Big Matt & Nat sale on GILT MAN right now! Snag one of these handsome vegan bags or wallets at a huge discount. As GILT says. “These handsome accessories prove that doing good and looking great can go hand in hand.” Sustainably leather-fee!
Not a member of GILT? Click here for your invite.
Florence To works mainly with eco-friendly fabrics and believes that all forward-thinking fashion should be sustainable. Her research into human identity and psychosis heavily influences her work, and her dedication to upcycling fabrics gives this designer a competitive edge over her less concerned peers. None of her garments contain fur, leather, or wool and this menswear specifically is made from different, upcycled cottons, and is inspired by the idea of packaging. I’ll definitely be keeping me eye on this smart and driven talent.
A reader recently asked what he should do about luggage. Are there any sustainable suitcases? I did a little bit of research, and came up with a few bags that seemed to fit the bill, and run the spectrum from affordable to expensive. Keep in mind that one of the most sustainable things about luggage is whether it will last a lifetime. Buying poorly-constructed suitcases requires frequent replacements, and thus more garbage and more resources needed to make more. In addition, never forget the almighty favor; most people don’t travel at the same time as their friends – so ask if you can borrow!
The first stop on this search is the most eco-friendly one: used or vintage luggage. Ebay, Craigslist, thrift stores and yard sales are sometimes the best places to get luggage. It’s often quite affordable, too. For example, if you like the aesthetic of an old, beat-up hard-shell or vinyl bag, you may want to go this route. The images above are from Ebay of a burgundy vinyl, and a black hard-shell with canvas straps. These have already proven their longevity, and they have a lot of character. They even look nice when you leave them out on display.
If you are someone that wants to buy a new product, consider these options:
• Heys USA Eco Case. Made from 100% recycled plastic, expandable for up to 20% more space and had 360 degree swivel wheels. $340 retail, only $283.99 at luggage.com
• Patagonia Freewheeler and MLC lines. Made from 100% recycled fabrics. $300 range at patagonia.com
Terrence in 1989 at 225lbs
I’ve been following and documenting a pretty surprising story that is unfolding as we speak.
Terrence, a real man’s man who was a high-school football star, scoffed at vegans, worshiped Filet Mignon and scotch, and threw caution to the wind concerning his love of pleasure through food and drink, switched to a 100% vegan diet on November 1st on a quest to reclaim his health and return to his high-school-hay-day weight of 225lbs. I travel with him to Dr. Joel Fuhrman‘s office once a month and document him as he has his vitals and blood work analyzed. From Terrence’s blog:
November 1st, at 302 lbs
“On November 1, 2009 I started this 6 month vegan quest because I had no choice. Moderation was a failure, actually, moderation to me was an anathema. If I was going to lower my cholesterol which was at levels that made the Devil salivate, and if was going to reach back to a time when I was my healthiest, a time when the Berlin Wall still divided East and West, I was going to have to push all my chips to the center of the table and go all in. Not moderation, not portion control, not more exercise – I was going 100% vegan, work-out every other day, and belly up to my favorite taverns and order a seltzer water.”
Did I get used to it? Of course. But the real change is that I actually ENJOY it!
From unexpected vegan gourmet meals at the legendary (and not for being vegan-friendly ) “21 Club” to his social struggles with the stigma, to the triumphs of losing weight and cholesterol, to cooking for skeptics and sharing the grill while tailgating, and with the help and guidance of Heather Mills and her product line VBites, Terrence’s is a compelling tale thus far of a normal guy who went vegan – and is still a normal guy. And it’s only halfway over.
My 6’4″ frame carried around 302 lbs on November 1st. Today, I am 265 lbs. Exactly half way there both in time and weight loss. My cholesterol dropped 100 points down into a safe and healthy range. All this without medication. I take Vitamin D and a multi-vitamin every day. That’s it.
You can follow his inspiring story, too, at http://myveganquest.blogspot.com/
It’s more than my rent, but check this Armani Collezioni Pickstitched Two Button Sportcoat in Bamboo Rayon. $855 at Nordstrom.com
Now, these are affordable. Nordstrom’s 1901 Recycled Cotton Blend Crew Socks. $7.50 at Nordstrom.com in argyle and stripes
Matt & Nat never disappoints. The new canvas collection is incredibly handsome, and made from recycled soda bottles, and recycled faux-suede lining. Better yet, you can win one of these bags! Email Matt & Nat at blog@mattandnat.com before August 30th at midnight and tell them what MATT & NAT means to you in 250 words, the best men’s and women’s letters will win one of our new Fall 09 handbags.
Steve Alan presents some nice, basic, organic shirts. We love the black and white, single needle check shirt!
These tapered organic cotton pants, slouch pants, and shirts from the Australian company, Bassike are not for the faint of heart. But those gents that have a love for cutting-edge trends, check these out!
Arn Mercantile offers up an organic Peruvian cotton “chore jacket” and some comfy pullovers.
The Japanese company, Kato uses organic cotton from Zimbabwe to make these jackets and shirts.
