The Ruffle Clutch from Refind Originals comes in three colors; mustard, royal blue, and red. I like the mustard best because it’s a soft buttery hue. Very pretty with the double ruffle. The Ruffle Clutch is made from recycled material, “…super-soft leather, originally used for clothing, uholstery, and the like…”  It measures 10″ x 5″.

Ruffle Clutch
$90

I love the shape of the Amelia Clutch. This is a vegan bag with a lovely curved shape and a bit of black lace embellishment.  It measures 10″ x 5″ and it’s made by Rozcoo.

Amelia Clutch
$85

The Black Fanny Clutch, by Fahmina, is made with pieces of scrap leather that were previously discarded (no waste, I like that). It features mulitiple snaps for both function and fashion – they wanted to give it a “rock-n-roll edge.”  What do you think about it’s long, lean shape?  It measures 15″ x 5″ and you can also use it as either a shoulder or waist bag. I think that’s where the “fanny” in the name comes from. Another good thing about this bag – it benefits the Give Light Foundation, which works with orphananges in Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India.

Black Fanny Clutch
$230

Image credit: Green With Glamour.com

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Leaf Laptop Bag
Was $250, now $190 (before applying the 25% discount)

Made of 100% recylced material, microsuede, non-PVC synthetic leather trim, brass or chrome hardware. Available in Flamingo, Black, or Fawn colors. Fits 15-inch laptop comfortably.

Lily Bag
Was $170, not $140 (before apply discount)

Made of organic cotton with non-PVC synthetic leather trim. Features a striking pink recycled material lining and both internal and external pockets to fit all your storage needs. Measures 8″ height by 13″ width and 4″ depth.

Image credit: Helen Riegle Handbags

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If you purchase the reusable shopping bag or any shoe in the zoe&zac line, Payless will contribute $1 to the Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees program.

zoe&zac Daisy Frayed Skimmer
Retails for $19.99

Cute red sneaker, designed in the “skimmer” style. It features natural and organic materials. Pair this with a mini jean’s skirt and you are sporty and styling for warm Spring days.

Okay, here we go… just what I need, another pair of flip flops. Cute! These feature a strap that goes all the way around the foot, I bet that keeps the sandal from making that obnoxius “fwap, fwap” sound when you walk.

zoe&zac Linden Slingback Flat
Retails for $24.99

Image credit: Payless.com

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*Vintage or Resale Shops

The easiest way to go green with your style is to purchase something that’s already been around for awhile. When shopping vintage, you’ll find a particular attention to detail that is not present in newer similarly priced clothing.

This sun dress from Vintage Vixen illustrates what I mean.  Take a look at the scalloped edging, the subtle diamond embossing of the cloth, the bow-straps. Made in the 70’s this vintage dress looks spring-time fresh and infinitely wearable. It’s just one example of what you can find when you shop vintage.

Take a look at your local resale shops, as well. You can find great staples – skirts, blouses, dresses, etc – made out of good quality materials for greatly reduced prices. Or you could remake something like my good friend, Leah, does with her recycled material tote bags. The bag that I purchased for my niece was made out of two different blouses. Very clever. Very green.

Other vintage shopping avenues include flea markets, eBay, Craigslist.




*Shop a clothing swap

A swap is good for the enviornment for the very same reason that shopping vintage or resale is and by swapping you save even more money.  Many online clothing swaps are available.

SwapStyle.com is a one such many-membered swap.  It’s been featured in magazines like InStyle and Elle. The service is free to swap, sell, or buy from other members. This t-shirt dress is an example of what you can find at SwapStyle.com.

For added swapping security, you can have your address verified for a nominal fee and only deal with other “verified” members.

*Juno & Jove

Juno & Jove offers a more courture version of eco-friendly fashion. You can shop by item or designer. Juno & Jove is billed as “A Lifestyle Emporium for Women, Men & Home.”

They feature vendors who exhibit high standards of socially responsible manufacturing and business practices. This includes using materials that have a lower-impact on the environment as well as fair labor practices. This bias-cut dress is an excellent example of the exquisite items you will find in their online store.

*White Apricot.com

White Apricot.com is a virutal mall for the eco-friendly fashionista.  Click here for today’s shop discounts, including this one from Embodies that gives you 15% off of your purchase with the savings code WHTAPT08.  White Apricot has links to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products.

*Etsy

If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you’ve probably figured out how much I love Etsy. I love to support the little guy or in most cases, girl. Etsy is a great place to find handmade items made out of vintage, organic, sustainable, or recycled materials.

Here’s an example – a sundress made of bamboo jersey with an inset stripe of vintage scarf material from Labudde’s shop. When shopping at Etsy, use search terms like “eco-friendly,” “vingtage,” or “organic” to find what you want. Sometimes it’s tricky, but Etsy gives you the ability to sort of jump around and I’ve stumbled onto some incredible pieces this way.  New items go up daily, so keep checking back.

Vintage image credit: Vintagevixen.com

Swap image credit: SwapStyle.com

Couture image credit: Juno & Jove.com

Savings image credit: White Apricot.com

Handmade image credit: Labudde’s shop at Etsy.com

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The Alexandrite Dress, is made from Bamboo, Tencel, Spandex – all eco-friendly and sustainable fabrics.  The asymmetrical dress features a shelf bra and it comes in a brown print, red mahogany (a wine color), sycamore (looks like a teal), taupe, and black.  It’s currently on sale right now at EcoSkin for $100, originally priced at $160.

Prefer something with a little more sheen?  How about the Rainer Dress?  It’s a one-shoulder above the knee dress, made of hemp silk, eco-friendly and sustainable, with a wood buckle. Chose from black, red, or white. It’s on sale for $117, originally priced at $195.

In addition, I found what I think is a savings code. I don’t see an expiration date on it, so I’d use the savings code apricot08 at check out for an additional 20%.

Image credit: EcoSkin.com

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