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!

1. Cha Cha Dress by She-Bible – $90

Sweet 100% organic cotton jersey mini dress with detailed smocking at empire waist and puffed sleeves. Belt ties in back from side seams for a great fit.

2. Octopus Cuff by Alkemie Jewelry – $190

Forged from 100% reclaimed metals, husband-and-wife design team Ashley Lowengrub and Dara Gerson’s striking, one-of-a-kind designs are equal parts art and accessory.

3.  Fauci sandal by Earth Shoes – $150

Invite sophistication into your casual wardrobe with the Fauci sandal from Earth. This gladiator-style sandal has a strappy washed or glossy leather upper and a smooth leather lining for durability and breathable moisture-absorption.

4.  NYC Subway Map Routes Limited Edition Pochette by Ecoist – $54

Ecoist has been making brightly colored handbags from old candy wrappers, juice boxes and other post consumer waste for several years.  But I fell in love with this understated limited edition bag made from recycled NYC subway maps.  The ultimate urban accessory!

5.  Pure Cream Stain by Suki – $40

The unique 100% pure pigments in this multitasking color delicately hydrate while creating a natural looking pop of color on lips and cheeks. Rose Wax, Jojoba oil and Vitamin E protects, soothes and moisturizes while aromatheraputic Chamomile gently calms. Ideal for all skin types and tones, the lip-quenching, complexion-smoothing formula is easy to blend and can be applied for a natural look or layered on for a powerful pop of color. Available in seven nature-inspired shades.

In my former life I was Fred Sanford, or some other reasonable facsimile.

True story:  When I was a little girl I would go for walks and find pieces of garbage on the road that had some redeeming value (a ribbon for gift wrap, pieces of metal in interesting shapes) and bring them home and try to sell them to my parents.

Ecoist handbags are a sort of dream come true for me.  In fact, if I had not decided to pursue a lofty career as an blogger, I may have chosen a path as the designer of something very similar.

Made from all kinds of recycled materials, these bags are quirky and funky and have a real ‘deconstructed-capitalism’ vibe them.

Wrapper Bags are made of recycled candy wrappers, soda labels and other packaging.  They range from $22 for the small pouch to $188 for the large portfolio tote.  I used to make art out of the candy wrappers from Easter Colored Mini-Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.  Why did I ever give that up?

Movie Billboard Handbags are all one-of-a-kind pieces made from billboards that were headed for the landfill after doing their dirty job of luring people in to theaters to waste their hard earned cash on cinematic drivel.  Being a handbag is a much more noble mission in life, wouldn’t you say?  This style comes in cardholders, yoga bags, and laptop cases as well.  $15-$78

Rice Bags made from recycled rice and feed bags.  You know, I used to carry an empty rice bag as a purse until my husband made me stop.  He thought it was Asian-ghetto.  I guess he was wrong.  Ha ha.

Pull-top Hanbags.  Made from the pulltabs on the tops of soda cans, this bag is actually very rock n’ roll.  Just tell people that you made it yourself out of all the beer cans you went through last week. $38-$160.