After reading through the January issue of Harper’s Bazaar and reviewing their top trends for 2010, I think my favorite might be pastels and flesh tones. I don’t really wear many light colors (I guess I rarely wear color at all, to be honest.) But, I’m thinking 2010 might be a good time to lighten up.

Some eco-fashion options out there right now (plenty more to come closer to spring I’m sure):

Tank dress: Dream & Awake, Rain Dress

Wrap dress: SDN, Angel Flutter Dress

Jersey dress: Lara Miller, Chelly Dress

Blouse dress: Fin Oslo, Jersey Blouse Dress

Silk cami top: Edun, Zig Zag Cami

(Images via Harpersbazaar.com)

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

I’ve featured a few guests’ For Keeps items lately, but now for another one of my own.

Jessa’s item: Magno desktop mini stapler

The story: “The summer before I opened Pivot in 2007 I came across an Indonesian designer named Singgih Kartono and his line Magno. He designed beautiful hand-crafted wooden accessories such as radios and desk sets. I began outreach to Singgih to determine if I could sell his products at Pivot, and when Pivot opened I was the only shop in the U.S. to feature Magno. Now Singgih’s designs are sold all over the U.S. and Europe in stores such as MoMA.”

Why it’s a For Keeps item: “Not only is this stapler extremely functional (I used it every day at Pivot to staple customer receipts), but it will also always remind me of an exciting discovery I had and my communications with Singgih in Indonesia.”

For Keeps Sake category: These entries explore the items in our lives that are not disposable for reasons of good design, sentimental value, utility and more. From everyday objects to special treasures, let’s think about buying and owning more thoughtfully.

I knew I wanted some sparkle and shine for New Year’s Eve this year. But I refuse to buy most any sequin or sparkly item new for a couple reasons. The garment is most likely not made with organic or sustainable materials, and I rarely wear “sparkle and shine” clothing so I don’t want to invest a great deal of money. The best way to go in this situation is thrifting or vintage boutique shopping. There have been plenty of sequin and sparkle items produced already and subsequently discarded to end up in thrift or vintage shops. No need to support fast fashion and buy a cheap, poorly made holiday dress–no need!!

I consulted with my friend Monica of The MidWasteland (my go-to vintage guru) and she sent me to Very Best Vintage on Chicago Avenue. I quickly and easily found a dress I’m thrilled with–it’s the blue sparkly number featured in the top left photo. A cute little shift dress, with a zipper in the back and a tie for the waist or as an accessory. In my mind I had visions of dresses similar to the other two pictured–frocks from Forever 21’s website. I’m so happy with my find and even happier that I did not need to go anywhere near Forever 21, Zara or H&M to find my outfit. Or break my budget.

(Photos on right from Forever 21)

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

The above birdcage, turned lamp is a For Keeps item from Dorothee Royal-Hedinger. I met Dorothee at Pivot this fall after connecting on Twitter. She is creator, co-producer and host of OrganicNation.tv, a web video series exploring the American sustainable food landscape. She is intrigued by guerrilla gardening, DIY culture, eco-fashion and sustainable design. You can follow her on Twitter @DorotheeRoyal.

Dorothee’s item: Painted birdcage

The story: “I purchased this painted birdcage in high school at a yard sale in Wilmette, IL. The woman who sold it to me said her family got it while on vacation in Bali. I bought it with cracks and paint chipping off because I was captivated by the colorful designs and handmade wood construction. I thought I’d only use it as decoration but my boyfriend surprised me by turning it into a working lamp! He carefully drilled a hole into the top and strung a light bulb into the center of the cage. I was nervous at first that the whole thing would catch on fire but two years later, it’s still a unique, functional lamp.”

Why it’s a For Keeps item: “It hangs by my front windows and makes me happy to look at everyday. I love knowing that another person’s junk can be repurposed in a stylish and practical way!”

For Keeps Sake category: These entries explore the items in our lives that are not disposable for reasons of good design, sentimental value, utility and more. From everyday objects to special treasures, let’s think about buying and owning more thoughtfully.

If you’re not finished with holiday shopping yet, there’s a great event in Chicago this Thursday featuring eco-fashion brands Frei Designs, Mohop and Mountains of the Moon. And if dresses, jackets, jewelry or shoes aren’t on your shopping list, maybe you’ll be interested in checking out eco-friendly paint or consulting services from Colori–where the event will be held. I’ll definitely be stopping in! Details are in the flyer above, or click here for more information.

A few other Chicago independent retailers I like for gifts:

Post 27, 1819 West Grand Avenue: Mid century modern furniture and home goods with a mix of new eco items and locally made artists works. I can spend hours in here, but it won’t take you long to see there are a ton of great gift options.

Green Grocer, 1402 West Grand Avenue: Buying foodstuffs or a nice bottle of wine is a great gift option when the person is hard to buy for, you’re looking for lower price points or maybe you just want something fun to add to a larger gift. Stop at Green Grocer for organic and local treats that anyone will appreciate.

Permanent Records, 1914 West Chicago Avenue: I really like the idea of supporting local music shops and Permanent is a great one. Sure, iTunes gift cards might be nice and easy and used by everyone. But there’s something great about going to a shop and listening to music, seeing the staff picks, petting the cute cat and then buying a physical cd.

Eco Scenes category: These entries share upcoming events with a focus on learning about creating more sustainable communities and lifestyles. The point is to do more than “be seen on the scene.” Engage with others, take valuable information away, and use it to make positive changes in your life and others.

Brad's Vintage Bertoia Side Chair

For this edition of For Keeps Sake I asked Brad Bennett, founder and editor of Commerce with a Conscience, to share one of his own for keeps items. Brad’s site is the fastidious gentleman’s guide to ethical fashion, and honestly there’s not another site around right now that covers this topic specifically. A must-read for both men and women.

Brad’s item: Vintage Bertoia Side Chair

The story: “I had been wanting a Bertoia for ages, but my refusal to buy a knockoff kept the chair firmly out of my price range. Then, one faithful day, a very sweet (and arguably very naive) woman posted four of them individually on eBay, each at an intriguingly low starting price. Without much hope for a happy outcome, I decided to try my luck and emailed her a very below market value buy-it-now offer. To my amazement, she accepted. One week later, the chair, and its fully intact original Knoll branded cushion, were in our home, where they have been lovingly cooed over ever since.”

Why it’s a For Keeps item: “Like much of the truly great design from the mid-century era, the Bertoia Side Chair is entirely emblematic of the period, and yet, utterly timeless. No matter how our space or tastes change in the future, we (my girlfriend and I) are confident that there will always be a (prominently displayed) place for it in our home.”

For Keeps Sake category: These entries explore the items in our lives that are not disposable for reasons of good design, sentimental value, utility and more. From everyday objects to special treasures, let’s think about buying and owning more thoughtfully.

I feel like there’s many people out there who want to shop in independent clothing boutiques more than they currently do, but they’re putting up barriers for themselves. Maybe they’ve had bad experiences in the past, they’ve never started and it’s hard to break department store habits, they’re stereotyping or misjudging shops, or many other reasons.

The purpose of this Do It Smarter post is to provide some tips and ideas to help break down some barriers I’ve witnessed in people as a shop owner and as a shopper myself.

1. Don’t pass judgment on a boutique without going in YOURSELF. You won’t be shot for popping in, taking a look around and leaving without buying. If there’s a shop you walk by frequently and have never been in before–go in! See exactly what’s there. And no, you cannot know everything about a shop from its windows. You also can’t entirely judge a shop based on what your co-workers or Yelp says. It’s a starting point and valuable, but it’s not your own personal experience.

2. Never automatically think “that shop is too expensive.” Especially if you’ve never gone in, as discussed above. You might be surprised to find a pair of $20 gloves in a shop that you never felt you could afford. Most shops always have a sales rack to peruse if their regular prices are just out of your budget.

3. Eliminate the “it’s inconvenient” excuse and just start with boutiques that are closest to you, ones you pass frequently. If there aren’t any that fit your style or needs by your home or work, then go to the next closest neighborhood where you can find at least a couple shops that you might like. Make an outing of it.

4. Once you’re in a boutique and looking around, tell employees or owners what you like, what you’re looking for and what you’d like to be notified about. One of the benefits of boutique shopping can be great, personal service. If you know you’re going to be looking for a dressy black coat, let them know. And if they have one on order, they’ll tell you when it’s there!

5. If you are typically a department store or chain retail shopper, start boutique shopping by looking for things you have general, rather than specific ideas on. Don’t start your boutique adventure by looking for a specific length black pencil skirt with an exactly 4-inch slit. Instead, start with shopping for a unique sweater or fun top for a dinner date.

6. Join email lists at a few boutiques you like. Most often they’ll let you know what’s new, give you recommendations, advertise sales and invite you to events.

7. Above all, keep an open mind, have fun and enjoy exploring unique retailers!

Supporting local, independent boutiques is vital to preserving neighborhood character, encouraging development, bringing unique points of view to the forefront and growing a local economy. Oh, and it can be really fun.

Do It Smarter category: These entries will discuss how to approach various activities in a smarter, easier way. They’re certainly not end-all-be-all “how tos,” but hopefully they provide some valuable ideas and tips.

Image via garancedore.fr

Beautiful image from Garance Doré’s site. Sometimes all you need is a lovely white blouse. (And maybe striking hair too…) An important aspect of creating a more sustainable, conscious wardrobe is finding pieces that you will always have a need for. Pieces that will never fail you. Like a classic white blouse.

My two eco option picks:

White blouse: Zoica Matei, Andrea Blouse

White blouse: Bergman’s, Blouse

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

2009 Green Awards honorees at reception

Chicago magazine is accepting nominations for its 2010 Green Awards now through January 5! If you’ve been out and about and participating in the “eco scene” in the Chicago area, I’m sure you have more than a couple people you’d like to nominate. Editors are looking for groundbreakers in conservation and sustainability. Think about the people you know who are doing something really unique or especially forward-looking in the “green” realm.

I was honored to be included last year with five other amazing individuals. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the honorees to share the work they are doing and potentially reach new audiences that are key in helping them achieve success. I applaud Chicago magazine for developing this tradition and making it a priority to their publication. We need to recognize, celebrate and foster innovative leaders in sustainability in Chicago, and the magazine offers a great platform to do so.

Get going and nominate!

Sergio Rossi Eco Pump (Sergio Rossi is part of Gucci Group)

A few months ago I heard that Gucci Group announced they were creating the first Ph.D scholarship in sustinable technology for future luxury. It sounded like a wonderful idea and a promising step for high-caliber luxury brands, but I didn’t know any of the details. Now, after tracking down their release about the scholarship I am fascinated.

“…the Ph.D. Scholar will join a community of specialist researchers and practitioners with internationally recognised expertise in wide ranging and related projects that include:

‘BioCouture’: a visionary research project to grow clothing. It unites fashion and textile design with bio and nanotechnologies for future sustainable fashion, entailing the growing of clothing from laboratory cultured bacterial-cellulose.

- ‘Rethinking Recycled Textiles’: it employs new finishing and laser surfacing technologies for ‘upcycling’ synthetic materials. ‘Ugly’ materials are transformed into highly desirable fabrics for fashion and interiors.”  …

And more!

Reading this announcement got my mind racing about the future of eco-fashion, sustainable design and luxury in general. It reminded me to think deeper about the technology of fashion and textiles.

Looking Forward category: These entries explore student works, promising developments in sustainable design and other inspiring news.