On August 20, my boyfriend went into surgery to have his wisdom teeth removed.

Today is August 30, and he’s going back to the oral surgeon for the fourth time to see if his body’s ready to heal, or if his lower jaw is still having a party to which everyone is invited.

Our fridge is filled with mashed potatoes, yogurt, vanilla pudding, and Ensure.  Our medicine cabinet: vicodin, ibuprofen, cephalexin, percoset.  Boyfriend is exhausted.  I’m exhausted.  At one point, we actually discussed the mechanics of not having a lower jaw, just because it seemed comforting.

Throughout this process, I’ve come to discover two important things about my life:

1. Baths really do make everything better.  One day, Boyfriend took six of them just to get some sleep.  (Side note: he finished the Erba Organics Milk and Oat Bath.  “Can we get more?  It’s soothing, and smells really good.”  Take that, Boyfriend.  I knew you’d love it.)
2. During this…event…my outfits have been both the most amazing and/or ridiculous ever, due to the insane Seattle weather.

Seriously, this weather is insane.  First there’s summer heat, then random cold-ass rain, and hey look a gigantic windstorm of doom. My muddled mind and exhausted body cannot keep up.  I’ve paired cropped yoga pants with men’s extra large dress shirts, wool slacks with baggy tees, and once spent the day in a jersey bubble dress, a pair of sneakers and a Converse hoodie because I could not be bothered to put on pants.

I need more comfy clothes.

Rogan Asada Boatneck Sleeveless Sweater

Because Seattle’s weather is so temperamental, I’m big into layering.  This neckline is interesting enough to wear alone, but the sleeves aren’t so voluminous you can’t put a cardigan over them.

Vicarious by Nature Sexy Back Tee

I know, right?! I don’t even have to say anything.

Prairie Underground Petal Lapel Blazer

For sudden prescription-filling trips, this blazer would have been a lot better than my hoodie.  (It’s also available in gray for those taking this neutral trend to extremes.)

Vicarious by Nature Crash Dress

Short, ribbed, long-sleeved amazingness.  Tights and wedges, jeans and boots – or, um, just tennis shoes when I’m in a hurry.  (Or unlaced boots!  That would be so amazing…)

Prairie Underground Romp Around the Clock Romper

You’re damned right it’s a romper.  This whole week would have been a million times easier if I could have tossed this on and run out the door.

What do you wear when life just sucks?

Shortly after I posted images from Vicarious by Nature‘s Spring ’10 lookbook, I was directed to their newly posted Fall ’10 selection.

It’s flawless.

There’s a certain beauty to this season’s trends: the muted colors are a welcome break from all that summer neon, and our senses are instead drawn to rich textures and odd angles.  Unlike the past year, Fall 2010 isn’t about color! color! color! – it’s about something much more subtle.

VbN is known for utilizing unique shapes in their lines, and its Fall ’10 line is no exception.  This model pulls off a wide shoulder and slim legs while retaining femininity.  (Be honest: how many “fashionistas” have you seen looking like football players?  Answer: too many.)

Speaking of femininity, I love this pairing.  The angled raw edge and short length make it more interesting than the typical mini-dress.

There’s that shaping again – and a splash of bold color.  (This is a reimagined version of their Fall ’09 jacket, which I’m still craving.)

This year, VbN is showcasing a number of scarves, both attached and separate.  I love the added length – great for short waists and flat boots.

Designers take note: there are ways to achieve draping without making the model look like a hot homeless mess. VbN succeeds.

It’s all in the details, guys.

A sexy take on the sweater dress.  I love it (but off the runway, ladies, you’ll want to add a slip).

You can see Vicarious by Nature’s Fall 2010 line, as well as find locations to purchase their organic, sustainable garments, at VicariousByNature.com.  (Images copyright Vicarious by Nature, 2010.)

I honestly can’t remember who found Black Market Baby first: me, who has had them on my Etsy favorites list since time immemorial, or Lindsay, who posted about them last month and has been following them by RSS.  (I never keep up with my RSS.  Does that make me a bad blogger?)

Maybe it was one of those clandestine fashion situations, where one girl in Chicago and another in Seattle happened to be looking at a single designer out of Montreal at the exact same time.

As we move toward fall, I’m ignoring the intense sunlight outside my window and thinking about how to prepare my wardrobe for the Seattle rain.  My focus may come from the resurgence of nineties-inspired fashion (which the Seattle scene definitely influenced), or designers’ focus on wool and leather for autumn trends, but I have been obsessed, lately, with the idea of looking like a bad-ass while being really, really comfortable.

Three Evils Sweater Dress: $55

You know what I mean: when you’re walking down the street with too much eyeliner on and people think that maybe you just got out of jail, or that you’re in a punk band, or you have anger issues and got detention a lot as a kid…but you just keep walking, not a care in the world, because your outfit is so damned comfortable.

Asymmetrical Hoodie: $80

The most bad-ass neighborhoods in Seattle are meant for walking.  Heels and silk?  Not great when you’re on a hill in the rain.  A long-sleeve dress and bondage pants?  Perfect.

Bondage Leggings: $70

I feel the same way about comfort as I do about sustainability: you don’t have to sacrifice fashion to achieve it.  The two can coexist.

Just ask a Seattlite.

What’s your most bad-ass piece of clothing?

What’s your go-to “comfort outfit”?

Audrey Cantwell, the brains behind Black Market Baby, also has a vintage Etsy shop called Tarantula Sisters.  You can check out the full Black Market Baby collection at her website, AudreyCantwell.com.

I have to say, VbN, you had me worried.

When I first perused your Spring 2010 Lookbook (I know, I’m late) I was a little nervous. I saw a lot of basics, and girls without pants. Could my favorite organic brand be falling in line with companies like American Apparel, using bare hardwood floors, blank walls and half-naked girls to sell subpar clothing?

I shouldn’t have worried.

Laughing! American Apparel girls don’t laugh. They squint, or pout, or just look kind of drunk.

Okay, maybe the image on the right is a little pouty, but think about it this way: American Apparel ads are utterly one-dimensional.  They each feature a single girl, writing around, looking oh-so-serious and sexual, or otherwise coquettish with a “c’mere, big boy” grin.  They certainly don’t have any sort of fun playing in the manufactured indoor wind.

And I’m sorry, American Apparel guys, but your super skinny, mustached white trash look ain’t got nothing on our barefoot friend, here.  (Guys can play in the wind too – how refreshing.)

In fact, this whole damned lookbook is refreshing. The ethnically-diverse models are smiling; the clothing is well-cut, interestingly paired and completely wearable; and the scene is relaxed and real, but not dirty (again, a la American Apparel). Vicarious by Nature‘s Lookbook does exactly what a lookbook should do: show you the fit, shape and style of the clothing, offer options for pairing, and keep it all attainable.

So, instead of being confused or turned on by the pantsless girls, I want to be one of them…and maybe throw a sleepover.

Bravo, Vicarious by Nature. You’ve done it again!

Images via VicariousByNature.com

Starting today, Gilt.com is celebrating Independence Day (US) by featuring sample sales by a number of long-standing and up-and-coming American Designers.

Worn on The 4th of July

“July 4^th beckons, and with it comes backyard barbecues, lazy afternoons in the sun and, of course, casual clothing. We can’t help you perfect your BBQ glaze, but we’re more than happy to help you with the latter. To celebrate Independence Day, this July 4^th we’re offering a huge selection of styles by all the masters of American fashion, from the classic favorites like Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Vineyard Vines, Keds and Michael Kors to the groundbreaking new guard like Erin Fetherston, Proenza Schouler, Derek Lam and Kelly Wearstler. Think you’re a scholar of style? Take our quiz on American designers past and present and test your knowledge of the looks they made their own.”  (Take the quiz here.)

While I love – love - designers from across the pond (as well as above below the border), if you live in the US, there’s something to be said for buying American.

It’s not about US pride (the whole flag-wearing, Hummer-driving “American way” thing seems a bit forced to me).  It’s more about Earth pride, and intelligence pride, and knowing-what-it-takes-to-get-my-clothes pride. It’s about shopping locally, and supporting your own country’s designers, creators, inventors, manufacturers…all the men and women that work so hard and pay the same tax dollars we do.

(Also, I’d be a little cranky if my clothes have been to – were created in and flown from – countries I’ve never visited.  But I’m the jealous type.)

Here’s the rub: just because your clothing is designed by an US citizen doesn’t mean it was made by US citizens.  Which begs the question: which of these Gilt-featured designers actually manufacture their clothing in the US?

• Vera Wang: Her collections go back and forth.  Some of her designs are made in the US, others are made in the US out of imported (typically Italian) fabric, and others are imported entirely. (Gilt’s got a mix of all three.)  Always check the tags, and try to balance the “US made” aspect with the type of material used – natural fabrics are almost always better – and any other eco-friendly or charitable practices.

• DKNY Shoes: Imported imported imported, leather leather leather. Ameri-what?

• Derek Lam: Most of his pieces are made in Italy, but a select few hail from the US. (Gilt has two: a blouse and a dress.)  His aesthetic is gorgeous, though, so if you’re coveting one of his designs, try to focus on natural fabrics, local boutiques and the occasional US-manufactured tagline.

• Kelly Wearstler for Sferra: Organic design doesn’t mean organic materials; however, most of Gilt’s Sferra collection is made of 100% cotton or linen. The problem?  Every bit of it is imported.

• Tommy Hilfiger: More imported clothing from an “all-American” designer.  But who cares: Hilfiger’s designs are totally uninspired anyway.  So much for red, white and blue being your “signature colors,” Tommy.

• Keds: Keds!  From my childhood!  Keds!  All cute and canvas and comfy and…imported. Man, that sucks.

• Vineyard Vines: New England preppy meets a 100% cotton shell meets a dubious “imported” label. I’m sensing a trend here.  (This list is becoming a little sad.)

• Proenza Schouler: Didn’t someone tell Gilt that every single pair of these sunglasses is made in France?  They’re crazy gorgeous – I love the square acetate frames – but last time I checked, France was waaaaaaay over there.  (I know, because I haven’t been there.  Sad for me.)

• Erin Fetherston: First of all, new favorite designer ever. This stuff is gorgeous!  And the first click shows…US MADE! (I’m doing a little dance in my chair right now.)  Okay, third click is giving me an “imported” label, but still.  At least some of this stuff is manufactured on American soil.

Oooohmygod.

• Calvin Klein and Michael Kors: I’ll give you one guess, and a clue: it starts with an “I”.  (Imported?  Italy?  Right on both counts.) This makes me extra sad, because I really love my Calvin Klein Jeans and Michael Kors shoes.

• Diesel Shoes (Men): Imported leather. You’re not surprised.

• Property Of… (Men): I love the waxed cotton, hate the patterns on the canvas (what is this, a men’s diaper bag?), love the no-frills look, and hate the imported tagline.

• Adidas SLVR (Men): I’m surprised I like this collection.  Adidas managed to pull of a casual, yet not skater-ish vibe with these straight-cut shorts and pants, as well as henleys and jackets.  Sadly, it’s all imported, but much of it is made of eco-friendly fabrics, including organic cotton blends.

As you can see, most of these brands use the same tactic that greenwashers do: tell us their product is one thing, while using practices that make it another.  (Think back to Tommy Hilfiger’s campaigns: red, white and blue, classic American style.  It was practically thrown at us all through the nineties – you couldn’t help but know it was an “American” brand.)

The lesson is this: just because a designer hails from the United States doesn’t mean their clothes do, and just because someone says they use natural fabrics doesn’t mean they’re not filled with chemicals.  (Bamboo, anyone?)  Keep that in mind as you shop this weekend…or any other.  (With that in mind: please, stop going to Walmart.)

In addition to what your clothing is made of, do you think about where it was manufactured, or what country the company hails from?

It’s time to choose a winner for the Eliza + Axel Flora Tee!

Drum roll, please…

The winner is:

Cynthia Richardson!

I’ve already sent you an email, Cynthia, as well as Eliza, so the two of you can connect.  Once you’ve received your shirt, I’d love it if you’d let me know how you like it!  (I <3 pictures.)

Thank you all for playing.  Stick around – I have two more giveaways coming up shortly!  While you wait, take another look at Eliza + Axel: she’s offering $10 off everything in her store, and has new designs to choose from (including shoes).

Since I found her last year, Etsy designer Eliza – better known as ELIZA + AXEL – has been an inspiration to me.  The epitome of eco-friendly, Eliza uses recycled materials to transform the common t-shirt into something far more interesting.

These aren’t your typical screen-printed tees.  They’re made using recycled embellishments, which are hand-sewn onto each Alternative Apparel tee with care, creating naturally-inspired, feminine designs.

(I like this version of “floral” a lot better than the myriad of prints I’ve been seeing in stores lately.)

Eliza has offered up her most popular tee, the Flora tee, to be given away to one lucky Awakened Aesthetic reader! The offer is open to anyone – all over the world, no restrictions.  Here’s how to enter:

1. First, add Awakened Aesthetic to your RSS reader (or enter your email address in the sidebar).  With three more giveaways already on the docket for the next few months, this isn’t a bad idea anyway.
2. Then, comment on this post with which color you’d choose – white, red, black or blue – and which size.  (See Eliza’s shop for sizing information.)

Want more entries?  Make a separate comment for each of these, and you’ll have a better chance of winning.  (You can do any, all, or none of these.)

1. Follow Eliza (@ElizandAxel) and me (@errant_)on Twitter.
2. Retweet the giveaway!  “Giveaway on AwakenedAesthetic.com: a handmade embellished floral tee by @ElizandAxel! http://tinyurl.com/AAFreeFloraT (via @errant_)” (You can retweet up to once a day; comment here each time you tweet.)
3. Follow the both of us on Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/AwakeAestheticFacebook and http://tinyurl.com/ykeu59p).
4. Then get another entry by sharing the giveaway on Facebook – you can use the green “Share” button at the bottom of this post, or grab it off of the Awakened Aesthetic Facebook page.
5. Comment with another favorite from Eliza + Axel.  The Ava Tunic?  The Cameo Tee?  The Nina Dress?  (Mine is the Fiona Tee.)

Remember: You have to leave a separate comment for each of these, or they won’t count!  (I tally the comments to randomly choose a winner.)

As someone who adores handmade, embellished pieces, but has absolutely zero creative talent, this is all very exciting (and I’m a little jealous of the winner, who will be chosen on June 1.)  If you do have some talent with a needle, though, Eliza + Axel offers a kit to create a Flora tee of your own.)

Good Luck!

Threadless.com is at it again!  Last year, for Earth Day, they donated a dollar of each sale to PlantaBillion.org, and this year they’re at it again.

All week, Threadless is offering up its “nature tees” at $12 a pop, and donating $1 from every single order to PlantaBillion.org. There’s a damned fine selection of nature-inspired tees, too – over 45 of them!  My favorites, as per usual, are below.

I love surprises.

I had no idea Alternative Apparel had put their Alternative Earth collection (which features organic cotton, recycled polyester and non-toxic dyes) on sale until I logged into their website this morning looking for a new pair of shorts. (These ones are adorable.) If you’re not inclined to read the above text from Alternative Apparel’s webiste, here’s the gist:

1. Until May 3, type CEARTH into the “discount code” box at checkout.
2. Get 15% off everything in Alternative Apparel’s “Earth” collection.

So, these “Roller Derby” shorts aren’t $25.  They’re $21.25.
(They also come in black.)

MINE.

Along with…

Organic Scoop Neck Tee: $28 $23.80
(It comes in twelve colors.)

The Slouchy Eco-Heather Pullover: $38 $32.30
(This one comes in five colors. This lilac is gorgeous.)

Eco-Heather Crop Pant: $35 $29.75
(Five colors for this one, too.)

If you need an excuse to buy, use Earth Day.  That’s my plan, anyway.

In my experience, when the average consumer finds out the truth about American Apparel – both the good and the bad – it tends to have a huge affect on them.  Sometimes they react positively, to both the company’s immigration stance and its “Made in the USA” manufacturing practices, and make an effort to shop at American Apparel more often, instead of those other “made in China” brands.

The other reaction is a little more extreme.  After hearing about American Apparel’s sexualized ads and Dov Charney’s alternative lifestyle, some people run far and fast from the brand, vowing to never shop there again.  No matter how socially conscious American Apparel is, it can’t make up for its overtly-sexualized advertising or, in some consumers’ estimation, poorly-manufactured products.

For those that subscribe to the second opinion, there are other options for well-fitting, sustainable basics.

Alternative Apparel

Girls:

Boys:

This one is obvious: an Alternative to American Apparel.  (Actually, the two companies’ incorporation dates and retail announcements make this almost impossible…but it is fun to pretend.)  Like American Apparel, Alternative Apparel (often just called Alternative) has high social responsibility standards, a Certified Organic line (Alternative Earth) and a great reputation when it comes to its labor standards and environmental protection.  That reputation extends to include strict non-discrimination standards and a support for charities all over the world.  They have the same basics as American Apparel – without the ads featuring freshly-waxed crotches. (They’re also having a great Spring sale – up to 75% off – right now.)

Brand of the Free

In Full Bloom and Lasting Liberty: $32 each

Made in America: $32 and Open Mic Misprint: $10

Brand of the Free boasts many of the same sustainable traits as American Apparel: they manufacture all of their products in the USA, supply both wholesale and retail to their clients, and are sweatshop free.  They beat out American Apparel, though, by using only 100% Certified Organic cotton and offering an Outlet section with minor misprints at a major discount.  With both a womens and mens section, they are definitely a great alternative to any site that prints their graphics on American Apparel tees (like some Threadless.com shirts).

TQM Apparel Group

TQM – or Total Quality Management – has been competing with American Apparel’s wholesale department for years, and has been selected as one of the “Hot 500 fastest growing companies” of 2007 by Entrepreneur Magazine and in 2008 by Inc. 500 Magazine.  It’s easy to see why: their cuts are on-trend, the fit is modern and sexy, and their lines are made using quality fabrics (like naturally-produced and biodegradable MicroModal) in their US manufacturing plant.  TQM is all about durability, too, so those of you that find your American Apparel tees falling apart in the wash won’t have the same issue with TQM.

Keep in mind that even if you’re not a wholesaler, you can pick up TQM: they have no minimum order requirements, and have been used by Threadless, Hard Rock and Disneyland, so you may already own one of their tees!

American Apparel is definitely in a moral grey area.  Will you continue to buy your clothing there, chose one of the options above, or go somewhere else?