Thrift - The Cheapest Way to Sustainability

Let's face it - Things cost a lot these days. It seems that we just work to pay the bills with not much left over. When we do start making more, we seem to spend more as well. The cycle never ends. I try to stay within a budget for everything, but it can be difficult when most organic products and food cost so much more than conventional.

I am not ashamed to tell you that the bulk of my closet is actually from thrift or consignment stores. Yes, I am a "second hand Rose". I buy used clothing. I have my favorite pieces that may or may not be purchased new. I have found many great items for $10 or less, unheard of in the world of organic clothing. Sustainable isn't just about organic, it is about where the item comes from, what it is made out of, and if it has a second life. In the case of thrift, I check what the items are made out of as well as if they are still trendy. But for me, they do not need to be organic if I am buying second hand. I am giving an item new life, and not supporting the company that made the item. I am supporting a business that reuses, repurposes, and recycles. That is green in my book. Plus, I spend a fraction of the cost of new organic goods. Don't get me wrong, many times the new organic clothing is worth the price, I just can't always pay that price. So before you go buy that new organic sweater you have been eyeing, go to the local thrift or consignment store to see what you can find first. You may be surprised! You can find used clothing at:

Garage Sales
Estate Sales
Flea Markets
Antique Shops
Consignment Stores
Thrift Stores
Online Thrift Stores
Ebay

Did I miss any?

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimcorealty/9558199036/">Kimco Realty</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

Sustainable Clothing Resources for Men

I once had a friend ask me if I knew of any men's organic clothing resources, but at that time I knew of only a handful of companies that offered them. I am happy to say that times have changed, and there are many more resources out there. Living an Eco conscious life is now more than just a fad - it is a realization and priority for many of us, men and women alike. More and more designers are incorporating their values into their designs and creating trendy, sustainable clothing. More and more companies are carrying Eco-friendly goods. This is all great news for those of us who put our values behind our spending. Below are some sustainable manufacturers that make organic men's clothing, many of which you can order from directly.

M, R = Manufacturer and Retailer
M = Manufacturer only




United States

Adayak (M, R): hoodies, tees, tanks, shirts

bgreen apparel (M, R): underwear, long johns, tees, shirts, active pants, hoodie, sweatshirt

Cash Crop Clothing (M, R): tees, shirts, jackets, sweaters, coats

Earth Creations (M, R): tees

econscious (M, R): tees, hoodies, caps, beanie

Esperanza Threads (M, R): bathrobe, pajama, hoodie, sweatshirt, sweatpants

Fair Indigo (M, R): sweaters, tees, pajamas, socks, accessories

Fed By Threads (M, R): sweater, hoodie, henley, tees

ggo Clothing (M, R): tanks, tees, shorts, hoodies, jackets, shirts

Gramicci (M, R): shirts, jackets, pants, beanies, scarves, shorts, long johns

Green Label Organic (M, R): tees, thermals

Indigenous Designs (M, R): shirts, sweaters

Intertwined Designs (M, R): tees, shirts, shorts, hoodie

Lila Organics (M, R): active short, tee, and pant

Mama's Earth (M, R): tees, pajamas, robes, socks

Nau (M, R): shirts, pants, jackets, coats, blazers, underwear

Of the Earth (M): tees, hoodies, shirts, pants
No retailer locator. Available at: http://www.faeriesdance.com/shirts-sweaters-c-25_5_6.html, http://www.naturewearorganics.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=9,

Prancing Leopard (M, R): pant, tee, short, scarf, beanie

Rawganique (M, R): tees, shirts, tanks, underwear, thermals, pajamas, hoodies, sweatpants, jackets, sweaters, shorts, jeans, overalls, pants

International 

ARMEDANGELS (M, R, Germany): pants, jeans, shirts, hoodies, tees, winter hats, winter scarves, sweaters, undergarments, socks, belts

Frank & Faith (M, R, UK): trousers, shirts, tees, sweatshirts, boxers, shorts, socks, accessories such as watches, sunglasses, and belts

Hemp Hoodlamb (M, R, Netherlands): jackets, hoodies, tees, accessories, sweatpants

Howies (M, R, UK): tees, jeans, coats, base layers, sweaters, pants, boxers

Ideo (M, R, France):  tees, shirts, jackets, jeans, trousers, scarves, shorts

InKlein (M, R, Canada): sweaters, scarves, beanies

Kuyichi (M, R, Netherlands): jeans, tees, shirts, sweaters

PACT (M, R, France): undergarments, long johns, sock

Marzipants (M, R, India): fisherman trousers with matching bags

Mongrel (M, R, UK): tees

Monkee Jeans (M, UK): jeans

Nordic Naturals (M, R, Canada): shirts, tees, tanks, long johns, socks, hoods

OÖM Ethikwear (M, R, Canada): polos, tees, shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, shorts

Rapanui (M, R, UK): tees, shirts, sweatshirts, polos, socks

Thieves (M, R, Canada): pants, jackets, shirts, tees, tanks

THTC (M, R, UK): tees, sweaters, polos, hoodies

Untouched World (M, R, New Zealand): tees, polos, sweaters, shirts, shorts, jeans, jackets, accessories, cycling apparel

VonWinckelmann (M, Netherlands): shirts, pants, sweaters, blazers, ties, tees, shorts

Wear Chemistry (M, R, UK): tees

Please keep in mind that just because a manufacturer is in another country, doesn't mean that it is not available in the US. You can search their site's retailer locator to find if they have a retailer near you. If you know of any other resources, please let me know and I will look into adding it to the list!

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abeslice/6112751757/">Ryan Abel</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>

Need resources? Check out EcoSites.org!

Earth911

Working on an article, but wanted to share one of my favorite earth friendly sites with you - Earth911

You will relish in the plethora of eco-friendly tips and content!

Logo courtesy of Earth911

Eco Fashion World

Logo courtesy of  ecofashionworld

Eco Fashion World is an online resource for sustainable designer brands and online Eco fashion stores. Their Eco Fashion Guide is very easy to use, and offers the ability to search by brand, store, category, Eco criteria, and country. The site also offers articles, designer profiles, store profiles, a deals page, and links to organizations that support sustainable industry.

The contributors are all educated and experienced professionals with a passion for sustainability in the fashion industry. The Owner and Editor-In-Chief of efw, Magaly Fuentes-Sagan, is also owner of the online women's ethical clothing boutique, Pashen Collection. I always want to point out what it is like to contact companies, and it was a pleasure speaking to Magaly. She is very gracious and accommodating!

Bravo to Eco Fashion World for helping to spread the word about sustainable fashion! 

Photo by Becky Prada of Secret Garden Photography

You can visit them at:

www.ecofashionworld.com

www.facebook.com/ecofashionworld
www.twitter.com/ecofashionworld

Spotlight on PACT

Logo Courtesy of PACT

I came across PACT during my online search for sustainable clothing resources, and was immediately drawn to the site by the advertisement photo: Two young people with long underwear on, having a good time. If you know me, you know that I love comfort, and I love organic clothing. I also love fun, which I tend to get plenty of with two little kids at home! I love that feeling of comfort and warmth when that chilly nip is in the air. PACT offers under-clothing basics that you can feel good in, and good about wearing!

PACT statement: 
"PACT is a movement disguised as a clothing company. We are obsessed with a big idea: clothes that make the world a better place."

What makes PACT special? 
PACT isn't just about making a profit. "Each season, PACT designs a new collection of clothing inspired by someone doing something good: whether it’s about clean water, sustainable food, or affordable housing..." They source their organic cotton from family run farms, and uphold fair trade practices. Their socks are made with 100% Wind Energy, and even their packaging is eco-friendly. You have to love a company with values behind its products.

Offerings:  Everyday essentials such as socks and undergarments

Womens: T shirts, long johns, camis, undergarments, tights, leggings, and socks

Mens: T shirts, long johns, undergarments, and socks

Child: None

Baby: Beanies, socks, bodysuits

Materials: GOTS certified organic cotton, organic cotton blends, linen blends

Made in: Turkey

Below are two of my favorites from their site which I have recently ordered, and hope to receive soon!

Women's Over-the-Knee Slouchy Sock in beige
Photo courtesy of PACT

Men's Fair Isle Long Johns
Photo Courtesy of PACT

I absolutely love their Fair Isle print which is available in long johns, camis, socks, tights, undies, and baby beanies.

I decided to write about this company early on in my blog, as fall is here and the winter season will soon be upon us. PACT offers some very fun long johns, tights, and socks to make those fall and winter days and nights a little bit warmer. I could just see myself snuggling up by the fire with a pair of those long johns on! They would also make a welcome and fun gift for the holidays.

You can visit PACT at:

www.wearpact.com

www.facebook.com/wearPACT

What is in My Closet? My Favorite Eco-friendly Clothing Brands

I have a couple of brands that I tend to stick to, mainly because the prices are reasonable and they offer active clothing. As someone who likes to go from workout to computer to pick up the kids at school, I appreciate the ability to transition throughout my day in the same outfit! This does not mean that there are no other brands out there that I love, and I will feature many more brands in articles to come. The top three brands you will find in my closet unfortunately only offer women's clothing, besides Gaiam which has a very small mens section.

Blue Canoe Organic
Clothing you can wear all day, every day.

Offerings: Women's active wear and casual wear

Materials: Organic cotton and Bamboo Rayon

Made in: San Francisco, USA

My fave from Blue Canoe (now discontinued):

I love this dress! The fabrics are soft and flowing, and it drapes very well.

Their clothing can transition from studio, to work, to home. 

Although I love some of their clothing, I find that I have to pick through their offerings, as they are not all my style. I also don't care for their newer color selections. I tend to stick with a black/white/gray palette. I do love their yoga pants with the fold over waist option - this helps to hide the "mommy pouch" that I have after 3 kids!

Gaiam
"We bring you eco-friendly, organic products and healthy living solutions to help you live your best life."

Offerings: Women's active wear and casual wear, sleepwear, footwear, accessories, and a very small offering of mens active wear

Materials: Organic Cotton, Bamboo Rayon , Silk, Upcycled Acrylic and Polyester

Made in: USA and elsewhere (fair trade)

My fave from Gaiam (now discontinued):

I love Gaiam clothing for the luxurious feel and comfort of the clothing , and for the design offerings. I like the color palette, and styling is sophisticated yet casual. To the left is my favorite fall and winter cardigan, but for summer I like this lightweight wrap below:

Aventura
"AventuraClothing.com is helping the Earth... One garment at a time with organic and eco-friendly clothing desined for women."

Offerings: Womens casual clothing, Accessories

Materials: Organic cotton, Spandex, Viscose/Modal, Nylon, 

Made in: USA

My fave from Aventura: 

This Ella shirt is still available on the website, and they also make an "Ella" dress. I love the top, it hides what I want it to, and I think would flatter any figure. I love the colors they have to offer, and the designs are super cute and wearable! You can find some awesome deals on their SALE tab.

*Be aware that not all of the clothing options are organic and/or natural.If you are like me, you can pick and choose what you like from the site, as they have a decent selection. 

I have more brands to introduce you to, so stay tuned!

What does “Mode Eco” Mean?

I know that some of you will be asking this, so I decided to post on this right away. The word "mode" is French for fashionable, or stylish. Eco stands for ecological, sustainable, and organic. So this blog is about Eco fashion, and where you can find it. In America, the word "mode" is mainly associated with the phrase "a la mode", which to us means putting ice cream on a desert. In France, "à la mode" means in style, or in fashion. We may explore how that phrase became something associated with ice cream at a later date!

I have always had a passion for fashion, and in the past 10 years have become aware of the importance of living a sustainable life. I have tried to live by the rule of buying only organic or used. Don't get me wrong, I do have many conventional items in my possession. I would love to have only eco-friendly items in my home, but that is not always an option. But once one has the realization of sustainable living, it weaves its way into your life, no matter what your socioeconomic status or lifestyle. You start to think if you really need that item, or what it is made of, or where it comes from. Once you gain that knowledge, it is difficult to ignore it.

It is important that I emphasize that the fashion that I love is not only eco-friendly, but must be comfortable and attractive as well. This fashion is not your run of-the-mill tie died T shirts, or your boring unbleached clothing. This is wear every day, for work, for play, for day or night kind of clothing. Clothing that you feel good buying and feel good in.

Photo courtesy of PhotoPin

We will explore the world of sustainable textiles and growing practices, as well as the eco-designers and where you can buy organic and sustainable clothing for the whole family. I would also like to incorporate a non-fashion post on Saturdays, to introduce the many eco-friendly companies out there offering everyday goods. I have found in my search that I cannot find all of the clothing items I need for my whole family in one place, and it is a dream of mine to be able to offer that through an online store and ultimately a storefront as well. But for now, the budget allows only the blog, where I can interact with others of my mindset and hopefully gain more understanding of what others are looking for as well. I hope that my posts will be helpful to you.

My journey starts here, and I would be so happy if you joined me! I welcome your input, so please let me know how I can improve, and what you would like to see on my blog.