Eco-Chick · The modern girl's guide to living green & fabulous.

New York Fashion Week Greenshows: Bright Young Things Debut is About Extreme Wearability

Classic lines, without dropping into Preppie territory; funky proportions give these pieces a strong whiff of cool.

Bright Young Things designer Eliza Starbuck was the creator of the dress behind the much-lauded Uniform Project (the concept was which suggested, beautifully, how a single dress could serve as the backdrop or frontspiece for a year’s worth of sartorial choices).

The BYT show during New York Fashion Week at the Greenshows at the Metropolitan Pavilion featured about half of the Uniform Project’s LBD’s accessorized to the hilt, moving from supersexy to ubercomfy boho to work-appropriate and back again. The second half of the show expanded the idea of great quality basics (8 multifunctional pieces including shorts, blouses, trousers, skirts) that could purposefully be worn every which way (see video of runway show below to get a feel for how the clothes really move).

For those of us who can’t (or more properly, don’t want to) live with one dress alone this debut collection really worked the ‘simple is good’ concept to its logical conclusion with pieces in neutral colors and uncomplicated, wear-anywhere fabrics, made from sustainable textiles like organic cotton and linen.

To top off the ‘simple + real = beautiful’ motif exemplified by her collection, designer Starbuck also chose models of varying ages and sizes to walk in her clothes. “It was great to feel special in conjunction with the diversity of lovely models that BYT designer, Eliza Starbuck, had hand-picked. In addition to a line up varying body types, ethnicities, and professional backgrounds, Eliza also included two women considerably older than your average runway nymph…” said Abigail Doan of Ecco Eco who walked the runway with major verve! (see below)

Army jackets may be in this year, but they are also a perennial classic, never truly going out of style.

Abigail Doan shows off a boxy silver-grey cocktail-sleeve jacket that screams Jackie O elegance, working beautifully with a skirt, as shown here, or your favorite jeans.

Bright Young Things Runway Show from Eliza Starbuck on Vimeo.

The Bright Young Things runway show.
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Green Spaces NY Launch: A Place for Ecopreneurs

Roberto Rhett, Partner, Green Spaces NY with Sentinel Lights (wire hangers and cardboard) by Susan Benarcik.

Green Spaces New York has just launched its Manhattan clubhouse to grow a community of green entrepreneurs. The NYC initiative joins Denver’s Green Spaces Colorado in designing a green workspace and in founding a dynamic forum for eco businesses. The bright NYC 5,300-square-foot loft provides a green standard for office and conference spaces as well as gallery, lounge, kitchen, and party venues.

Green Spaces NY’s Marissa Feinberg and Jennie Nevin pictured between Graham Hill, founder of Treehugger, and Wendy Brawer of GreenMaps.

The sustainable-style recreational, culinary, and office spaces within an expansive Tribeca loft can be rented for a broad range of eco company events. The loft space is also home to Green Spaces NY’s own internship program as well as to its ongoing green programs and events available through ‘EcoPreneurs’ membership (contact roberto@greenspacesny.com for clubhouse membership details).

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Eco-Luxe Fun at the Go Green Expo

The Eco-Luxe Go Green Expo hit New York recently, showcasing environmentally responsible luxe goodies. The Rouge Tomate restaurant, known for its locally-grown menu and fresh decor, played host to eco-friendly companies, including Tesla Motors, Hydro Flask, Soda Stream, Divine Chocolate, 360 Vodka, and Jane Iredale.

A spirit of innovation was behind both the newcomers and established brands at the expo. Come along for a virtual tour!

Alberto Parada
Green designer Alberto Parada and his environmentally sustainable and socially responsible jewelry shone bright.

A model striking a pose for sustainable style as presented by the Ethical Fashion Show.

Proving cork doesn’t just belong inside a bottle, Nature’s Cork , the US distributor of Pelcor, displayed a cork dress.

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Project Earth Day Fashion Show!

Had a blast at the Project Earth Day Fashion Show tonight and it’s late, but in a word, it was VIVACIOUS! Lots of fun looks and more than a few I can see myself wearing. So here are all the student’s competition looks. I’ll update over the weekend with who’s designed what and also upload the professional’s show, which followed the students’. Can you believe these colorful, fabulous togs are all made from ecofriendly fabrics? Love it!

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Eco Moms: Inspirational Green Links

As a new mother, I am always researching various topics regarding child rearing and environmentally friendly practices. Here are a few sites that I frequent or find inspirational.

Healthy Child, Healthy World
Formally the CHEC (Children’s Health Environmental Coalition,) Healthy Child, Healthy World is an organization recommended here before, and it is certainly worth another mention. Founders Nancy and James Chuda tragically lost their daughter to cancer that they believe was induced by exposure to toxins. The Chuda’s passion for protecting future generations from environmental hazards has led them to some of the most famous names in politics, entertainment, and grassroots activism. Healthy Child has inspired scientific research and legislative action. Their board is comprised of the likes of Erin Brokovich Ellis, world-renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, and Olivia Newton-John, among others. Healthy Child has a blog that provides useful information for parents who want to keep up on the latest eco-endeavours.
I love the site because there are many videos, articles, and glossaries for people wanting to educate themselves regarding current federal policy on environmental pollutants, or for those who just want to keep their home and family as healthy as possible. Also, any time I have emailed them with a question, they are always quick to respond with answers. According to Healthy Child, the U.S. EPA’s Office of Children’s Health Protection (the only govt. office assigned to oversee and protect the environmental health of our children) will possibly be dismantled soon. They are urging citizens to write to congressional leaders to guarantee funding for this branch: National Children’s Study

Eco Mom Alliance
I came across this site in my travels recently and it is a great motivator for mothers to empower themselves to be inspirational to their children. The Eco Mom Challenge, created by founder Kimberly Danek Pinkson, lists ten ways to start making a difference at home. Pinkson reminds us that embracing the concept of sustainability on all fronts – self, home, and planet – is what is going to implement true change in our lives. By taking care of ourselves as individuals and mothers, through communion and action, we generate positive health that permeates our lives.
Some of the tips mentioned on Eco Mom Alliance, such as “One Night Off” campaign, are great ideas to put into action. Reminiscent of Adbusters “Buy Nothing Day,” the concept of “One Night Off” originated with Australia’s “Cool The Globe” initiative, which advises choosing one night a week to turn off/unplug every energy-draining device in the house. While this saves natural resources, it inspires families to be creative with their time together.

Nature Moms
Tiffany Washko is a freelance writer and mother of three who cares about the environment. Working to minimize her family’s footprint and share her experiences with others, Tiffany maintains Nature Moms. Discussing everything from vaccinations to sippy cups on the blog, Nature Moms is a useful site to raise awareness and investigate the experiences of others on the ‘eco mom’ path. Grassroots mamas unite!

Holistic Moms Network
This is a good place to find local groups of parents who are holistically inclined. There are lots of articles on virtually every topic related to parenting. The links page on this website is a thorough and useful spot to check when looking for information relating to various topics: home-schooling, attachment parenting, vaccination safety, natural birthing, et cetera.

Enviromom
These ladies make me wish I lived in Portland so I could meet their group and hang with them at the park. For those in the Pac Northwest, there are lots of eco events happening and Enviromom keeps locals up to date. There are always interesting new ideas on the site, along with a tangible appreciation for a simpler way of life.

A few more great links: (sorry don’t have more time to elaborate on these, I’ve got twins needing to be fed!)
Nonchalantmom
Mindful Momma
Mothering Magazine Online
La Marguerite
Green as a Thistle (I don’t think Vanessa is a mom but props to fellow Canadians… speaking of which: Envirowoman is another!)
For a good reference source: BEST GREEN BLOGS

There are many more. Just check out the blogroll on any of the links above and you will find oodles of eco-minded folk out there.