Today, the first official day of Fall has me thinking about all things autumn.  The appeal of the season has much to do with the scents and flavors, but of tradition and the way everything dramatically changes - the foliage, the temperature, the colors, the sights, the sounds.  An essential wardrobe piece this season is a versatile coat that can be worn from day to night.  I’m loving this pumpkin-colored trench made from 98% organic cotton and 2% spandex stretch canvas.  How perfect for trips to a harvest party or even back-to-school night.  This Patagonia Organic Cotton Women’s Negril Trench was $140, but on sale now for just $98.  Score!

Swedish Hasbeens (love the name) have been made by hand since the 70s, in the same small factory in Sweden.  They’re made of sustainable wood and PVC-free rubber soles (a more environmentally friendly alternative), and one of the very few footwear companies that uses high quality, naturally dyed, chrome-free leather.  Swedish Hasbeens can last a lifetime if taken care of well and according to the company “if you don’t give them to your kids, you can plant them and they will disappear“.

Right now you can score these organic cotton pants for half off (only $44.99)!  I just stumbled upon them and think they’d be a great addition to my casual work wardrobe for Fall.  I love how Banana (yes, we’re on a first name basis) names their pant styles so its easy for me to go right to the ones that fit me perfectly.  Martin is one of them and the same fit of these.  Dress them up with a nice top or sweater or dress them down with a plain white tee.  And these are longer in length than usually which is perfect for those of us who like to wear a nice size heel with our dress pants.  Don’t miss out - this sale won’t last long!

If you knew a guy in the nineties and you were in Junior High, High School or college for that matter, you know that this style of Vans were all the rage.  They’ve made a comeback (or perhaps they never went ‘out’?!) and this time with a new environmentally-conscious makeover.  I’m loving the Men’s Vans Organic S8 shoe in two-tone brown combo, complete with an organic cotton canvas upper and 20% recycled rubber sole while my man prefers these slide-ons in black.

As you know, 4th of July is just around the corner and there’s no better time to think about your Independence Day outfit than right now. If you’re not one to wear a big U.S. flag on your shirt or sport socks with fireworks on them - then try a different approach this year. Wear some really cute, really eco-friendly and versatile shoes on Saturday. These Simple ‘Entire‘ peep-toe flats would make quite the statement however you choose to celebrate the holiday.

What better day of the year to show your commitment to a sustainable lifestyle as the 4th of July. After all, if we love our country and the freedoms we enjoy here in the U.S. - we should be committed to making sure we are treating it with respect. By sporting these ‘ecoSNEAKS’ - you could be making a fashion statement and an ethical statement both at the same time.

Simple has been committed to manufacturing shoes with a low impact on the environment for years and these adorable flats are no exception. They have been made with style and the environment in mind, starting with the use of certified organic cotton linings, recycled car tire footbeds and outsoles, and 100% post-consumer paper pulp foot forms. The top of the shoe is made with silk (an organic fabric) and they are shipped to you in a 100% post-consumer recycled shoe box. To top it all off, these shoes are getting rave reviews from the consumers who are wearing them - so you can be sure that your purchase will be a good investment. If you’re looking for ways to make this day of red, white and blue a little more “green” - one easy way to start is with your own wardrobe!

C&C California was created by two women who grew up on the beaches of Southern California during the 70s.  Cultural icons of that era, Raquel Welch, Jacqueline Kennedy and Natalie Wood, inspired the brand as well the entrepreneurs mutual love of colors, styles and comfort of that decade.  The initial collection was designed to embody “California Chic”, easy, casual and comfortable pieces and now, years later the brand has expanded beyond tees to include sweaters, dresses, bottoms, sportswear, loungewear and organic cotton pieces. 

 I purchased this organic cotton terry top made by C&C California about a month ago and it’s one of the most comfortable things I own!  Made of organic cotton, this feels just like your coziest sweatshirt (this terry fabric is more thin than typical sweatshirt fabric) but is such a versatile piece for summer evenings or overcast June gloom days.  I love the pockets on the side, but you wouldn’t want to carry heavy items such as keys since that would make the shirt bulge a bit.  Lip balm or hands are more suitable things to put in these pockets.  This is fitted on the top with non~clinging, fairly roomy fabric on the bottom that would look just as good with sweatpants as it would with a cute pair of organic jeans.  And it was fun to find the hang tag made from recycled paper contains flower seeds, so it can be planted and will grow flowers.

 Sale Alert: This top is 40% off for a limited time!  Click here to check out the sale 

It’s no secret that I am a big fan of KEEN Footwear. Not only are KEEN products comfortable, durable and perfectly stylish for the outdoorsy type, but they are made with the greater good in mind.  The folks at KEEN have prided themselves on offering their customers a product they can stand behind, and these adorable toddler shoes are no exception.

My nephew just turned 2-years-old this month, and for his birthday he received a pair of Mighty KEENdom Keen Coronado shoes from yours truly.  His mama loves him in bright colors, so I knew this adorable pair would be a hit with both of them. Three colors are offered in the Mighty KEENdom collection - Persimmon Orange (my fave), Black and Azalea Pink. Each color showcases an endangered species from somewhere in the world, which is the company’s way of encouraging young children to think about protecting our planet’s resources.

These shoes boast a specialized recycled PU and cork footbed - which is a renewable and more sustainable - and offers superior cushioning to reduce impact on little feet as they’re exploring the world. With a canvas upper, vulcanized eco-friendly construction, easy on/off hook and loop design and super fun colors to choose from - these shoes are perfect for the environmentally conscious toddler. As if that’s not enough - a dollar from every purchase on a pair of these shoes will go to the National Wildlife Federation. What better way to keep your child’s feet and future safe!

In between San Diego and L.A., you’ll find San Clemente, California ~ a surfer’s town with no lack of board shorts, flip flops and sun~kissed bods.  Locals take surfing seriously.  For some it’s a ritual, for some it’s a religion and others find it is both; and with that comes a deep reverence for the ocean. 

Based in San Clemente, footwear brand Ocean Minded can be found one block from the Pacific Ocean and wants everyone to be just that…mindful of the ocean.  Most of their staff are avid surfers and they strive to protect the Earth’s most precious resources, the oceans, lakes and streams and they coordinate frequent beach clean~up days.  In fact, just two weeks ago they cleaned up 115 pounds of trash from a local beach. 

They look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and make more sustainable footwear, including currently working on a completely glue~free shoe.  (FYI…shoe glue can be one of the most toxic elements in your footwear).  They’ve already taken steps in the right direction by using the following eco~friendly materials and/or processes: 

~Metal free leather and/or suede

 ~Hemp

~Water based glue

~Recycled car tire or recycled rubber outsoles

~Organic cotton lining and/or laces

~Made with recycled Croslite Eco material

When you buy a pair of Ocean Minded sandals or shoes, they’ll donate a portion of the purchase price to the Surfrider Foundation, a non~profit grassroots organization that’s dedicated to the protection of the world’s oceans, beaches and waves through conservation, activism, research and education. 

Did you know many conventional fabric softeners coat clothes in softening agents made from animal fat?  I didn’t either but I stopped using conventional fabric detergents long ago due to the overwhelming synthetic fabric that trails whoever wear clothes washed with it.  Seventh Generation uses a plant-derived softening agent instead and this softener is scented with only 100% whole essential oils and botanical extracts - no knock-your-socks-off perfume cloud here.  I also truly appreciate that Seventh Generation has adapted a full-disclosure ingredient policy so that you can see for yourself what is in their products, which is much more than can be said for most laundry products. 

I’m using Seventh Generation Blue Eucalyptus + Lavender Fabric Softener for all my laundry right now and I really like it.  It’s my first time using it and I like the results - clothes come out smelling fresh, not perfumed, and they feel soft.  The other good news is that it’s really affordable - I didn’t buy my bottle on sale, but I just found it here for $3.95.  One bottle should get you through 40 loads if your using a conventional dryer and longer if you have a high efficient version.  This product is also formulated to work well with cold water so you can save money by saving energy! 

The bottle itself is made of at least 25% post-consumer recycled plastic and the contents does not include any animal ingredients and is not tested on animals, as noted by the Leaping Bunny seal. 

My husband owns this 100% ring-spun organic cotton jersey tee in Earth (color shown above), a delicious chocolatey brown and loves it.  It is softer and thinner than a standard t-shirt which he loves, but better yet - it’s affordable and made by a great company.

econscious is a trusted supplier of organic cotton apparel and accessories to international clothing companies and it’s founders are amongst the pioneers of the organic cotton apparel industy.  President Dale Denkensohn, helped Patagonia’s conversion to organic cotton in the 1990’s.  According to Denkensohn:

“A seismic shift is occuring towards sustainable practices.  We’re now offering organic cotton products so that individuals can be a part of this movement, make a positive statement and at the same time reduce their environmental impact on the planet”.

econscious is honored to be the first U.S. promotional product suppliers certified by Oregon Tilth, to the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS).  They are also partners with 1% For The Planet.  According to VP of Marketing and Business Development for 1% For The Planet, Melody Grote:

“econscious is a valued 1% member company and partner.  We admire econscious for their high-standards in certified sustainable and organic products, their recent GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification, and general dedication to giving back to the community.”