Give the Gift of Organic Sweaters

With the holiday season fast approaching, winter wear is a great gift idea, both to give and to receive. Many companies have started taking a green approach to warm weather clothing using organic cotton and other eco-friendly materials and practices to produce warm, beautiful sweaters for you and your loved ones. Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher, the company known for their simple yet sophisticated clothes, have several sweaters made from organic cotton. Not only is their fabric made without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, but it is also sewn in a community workshop in Peru and sold as a fair trade product. That means that the people who make these beautiful sweaters are paid fair wages and work in good conditions. Check out the Knit High Collar Fair Trade Cardigan, made with organic cotton that’s “cashmere-soft.” This cardigan has a drawstring collar and a front snap closure. It also meets the Global Organic Textile Standard. Another chic look from Eileen Fisher is the Fair Trade Organic Cotton Knit Cowl Neck Top. Both of these sweaters are machine washable, and the cowl neck features kangaroo pocket and ribbed sleeves. Eileen Fisher definitely demonstrates the opportunities for big designers to make eco-conscious decisions. Patagonia Patagonia, known for their sportswear, is a company that has made a significant environmental commitment. In 1996, they made the decision to switch to only organic cotton for their sportswear items and they haven’t looked back! This season, they have the especially comfortable and fashionable Women's Gulf Island Hoody made from a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester. With stripes adorning the neck, cuffs, hood, and hem, the Gulf Island Hoody is casual and exciting. Another great item is the Kamala Tunic made from a blend of organic cotton and a Tencel jersey knit, an environmentally sustainable textile. Available in White Chocolate and Condor Grey, this sleek style would be a great addition to any closet. As if these Patagonia sweaters weren’t green enough, both items can be recycled through the Common Threads Recycling Program. Aventura Another organic cotton gem is the Althea Sweater from Aventura. This boat-neck style is available in both Lipstick red and Midnight and is sure to become a hit. The thick stripes are flattering and stylish, and this versatile sweater can be either sophisticated or casual depending on accessories. So, from formal to casual, work to play, organic sweaters are a stylish and eco-conscious way to celebrate winter. Image credit: Eileen Fisher, Patagonia, Aventura

Selena Gomez 'Dreams Out Loud' to Improve the Planet

Wizards of Waverly Place star, Selena Gomez is creating her own place among the growing number of eco-friendly celebrity clothing lines with a new line of eco chic fashion called Dream Out Loud.  The new styles, expected to launch next fall, reflect the 17-year-old Disney star's own personality and ethics - featuring feminine but tomboyish designs that can easily be mixed, matched, and customized for any occasion.  

About Selena

Besides acting, singing, and designing fashions, Selena Gomez is an active and adamant part of a variety of causes.  She is the youngest UNICEF ambassador, as well as an ambassador for DoSomething.org - an organization that encourages teenagers to make a positive difference.  Selena also supports the St. Jude's Children's Hopsital, RAISE Hope for Congo (raising awareness for violence against women in the Congo), and Friends for Change, Disney's charity to promote environmental issues.  

About Dream Out Loud

Hats, jeans, skirts, and jackets are just a few of the designs planned for Selena Gomez's new fashion line.  Floral prints, boho dresses, and cute accessories will feature eco-friendly fabrics including recycled materials as well as organic cotton.  To complete her desire to send a good message through her clothing line, the product tags will boast inspirational quotes from Selena's own collection.  Marketing and manufacturing of the Dream Out Loud brand is already underway, but it is still unclear what retailer will carry the line when it launches in 2010.

Source: Disney Star Selena Gomez Launching Fashion Brand