Having recently moved into Afghanistan, the program is going to leverage private investment from Kate Spade New York to provide critical, sustainable employment opportunities for Afghan women.

Starting in 2012, Kate Spade New York plans to create approximately 5,000 units of product a year with Afghan women. Their goal is to reach a total of 15,000 units by 2013.

Partnered with the US government, this will help in  creating an enabling environment in Afghanistan for the partnership to take begin, and later, thrive. The much-needed government leadership and resources will both provide what is necessary to make it happen, and happen with success.

For the last five years, Kate Spade New York and Women for Women International have worked together to promote these types of micr0-enterprises for women in war-torn communities. They began in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in the past year along, about four hundred jobs were create there, as well as Kosovo and Rwanda.

The move to expanding into Afghanistan will offer more of these, and it is the next needed step in this partnership that is thriving. Women for Women International’s role is to provide the training in embroidery, weaving and beadwork for the women of these countries, while Kate Spade New Yor’s role is to deliver any sort of creative output.

Now in Fall 2011, there are loads of accessories offered through this partnerships – ones that we’ll feel great about purchasing, as well as look good, too. Oh, and they’re super warm, so that is definitely a plus!

Hand in Hand has created a line of cozy accessories, all using local yards. These hand-knit pieces are by artisans in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and feature gorgeous hues of black and white, fuschia and cerise.

Pieces include:

Giant Pom Pom Scarf: From the fall collection, bundle up this season with the cozy pom pom scarf, crafted entirely by hand by women in Bosnia and Herzegovina. $175. Fuschia and cerise.

Hand in Hand Pom Pom Mittens: Also from the fall collection, keep hands toasty this season with the pom pom mittens, which also were crafted entirely by hand by women in Bosnia and Herzegovina. $95. Fuschia and cerise, or black and white.

Bangles: Theirs bangles were designed specifically as a part of their partnership with Women for Women International.  To celebrate their Join Me on the Bridge campaign, they are sending  25 percent of total sales from the bangle to be donated to Women for Women International. Silver bangle includes a shiny rhodium silver hardware, with the outside engraved “hand in hand”, inside engraved “there’s strength in numbers”. It is 2.5″ diameter and 0.5″ width. They also offer a gold and rose gold version. $58.

Hand in Hand Hair Pin: Their pretty floral hairpin was crafted entirely by hand in Bosnia.It is made of 100% cotton thread with a gold metal plated bobby pin. Black and white. $48.

Hand in Hand Knit Necklace: Also done in Bosnia, this pretty necklace is the perfect complement to the hair pin. 100% cotton thread. Black and white. $98.

“By purchasing pieces from our Hand in Hand collection, you directly drive demand” says the label, “enabling us to hire more women and enable them to rebuild their lives and their communities.”

So… go buy them.

Calling it a combination of form, function, and style, the new men’s line is dedicated to the commuter.

The utility waistband  features both a u-lock storage, as well as a higher rise in the back so folks behind you don’t get a glimpse of your backside. It has a comfortable, stretch fabric for easy mobility and reinforced seams for extra durability.

Understanding that the days progressively warmer, they even enhanced the fabric with additional anti-microbial protection.

The black version of the jeans are cropped–so they don’t get stuck on your gears–and have a nonintrusive strip of reflective material to keep you safe when you ride. They’re also water resistant and dirt repellant.

These features are now found on the 511 Skinny Jeans in three washes: Indigo Best Rigid, Chinchilla Twill, and Black. And for the top half? They’ve done up the Levi’s Trucker Jacket, with similar features, in an Indigo wash. The jeans retail at $78; the jacket at $128.

According to Senior Designer JeWon Yu, “The Commuter Series started as a simple conversation of “I wish…” and “what if…” and turned into the realization that we could give more to those already donning our jeans and trucker jackets while trekking their bikes around town.”

Read more from Levi’s.

What’s important, though, is to note one key fact: it doesn’t mean wearing the same outfit day after day, and no, you didn’t have to buy it at the local Goodwill.

On the other side of things, you also don’t have to shell out a fortune for high eco-fashion; while it’s sustainable and gorgeous, some of our wallets just aren’t that savvy.

Here are our top ways to become more eco-fashionable. Feel free to add yours below!

Buy Less

Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But we don’t necessarily mean spend less. Think of what you do day-to-day, and what you wear. If you work in the office, perhaps a few good suits and crisp shirts are what you need. If you are a teacher, invest in a couple key skirts, slacks, and sweaters. If you’re a fitness professional, spend it on high-quality sportswear. Purchase a few pairs of good shoes that’ll last you, and a nice jacket, too. Sure, we might pay more for the quality, but we aren’t wasting dollars on clothes that’ll just fall apart.

Say No to Sweatshops

Plenty of our shopping mall favourites can mass produce for one reason: the workers who slave for eighty hours a week… with pennies to their name. Support local designers, local merchandise, and those who take the time to make quality. Sometimes it is difficult to get the styles we love so much, so choose carefully… If you absolutely need those sneakers because they support your feet the best, get them, but then seek out a local designer for your office suit.

Look at the Label

Consider sustainable materials, such as bamboo, organic cotton, and recycled materials. Organic cotton, for example, is increasing in sales every year. Although bamboo and recycled materials can get a little more costly, organic cotton is popping up everywhere. Check out our article on vegan fibres for more details on sustainable fabrics.

Shop Online

There are loads of eco-driven online retailers that sell only eco-certified gear. One of our favourites is Wear the Earth. Each company on their website handpicked, often with Fair-Trade practices. Check out more awesome retailers and options in our Shop.

Recycle

If you don’t need it anymore, consider donating to a local charity, or giving it away to friends. Even better? Host a swishing party… you’ll score some great pieces, too! Just gather a group that have cleaned out their individual closets. Get them to bring their clothing, shoes, and accessories to the party host’s home and make trades! Done and done.

Make a Statement

If you’re in the spotlight, choose green garments to really bring the idea forth. Think about eco-friendly and organic wedding dresses; your guests will be dying to know why you look so good.

Regardless of what you do, each little change will make a difference. Whether you buy organic materials, give away old clothes, support local companies, or just do one of the three, little changes help… and you’re well on your way to becoming a little more eco-chic.

Image source

According to Ann-Sofie Johansson, the head of design for H&M, “It’s not just about organic cotton any more, the possibilities for creating a complete fashion statement with eco smarter materials are huge now. By designing recurring Conscious Collections we have the opportunity to show in a variety of ways what’s possible using more sustainable fabrics”.

H&M’s classic, fresh designs combine with their sustainable fabrics, making for the perfect wardrobe for your spring and summer season. The newest trends include neutrals and simplicity, with the little details developed into a chic fashion collection.

However, neutrals doesn’t mean drab. In fact, colour is more important than ever… Along with white, that innocent, pure hueless shade that goes with just about everything.

The collection is made up of flowing dresses, breezy tunics, windy skirts, shorts (mini and midi), and the blazer… Especially with the rolled cuffs. We love the added details, making it just that much more feminine. A touch of lace, a bit of romance, a drop of lingerie; it just makes it that much better.

The menswear line delivers more of a preppy look, embracing the blazer just like the women’s line. The classic white two-button blazer looks great dressed up or a little more casual, and collarless shirts go easily from the office to on the town. T-shirts are a little dressier with a beach-inspired feel, with that classic Henley detailing. Tailoring meets relaxed in the majority of the looks, bringing everything we love together in a single look.

Children’s wear is similarly full of nature’s colour, bringing that classic white in both the wardrobes for girls and boys. Tiered dresses, tops, skirts for the little ladies and t-shirts and jeans for the boys.

Concious materials include:

• Organic cotton: cotton that has been grown without the use of hazardous chemicals.
• Organic linen: linen that has been grown without the use of hazardous chemicals.
• Recycled polyester: polyester made from PET bottles or textile waste.
• Tencel: Silky, renewable material produced with minimal environmental impact.

Source: hm.com

He’s put together some great planet-lovin’ options on his website. (Check out more on his green guide here).

Launched in January, 2010, Hemptress™ is a cutting edge fashion handbag and accessory brand from Los Angeles, whose bags are made out of–you guessed it–hemp.

Some of these bags also feature repurposed, recycled leather and all are lined with a silk/hemp blend lining (except for the vegan collection, which uses a hemp/RPET lining, instead). Their zippers are also developed from recycled sources.

The company takes their eco-friendly practices further than their materials. They adhere to Fair Trade practices, use hemp and recycled labels, along with recycled shipping boxes.

The company also donates a portion of their profits to animal rights groups as well as Vote Hemp, a

non-profit agency that promotes hemp farming.

Their newest from their fall collection is no exception. Here are our favourites:

Mona Satchel

$179; 16”w x 11.5”t x 6”d 6” handle drop.

The bag features an 100% hemp body with bonded leather trim (repurposed from recycled leather) along with light gold tone hardware. It’s highlighted by raw edged inside-out seams along ruched vertical panels front and back.

The double handle, with removable shoulder strap offer comfort with a top quality metal zipper closure to secure your goods. It has a bonded leather oval bottom with four feet.

The inside is made from 60%hemp/40% silk, with a zippered pocket and patch pocket with section for cell phone. The inside zippers are made from recycled nylon.

Other favourites:

Mona Frame Bag
$98

It’s gorgeous hemp body includes recycled leather, and antique gold tone or brass hardware.

Mona Mini
$108

Cute little bag perfect for stocking the things you need.

Visit them at www.thehemptress.com to see their full collection.

Images courtesy of thehemptress.com and New t-shirts daily from streetshirts.

Their mission is to educate, inspire and organize people to create justice and peace through nonviolence. We had the chance to chat with the founders of the company to see what drives them to fulfill this passion.

What led you in this direction to create BE LOVE?

We created Be Love to help us fund the Peace Education work that we do through our nonprofit partner Common Peace. Find designer 2012 prom dresses

Be Love has been a natural way for us to live our core beliefs.
This work allows us to be creative and express ourselves through inspiring and eco friendly production and design.

What is your most popular style?

All Be Love styles are our favorites, of course! So much of us goes into creating ones that we love. KamGi especially likes our long sleeve organic top in ocean blue with the Be Love design and Kyle digs the new organic charcoal T with the Peace Warrior design. (Note from ecoki: We love the simple, yet artistic, styles!)

Who is your ideal customer?

Our customers run the spectrum of old and young, male and female of all colors, shapes and sizes. Be Love attracts customers that love beauty and have a strong desire to buy and wear clothing that represents their core beliefs in environmental sustainability and nonviolence. Our customers support great work through their purchase of Be Love and this is very important to them.

What does the future hold for BE LOVE?

God only knows but we see a continuation of great new designs and purposeful products. We also look forward to growing peace studies and  activism around the principles of nonviolence to create positive changes in the communities we find ourselves in.

How do you live an eco-friendly lifestyle?

We think about the consequences of our actions and how they affect the earth that we will leave to our children grandchildren and so-forth.

We educate ourselves about the issues and challenges we face as people who are stewards of this planet.
We live simply so that others can simply live.

It doesn’t end there, though. We definitely recommend you check out their Peace Studies on their website. This is where we know that the company is driven to making a change, by providing easily attained resources at the tips of our fingers.

We also love that the crew at Be Love donates 10% of all sales to Common Peace, an organization that helps teach the principles of peace, nonviolence, and conflict resolution.  The rest of their profits go toward building nonviolence workshops and funding campaigns of non-violent direct action.

They say their t-shirts communicate a message of strength, compassion, and loving determination for peace and social justice. If that’s not enough, they look good, too.
Check them out at beloveforall.com

BE LOVE GIVEAWAY!

Congrats to debb for winning this giveaway! Please stay tuned for our next one. Communion dresses for girls on sale.

‘Swishing Parties’ are gaining popularity (especially in times of a recession) with the main goal of finding new homes for old clothing and accessories.

The way an event works is a group of women clean out their individual closets, bring their clothing, shoes, and accessories to the party host’s home and make trades with their own closet calamities for other’s fashion faux-pas.

After all, one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure.

Recycle Reuse and Re-Gift

As the holidays come along, holiday soirees are the way to gather everyone together and a resourceful way to do it (economically and ecologically) is to hold a Swishing Party.

Instead of buying all ten of your girlfriends individual gifts (does Sarah really need another purply M.A.C eye-shadow?) why not invite them over for a Girls-Only-Christmas Party.

Everyone bring their bag of clothing they no longer have use for, pour the Christmas cocktails and let the exchanging begin!

After everyone has gotten what they want, donate the rest to a charitable cause, such as Goodwill (goodwill.on.ca) or one of the many breast cancer donation bins located throughout Canada (find out more at breastcancersupport.org).

The Ugly Facts About Your (Ex) Cashmere

Donating or giving away clothing that you no longer want is such an obvious thing when it comes to cleaning out your closet, but many will be surprised to learn that clothing still gets dumped into the trash every year.

The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, which is very big on clothing donation and has many donation bins situated throughout Ontario, reports that on average, “80% of textiles thrown away still have 75% of their wear-ability left”, and that “synthetic  (man-made fibres) products will not decompose, and while woolen garments, do compose, they produce methane gas which causes global warming.”

These facts alone are enough reason to haul the unwanted contents of your closet to a donation bin, or get out the calendar and plan a swishing event.

So if you’re looking for a fun way to get your girlfriends together and to get a free new-to-you sweater out of the deal, or to avoid spending too much cash at Christmas, consider swish the newest way to shop! (and if you don’t love it after you take it home, get your hands on Reconstructing Clothes For Dummies, the best in personalizing your unique style!)

Read more about Swishing from swishing.org and swishing.co.uk. women fashion discount.

Images courtesy of furniturehomedesign.com and mams.rmit.edu.au

We yearn for that extra oomph, that pop of colour that turns heads.

Being an eco-friendly fashionista shouldn’t be difficult, combining living sustainably, giving back to the environment, and looking chic, too.

That’s why Winnipeg-based b.b.begonia has developed a line of reusable shopping bags, driven towards the chic lifestyle while simultaneously reducing our eco-impact. Function meets fashion with their exclusive prints and colours that are designed to be anything but drab.

Their designers include an eclectic group from across Europe and North America, developing a shopping bag that stands above the rest.

We’ve had the opportunity to review b.b.begonia bags, and we love the nature-inspired functionality of their fashionable line of goods.

Each bag is designed with lightweight polyester, re-enforced for extra durability. With an impressive size of 50cm x 42cm / 19.5in x 16.5in, they can hold about 45lbs in weight – perfect for the trip to the market, grocery store or library. The double-layer handles give enough length to hook around your hand, elbow or shoulder, perfect when you need that extra strength lugging home some fresh local produce.

We also love the convenience and portability of each one. All bags roll up to about the size of a smartphone, sealed with a snap to ensure unraveling won’t occur. And at just 1.4oz each, they perfect to bring along on walks or runs, adding no extra bulk or weight over longer distances.

But this convenience only comes as a close second to the gorgeous prints, with over thirty different designs for everyone to love. Among them are different themes, include Fun in the Sun, featuring bright, whimsical designs on vibrant, bold colours. Garden Bloom brings floral into the mix, while Kamakura Zen delivers nature at its best.

Ours includes one from the collection of Kamakura Zen, a botanical-based blend of greys, blacks and a pop of lime green. The detail and colour scheme perfectly complement a fashion-forward shopper, with a bold statement combined with relaxing movement.

We also love the purple-hued bag from Garden Bloom, combining a lighter lavender with bold purples and lemon yellows, mixing together femininity and fun – along with a sprinkling of snowflakes.

Each bag can be bought in a collection of five or singularly – leaving you the choice and mix-and-match possibilities of your favourite prints.

More stores are opting out of bags, while cities are not far behind. Oil-based plastic bags are littering our planet, and choosing to reuse is the way of the conscientious consumer.

We love when companies take the extra step towards eco-friendliness, and b.b.begonia is just the same. They practice and promote what they preach by partnering with 1% For the Planet, an alliance of businesses committed to using marketing forces for environmental change. Because of this b.b.begonia donates 1% of all sales to organizations that work towards helping our natural environment. They also have exemplary shipping and use FSC-certified paper.

We definitely love their durable, eco-chic reusable bags, perfect to accompany us anywhere. From it’s sleek design, compact convenience, and gorgeous prints, b.b.begonia reusable bags vibrantly combine fashion and function, helping us each reduce waste and look good, too.

Available in singles or packs of five. See more from their website, b.b.begonia.

And for the perfect addition for your reusable bags? Check out the One Trip Grip, a unique accessory that locks bags together. With its ergonomic design and soft grip, it makes carrying heavy bags easy.

And that’s where Wear the Earth comes into play. Wear the Earth is an online boutique, selling organic, eco-friendly clothing. Run by busy mom Tiffany Parks, she took her years of retail management experience to move forward with an eco-driven website, while simultaneously raising her family.

The best part about Wear the Earth is the array of organic gear they sell And because organic fabrics are superior to conventional fabrics, you know you’re getting quality products.

Selling so much more than just clothing, Wear the Earth has something for everyone, as well as great gift options. From bedding to towels, baby items,  home and body products, accessories, and yoga gear, it’s almost impossible to shop here and leave without an order.

What’s even better, is that all companies involved with Wear the Earth are handpicked to ensure their own greenness, including Fair-Trade practices to planet-friendly dyes and fabrics. Baby item are bleach-free, organic materials are used and toxins and heavy-metals are not to be seen.

Instead, fabrics are naturally dyed with low-impact Oeko-tex 100 dyes, as well as clay, and materials such as hemp, organic cotton, soy, lyocell, and bamboo are used.

We’ve had the opportunity to review one of their organic sweaters, and we can definitely see what makes it so great!

The Organic Cable Sweater is manufactured from a blend of primarily bamboo with an addition of organic cotton, a perfect mixture for comfort and warmth.

With a flattering fit, the heather grey sweater features a textured cable design running vertically to create a long silhouette. The scoop neck can flatter on its own, or complements a collared shirt for a tailored office-look.

The lightweight, semi-fitted sweater is the bamboo-trademark softness that brings comfort to a whole new level. Days of scratchy wool are left behind, when you realize that you’ll only want bamboo-based sweaters at the heart of your fall and winter wardrobe.

The full-length sleeves and long waistband are perfect for those with longer arms and torsos, but the lightweight material allows you to roll up the sleeves or tuck in the hem without appearing bulky.

In short? Gorgeous, comfortable and versatile – and great for the planet, too.

We also love to point out when companies take the extra step towards sustainability, and the crew at Wear the Earth follow suit. Their packaging and shipping is minimal, using just enough to get the job done. She also spreads the eco-word around town on living a greener life.

In addition, they are approved by Green America, a non-profit organization set out to gather economic power to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.

Wear the Earth wears their heart on their sleeve, truly considering the environment in all that they do. From constantly re-evaluating their carbon footprint to offering accessible, organic options to consumers, we definitely recommend – and love – the goods that they offer.

Organic Cable-Knit Sweater

• 70% Viscose from Bamboo
• 30% Organic Cotton
• Available in grey
• XS to L
• $35

Check out all that Wear the Earth has to offer at weartheearth.com

Visit their blog at weartheearth.wordpress.com

Image courtesy of weartheearth.com

True to their mantra, they only deal with manufacturers who follow Fair Trade policies, combining fashion and positive ethics into one.

The company is as green as their goods, failing to mark any sort of footprint, from riding bicycles to eating organic, local, and low-food chain food, and reusing, reducing and recycling every where possible. They only make new purchases when they can reach their goal of supporting sustainable companies who produce low-impact goods.

Their goals are built on delivering soft, gorgeous, and fashionable clothing, shoes and accessories, but keep it eco-friendly, too. Searching for solutions, they soon discovered a mountain of designers who would stop at nothing for ethical creations – from conception to final result.

green is black ensures that all environmental and social impacts are measured before selling the goods – and the goods, too, are some to note.

Their collection is filled with everything from casual tank tops, to comfortable underwear, to luxurious dresses and jackets. And the Kelly B top follows the same guidelines: gorgeous, comfortable, and completely environmentally friendly.

The little details on the top are what makes it stand above the rest. A ruffled detail around the neck complements three, small buttons and a mock collar, flattering to every figure. Each sleeve features the same ruffle and button – a minor detail that draws the eyes to summer sun-kissed arms.

The loose, comfortable fit curves with you body in all the right places, doing its best to accentuate a boyish figure, or gracefully fall in the right places on curvy girls.

Made with 65% hemp and 35% silk, the top delivers a silky sheen that is easy to dress up with your favourite skirt and heals, or keep casual with a comfortable pair of jeans. The comfortable fabric makes you feel like you’re wearing your favourite lived-in tee, but the light, airy fit adds that extra boost of style.

The shirt is coloured in a sexy, feminine lavender, a perfect shade for nearly every skintone, without loud colours or patterns, so its easy to accessorize.

We are in love with the USA-made, sweatshop-free top, and green is black, too, knowing that our shirt was chosen carefully and sustainably, by a company who practices what they preach.

“Kelly B” stylish shirt from green is black

• made from a luxurious combination of hemp and silk
• available in feminine lavender
• fits in sizes extra small to large
• $145.00, on sale for $72.50

Check out our review of  ecoTools earth-friendly beauty brushes here.

Silverstone’s limited-edition collection will be available come December through 2010, featuring  a printed bouquet of her favourite flowers (lavender, rose, chrysanthemum, thyme), along with hangtags printed on tree-free stone paper.

The Eco Tools set includes

• Five-piece brush set and bag which includes a finishing brush, blush brush, angled eye shadow brush, and lash and brow groomer.
• Cosmetics brush bag which also includes a blush brush.
• Travel case with a zip top and clear removable compartment.
• Overnight bag with two removable interior compartments
• Cosmetics bag for throwing into a purse.

That’s exactly how it is with clothes from Dear Lil’ Devas, a clothing company based out of Toronto, Ontario.

It didn’t just start with a bamboo dress, however. With a  commitment to eco-friendliness, the crew at Dear Lil’ Devas combine high quality product with a love for nature. Owner and designer Rosie Connor was the brainchild of the company, after trying to develop loose-fitting, breathable yoga pants to move with her in her yoga practice.

It took a year to perfect the 100% cotton pants, but as soon as she did – word began to spread.

It’s now evolved to a traditional. unisex yoga pant in two styles and five colours. The trademark bottom keeps it roomy, contouring to any posture and any body. With a quick-drying cotton, its design is dedicated to our fast-paced lives.

The small company handcrafts each product from start to finish, so when we were asked to review one of their garments, we couldn’t refuse.

The Bamboo Dress is functional, comfortable, and stylish, all rolled into one. You’d never know that the material doesn’t carry any stretch Lyrca; but the combination of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton feels almost too good to be true.

The allergy-free materials skin your body with an essence that works with any figure. Bamboo’s naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it ideal for exercise wear, and because of its longer length, it allows yoga, bike rides, and hot, sunny days done with ease.

It’s modest cut makes it perfect for anyone, with wide straps and a medium-scoop neck. Bra straps are hidden, cleavage out of view, making it perfect for office wear, relaxing on the deck, or going out to your favourite dinner.

The light stitching near the bottom hem and around the sleeves and neck deliver a little monochromatic detail – just enough for that extra something – upon colours that correspond with nature itself. Earthy brown, green, and black provide a trio of choices to suit your basic style.

We also love their “Hangtagless” option, which means the piece of printed info usually attached to garments when they are purchased can be opted out of.  This makes for less manufacturing in the long run, for those who choose the option of going tag-free.

We love when companies practice what they employ through their product, and Dear Lil Devas is no different. They understand the low environmental impact of bamboo, because of its natural regrowth. They also ensure that all of their workers are involved with Fair Trade practices, meeting Oeko-Tex and ISO 14001 standards.

The bamboo yarn is derived from the cellulose of the bamboo, using an eco-friendly viscose process, similar to making paper. It’s then combined with 30% organic cotton yarn, and dyed with a  single jet-dyeing process to minimize any sort of impact, free of toxins and chemicals.

For a minimum time, Dear Lil’ Devas is offering ecoki readers a discount: upon checkout, enter DGBG1M to be entered upon checkout for 25% off your purchase!!! Offer expires September 30th, so act soon!

Dear Lil’ Devas Bamboo Dress

• $80.00
• Functional, casual and comfortable
• Made from 70% Bamboo, 30% Organic Cotton
• Eco-friendly practices
• Available in small, medium and large
• Available in brown, black, and green
• Made in Canada

The Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF) is an internet destination for sharing and supporting others in the same industry, while simultaneously sparking inspiration.

It’s open to designers, retailers, buyers, fair trade producers, manufacturers, NGO’s, fashion students and tutors, consumers, and anyone else with a fashion-forward mind. Their aim is to deliver a destination for shared practices, ideas, resources, communication and links across the industry.

The EFF is a non-profit organization, focusing on poverty reduction, education and the environment, in relation to the fashion industry.

Their vision is to develop a collaborative movement which will transform social and environmental standards in the fashion industry within a decade.

If you’re within the industry – from planting to purchase – be sure to connect to their site, get involved, or take advantage of their upcoming events, including a masterclass on producing overseas, and a seminar spotlighting Africa.

Visit them at ethicalfashionforum.com

These shoes will include environmentally-friendly materials, as well as construction and manufacturing. Dubbed the New Balance 70, its to be launched later this month.

The company claims that 75% of its components are made of sustainable materials, and other parts, including the laces and webbing, are developed from recycled polyester. Fewer solvents and other synthetics make up the remainder.
Combined with this is the addition of  a rice husk filler in the outsole, which reduces the amount of rubber – and therefore petroleum – needed. The adhesives are water based, and no extra wrapping and stuffing is used in the packaging.

With other companies on board (check out our articles on Keds’s eco-shoes and Splaff’s recycled flip flops, we think this is another – ahem – “step” towards sustainability.

Stay updated at New Balance’s website (newbalance.com) for their release of the new shoes.

You can buy these shoes at Amazon.com

The route will encompass sweet treats at Tea & Sympathy, a visit to DIY-clothing emporium Home Ec from the owners of boutique clothing shop ‘Flirt’, and a trip to Pixie Market to browse the up-and-coming designer offerings. The map will also include hidden gems such as the fabulous nail bar Hello Beautiful in Williamsburg, and luxury Italian apothecary Santa Maria Novella in Soho.

In true TOPSHOP style, people cycling around the city will be invited to take street style snaps of their cycling looks and enter them into a competition hosted by fashion authority site Chictopia.com. The competition will run over a month, and each week there will be five winners – four chosen by Chictopia.com users and one chosen by TOPSHOP. Each winner will receive a set of wheels!

In-store, customers will have the opportunity to have their picture taken by legendary nightlife photographer Nicky Digital in front of a street style backdrop. There will be a special Style Advisor team on hand to advise on how to look as good as possible on your bike and all the photographs will be uploaded onto Flickr and TOPSHOP’s Facebook page, allowing people to tag themselves and comment on their favourite images.

TOPSHOP will also be hosting an exclusive al fresco screening of classic film ‘Blow Up’ on 26th June at The Yard in Brooklyn. After the film there will be DJs, including Mia Moretti and Erin Lucas, dancing and drinks – plus a bike valet so winners can ride their bikes to the event. The only way to get a much-coveted ticket is by finding one of the winning tokens hidden around the store in the days leading up to the screening.

For further information please visit topshop.com/bicycleclub.

Image courtesy of TOPSHOP, featuring the prize (minus basket) that the winners will receive!

HTNaturals delivers just that, with its eco-friendly line that’s created “for the people”.

Their must-have wardrobe basics are designed from organic textiles, utilizing a variety of natural and recycled fibres. With certified and organic fabrics, they ensure that they are grown pesticide and herbicide free, and are Skal certified. These types of products also reduce or eliminate use of carbon, energy and pollution, use less water, and are often renewable.

Among these are our favourite materials, and its not hard to understand why. Bamboo is a soft and luxurious fabric, fast-growing and renewable, resistant to disease, and has a breathability that paramounts any other alternatives. Soy, which they dub as a “vegetable cashmere” is soft, easy to care for, and because it absorbs dye with ease, it can easily use less – thereby reducing the amount used to produce it.

Organic cotton, one of the most popular of eco-friendly alternatives, is one we’ve discussed before; the conventional version is one of the most pesticide-ridden crops worldwide, but the organic alternative stays chemical-free. Hemp, a favourite among our foodstuffs, too, requires no pesticides or chemicals, renews readily, and has a strength and durability that surpasses the rest. They also utilize recycled polyester (also known as polyethylene terephthalate or PET), the same that is used in pop bottles. Their strength adds stability for the aforementioned fibres.

But it isn’t just the fabrics that HTNaturals ensures are a better alternative; they also use non-azo dyes, the least toxic dyes available, nickel-free zippers, and recycled polyester tape.  And then it goes further with their bags, hangtags, catalogs and other printed material all made from recycled materials. Oh, and they use wind-powered computers, and a carbon-neutral company car.

At this point, its quite possible that it couldn’t get better. HTNaturals surely is the epitome of “green” companies, practicing each step that they preach. But then it indeed does get better, when we actually see what they develop.

We’ve had the chance to review their clothing – and we love them just as much as we love the company.

Women’s Foldover skirt

Perfect for everyday wear with a little flair, this mid-length skirt drops to just above the knees in a comfortable combination of organic cotton, soy and spandex. The small amount of spandex delivers just enough stretch for added comfort, whether you’re lounging on the couch, doing a Hatha yoga class, or running to the grocery store.

We especially love the foldover waistband, a flattering design for any body with extra comfort for days that you need it. The 3-inch slits on each side give a feminine touch – and can easily be dressed up with stilettos and a cute top.

Women’s V-Neck Tee

Silky smooth bamboo plays first fiddle in this v-neck top with extra touches that set it apart. The gathered neckline draws attention to a simple, but pretty, detail, complimented by a thick trim that complements your features, without showing too much. The classic fit drapes your body to fit your curves and enhance your figure.

The combination of bamboo with organic cotton and spandex is not only comfortable, but gives a bit of a stretch that gracefully falls in all the right places, sewn for a perfect fit.

The cap sleeves give a feminine finish, and the bright, rich colour possibilities deliver the best choice to fit your mood.

After perusing their clothing, take a look around their other info on their website which features more green ideas, with cool contests, a customer of the month, and ways to become a sustainable company or home like they are striving to be. (read more)

We’re excited to feature HTNaturals, as well as their parent company, Naturally Advanced Technologies, which is striving towards issues revolving around hemp and other fibres and its transformation into soft cloth. Check out the details here.

Going green is one thing. Making the effort to revamp your wardrobe is another. But harnessing a completely green company – one that has 100% planet-friendly practices – is another. And for that, HTNaturals is not only one of the best options, but also delivers high-quality, comfort, and fashionable essentials to take a step into sustainable style.

Foldover Skirt

• 57% Organic Cotton, 37% Soy, 6% Spandex
• Available in espresso, black, or print
• Sizes Extra Small through Extra Large
• $45

V-Neck Tee

• 67% Bamboo, 28% Organic Cotton, 5% Spandex
• Available in black, lemon, chili, lagoon
• Sizes: Small through Extra Large
• $42

Check them out at HTNaturals.com.

Splaff Flopps has been around since 1997, their early days devoted to a mission to create a comfortable pair of sandals developed from recycled materials. Since then, the line has grown to hit other needs, in the form of belts, bags, wallets, guitar straps, and wrist bands.

As veterans in the recycled goods field, designers Cliff Drill and Craig Wallace have continued to develop quality, hand-crafted products that hail out of Baja, California.

We here at Ecoki have had the ultimate pleasure of taking their products for a whirl, and truth be told, the integrity that they strive for in their products distinctly recognizable. This is what we think:

Footwear: The Lazy Boy Natural Flip Flop

– Women’s, Natural

The Lazy Boy is the original, their classic cut that was first developed those years ago. The sole is created from recycled car tires, with straps from leftover bicycle inner tubes. And for the foot bed? You’ve the pleasure of 100% recycled rubber and foam encased in an all natural hemp fabric cushioning every step.

Their website says that they are tested by surfers, so they aimed for sandals that were strong and comfortable, as well as waterproof, slip resistant, and odorless.

These claims, we’ve so far discovered, are more than accurate, but we’ve also discovered a few things that make the Lazy Boy stand out from your average flip flops.

Ease of drivability: Some flip flops offer little give in bending for the brake and the gas in the car, or they’re awkward to maneuver as you try to switch between the pedals. Splaff’s straps hug your foot, making the sandal move  easily with each shift.

Durability: The recycled materials and industrious hemp combine to create a durable piece of footwear. They are heavier than most flip flops, providing a shoe that is sure not to fall apart after a single summery season. And because of their design, we’re pretty sure that, if they slipped off, they wouldn’t get swept away while wading in the water.

Aesthetics: They look cool. They look really cool. In fact, the second we slipped them on, we felt a lot cooler.

So, perhaps we’ve tested them in the chillier weather, and we don’t live near the ocean. However if the Splaff folks want to send me out to Baja to test them out with a surfing lesson, I’ll happily comply.

Comes in Men’s (sizes 6-13) or Women’s (sizes 5-10), Black ($46) or Natural ($50).

Also available in two open-two styles, the Gladiator and Hipster.

Bag: The Bhoga Messenger Bag

Their Messenger Bag is not unlike their Flopps in its eco-friendly functionality. With plenty of room for a couple binders and a laptop, this is the perfect school solution; or opt to stuff it with your essentials to use as an everyday addition to your body.

It’s constructed from 14oz. hemp canvas and recycled inner tubes, but its durability doesn’t end there. It is also lined with regrind vinyl to keep it moisture-free, no matter where and when you use it. And it can fit an awful lot.

The bag comes adorned with a front zipper pocket, perfect to stash your quick access items, like sunglasses, cell phone, and wallet, while keeping them safe from slipping out when you’re on the run. Two clips keep the large front flap closed, with tons of room to fit all your needs. There’s also a second zipper pocket under the top flap for even more secure storage, and a centre divider on the inside to keep your stuff organized.

But while you’re staying hip, you’re staying sustainable, too, with a durable, earth-friendly and practical bag. The bag measures 14 inches in height, 14 inches across, and 6 inches wide, and comes attached to a 44-inch adjustable strap made from your last inner tube.

They’ve also recently attached a couple strap for your yoga mat on the bottom, but if lugging around a yoga mat isn’t your thing, no problem: they’re a small adornment that offer no hindrence or takes away from your, well, really cool bag.

Available in brown, black or olive green. $70

Belt: Splaff Belt

The Splaff Belt is made of 100% recycled bicycle inner tubes, but it doesn’t look like you just took apart your tires then wrapped it around your waist. Instead, the belt, lined with a natural hemp fabric, is a perfect addition to your wardrobe. We love our thick belt, dotted with grommets, perfectly moldable without the stiffness that some belts leave. The grommets add some extra flair, and the contrasted stitching provides that a little extra soething. It’s waste for your waist. Ingenious.

It’s available in two styles and widths: a thin 1.25″ or thicker 1.75”, in a plain or grommeted style, with a silver or brass buckle (the brass isn’t available for the grommeted belt).

Available in thin, thick, grommets or not, and brass or silver buckle. $24 and $28.

We have to say that we absolutely love Splaff’s goods, and we’re pretty convinced you will, too. (And if they want to take us up on our surfing lesson request, we’ll be sure to let you know).

You can buy these great eco friendly goods at Amazon.com

Check out their goods at www.splaff.com

Want to learn how to surf? This or this or this will give you some tips. cheap stilettos shoes

Images courtesy of splaff.com

But we soon learned that snuggling with baby in a Bamboosa makes the experience that much better.

As their name indicates, Bamboosa is a bamboo-driven eco-friendly clothing company, making options for men, women and babies. We’ve had the opportunity to review their baby hooded towels, the perfect snuggler for post-bath cuddles.Each hooded towel is made from 80% viscose from organic bamboo with 20% recycled soda bottles made into polyester (rPET). This recycled material is one we don’t see too often with bamboo clothing (most often it’s organic cotton instead) – and perhaps the secret addition that gives it an undeniably extravagant softness.

Surrounding your baby in a Bamboosa towel ensures that they aren’t enveloped in chemicals. Their fabric is free of chlorine and formaldehyde, and the EPA and FDA have ensured that PET bottle material has nary a harmful effect. All dyes used are eco-friendly, too; their whole line is completely natural and chemical-free.

Each towel is double layered, upping the maximum absorbency that bamboo fabric already has. They measure 30 x 30 inches, so it will definitely last your little one past their first year. Gift sets, too, make the perfect package for new parents.

If baby is getting fussy and the job needs to be done quick, bamboo towels absorb for times better than cotton does, and they are fast drying, getting you through the process in a breeze. And if baby screams for your attention, tossing the towel to the floor and forgetting about it for awhile is no problem – the material is anti-fungal ensuring it bacteria-free for the next use.

Bamboosa has harnessed this remarkable fabric not just because of its small eco-impact; bamboo is comfortable, soft, hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, and even provides a natural UV protection.

We love when companies take it an extra step forward, and we always note it in our reviews. Bamboo is no exception. As a sweatshop-free company,  its clothing is produced in a factory in Andrews, South Carolina. The bamboo they use is planted and grown on family-owned farms China, and they ensure its done sustainably. Read more about it here.

It doesn’t end there. They’re also a sustainable company in other ways, actively working alongside Change Round-Up, an organization that uses the concept of a spare change donation jar in the e-commerce market. Bamboosa uses their donations from this project to assist with the following organizations:

• Healthy Child Healthy World helps educate others with combating health and developmental issues in children caused by toxins in homes, schools, and communities.
• Diligent Hands…Gracious Hearts is dedicated towards providing the  elderly and sick with free home and lawn care.
• OCEANA’s mission to to provide ocean protection by reducing pollution and preventing harm to sea life.

They also ship their packages in 100% recycled paper, another planet-friendly plus.

We’re just left wondering when they’re going to come out with an adult-sized.

BambooBaby Hooded Towel

30×30
80% viscose from organic bamboo
20% recycled polyester (rPET)

Available in:

• purely natural with tahiti blue
• purely natural with pale pink
• purely natural with sprout green
• tahiti blue with purely natural
• pale pink with purely natural
• sprout green with purely natural

$30; available from bamboosa.com

And before you enter, be sure to check out the rest of the line and explore their website to get familiar with the rest of the line.

How to win

Send us your idea for a new slogan for one of the existing species designed on Endangered Couture or another species. Aren’t sure what is included? Take a look here.

AND… If the winning slogan corresponds with designer Tamara’s next line at Endangered Couture, it may be featured in her next collection!*

Tips

• It has to be clever, smart, and witty, but not smutty or indecent
• It should be brief, akin to previous designs
• It must correspond with one of the aforementioned animals
• Check out their website for ideas, inspiration, and to see what they are all about

Submitting Your Entry

Send us your slogan, name and email address to laurie@ecoki.com

Deadline

Entries must be received by June 15th, 2009 at midnight EST.

Winners will be announced July 2nd, 2009.

Good luck!

The Fine Print

1. Agreement: These rules govern all contests running on or sponsored by Ecoki.com. No purchase is necessary to enter any contest. The act of entering a contest constitutes acceptance of the contest rules and the decisions of the contest judge.

2. Eligibility: The contest is open to all residents of Canada and the United States 19 years and older, except for employees, immediate families and anyone living with any employee of ecoki.com and Endangered Couture, its corporate affiliates. Limit one entry per person.

3. Contest: The selected winner will be contacted by email and must reply within 48 hours to maintain eligibility.

5. Prize: Ecoki.com and Endangered Couture hold no responsibility for customs charges, additional shipping charges, taxes or other fees as determined by your country.

6. Privacy: We use your personal contact information to administer contests, including contacting, announcing and promoting prizewinners. It will not be given to any third-party companies.

7. Other: All decisions of the contest judges are final. Contests are governed by the laws of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein. The sponsors reserve the right to cancel or modify any contest or the contest rules at any time without notice. All prizes must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and are not convertible to cash. The sponsors reserve the right to substitute any prize or portion of the prize with a prize of equal or greater value. All prizes are awarded as-is and no warranties or guarantees are implied or expressed, beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty. The odds of winning depend on how many eligible entries are received. Sponsors are not liable for any errors, damage or negligence that may arise in connection with this contest, including technical failures on the part of contest software, website down-time, human error or property damage incurred by any contest entrant.

*Additional regulations will apply. Winner will be notified of pending details.