Fashion, Evolved

Karen Kananen and Samantha Robinson have created a line of organic, handmade in the U.S. contemporary clothing under the label raw earth wild sky.  These clothes are sincere, comfortable and stylish without sacrificing sustainability.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the choice pieces from the Spring 2010 collection:

DC Blazer: this has been our best selling jacket for Spring and comes in Bone (shown), Tarnish (shown on Philly Tee), Ember (Orange), Coal (Dark Grey), and Black. Sug Ret $234

Philly Tee: this is our overall best seller for Spring, and it comes in the same colors as the blazer except Black, all with heather stripes. We also have different versions of this body including a hand-painted striped long sleeve and the Kenwood Mini, described below. Sug Ret $116

Kenwood Mini Dress: this short-sleeve mini-dress can also be worn as a tunic, and comes in White/Heather, Earth/Heather (Brown), Pear/Heather (yellow/green), Raspberry Wine/Heather (shown), Mushroom/Heather (Cement), Mist/Heather (Pale Grey). Sug Ret $128

Akron Cowl Tank: This is a body that always does well and we’ve revamped it for Spring. The cowl neck doubles as a hood and the ruching at the side hem is adjustable. Colors are the same as the DC Blazer. Sug Ret $136

Check out the latest addition to the blogosphere–Ecouterre.com:

Despite the fact that most fashionistas are loath to talk about the environment, and most environmentalists are loath to talk about fashion, the environmental ramifications of clothing design impact each and every one of us on a daily basis. The cotton industry releases roughly 16 percent of global pesticides—more than any other agricultural crop—each year. The World Health Organization estimates that at least 3 million people are poisoned by pesticides every year, resulting in 220,000 deaths worldwide annually.

“I got tired of having to explain to skeptical fashionistas that there is more to ‘eco-fashion’ than organic T-shirts, while simultaneously trying to convince my grouchy environmentalist friends that they need to focus their eco attention on the clothes they wear on their back,” says Jill Fehrenbacher, Ecouterre’s founder and editor in chief. “There are a ton of talented, environmentally conscious designers who are producing beautiful, innovative, groundbreaking designs each year, and they are really not getting the attention they deserve from mainstream press. I’ve started Ecouterre to provide a showcase for these up-and-coming designers and a forum to get people talking about eco design.”

Welcome Back!

Since I launched Fashion, Evolved in April 2008 it has undergone a few transformations–but this is definitely the most dramatic change so far!

If you are not a regular visitor, I invite you to subscribe to my feed or come back each week for updated information on what is happening in the world of ethical, sustainable fashion and beauty.

I put a lot of effort into making Fashion, Evolved a resource for the passionate (and conscious!) fashionista.  In addition to my blog posts, there are links at the top of the page:

• Shopping Directory – a comprehensive list of where to buy eco fashion, handbags, jewelry, cosmetics and more.
• Fashion Show – featuring my loyal readers modeling some of their eco-fashion.
• Friends – Links to my network of fashion designers, bloggers and public relations folks.
• The FE Shop – A selection of hand-picked items selected and featured from my affiliate partners.

I have some very exciting things planned for this year, so I do hope you’ll stay with me for the ride!

I’d almost given up hope!

If you are a new reader here at Fashion, Evolved, you may not be aware of my love for the Project Runway.  I spent last season blogging each episode [CHECK IT].  But then, some stupid television people started fighting over the rights to the show (coughcoughBravocough) and no one knew when we’d get to see Heidi and Tim again.

But today!  I got an email from Lifetime–the new network home of the show; and they were kind enough to send me a video preview to share with you:

You can be sure I’ll review each episode again this season. Are you planning to watch?!

Vintage and second-hand clothing are a great way to save money, conserve natural resources, and set yourself apart with a unique style that is impossible to duplicate.  Most communities have at least one second hand store, and most cities have several.  In addition, you can also look at garage sales, estate sales, and on auction websites like Ebay.

Part of the fun of buying vintage is the thrill of the hunt.  It’s true, you do have to wade through a lot of mediocre junk to find something really good, but when you do, it is well worth it.  I once found a vintage Dior jacket at Goodwill for $10!  Most of the garments that you buy used need to be cleaned and may need some minor tailoring or repair—but for the most part they are in good, usable condition.

The best part is that you will probably never run into another person who owns the same piece.  Aside from sewing your own clothing or paying for haute couture, buying vintage is practically the only way to ensure that your wardrobe is one-of-a-kind.

Here are a few other tips for buying vintage and second-hand clothing:

1.     Look for pieces that you can pair with your existing basics.  Buy a pair of perfect jeans, or a pair of black dress pants and then find something extraordinary from a vintage shop to wear with them.

2.    Take your time and be prepared to walk away with nothing.  Consider vintage shopping to be a sport.  Sometimes you win—BIG.  Sometimes you lose and come up empty handed.  It should be a relaxing and fun past time so don’t go if you’re in a hurry or if you need something to wear RIGHT NOW.  The best way to shop vintage is to just go on a regular basis without any expectations.  Allow yourself to be surprised when you do find something extraordinary.

3.    Look at labels, but don’t make it a priority.  If you fall in love with a piece, buy it and use it.

4.    Try it on.  Sizing varies widely from different time periods and from different manufacturers, so you can’t just go by the size on the tag.  If you don’t want to try it on there, find out what the store’s return policy is.

5.    Look for pieces that have detail:  beading, lace, sequins, embroidery.  If the workmanship is excellent, but you’re not crazy about the style, think outside the box and consider buying it and having it altered or made into something new.

6.    Most vintage stores also sell belts, handbags, scarves, jewelry and hats as well as shoes that need some TLC.  Find a cobbler and make friends with him.

You will be surprised (and possibly dismayed) at the amount of perfectly good clothing that is discarded and donated every year by people who simply want something new to wear.  Second-hand clothing is often in impeccable condition and is priced at least less than half of what the item would cost brand new.  Why wouldn’t you shop vintage?