Eco-Friendly Fashion

Part of my day job requires me to listen to the Dr. Mehmet Oz show on Oprah & Friends radio, and as a result, I learn all sorts of neat science stuff and have even been inspired to make some healthier choices in my everyday life. I now eat things like psyllium husk, agave nectar, hemp milk, and quinoa. It almost makes me want to roll my eyes at myself, but hey, it's good to be good to yourself.

So one of the latest things I learned on the show is that a survey by The Environmental Working Group found that the average woman uses 12 personal care products per day. This is an interesting fact on many levels... Continue reading "The Beauty Products You Use ... »

The Rogan for Target GO International collection hit stores yesterday, and yours truly was there to check it out. First, the bad news: I'm feeling a little under the weather, so that may account for the fact that nothing really impressed me, and nothing really looked flattering on me, hence I'm only posting the two outfits above. The selection at my nearest Target was also super slim, so I'll probably go back in a week or so when they get more stuff.

Now for the good news: Rogan's collection is sure to please cool chicks looking for a piece of green fashion action at dirt cheap prices. There are lightweight tees, tanks and tops; swimsuits and cover-ups; plus casual dresses, skirts and jumpsuits (didn't have my size...boo). The color palette is pleasingly neutral, punched up with a few brights. I gravitated towards the teal relaxed-fit linen and cotton blend tee (above left, $19.99), and a few understated animal prints, like the zebra print skirt (above left, $34.99) and leopard print racerback tank (above right, $16.99).

Now back to the bad news (sorry!): The tee was a bit scratchy. The zebra print skirt was a tad too short. And nothing else fit me properly, namely, the denim pencil skirt (above right, $34.99), a one-piece zebra print bathing suit (cute, but too short in the torso) and a skimpy cotton halter dress (if you order one online, size up).

The mood of the collection was somewhat cold and joyless. The stark styles seemed to be a reprimand for society's excessive consumerism, rather than a celebration of the green movement. I'm not sure this was Gregory's intent. He's probably just trying to delineate the new wave of eco-friendly fashion from the old, treehugging hippie garb by stressing cool silhouettes and edgy, urban details...but what do I know. OK, I'll get off my soap box now.

What does everyone think of the Rogan for Target collection so far? Thoughts, please!

You know something's hot when Forever 21 comes a knock knock knockin' on (or off?) your door. And apparently, reusable shopping totes are smoking: Forever 21 seems to have copied this World Shopper Bag (a bag that we featured back in July 2007) from Target. The price difference is negligible, so I'd say go with the original. But hey, as long as you're skipping the paper and plastic, I suppose any reusable bag is better than none.

>> Left: World Shoppers Bag at Target.com, $13.99
>> Right: World Shopper Tote at Forever21.com, $10.80

From the BBC Pressroom: "As ethical fashion promises to be the next big thing, the BBC has today launched Thread – a new online magazine for fashion conscious people who care about where their clothes come from.

"Thread will cut to the heart of what 'ethical fashion' means, covering a range of issues from the environmental footprint of clothing manufacture, to the impact of the fashion industry on human and animal rights and why the choices we make as clothes shoppers make a real difference.

"First and foremost Thread is dedicated to showcasing the latest in eco-fabulous style. The magazine shows you how to get the look you want in an eco-glam way through a unique mix of affordable fashion, exclusive celebrity videos and interviews, photo galleries and thought-provoking features.

"It will also offer ideas and information on how to give your wardrobe an ethical makeover through a mix of shopping for new or vintage clothes, to swapping clothes with friends and customising existing clothes. Thread is proof that there are ethical options to suit your style, your budget and your views."

I'm bookmarking the site, even though I suspect Thread will have things to tell me that I won't necessarily want to hear. But when you know better, you do better. So bring on the big issues, Thread! We're listening...

>> Visit Thread

As we celebrate Earth Day, I could give you pithy eco-friendly tips such as 1) switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, 2) use a reusable shopping tote rather than paper or plastic, and 3) drink tap water instead of bottled. But we'll let the eco blogs handle that. Instead, we offer you 5 eco-conscious fashion and beauty finds to get you in the mood for greener living. Enjoy!

[1] Everyday is Earthday Tee at Forever21.com, $16.90 (If you're gonna wear a logo tee, why not make it green?)
[2] Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste at Drugstore.com, $4.89 (The yummiest toothpaste ever, which claims to be natural to boot)
[3] Labello Milk & Honey lip balm at SmallFlower.com, $8.95 (Visit Merz Apothecary, Small Flower's retail store, if you're ever in Chicago! It's an experience.)
[4] Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Soap at Amazon.com, $3.25 (My bf is addicted to this silky, refreshing bar soap)
[5] Handmade Felt Flower Brooch by Ei! Kumpel, € 8.50 EUR (Unique, handmade crafts that make great gifts, too)

Related posts:

• 4 Dry Cleaning Alternatives


• Eco-friendly PlantLove Lipsticks


• BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag

We looove whales (they're so cute!) and now, the world's largest mammal is showing its fashionable face (does a whale have a face?) on everything from T-shirts and belts to rings and pendants for Spring. These adorable sea creatures are in step (or stroke) with both the nature and nautical trends that are so popular right now. Think Green Peace feel-good friendly whales, not so much the foreboding great white whale of Moby Dick, and wear a whale to add a whimsical, lighthearted element to any look. Click the pic for product details...

Dry cleaning is bad for the environment and your wallet. Here are four dry cleaning alternatives that will help you spend less while being kinder to Mother Earth at the same time:

• Hand-wash delicates, including silk and cashmere, with a gentle eco-friendly detergent or soap. Air-dry flat on a collapsible mesh drying rack. We recommend the Container store's Pop-Open Sweater Dryer.


• Purchase an at-home professional clothes steamer. They get rid of wrinkles and help keep clothes fresher, longer.


• Use Dryel or Dry Cleaner's Secret (these products let you quickly and easily "dry-clean" in your dryer, without the toxic chemicals). You can get a free sample of Dry Cleaner's Secret here.


• Take your dry-clean only laundry to an organic dry cleaner. The prices are a tad higher, but the cleaning process is gentler on your clothes, your health and the environment.

Dear Readers: Got a great dry cleaning alternative? Share it in the comments.