Eco-Friendly Everything

The air sure feels green these days, no? From organic this to eco-friendly that, the fashion world is quickly jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to going green. Not there’s anything wrong with this, it’s just sometimes hard to distinguish the good from the bad and the ugly. We’re not fans of eco-friendly clothes that are made in ethically-unfriendly conditions, so when buying green be sure to read the label. It’s like eating low fat products that are loaded with sugar…it just ain’t good for you. In honor of Earth Day later this month, here are Papierdoll’s Essentials for going green and looking good.

- For a good while American Apparel had tons of organic cotton products, but they were only available in that bland oatmeal color. I know most dyes contain chemicals and other grody stuff, so I couldn’t complain. Now comes the arrival of the American Apparel Organic Fine Jersey Short Sleeve t ($15, americanapparel.net) in a rainbow of colors. From this fierce ultra bright purple to your standard black, the unisex t-shirt is an essential for going green and not altering your lifestyle…or style.

- Spring is all about dresses. They make for easy dressing during the warmer months, and are total style chameleons when it comes to a change of shoes. This one, from eco-friendly brand Edun, is right on par with spring’s big print trend. Of course since it’s white on black, it’s also good for those of us who wouldn’t be caught dead in color. The Edun Requiem Dress ($295, tobi.com) is a great pick for the earthy girl with a flirty side.

- As it stands now, all leg openings are “in” when it comes to our denim. Skinny legs aren’t going anywhere, and we’ve also embraced wide leg jeans worthy of Farrah in the ‘70s. The Del Forte Willow Trouser Jeans ($194, tobi.com) boast a high waist and a wide leg, so style them accordingly. A simple tank tucked in will have you looking effortlessly chic in no time.

- Natalie Portman, everyone’s favorite child assassin, has teamed with Manhattan specialty store, Te Casan. As a vegan herself, Portman found a void in the market for hip shoes that are cruelty-free. Always a standout on the red carpet, Portman now adds ‘designer’ to her resume with the launch of her collection ($165 and up, tecasan.com or call 1-877-TECASAN) that includes satin ballerina flats, faux-patent maryjanes, and metallic sandals. Several styles are already sold out in the presale phase, so jump if you plan on landing a pair.

- Because you can’t do an eco-fashion list without a little Stella. The Stella McCartney Appaloosa Large Tote ($995, net-a-porter.com) is a big bag that packs a lot of style with gold hardware trimming a gorgeous nude frame. The slouchy style has structured handles, so you can wear it with to the office and to weekend brunch. The generous size fits plenty, even a laptop. That’s green, stylish, and functional.

published April 2nd, 2008