Stylishly Eco

fashion market!

2008-02-09T16:59:00.000Z

now that we're on the road to recovery from the excesses of the holiday season, it's time to consider shopping again. if you can make it, spend on trend is back and a number of vendors will be of of the green variety. go, enjoy, and get a chance to win a gift bag from urban fare!

green diy

2008-02-09T16:27:00.000Z

i love warm woolies on cold nights and it's been plenty cold in my neck of the woods. for a "mild" climate, there's been plenty of snow this winter. so i've been yearning for warm caps, cozy sweaters, and thick socks.

but how to get fashionable eco finds without breaking the bank? in the last week, i've been on a mission to learn how to knit. i know i can make scarves; i used to knit them when i was little, but i am dismally out of practice. so i've ordered a couple of the stitch 'n bitch books, bamboo knitting needles and some necessary accessories. i am now a woman on a mission.

i'm aware that there are a number of companies that specialize in eco-yarns (hand maiden fine yarn, vermont organic fibre company, earth friendly yarns) and continue on the search for more. i'll let you know how my projects turn out.

holiday finds

2007-12-09T18:07:00.000Z

so, i missed the ciel & terra plana sample sale during my last weekend in the uk. with all the packing i had to do, shopping, unfortunately, didn't even enter my mind. *sigh* i shall have to find other ways to satisfy my green fix at home.

blim is again holding its green christmas market this year, and i will be able to attend!

this week, i finally got my hands on grace & cello's gorgeous rue coloniale jacket, courtesy of green is black . unfortunately, i have not been able to locate the matching trousers. if you see them, please let me know!

until the end of the month, method is offering a plastic bag rehab shopper when you make a purchase of $25 CDN or over.

finally, if, unlike me, you are lucky enough to be in london this holiday season, the fashion made fair sample sale will be held from Dec 13-16th.

re-use, re-create

2007-10-21T09:27:00.000+01:00

tie baby tank top
in addition to buying ethically, i am also trying to buy vintage and simply re-using as many items as possible.

i am the first to admit that i cannot sew worth shit. i failed one of my first assignments in 8th grade sewing, because i couldn't put together my pin cushion correctly. and let me add, it was only two tiny rectangles of fabric and a bit of stuffing.

having said that, i can use a pair of scissors to cut almost straight lines and i can thread a needle. hopefully, that's all the skill i need to re-work my closet waste, you know, the stuff (usually in the form of ugly over-sized t-shirts) that hangs in your closet forlornly as they wait to be binned. But it is possible to make such items wearable, and there are a few books to help us along the way!

generation t is packed with interesting ideas about how to breathe life into old t-shirts.
99 ways to cut, sew, trim, and tie your t-shirt into something special also offers tips on making those natty t-shirts wearable.
tease: 50 inspired t-shirt transformations by superstars of art, craft & design features a star-studded lineup of contributors, including patricia field and todd oldham.
sew subversive would be handy for re-working thrift store finds.
rip it! has ideas for creating new (from old) clothing and accessories.

how toxic are you?

2007-10-18T20:09:00.000+01:00

tonight is the last night of the how toxic series on channel 4. it's informative and really makes you think twice about the everyday products we use.

show me the bling

2007-10-17T13:48:00.000+01:00

kimberley selwood's order in chaos bangle
apparently, in jewellery, all that glitters really is not gold. gold and silver mining generate pollutants and diamonds, unless ethically sourced, are linked to conflict and exploitation. so what is a girl to do when diamonds are supposed to be her best friend?

she'll have to buy ethical jewellery. And designers are quickly seizing this burgeoning market. national geographic's green guide lists recycled and fairly traded products.

in the uk, where ethical wares are selling extremely well, several designers are creating beautiful pieces that also bring peace of mind.

ingle and rhode produces high-end ethical pieces and uses conflict-free diamonds.
fifi bijoux is also a luxury ethical jewellery line.
CRED embraces ethical principals and earlier this year, launched a collection developed with katharine hamnett.
beau coco carries a funky line of designs.
the jewel garden is an online shop that specializes in ethical jewels.

finally, a recent item in the guardian focused on ethical jewellery and highlighted:
traid craft; and
made, which has a concession in the oxford street topshop.

the t-shirt collection

2007-10-10T17:42:00.001+01:00

acorn print smock tee
this summer, the woodland trust teamed up with dorothy perkins to develop a limited edition line of t-shirts, tanks, and accessories called plant more trees. the tops and bags are made of organic cotton and a part of the proceeds will go to the woodland trust. if you're not in the shopping mood, you can plant a virtual tree--for every 100 virtual trees planted, a real tree will be planted in the uk.

i passed a dp on the way home from work today and spotted the acorn tee. the print is cute, and the fit comfy, so although i am on the look out for office attire, i bought the shirt anyway. *sigh*

wearing your heart on your t-shirt

2007-10-05T18:07:00.000+01:00

clean up or die
i've loved the effortless cool of katharine hamnett for a long time. she is a fashion pioneer in terms of organic cotton. hamnett also deserves props for sticking to her guns and has recently pulled out from her collaboration with tesco.

i adore the bold statements emblazoned on her slogan shirts. So, it was a great delight to finally score one of her "fashion made fair" t-shirts today. i was thrilled to see it on sale and immediately grabbed one and it's fab--the fit is perfect and it's just plain fun.

cleaning up

2007-09-14T21:00:00.001+01:00

labour behind the label has just released its report let's clean up fashion, which updates the 2006 version. this is a great resource to learn about how overseas factory workers are treated by high street brands. the standouts in this year's report seem to be next, new look, and the gap.

Check out the clean up fashion to:

"find out more about the companies you buy from,
learn about the issues that are important to workers
read articles about the garment industry, fair trade and producer countries,
tell us what you think in our blog and,
take action."

exhibitions

2007-09-12T21:23:00.000+01:00

just got home from the green & organic exhibit co-hosted by susu organic and view from the top.

it was a fun do with exhibitors, organic wine, nibbles (i discovered m & s organic parsnip crisps!), and a fashion show. the fashion show was mc'd by the very funny penny poyzer of no waste like home. the exhibit runs until next weekend and a market will take place on the 22nd. i can't wait! there are already a few things i'd like to pick up.

if you're in london, check out the redesign trail and exhibit, which are part of the london design festival.

back from the brink

2007-09-09T09:19:00.000+01:00

shorts from braintree hemp
my prolonged absence has been due to my working life taking over. but now, that i'm done with the studying, i'm back. here's a quick summary of my summer:

even with a busy schedule, i fit some shopping in. i made return trips to braintree hemp for their wonderful goods in hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton.

i also scored a lovely pair of flats for the office. my pair of mumbai in lavender are super comfy.

my favourite buy of the summer was the virginie silk dress from people tree which was purchased in the midst of august sales.

i made it to mildreds and fell in love with their sweet potato fries--delish with sour cream!

my one regret was not finding the time to visit equa located in islington.

i've been heartened this summer to find that many high street shops have developed organic lines--h&m, new look, primark (huh?), next, dorothy perkins, m&s (the list continues...) have all joined the green team. but i can't help wondering how green it all is. it's great that the cotton is organic, but are the dyes azo free? do the factory workers putting these pieces together make a fair wage?

finally, london fashion week will begin next weekend and estetheica will be held again. although we may not be able to visit, we can browse the designers online.

ethical investment

2007-05-26T10:02:00.000+01:00

once upon a time, in a land far far away, i had money in the bank. but since then, i decided to become a student again and now i have hardly any money in the bank. so hopefully, you have more than i do. and if you do, do you ever wonder what to do with it? i know i did.

during my recent internet troubles, i listened to the radio (especially bbc radio 4) constantly, as it was my connection to the outside world. a programme about ethical investing caught my attention. i thought i was being socially and environmentally conscious by banking with a credit union! the show answered many inquiries from callers, which i found extremely informative. unfortunately, it's not available on podcast, but you can access the transcript.

the bbc business page offers a basic guide entitled ethical investment made easy. if you're worried that ethical funds may not be the best type of investment, in this last quarter alone, ethical funds have topped uk investment charts as smart money pours into ethical funds. ethical funds have proved that they can perform well and discriminating consumers have led to a larger market for ethical funds; ethical funds prove they can overcome.

in the uk, the ethical investors group has a comprehensive directory of ethical funds. in canada, the ethical funds company is a family of socially responsible mutal funds.

reduce, reuse, recycle

2007-05-20T06:34:00.000+01:00

since vancouver introduced curbside recycling in my early teens, i have been an avid recycler. i put whatever i could into my blue bins and took plastic bags and drink containers back to grocery stores for recycling.

i feel guilty whenever i'm in a place where recycling is not offered because i keep thinking about the harm i'm inflicting on the planet! in the uk, people are starting to adjust to recycling, but we often hear of neighbourhoods having a tough time of it as their council will only collect rubbish twice a week in order to encourage recycling.

another way to recycle is simply to reuse whatever we can. urban source, one of my favourite craft supply shops in vancouver, always has great stuff in stock that you wouldn't normally think of working with. their changing selection often includes old cds, tubing, wires, etc.

on a similar line, the products at revolve are made of recycled circuit boards, plastic bags, juice cartons, coffee cups, cds, plastic bottles, paper, and yoghurt pots. their line is useful and look very cool. my favourites are the credit card holder, the circuit board mouse mat, and the paper pens.

live earth

2007-05-17T16:56:00.000+01:00

on july 7th,live earth is going to take place at 9 major cities around the world. all the proceeds will go to the alliance for climate protection. the brainchild of al gore, the concerts aim to set a green example for other events:

"Live Earth will implement new green guidelines for every facet of its production – from lighting the stage to how artists travel to and from the concerts to reducing waste from concessions.

* Design out emissions and waste wherever possible.
* Reduce/reuse/recycle
* FINALLY, complete carbon neutrality through offsets."

bob geldof, the organizer of live aid, has recently slammed the concerts, but i think it's a great idea. i'm just not completely sold on the idea of offsets just yet; i'm still making my mind up about buying offsets, which tend to be unregulated.

live earth london looks like it will be a huge event, with over 100 performers. it will be headlined by madonna, who has just released her new song "hey you". it's not the best she's ever done, but it's available as a free download for 7 days and 25¢ will be donated to alliance for climate protection for each of the first 1 million downloads. that in itself is worth checking it out.

for those who will not be able to attend live earth, the concerts will be live streamed at liveearth.msn.com and will be available on cd and dvd.

in my neighbourhood

2007-05-16T12:26:00.000+01:00

i try to avoid chain shops and restaurants whenever I can; i feel such institutions are just that and lack character. my shopping mantra is to shop local and green. one thing i've missed since moving to leics are small boutiques that feature local goods. i love the type of shop where you can chat with the owner about what they've got in stock and where it came from and who made it. i delight in finding one-of-a-kind pieces that would never be found on the high street. this, however, seems an easier task in vancouver, where the local indie design scene is thriving. which is why i'm so excited about moving to london, where there are more possiblities to indulge.

i was thrilled to find the independent london store guide. for shopping online, not on the high street is a great source for independent designs. they regularly feature green goods (although i find myself wondering about the natthakur london products--are they made of eco leather?)and until sunday, you can get a free country weekend with your purchase.

despite its limitations, leics is not without a couple of gems: just and the city gallery. just carries a wide range of eco fashion, accessories, food, and household products. i tend to buy most of my jewellery at art galleries, which often boast amazing jewellery and ceramics by local artists (my favourite haunt in downtown vancouver is the VAG gift shop). on that front, leicester's city gallery never disappoints.

internet = hours browsing etsy

2007-05-13T14:55:00.001+01:00

pretty vintage lucite earrings by green thumb designs
i love to window shop. i window shop when i'm in town and i window shop on the web. i frequently scour eBay and etsy. yes, i have way too much time on my hands, but on days when it's pouring and grim like today, i really can't think of a better pasttime.

whereas people can find anything on eBay, including britney's hair(?!), etsy is strictly for handmade stuff. and it's a great place to find environmentally friendly products, including organic toiletries, recycled accessories, and vintage items. you can even buy organic pumpkin bread!

my favourites from today's browsing:

this winged heart recycled leather bag is gorgeous and it reminds me of a favourite hangout that uses candles featuring the Virgin of Guadalupe as centrepieces.
a purse crafted from waste leather would be perfect for a night out.
these playful earrings are made from recycled plastic bags.
earrings made of recycled silverware handles are classy and would be a stunning match for an antique spoon ring.
made from coins is an impressive line of silver jewellery made from vintage US coins.
i like the simplicity of the flying bird long t shirt.
to finish off an outfit, the crazy chip bag headpiece is a definite showstopper.
finally, for something pretty for the home, this recycled steel butterfly sculpture would be lovely in the garden.

eating local

2007-05-07T10:23:00.000+01:00

it feels like i've been absent forever. internet at home is non-existent right now, so blogging has become a challenge, but i thought i'd add a quick post about one of my favourite subjects.

i'm crazy about good food and eco food is even better. good chefs know that the best ingredients to work with are fresh and local. the more local the food, the more eco it is, as fewer carbon emissions were produced in transporting it to our dinner tables.

a couple of years ago, i heard about the 100 mile diet via the tyee. although i haven't been able to to adhere to it completely, it did make me start noticing where my food is coming from.

in vancouver, the season for farmers markets is approaching. you can find some great products at the markets, including baked goods, cheeses, and amazing produce, such as purple bell peppers! i currently live in a market town and i love it. i visit the market at least once a week for fresh veg and fruit. i'm also excited about the prospect of visiting all the great london markets (for local food and fashion) when i move there!

green eats

2007-04-24T19:47:00.000+01:00

i'll be moving to london for a couple of months this summer and i've already been scoping out good places to eat (who says i have issues with food?!). i just heard about acorn house restaurant and it sounds fabulous! it's an eco restaurant that will be a stone's throw from where i'll be working. the restaurant has a great philosophy about sustainable eating AND it trains young people how to work in and maintain an environmentally friendly kitchen.

i'm also loving their wicked links page. i can't wait to try it out when i finally make it to london town!

Earth Day

2007-04-21T09:55:00.000+01:00

earth day is usually celebrated on april 22nd in north america. an american senator founded earth day in 1970 and it caught on with a growing environmental sensibility on the continent.

in vancouver, celebrations are being held today at jericho beach park, where the crowd will be entertained by song and dance (and Raffi!) as they restore jericho.

there are also numerous events going on for 30 days of sustainability. especially interesting to me is swell future friendly design, an exhibit of eco design, at pendulum gallery. for canadians living outside the vancouver area, earth day canada has a great site where you can look up events in your area and find valuable resources.

if you can't make it to an event, there are still things you can do to celebrate our planet. the natural resources defense council has great tips for 12 simple things you can do. and if you'd like to throw your own earth day party, they offer pointers on how to throw a green party. if a party's not your thing, you can still contribute by making a personal commitment to make change or by donating to the world wildlife fund.

regardless of how you choose to celebrate, i hope you have a great earth day!

fashion shows

2007-04-18T16:16:00.000+01:00

i should be doing research for my dissertation, but yet here i am looking up fashion shows. it's just that fashion shows are so much MORE fun. and i get to learn about more green designers!

tonight in nyc, the emerging green builders are hosting project earth day which will showcase eco-friendly fashion. their list of designers is really impressive and the goods look AMAZING. *sigh* wish i could be there.

i totally missed the event in february, but thankfully estethica will be back in september. in the past two seasons, estethica has become a regular exhibition during london fashion week. since september is still 5 months away, it's a good thing that we can check out their list of designers in the meantime.

also coming up this fall, the ethical fashion show will be launched again (this year will be #3) in paris in mid-october.

warm weather chic

2007-04-16T11:11:00.001+01:00

since returning to the uk from my easter holidays, i've been surprised by the extremely good weather here. just before easter, i was huddled up in front of the computer, sipping tea to keep warm. after 5 days' absence, we arrived back to find not just spring-like weather, but summery weather.

this past weekend, i've stowed away my warm, cozy clothes and filled my closet with light skirts, trousers, and sleeveless tops that were in storage (well, still packed in my suitcase). our kitchen is now an inferno in the afternoons; i dread to think how it will be transformed in the summer.

the advent of summery days has got me thinking about light pretty clothes. and shoes. OF COURSE shoes. and hooray! most designers and shops have revealed their spring lines. here are some of my favourite picks:

charmoné shoes have got a lovely line for spring. i'm enamoured with gingko, a versatile sling-back thong.
terra plana's gorgeous and comfy shoes would be fabulous with dresses, skirts, or shorts. my favourite is the mumbai.
the ultramarine tea dress by ciel would be great for going out or lounging around in.
people tree has an impressive selection of pretty dresses and airy tops.
for sheer simplicity, the jersy kerchief dress by stewart + brown is perfect.
i'm a big fan of versatile pieces, so the norah reversible wrap dress by passenger pigeon is awesome.
grace and cello have unveiled another stellar line. their tops look fantastic and i LOVE the rue coloniale suit.
for pretty things to go underneath your new duds, nothing beats the the lovely lingerie by enamore.

ready or not

2007-04-16T10:35:00.000+01:00

evenings in our home are never complete without some quality time with peter mansbridge. for non-canadians, peter is the host of cbc's national news, aptly titled "the national".

in the first week of april, peter and his team covered stories around the world related to global warming. the series is entitled "road stories: climate change, living in a warming world". the series is extremely engrossing. it's not just calamity-filled, fear inducing stories; they document how people are adapting to changes and show how important it is for us to change our lifestyles.

it's well worth checking out. the web site has conveniently separated the stories into manageable chunks.

swap!

2007-04-13T17:12:00.000+01:00

last summer, just before moving to the uk, i was invited to a friend's party. it was an all-girl event, as the purpose of the gathering was to share clothes. it was my first ever clothing swap and it was great fun. lots of food and booze and everyone brought bags of clothes. unfortunately, as i had just given away/sold a bunch of stuff stagnating in my closet, i didn't have much to offer, besides my tray of appetizers.

the clothing swap was a great success--we held up each item in turn and then passed it around to see if there were any takers. i scored a lovely eyelet dress (sort of like the ones i used to run around in as a kid) and some cool bangles. we had a fabulous time and the stuff that wasn't offered a new home was packed up for various charitable causes. it was a good excuse to get together, chat, and try on clothes.

this weekend, check out the swap-o-rama-rama in vancouver's heritage hall. this swap sounds fantastic, as it will also provide an opportunity to work at alternation stations and to consult with local design and sewing experts about how to personalize your chosen items!

must have

2007-03-28T08:05:00.000+01:00

stay tuned...
in the rarified world of haute bags, anya hindmarch, is BIG (especially in the UK). so who better to team up with in order to promote eco-awareness?

the folks at we are what we do worked with anya hindmarch to develop the bag pictured above. it's a stylish (and economical, at only £5) alternative to plastic carrier bags and it's flying off the shelves. as of early march, the bag was already sold out at anya hindmarch stores. When we are what we do released the bags for sale last week, they sold out within 24 hours. and it only took that long because their site was incapacitated by a deluge of eager shoppers (i was on the waiting list, but was unable to score one through their site). now, our only recourse is to wait until april 25th, when the bags go on sale at select sainsburys stores.

the bags have become a strong presence on ebay, but it seems ridiculous that an inexpensive canvas bag has driven people to spend over £100 on it, when only the proceeds of the £5 sale will help to fund the work of we are what we do.

watching what you eat

2007-03-21T21:10:00.000Z

an interview with rob stewart, the fellow behind sharkwater, drives home the point why we should not consume shark products. i'm a person who's passionate about food, but there are things i won't touch, and shark's fin is one of them. not only is it unethical, it's unsustainable.

this led me to think about seafood in general and how do we know that the succulent morsels we enjoy aren't detrimental to the oceans and sealife? i'm a psuedo-vegetarian, and i'm definitely not trying to tell people what they should or should not eat. but perhaps it is something that we need to think about. seafood watch is a great website that sorts out best choices, good ones, and what to avoid. there's also loads of useful information about seafood production and what we can do. there are handy pocket guides (although these are designed for the US, they are relevant to most of North America) to download and refer to when you're out grocery shopping or deciding on what to order at a restaurant. There's even one for the west coast.

weekend plans

2007-03-16T09:29:00.000Z

if i were in vancouver, you can bet your bottom dollar that i'd be headed to the vancouver trade and convention centre this weekend to check out the EPIC sustainable living expo. alas, i am not there; so i will have to live vicariously through you! it looks like a very promising event, with loads of ethical and green exhibitors, as well as a whole slew of ethical fashions. if you're in town, check it out!

venus in blue jeans

2007-03-14T07:48:00.000Z

calla jean by del forte
like victoria beckham, i have a love affair with denim. Unlike her, however, i actually like food. maybe a bit too much. hence, i have a booty, so finding a great fitting pair of jeans for me is something akin to the quest for the holy grail. watch out, indiana jones!

jeans and shoes are usually the only items that i will splurge on. great fit, design, and comfort are worth the money. fabulously fitting jeans can be found for the right price...but what about green jeans? producing a pair of jeans often involves deforestation, pesticides, chemicals, and unfair working conditions. so i cannot, in good conscience, continue to purchase designer jeans that are detrimental to the planet and my wallet. of late, i have discovered the world of eco jeans and it's inhabited by style, great fabrication, and the ever elusive flattering fit!

loomstate has been around several years now, and they make some lovely organic jeans--genesis, a slim fitting jean, does not make me look like an over-packed sausage! bonus!

green clothing maker howies does active wear, dresses, tops, jumpers AND jeans. their jeans are organic and washed with eco balls for softness.

del forte denim makes stylish organic jeans that have an exceptionally long lifespan. the company's project rejeaneration recycles used jeans.

hug jeans are certified fairtrade and organic; they also make some cool t-shirts for the whole family.

dutch label kuyichi, a company dedicated to social and environmental awareness, makes jeans that simply look great.

even the big players are recognizing that eco jeans are not only good for the environment, but are also good for business. levi's launched their green jeans last fall to lots of fanfare.

Rolling out in TO

2007-02-02T08:17:00.000Z

I'm a little behind, but the green carpet series hosted a sustainable fashion show in Toronto on Tuesday evening. The organization is partnered with WWF Canada and many of their events are fundraisers. It seems that the green carpet series is focusing on fashion and food. two of my FAVOURITE things! Their next event is green cuisine 2007. If you're in Toronto, check it out!

stinky

2007-01-23T15:27:00.000Z

i use public transportation frequently and for the most part, i enjoy it. i don't really like driving that much and i like people-watching. the thing that really bothers me about taking the train or bus, though, is in the summer time, when someone always stinks it up. let me paint you a picture: i'm short, so when i have to stand up, i'm usually at about armpit level. gross seems like too mild a term to describe it. i wish there was a tactful way to let people know that they need to use deodorant...

D. declared the other day that he was running out of pit stick, and since his regular baking soda brand is not available here, i said that i'd try to look for something for him. i hit on crystal spring and bought one for each of us. D. was keen on the idea of a natural deodorant, as he had wanted to try it before, but always found them too pricey. in the u.k., there are a number of different brands available; i just randomly picked one to try. you can purchase through the website, or through the company's ebay shop. D. tested the product out this morning and says it works great. i can't wait to start using mine!

by design

2007-01-09T14:14:00.000Z

method mandarin dish soap
a few years ago, i heard about method in a very cursory way; by way of reading about a designer. i've always been interested in good design, and as such, i've been a fan of karim rashid's work for some time. it was love at first sight for me when i first encountered his garbino trash can.

i was reminded of method yesterday while browsing one of my favourite online eco stores. maybe it's the new year and spring cleaning is fast approaching, but i seem to have developed a fascination with all things related to cleaning and soap. what struck me was that i remembered the bottle--it was designed by karim rashid! AND the products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and not tested on animals. BONUS!

back to basics

2007-01-08T21:15:00.000Z

organic fine jersey short sleeve t
with green thread

before i realized that eco fashion did not necessarily mean roughly-hewn hemp dungarees and sack dresses, i was primarily concerned about where and how the clothes i purchased were made.

for at least 5 years, i've relied on american apparel, which creates good stuff in a sweat-shop free environment, for my fashion basics. their clothes are fit exceptionally well and they are just SO comfortable. i've worn their bum bottom undies for as long as i've known about the brand. as a girl who appreciates full bum coverage without the waist height of granny panties, these babies are perfect, they fit low and they stay in place. sadly, they're not as readily available anymore (i thought they had been totally phased out in the last two years, but am pleasantly surprised to find them on the sale page).

of late, american apparel has also been working with unbleached organic cotton.

suds

2007-01-04T21:19:00.000Z

this sales season has to be a first for me. i haven't purchased anything at the sales--i don't ever remember doing that since i first began to shop. now that i'm writing down what i buy, i've found that i have difficulty buying cheap clothes that aren't environmentally friendly. i just can't do it. i'm addicted to jeans--but everytime i look at a pair, i wonder where the cotton and dyes come from.

rather than adding to my ever-expanding wardrobe, my most recent purchases have been skin and hair care products. at the prompting of the boots 3 for 2 offer, i snagged a few products by naked. i haven't put them to use just yet, but they smell heavenly and i'm heartened that they don't use parabens, sls, or petrochemicals, and don't test on animals.

today, i was in town and picked up a bottle of savon de marseille liquid soap. i'm really pleased that the soap not only smells great, but it's biodegradable as well. i've coveted this stuff for some time; however it was always so expensive in north america, that i couldn't justify it. The sale price of £5.99 sealed the deal for me. of course, i picked the classic orange scent.

january sales!!!

2007-01-03T10:21:00.000Z

since i'm limited to mostly high street shops where i'm currently located, i've found that the best place to shop for green products is often online. since it's now past the holidays, sales season has begun!

my top picks are:

adili.com carries some great luxury lines. i've found love in the guise of stewart+brown's cashmere cardigan. it combines my dual passions for buttons and assymetry; however, it's now only available in medium, which is sadly NOT my size. maybe i'll grow into it?
the green apple has a large selection of gifts, accessories, and clothing for men, women, and children. i ADORE the noise pollution baby tee--i can think of a few kids who could wear it proudly.
the greenloop is having a massive sale of all sorts of cool eco goodies. i'm infatuated with the iwood sunglasses.

back in time for 2007

2007-01-01T09:02:00.000Z

we arrived back home yesterday afternoon. it was a good trip, but it's also good to be back. thankfully, it was not as cold as i had envisioned it would be in northern sweden. in both stockholm and the north, people kept saying how unseasonably warm it was (hovering around 0 and about -3 in the north). our hosts were worried that it wouldn't be a white christmas. i, however, didn't mind it at all.

i didn't do loads of shopping--there was nothing i HAD to have in our brief time in stockholm. most of the stay in sweden was spent with good friends and food. after christmas, the sales were in full swing, but it was impossible getting a change room or any assistance. and, to my dismay, there was not a single sale in barcelona!

i have great difficulty in paying full price for anything, unless i absolutely LOVE it and MUST have it now, so my shopping was concentrated mostly at gift shops. the museu nacional d'art de catalunya has an amazing shop. i bought lovely silver coffee spoons and brass earrings. the museu etnologic has an interesting exhibit about roma culture until june. we also went to the museu d'història de catalunya, a devastatingly stylish building right by the water, in which we learned lots about catalunya history.

stockholm at sunrise (in luleå and överkalix, where we spent most of our stay, daylight was at a premium and lasted for about 4 hours per day)

the best breakfast EVER! spanish chocolate and churros

parc güell

montjuic

what's missing here?

2006-12-14T16:05:00.000Z

i don't usually get homesick. i pride myself in being a good little traveller--i like it and i usually find such enjoyment in my new surroundings that i rarely miss home. however, being in the u.k. for the last few months has made me acutely aware of a) how much i enjoy eating out and b) how much i miss the vast array of yummy delights available in vancouver. having recently become a student again, i simply can't afford to eat out as often as i used to (although i did so largely due to the awesome number of excellent and fairly cheap establishments in vancouver) and the selection available to me now is substantially more limited than what i had grown accustomed to.

in these last few weeks, i have tried to replicate some yummy dishes at home--lots of noodle-y dishes and i've made sushi (cali and vegi rolls) twice, which is two more times than i've ever done before.

besides being a messy attempt at making sushi, what's wrong with this picture? true, i have yet to master the art of the "inside-out" roll. my first attempt was so tragic, i gave up and proceeded to make the rolls the other way round.

i firmly believe that my sushi making attempts would be much improved if only i had a more attractive way to display the results. really, it's not me. it's the boring white dish. if only i had a sushi board, my sushi would be so much more attractive and probably tastier! i most profess that i LOVE LOVE LOVE the sushi board--it's gorgeous and it multi-tasks! AND it's made of sustainable rubberwood with non-toxic lacquer. there's still time to get one in time for x-mas (*ahem* hint hint). unfortunately, for those in canada, they are mostly available in europe and the u.s.

eco abroad

2006-12-13T20:53:00.000Z

since i'm canadian, people are always shocked to find that i am the ultimate weather wimp. i DON'T do cold. it's just not my thing. my toes and hands freeze--literally, blood stops flowing to my extremities and my teeth chatter. and it really doesn't take much. last night, it must have been at least 6C, and i was freezing my ass off. and i had on a sweater, wool jacket, gloves, hat AND longjohns under my jeans. it didn't help that we were on a two hour ghost walk that involved a lot more standing around in the cold than actual walking.

but anyway, the subject of me freezing leads me to my fears about my impending holidays. i will be going to northern sweden, close to the ARCTIC CIRCLE. i've been there before, when it was summer--when it was almost 35C in london, and just right in stockholm--and it was still a bit chilly for me. and now i will be venturing there in the winter. to be honest, i'm a little afraid.

but i'm travelling too far down this tangent. this post wasn't even supposed to be about my inability to adapt to "harsh" climates.

i meant to write about eco shopping in my destinations. first stop, stockholm. i am determined that i WILL visit ekovaruhuset. D. has been kind enough to map it out for me. i've got high hopes for this shop, as it carries mostly swedish designers of the eco persuasion.

then onward and upward to luleå, which fills me with mild trepidation. i am told, however, that there is a heated sidewalk in the city centre. will make a point to stand on it. i will be spending x-mas here, so i expect to do a lot of visiting and hanging out with our generous hosts.

next stop, barcelona. i know that i will enjoy the museums, the cathedrals, and the markets. but i don't really know that much about barcelona shopping. it's been seven years since my initial visits and mostly, i just remember eating A LOT. i know i'll want to check out camper, which has come out with the green wabi line of shoes. but where else? does anyone have suggestions?

stuff to watch out for

2006-12-12T15:49:00.000Z

i've just watched last night's the hour and their list was about the top 5 chemicals in your home that could kill you.

the title is a bit sensational, but it's useful to know where this stuff is coming from. although, really, some of it is rather difficult to avoid. i try to not use harsh chemicals wherever possible; i don't use heavy duty household cleaners. most of the time, white vinegar and baking soda with a bit of warm water works wonders. when i had hardwood floors, that was what i used to mop up the place, clean the shower and tub, and scour sinks.

cosmetics wise, it's difficult sometimes to get stuff that doesn't contain nasty petroleum-based chemicals. however, there are a few alternatives. in canada, the organic makeup company does mail orders. i like the fact that they list the ingredients in their products very clearly on their website. originally developed in canada, lush, which prides itself in using organic and natural ingredients, has developed an international presence.

in the uk, there are loads and loads of online shops that specialize in organic personal care products. for added convenience, organic surge is available at larger boots throughout the country.

green reading

2006-12-11T22:05:00.000Z

i've finally buckled down today after a week of slacking off. i'm trying to get as much done as possible before i take off next week for my holidays. in between reading management texts for my assignment, i have also been reading some cool publications online.

i've made links to them under the "links" heading to your right, but i thought i'd mention them formally, to draw your attention to them. the standouts are green lifestyle magazines plenty and style will save us.

the sustainable style foundation is an AWESOME resource--with a blog, showcase, and online sourcebooks for all sorts of topics.

finally, tonight i sought and found the massive change website. some of you may remember the exhibit that hit the vancouver art gallery a while back. i remember going to the exhibit and being blown away--it was fantastic, and the Mr., D., swears that it's his favourite exhibit EVER. the site has some great articles, and superb links to all sorts of resources, including massive change in action, a great resource for secondary school teachers.

vancouver x-mas shopping

2006-12-11T10:49:00.000Z

if you missed the green christmas market at blim arts society this weekend, don't worry. there are still opportunities to buy from local designers. the portobello west market will be holding this month's market earlier--on the 16th. there's a wealth of choice among the vendors, and it's good to know that you're supporting local designers. a few of the clothing vendors sell vintage pieces and some use recycled materials.

for those who like the thrill of leaving things to the VERY LAST MINUTE, blim is hosting the smitten christmas market on dec. 23rd.

an ode to bamboo

2006-12-10T12:51:00.000Z

oh bamboo,
you are so pretty,
all green and tall,
and sometimes leafy
you can be used for so many things,
plates, bowls, baskets, and perhaps even a ring.

yes, folks, that is an original poem by me! impressive or what?! yeah, probably or what. i have been a fan of bamboo for some time (i really like my bamboo cutting board and kitchen utensils) because bamboo is a durable alternative to wood; it can be made into paper; AND bamboo textiles are as soft as silk. but i digress...

i was inspired by the cool products by bambu. all their products are made from organic bamboo and they look very nice. a company that uses organic materials AND is fairtrade is cool by me. i am particularly taken by their Veneerware line, which is a much more eco AND attractive alternative to plastic cutlery and paper or *gasp* styrofoam plates.

what the hell is lyocell?

2006-12-10T08:49:00.000Z

mara tunic from velvet
i've noticed that many eco fashion retailers carry clothing (mostly tops and dresses) made from lyocell. my first thought was WHAT the hell is that?! my second thought was, better google it. so i did.

turns out, lyocell is made out of cellulose, hence the "cell" in the name. witty. the material is manfactured from wood pulp AND it's biodegradable. tencel is the american trademarked name for the same material. i've seen the name tencel more often, and am pleased to finally find out what it is. Along similar lines, modal is a textile made from beech wood.

For a more complete collection of velvet's eco designs, browse coco's shoppe.com.

chemical ban

2006-12-09T08:36:00.000Z

yesterday afternoon, stephen harper announced a plan to restrict chemicals in canada. hopefully, this plan will force changes in consumer goods that contain potentially toxic substances. the government has even set up a handy website to coincide with the announcement. mostly, there has been lots of patting of backs among harper and rona ambrose.

i wasn't acutally able to secure a list of all the chemicals the government are re-assessing. there have been rumblings about this new legislation for some time, and i did find a report by the david suzuki foundation that calls for elimination of decaBDE.

vancouver eco finds

2006-12-08T12:13:00.000Z

vancouver, the city where greenpeace was founded, has very strong eco roots. naturally, there are some very promising eco designers and shops in the city.
thorns skirt
twice shy produces undies and clothes for men, women and kids. their fall line even includes organic denim!

the company that revolutionized workout wear, lululemon, introduced an eco line a couple of seasons ago. oqoqo creates some very comfy and funky basics that are perfect for layering. this summer, the line also embraced organic denim. (i always get excited about organic denim because i LOVE jeans, but regular cotton is cultivated in environmentally damaging ways AND dyes and treatment of jeans involves all sorts of nasty chemicals).

a great place to shop for eco fashions is hemp town, that little shop on the corner of venables and clark, next to the mattress king. lately, they've really upped their style factor by stocking brands such as twice shy in addition to their own line of basics. i used to always stop by for great t-shirts and tanks, but it's good to know that you could also get some very cool outfits there as well.

granville island organix is a tiny tiny shop on granville island. blink, and you may miss it. but this little store carries a good selection of eco fashions, including the beautiful stylings of grace and cello.

on main st, twigg and hottie carries some great recycled and eco lines.

if you're in victoria, be sure to check out not just pretty. this shop carries some AWESOME luxury eco lines of clothing, bags, jewellery, and beauty products.

uk eco style

2006-12-08T08:54:00.000Z

i LOVE online exhibitions. well fashioned: eco style in the uk was originally installed at the crafts council gallery in london. it's now travelling (can you believe it?! i missed it by a month when it was in leicester)--it's currently in portsmouth and will be in wolverhampton in january. but for those who will not be able to see it in person, check out the link! the exhibit is awesome! it showcases cool designs, has lots of links to essays (don't worry, they're not very long), and even has an eco shopping guide.

if you've read the previous post about fabrics, you, like me, may tend to assume that natural fabrics are best. but a case is made by Kate Goldsworthy that poylester has its benefits.

fabrics: good and bad

2006-12-08T08:28:00.000Z

bamboo roll neck knit from braintree hemp

in the last few months, i have purchased items made of hemp, organic cotton, soy, bamboo, and recycled wool. i think most of us know which fabrics are earth-friendly. but which aren't? i didn't really know so i found this list from style guru.

Materials Do’s & Don’ts

• Choose Organic cotton
• Avoid synthetics such as nylon & polyester
• Avoid viscose (an artificial fibre made from wood pulp)
• Avoid polycotton & easy care (’crease resistant)
• Look for linen
• Try hemp (Hemp is extremely breathable, softer, and more absorbent than cotton. And, it will keep you warmer in the winter)

so i guess the rule to go by is avoid synthetics, but choose only well-cultivated organics.

eco leather

2006-12-07T10:22:00.000Z

i'm a girl who loves bags and shoes. i don't really have a problem with leather, but tanneries tend to create a lot of industrial pollution. however, if the alternative is pleather, i may lean more towards leather. faux leathers are often made of oil-based chemicals that have dubious eco origins. i think it's definitely worthwhile to keep an eye out for natural leathers (treated with vegetable dyes and extracts). i've put some thought into some quality eco-buys for the impending holidays--gift-giving, anyone?

canadian clothing company roots has come out with a line of eco-leather bags. they seem to be fashionable and functional!

there are some great shoe companies out there that specialize in eco-friendly, comfy products. spanish company el naturalista produces a colourful and comfy range. terra plana produces a more fashion-forward line of sustainable shoes. if my wallet were better filled with £££s, i'd forgo the leather altogether and opt for a pair of beauties from beyond skin.

summer green purchases

2006-12-07T07:56:00.000Z

before my big move to the uk, i invested in a few green items from vancouver. i heard about the bags from BYOB and promptly got myself on a waiting list for one. when i was finally called to pick mine up at one of a few, i hurried down and ended up buying two for good measure. in vancouver, i was using them to transport shopping home and here, i've found them very useful for books, or any time i need to carry a small load with me. they wash fairly well too--i forgot about the instructions shortly after reading the tag, and accidently put mine in the dryer. don't make the same mistake.

in anticipation of british winters, i was searching for a short wool jacket for a full month before my departure. i read about new montreal designers grace and cello and became enamored with their re-wool jacket. a gorgeous jacket made of recycled wool! i was as excited about the design as i was about the material, so again, i got on a wait list and was able to snag one a week before leaving vancouver. i was really pleased and i'm still pleased with the jacket. it's beautifully cut and wears very well. the one minor point is that since recycled wool fibres are slightly weaker than virgin wool, it sheds a little bit, but i don't mind.

why eco?

2006-12-07T07:47:00.000Z

for the past year, i've been reading articles and blogs (i'm an avid blog reader) about ethical fashion. i found that i agreed with a lot of what i read and so decided to do more with my purchasing power. earlier this week, i came upon a great article in the guardian entitled "how shopping has taken over our lives" and the inherent waste built into cheap and cheerful chic.

in b.c., lefty internet paper, the tyee has been doing interesting stories about sustainable fashion and food. check out the article on green jeans.

victoria's secret changing its ways!

2006-12-07T07:03:00.000Z

i was watching cbc last night before bed and saw a story about lingerie company victoria's secret changing their naughty forest-killing ways. forestethics has successfully convinced the undie-maker to produce forest-friendly catalogues. you can:

starting tomorrow...

2006-12-06T22:00:00.000Z

for those of you in london this weekend, check out fashion made fair, a sample sale hosted by the folks at people tree. it looks like a bunch of ethical designers will be represented at the event, including ciel and kuyichi (who makes devastatingly stylish jeans)! i wish i could be there this weekend...

get clean

2006-12-06T21:46:00.000Z

on my weekly shop tonight, i discovered ecover. this is a biodegradable line of cleaning products: kitchen, laundry, and all-purpose. it's quite widely available here in the uk, and upon browsing the website, i'm pleased to find that it can be purchased internationally. in vancouver, it can be purchased at choices. as i've only just bought the non-bio washing powder and the delicate liquid laundry detergent, i haven't yet put it to use, so i can't testify to its cleaning abilities.

a product i can vouch for is the cucina dish detergent available at fruits and passion. i've been using it for nearly a year and i love the stuff! although it's pricey, a little goes a long long way.

wrap dress

2006-12-06T21:32:00.000Z

i have been drooling over this wrap dress for the past week. i was finally able to justify it yesterday by saying to myself that i would wear it to work. i bit the bullet and sent my order in. the designer, tam & rob, specialises in fair trade clothing. their stuff seems very versatile; however, since i haven't received my order, i can't comment on the quality just yet.

clothes show

2006-12-06T21:16:00.000Z

i'm currently living in the east midlands in the uk. this past weekend, my friend E. and i went to the clothes show. think thousands of women, from teenagers to soccer moms, swarming into the space of an airport hangar. although there should be a lot of space, there wasn't at all. it was crazy, from the moment we stepped on the train, to the time we alighted. crowds were grabbing, paying, and moving on to the next vendor.

although there wasn't much that caught my eye, i did manage to snag a beautiful cowl neck alpaca sweater from ciel. the ciel stall at the clothes show was selling their beautiful, eco-friendly wares for a fraction of the price of the retail prices i had seen online. i was absolutely thrilled! i walked away £75 lighter (thanks, E., for spotting me a bit of cash), but very pleased with myself. i'll be spending x-mas in northern sweden, so i'll definitely need something warm!

2nd try

2006-12-06T21:01:00.000Z

this is the second time that i'm attempting to blog. i am an admitted shopaholic. as a woman living in the developed world, i know that i own too many things and consciously buy too much. in the last few months, i've become increasingly conscious of what i do buy. i've acquired a bit of consumer guilt and feel bad that for a woman who rarely needs anything, i shop too often. so, i've decided that i will maintain this blog to track my purchases. hopefully, i will be able to diminish my tendency to over-consume, or to at least make sure that what i do buy is not detrimental to our planet.