cotton

I'm a denim girl - plain and simple. Maybe it has something to do with being raised in the United States, where denim is as closely connected to national pride as baseball and barbeques. The source of my love for jeans is not important however, but finding just the right pair is. Considering the hundreds of denim brands (both eco and non-eco-friendly) on the market, it is clear that I am not the only one trying to find just the right pair of blues.

A few months back, I saw a collection of magazines featuring high-waisted jeans. Some of those I know were disgusted by the "trend", saying they looked like granny pants. For me, this is one of my all-time favorite styles, harking back to the epitome of American culture - the 1950s. Also, like wearing a corset, having the waistband up around your natural waist (instead of hovering just about your crotch) gives a woman a certain kind of confidence that you can't fake.

Imagine my delight when I found out that one of the best organic cotton denim collections, Del Forte, would be releasing a high-waisted jean for Spring 2007, called "Ivy". Green living magazine like Plenty featured the style months before it was to be released, making me salivate all the more. Finally, just this month, Beklina began selling these coveted pants on their website. Not one to hesistate, I snapped up a pair in size 30 (yes, I have big hips, learn to love it!) and stared at my mailbox.

Upon their arrival, I was greeted with an ever-so-sweet hand-written note, and I squeeled with joy as I removed the jeans from their packaging (all of it recyclable, by the way). Trying them on, that rush of confidence that I so enjoy filled me in record time. These pants go seamlessly from the office to the dinner table to an evening on the town. Though I am always tempted to wear them with sexy heels, my feet don't fancy that, so my hemp Converse sneakers look quite snazzy as well.

So, what's the moral of this story? You can be sexy, stylish, and green - all at the same time. :D

Image courtesy of Del Forte

[Reposted from Victoria-E.com]

New sustainable fashion brands are popping up faster than celebrity
gossip blogs. With only a handful of truly sustainable fabrics available, trying to set yourself apart from all the other eco-style companies is the key to success. Selling basic, classic organic cotton pieces for men and women, not much about New York’s District Cotton stands out … at least on the surface. While focusing on stateside production and the use of organic cotton, DC is also working on integrating certified fair trade practices and products into their line. Their simple website is quite easy to navigate, the most exciting page being for the printed t-shirts.

These T’s are about showing off your social conscience without all of the pretentiousness. The idea is to raise awareness and a little money for something that we believe in, donating 10% of the proceeds to some cool organizations.

Sponsored design contests give artists (and wanna-bes like myself)
and change to submit designs for t-shirts, focusing on a particular
social theme/issue. For the launch of the District Cotton brand, the
first contest centered around “This T-shirt supports an organic
farmer.” The winning four designs (including the Blueberry Head shown above) can be seen an purchased here, with 10% of the proceeds going to the Northeast Organic Farming Association.

The next contest has not yet been announced, but once details have been released, you’ll find them right here!

[Reposted from Victoria-E.com]