In an era of “throw-away fashion” where clothing is routinely tossed into landfills when it cycles through its useful life, wouldn’t it be nice to have a wardrobe that can last for years without losing relevance and is also earth friendly? With a little investment and forethought, you can build your eco-wardrobe with stylish pieces that will not only get you going for spring and lasting into summer, but can stay in your closet for the long haul. Sustainable fashion may sometimes cost a few more bucks, but the end result is worth it.
Here are five looks to kick-start your own sustainable capsule wardrobe.
1. Mini Saddle Bag
The Brand:
The Product:
Mini Saddle Bag, $195. Crafted in Italy, this compact silhouette is versatile and has customizable accessory options (scarf , tassel, femme pouch and more).
The Impact:
Cuyana’s Lean Closet program provides a reusable bag with each order, which you can fill with clothes to donate — and you’ll receive a $10 credit per donation. The program encourages women to focus on buying and owning only what they love, while taking all those forgotten pieces they’ve accumulated and gifting them to others who can use them. Cuyana’s mantra: Be more intentional, sustainable and live by the words “fewer, better.”
2. Striped Tee
The Brand:
The Product:
Stripe 100 percent Hemp Tee, $96. This classic fit, relaxed neckline, hemp jersey tee is perfect for layering, and — the best part — the shirt gets softer after each wash.
The Impact:
Because of its ability to grow quickly, industrial hemp has the power to combat deforestation and potentially ease climate change. HEMP 2020 is a campaign to raise awareness about the positive environmental impacts of hemp farming. Jungmaven was born from activism and the vision to bring hemp to everyone — starting with a T-shirt.
3. Slip Dress
The Brand:
The Product:
Silk Slip Dress, $138. Silk is an all-climate fabric that can be worn year-round — simply layer with a tee and a sweater on chilly days.
The Impact:
Siizu is dedicated to minimizing its carbon footprint by selling clothes solely online and using recyclable shipping materials. It also donates substantially to American Forests, helping the nonprofit to work towards its goal of planting 2.7 million trees across 44 sites nationwide as well as to restore and protect critical wildlife habitats.
4. Denim Jacket
The Brand:
The Product:
Atlantic Jacket Fathom Wash, $250. A modern update to the classic denim staple that hits below the hip and is crafted from top-of-the-line selvedge denim — with a fit that only gets better over time.
The Impact:
Tradlands follows rigorous standards to ensure that each item you purchase is top quality and has been ethically and sustainably made. The company strives to use 98 percent of its materials and recycle any remnants in order to keep waste to a minimum.
5. Strappy, Block Heel Sandals
The Brand:
The Product:
Lucia Block Heel Sandal, $148. Minimalist and classic — these are a must-have for spring/summer (and the strap hits just below the ankle, creating the illusion of longer legs — yay!).
The Impact:
Nisolo collaborates with local artisans in Peru on everything from design to handmade production. The company provides fair wages, health care and full-time employment for those who make the beautifully crafted shoes. Read more in the impact report.
Hungry for more fashion that’s as responsible as it is stylish? Here are six more of our most coveted spring fashion pieces from fabulous sustainable brands.
Leah-Marie loves to shop and searches high and low for the hottest trends at the local retail level. Her fashion shows, fashion shoots, and trends pages have appeared in print and online including on Marin Magazine, Make It Better Media, LeahMarieStyle, Curbside Couture, and at many local Bay Area boutiques and private club venues. She graduated from Academy of Art University with a Masters in fashion merchandising, and immediately launched Curbside Couture, a fashion event business that directly supports local boutiques. Grey Goose martinis are the way to her heart (extra dry with olives, please). She also admires and supports Sunny Hills Services in Marin. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. @curbsidecouture, @leahmariestyle, #Marinstyle
