fashionpulse | Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 190

October 27, 2009

ModCloth Royalty Scarf Giveaway: And the Winner is…

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The winner of the ModCloth Royalty Scarf Giveaway is Lizzie M. of Pacific Palisades, CA. Says Lizzie, “I am soooo excited to win this scarf! I love Modcloth, all their things are so cute and adorable, and this scarf is so cute and I can’t wait to find a cute outfit to wear it with! Thanks so much Fashion Pulse Daily, I am already planning my outfits…” Lizzie had suggested styling the scarf with the “English Breakfast Dress , and then some cute tights and I would be all set!!” Congrats Lizzie, and thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Good news:  keep checking back for another giveaway with ModCloth around the holidays.

October 27, 2009

Echo Design has You Covered

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baggloveHave you ever heard of Echo? Perhaps you recognize the name from their line of luxe scarves, however now they’ve broadened their horizons to include a wide range of accessories. Having begun in 1923, this family business (which it still is!) started with an innovative idea to create fashionable scarves so that women working in the factories in the 1920’s could protect their hair while still looking chic.  Since then, Echo Design has grown into a high-end brand, with their scarves being sold in leading retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom for years. From knit popcorn hats and iPhone compatible gloves for winter (which allow you to keep your hands warm while you stay in touch; I tried them and they are genius!) but also colorful tunics for summer and fashionable umbrellas for the rainy season Echo Design most definitely has you covered full multi-season wear.

Knowing all of this, when I toured their showroom I was surprised, however, to see a fully made bed in the mix. It was explained to me that Echo Design also creates bedding and wall paper. My favorite surprise of the day was that even the plate and napkins I used to eat at the event  were adorned with Echo design (they were polka dots)!9H0423_xxx_1_1

To find Echo Design products, visit a major retailer like Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s, or simply head directly to EchoDesign.com.

-Jaimie Sanita

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October 26, 2009

Eco Tools Recycled Retractable Kabuki Brush: And the Winner is….

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The winner of the Fashion Pulse Daily Eco Tools Recycled Retractable Kabuki Brush Giveaway is Jessica A. of Bridgeport, PA. Says Jessica, “Thanks so much!!! I’m beyond excited to have won. I’m a beauty addict on a serious budget right now, so there’s nothing better than getting something new to try that my husband can’t give me a guilt trip about! Kabuki brushes are the best, and I’m always up for trying something eco-friendly.” The way that Jessica A. stays eco-friendly: “We’re working on some baby steps in my house. For one, we’ve completely stopped buying water bottles, and instead are using Nalgene bottles. We’ve also switched all of the light bulbs in our house to CFLs.” Congrats again Jessica, and thank you to everyone who entered the contest. Stay eco-friendly and tune in for more eco-conscious product giveaways and discounts!

October 26, 2009

Green is Black: Fabulous and Eco-Chic

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Eco has never been so chic before, I swear! I recently found out about Green is Black, a Toronto-based retailer that caters to a strong eco, ethical, and sustainable sensibility for both men and women’s apparel, shoes, and accessories. The site is a prime example of how one doesn’t have to sacrifice style or fork over large sums of money to get great eco-minded wares. Most of the products on the site are made in Canada or North America with fair labor practices using hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, and soy, as well as reclaimed, recycled and vintage materials. Brands found on the site include both established and independent eco-minded designers such as Edun, League of lovers, Jack & Marjorie,Ecoist, Green Toe by Simple, Kate Organics, Nature vs Future, and my new personal favorite, Karamea.

IMG_1249Green is Black was kind enough to let me try out one of their offerings, and I couldn’t resist but go for the Kaye One Piece by Karamea, a convertible jumpsuit (straps or strapless)  in a charcoal grey color! I wore it to the David Yurman reception at Bloomingdale’s last week, and paired it with a sleek black blazer and hot pink pair of heels to make it more of an evening look. The cool thing about the jumpsuit is that it contains a bamboo/cotton blend, and was made domestically and sweatshop free. The site provides great information about each product so you really have a feel for the manufacturing process and ethical stance of each brand/product present on the site.

852I spoke with site founder/owner Kerry MacMullan a bit more about Green is Black and thought it imporrant to ask: “For “newbies” to eco-fashion, what would you recommend as a good introductory fabric/item to start off with?” Kerry suggested  “either an organic jean (where there is no difference in look or feel), bamboo, which is ridiculously soft and luxurious feeling – or anything made with/or lined with a hemp/silk blend which is really soft, textured and sturdy.” Some examples are the del forte hazel jean, the dale sweater, and the mini oblesk skirt. The ultimate sale shopper, I found the Journey Tunic, $79.50 (was $106), made of bamboo and organic cotton to be a great versatile wardrobe piece, perfectly appropriate for work and the weekend.

I think it goes without saying that it’s time to ditch the notion that eco is synonmous with donning a burlap sack, and embrace the reality that ethical clothing can have both an environmental and chic value.

-Julia DiNardo

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