8 of the Best Organic and Vintage Black Jackets / Blazers

How to Create the Perfect Eco Wardrobe...



Black blazers and jackets (B&Js) appear to be everywhere at the moment. Stars and top designers are pairing this must-have wardrobe staple with a variety of obvious (cute dresses) and less obvious items (harem pants), proving just how versatile and appropriate a sleek B&J is for any occasion. It's the perfect work, evening or casual accoutrement. A stylish and well-fitted B&J will instantly give any outfit a sophisticated and polished look.

To be truly green, I would opt for a vintage B&J (you'll see from the selection below that the quality of B&Js are very high) and then tailor them to your shape if possible. Or if you are unable to find a vintage one and want an ethical / organic option, just see the first 2 options below from Amana and Annie Greenabelle.

Rima Jacket - Amana (pictured above)
Organic cotton / Made in Morocco
Purchase on sale at Amana for £55 (was £110)



Long Blazer with Polka Dot Lining - Annie Greenabelle
Organic cotton / Made in EU factory (ETI compliant)
Purchase online Adili for £69




Vintage Evan Picone Jacket (Neiman Marcus) - The Dusky Jewel
Purchase online at Etsy (The Dusky Jewel) for $24




Vintage Next Blazer (Black and Teal) - Oxfam
Purchase online at Oxfam for £14.99 (size 12)




Vintage Chocolate Brown Blazer - Rokit
Purchase online at Rokit for £20 (size UK 10, US 6, ship internationally)




Vintage Principles Black Jacket - Oxfam
Purchase online at Oxfam for £9.99 (size 8)




Vintage Black Pendleton Blazer - Triple Gemini
Purchase online at Etsy (Triple Gemini) for $30




Vintage Norma Kamali Wool Jacket - Catbooks 1940's
Purchase online at Etsy (Catbooks 1940s) for $40

Style Tips
Different ways to wear your B&Js...

Work: Black tailored trousers, v-neck top (white, black or colour), high heels, statement necklace
Work: Sleek black dress, eclectic mix of bracelets and chunky watch, unusual high heels or ankle boots
Evening: Coloured or patterned short dress with black stockings, heels
Evening: Black slim leg trousers, sparkly camisole top underneath, statement shoes, large vintage earrings
Casual: White singlet, blue jeans, ballet flats, vintage silver watch, sunglasses
Summer: Floral dress, gladiator or metallic sandals, several long necklaces

Technorati Tags: Vintage Blazer, Vintage Jackets, Organic Blazers, Organic Jackets, Annie Greenabelle, Amana

8 of the Best Eco Wrap Dresses

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a wrap dress looks good on every woman, which is why it had to be included in today's 'How to Create the Perfect Eco Wardrobe' section.

When you think wrap dress, you think Diane von Furstenberg and then you think 'where on earth can I get an organic and ethically made wrap dress?' (more of that in a minute). Diane von Furstenberg made the wrap dress famous back in the seventies, so famous that one of her wrap designs is now displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art! When a dress makes such an historic statement in the world of fashion that it deserves its own space in a museum, you realise it is probably time to start looking for the perfect wrap dress for yourself, a.s.a.p!

I have scoured the internet for you and have found a sumptuous selection of 7 stylish and eco-friendly wrap dresses that are sure to leave you thinking, 'why didn't I get one of these sooner?'

Diane Wrap Dress - SPUN (pictured above)
Made in the USA
Organic cotton
SPUN have a beautiful array of organic staples such as tees and cardigans and their dresses are equally lush. This Diane wrap dress in particular will become every women's best friend. With a knee length A-line skirt and 3/4 length sleeves, it would be ideal for work or weekends. Available in midnight blue, truffle, cranberry, olive and black.
Purchase at Planet Threads for US$95




Wrap Tie Dress - Black Rabbit NYC
Handmade in New York
Bamboo or Organic Cotton
Visit Black Rabbit NYC on Etsy to see if you can get one of these popular wrap dresses made for you in your favourite colour (there is a choice of aubergine, pink, brown, green or blues) and fabric (bamboo or organic cotton). This dress looks so well made and flattering that it would be hard not to order several in different colours.
Purchase online at Etsy (Black Rabbit NYC) for $138

SPECIAL GREEN LASHES AND FASHION DISCOUNT
GLAF readers can receive a 15% discount when stating 'greenlashes' upon purchasing at Black Rabbit NYC!




Audrey Dress - Mountains of the Moon
Made in the USA
Hemp and organic cotton knit fabric
This gorgeous Audrey dress certainly oozes the sophistication and charm of Ms Hepburn herself. Try the dress in white during the day for a light and fresh look and slip into the black dress for either work or use as your LBD for the evenings!
Purchase at Mountains of the Moon for US$84




Fringe Wrap Dress - Nixxi
Made in Canada
Bamboo, organic cotton, spandex (6%)
A sweet and flirtatious version of the wrap dress with ruffle fringe detail. Pair with metallic vegan sandals and voila, you have the perfect summer outfit for your next beach getaway! Available in pine green, chocolate and gray.
Purchase at Nixxi or Planet Threads for $144




Recess Wrap Dress - Sweet Skins
Handmade in Eugene (Oregon, USA)
Hemp / Organic cotton jersey
I love the deep wine colour of this wrap dress and its understated prettiness! I can already envision so many places to wear this! Worn alone or over stockings or jeans, it will look beautiful no matter how you choose wear it.
Purchase at Etsy (Sweet Skins) for $65




Ruffle Wrap Dress - Nixxi
Made in Canada
Soy, organic cotton, spandex (8%)
Another adorable must-have wrap dress from Nixxi. This version with longer sleeves has a boho vibe that would work perfectly now during these warmer months but it would also work for autumn and winter with a cute hat, cosy cardigan and scarf. Available in olive or cranberry jewel.
Purchase at Planet Threads or Nixxi for $82 (on sale from $136)




Classic Wrap Dress - Econica
Handmade in Canada
Organic cotton/bamboo
This divine wrap dress can be made to suit you with customised hem and sleeve length. It is available in quite a few colours such as chocolate brown, crispy white or red. Try and hold on until the 15th May though as Econica is closed until then but this eco wrap dress will be worth the wait!
Purchase at Etsy (Econica) for $85 (NOW SOLD OUT, SORRY)


Wrap Dress - Bailey
Made in Portugal
Organic bamboo
Enjoy the softness of organic bamboo fabric and the fact this dress will look beyond flattering on you. Wear with a fabulous statement necklace or vintage bracelets and you have the perfect evening or work look or for summer try some cute sandals, simple jewellery and sunglasses for a casual yet glamorous look (available in black, beige or lavender). or Bailey
Purchase at Bailey (coming soon), Jane Goldsmith (black colour on sale for £45), One - Responsibly Gorgeous

Technorati Tags: Organic wrap dresses, Eco-friendly dresses, bamboo dresses

5 of the Best Organic White Shirts / Blouses

Week 3 of How to Create the Perfect Eco Wardrobe looks at the classic white shirt. A crisp organic cotton shirt in your desired style and cut, will sort out any women's wardrobe crisis in an instant. From work to play, dressy to casual, a white shirt will always look appropriate for any given occasion and with the right accessories you can interpret trends and display your personality with great aplomb! As Meg Ryan proved in the film, You've Got Mail, a good quality, simple white shirt is sometimes all you need to look sophisticated and stylish.

Pintuck Poplin Shirt - People Tree (pictured above)
Made in India (International Fair Trade Association)
Organic and fair trade cotton
The pintuck detailing and gathering at the shoulders creates a flattering and feminine look in this shirt which is made by Assisi. Assisi Garments was established by Franciscan nuns and provides employment for disadvantaged women in India. People Tree's growing popularity has led Assisi to increase their staff size from 5 to 150!
Purchase at People Tree for £34 (also available in black)



Tea Blouse - Stewart + Brown
Made in USA
Organic tissue cotton
The perfect little lightweight shirt for summer! This tea blouse looks gorgeous worn with cute shorts or skirts but would look just as good worn with sleek trousers for work.
Purchase at Stewart Brown for US$186




Bib Front Shirt - Article 23
Made in India (World Fair Trade Organisation)
Organic Cotton
This classy white shirt comes from French label, Article 23 which is named after Article 23 of the Declaration of Human Rights. What better name and way to convey the company's strong beliefs about producing stylish pieces without compromising the rights of the people who make the garments. Create an elegant look by wearing this great shirt with simple tailored black pants, stilettos, opulent looking earrings and a slick of red lipstick!
Purchase at Bochica for £65




Pintuck Blouse - Stewart + Brown
Made in USA
Organic pima cotton
With Victorian-esque 'pintucked accents through the body' of the shirt and loose sleeves with sweet button cuffs, this blouse would look great for both formal and casual occasions.
Purchase at Stewart Brown for US$154 (available in black, grey and night shadow also)




Poplin Tunic Shirt - People Tree
Made in India (IFAT)
Organic and fair trade cotton
I love how versatile and confused this top is! Is it a shirt, is it a dress? Who cares! It looks cool and is made ethically (love the side pockets and flared cuffs). Wear with skinny jeans, stockings, leggings or accessorise with a long necklace or wide belt as seen in the picture. Anyway will look great.
Purchase at Rococo for £40

WEAR YOUR WHITE SHIRT FOR ANY OCCASION
Work - Classic: black pants, black heels, silver jewellery
Work - Feminine: pencil skirt, sleeves rolled up, statement necklace
Work - Suit up: worn with suit or underneath a sleek blazer
Weekend - Parisien Chic: black cigarette leg pants, black ballet flats, sunglasses
Weekend - Fun: jeans and brightly coloured 'look at me' shoes
Summer - Leggy: short skirt or shorts, gladiator sandals
Casual - Warmth: cardigans or jumpers worn over the top
Evening - Waist Land: wide belt over shirt with pencil skirt
Meg Ryan - Black wool vest over or black blazer, grey skirt and stockings
Annie Hall - Dark vest, chunky tie and tan pants

ACCESSORIES
Personalise a plain white shirt with accessories in your favourite colours and patterns that compliment your style and shape.

Belts - Wide belts worn over shirt
Necklaces - Big chunky statement necklaces for a unique look, vintage pearls for a formal dressy look or long pendants for more casual looks.
Bracelets / Watches - from slimline silver watches and bracelets to eclectic mixed bracelets and chunky gold cuffs, who knew bracelets could change up a look so much?

NATURAL WAYS TO KEEP WHITES WHITE
Ensure your white shirt has longevity by looking after it and maintaining its whiteness and brightness!

Wash in very hot water
1/2 cup lemon juice added to rinse cycle
1/2 cup vinegar added to rinse cycle (water softener)
1/2 cup of baking soda to regular washing product (e.g, soap nuts)
Let white clothes and fabrics dry naturally in the sun if you can

Technorati Tags: Organic Cotton White Shirts, People Tree White Shirts, Stewart + Brown

Essential Ethical Trench Coats for Spring

Part 2 of How to Create the Perfect Ethical Wardrobe is about acquiring an excellent trench coat. Audrey Hepburn made this rather masculine coat chic and feminine in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and all these years later, the trench coat is still a modern classic and wardrobe must-have.

A great trench coat is ideal for spring and autumn and will transform any outfit from drab to glam in an instant. Remember to choose a colour that works well with you (see end of article for style and colour guide tips).

While some trench coats can be pricey, it is definitely worth investing in a timeless wardrobe staple but if you need a few budget options, you will also find some in this list of the best eco-chic trench coats.



Vintage Blue Mod Fitted Trench Coat - Persephone Vintage
A very glamorous navy 70s style trench, available in a small size only. Definitely calls for oversized black sunglasses for the ultimate diva look.
Purchase online at Etsy (Persephone Vintage) for US$129.99




Taylor Trench Coat - Kelly B
Made in USA
Organic cotton fleece
Available in a grey violet shade, this unique coloured trench looks soft and casual with wide belt, convertible collar and front and back rain flaps. Pair with your favourite blue organic jeans and vegan ballet flats for a classic weekend look.
Purchase online at the Greenloop for US $140 (was $275)



Vintage 70s Mini Trench Coat - Ramona West
I don't know how but this vintage 70s coat has stood the test of time and now looks like the perfect coat for 2009! An ideal light beige colour, double breasted and in medium size, this mini trench would look great with skinny jeans and funky Olsenhaus ankle boots.
Purchase online at Etsy (Ramona West) for US $55

Caliana Trench - Amana
Made in Morocco
Organic Cotton
This sumptuous looking organic trench is available in camel or black, fully lined and with full circle skirt. Ideal for wearing over your prettiest dress or skirt and don't forget the shoes, nothing but skyscraper stilettos!
Purchase online at Amana for £185



Recycled Trench Coat - Si:Su
Made in Wales
Recycled and vintage materials
A very unique and special trench, available in light green cotton with polka dots with gorgeous embroidered belt and large vintage buttons. One available in size 16/18.
Purchase online at All Things Green for £50




Vintage Navy Blue Trench Coat - Rokit
A sophisticated navy blue cotton coat, fully lined with belt and cool detailing on the back. For only £30, I'd say this was a wardrobe steal!
Purchase online at Rokit for £30



Vintage Beige Double Breasted Trench Coat - Rokit
Another trench treasure from London's coolest vintage store, Rokit. This classic beige coat is by the 'Nino Cerruti' label which I'm not familiar with but it sounds good and will sound even better when you casually tell your friends your coat is an Italian 'vintage Cerruti'.
Purchase online at Rokit for £65

TRENCH COAT COLOUR AND STYLE GUIDE

Trench coat colour guide
Black - ideal for fast paced city dwellers / girls who want a classic wardrobe
Navy - less harsh than black and perfect for paler skin tones
Beige - perfect for blondes
Greens / khakis - for a more casual and low-key look
Bright colours - for girls that like to stand out in a crowd

What to wear with trench coats
Work - Black tailored pants and black high heels
Work - Dress with nude coloured heels for extra long looking legs
Audrey - Black cigarette leg pants with your favourite ballet flats
Weekends - Dress with stockings and statement heels or quirky high heel ankle boots
Casual - Jeans with either ballet flats or trainers

To see Part 1 of How to Create the Perfect Ethical Wardrobe, click here to read about the best organic singlets and tees.

Technorati Tags: Ethical Trench Coats, Organic Trench Coats, Vintage Trench Coats

Eco Wardrobe Staples - Organic and Fair Trade Singlets and Tees

Part One of How to Create the Perfect Ethical Wardrobe



Wardrobe 101: Every girl needs staples in basic black, white and grey. Tees and singlets are perfect for layering and will form the basis of any stylish look.

When I popped by People Tree's website a few weeks ago and saw they had perfectly designed tees and singlets that were certified organic and fair trade, I immediately ordered up and tweeted happily when my delivery arrived! The organic cotton feels cashmere soft and the cut and design of the tops are comfortable and flattering. Ethical, stylish and each piece is priced under £18! Thank you People Tree!

Basic Vest Top (pictured above)
Made in India (International Fair Trade Association)
Certified Organic and Fair trade Cotton (Soil Association)
Available in black, blue, eco-white, grey and pink. Sizes 8-18
Purchase online at People Tree for £12




Scoop Neck Tee
Made in India (International Fair Trade Association)
Certified Organic and Fair trade Cotton (Soil Association)
Available in beige, black, eco-white, khaki and red
Purchase online at People Tree for £18. Sizes 8-18

If you are new to People Tree's fashion or just want to sneak a peek at an ethical fashion show, click on the You Tube video below. You can watch People Tree's Summer 2008 Fashion Show in Tokyo and see why they are leading the way when it comes to ethical and stylish fashion.

Stay tuned for more posts about how to build the Perfect Ethical Wardrobe on Green Lashes and Fashion. Ever since I learnt about the cotton and sweatshop industries and switched to buying organic and fair trade clothing, I have been thinking of how to purchase items more consciously and systematically. I want to have a chic wardrobe filled with a relatively small number of quality items that will last many years and interchange with other items perfectly. As I try to do this myself, I will also share any tips with you and would certainly welcome any ideas from you about what clothing is needed to build the Perfect Ethical Wardrobe.