Over the last few decades, market forces and cheap labor overseas have increasingly pushed U.S. garment production beyond our borders, to the point that a once thriving industry is reduced to a shadow of its former self. Yet there is hope. Efforts are being made to restore the New York City Garment District, where many, but not all factories sit empty. Small brands from across the apparel spectrum (Between the Sheets Lingerie, Manimal Moccasins, and Doucette timeless dresses to name a few) are consciously producing their lines entirely in New York, and they have brothers and sister in Los Angeles and Houston, among other cities. Perhaps it is the recession that has caused Americans to want to support domestic production – though the cost of that production drives up the cost of the merchandise – or perhaps brands are just trying harder. Whatever the cause, the more Made in USA labels in our stores, the better for all involved. Here’s why: Continue reading
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Suit Up
Where to get your Eco-Business Attire
Earlier today, my friend Mariyam, J.D. asked me to write a post on eco-friendly business suits for herself and her fellow practitioners of law. When I referred her to my earlier piece on fashion suggestions for the GOP candidates, I realized that it wasn’t comprehensive or even very useful to people actually looking to buy mother earth-approved business attire. It turns out that finding eco-friendly suits is more difficult than it should be. Fortunately, they do exist, and fortunately for the business casual workplace goers, there’s plenty to choose from. I created a few artboards (pictured below) on Polyvore to give you an idea. Also check out my “EcoFashionable Business Attire” board on Pinterest.
HIS
Suit-wearing men should take a look at the hemp suits at Rawganique, which also sells dress shirts. The brand’s founders live “off the grid” on a homestead in Denman Island, British Columbia and have been making eco-friendly clothing since 2000. Conscious Clothing also sells hemp silk suits (ostensibly for weddings but they look versatile). From Joshua Katcher at the Discerning Brute blog (fashion, food & etiquette for the ethically handsome man) I found this post about an organic cotton suit from Loden Dager. The sharpest suit I found is the Bagobo organic cotton grey suit by Eairth, available online at Juno and Jove. To complete any of these outfits, ethically handsome men can snag an organic white shirt from Boll Organic, a belt and shoes from Bourgeois Boheme, and these recycled cufflinks that I love oh-so-much from Great Green Goods’ roundup.
HERS: suits Continue reading
