With summer approaching, even the trendiest collegiettes™ are searching for an updated collection of warm-weather favorites. There is, however, one seasonless trend surpassing the current fads and
dated whims: eco chic. We’ve seen Boho chic and casual chic (each has its own merit), but what about blending chic style with an eco-friendly lifestyle? The environmentally conscious fashion trend has gained considerable recognition within the past few years, with the help of designers such as Lara Miller, Samantha Pleet, and Emma Watson.
Do the words “eco-friendly” and “fashion” together have you cringing at the idea of scratchy, bland, shapeless clothing? Cringe no more! There are plenty of eco chic options for every fashion palate, so you can reduce your carbon footprint with style! Here are a number of stores, boutiques, and brands that offer eco chic apparel and beauty products:
Textile Trends
Buying organic cotton is good for the environment and for your health. Organic cotton is grown and produced without pesticides, keeping the Earth and your skin safe from chemicals.
STEAL!American Apparel http://store.americanapparel.net/women-organics.html is a sweatshop-free brand that has a great selection of colorful, affordable organic tees.
STEAL!Ruche http://www.shopruche.com/ecofriendly-c-20.html has a growing collection of eco-friendly earrings made of renewable and recycled materials. While most of the apparel is not eco-friendly, Ruche is making strides with its indie jewelry, adorable soaps, and a few organic cotton items.
SPLURGE!BTC Elements http://www.btcelements.com/ is an eco-friendly boutique that features sustainable apparel made from organic cotton, recycled polyester (made from recycled bottles), and using low-impact dyes.
Compassionate Couture
There are many socially responsible companies that commit to ethical business practices as well as sustainability. Buying sweatshop-free and certified Fair Trade clothing improves the lives of others and is a decision you can feel good about.
STEAL!H&M http://www.hm.com/us has a number of sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. This week, H&M releases its Conscious Collection. The organic cotton and recycled-polyester line features delicate shades of white and swoon-worthy romantic details—an eco chic must-have for summer!
SPLURGE!The Green Room http://us.asos.com/Green-Room-Organic-Clothes-Fair-Trade-Organic-Cotton-ASOS-com/w0zbu/?cid=10062 features several charitable and ethically responsible brands. One notable collection is the ASOS AFRICA line, which provides jobs in underprivileged Kenyan communities.
SPLURGE!While Alternative Apparel http://alternativeapparel.com/ offers a wide range of styles and prices, the brand remains consistent in its eco-friendly and compassionate principles. Alternative Apparel uses low-impact dyes and an array of eco-friendly fabrics, and enforces strict vendor policies concerning workers’ rights.
Thrifty Threads
An easy, inexpensive way to green up your wardrobe is to seek out local thrift stores and consignment
shops. Secondhand shopping is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint because that new-to-you blazer or those tags-still-on skinny jeans get a new home in your closet instead of a landfill.
STEAL!Although the nearest BuffaloExchange http://www.buffaloexchange.com/ is in Boston, the company is rapidly expanding. Part consignment shop, part trading post, Buffalo Exchange is an affordable and charitable clothing resource.
STEAL!Goodwill, http://www.goodwill.org/ like many thrift stores, can often carry a low-end stigma. While some thrift stores are far from upscale, Goodwill tailors to everyone. The ever-changing inventory includes designer brands, vintage finds, athletic wear, and more.Goodwill is a pioneer in recycling and provides jobs for many people facing employment challenges. When you’re in the mood to bargain-hunt, Goodwill can be your one-stop eco chic shop!
Gorgeously Green
Whether you sport makeup daily or only on special occasions, choosing the right beauty products is of the utmost importance. Have you ever read the ingredients label on your shampoo bottle or powder compact? It seems counterintuitive that we slather chemicals onto our faces each morning to improve our appearance. Skip the synthetic colors and fragrances and opt for organic products—your skin and hair will thank you!
STEAL!Organix http://beautypureandsimple.com/ is a delicious line of organic hair products. Budget-friendly and widely available, Organix products are perfect for the eco chic collegiette™!
STEAL!Organic wear http://www.organicwearmakeup.com/ by Physician’s Formula is an industry pioneer in environmentally conscious packaging and organic makeup. Organic wear products are 100% free of harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients—an ideal choice for your naturally flawless summer skin.
SPLURGE!tarte http://tartecosmetics.com/ has an extensive collection of high-quality organic and mineral makeup. Although tarte is more expensive than drugstore brands, the eco-friendly company offers a recycling incentive: when you send in select empty containers, you receive a 15% discount on your replacement purchase!
By choosing eco-friendly clothing and beauty products, you’ll be eco chic and environmentally conscious. This summer you’ll set trends, turn heads, and make ‘em green with envy!
Images from BeEcoChic.us, H&M.com, TreeHugger.com, BeautyPureandSimple.com