Blog Name and URL Change for Mode Eco Blog

In hopes to reach more readers, I have changed the name of the blog from Mode Eco Blog to Mode Eco Sustainable Clothing Blog. I apologize for any inconvenience!

The old web address was: http://modeecoblog.blogspot.com/
The new web address is: http://modeecosustainableclothingblog.blogspot.com/

~Sonya

The Newest Additions to the Organic Wardrobe

Say Hello to the newest additions to the organic wardrobe.... the Marina Tunic in Slate, and the Mod Hoody Tunic/Dress in Mud. These two items are from the sustainable company Earth Creations. I have already worn these items a few times each, and am loving them! They are comfortable and stylish, and can be worn with leggings, skinny jeans, capris, or alone in the case of the Mod Hoody Tunic/Dress.

The Mod Hoody is warm, and super comfortable and soft. It is made from 66% bamboo, 28% organic cotton, and  6% spandex French terry. It is currently available in 4 colors, but I have the Mud color which I love. It is just the right length for me (I am 5'9"), and falls halfway between the thigh and the knee. (It covers the bum which is the purpose when you are wearing leggings underneath!) I was only disappointed in one aspect of the design - it says on the site that you can wear the cowl down over the shoulders, but it is much to tight to do that. I wear it as a neck cowl and still like it, but I would have enjoyed the option to slouch it over the shoulders.

The Marina Tunic is really cute, and it is currently available in 4 colors. They still have 3 discontinued colors which are on sale right now for $59.50 each (including the slate color below). It looks better on than it does in the photo below! I tend to stick to a gray/black palette for clothing with splashes of color here and there. I like the drape and the fit, but the hemp/organic cotton fabric is just a bit rough. It isn't to much so that it bothers me when I wear it, but certainly not as soft as the Mod Hoody. The tunic also has a hood which I could pull up if the beach gets a little to breezy. :)

All of Earth Creation's creations are colored with natural clay dyes, so they have a bit of a natural, faded effect. Be aware that the clothing will shrink if washed with hot water or dried on hot, so washing cold or warm and line drying would be best. Most of the clothing is made in Alabama, with a very small percent of the tee shirts made in Nicaragua.

You can find the Mod Hoody Tunic/Dress here: http://www.earthcreations.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30_42&products_id=883

You can find the Marina Tunic here: http://www.earthcreations.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30_31_37&products_id=1002

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>

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

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.