Shop | Nelson Rarities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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."

Eco Fashion Week 2010 | Vancouver

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

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!

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

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

[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