OrganiCo.: La Mode Vert : Très chic!

It is not unusual to think that "green fashion" translates to the visual idea of someone wearing produce. (lettuce bikini top, anyone?- see below)

Dead Puppies Couture?!

It has happened before, but I think we can all agree that it's a bit... impractical. Another frequent misconception is that "green fashion" is limited to big, boring, bulky pieces. [yawn]

Although many of us wouldn't mind going to work in some nice cotton or bamboo lounge clothes, we must abide by the western business dress code. Also, we just like to look nice, in style, and put together. The most surprising aspect about all of this is that it is achievable without having to spend a month's salary, or get clothes that are very cheap, but not exactly traded fairly.

Let's not kid ourselves, fashion style is a very personal, and powerful thing. It speaks about your personality, your tendencies, your preferences, how you envision yourself, and it will certainly play a big role in making a good first impression.

Some people stick to a classic, more traditional, style, while others are very avant garde about what they choose to wear. (you disagree? See how people react when a person wears a clearly labeled designer piece...)

The cool thing about going green with your fashion is that you don't have to sacrifice your style at all! You can look amazing and be eco-friendly, without going broke, or being a real life "Cruella Deville".

So, here's what you should look for in fairly traded, "green" pieces:

Organic fabrics: cotton, bamboo, hemp, wool, silk- certified by the Organic Trade Association.

Reused or recycled materials (like rubber, cork, plastic, fleece, polyethylene/polyurethane, etc.), with water-based adhesives.

For shoes and bags: opt for vegan, as it won't hurt your pocket, or any animals! (Like Timberland's new line of eco-friendly boots Earthkeepers ®, or check out PETA's fashion lookbook for more ideas!)
Green Jewelry: it uses recycled metals, conflict free gems, or it reinvents old jewelry pieces, like Todd Reed's fabulous [eco-friendly] jewelry line!

Another alternative is doing clothing exchange, buying second hand, going for the [ever fabulous] vintage style, or reinventing your own wardrobe! If you have some sewing skills, you've got a powerful magic wand in your hands- like the creator of P.S.- I Made This.