June 2008

Outfit: Eco-Chic Day 21

by grechen on June 30, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

james perse tube dress melissa sandals outfit

James Perse Tube Dress (a few years old)

Spun Organic Cotton Cardigan – reviewed here (save 20% and get a free BAGGU Bag with code GRECHENJUNE at FashionEthic.com through 6/30)

Melissa Sin Sandals in Black – recycled/recyclable plastic

Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag in Tangerine

Recycled Sea Glass necklace from Artworks Jewelry

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Review: Tees for Change

by grechen on June 30, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

I’m really not a huge graphic/message-tee person – I tend to stay more with solid colors and eschew patterns altogether. I know. Boring!!! But…that’s just what fits my age/lifestyle better and makes it easier to work pieces into my wardrobe.

That said, I’m certainly not opposed to said tees, especially if they’re more environmentally friendly and pass on an important message. Enter Tees for Change – “Sustainable Tees on a Mission”. I received the “Choose Happiness” tee to review recently, and I must say, cheesy as it may sound, I do try to choose to be happier when I wear it. (at least when I pass myself in the mirror and the tee subtly encourages me to!)

closeup of the tee:

This tee is made from 70% sustainable bamboo and 30% organic cotton, so it’s oh-so soft, and easy to wear. As I mentioned before, with my review of the Doie bamboo dress, bamboo drapes so nicely on the body, it’s always flattering in my opinion. This is also a little more lightweight than 100% bamboo, so it feels great in 90 degree heat. I prefer to wear it layered, for a more subtle look, but it’s perfect with just jeans, or a knee-length skirt.

Tees for Change has many other styles of tee, and messages like:
“Live Mindfully,” “Laugh Often,” “Practice Kindness,” “Seek Balance,” “Today Matters.” All the tees are fair trade and made under sweatshop-free conditions from 100% organic cotton in the United States or 70% bamboo/30% organic cotton in Turkey. The cotton is cultivated without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which is good for the environment and for the workers who grow and manufacture the shirts.

I also love the story of how/why Andrea started Tees for Change:

“Andreea Ayers started Tees For Change while pregnant with her first child in 2007. She and her husband desired to experience a home birth for their son, but they were often bombarded with negative and fearful responses from both friends and strangers. Andreea’s response was one that would ultimately shape and guide her business. She created a t-shirt for herself with the words “Be Courageous” printed across the front that she wore during the home delivery of her healthy son. In Spring 2007 Tees For Change was born out of Andreea’s ongoing commitment to living an eco-friendly lifestyle with a deep belief in positive thinking.”

This, dear visitors, is why I love to support independent businesses – there is meaning and purpose behind everything they do, which is what I try to achieve with my own life. “Live Mindfully:-)

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Review: Lizzie Parker Bamboo Tops

by grechen on June 30, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

I’ve received quite a few bamboo pieces to review (scroll down for more reviews) this Eco-Month on Grechen’s Closet, but Lizzie Parker’s are definitely the most “fashion-forward” and unique of the bunch.

The “Short Twiggy” in “hotpants” has been getting me through the weekends, and walks with the dog. And it “dresses-up” quite nicely as well:

I love it tucked into to this high-waist skirt from American Apparel (more outfit details here) – it gives it a more “styled” look than they way I usually wear it – with my Splendid lounge pants or jeans. This top is made from 95% bamboo and 5% lycra, so it holds it’s shape exceptionally well, is really flattering on, and so soft and comfortable.

The “mtv” shirt is also really fun to wear:

It’s difficult to see from this picture, but it’s banded around the bottom, so it HOLDS everything in…seriously…and drapes out a bit in front. I have to wear a tank top underneath because the armholes are large, but I think this would be a great swimsuit coverup as well – if you size up so it hangs a bit lower. Again, this is made from 95% bamboo and 5% lycra. (outfit details)

Another Lizzie Parker staple in my wardrobe is this simple tank:

Although it’s really not so simple…It’s not available anywhere online, and I don’t have a more detailed picture, but it’s a racerback style, with thick hems and an extra-long style. It’s snug, so it’s super-easy to layer with; I also love to wear it with my Organic Cotton cardigan by SPUN, as well as under dresses. (outfit details)

Check out more places online to buy Lizzie Parker and her own website for more details on her collections.

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Outfit: Eco-Chic Day 20

by grechen on June 27, 2008 | SUBSCRIBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

sneakers

James Perse Vintage V-Neck Top

Goldsign Leia Jeans

Ethletic Shoes – from Mitzie’s Kill: 100 % organic cotton, fcs certified all natural latex sole, 100% vegan, fair trade certified, made in Pakistan. Awesome.

Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

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Mogil at Pixie Market

June 26, 2008

I’m really not a big fan of gladiator sandals, especially not on me. I don’t have any ankles per-se, my foot ends where my thick calves begin – so I need a thong type sandal for the most flattering look. Anyway, they can look nice on others, but I generally prefer a simpler style over [...]

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Outfit: Eco-Chic Day 19

June 26, 2008

So sorry for the repeat today, but I didn’t have time to take a new picture. I’m wearing this exactly, but changed the sandals out to the Melissa Sin Sandals. James Perse Cami Dress ORGANIC by John Patrick Cardigan – made from organic cotton and cashmere blend, available at Beklina: take 25% off with code [...]

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Review: Gaia Conceptions Organic Cotton Tube Dress

June 26, 2008

I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated multi-tasking clothing as much as I do now that I have this lovely Gaia Conceptions “Love me two times” dress. I love it as a tube dress more than just a skirt, but they are both fabulous, and perfect for travel. I took this to Florida recently and got [...]

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Outfit: Eco-Chic Day 18

June 25, 2008

American Apparel Skirt – in navy blue Lizzie Parker Bamboo Top Barney’s Co-Op Sweater Robert Clergerie Wedges Posse NYC Bag

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Outfit: Eco-Chic Day 17

June 24, 2008

Tees for Change Organic Cotton/Bamboo tee – says “choose happiness,” here’s a better picture of the top (not on me): American Apparel Skirt ORGANIC by John Patrick Sweater – save 25% at Beklina through 6/30 with code “closet2506″ Robert Clergerie Wedges Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

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Review: Melissa Recycled/Recyclable Plastic Sandals

June 24, 2008

I have been looking at Melissa’s “plastic” sandals for quite some time now, but only just now decided to take the plunge and buy a pair. The ballet flats are especially cute, and maybe I’ll try a pair this Fall, but I just can’t wear “shoes” in the Summer time (my feet just get too [...]

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Eco-Chic: Selina Rose Watercut Felt Rugs

June 23, 2008

I don’t post enough about home decor or home accessories – I love shopping for home decor, I just don’t buy much of it (I guess it’s harder for me to spend money on things for my home as opposed to things for my body!). Anyway, I came across this post at design*sponge about Selina [...]

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International Eco-Chic: Organic Stereo

June 23, 2008

My favorite part of this “job,” is finding out about new designers/boutiques and doing my small part to help them grow. Over the years since I launched Grechen’s Closet, I’ve exposed hundreds of new designers to the “world” and I like to feel like I’ve had some hand in their success. Hey, every little bit [...]

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International Eco-Chic: Muso Koroni Vegan Boutique

June 23, 2008

I must admit, I had no idea there weren’t any 100% vegan boutiques in Austria until Jasmin e-mailed me to tell me that she’d launched the first (I love entrepreneurship!!). Her boutique, Muso Koroni, is Austria’s first 100% vegan boutique (even the models are vegans!!) and carries brands like Perfectly Imperfect, Matt & Natt, and [...]

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Outfit: Eco-Chic Day 16

June 23, 2008

Sustainable Collective Tank – reviewed here Gap Essential Jeans Matt Bernson Love Sandals Jerome Dreyfuss large Billy Bag

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Splendid Leggings

June 20, 2008

Okay, so I did buy a couple of things this month that were not made from organic cotton, or otherwise more earth-friendly, but I will be wearing them FOREVER…at least there’s that. And yes, you did read that correctly, this post is about LEGGINGS. That’s right. But I DO NOT wear them outside of the [...]

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