Fashion, Evolved

When I started writing Fashion, Evolved one of the very first “eco fashion” shops I found online was Ecoist.com. By now you’ve seen their innovative bags made from candy wrappers, food packages, billboards and other non-biodegradable materials which would otherwise end up in a landfill.  The styles range from whimsical to downright fashionable and have been featured in publications as diverse as Wired, Vouge, InStyle and Entrepreneur.

There are all sizes and shapes to suit the unique tastes of any ecofashionista.  Totes, wristlets, clutches–you name it.  In addition to the regular products, the company also features special collections made from the most popular packaging on the market today, including Coca-Cola, M&M’s and Luna Bars.

You can find Ecoist on a number of online stores, or you can shop their site. You can also keep up with their news on the Ecoist Blog.

Here are some of my favorite pieces from their latest collections:

Pochette – NY Subway Maps – $48

This little bag is the perfect accessory for an urban girl on the go.  Small enough that it won’t get in your way, but big enough to hold your essentials for a day in the city.

Baguette – Silver – $48

The combination of the shiny metallic exterior and the lime green accents make this a darling little bag for going out on the town.

PacMan – Striped – $138

An awesome combination of futuristic metallic materials with a trendy boho design.  This bag WILL get noticed.

Barbarella – Checked – $128

I own this bag and I adore it.  It has an ultra-modern feel, but I can wear it with my most casual clothes because it’s made out of snack bar wrappers! The dark squares appear black online but they are actually a very dark, rich brown color.

Baguette – M&M’s Vintage – $48

One of the latest collections at Ecoist is the M&M’s Collection; and they’ve got some pieces made out of these rad vintage wrappers.  Imagine wearing this with a little red vintage dress!  Sassy!

Every time I stumble upon a new designer who is committed to sustainable style and producing wildly adorable things–I get a little charge.  Because, you see, it really is possible!  We can have a beautiful world and still enjoy being beautiful ourselves!  It makes you wonder what everyone else is waiting for. There should be no excuse for the big name fashion houses to put it off any longer.

Take Helen E. Riegle, for example.  A British-born designer with a line of adorable handbags all made from sustainable materials like hemp, recycled poly, organic cotton.  Furthermore, their website says:

Not only do we choose more sustainable fabrics, but we strive to ensurethey maintain their integrity by opting for eco-sensitive inks, glues, and solvents when possible in dyeing, bonding, and printing processes. There are easier and cheaper ways to a finished product, to be sure. But they all come with greater costs than we are prepared to accept.

Prices are comparable to brands like Dooney & Bourke and Coach, but the materials and manufacturing are cruelty-free, sustainable, and eco-friendly.  And to top it off, Helen E. Riegle donates 2% of gross sales to environmental and youth-oriented causes.

HER handbags are available online and in boutiques across the country.  For a list of boutiques that carry the bags by state, you can visit Reigle’s website here.