural materials, including dresses made from milk fibres!

Shop | Annatarian

2010-09-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Love the designs over at Annatarian. Founded in 2001 by Anna Mkhitarian, her products include wispy dresses and cutsom made bridal wear, as well as necklaces and bracelets. Annatarian believes that fashion is a form of self expression and that we are all responsible for the well-being of the planet.

Exquisite Vintage Wedding Dresses

2010-09-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

You can't help but fall in love with the wedding dresses at The Vintage Wedding Dress.
This Vogue-approved boutique located in Bloomsbury, London has stunning pieces from the 1900s up to the 1970s. And don't forget to check out the amazing jewelry featured on the website, designed by UK stylist Charlie Bear.

Design Profile | The Vintage Brooch Company

2010-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Vintage Brooch Company re-purposes pieces of vintage jewelry and re-assembles them into stunning brooches and pendants. Each piece is unique and everything in the shop sells for under $50.00 -- an absolute steal, if you ask me.

The Ethical Fashion Forum

2010-09-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

If you're an eco fashion fanatic, or looking for a way to advertise your eco event, try the Ethical Fashion Forum.

The not-for-profit network is aiming to transform social and environmental standards in the fashion industry within a decade by supporting and promoting sustainable fashion and raising awareness about the movement. Membership is free and will instantly connect you to thousands of businesses, individuals and organizations committed to eco style.

Emma Watson for People Tree

2010-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Stunning! Here's Emma Watson modeling the latest and greatest from People Tree, an incredible fair trade and environmentally sustainable fashion line which you must check out if you haven't already.

Design Profile | Margeaux Lange

2010-09-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Margaux Lane's incredible artwork has left me speechless. the New York-based designer has been creating stunning jewlery using salvaged Barbie dolls since 2001. It was inspired by Lange's desire to "re-purpose mass produced materials into handmade, wearable art." Visit her website for more eye candy. Beautiful!

Shop | Elroy

2010-09-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

Love the clothes over at elroy, a sustainable clothing company that features garments made from organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, tencel, linen and raw silk. I've been on their website for close to an hour, browsing all the pretties - I'm really feeling the Delphine dress - and I can't get over the price point! Sustainable, fashion forward clothing at a reasonable price? yes please!

Profile | Joann Berman

2010-09-08T12:10:00.001-07:00

You might call her a fashion renegade, a designer with a spasmodic style borne out of the New York and London punk rock scenes. Joann Berman has been creating fashion on her own terms for nearly 30 years - decades before the North American public embraced the notion of “vintage chic."

"I lived in San Francisco from 1976-79 and there were a ton of second hand shops there, but nobody went to them except for poor people because it wasn't fashionable," she says. "There was one thrift store where we could get the craziest outfits for, like, a dollar. We would dress up every night to go to the club. We would get these outfits and take them apart reconstruct them … taking things apart and mixing things up – that’s just what punk rockers did."

Touted as the "Queen of (Re)construction" by Treehugger, Berman's garments are flawless in their design. Her clothing and headpieces are 99% recycled, comprised of vintage, faux and thrift store fabrics. The bright colours and flowing designs that define her collections have garnered a celebrity clientele that includes Cher, Bette Midler and Madonna, and costume designs for Michael Jackson, Salt N' Peppa and, most recently, Rihanna.

The Berman design studio, located in Brooklyn, is fully-loaded: "I have a mountain of stuff and it's not categorized or organized. When I create something, I don't always plan ahead. Sometimes I really want to rock out and I just let things flow organically. I'll go into this pit in my studio and pull out whatever seems appropriate and I just go for it."

As a child, Berman would de-construct and re-purpose her mother's wardrobe: a J. Mendel sweater was once transformed into a canvas - "I was really into art," she says - and girdles would be taken apart and re-stitched. "My mother was my role model … I got started in fashion because my mother was a fashion lady. She got married in an Emilio Pucci dress and when I was little she would take me to the department stores and say, 'this is a good sweater, this is a good bracelet, that’s a good necklace. You have to learn these things because when you're older you can't dress badly.'"

Berman married a British punk rocker and ran away to England at the age of nineteen. Her formal training in fashion began there, at St. Martins College of Art and Design. "Every afternoon I would plant myself at Vivienne Westwood’s store. I had found a cheap sewing machine and I started making punk rock clothes for people." Berman had been working for a fashion designer at the time but when the job fizzled up she returned to New York and enrolled in Parson's School of Fashion.

"They hated me," she says, referring to her professors at Parson's. "They hated my colours. They said, 'you are Texas. You put purple and green together and that’s wrong' … so I said, 'well, I’m Texas then, and screw you.'”

It’s interesting that the design practices that garnered criticism have become the most celebrated aspects of her work. Described as "kitschy", "non-linear" and "spontaneous", Berman's garments are the epitome of free-form fashion, but with a stringent attention to detail. This can be credited, in part at least, to the tutelage of acclaimed hat designer Maeve Carr, with whom Berman worked as an assistant.

To this day, hats are prominent in Berman's collections. Her Spring 2010 ensemble for example, features an array of stunning headpieces that bear exotic influences.

Berman will be unveiling her Spring 2011 collection on September 13th at The GreenShows, a New York Fashion Week exhibit. She has some "top secrets" that she will be unveiling and, based on what I’ve been told, they sound divine. If you’re in the New York area, Joann’s garments can be found at Patricia Fields NYC, and online at Smashing Darling. For more information or to view her past collections, visit Joann Berman.com. :)

Eco Fashion Week 2010 | Vancouver

2010-09-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

Vancouver's eco fashion week kicks off in just 21 days!

If you're in the area from Sept 27-30, head over to Van's Creekside Community Centre for a celebration in sustainable style. Some of the world's most prominent eco-designers will be present, armed with their latest creations. The EFW focuses on environmentally-friendly designers and practices, and aims to raise greater awareness about sustainable style.

Visit the EFW website for more information.

The Amazing Work of Tina Sparkles

2010-09-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, fashion designer Tina Sparkles created the incredible Systems Supernova Dress out of recycled computer wires as a statement about the growing problem of electronic waste in North America. Sparkles has some great information about electronics recycling, which deserves repeating here:

"To make sure that your electronics are being recycled responsibly in the USA, check to make sure the recycler is e-steward certified. This certification program has support from the Environmental Protection Agency and guarantees that your products are not shipped overseas to developing countries...While the Dell website is quite vague about the details on their recycling program...they do have a donation program. They partner with a foundation to help disabled and economically disadvantaged children and adults 'receive the gift of technology.' Check your manufacturer’s website to see if they have a donation program or google around for local computer/electronics donation programs and make sure that the items go directly to those in need."

Polish!

2010-09-04T05:59:00.001-07:00

I am a nail polish girl, that's for sure. I have boxes upon boxes of the stuff -- one for every occasion. I've recently learned, however, that your average bottle of nail polish is filled with nasty chemicals -- chemicals like Formaldehyde, Toluene and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), all of which have been proven to be bad for the environment and toxic to humans.

A natural alternative that I like is the Zoya line. It comes in a variety of colours, it's long-lasting, and it's made from natural ingredients. Zoya has an extensive cosmetics line which includes shampoos and lip glosses.

Profile | Leila Hafzi

2010-09-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

Leila Hafzi's collections prove that fashion can be socially responsible. Working in partnership with underprivileged people in Nepal Hafzi sources their textiles, allowing them to become financially independent. She has also helped grow the business of a local Nepalese tailor who distributes the recycled silk saris that are incorporated into her line.

Stunning colours and romantic, wispy fabrics are defining characteristics of the Leila Hafzi line. Visit her website to explore her collections.

Vintage Shoes on Etsy

2010-09-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

[From L-R]

1. Golden/Mustard Suede kicks, C/O Verdi Gris Vintage
2. Ribbon-striped slingbacks - Starlet Vintage
3. Vintage Bally heels - Kick in Mule Vintage
4. Vintage wood platforms - Heroine Vintage
5. Dark green leather boots - La Boheme
6. Pink taffy tassel oxfords - The Bag Basement
7. Blue suede shoes - Porcelin Threads
8. Magenta ankle boots - Santo Ki Vintage

Profile | Taraluna

2010-08-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Taraluna believes in "changing the world one purchase at a time". All products featured on its website are ethically made and fair trade, comprised strictly of organic/natural materials.

The family-run business sells a variety of organic, fair trade teas, chocolates and household items. I'm quite taken with their bag collection - specifically - their eco shopping totes, made from locally grown organic cotten and tinted with natural dyes. They're a steal at $12.oo each!

Oh la la

2010-08-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

In a couple of weeks I'll be jetting off to Paris, so I've got Hermes on the mind. I am in love with the gorgeous vintage scarves featured on Rennart. I'm hoping to score a scarf of my own during my travels ... will keep you posted.

Sparkly

2010-08-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

As pretty as they may be, the diamond industry can wreak havoc on the environment - socially and sustainably. "Blood" or "conflict" diamonds - i.e. diamonds mined in war-torn countries under dictatorships - have been known to finance devastating wars in countries like Sierra Leone and Nigeria and are harvested in abusive, slave-like conditions.

All of this for a stone which, despite its ridiculous industry mark-up, isn't "rare" or "valuable" in the slightest - in fact, diamonds are incredibly common.

The gold that encases diamond jewelry is no better: mining the resource is horrible for the environment and perhaps, a bit needless. According to the book the "Big Green Purse" , there is already enough mined gold on the planet to satisfy the need for the next 50 years, in the form of broken and discarded jewelry.

Here are some sustainable diamond alternatives:

-- DIAZ only uses conflict-free, ethical diamonds.
-- MiaDonna creates simulated diamonds in a lab for a fraction of the cost of mined diamonds. The products are also sustainable.
-- Brilliant Earth creates sonflict free Canadian diamond jewelry. Their high quality natural diamonds are an ethical choice as the are "untarnished by wars, human rights violations and terrorism".

If you want a natural diamond opt for one that has been mined in Canada, where the human rights of the workers are respected.

Stella McCartney 2011 Resort RTW

2010-08-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favourites from Stella McCartney's 2011 Resort RTW collection, which made its debut in June in NYC. Fifteen percent of the collection is made of organic fabrics, and her handbags and shoes are leather free.

Click here to see more photos.

Faux

2010-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

While the term "vegan leather" may be a bit of an oxymoron, creulty-free leather alternatives for purses, shoes and even coats are popping up all over the place.

- Canadian-based company Matt and Nat makes a battery of gorgeous purses using 100% vegan materials. Pictured: Matt and Nat red vegan "Hendrix" bag

- Vegan line Cherry Berry uses only top quality synthetic leathers and other innovative materials to create their stunning handbags.

- Alpine Stars carries a variety of vegan jackets, like this "f1" style in burnt orange.

- I adore Madden Girl's vegan shoe line, especially these "Castillo" pumps in taupe.

Under my Umbrella

2010-08-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

I own about a dozen umbrellas at the moment, collected during various rainstorms -- I have a habit of getting stuck outside when the skies open up, sans umbrella. Neseccary as they may be, most umbrellas aren't exactly earth-friendly. Many of them are a nightmare to recycle - even the plastic-based ones - because they're often made from materials that are difficult to reuse and decompose. Fortunatley umbrella makers are (slowly) starting to gain an eco-conscious. Here are three beautiful, earth friendly eco-brellas:

- I love the look of the Brelli, which happens to be the world's first (and only) biodegradable umbrella.

- This bright and beautiful umbrella from Crate & Barrel is made from 100% recyclable and sustainable materials.

- UK brand Radley makes absolutely stunning umbrellas from recycled bottles, believe it or not. Pay attention when purchasing Radley products, though, because not all of their line is recycled. At present none of the umbrellas available online are made of recycled materials. Contact the company to find out where you can purchase their sustainable products.

Design Profile | Joann Berman

2010-07-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Vibrant, intricate, and fun are three things that come to mind when I think about Joann Berman.

Trend Hunter Magazine calls the Bronx, N.Y. fashion designer the "reigning queen of reconstruction" - and apt moniker indeed. Nearly 100% of Berman's creations are fabricated from reclaimed materials, salvaged from vintage/thrift shops. I am in awe of her eye for colour and the impeccbale construction of her line. Visit Joann's website for more eye-popping images.

Design Profile | Vivien Cheng

2010-07-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

I am in love with Vivien Cheng's one-of-a-kind creations. All of her hand bags are thrift store finds that have been hand painted.

Beautiful!

Check out Vivien's Etsy shop to view her current inventory.

Wine Country and a Thrift Store Find

2010-07-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

I spent this past Saturday in Niagara wine country with my lovely friends. It made for some great photo ops ...

... and gave me the chance to wear a cute sun dress, found in a thrift shop a few days before.

[from L-R, Irene, me and Nicole].

Shop | Not Just Pretty

2010-07-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

You could spend hours browsing the inventory at Not Just Pretty, a Victoria, B.C. based organic and sustainable clothing boutique. It's a one-stop clothing shop that offers a smorgasboard of brand-name clothing, many of which can be purchased online. Don't forget to check out their shoe section!

Pictured:

- Stewart and Brown Hemp Jersey Drape Dress
- Kelly and Colby Bead Coat
- Nixxi Scoop T

Organic Denim

2010-07-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Like organic cotton, organic denim is produced with an emphasis on sustainability through the use of Earth-friendly, organic fibres and low impact/vegetable-based dyes.

- Kuyichi is one of the first companies to make jeans out of organic cotton. Fabrics are dyed using natural colorants - not harsh chemicals (Pictured: Public Blu jeans).
- 7 For All Mankind has a variety of pesticide-free denims, one of my favourites being the Roxanne Skinny (pictured here).
- You'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't love J Brand Jeans. They've recently debuted a large line of 100% organic denim jeans that are tinted with vegetable dyes.

Thrift Store Finds | This is Spartacus

2010-07-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Set of five gladiator-style cuffs - thrifted for $6.00.

Design Profile | Olsen Haus

2010-07-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

You simply must check out the fabulous shoes at Olsen Haus, a strictly vegan line headed by Elizabeth Olsen. The company is also eco-conscious, using materials that are as environmentally-friendly as possible. All Olsen Haus products are made in sample rooms and factories that have been checked for ethical employment practices and environmental accountability.

Visit olsenhaus.com to learn more.

Thrift Store Finds - Flower Child

2010-07-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Both of these shirts were thrifted for a grand total of $8.00. Not bad!

Oh La La ...

2010-07-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

- 1980s vintage leather pouch via Vintage Bag
- Marni tote with crocodile emobssed leather via Luxury Vintage
- 1960s Morle vintage bag, black suede with gold chain link strap via Rice and Beans Vintage

Retail Therapy ...

2010-07-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

I am in love with these three pieces, all of which can be found at Green is Black, an eco-friendly boutique in Toronto. All clothing sold at Green is black has been ethically sourced and was created using hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, soy, and/or reclaimed vintage materials, proving that style - and sound ethics - need not be sacrified in the name of sustainability.

Contact: 416.454.5650 1.866.550.GisB info@greenisblack.ca

Baubles ...

2010-07-15T12:48:00.001-07:00

- Choo Ylin artisan jewlery is made from reclaimed precious metals and flawed gemstones that would have otherwise been discarded.
- Kirsten Muenster uses ethcially sourced, recycled and reclaimed materials to create her stunning pieces.
- Okomido jewelry is made from 100% reclaimed materials.

Design Profile | Duro Olowu

2010-07-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Duro Olowo's eclectic, brightly-patterned creations have taken the fashion world by storm. Since his debut at London Fashion week in 2007, this former lawyer from Nigeria has garnered the attention of major industry players like Vogue and Barney's New York. His haute-couture masterpieces feature vintage-style tailoring and are comprised of a blend of recycled, African prints and custom fabrics with the intention of being "effortless, international and chic." Olowu's creations have been spotted on a number celebrites, from First Lady Michelle Obama to international supermodel/entrepeneur Iman.

Cruelty-Free Footwear

2010-07-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

- Stella McCartney vegan shoe (100% recyclable)
- Madden Girl Annettee Black Ruffled Vegan Sandal (by Steve Madden) via Moo Shoes
- "Elegance" shoes from all-vegan brand Heart of Darkness/ Cri de Coeur via Moo Shoes
- Olsen haus 100% vegan shoes
- 100% recycled ultrasuede shoes from Cri de Coeur
- Blue pixie boot in vegetarian fake suede from Vegetarian Shoes

2010-07-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

[From L-R]

- Vintage 1950s dress from laboheme
- Summer onesie made with vintage fabric from Black Circle
- Organic cotton/bamboo skirt, hand-dyed using low-impact dyes from Stephanie Teague
- Vintage 1940s hat courtesy of Prance and Swagger
- Necklace made with repurposed vintage materials from corrieberrypie
- Hemp/organic cotton jumpsuit from Marsilia21

Organic Cotton

2010-07-13T13:38:00.001-07:00

Organic cotton is everywhere now, from the runway to your local Gap. So what is it exactly?

Simply put, organic cotton is good for the environment. It's grown without toxic fertilizers and pesticides from non-genetically engineered seeds and it helps promote biodiversity by aiding in the replenishment of soil fertility.

Major players like Stella McCartney and H&M have released fabulous earth-friendly collections that revolve around the fibre, and organic cotton production grew by 20% between 2007-2008. It now represents close to 1% of all global cotton production.

Pictured: a dress from H&M's Garden Collection, which is comprised of recycled materials and organic cotton.

Thrift Store Find

2010-07-12T16:04:00.001-07:00

Snake belt, thrifted for $3.99

Design Profile | Alabama Chanin | Spring/Summer 2010

2010-07-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

World-renowned for her intricate collections, Natalie "Alabama" Chanin is an eco-design maven whose luxurious coats, skirts and dresses are comprised of recycled, embroidered quilts. All garments are created in Alabama by local artisans, and the company is working towards producing zeo-waste. Pictured: Pieces from Alabama's Chanins' Spring/Summer 2010 Ready to Wear Collection.

Ethical Fashion Show - Paris 2010

2010-07-12T09:23:00.001-07:00

Since its launch in 2004 The Ethical Fashion Show has been gaining momentum, having visited New York, Milan and Paris. Its aim is to draw attention the environmental and ethical quandires associated with the fashion industry. Last year, 90 incredible designers were featured in the show.

Designs range from everyday street wear to haute couture, but must be made in accordance with the following points in mind:

1. Fashion must be designed and produced in conditions that respect mankind;
2. Fashion must decrease the environmental impact of the textile industry, from the design of fabric, through confection to the end of clothes’ lives; and
3.Fashion should preserve local skills.

The 2010 ethical fashion show will take place September 25-28 at the Paris Docks en Seine. To see pictures from past events, check out the Ethical Fashion Show's Facebook group.

Hello!

2010-07-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Enviro Chi Chi, a blog dedicated to green fashion. My name is Cheryl and I must admit: I'm still pretty new to the world of thrift and sustainable fashion.

I do, however, spend an inordinate amount of time combing the racks of thrift and consignment stores. For me, buying vintage is more than just a means to personify my look: my motives are also green-centric.

We live in a world of disposable trends; what's in today will most definitely be out tomorrow. That being said, I don't believe the planet needs to be sacrified in order to look good. I'll prove my case to you by showcasing "green" fashion designers, bloggers, and my own fabulous thrift and sustainable fashion finds. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you visit often!