Cyber Monday Eco Fashion Scores

It's "Cyber Monday"!! Take 20% off your FashionEthic.com order of $50 or more with code CYBER20 through Tuesday November 30, 2010.



That means you can get hand-dyed cashmere and party dresses for under $100 each! Shop now at FASHION ETHIC and don't forget the code "CYBER20" at checkout.






And...Check out Edun's online shop for your first pick at their pre-Fall looks for 50% off. The 'Poem' scarf is only $30! Other best bets include:

The organic cotton drapey cardigan, $149

The double-layer organic cotton jersey dress for only $79:


The 'Pete' Bracelet, only $69 (definitely on our wishlist!!)

3rd Annual EcoLavish Fashion Show in Seattle

Veterans Day, November 11, 2010 marks the third annual EcoLavish Fashion Show, showcasing local Seattle designers with an eye toward sustainability. This year, the show will feature looks from Cameron Levin, Vian Hunter, Twice Blushed, and Revival Ink. Tickets are available for presale or at the door. Come out and support eco fashion in Seattle!

WHERE: Herban Feast Sodo Park 3200 1st Ave S.

WHEN: Thursday Nov 11, Doors at 7p Show at 8p

TICKETS: 21 and over. Click HERE.

Kenneth Cole Supporting Gulf Clean Up Efforts

Fashion's godfather of consciousness, Kenneth Cole, has opened a T-shirt shop on Facebook with 100% of net profits going to oil clean up efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.

The shirts feature witty messages reminiscent of Kenneth Cole's famous slogan-oriented advertising, known as "Kennethisms". These phrases include a few Gulf-related comments, such as "I Clean Up Well," as well as well-known Kennethisms like "Today Is Not a Dress Rehearsal". For $35, you choose the color of T (everything from basic black to bright purple), graphic, and slogan. Proceeds go to WEARABLE, The Kenneth Cole Foundation to support the Gulf clean up through July of this year.

What's more "Fashionably Responsible" than designers who put their money where their mouth is?

SHOP for your T-shirt HERE

LEARN more about AWEARNESS HERE

Fashionably Responsible Design: the 111 Navy Chair

Design Within Reach, arbiter of modern style for the home, is now offering the 111 Navy Chair, designed by Emeco in partnership with Coca-Cola. Made from 111 recycled plastic Coke bottles, the 111 Navy Chair is a plastic version of the classic aluminum 1006 Navy® Chair.


Expected to keep 3 million bottles out of landfills each year, the 111 Navy Chair is made in the USA and is available in red, orange, green, white and 2 shades of grey. We'd LOVE to see these in a coffee shop or cafe and hope that more companies will partner to keep raw materials in the loop and out of landfills...especially when they can come up with such stylish solutions.

SHOP for it at Design Within Reach HERE

InSpa Creates a 'Fashionably Responsible' Pedicure

Last week, I was lucky enough to test out a new water-efficient pedicure that will soon be offered at InSpa, a chain of day spas in Washington and California.

Today, about 8 gallons of water are used for the service and sanitation of each traditional 'tub-soak' pedicure. InSpa figures that this adds up to about 2,200 gallons of water a day across their eleven stores, not to mention the fact that chemicals must be used to sanitize tubs after each service. Can you imagine how much water all the spas in America are using each day?

InSpa prides themselves on being innovative and eco-minded, so while looking to reduce their ecological footprint, they started working on a new pedicure that not only eliminates a large consumption of water, but also reduces the risks associated with water-borne bacteria.

So how do they do it? Gone is the huge tub of water for soaking. The new treatment uses steamed towels to wrap your feet and soften the skin. The result is something akin to the hot towel on a first-class flight or a nice blanket straight from the dryer, except your feet are the ones bundled and kept nice and warm, while the steam does it's job. The foot rub and massage are relaxing and indulgent, and the polish at the end is the icing on the cake. I really did prefer the towel method to the traditional foot soak - it seems much cleaner and actually more comfortable since you aren't getting wet.

Kudos to InSpa for this "Fashionably Responsible" update to a traditional service. We hope other spas and nail salons will follow your example and help save one of earth's most precious resources...while still providing a stylish fix.

FOLLOW InSpa on Twitter as @InSpaFriends

VISIT InSpa's Website or Facebook Page

Thanks to Kelly for inviting Fashion Ethic and providing additional information

The Earth Awards Seeks Sustainable Innovations

There are just a few more days to get your entry in for The Earth Awards 2010. With a selection committee made up of innovators like Richard Branson, Graydon Carter, Jane Goodall, Philippe Starck, and Diane von Furstenberg, The Earth Awards showcase innovative and SUSTAINABLE design in six categories: Fashion, Products, Systems, Built Environment, Future, and Social Justice.

Entries are judged based on their sustainability factor. They must be Ecological, Original, Measurable, Achievable, Useful, and Scalable. Last year, FAB.REcology by Neri Oxman took the grand prize. These organic forms adjust to their environment, as seen in this fantastic video.

Submissions are welcome through May 10, 2010 and the Awards gala is set for September 16th in London, along with a fabulous exhibition of sustainable design and a Sustainable Business Conference.

LEARN MORE about The Earth Awards at their website

SUBMIT your product or company online

C&C California Brings on the Hemp

First they created a fabulous line of organic cotton tees. Now C&C California brings us a line of eco-friendly hemp tees and dresses.

Do we love the fact that the colors come in shades named "Peyote" "Roadie" and "Trip"? ...Well, no, not so much. It's a little hippie-dippie, frankly. But the styles do include timeless basics like the racerback tank, classic cardigan, and the shortsleeve tee dress, all in a hemp/cotton blend and made in the USA. And since there's no denying that every small step in making sustainable fabrics more mainstream and affordable has a huge impact, kudos to C&C for promoting hemp blends.

SHOP the C&C California Hemp Collection ONLINE

Toms Encourages No Shoes Day April 8th

April 8th has been declared One Day Without Shoes by TOMS, the company that for every pair of shoes purchased, delivers another pair to kids in need.

Check out the website for ideas on no-shoes events near you or pledge your support and be entered in a drawing to win a spot on a TOMS shoe drop. Now that would be a pretty cool experience.

Here's a bit of a video for you to check out - straight from the site...



VISIT the "One Day Without Shoes" website HERE

Support "Stilettos and Spurs" as Fashion First Raises Funds for Rise N Shine

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 marks the western-themed BIG BAIL OUT, benefiting Rise'N Shine. Fashion Ethic founder, Candice Caldwell, will be on board to raise money with the Fashion First team ("Stilettos and Spurs") in support of the mentors, support groups, and summer camps Rise 'N Shine provides to local children living and dealing with HIV/AIDS.

The Fashion First team will be behind bars this Weds night as they attempt to raise $1600 to send a child to camp this summer. You can help! Donate to this great cause, the beneficiary of Fashion First's 7th Annual event this September. It's simple:

Visit the Rise 'N Shine donation site
Choose your donation level: $25, $50, $100, $200, $500, or other
Enter your credit card and contact info
List Candice as your Outlaw, on the Fashion First team (or, “Stilettos and Spurs”)
Submit!

THANK YOU for supporting a fantastic cause that is making a difference in the lives of children battling and dealing with this terrible disease.

Helping in Haiti - A message from Sustainable Kids

We received this message from one our favorite vendors, Sustainable Kids. They have an ongoing relationship with an orphanage in Haiti and have some great resources if you are looking to help the dire situation in this beautiful country. The email reads:

To our friends who want to be able to help in this time of need.

RESCUE WORK- our partner organization will be assisting monetarily through established relief organizations in the area during the first week or two when things are critical from a medical standpoint. 100% of any funds donated go directly to relief and rescue work.
You can make any financial donation, even as small as $25 directly through our partner organization: www.opendoorhaiti.com
Or you can send a check of any amount, to their address below.

SUPPLIES & DONATIONS - the needs for basic items are vast, and only worsened in wake of this disaster.
You can send items directly to Open Door Haiti US for immediate disbursement to those in need.
Most needed: Shoes, First Aid supplies, Personal care items, Vitamins and Clothing.
Send directly to: Open Door Haiti/U.S. 5070 Orange Blvd. Sanford, FL. 32771

Thank you for your support in this time of crisis.
- Sustainable Kids

READ about the poverty situation in Haiti well before the earthquake in our April 2008 blog post

SHOP Sustainable Kids at FashionEthic.com- pick up a cute organic cotton top or pant for your child, and receive a postage-paid box to ship a toy, toiletry, or apparel directly to an orphanage in Haiti

Image Credit: Daily Mail (UK)

FREE Shipping Day TODAY!

Fashion Ethic has joined online retailers like Beauty.com, C&C California, Tory Burch, and Origins, along with fellow independent boutiques like our friends at Magellan's Toy Shop in the Free Shipping Day today, December 17th.

For one day only, hundreds of online retailers have rallied to offer a day of free shipping AND delivery by December 24th. Most have specific terms and codes listed at FreeShippingDay.com.

At Fashion Ethic, just enter the code "FREESHIPDAY" at checkout to receive free US shipping on your order placed today. This code is not valid with any other code.

SHOP Fashion Ethic for "Fashionably Responsible" Wardrobe and Work styles today

CHECK OUT other retailers with Free Shipping Day offers at the official website.

BAGGU Bags Make the Season Bright

We adore BAGGU Bags. They are so much more than just reusable shopping bags!

Perfect stocking stuffers, these bags fold into a small pouch and come in all lovely colors of the rainbow. We've given them as gifts to teachers, speakers at events, even the mail carrier, and they never cease to "wow". Mini-Fashion Ethic's teacher from two years ago still raves about what a great gift hers was :)

And they aren't only a "keeps on giving" type of gift - check out the video below to find out how you can use BAGGUs to give before they get by wrapping presents with BAGGUs. And then hit up the shop to grab your own before they sell out (we always do this time of year!)



Still not persuaded? How about the fact that they've been featured in InStyle, Daily Candy, Lucky, and TeenVogue, among other style bibles. Plus, BAGGU was founded by a mother-daughter team with the purpose of doing good.

SHOP for BAGGU Bags, starting at just $8 at FashionEthic.com

Celebrate Thanksgiving ~ Save 25% or 50% at FashionEthic.com

Happy Thanksgiving to all you lovely "Fashionably Responsible" readers and shoppers out there!

This year, to make your weekend a bit brighter, Fashion Ethic is pleased to offer TWO stellar discount codes, valid Thanksgiving Thursday thru Monday November 30th.


Use code "MAKEITMINE" to turn any regular-priced purchases into Final Sale merchandise and take 50% off. (Final Sale means returns cannot be accepted, while size exchanges may still be possible, depending on stock.)

OR

Enter code "THANKS25" to receive 25% off your order of $50 or more, sitewide (including newly-discounted Final Sale items!). Only one code may be used, per order; choose wisely!


So sit back and relax, we've got your ethical apparel for the holidays, as well as great gifts for the girlfriends, the kids, mom, and the Mr. You'll be supporting Independent designers who are making 'Fashionably Responsible' choices and saving a trip to the mall. It's just our way of saying "Thanks" for supporting ethical business and fashion!

GET SHOPPING

Photo Credit: The Associated Press ...inspired by Mini-FashionEthic's decision to 'save the turkeys' - she'll be pardoning them every day from now on :)

Vote for the Next ONE Campaign T-Shirt

The ONE Campaign against Poverty recently received over 500 submissions when they asked for new T-shirt designs. The judges have chosen the top three and it's time for you to vote for your favorite!


ONE is a grassroots campaign cofounded by DATA founders Bono, Bob Geldof, Bobby Shriver, Jamie Drummond and Lucy Matthew. The campaign is backed by over 2 million people like you and me who have added their voice to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.

The ONE T-shirt is just one of the tools used to raise awareness about the campaign and its issues. To educate yourself on the challenges - and the triumphs - in the fight against poverty and preventable disease, take some time after voting to explore the ONE website.

Best of all, after you vote, you'll receive a coupon for 15% off your next purchase in the ONE Store.

VOTE for your favorite ONE Tshirt Design before November 15th HERE

READ the ONE Campaign blog post about the contest

Sneak Peek! Our Picks from the 2009 Goodwill Glitter Sale

Truly "Fashionably Responsible"(tm) shoppers know - vintage and gently used clothing isn't just sustainable, it can also be truly chic.

Last night, we had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the vast room that houses Seattle Goodwill's amazing Glitter Sale, set to open Saturday November 14th at 9am. Racks upon racks of vintage, designer, and premium label dresses, coats, hats, shoes, and jewelry beckon you in to the very large space where the sale is set.

^The formalwear offering is formidable - this is just one aisle, all arranged by color

^And the shoe selection is sure to set your heart aflutter. Here, just the pinks and reds!

Here, for your style pleasure, are some of Fashion Ethic's favorite picks from the immense offering. (Please excuse the blurry cell phone pics!)

^Pretty pale pink tulle gown and a yellow sparkler from the 50's

^A gorgeous purple feathered cloche. Vintage, of course!

^A tres Francaise look that can be yours for pennies on the dollar (or Euro)

But the highlight of highlights was hanging on a rack up front: an exquisitely designed frock with deco details (note the insouciant tassle hanging down the back). Paperwork attached to the dress gives information on its provenance and who wore it - a vintage collector's dream come true! And an absolute STEAL at just $24.99. Can you imagine?!

^My sidekick for the night, Sara from SPUN checking out the serious early-2oth-century design

Wondering what prices are like? Here's a sample of what we saw:
$99.99 for an amazing long skirt from Karl Lagerfeld (circa 1990's)
$29.99 for Michael Kors black studded pumps
$9.99, $24.99, and $49.99 for sequined dresses
$4.99 for an epic hair clip

I mean, where else can you find a rhinestone-trimmed captain's hat and a vintage piece like this all for under $50? I believe fellow vintage-adorer Rachel Zoe would agree when I tell you, it's bananas!

^Sara from SPUN ready for women's suffrage! ;)

Betsy McFeely from Goodwill and Tracy Schneider (aka @GlitterSale_Gal on Twitter) were our hostesses last night and you can tell they love their job.

And what a job it is! Tracy made sure we didn't miss the vintage Courreges, Cassini, and an amazing 3 piece maribou ensemble by Mr. Blackwell. She's been tracking her favorites over at the Glitter Sale Blog. Apparently nearly 200 volunteers help make this sale possible; "as you might imagine, it’s quite an undertaking!" says Tracy. I for one appreciate the display by color, and the "Purple 'Red Hats' Clothes" rack made me smile. These ladies know their customer base, no matter what the age!

But it gets better! All proceeds from the sale go to Goodwill programs. Betsy says,

“Last year, Seattle Goodwill’s job training and education programs served more than 2,700 people in the community. Because of the economy, more people than ever are coming to Goodwill. We’re seeing a greater demand in service, both from people who are unemployed and looking for work, as well as from people who are afraid they may lose their job and want to improve their skills.”

So do your part! Hit the sale this weekend and don't forget to let us know what you find. There are many pearls to be had in this treasure trove!


READ our blog post with details on the 2009 Goodwill Glitter Sale

GET the tips and tricks on how to shop the Glitter Sale from @GlitterSale_Gal herself!

CHECK out what fellow fashion bloggers picked as faves!
@ufntarah Tarah at Urban Fashion Network
@SimchaBabe Charl at Your Mother Wears Combat Boots

All That Glitters: How Goodwill's Glitter Sale can be your Goldmine

Atten-hut! Soldiers of the style army, unite this weekend at the Seattle Goodwill GLITTER SALE, the amazing formalwear and vintage apparel, accessories, and jewelry sale - where pieces are rare and prices are astoundingly low.

For 26 years, the Seattle Goodwill has been showcasing the 'best of the best' from their donation bins in a no-holds-barred, all-out style bonanza: the famous Glitter Sale. This isn't just a goldmine of vintage and barely-worn designer and formal wear, it's also a goldmine for the community.

Goodwill Industries is best known for their free job training and education programs in the community. Last year, they helped more than 2,200 people get the skills they need to prepare for work. Your donations and purchases at the network of Goodwill thrift stores and the Glitter Sale will support their continued efforts in our community.

Last week, the Glitter Sale 'buzz' kicked off in style at the 2nd Annual Glitter Gala at the downtown Sheraton hotel. This event is a favorite around town, as it is the first chance to see some of the merchandise that will be for sale this weekend. We caught up with Darnell Sue, co-founder of Girl Power Hour and this year's Glitter Gala MC. She raved about the fashion show put on by local Art Institute students and said, "There were several pieces I had my eye on...I was delighted to see so many guests dressed in their best and everyone seemed to be having a fabulous time."

Last night, we had the opportunity to gain our own sneak peek at items set for this weekend's sale. Check out the next post to see some specific eye-catchers!

WHERE: Seattle Goodwill's Dearborn Street Store 1400 South Lane St.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday Nove 14 and 15, 9:00am to 6pm

ADMISSION: FREE *all sale proceeds benefit Goodwill's programs

ENJOY Insider access at the official Glitter Sale Blog

FOLLOW the action live via Twitter @GlitterSale_Gal

REVIEW our coverage of 2008's Glitter Sale HERE and the Glitter Gala HERE

Blog Action Day 09: Climate Change

Today marks Blog Action Day 2009, when blogs around the world highlight an important global topic. This year the focus is Climate Change. If you're a regular reader or shopper at Fashion Ethic, then you know the skinny: Experts believe that the human impact on the planet earth extends to the increase in global warming, and not in a good way.

Now is the time for us to act and innovate before we travel too far down the path of no return.

So what can one person do? Beyond reduce, reuse, recycle, today is the day to get VOCAL. The most vital thing you can do right now is TELL someone about climate change, not least of which includes asking the US Government to address the issue. The Blog Action Day website has an easy click-and-sign page that then allows you to spread the word to your Facebook and Twitter friends.

Problem-solving is best achieved through dialogue and dialogue can't happen when you don't speak up! So tell a friend, tell a colleague, or tell a family member that climate change is an important issue.

TAKE Action and Sign the Petition to ask President Obama to put the US at the forefront of climate change leadership in Copenhagen this December.

Fashionably Responsible and Lavishly Eco

Last night was Seattle's 2nd Annual Eco Lavish fashion show, conceived by Courtney Russell and her Half Past Lavish event production team. The show was held at Georgetown Studios, in a great space that was sparsely and stylishly decked out in white and set aglow by hot pink lighting.

The fashion show featured four local designers with diverse offerings. Renee Corrick's Six Degrees collection opened the show with well tailored cocktail dressing in modern shapes and sustainable hemp/silk blends. Deco Modiste showed vintagey-looks employing reworked fabrics, and Texture Clothing offered up casual knits.

The much-anticipated finale was Lizzie Parker's collection of bespoke holiday dresses for 2009. In her typical pulling-no-punches style, Lizzie showed dresses in various lengths and shapes to suit women of all ages and body types, as well as all confidence levels. The show ended with a flourish as a model wearing a subtley tie-dyed gown topped with a dramatically-hooded cropped hemp silk capelet walked the runway with 'shop dog' Angus. Employing eco fabrics like hemp silk, organic cotton, and her signature bamboo jersey, the bespoke collection marks the first time Parker has delved into remnants, including a dazzling beaded mesh and some sequin trim. Now you can have your glimmer and eco, too!

Each dress will be available in the designer's Eco Atelier in Issaquah's Gilman Village this season, made-to-order in your choice of materials and color. Love the bubble-skirted grommet-back cocktail dress, but prefer the bodice in a color other than purple? Your wish is her command. This bespoke approach marks a return to the days of fashion yore; an approach that helps reduce waste while ultimately creating greater connections between designer and customer.

And what could be more Fashionably Responsible(tm) than that?

Photos and Video SOON. In the meantime...
Check Out some other fashion blogger reviews of Eco Lavish:

@vuesociety Rachel Kim at VueSociety
@ufntarah Tarah Prater Perini at Urban Fashion Network
@youa Youa Kong at Urban Fashion Network
Cameron Levin, special to Seattlest

Fashion Ethic and Lizzie Parker Team Up for a Sidewalk Sale!

That's right - we're teaming up with Lizzie and bringing the Fashion Ethic experience offline and into the real world...and having a SALE to boot!

THIS WEEKEND, August 8 and 9, stop by and shop us at Lizzie Parker's Eco Atelier in historic Gilman Village during the shopping mecca's annual SIDEWALK SALE.

Meet Candice, meet Lizzie, meet Angus, the shop dog, and hit the sale racks as we clear out summer pieces and discount pre-fall looks!

Best of all, Gilman Village is home to dozens of great independent, local retailers and restraunteurs, and all will have a sale on. Come down and support local small businesses and find a new favorite shop! (Check out some of our faves: Daisy Boutique, Creighton Edward Home, The Iris Grill, and White Horse Toys for the kiddos)

Saturday, August 8th 10a-6p
Sunday, August 9th 11a-5pm

How to Get There: Take I-90 to Issaquah, and find Gilman Blvd. Lizzie's shop is Suite 41, next to Grimaldi's Coffee, off the Juniper St. parking lot

Review is in: Leanne Marshall Project Runway Collection

Now that the complete Leanne Marshall Project Runway collection has been made available on Bluefly, we can share more specifics on the manufacturing and textile composition. Happily, the line has been manufactured in the USA, which is a huge plus.

However, the tencel/rayon blends with silk lining are Dry Clean only and not as eco-friendly as a bamboo/organic cotton blend, which many lines (including Sublet and Ryann) use successfully for a beautiful drape. As for the pieces, other than the gorgeous (and not-realy-eco) blue gown we showed you yesterday, the standout of the bunch would have to be the 100% bamboo jacket (above). It is machine wash and styled to be worn in different ways, but we really wish it was done in a bold color in addition to basic khaki.

Check out another review and see what the fabulous Green Grechen had to say about the Leanne Marshall line. Her honesty is always refreshing.