Fair Fashion

Neon Buddha: Simple, Comfy Style

It’s the depths of winter, I’m feeling less than svelte, and honestly, I haven’t donned anything less stretchy than a pair of leggings in three weeks. I spent the holiday holed up in Vermont writing a book proposal (and romping in the snow). Shortly, I’ll be returning to my part-time editing job at Metropolis magazine in the Flatiron district of NYC, and will have to wear real clothes again. But whether you need winter loungey clothes (or happen to live in casual-all-the-time California), there aren’t as many nicely styled, colorful, and more-interesting-than-gym-clothes companies out there. You know, pieces you could wear over leggings with a killer pair of boots and look, while not exactly office-ready, at least put together with some flair.

Neon Buddha really fills that niche with tops, skirts, jackets, and dresses designed in Canada. They operate as a co-op with women knitters/seamstresses in a 100% green facility in Mai Chiang, Thailand who receive Western benefits such as paid transportation, maternity, vacation, and more. As it should be! If you’re looking for some chillout clothing that aren’t pajamas, check out their online store.

Starre Vartan is founder and editor-in-chief of Eco-Chick.com and the author of the Eco-Chick Guide to Life. She's also a freelance science and environment writer who has published in National Geographic, CNN, Scientific American, Mental Floss, Pacific Standard, the NRDC, and many more. She lives on an island in Puget Sound with her partner and black cat. She was a geologist in her first career, and still picks up rocks wherever she goes.