To access these invite-only sales, you must have an invitation: click here.
Ladies, there’s lots for you too!
Native, Naturally
The incredible craftsmanship, color usage, and pattering of traditional Indian textile is going to be big this fall. The pairing of these styles with plaids, denim, canvas and moccasin-inspired shoes and boots is a great way to include it in your wardrobe. Because these textiles are traditionally made from wool and other animal hairs (like in the Pendelton for Opening Ceremony image up top), it is quite difficult to find animal-friendly and eco-friendly versions.
Luckily, thrift stores are chock full of this stuff, from silk-screened shirts to plaid pants and vests, to this western shirts I found, with a great black, silver and tan Chimayo pattern on it. I definitely recommend starting off at the second-hand stores, for both your wallet and the environment.
.
.
Vuori‘s “Native” and “Tribe” organic tee-shirts honor the men and women whose heroic efforts, so often unnoticed, propel us towards a more sustainable future. The “Eagle” tee from Loomstate and the “Endangered Wolf” tee from Loomstate for Barney’s celebrate two iconic animals that both need respect and protection. I’d wear this over a skull and crossbones, any day.
The Aztec Shirt from Sierra Trading Post, and Navajo Shirt from Orvis would look great underneath a solid sports coat or beneath a vest. Also try a Navajo vest over some organic plaid like Patagonia’s two shirts below.
Try some burgundy organic denim from Monkee Genes or pick up some plaid pants from the thrift shop!
These are some cruelty-free shoes and mocs that can pull the look together, or just function as the sole element:
King Spring
These baby-blue ‘Spillers’ by Rachael Comey are great for sock-less spring days walking your rescued mutt to the park. Also check Simple‘s organic cotton and recycled car-tire ‘Tuba Sneaker’ for the next bamboo skateboarding session.
The Spring 09 Engineered Garments collection is almost entirely made of cotton, and now designer David Suzuki is beginning to feature Organic Cotton Madras Plaid, like the suits below, and this spring scarf (available at Barney’s). It takes a special kind of man to pull this off, but we think you can do it.
Paul Smith has also offered up his share of organic cotton button-downs and blazers. Known for quirky patters and unexpected pops of color – Paul’s liberated prep would look smashing in the houndstooth organic blazer and the pink, slim ‘woody creek’ shirt. You’ll find small cuffs and collars on Paul Smith shirts, something to look for in avoiding that dated, sleazy 70′s look.
Not to be left out, BOSS has been exploring some organics with this ‘Cadu’ blazer and ‘Zeppo’ jacket. We were wondering what that weird sustainability claim on the website was for – so far, these two are the only explanation I can find. Someone should send them that toxic leather tanning memo…
Fresh Friday Finds
1. Imagine showing up on November 4th to cast your history-making vote for Barack Obama—only to be turned away because you aren’t properly registered. Think it can’t happen to you? Don’t be so sure. There are a bunch of reasons your registration might not be up to date, even if you think it is. Take one minute right now to double-check your registration using our cool web tool, VotePoke. Click here: Check your registration!
2. Russell Simmons talks about his veganism, Obama, and yoga on CNN! Thanks to Dawnwatch for this news-bite.
3. Simple Gunny Banana Bag.
Simple’s Banana bag is made from Jute. Jute is a rain-fed crop with little need for fertilizer or pesticides. Jute fibre is also 100% bio-degradable and recyclable and thus environmentally friendly.
4. Help End the Slaughter of American Horses in Mexico!
5. Loomstate’s Summer Look. Loomstate‘s Summer Man in organic cotton:
If you still haven’t gotten your look together this summer, here’s a pointer: Go with clean, simple short-sleeve button-downs over chinos or cutoff slacks. Leave the socks at home (just put some baking soda in your shoes to ward off the evil smells!). These are easy elements to find thrifting. Fit is everything. Don’t underestimate it. The shoulder seam should fall mid-shoulder, you’ll look sloppy if it’s hanging over onto your lower shoulder. Don’t be afraid to button-up leaving one or two open. It’s not the 70′s, and your man-cleavage should not be the main-attraction.
6. Less than 4000 tigers remain in the wild. Help save them from hunters, medical superstitions, and illegal traders.
7. English Retreads! These vegan bags and accessories are made from 100% recycled tires!
8. Help create a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary!
Please send an e-mail to International Whaling Commission (IWC) member countries asking them to vote for the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary.
9. I am not typically a fan of slogan shirts. However, I have such a passionate hatred for the Hummer and everything it represents, that this organic shirt from Green Label Organics jumped out at me. I wouldn’t necessairy wear it, but I certainly agree with it. Bummer.
10. Ruddy Duck in Hood River, Oregon is an awesome mens eco-botique!
