Eco Blazers and Coats

Snob Blazer - Alexis Lamontagna
Made in L.A. / 95% Organic Cotton

An edgy black blazer will never let you or your style down. Angelina herself, has been spotted wearing Alexis Lamontagna so you know it's a name to watch out for, especially if they keep delivering organic wonders such as this.
Purchase at Green With Glamour - $210

Adella Coat in Mauve and Charcoal - Kelly B
Made in USA / 50% Recycled Poly + 50 % Organic Cotton

I can't decide between the pretty mauve or the cool charcoal! They both look equally wonderful with the stud detailing at the front, cropped sleeves and nice, deep pockets.
Purchase Mauve and Charcoal at Kind Boutique - $196


Pretty Birdie's Hemp and Organic Cotton Blouser
- Stephanie Teague
Hand made in North Carolina / Hemp and Organic Cotton

Blouse + Blazer= Blouser. I love it! This Blouser can be made to your measurements in either strong navy, black, chocolate brown, charcoal or dark eggplant.
Purchase at Etsy (Stephanie Teague) - $135


Vintage 60s Red and Navy Coat - Secret Lake
Striking red with navy velvet trims and gold buttons.
Purchase at Etsy (Secret Lake) $88


Mary Jane Coat - Julia Elin Burnbaum (Juleselin)
Made in San Francisco / 70% Organic Cotton

A stylish black coat such as this will never date. The unusual hood can also be worn over the shoulders as a shawl.
Purchase at BTC Elements - $253.30

Pick of the Peacoats - Organic and Vintage

Vintage 70s Maroon Wool Peacoat - Bleu Bird Vintage
Peacoats in berry shades always look pretty. This maroon one will provide a much softer look compared to black and will look lovely adorned with your favourite scarf.
Purchase at Etsy (Bleu Bird Vintage) - $118

Vintage Sixties Wool Peacoat - A Secret Shop

I don't think anything looks more classic or chic than a navy peacoat. This one looks stylish, cosy and warm for this winter.
Purchase at Etsy (A Secret Shop) - $75


Vintage 1960s Dreamcoat Peacoat - Rabbit Whisker Vintage
This peacoat really is my dream coat! The unusual print and colours look sublime.
Purchase at Etsy (Rabbit Whisker Vintage) - $72


Raw Earth & Wild Sky Night Owl Peacoat
Handmade in LA / Organic Cotton
Such a great organic take on the peacoat. From the buttons and stitching to the lighter fabric, this is a quirky yet classic look for spring. Also available in black and charcoal.
Purchase at BTC Elements - $258


Vintage Navy and Tartan Hooded Peacoat - The Loved One
This is the cute peacoat in today's lineup with its cropped sleeves, tartan lining and hood.
Purchase at Etsy (The Loved One) - $78


Vintage Janelle Coat - Black Swan Vintage
This 1960s purple coat will look fabulous with anything. Cute skirts and stockings or your favourite jeans, it will all work!
Purchase at Etsy (Black Swan Vintage) - $64

Six Great Vintage Cape Coats

Vintage Royal Purple Cloak Cape
- Cloud Nine Vintage (Etsy) $70
If you want to veer away from black and grey coats this winter but aren't yet ready to go too bold with your colour choices, then purple is for you. It's classy and elegant with a unique touch.



Vintage Long Gray Cape Coat
- The Vintage Bungalow (Etsy) $65
Try adding a belt or brightly coloured vintage scarf to this classic gray cape coat for extra flair. It will work perfectly for both casual or dressy events.



Vintage Mod Red Riding Hood Cape
- Ophelia Vintage (Etsy) $47.95
Red always pops in a sea of somber coloured coats during autumn and winter. This coat is adorable and will look eye-catching thanks to its colour, collar and chunky buttons. Great price too!



Vintage Black Winter Cape
- Splendidred (Etsy) $80
Very Mary Poppins but in a thoroughly fashionable way! The length and noir-ness of this cute cape makes it an ideal winter cover up option.



Vintage Avant Garde Cape
- Persephone Vintage (Etsy) $99
With a rich purple colour and a versatile collar / scarf / hood, this Italian made cape oozes style and sophistication.



Vintage Chevron Pattern Cape
- Family Garden (Etsy) $125
This 1940s cape immediately caught my eye with its chic pattern and cut. I would even consider altering it into a cropped cape for extra cuteness.

A Stripey Fashion Situation

Vintage Oversized 80s Tee
- Annabert (Etsy) $20

A different and daring tee with clashing stripes and greyness to give it an edgy touch.



Vintage Batwing Striped Top
- Spun Sugar Vintage (Etsy) $26

Achieve a stylish, striking look and still feel comfortable by wearing this dramatic knit top. The placement of the stripes and balance between the slouchy sleeves, loose neckline and fitted waist couldn't be better. Wear with organic jeans for the perfect weekend outfit!



Vintage Gray Striped 80s Blazer
- Cloud Nine Vintage (Etsy) $33

This masculine style blazer would look best worn with feminine and flirty dresses or skirts. Bright, strong colours also look divine paired with subtle gray.



She Bible's Bandit Scarf - She Bible, $10 (was $36)
Longshore Scarf - She Bible, $15 (Was $36)
Made in San Francisco / Organic cotton

Now that autumn is here and winter is around the corner, its time to enter scarves-ville. Opt for something a little more unique with the bandit style scarf with jailbird stripes or try the long, striped scarf that will liven up any outfit. Both scarves are available in black and white stripes or caramel stripes (also plain black or navy).



Vintage Cropped Bolero Jacket
- Cositas Serias Vintage (Etsy) $15

This soft blue bolero is beyond sweet. Pop it over your cutest dresses or urbanise this vintage gem with jeans and a tank.



Vintage Gray Silver Striped Midriff Top
- Vintage Shouting (Etsy) $26

Silver and gray go so well together and this stunning top proves it. There's no denying this top is a midriff but if you don't want to flaunt your abs to the world, why not try wearing this over a dress or with a high waist skirt? Just as cute but with welcome abdominal coverage.



Vintage 80s Lightweight Cobalt Blue Blazer
- Miscusi (Etsy) $19

Rich blue hues make this blazer a real standout! This is the perfect piece for creating a great layered look with lashings of colour and quirkiness. Its under $20 too!



Frank and Faith Julie Skirt
- Frank and Faith, £45
Made in Britain / Organic Cotton

This organic skirt would look wonderful under coats and jackets, with thick organic stockings this winter. Also available in plain black.



Green Giving Co. Kerchief
- The Natural Store, £7
Handmade in East London 'by a women's education and enterprise project'

What a wonderful and stylish way to wrap gifts! This is not only a superb idea that looks fantastic but the kerchief is also reusable, ethically made and can cover all manner of presents. Available in other colours and patterns.

Amazing Finds from Organic Fashion Sales

Ecoganik Little Yellow Sundress
- BTC Elements ($64, was $162)
Made in Southern California / Organic cotton
This buttercup yellow sundress will immediately make you feel like a Californian beach babe once you slip it on. Whether you are off to the weekend farmers market or pottering around the home, it's the perfect dress for wafting and floating about in!



Knit Woven Henley - Stewart + Brown ($38, was $106)
Made in Portugal / Organic pima cotton woven
Shirt style dresses always look so good. This clover colour is lovely and is the perfect shade for us green girls!



Del Forte Eugenia Jean - Ascension (£52.40, was £131)
Made in USA / 99% Organic cotton
Sale time is the prime time to make an organic denim purchase! Del Forte jeans are wonderful, especially this flattering style and price!



The Larkin Dress - Mountains of the Moon ($56, was $104)
Made in USA / Organic cotton
This elegant and classic dress, designed by Melissa Baswell is available in five colours (twilight blue, black, rust, ochre and dark plum) and would work well for work, weekends or any moments you want to feel comfortable yet stylish.



Ecoganik Olive Coat - BTC Elements ($67.20, was $168)
Made in Southern California / Organic cotton
The colour and cut of this coat is gorgeous and ideal for the upcoming chillier weather. The 3/4 length bubble sleeves, large buttons and attached tassle scarf make for a super sweet organic coat.



Mociun Purple Turtle Neck - Beklina ($40, was $94)
Made in Brooklyn / 90% Organic cotton
If you haven't got any organic wardrobe staples yet, you may like this organic purple turtleneck. Long sleeve tops such as this are vital during fall and winter for when you want to work that layered look. As the picture above shows, this top works well with skirts and quirky stockings or wear with jeans and big jewellery for a casual yet creative look.



She-Bible Little Black Scarf Dress
- BTC Elements ($60.20, was $86)
Made in San Francisco / Organic cotton
Here's a little black dress with versatility. The long scarf collar can be worn loose for a cool, undone and relaxed look or wrap scarf around neck or over head as a hood! Either way, each style will look chic and edgy.

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

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