Knit-picky: with love from the Andes!

Published by Celestyna Brozek on December 25, 2009

The companies featured today are absolutely amazing – their product is exquisite, but so is their commitment to preserving traditional methods and materials. Every piece is so unique and special it makes me want to stop what I’m doing and jump on a plane to start a llama farm in the Andes, stat. Don’t think I don’t mean it.

What I Want For Christmas: Crossley

Published by Celestyna Brozek on December 21, 2009

It’s Italian, so why am I surprised? But it’s so beautiful and so innovative too! For this collection, the designer took denim and recycled the fiber into jersey for their BEE YOU TEE Full garments.
How can I not swoon when the first line on their about page is: The Crossley line for 2009 relies on total environmental respect?

The Semantics of Sustainability

Published by Vanessa Brunner on December 21, 2009

What does the word sustainability mean to you?
It’s relatively straightforward, according to Merriam Webster. But when you apply that term to a certain industry or facet of your life, this simple definition can twist and turn.

It’s like Google but it’s Merino!

Published by Celestyna Brozek on December 18, 2009

Okay, seriously? You know those couples/families that make you want to gag because they are so perfectadorable? There are companies like that, too. We all know about Google with its gaggle of employee perks.
So I just found another perfect corporate fam — only this one happens to make the most luscious merino active-wear EVAR. A quick poke around the impressively well-designed website reveals gestures so thoughtful and cute it makes you all teary-eyed. Of course they all go on group hikes together. Gag (but secretly I’m SO jealous!).

An Upcycled Christmas

Published by Vanessa Brunner on December 17, 2009

Last night my boyfriend made me watch”National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” For the hundredth time…
One of my favorite characters is Clark’s kooky Aunt Bethany. The poor old lady has clearly lost her marbles–but she’s still fabulous. Not only does she still dress well, but she’s got the green gift giving down. Granted, I wouldn’t recommend wrapping your cat up in a box, but the upcycling gifts is definitely relevant. There’s a ton of great tips out there, but here’s what I’m planning on giving this Christmas.

Mon vice c’est le reve.

Published by Celestyna Brozek on December 14, 2009

There is an online showroom I trust unequivocally. If they say a designer is hot, I say, I’m burnin’ up. So when this adorable Parisian trio caught my eye on their site, I hopped right on over and found the cutest, most wearable little tops and tunics, all manufactured in small fair trade cooperatives in Mumbai from organic natural fibers.

Will Slow and Steady Fashion Win This Race?

Published by Vanessa Brunner on December 14, 2009

There’s always been a general belief that EcoFashion should be Slow Fashion. Stemming from the ideas of the Slow Movement, these incredibly complicated terms and beliefs have come to be stated into two overly simple ideas: Slow Fashion= Good, Fast Fashion = Bad. But can two complex ideas really be turned into something so black and white?

Degradable Design

Published by Celestyna Brozek on December 11, 2009

Sometimes, you just get bored of your closet. The classics aren’t cutting it today. You feel footloose and fancy free. Out with the old, in with the new! Fashion is about the latest and greatest! Shopping shouldn’t be till death do us part!

Well, there are plenty of earth friendly ways to get rid of clothing that has outworn (no pun intended) its welcome. Have a clothing swap with friends, donate to a thrift store, OR…… You can buy clothing that is INTENDED to deteriorate over time.

Can Upcycling Go Too Far?

Published by Vanessa Brunner on December 07, 2009

With the increased popularity of upcycling, recycling, reusing, and restoring, it’s no surprise that the craft, cottage, and DIY industries have quickly risen to the top of the market.
However, there is a dark side to the craft world, which over-eager crafties can quickly turn to.

A Different Type Of Scandinavian Style

Published by Vanessa Brunner on December 04, 2009

Leila Hafzi first presented her ideas to the world at a show in Stavanger, Norway, in 1997. Inspired by the hand work done by women’s groups during a trip to Nepal, Hafzi’s designs take root in the very country that inspired her so much. Among the first to break into the EcoFashion world, Hafzi introduced the idea of an eco-clothing line to the high end fashion industry. Over the past decade, Hafzi has worked hard to create a network that represents the very best Nepal has to offer in tailoring and fabrics–and refashioning them into innovative and groundbreaking designs.

The Essence of Balance

Published by Vanessa Brunner on December 02, 2009

Founded in 2007 by Jenny Pao, a Holistic Healing Practitioner who specializes in Flower Essence Therapy, Nectar Essences was borne out of Pao’s custom formulas for her clients, meant to create emotional and mental balance. For Pao, health and “wellness” begins with a balance of they body and the mind–emotions and health are so closely intertwined. Flower essences and aromatheraphy really help harmonize the two.

Treading Lightly: Our Top 10 Picks for Green Feet!

Published by Celestyna Brozek on December 02, 2009

Good news, everyone:

There are some tres hot, sustainable (and dare I say semi-affordable) shoes out there!

What does sustainable mean when it comes to footwear, though?

Clothing That Sustains The Soul

Published by Celestyna Brozek on November 30, 2009

Way back when we had three or so outfits. One to wear until it was filthy, one to wear while the filthy one was washed, and our Sunday best. Clothes were investments, not disposable commodities that we picked up on a weekly basis and disposed of on a seasonal one.
Maybe fashion is not the right word. Fashion implies something that will soon be demode, something fleeting.
Maybe that’s not what fashion should be. Maybe it should be something timeless and powerful. Something that evolves with you, not something that you outgrow

“LUSH-ious” Living

Published by elizabethhall on November 30, 2009

If you had told me two months ago to go ahead and throw lemon juice, yogurt, and avocado in a blender and then proceed to have me put in on my face, I would have said you were crazy. But for some reason LUSH made me want to do it. Ever since I have discovered their fabulous little store on San Francisco’s Powell Street, I have become addicted to shopping their amazing assortments of affordable organic and vegan beauty products.

Zero Waste

Published by Vanessa Brunner on November 23, 2009

This bag is the essence of minimalism–and really encompasses how sustainability can be best achieved through simplicity, rather than complexity.

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Reclaimed Riches

Published by Vanessa Brunner on November 20, 2009

I’ve been really into upcycled jewelry lately–and Etsy has been an excellent source of vintage, eco-finds. (I actually might do all my shopping on Etsy, and I encourage you to do the same! It makes it so easy to do all your shopping in one place AND be eco-friendly!) I think they’re perfect gifts for mothers, sisters, best friends, aunts, nieces, cousins..what have you!

Kick Some Bootie

Published by Vanessa Brunner on November 20, 2009

I don’t know about anyone else…but I was really hesitant about the bootie trend for a while. I thought the idea of ankle boots seemed absolutely ridiculous.
But, after a good six months of ridicule, the ankle boot has won me over–and I’m officially obsessed.

Go Green to Get Green!

Published by elizabethhall on November 18, 2009

In times like these where cash flow may not necessarily run as abundantly as before, it’s a sure bet that (almost) any means of coming up with some spare change is not out of the question! Here’s a thought to chew on- the concept of getting green for going green. Plato’s Closet is a chain of stores that brings new options to recycling used clothing. Started by the same team who opened Play It Again Sports, the store is based off the concept that customers receive cash for the clothing they recycle

Going Green Has Never Tasted So Sweet!

Published by elizabethhall on November 12, 2009

Just when you thought you couldn’t get any more out of your Snicker’s candy bar besides a wonderful night of gluttony at the movies, think again! Candy wrappers, soda cans, and old tires are the new fur and leather of hand bags…and it only gets greener. Ecoist has learned to combine fashion and ingenuity to bring us a line of handbags constructed completely out of candy wrappers, tire rubber, food packaging, and other materials that would otherwise be tossed into our local landfills

New Faces at Green By Design!

Published by Vanessa Brunner on November 12, 2009

Green By Design wants to welcome two new writers to our staff! Elizabeth Hall and Celestyna Brozek are two incredibly talented women with a passion for fashion–and a love for all things green! Both students at FIDM in San Francisco, Elizabeth and Celestyna will be bringing their fabulous insights and knowledge to the Green By Design blog. Keep an eye out for their new posts!