Monthly Archives: November 2011

In Sustainable Fashion, is it the thought that counts?

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Is it enough that fashion designers have the intention of being sustainable?  Well, no.  But does it make a difference?  Is it a step in the right direction?  Usually.

There are a lot of factors to consider when making clothing, and a lot of steps along the way for things to go wrong.  Designers have to keep track of the environmental and human costs of their products from harvesting the cotton or producing the synthetic to manufacturing, shipping and retail.  Inevitably, trade-offs must be made.  Organic fabrics can still be sewn together by exploited workers Continue reading →

Cyber Monday Deals

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A brief roundup of some sales at sustainable internet shops:

1. Everything is 30% off at Kaightshop (where I got my boots)

2. There are random deals designated by snowflakes at Vickerey

3. Not specifically for today, but Lav & Kush has some good, super cute stuff on sale

4. 15% off and free shipping at eco-boutique Juno and Jove

5. Free shipping at Beklina

6. Discounts on select pieces at Future: Standard

7. 50% bonus on all purchased gift cards at Real Girls lingerie 

8. 60% off of Matt&Natt gorgeous vegan bags

9. 30% off at SkunkFunk

I’ll add more as I find them throughout the day.  Happy Shopping!

Heartsleeves’ First Road Trip!

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Dear Readers,

Exciting news! I will be in New York City through Wednesday and hopefully discovering some awesome new designers and shops. If anyone has suggestions of where to go or who to meet please let me know!

If you are a designer or shopowner I would love to meet you and hopefully write a piece for the blog. If you’re interested, email me at heartsleevesblog@gmail.com.

Updates soon!
- Ariel

Traditionally Sustainable

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Our Harvest be gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted…”                               ~Edward Winslow, Plymouth, 1621

That’s all very well and good, but we all know how it ended for the Indians.  So I’d like to dedicate this Black Friday post to indigenous peoples everywhere. Continue reading →

Sustainable Fashion Thank-You’s

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During my brief foray into sustainable fashion, I’ve discovered many amazing individuals and organizations to whom I would like to give some Thanksgiving shout-outs:

1. Some awesome Eco-fashion magazines and websites: Style With Heart, Eco Fashion World, Magnifeco, EcoSalon, and Ecouterre, to name a few.

2. There are too many amazing designers to name individually, but they are doing fantastic work.

3. People who write books.  Of course my favorite is Kelsey Timmerman’s Where Am I Wearing? I’m also looking forward to reading Stephanie Iris Weiss’s book on Eco-Sex.

4. Organizations working to solve the problems of the global garment industry.  Again, there are too many to name them all.  Some are the Maquila Solidarity Network, Oxfam, and the Ethical Fashion Forum.

5. Celebrity endorsements – they really go a long way

6. Engaged Consumers Everywhere

Happy Thanksgiving!