eco round up: 20 vegan + ethically produced handbags

the age of new leather: recycled, upcycled, deadstock, low-impact

did you know there are a plethora of plant-based alternatives to leather? as we learn more about how we as citizens + consumers can protect the earth + laborers + animals, we also learn about the effects animal agriculture has on our planet. we now know that leather is a co-product of the meat industry, not a by-product, and it’s certainly not biodegradable. we’ll be delving more into this topic in the next few weeks.

while every material possession we choose will have an impact, we indeed want to choose those products that are gentler on the earth, its inhabitants + its diverse ecosystems. today, i’ve added a list of 20 eco, ethically produced + vegan handbags for all of you green hearts to choose from because all of our choices, big + small, add up and make a difference.

new, innovative materials are here and these twenty companies are working to incorporate them into their design-led products. check out the cool kids using pineapple leather, apple leather, corn leather, grape leather, cactus leather, freedom leather (made with silicone) + other materials including hemp, recycled plastic bottles, cork + polyurethane {pu} to bring us earth-friendly, fab handbags for tastemakers + changemakers.

20 luxe vegan + ethically produced handbags

1. 108 // usa

materials: created with pu + recycled bottles

manufacture: designed in america, handmade in il ngwesi, africa

mission: we are a cruelty-free premium handbags benefit corporation committed to supporting conservation through community development and ethical manufacturing.

{domestic shipping in the usa + international shipping}

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2. ahimsa collective // australia

materials: created with pineapple leather, washable paper + deadstock textiles

manufacture: designed in australia, made in china

mission: born out of a love for design and a commitment to the earth, a_c’s design principles are based on a circular economy, producing contemporary but timeless styles for the modern market who recognizes the need to safeguard our future. the journey from concept to construction is a considered one, ensuring the production of our accessories is kind to our planet, our people and our animals.

{domestic shipping in australia + international shipping}

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3. alexandra k // poland

materials: created with pineapple leather, apple leather, corn leather, grape leather, freedom leather (made with silicone) + pu

manufacture: designed + made in poland

mission: each bag at alexandra k is made in poland, from innovative fabrics that are vegan, and the production is safe for the planet. a purse must follow the lifestyle of its owner. it is no longer just a pretty accessory, it must be comfortable and functional. it is to make our lives easier. we also want it to go with the spirit of our times, to be environmentally friendly and timeless, which is why our handbags are one of the few in the world that are made of unique innovative fabrics in classic designs that will last for years.

{domestic shipping in poland + international shipping}

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4. alkeme // new york

materials: pineapple leather, cactus leather, grape leather, vegan fiber {recycled textiles}, bamboo fiber, + recycled plastic bottle interiors

manufacture: designed in new york, made in the usa

mission: this idea of breaking down + rebuilding materials led us to produce our bags with sustainable, plant-based textiles. utilizing material such as pinatex not only helps us to support the farming communities, but also reduces the amount of natural resources needed to manufacture our products. along with the exterior of our bags, we also construct the interior of our bags with an eco-friendly textile. tons of plastic is discarded every year, polluting lands, rivers, oceans, coasts and beaches. we take this waste and transform it into a brand new material, a fabric used as the linings of our handbags. we hope taking these conscious steps will aid in the mission to protect the planet and cultivate an ethical and sustainable fashion.

{domestic shipping in the usa + international shipping}

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5. angela roi // new york

materials: created with pu

manufacture: designed in the usa, made in korea

mission: angela roi believes personal style should not come at the expense of personal values. we pay special attention to the setting in which our bags are made. we uphold fair labor standards, meaning our artisans earn a fair wage and work under safe and comfortable conditions. by dedicating ourselves to these standards, we stand firmly against the fashion industry's use of sweatshop and child labor.

{domestic shipping within usa + australia + uk}

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6. ashoka // paris

materials: created with pineapple leather, apple leather, eco-nappa + recycled bottles

manufacture: designed in paris, made in thailand

mission: ashoka paris is a french brand of cruelty-free leather goods, high-end, ethical, eco-responsible and vegan. our bags and accessories are manufactured in innovative materials that are not of animal origin.

{domestic shipping in france + international}

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7. colibri // france

materials: alcantra, pu + polyester

manufacture: designed in france, made in france

mission: colibri is a committed french company that offers an alternative to big leather goods houses using animal leather. we produce high-quality products, more ecological, ethical and equally elegant. the designs of our bags are modern, the details are sophisticated. we only use high-quality materials. the brand has been developed according to the principles of eco design: it is respectful of the environment, animals and people.

{domestic shipping in france + international shipping}

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8. denise roobol // rotterdam

materials: vegan microfiber {a blend of polyester and polyamide}

manufacture: designed in the netherlands, made in guangzhou, china

mission: we believe that no animal should be hurt by making beautiful bags and accessories. vegan products can be fashionable and trendy. denise robool hopes to inspire all women to wear vegan fashion.

{domestic shipping in the netherlands + international shipping}

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9. ferron // uk

materials: bio-based pu + microfiber

manufacture: designed in the uk, made in guangzhou, china

mission: we are a creative, independent designer brand with a mission to start a business that allows us to innovative and enables us to talk about what we're passionate about. as avid animal lovers, we are a fashion brand that offers moderately priced, quality handbags that are animal-friendly and we are different, we are very transparent. we eschew the devastating impact the fashion industry has on animals and the environment. we decided to invest our time and resources in cruelty-free handbags made of the same quality you'd expect from european luxury brands, we are ferron.

{domestic shipping in the uk + international shipping}

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10. gunas // new york

materials: mulbtex (tm) {a blend of cotton + mulberry leaf pulp}, cotton canvas, microfiber, recycled plastic bottles + recycled cardboard

manufacture: desinged in new york, manufactured in india, south korea, mexico, brazil + hong kong

mission: gunas is an independent high fashion label with a cause. justice, empathy and compassion are our core values. we envision a world of peace, love and kindness that starts with each one of us. we advocate for conscious consumerism over fast fashion. gunas makes award-winning, cruelty-free fashion. we source and manufacture bags and shoes employing the skills of global artisans and small-scale ethical manufacturers throughout the world.

{domestic shipping in usa + international shipping}

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11. hfs collective // los angeles

materials: organic cotton, pinatex, cork, hemp, rafia, vintage denim, eco suedes {made from post-industrial recycled polyester + post-consumer recycled plastic bottles}

manufacture: designed in los angeles, made in california

mission: we celebrate the joy of less and the freedom inherent in living life hands-free. our belt bags, designed to fit just the essentials, are a reminder of the ease of living a life of simplicity - a life filled with more experience, happiness, wholeness and joy in exchange for less stuff. our belt bags are made at a small, family-run factory just a few miles from our office in los angeles. We know every person that cuts and sews our bags and feel good that we can help provide them with a fair, living wage in a safe, happy and healthy workplace.

{domestic shipping in usa + international shipping}

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12. hozen // california

materials: pinatex, biopolyoil {grain based + plastic free}, recycled plastic,

manufacture: designed + made in california

mission: hozen, which means conservation in japanese, was born in 2018 from a deeply rooted commitment to respecting and protecting the planet. the vegan accessory brand remains guided by a simple philosophy as it evolves: doing good can—and should—look as incredible as it feels. ultimately, hozen represents a peaceful rebellion against the harsh realities of the leather and fashion industries, bringing form, function, and fairness together as one.

{domestic shipping in the usa + international shipping}

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13. jean-louis mahe // france

materials: synthetic with microfibers + pu; lining made of bamboo fibers + recycled polyester

manufacture: designed in france, made in porto

mission: jean louis mahé was born from the desire to offer quality products while preserving the delicate harmony of the planet. committed to a new economy that is benevolent towards the planet and animals, the brand makes its bags and clothes without any animal material and selects its business partners according to their ethical and environmental charter. its objective: to offer a quality alternative in a market largely dominated by the leather industry and to raise awareness for a new world more respectful of nature.

{domestic shipping in france}

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14. jill milan // california

materials: italian coated canvas, ultra suede, viscose + stainless steel

manufacture: designed in california, made in italy

mission: founded in the belief that no animals should be harmed to make a handbag, jill milan's bags are Italian-made and free from animal-derived materials. jill milan specializes in luxury fashion accessories which are fully animal friendly. we proudly donate over 10 percent of the company’s revenue to non-profit organizations. 

{domestic shipping in usa + international shipping available via direct email}

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15. jw pei // los angeles

materials: high quality canvas, pu + certified fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.

manufacture: designed in los angeles, made in china

mission: the inspiration behind jw pei was based upon the idea that fashion should be accessible, effortless and empowering. minimalist design in sustainable vegan materials is at the heart of the brand. jw pei believes that the future of fashion should be ethical and sustainable.

{domestic shopping in usa + international shipping}

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16. magnethik // france

materials: pu, corn waste, wood pulp, lined with recycled cotton

manufacture: designed + made in france

mission: undoubtedly, veganism and ecology are the future for me. i wanted a brand for the women of today and tomorrow: modern, visionary and responsible consumers. magnethik is first and foremost a story of influence, of attraction between what is good and what is beautiful. we will forever be an authentic brand, born from a deep conviction and a belief in the values ​​that make the world a better place.

{domestic shipping in france + international shipping}

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17. melie bianco // california

materials: pu

manufacture: desgined in california, made in china

mission: a handbag is more to us than just an accessory; a handbag is a form of self-expression, it's a mood booster, it's a love affair, it's a powerful statement. our products are made in china but we don't blindly outsource our work; we are very invested in our suppliers, our factory and all the people who help us produce melie bianco goods: we know our workers by name. other than fair pay breaks, age requirements, gender equal opportunities, free lunches and paid vacations we see our involvement in their lives as a bigger one. we feel the responsibility to help all of our small vendors succeed in a very competitive environment and as we grow they grow with us, profits and all.

{domestic shipping in the usa + international shipping}

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18. nuuwai // germany

materials: apple leather exterior, lined with 100% recycled ocean plastic bottles and fishnets

manufacture: designed + made in germany

mission: our vegan bags are lovingly made using "apple leather" (appleskin), a cruelty-free, eco-friendly leather alternative made using apple waste from the juice industry. simple, minimal design, urban look, and quality craftsmanship are the key components that go into each and every nuuwaï bag.

{domestic shipping in germany + international shipping}

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19. sans beast // australia

materials: eco pu, recycled eco pu + cactus leather

manufacture: designed in australia + made in china

mission: we believe there is a need for more choice in the quality fashion space, and alternative to products derived from animals. designed with credibility + manufactured with quality. collectable, functional, affordable + designed with love. our luxe vegan bags are made with quality vegan friendly materials + are designed to be functional but never boring – there are purpose built pockets for tech, plenty of smaller pockets for accoutrements, extra storage space and signature design features for style-seekers.

{domestic shipping in australia + international shipping}

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20. stella mccartney // uk

materials: pu + polyester exterior, 100% recycled polyester interior

manufacture: designed in the uk, made in china

mission: we are committed to always being responsible, honest and accountable today, with a positive impact on people, the planet and all its creatures so that we can protect it for tomorrow. We strive to create the most beautiful, desirable products with the least impact on our environment. our conscious values are also the inspiration behind our innovation. as industry leaders, we endeavor to create the most cutting-edge materials and animal alternatives, continuing to push towards circularity and being fully transparent by developing tools to measure and report our impact.

{domestic shipping in the uk + international shipping}

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{don’t forget the tip} dear friends, if you’re looking for a little armchair activism from your corner of the world, get thee to ig and follow these accounts to use your voice to effect social and economic justice for workers around the world earning a poverty wage. and if you’re interested in creating a more compassionate world for animals click the links at no. 7 below. sign up to their newsletters for information on petitions to sign, campaigns to follow and action to take to create positive change in the world. let your voice be heard, my friends!

1/ clean clothes campaign

2/ labor behind the label

3/ made in a free world

4/ not for sale

5/ remake our world

6/ garment worker center

7/ peta + mercy for animals

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

eco living: sustainability + the future of vegan leather

why sustainable designers choose vegan leather

today we’re going to explore the leather industry + the alternative leather textiles available. we’ll start with polyurethane and in the coming weeks we’ll explore plant based leathers including pineapple leather, apple leather, cactus leather, mushroom leather, corn leather and more. from our friends at sans beast, a luxe, vegan handbag company:

the rise of vegan leather

“did you know there are 70 billion animals slaughtered yearly for our food and/or fashion consumption? there is a commonly held view that leather is a by-product of the food industry. in fact, it is considered a profitable co-product. in addition, many animals are raised purely for their hides.

animal based leather is an incredibly profitable yet destructive industry. 90% of the worlds fashion leather is chrome tanned + will not biodegrade {chrome tanning is the only way to achieve the majority of desired fashion tones in a consistent + cost effective manner}.

“Synthetic alternatives to leather are less environmentally damaging than animal hide procurement, tanning + production - and hands down, more ethically sound.”

— Cathryn Wills

we come full circle back to the question of ethics + what rates as important to consumers. i believe there is a great deal of misinformation in the market - the main one being that leather is the natural bi-product of the meat industry + therefore we are being responsible by using it for product manufacture. but just like any industry, supply is based on demand, and demand is often based on marketing. leather is a co-product of the meat industry - and as per aplf reporting in november 2018, the global leather goods market is worth usd 95.4 billion in 2018 and will reach usd 128.61 billion by 2022 at a growth rate of 4.36% during the forecasted period. these numbers are not a lucky coincidence that there just happens to be enough animals slaughtered to cater to this market - it's by design + it's driven. 

we’ve chosen to focus on the inordinate damage that factory farming does to the environment as well as the exploitation of animals that exists in this industry, and combat these issues, with making non leather bags instead – and we work tirelessly to create bags that are well designed + manufactured to instill a loyalty to the product from our customer, thus inhibiting any desire to send it to landfill.  

there is an excellent 2017 report by the global fashion agenda that rates several raw materials, cradle to gate, in terms of environmental impact - and it highlights that leather rates substantially worse than synthetic leather on three out of the four measured traits - global warming, water scarcity, eutrophication. indeed, cow leather is in the top three raw materials in terms of negative impact - sitting amongst cotton, wool + silk.  synthetic leather fares worse in abiotic resource depletion (the fourth pillar on which the materials have been rated) which is related to fossil fuels. so, is synthetic leather really an inferior option on the environmental front?

Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Material Sustainability Index tool.

an alternative to leather

we're not going to greenwash this situation. our bags are not made of soil + sunshine. they are constructed from a good quality polyurethane {pu} which is a base fabric coated with a painted surface + then embossed with various textures. this is no single use catastrophe we're carrying around. polyurethane {pu} is a highly resilient, flexible and durable material. it is a polymer joined by urethane links - used as a coating to give textiles a wide variety of properties including the ability to be water-resistant and anti-bacterial.

invented in the late 1930s as a potential replacement for rubber {which was in short supply post wwi}, pu has become a prolific material, used in everyday life (fridges, washing machines, car interiors, the list is long). the pu we utilize, does not use toxic levels of chemicals in production, with the fabrics adhering to the chemical standards of reach + prop65 {the californian toxic enforcement act of 1986}. synthetic alternatives to leather are less environmentally damaging than animal hide procurement, tanning + production - and hands down, more ethically sound. 

we continue to source + sample alternatives - with our next step being, to use more {primarily} plant based + recycled materials. when we say 'primarily' in relation to plant based, we refer to the fact that for a plant based fabric for fashion handbag construction to have longevity + remain 'good looking' it does generally need to have a coating of some description, and this is typically a polymer of some sort.  

acrylic + cellulosic acetate

we use both acrylic and cellulosic acetate in trims + charms in our collections. acrylic is a plastic, and was developed 
in the 1920s, as a shatterproof alternative to glass. other names for acrylic
 - plexiglas, acrylite, perspex + lucite – are all trademarked names. acrylic is thermoplastic + becomes malleable under high heat, as a result, we are able to mold it into shapes such as our distinctive luggage handle. cellulosic acetate was created in the late 1800s + refined further in the early 20th century.  cellulosic acetate has a long winded construction, but in simple terms – it’s a combination of wood pulp (the cellulosic part) + a mixed bag of chemical compounds. It offers transparency, a beautiful color spectrum, flexibility + is hypoallergenic. it’s been utilized for film, fabric, lacquer + eyewear over the years.”

{don’t forget the tip} the workers tasked with leather preparation across the global community have consistent exposure to toxic chemicals and a shortened life span. videos can be hard to watch, when we are educating ourselves about the leather industry and its impact on the environment, the exposure to toxic chemicals for the workers who treat + process the animal hides, and the animals themselves. if you’re interested in learning more, and words are the best way to drink in new information, pop into a local bookstore or cruise your favorite online indie bookshop to purchase eating animals by jonathan safran foer.

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

eco brand: the 108 handbags, socially conscious style

into africa

today’s ethical brand, the one08, takes us to the pastoral landscape of eastern africa to the il ngwesi wildlife conservancy. spanning 16,500 acres of lush low plains + highlands, il ngwesi is a community-led + operated conservation initiative in northern kenya, a sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino, the white rhino, the african elephant + the grevy’s zebra. the vision of the conservation initiative is to sustainably manage the land to conserve wildlife.

this is not just a bag

the one08 is an eco, vegan handbag label created with the purpose of participating in the conservation of wildlife + the protection of our planet. how does a simple product like a handbag contribute to the conservation of biodiversity? the root of the answer lies in the company name. the number 108 was considered the basis of all creation in ancient cultures and traditions. co-founders jamie travis + marnie quinn came together to create the one08, 1 representing the individual, 0 representing the collective and 8 representing the infinite.

“Hearing the fierce roar of a lion just a few feet away is like coming heart to heart with the seat of creation itself. It is not only through the sound but through the resulting vibration in your heart. This permanently changed the way I view our place in the world. My life mission is to speak for the wildlife as they cannot speak for themselves.”

the one08

33% of the profits from the sale of every the one08 handbag is used to purchase equipment and provide training for the people at il ngwesi so that they may continue to live in symbiosis with the land + wildlife.**

every purchase of a cruelty-free, handcrafted product provides viable means of employment, thus allowing the maasai people to live in harmony with wildlife + their environs. the founders of remind us that long term wildlife conservation can only be achieved by working with the communities that inhabit the same land, “our solution is providing economic opportunity for these communities.”

do no harm

it started with a visit to south africa in 2013, where a deep passion for wildlife conservation was ignited. “hearing the fierce roar of a lion just a few feet away is like coming heart to heart with the seat of creation itself. it is not only through the sound but through the resulting vibration in your heart. this permanently changed the way i view our place in the world. my life mission is to speak for the wildlife as they cannot speak for themselves. “

forward thinking

as a conscious consumer, i have been seeking an ethically produced + vegan handbag to travel with me, across town or across continents, and the one08 has captured my heart for their lofty mission and design-led handbags that are transforming an entire community in kenya and conserving wildlife while protecting the environment. all the one08 designs are made with vegan leather, including an innovative plantbased, pineapple leaf fiber, all lined with a happy flora + fauna print made of 100% recycled plastic bottles.

the one08 bag has been my trusty companion, as i stay put for now during these precarious times and appreciate simple pleasures like native vegetation, fresh spring breezes and the scent of fresh blooms on my way to the market. i dream of visiting the il ngwesi eco lodge with friends in the future. when the time comes, i’ll carry this powerful product with me. for now, i love to dream + scheme as i look forward with anticipation to future adventures.

i’ll be holding this bag on my arm as my nomadic soul trots across the globe for all future grand explorations.

don’t forget the tip: **the wildlife conservancy is home to a breathtaking eco lodge hand built by maasai tribal members on the model of responsible tourism and is both owned and managed by the maasai people. the maasai people benefit from sustainable development projects funded by the conservancy including adequate medical care, job training and education for local schoolchildren. let us travel to africa, my friends, at least via our imaginations until we can voyage there one fine day: click here to travel to il ngwesi.

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

ethical fashion: denim detox

true blue

dependable. enduring. lasting. this is how one could describe esteemed relationships with friends + loved ones. this is also how slow fashion advocates, brands + bloggers would ask citizens + consumers to characterize their clothes: as non-disposable, as something to be looked after with thought + consideration.

the clothes in our wardrobes are meant to be taken care of, mended {sew it, patch it, give it a little tlc} and worn again + again year after year. my longest-lasting wardrobe staple is a beloved jean jacket.

what could possibly be more versatile than a little denim jacket? it can be treated as a neutral, worn with patterns, matched with more denim and it’s also easy to care for. this is the ultimate low-maintenance sartorial partner, my friends.

501 blues

if you’re wondering, can i trust conventional fashion brands like levi’s? the answer is: if you’re moving towards conscious consumerism, look to slow fashion companies that offer transparency regarding labor rights and living wages for workers throughout their supply chain. this article on the exploitation of women workers at levi’s factories in their garment factories means i will not purchase a garment from this company.

wear fair

there are a number of sustainable fashion companies doing it right; they are committed to fair labor practices, safe work milieus + environmental protection. let’s not forget the comfort + functionality of this robust textile: keeping us warm on rainy summer nights, cozy on crisp fall days, and layered under heavier jackets, denim can keep us toasty during those long winter months too. ah, senor denim, you’re the stuff of dreams.

here for you today, a list of five ethically-produced, organic cotton jean jackets to get your layering game on.

everybody, grab an eco jacket:

1. facon jacmin

for unique work-wear jackets and the most delicious denim trench {or layer your denim with a raincoat for a loose + seductively slack look: think bender from the breakfast club}

2. hemp tailors

put down that wool or leather jacket, and walk this way. they make casually cool jackets so animals don’t have to {find the perfect pullover here too}.

3. nudie

sleek, slim fits + clean construction in selvage denim. this hardwearing denim is truly a heroic wardrobe staple {their jeans are also wonderfully body-hugging + long-lasting}.

4. armed angels

for the perfect boyfriend fit or if you prefer your denim in deep, inky hues, blanc or noir perhaps? right this way.

5. prana

oversized + ready for your active lifestyle, this jacket is perfect for heading out to a cafe and it’s also up for a morning a hike. you choose, you’re the denim boss!

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

eco gift guide: 11 perfect cold weather essentials for him + her

you know what to expect here at eco voyage: kind finds for all the kind souls in your life. kind finds are gifts made with respect to farmers + factory workers; made with respect to the earth and its delicate ecosystems; and made with respect to animals. this season, find top ethical fashion pieces, perfect presents for him, her and you, all sustainably produced, made of organic and innovative eco textiles, and always cruelty-free:

embassy of brick and logs

1/ embassy of brick and logs: the coat embassy has eco coats for every season. wait, the puffier the better, you say? check out their puffer coats, free of down, full of cool. another fab animal-friendly and earth-friendly brand making perfect parkas is wuxly. one more transparent company making eco outerwear is hoodlamb. these brands are all fur free, feather free + leather free, so you + the all the furry critters of the world can be free.

jan n june

2/ jan n june: the beanie every year i lose something, a beanie or a glove, no matter how hard i try not to, no matter how vigilant i may be. jan n june has these toasty little fellas for your head. i personally love gray, but if monochromatic makes you sleepy, wuxly also has some dynamite choices for a punch of color.

mara hoffman

3/ mara hoffman: the two piece mademoiselle hoffman knows how to design fun. add a splash of eco + a dash of color to your wardrobe with some sophisticated separates or playful frocks.

reformation

4/ reformation: the trousers this brand is in the running to win the eco sexy award for gals who like a high-waisted jean, vintage-inspired trousers or swingy little dresses that flatter and move. get your velvet on for the holidays here.

people tree

5/ people tree: the sweater a fair fashion brand offering everything to keep you comfy + warm on chilly days from head to toe including organic cotton, knit jumpers because it's time to bundle. armed angels also brings us ultra cool, cozy jumpers with lots of style. people tree + armed angels are renowned in the ethical fashion industry as one captains of the eco ship.

hfs collective

6/ hfs collective: the belt bag do you bum bag? as a gal who has never really followed trends, i have not been especially drawn to these seemingly wonderful little life organizers, but lately the fanny force has been strong. can you imagine having your hands free to do as you wish? someone strap a belt bag on me, stat.

swedish stockings

7/ swedish stocking: the hosiery i do a fishnet stocking love. now, give a girl a stocking made out of recycled textiles, in a sun-powered facility, with zero-waste production, and it’s a match made in eco heaven.

signe

8/ signe: the turtleneck i discovered turtlenecks at a young age, and i’ve never looked back since. i’m not sure why these high-necked tops make me so happy, but you’ll find the soft organic cotton so cozy and the feeling of being cocooned in one super versatile pices that mixes + matches with your pants, skirts + overalls is a good one. baserange also carries a sensual diaphanous version for your holiday soirees or a ribbed version here.

nae

9/ nae: the boots gold boots, black boots, chunky boots, however you take your kicks, nae has got you covered for the holiday with vegan variety galore. also on tap with cool picks are beyond skin and bourgeois boheme with something for the punk in your circle and something for the sophisticate too. i wear my editor boots from bhava pretty much day + night, but if you’re like dolly parton who has a wig for every day of the year, and you crave just a lil variety in your life, you might want to switch out your kicks with this winter flair from bhava. you’ve got plenty of choices, boys+ girls!

hoodlamb

10/ hoodlamb: the scarf it’s a cold, cold world. dear fair fashion brands: i’ll take all your soft, cozy hemp + organic cotton scarves! jan n june also has an extra big, blanket-like scarf for those of you seeking a lenny kravitz moment.

saya

11/ saya: the hair accessory what’s a boy or girl to do when the goal is to unearth something truly unique, something that can’t be found just anywhere? how about hand crafted baubles from my favorite shiny treasure maker soko: the artisan jeweler or a singular hand carved hair pin from reclaimed wood that is both one of a kind + quite utilitarian from saya. gift them or wear them when you’re feeling like reaching for a little handmade magic. made with pride + made with love.

don’t forget the tip: remember boys + girls, if you don’t need it, don’t buy it. and with the holiday season upon us, think of gifting experiences like tickets to movies, museums or plays or fun outings! and if you’re up for a fun treasure hunt, peek into you nearest vintage shop or secondhand shop for preloved goodness and recycled fashion that can look just as spectacular as what you might find in big box shops! if you’re going to shop, shop small!

until next time, stay green dear hearts!