Posts with tag EcoChic

We're big fans of the environment, and of cute accessories, so we're always happy to find a new fun bag that succeeds on both levels like this Ecologie bag.

Ecologie bags remind us of the preppy canvas bags we carried in grade school, with their boxy shape and contrasting handles. But unlike those ice haulers, these bags are made of a lightweight, machine washable fabric that is also durable and reusable. And did we mention light?

I'm a big fan of all of the amazing independent designers out there. In an effort to get inside the mind of the indie designer and find out just what makes all of these creative types tick, I present to you an ongoing segment I call Indie Designer Interviews.

One of my favorite alternative clothing designers is Lori Marsha, who got her start designing handbags and jewelry almost ten years ago and has more recently expanded her work to include some stunning revamped and recycled wearable works of art. Her pieces aren't for everyone, but for those who aren't afraid to stand out and who are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind look, Lori Marsha's designs are absolutely inspiring.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I design one of a kind garments and accessories from primarily recycled components. I work from my home in Redlands, California and enjoy the solitude and joy that comes with the creative process.

We're all fairly familiar with the "hobo bag" -- the big, slouchy bag that often takes the shape of a deep crescent. However, if you think about what a hobo's bag really is, the image you should get is a vagabond carrying a long stick over his shoulder that dangles a small pillowcase tied onto the end.

The smart little handbags by Posch are more like a real hobo's bag than the overpriced designer leather bags we know. Posch's bags are made from recycled bedsheets and pillowcases. Sure, it sounds strange, but just call them "bags made from vintage fabrics" and you'll feel better. Though some of the designs really do look like a string attached to a pillowcase, I am quite fond of the Unique Midnight Forest Bag (shown) as something to carry while running around town doing errands. And how can you not like the fact that the designer is recycling?

The bags are available from The Natural Store.

So you told yourself that you'd try to "tread more lightly" on the earth this year. You put recycling bins in your kitchen for aluminum, glass and plastic, you bought a Prius, and you're buying locally-, sustainably-grown organic produce. Nice job.

In your home, you can also go a little more eco-friendly with bamboo bedding. Bamboo, as we have mentioned before, is considered eco-chic because it's a renewable source (it grows very very fast). Bamboo is also a bit of a luxury (is that an oxymoron?) because it's as soft as cashmere. Cuddledown has bedding made from 61% bamboo, 32 % cotton, 6 % cashmere that creates a very durable, highly absorbent and breathable set of sheets that also has a luscious, graceful drape. Do good, and sleep good!

The sheets and pillowcases are ivory with chainstitched embellishments in ivory, garnet, or gold.

Yes, of course we know that eco-chic is making a lot of progress in the fashion world. Being environmentally responsible doesn't mean you have to look like a hippie. We have beauitful bamboo "cashmere" sweaters and green jeans from the likes of Loomstate, but come on. That's like...the fashion equivalent of Gap.

Not until we came across the designs of Linda Loudermilk did we finally nod our heads enthusiatically and whisper "yes..." Loudermilk manufactures garmets from fabrics made from recycled plastics and self-sustaining plants like bamboo.

Just take a peek at the Fall 2006 collection. While I'm not exactly in love with the look of airy white dresses over black turtlenecks and tights, I like the individual pieces. The look pictured on the right is my favorite. The pant and coat are made from bamboo, and the shirt inside is made of soy silk.

Sami Designs is named for the Sami people, who are the indigenous people of Scandinavia. Jonano, which is the eco-chic line of Sami Designs, is a Sami word that ranslates into "everybody healthy." This is the philosophy behind the clothing of Jonano, all made from natural, certified organic or eco-friendly fabrics as per Fair Trade standards.

I will admit that I was not inspired by most of the women's clothing from Jonano, but I did find myself cooing over the Sami Baby clothing, particularly the red and white Tomte separates. Everything is made from 100% Egyptian organic cotton and dyes that have a low impact on the environment. The Sami Baby candy-stripe pants are $19.50, and match with the Plum Tee for the same price.