Winter Coats – Vegan, Ethical & Planet-Friendly

Leaves are starting to turn lovely shades of orange, red, and gold – meaning winter is just around the corner. Can you feel the chill in the air and most importantly, do you have a seasonal coat to satisfy your planet-friendly, vegan, or ethical conscious? Today, I'd like to introduce a few samples of outerwear swimming in a sea of luxurious materials and fashionable comfort. Don't forget - it's never too early to track down the perfect winter coat. Vaute Couture's Bomono Vegan Winter Coat Prepare yourself for the changing weather with the windproof, water resistant, and heat retaining Bomono Luxe ($506) – available in blue, black, ivory, and gray. Oozing with comfort, wrap yourself in this oversized bomber jacket that mirrors the style of a kimono. Fully lined and sleek, the coat works well with a mini or skinny jeans assemble. The shawl collar, dolman sleeves, and foldover cuffs add to the overall presentation. The Bomono (shown above) highlights cutting-edge fashion trends, including fabric from the Polartex Wind Pro Series and a 100% recycled, closed loop, zero waste liner. The shell of the coat is 100% Vegan and 100% recyclable. Vintage metal buttons decorate the coat – detoured from landfills in the United Kingdom. A recycled version of the Bomono is available in black for $405. Izzy Lane If you're looking for a "fashion label with a conscience," look no further than Izzy Lane for your next winter coat. All clothing comes from an ethically run company, using wool originating from their own rare breeds of Wensleydale and Shetland sheep – the majority of which have been saved from the slaughterhouse. Joining the Izzy Lane collection of jackets and coats is an assortment of knitwear, skirts, shoes, and handbags – all of which are approved by the Vegetarian Society. The sheep responsible for the Shetland Collection generates exceptionally fine wool in an array of natural colors with no need for dyes. Speaking to the hearts of animal lovers, the Izzy Lane flock will also carry out the rest of their natural lives in the meadows of the Yorkshire Dales. Just one of the Izzy Lane winter coats to consider – the Shetland Isobel Coat (£395.00) with an alluring detachable belt at waist and slight A-line skirt. Nau For the woman looking for a sharp design with high performance, the Nau Blazing Jacket ($375) fights wintry breezes with a waterproof, knee-length down jacket comprised of 100% recycled poly shell and naturally renewable 650-fill goose down. Not one, but two layers of waterproof and breathable fabric will certainly protect you from the weather. To enhance the function of the coat, the fabric is treated with a DWR-finish for extra water repellency. Additional features include a two-way adjustable hood, ribbed wool interior cuffs, and a snap adjustable waist with belt. Image Credits: Vaute Couture, Izzy Lane, Nau

Nolcha Fashion Week 09

Between September 14th and 18th at the Carlton Hotel in New York, certain individuals will get a delicious preview from several eco-friendly designers. Nolcha Fashion week runs during New York Fashion Week, and will showcase fair trade and eco-friendly designers that are top-notch. Some designers have been chosen from Bel Esprit, an online fashion show where individuals can submit their designs day and night, getting them in the public eye for feedback and suggestions. This year, eight designers have been chosen - from the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and France. This year, eighteen 'ethical' designers altogether will be bringing their pieces out for show and tell. Designers: There are some amazing designers on the list for this year's Nolcha Fashion Show. Moonlight Jewelry is one of them, a designer that uses recycled sterling silver jewelry to create beautiful, whimsical pieces. An interesting thing to note about Moonlight Jewelry is that their pieces were chosen for a gift for presenters and nominees of the 2008 Emmy Awards. Once you see their designs, you'll understand why. They're elegant and feminine, and can be paired with nearly any style of clothing. Each year, Moonlight Jewelry selects and presents an eco-friendly charity with 10% of their profits. Rene Geneva Design will also be showing their stuff, which is organic clothing for women. They specialize in gorgeous tops, elegant dresses, bridal wear, and more. This company works only with eco-friendly and organic materials for their clothing, and are part of several eco-friendly organizations designed to help bring eco-fashion to the mainstream. Rene Geneva holds social and environmental responsibility very high on her list, and it reflects in her gorgeous clothing. Van Markoviec is another designer that has been chosen, specifically for his rich, luscious designs and his commitment to using only eco-friendly fabrics and materials. With soft, beautiful colors, Van Markoviec creates flowing pieces that are very feminine and attractive. From suit-style skirts to flowing pantsuits to delicious little party dresses, Markoviec is a designer worth giving a second glance. Important Information For the 14th, brand previews will occur between Noon and 6pm, with a cocktail party following at 7pm at the Carlton Hotel on 29th Street. Individuals can register by visiting here and getting the RSVP code, as well as the remainder of the week's schedule. The sponsors of this year's Nolcha Fashion Week include Clarins, Edun Live, Paul Mitchell, Starbucks, the New York Sports Club, Coca-Cola, Avida, the Carlton, and many other huge names. Photos Courtesy of www.NolchaFashionWeek.com

4 Summer Eco-Friendly Must-Haves

Summer is upon us – the humidity is proof of that! It’s time to open up those windows, let in the warm breeze, sit outside in the sun and enjoy the beautiful Earth. This summer, there are 4 eco-friendly luxury must-haves that will help brighten your summer, keep you cool, or keep you looking amazing! 1. English Retreads Mini Purse This summer, whether you’re visiting the beach, a backyard barbecue, or your favorite cozy book store – you need an adorable eco-friendly bag. This mini purse is made from the recycled inner tubes of truck tires – and you would never believe it from the way it looks! It’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s so versatile it can work with jeans, slacks, heels, or running shoes. The straps are also available in British Racing Green, English Toffee or Chrome – so you can get all three and match them up with your favorite summer apparel. The English Retreads Mini Purse is available here with a price tag of $85. 2. Gold Chandelier Earrings These glittering, elegant earrings are recycled from glass beer or wine bottles, and will make an eye-catching addition to your summer trinket box. Each earring has four individual, circular glass shapes that dangle and sparkle in the light. They’re elegant enough for a formal dinner party but can just as easily dress up a t-shirt and jeans. One of the greatest things about these earrings is that you can get them in seven different colors – including amber and lime! You can get them here for $112 a pair. 3. Mohop High Maple Wedge Platform Sandal If you love showing off your toes in sandals, you’re not alone. In fact, sandals are a must-have for summer, period. The Mohop High Maple Wedge Platform sandal is absolutely beautiful and the base is made from solid maple out of sustainably managed forests in Pennsylvania. The shoe is gorgeous, and each pair comes with 5 sets of ribbons that you choose! This makes it easy to wear this gorgeous sandal with all of your favorite summer outfits – from breezy and light dresses to capris and shorts. Don’t worry – if you want to get extra ribbons, they’re available from Mohop a la carte! The High Maple Wedge Platform sandals are available here for $148 a pair. 4. Pull Tab Bracelets Chunky bangle bracelets are definitely in style – just take a look at the wrists of any diva on the red carpet and you’ll see why! These pull tab bracelets are one of a kind, and are created by using the pull tabs from soda cans, although you’d never be able to tell without looking very closely! They’re soaked in vinegar and water and then polished to a high shine. They’re bound together with strips of scrap leather trashed by furniture makers, and the leather is available in purple, black, tan, chocolate, sand, and many other colors. These are great for any occasion and will allow you to make a fashion statement as well as an environmental statement! They’re available here for $20. You might even get inspired to create your own pull tab bracelets! With these 4 summer eco-friendly must-haves, you'll be dripping with luxury and environmental taste! Photos courtesy of sale sites for each product.