Two Prominent 'Eco'Mags Go Under, Thanks to Economy

Plenty Magazine and Domino have seen their final days due to the current economy. Both magazines covered environmental news and living green.

“In making the announcement, company president/CEO Chuck Townsend said the decision was purely based on the softened economy, which has already claimed a handful of other shelter books. This year through February, Domino’s ad pages tumbled 51 percent to 22 percent, per the Mediaweek Monitor. Launched in 2005, the title achieved a rate base of 800,000. But observers have said that in addition to the hard-hit housing market, the title had some difficulty explaining its positioning in the marketplace.”

We pray that once the economy becomes stable and once again thrives that Plenty and Domino will come back in full force.

Furry Fashion Faux Pas at Obama Inauguration

Cool or anti-green old school? This isn't a debate about the tastiness of seitan, guys - it's fur.

Okay, so you're no John Feldman, hosting lobster liberation parties. But there's something to be said for holding back on the non-PC attire at a very PC event: the 2009 Inauguration.

Spotted wearing fur (via Ecorazzi):

--Lynne Cheney with a fur collar on her coat
--Spike Lee and wife Tonya Lewis
--Steven Spielberg's wife
--Jay-Z (?) but NOT Beyonce - and definitely not Aretha, who has gotten into messes for being her usual fur-clad (but still fabulous) self

NOT wearing fur: Obama, Michelle, the Bidens, Laura Bush - and more than 2 million others. Get it?

Fergie's Latest Project: Eco-Friendly Shoes

Fergie, the fergalicious singer, is working on a new line of eco-friendly shoes. You may have briefly seen them in her HP commercial.

“Working on an eco-friendly style next. Green is the new black, baby.” - Fergie

We're excited to see what she comes up with. We'll keep you posted as we find out more!

These Clothes Are Too Hot

Burning Torch, a vision developed by Karyn Craven, is the hottest line in Los Angeles right now.

"As the logo suggests, Burning Torch's foundation is based on transformation and freedom; the brand, like each of its individual pieces, is built on respect for individuals and their cultures. The collections are driven by a vision that melds vintage, modern, organic and global sentiments. Unique to the company is Craven's commitment to recycling materials and to the idea that the energy of all time and history is in each and every garment."

An interesting tidbit is that the debut collection was made from recycled vintage garments and was bought by Barneys New York in the fall of 1999. Each Burning Torch garment reflects tremendous attention to detail, which has become a signature characteristic of the line.

“My absolute favorite materials to work with for the green collection are recycled materials,” designer Karyn Craven has said. “We take discarded items and transform them into new, extremely beautiful and desirable objects.”

Fred Segal is Branching Out

If you haven't already you should check out Fred Segal's new online store. We here at Edelbio applaud Darrilyn Kaun, owner of Zero Minus Plus, because she has made it her mission to support individual artists, fair trade and eco products. Darrilyn is focused on putting forth the most unique and innovative products into her store.

"Zero Minus Plus is dedicated to giving you the best shopping experience possible. That is why you see the words "A Celebration of hands, hearts and minds." Zero Minus Plus is a conduit between you the consumer with the "mind"fulness to give a gift and the "hands" of the artisans that created your gift, along with the "heart"felt intent of the Zero Minus Plus shopkeepers to help you give the perfect gift."

Replay Organic

Replay Organic is an Italian company that uses pesticide-free cotton and vegetable-tanned leather buttons for their very stylish jeans.

Entourage star Emmanuelle Chriqui has been seen sporting Replay's green jeans.The clothing line also includes, accessories, underwear, footwear, eyewear, jewelry, and watches.

While you're checking out their site, be sure to also check out the Fondazione Claudio Buziol:

"Replay Fast Forward' is an online gallery - a window onto the world of young creativity. Users can take part in the site actively, through the publication of their works and projects in the Gallery. After the registration everyone will have the opportunity to show his/her work without any censorship. The best artists/works selected by Fondazione will have a special visibility."

Suzanne Juul: An Inspiration

Suzanne Juul is a woman to admire. Despite many hardships and tragedies she's encountered in her lifetime she is still fulfilling her dreams.

She began kitting one-of-a-kind ponchos and then took her knitting talent and turned it into a business: Suzanne Juul Designs. She has expanded the business to include swing coats, caplets, sweaters, and the ever-popular and unique eternity shawl.

Juul said, “I want to make clothes that are noticed, that are head-turners that say ‘I’m here.’”

Mary Kate Olsen, Hayden Panettiere, and Eva Longoria are just a few celebs who've been sighted wearing an item from the Juul collection.

Madeline Gadsby

A new organic clothing line has arrived in San Francisco: Madeline Gadsby.

The line was inspired by "a young French school girl who is now all grown up." The clothes are strictly sustainable and all fabrics are organic. Madeline Gadsby is based out of Paris, with an office in San Francisco, and the organic materials are from Istanbul, Turkey.

Be sure to check up on their site...soon they'll have their collections updated as well as purchasing locations.

Eco-Chic Shopping Event

On October 23rd, just about every eco-inclined shopper and green fanatic in the Bay Area will be shopping green fashion items by designers like beacauseatom and Fair Tribe, as well as looking into the wares of mineral makeup vendors, ethical jewelers, natural bath product companies, environmental media groups, vintage clothes sellers, advocacy groups, and more.

It begins promptly at 5p.m. and will only last until 9p.m.! The shopping extravaganza will be held at the Regency Center in San Francisco (1270 Sutter Street @ Van Ness). You should get there early because, the first 300 guests to walk through the doors will receive a reusable gift bag filled with green goodies like eco eye shadow, organic tea, Green Zebra guides, Bloomsberry chocolate, and other treats.

Tickets can be pre-ordered online at the two-for-one price of $15.

Eco Stiletto

Eco Stiletto is a site helping you and everyone to make their carbon foot-print the size of a Manolo Stiletto instead of a ginormous Ugg. The site offers tips and feature articles on green picks in Fashion, Beauty, and Parenting.

EcoStiletto.com was created by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, a writer, producer, and marketing consultant who focuses on sustainable fashion, beauty, lifestyle and parenting.

She co-founded GreenGirlGuide.com in May 2007 and launched EcoStiletto.com in June 2008, retaining archived GreenGirlGuide content.

The Treehouse Green Gifts

The Treehouse Green Gifts recently just celebrated their one year anniversary!

This cute eco-store's mission is "to provide their customers with unique organic, recycled, and handmade gifts while giving back to the community and the environment."

They donate 1% of their sales to an approved environmental cause, and offset carbon emissions through Carbonfund.org. They also feature the work of local crafts people and participate in community events.

COCO ECO

The absolute latest in style-driven eco-fashion has come forth in COCO ECO, the perfect magazine for all of you green fashionistas.

It will launch late this fall. The brains behind this magazine is Anna Griffin. She has been featured and spotted on Ecorazzi as the host of some of their video highlights.

Payless for Eco-Footwear

Summer Rayne Oakes is a woman of many talents. She was recently featured in LUCKY Magazine show casing her eco-friendly choices while shopping.

She is an American-born model, a television host for eco-fashion, an activist, and has been dubbed the "Eco-Model."

There is news that she has secured a partnership with Payless shoes to develop a new line of eco-footwear! The affordable and sustainable collection will be sold in 500 Payless locations starting in April 2009.

Eco Fashion From the Land Down Under

If you've picked up an issue of Lucky Magazine then you may have seen the illustrated skirts and dresses from Gorman's eco collection.

As the magazine mentioned, they aren't available in the US, but your purchase can be shipped to you in about two weeks.

Gorman also offer an entire line of clothing that is strictly organic. The clothes are stylish, trendy, and of course eco-savvy. Here's what EcoChic had to say about it:

"Based in Melbourne, where there are 4 Gorman stores and very much a Melbourne designer Gorman opened a shop in Sydney on Oxford St earlier this year."

Gorman is planning on being carbon neutral by the of 2008, according to Vogue Australia.

Inspired by Design, Comforted by Nature

Are you trying to find more eco-friendly, green-style boutiques to shop at? Well look no further because Beklina is a boutique "inspired by design and comforted by nature."

The boutique is a three-woman family-run operation and we at Edelbio love that. They believe clothing and design can be precious, radical, nurturing, healing and wonderful.

You can find a wide selection and a variety of Earth-friendly women's attire, accessories, and even a few home decor items are offered at Beklina. Lina Loudermilk dresses and Mociun tops are just a few things they have in stock.

ShopLeap at Grasshopper 510

In Chicago there is a boutique that is "eco-concious without a hint of hippie." Have a look for yourself! Grasshopper 510 may not sound like a trendy eco-boutique, but it is indeed.

The name was chosen because grasshoppers symbolize prosperity, wisdom, as well as a leap of faith. The 510 at the end represents the wavelength measurement in nanometers for the color green. The name suggests an environmental movement without being obvious.

They will soon offer online shopping so until then you'll have to make a special trip to Chicago to check them out.

Ashley Watson recyled leather bags, Earthworks Products for Bath & Body, Toby Pomeroy recycled jewelry, and children's gifts from Lilipad Studio and Little Lark, are just a few of the products offered at Grasshopper 510.

Another Influential Woman

Gina La Morte, is Editor-in-Chief of Boho, the founder of the award-winning website TheStyleDoctor.com, and one of the country's most sought-after style gurus. She is the first U.S. stylist to create her own American magazine.

Her expertise on fashion and style has been seen broad casted world wide and viewed by millions on national television shows, including but not limited to ABC's The View, Bravo, and MTV. She has styled celebrities for various clients such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and more.

This fashionista graduated from NYC's Fashion Institute of Technology and studied fashion in the headquarters of fasion i.e. Paris, London and Milan. La Morte has a happy home in New Jersey with her son and husband. When this woman of several talents and tasks isn't working, she can be found at the beach.

Inspiring Woman: Joanna Yarrow

Joanna Yarrow is an eco-entrepreneur, TV presenter, green-lifestyle specialist and also the founder of sustainability company Beyond Green. We've mentioned her briefly before, because she wrote a book on how to be more green.

She lives in a lovely Victorian house in north London with her family, dog - and lots of worms. She admits her biggest hobby is composting, hence the many worms she lives with.

She made the point that it use to be difficult to buy nice things with a good eco-philosophy. However, she has shown that there are now better alternatives. People are able to purchase cushions made of organic alpaca, they can recycle and reuse objects in the house, and they can do it all with good credentials and feel genuinely good about it.

She says that, "Small adaptations to your lifestyle can make such a huge difference." She set up a service to assist people with a green agenda, providing audits, guidance and suppliers' contacts. The service "Bespoke Green"www.beyondgreen.co.uk

A Good Dose of Realitee

If going glam's not your thing, but looking fabulous while being eco-savvy is.... then be sure to look into Realitees. These shirts offered at TopShop are a cute collection of t-shirts made from 100% organic cotton. They come in a variety of shapes and prints including a tieback and ruche detail making the perfect foil for your pretty floral skirts or your favorite pair of shorts.

TopShop also offers a 10% off  year-round discount to students. And keep up with the ever changing trends of fashion with their Style Blog.

Sophie Young's g=9.8 Organic Line Brings Sexy Back

Want to get even more intimate with organic fashion? Sophie Young, a French designer has developed a new line of eco-friendly lingerie and loungewear called g=9.8.

The clothing is manufactured from a fiber originating in the branches of white pine, and for every pine that is used for production, a new one is planted in its place.

The line is "naturally sensual" and produced locally in France. It is sold there primarily, but is slowly making its way into a few retailers in the U.S., Canada, and other parts of Europe.

Young's mission was to create a line of underwear that was respectful of eco-principles, such as minimizing the water consumption in the industrial production, eco-packaging, waste recycling and eco-marketing.

Leave it to the French to make green go sexy.

TOPSHOP Loves Rubbish

Do you have a pair of old jeans that you aren't using anymore? Donate them to TOPSHOP. Topshop has created a variety of eco and fair trade collaborations for several years now. 

Their most recent project with the help of recycling aficionados, Rubbish Magazine, is going to show you that there’s more to going green than simply recycling newspapers and your old jeans. Topshop Wants Your Rubbish week lets you get your hands dirty with a week of reusing and recycling activities.

Dr. Scholls Eco-Savvy sandals

Made with sustainable wood, biodegradable corn-based outsoles, recycled metal buckles and vegetable tanned leather uppers, you can feel good about wearing these classics.

Not only that, but they will plant 10 trees for every pair purchased!

Guess Gets Green

It seems like every big name in fashion these days is tweaking their design strategy to focus more on the green market. We've seen it done at Banana Republic and on the runways of New York Fashion Week.

And now we have another player joining the mix. Guess is bringing sexy back with their completely green clothing line: Guess Green. The line consists of chemical dye-free denim and organic cotton tops for both men and women. Even the price tags on the clothing are made from recycled paper and printed with soy-based ink.

The pieces hit stores this April and retail at $178 for jeans, $29 for a womens tank, and $39 for a mens tee.

While the prices are a bit steep, 10% of the proceeds will benefit the Environmental Media Association, which uses the entertainment industry to spread the word on sustainability.

A Vision of Eco Boutique Goodness

Visionary is an eco-friendly boutique that "is a place where people can come in to learn about green culture as well as be inspired to become a part of the solution." 

They carry cool, unique and eclectic items that aid in creating awareness and appreciation for our planet and all its inhabitants. They carry a variety products, from women’s fashion, jewelry, home accessories, gifts and children’s wear all with an Eco-Chic flair.

"Visionary is a combination of environmental and social consciousness without sacrificing quality or style. But not as simple as being 'organic.' Visionary is Eco-Chic, a sense of style that’s beyond mainstream fashion. It’s a frame of mind and a choice to dress and live for the planet you want."

Check them out online or in West Hollywood.

Leona Lewis Launching Vegan Fashion Line

Leona Lewis is currently best known for her hit single Bleeding Love. But, pretty soon she may be known for something more, well, wearable.

A staunch animal rights supporter, Leona hopes that her vegan fashion line will give fellow vegans more options, much like Portman's line of shoes.

A source tells British magazine Hello:

“She’s always adored animals since she was a little girl and has been a vegetarian since the age of 12. The reason she doesn’t wear diamonds is because she doesn’t know how they have been sourced. It was for this reason that she is determined to set up her own ethical fashion range and sell the goods at high street prices.”

Natalie Portman Launches Vegan Shoe Line

Natalie Portman is an amazing actress and a true activist. She may not be a vegan when it comes to the food she eats, but she definitely makes sure that the clothes she wears are not made from any animal products.

She has launched a line of vegan shoes, saying, "As a vegan, it’s been challenging finding designer shoes made of alternative materials. This collection offers a great selection without compromising quality or style."

Portman’s shoes are available online at TeCasan.com and at the NYC boutique located at 382 West Broadway. Some 5% of profits from her shoe line goes towards charity.

Pick up the Marie Claire UK June issue!

Marie Claire UK's June issue is hot! 

Cate Blanchett is on the cover and in the magazine she discusses green issues, her personal life, and filming the Indiana Jones movie. She is now one of many celebrities who are choosing an "eco chic" lifestyle.

The issue also covers the hottest fashion and beauty buys that are green and gorgeous... as well as a guide to (safely) being a total beach babe.

A 'Simple' Do-It-Yourself

Simple is commited to producing shoes that are 100% sustainable. They strongly believe that 'HOW [they] make their shoes is just as important as WHY they make [their] shoes.' They have 'eco-sneaks' for women, men and children, as well as various styles of bags.

Stitch-It is a do-it-yourself shoe! Here we have the video for you so that you can follow the steps to making yourself or a friend a pair. If you want more DIY projects check out the 'overdue' video, featuring a how-to on making your own bag.

What does "Organic Cotton" Mean for Your Wardrobe?

Knowledge is Power.

Many companies these days are giving us the option of buying clothing made out of "organic cotton." And sure that sounds great. But do you know the intricacies of the label? Organic clothing is made from cotton grown on organic farms. Advocates say that it is better for the environment because it is made without pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers.

Treehugger.com gives it to us straight - saying, "Conventional cotton is one of the most chemically-dependent crops, sucking up 10% of all agricultural chemicals and 25% of insecticides on 3% of our arable land; that's more than any other crop per unit. That adds up to 1/3 of a pound of chemicals to produce enough cotton for a t-shirt, and 3/4 of a pound for a pair of jeans. And that's just not bad for the planet; 20,000 deaths occur each year from pesticide poisoning in developing countries, many of these from cotton farming, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)."

Organic cotton must be certified by a third party organization according to the rules and regulations of what is allowed in the cultivation process. In the U.S., the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has the final say to whether or not a product can be labeled "Organic Cotton."

However, this label applies only to the way the cotton is grown, not the way it is processed. And keep your eyes peeled, because just because a product may use organic cotton, it can also be made with synthetic materials as well. So look for those numbers that will tell you if something is 100% organic or not.

Eco-Razzi Reporting Banana's 'Green' Shirts Are, Well, Not So Much

Eco-Razzi reports on all the latest green gossip. We here at Edelbio have to admit we're addicted and regular readers of the blog.

Recently we posted a blog about Banana Republic's new eco-clothing line. We later noticed that Eco-Razzi had done the same. Heres what they had to say:

"Kicking off Monday with a little fashion news, we received a tip that Banana Republic has a new line of “eco-friendly” clothing that’s taking baby steps towards really being green.

Take for instance their new tank tops labeled as “an eco-friendly staple this season“. They are made from 87% cotton, 8% spandex, and 5% organic cotton. A source has revealed to us that these shirts “come in plastic bags that most of the stores just throw away because they can’t recycle.” Are we seeing here a classic case of greenwashing?

I guess it really depends on how you view their efforts. On one hand, BR is incorporating sustainable materials such as organic cotton, soy silk and bamboo that previously were not purchased for any percentage of their clothing empire. On the other, labeling something ‘eco-friendly’, even though 95% of it is not, seems a bit of a reach. Alessandra Brunialti, Banana Republic’s vice president of design for women, had this to say (via The LA Times): 

“A year ago, when we started this, we were trying to be super pure about it — have everything be completely organic,” she said. “And it was all becoming too much to do at once. Then our mantra became ‘One step at a time.’”

The lesson here is do your homework. If you really want to shop green, make sure you take a look at the labels so that what you’re buying actually makes sense for the planet. Something with 5% organics that comes wrapped in plastic might not make the cut." - Michael

Thanks Michael for the insight.

Banana Republic Goes Green

Banana Republic has hopped on the green wagon in honor of Earth Day this year. They have announced their commitment to "greening" their stores, packaging, and products.

Their stores have all been renovated with energy-saving halogen light bulbs and are trying to use recyclable paper products; they have ultimately reached an energy savings of 41%. Furthermore, the store has recently unveiled a line of Summer 2008 clothing created with completely organic cotton and other sustainable fibers.

And to take the theme just another step further, Banana Republic has decided to donate 1% of all their sales that take place during Earth Week - up to $100,000 - to conserving green city spaces. "This Earth Week initiative is the first step towards Banana Republic's 1 million dollar commitment to The Trust for Public Land. This initiative will strengthen efforts to create new parks and playgrounds for American cities," the company states.

That's an excuse for a shopping spree.

Check Out Gypsy05

GYPSY05 is a high end line of T-shirts for both men and women that have been spotted all over our favorite celebrities. Hayden Panettiere, Lauren Conrad, Christina Aguilera, and Mario Lopez are just a few of the celebrities that are addicted to this unique brand.

GYPSY05 was established three years ago by a brother and sister duo, Osi & Dotan Shoham. The two were born and raised in Israel, and went in their own directions to study elsewhere.

Alyssa Milano in LA Direct for Vegan Fashion

A couple of months ago in LA Direct, Alyssa Milano sported a sexy-chic evening gown designed by eco-fashion rockstar, Dalia. For those that prefer not to wear silk, Dalia offers a whole section of eco-vegan gowns, writes girliegirlarmy.com.

A portion of the price of each gown is donated to Women for Women, which provides women survivors of war, civil strife, and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency.

To order a gown, email Dalia directly at dalia@dalia.biz.