Whenever we have a hard day at the HQ, there’s only one two things that can fix it:

Coffee + Shopping.

It’s true – every time. We fight with our partners – coffee + shopping. We show up wearing the same thing – coffee + shopping. The moon falls out of the sky – coffee  + shopping. Our collective, next-to-each-other, shared BFF epitaph – coffee + shopping.

You get the drift.

After a tough work day yesterday, we decided to coffee + shopping and head into Nordstrom Rack for some eye-candy and affordable fashion. As we walked the three story Seattle store, we started to feel a little odd. Other-dimension-odd.

Everywhere we looked – there were ethical fashion and beauty products.

A massive Burt’s Bees & Origins display!

Don’t get me wrong – we’re born’n'bred Seattle girls – Nordstrom is an amazing store (one of the best ever, we say!) and they have been carrying ethical designers and products for years, but we’re not used to seeing high-end ethical brands so deeply discounted! We’re talking insane-level discounts here…

We only covered a small portion of the apparel section (much to our dismay), but within that time, we found more eco-friendly clothes than we were prepared for.

This top that I’m holding was pulled from the activewear section (we’re having a year of running & yoga, so, you know, gotta go coffee + shopping). It’s a long-sleeved, hooded, running top made by super-reputable company, Under Armour. As a part of their UA Green line, it’s made from 100% recycled fabric & printed with soy-based inks. What even? This is awesome! Even better – $27. (Here it is on the Under Armour site.)

Okay, eco-fashion-philes, ready to have your mind blown?

I hold in my trembling hands an EDUN dress for $9.99.

I know, right? Sadly, I left it at the store (easily distracted by shiny things – in this case, there was a shiny quesadilla calling my name), but EDUN was everywhere! We also found an adorable skirt (straight from the runway) for less than $70.

Amazing ethical brands carried at Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack, not pictured:

• Threads4Thought
• Alternative Apparel
• R44 Standard Issue by Rogan
• Stem
• Splendid
• Nau
• Dayna Decker
• SPROUT Watches
• Petunia Pickle Bottom
• Timberland EarthKeepers
• Eileen Fisher
• Whish
• Tela Beauty Organics
• L’Occitane
• Jack Black
• Kiehl’s
• Jedidiah

…Amazing, right? Definitely count the Nordstrom stores as part of your eco-arsenal! Stay tuned for more eco-shopping sojourns…

I demand that one of my friends open a bar so I can give this to them as a congratulatory gift.

Or, you know, I could just get it for myself. (Instant gratification? Yes please.)

This little key chain includes the above skeleton key, skull, beach stone and hand-stamped brass tag, which you can customize. I love it as-is. Who doesn’t want a little more happy in their life, with or without booze?

The key chain is $55 due to its hand-carved and cast nature, so it’s definitely a unique keepsake piece for the rough and tumble guy or girl in your life. Or just someone who likes skulls. Either way.

To see more of our 2011 Etsy Gifts of the Day, click here!

vegan

Do you watch Breaking Bad? I do. I love it. I am possibly in love with the actor who plays Jesse. This may be because, when I was a teenager, I seemed to gravitate toward bad boys of middling height and a skinny frame who are only bad because ~they’re tortured~ and whatever. Also, shaved heads are my weakness.

But I digress.

During the early episodes of Season 4 (season four! oh my god! I promise: no spoilers!) my partner pointed out one of the jackets Jesse was wearing. It was kind of puffy, and warm-looking, and it had a plaid hood. I promised I’d go hunting for a similar jacket for him.

I failed (fashion blogging does not make me magical – that’s Lindsay’s job) but I did find out that Jesse’s jacket of that season’s later episodes was absolutely coveted by everyone who watched the show.

Swoon.

The jacket is probably the Superdry Brad Leather Jacket by Cult, which has also been worn by David Beckham, Josh Duhamel and Justin Bieber. (That last one is a name I’d never thought I’d say on this website…or in general…)

But because this is media, and because leather is the mark of bad boy sex appeal, this jacket is made of the real stuff (aka cow hide) and costs $350.00. Raise your hand (even if you wear leather) if you can afford that.

…do I hear crickets?

I became curious as to whether I could find an ethical field jacket (because that’s what this style essentially is) that would compare to Jesse’s swanky leather coat. I found two great options, both under $100 and both made of organic cotton.

Threads for Thought Trim Fit Organic Cotton Knit Jacket: $98

The cut on this jacket is really similar to the Brad Jacket. It’s made by the ethical designers at Threads for Thought, and I love the worn look of it.

Oneill Men’s Civilian Jacket: $58.00 – $71.60

This rain twill slub has a military fit and – fancy shmancy – an organic cotton chambray lining. Amazon is offering it in prices ranging from $58.00 to $71.60 depending on color (black or olive) and size.

I did find one faux leather option, but be warned: it’s PVC, which has its own environmental and health concerns. In short, it takes lots of chemicals to make PVC, which is a huge strain on the environment, and there are concerns that the chemicals within PVC can leech into our bodies and cause long-term damage. Companies in a number of fields (car manufacturing, hospitals, children’s toys) have stopped using PVC “as a precaution” and I know a few people that won’t wear it, ever. At the same time, a number of you are vegans who love their fake leather, so I wouldn’t want to deny you the option!

Levi’s Military Jacket: $130 $64.99

And it’s on sale, and it has a zip-out hood, and it’s pretty sexy-looking.

Images of Jesse are screencaps of Breaking Bad, copyright AMC.

vegan

Let me tell you about my vintage wool jacket.

Yes. That will do nicely. Now, as I was saying…

Amanda and I were introduced by my good friend Haley when I visited in Mississippi earlier this year. We were a perfect pair and, though Amanda had that “I’ve been in a pile of clothes for too long” smell and a few ripping seams, I decided to take her home with me. Amanda cost Haley approximately $5. She was free to me.

I brought Amanda home, introduced her to the pets and my boyfriend, and then took her to my tailor/dry cleaner to have her cleaned and her inside lining stitched. A month later, I brought her back to have the exterior seams reinforced, because after who knows how many years of wear and tear, the thread was wearing out.

Total cost: $32. For a fitted wool jacket that is one-of-a-kind, fits me perfectly, and always gets compliments. Score.

Want your own? Irritated that I haven’t made a “vintage jackets” post before? Me too. So here one is, care of Etsy.

Breakfast Club Wool Tweed Coat: $36

Before we move on, please prepare yourself emotionally: all but two of these jackets are under $50. The two that are over $50 are made of leather, and they’re still under $75.

I know: you love me. I love you too.

Leather Trench Coat in Buttercream: $40

This jacket has a few signs of wear, but if you take it to a skilled tailor, you’ll still be paying less for it than you would a new leather tie-waist coat.

 
Nantucket Riding Jacket: $35

The BB Dakota version of this jacket is more than double the cost of this one ($83) and I guarantee it won’t last as long.

Vintage Black Leather Jacket: $62

Really wishing the sign next to her said something Top Gun-related right now.

Ethnic Tapestry Jacket: $45

I know someone who would look phenomenal in this jacket while knitting blankets, drinking coffee, eating day-old pizza and laughing at the ridiculousness of the phrase “ethnic tapestry jacket” all at the same time. She is one of the most interesting people I know.

Early 80s Levis Jacket: $48

Yes, you can be that kind of hipster.

Fitted Wool Blazer with Military Cuffs: $40

Cuff swoon.

Blue Velvet Fitted Blazer: $26

This jacket needs a home. I need someone to wear it, and own it, and show the world that velvet can be used for good. SERVE YOUR COUNTRY, READERS.

Rust Patchwork Suede and Knit Jacket: $62.99

Does her amazing hair come with this jacket?

Mens Vintage Ralph Lauren Jacket: $68

I couldn’t forget the guys! This jacket is perfect, and I have no idea what’s going on with his hair. (I think they’re sticks to hold his dreads up, but they were poorly placed for this shot. Everything else is epic, though, so I’ll let it slide.)

You know what’s crazy about these jackets? They’re not even CLOSE to the only ones out there. There were tons more, but vintage Etsiers don’t always take the best photos. Please please pleeeease check out the vintage Etsy offerings to find the best vintage jacket for you.

Before I go, I have one more vintage jacket to show you…

That, my loves, is a 1980s vintage wool asymmetrical Karl Lagerfeld jacket. I have no words.

vegan

It’s been a while since I talked about men. Musky, sweaty men. Summer projects around the house with their shirts off men.

If you’re dating a man, and you’re doing it because you like him*, you probably like the way he smells. I happen to be dating a man, and lo and behold: I’m not grossed out when he sweats. Genius! Still, I certainly don’t mind it when he showers, uses deodorant or dabs on a little cologne. Man smell is sometimes better when complimented by other smells.

It’s science.

I’ll admit that I was initially drawn to Herban Cowboy natural cologne because of the packaging. It’s sexy, right? Like some rugged western something or other.

It’s also vegan, free of parabens, dyes and other synthetic ingredients, is packaged in recycled and recyclable materials, and is made in the US. Better yet, it is available at most drugstores. (You can also click each image to be taken to a website that carries that product.)

Herban Cowboy makes a full line of men’s soaps and shave products, so I scoured online for the best deal and found iHerb.com, which has their entire line (including shaving creams and balms, plus other deodorant scents and even a coffee mug!) at 24% off.

If you’re an Amazon junkie, they carry Herban Cowboy too, and even list a couple of gift sets. The average rating for the above deodorant and cologne is over four stars…the best I’ve seen for a natural men’s cologne yet.

Does your guy (or do you) use natural, organic or otherwise ethical shaving or bathing products? What’s in your perfume and cologne?

*Some people are weird, and date people they don’t really like. I don’t get it either.

vegan

Poor fashion. Eco-design has flourished in the past few years and yes, while fashion designers were included in that burst of innovation, things like buildings, houses, and cars get all of the really exciting innovations. Fashion gets recycled materials and Tencel.

But every so often, there is a glimmer of hope.

Wooden. Watches. A company based out of Italy (now based in Los Angeles) have the gift of genius and a mission to get people to appreciate natural materials more. Primarily using Ebony (evil spirit defense at no extra charge!), Maple, Guaiaco (a South American tree used for naturopathic remedies), and Red Wing Celtis, a wood frequently used for flooring which creates a lot of waste – WeWood gladly takes care of that.

Each watch is from $119-$139, and comes with some bonus karma. For every watch purchased, WeWood will plant a frickin’ tree.

You can purchase their beautiful watches here. Personal favorite? The WeWood Crono in brown (which is the recycled Red Wing Celtis).

It’s time for me to introduce a guy who’s been laying low.  The entire time I’ve been blogging he’s had no internet presence: no Facebook, no Twitter, nothing.  He may research, read articles and play games online – hell, he even does work in IT – but the only thing under his name, online, is an email address.

This guy that’s so uninterested in becoming a part of the internet world?  He’s my boyfriend.

Introducing: Richard.

This is the second of four posts featuring Vicarious by Nature.  (To see the first post featuring the Open Up Tank, click here.)

There’s a part of me that loves the VbN’s men’s collection more than the women’s.  It has extra casual details that I don’t usually see in menswear basics.

And I don’t mind at all how soft the organic cotton is.

You can find both the Mr. Rogers Cardigan (the button-up) and the Placket Pullover hoodie at ShopRobertson.com.

Button Up: Vicarious by Nature Mr. Rogers Cardigan, $98 at ShopRobertson.com
Hoodie: Vicarious by Nature Placket Pullover, $70 at ShopRobertson.com
Jeans: Joe’s Jeans via ShopMapel.com
Shoes: Steve Madden

Relax, I’m not talking about the Moss-generation’s beauty ideals.

There is a t-shirt company based out of New York City that is giving hardcore drugs the respect they deserve. Despite the billions spent on this “War on Drugs” (please see this exquisite song by one of my favorite bands, Asylum Street Spankers, for my thoughts on the matter), American Apothecary aims to show that many of the most intensely hardcore drugs… weren’t always hated by the masses – they were instead used for proposed medicinal qualities.

American Apothecary is an avant-garde T-shirt company showcasing remedies that are no longer available because they are now illegal and/or exceptionally dangerous. Cocaine, heroin, and cigarettes were not always feared and controlled substances. In fact, in the early 1900’s cocaine was widely used in toothache drops for children, heroin was used as a painkiller, and cigarettes were offered to asthmatics for instant relief.

By placing vintage medicine labels on the finest cotton shirts, American Apothecary is commenting on how our perceptions of these and other once legal but now taboo substances have drastically changed over the last 100 years.

Our objective is to supply clothing with a purpose; and our purpose is to urge the public to TAKE A CLOSER LOOK at what they are prescribed to put in their bodies.

Amen! When every third television commercial and every fifth billboard is telling you how badly you need everything from smoother skin to a larger penis to a more pleasant disposition… It’s a little scary to think about what those drugs will do to us in 50, 60 years. Think about it – there’s no way to test that kind of effect. Smoking, anyone?

Fortunately, instead of shouting at us or handing out 5,500 paper pamphlets, American Apothecary has provided stunningly beautiful, 100% Pima cotton t-shirts with an eco-friendly ink:

The water-based ink used in the silk-screening of American Apothecary’s shirts is more eco-friendly and comfortable to wear than shirts created using other inks, such as plastisol. A silk-screen print with water-based ink is easier to maintain and just plain looks better. Rather than sitting on top of the material, the ink sink deep into the fabric creating a “soft hand” effect, meaning that you cannot feel the print when you run your hand over the design. The result is vibrant, fade-proof colors that will withstand countless washes.

And with these gorgeous designs, the fading will only enhance the appeal.

Tape Worms $59

As early as the late 19th century, women began swallowing pills with “sanitized tape worms” to help maintain a slim figure and lose weight. Common side effects of carrying the parasite are vomiting, dizziness and dehydration. Though banned in the United States, to this day there are websites dedicated to glorifying eating tapeworms for weight loss.

Heroin $59

Heroin was first used for medicinal purposes when a German pharmaceutical company started producing it in 1898 touting it as a cure-all for respiratory diseases. It seemed like a miracle drug because not only did it suppress coughs and help with illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and bronchitis, but it also served as a powerful painkiller. Commercial production was stopped in 1913 because of its highly addictive formula.

This is Jen and my favorite of their collection. It also comes in a beautiful black color.

There are also some fantastic designs for the men in our lives, as well.

Opium $59

In the late 1800s opium was a major global commodity. It was used mainly to treat gastrointestinal afflictions that were common during that time period. This, coupled with its effectiveness in relieving pain, led opium to be over prescribed by doctors. The cultivation and trade of opium and its derivatives became illegal when widespread addiction became a global health concern.

Cigares de Joy $59

In 1875, according to several reputable news sources including The London Medical Journal and The Medical Times and Gazette, Cigars de Joy were recommended by physicians as a cure for asthma, bronchitis and shortness of breath. They were advised to people of all ages including children, to relieve respiratory symptoms and promote restful sleep. It was later learned that stramonium, the plant used to make the cigars was not so innocent after all; in fact, it’s a dangerous hallucinogenic which can be fatal in the event of an overdose.

Chloraform $59

Up to as recent as 1920, cough syrup containing alcohol and chloroform was recommended to treat people of all ages with bronchial irritations. The chloroform remedy was abandoned when its particularly dangerous side effects such as liver and kidney damage as well as cardiac arrhythmia when inhaled, were discovered.

This isn’t just some radical, t-shirt producing lot of selfish profiteers, either. 10% of every sale goes to Drug Outreach programs.

Definitely take a look at American Apothecary for your next t-shirt purchase. These are graphic tees that aren’t just gorgeous, but actually have an intellect behind them, as well as an intention.

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?

I both love and dread Father’s Day.

My dad’s such a cool guy: he went from a mechanic to a top sales guy, from teaching SCUBA diving to owning his own business, from childhood dreams to being a part-time cop who spends weekends at car shows…and he’s done it all by breaking the rules of his class, his age, and his society’s expectations.  Screw what other people thought: my dad just did what he wanted to do.  He never took his eyes off the prize.

So, what do you get for a guy like that?

Hell if I know.

Like most gifts, though, it’s sometimes easier to find gift ideas for someone else’s father/husband/boyfriend/partner/brother/what-have-you than your own.  With that thought in mind, I’ve listed a few gifts that I’d want if I were a guy.  They’re also all sustainable (via Etsy, eco companies/materials, or otherwise).  Whether you’re getting a graduation gift, a Father’s Day gift, or just want to spoil a guy that spoils you too, I hope these spark something that he’ll love (and something good for the earth, too…lets make up for those Viper emissions, k?).

Or, if you’re in the Seattle area, you could just get him SCUBA lessons.  (Love you, Dad. )

Vintage, Retro, Badass

EDUN Short sleeve t-shirt: $42

Poison! Caution! Belt Buckle: $28

WeSC Slim 5 Pocket Straight Leg Jeans in One Wash Recycle Stretch: $108

Timberland Earth Keepers 6 Inch Boot: $159.95 $142.99

Freethinking, City-Style, Modern

Loomstate Act Natural T-Shirt: $60

Loomstate Mission Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans in Seneca: $185

Bike Cufflinks: $24.99

Simple CARwalk Wool Flannel: $74.95 $49.99

Leather IPad Case: $108

Aging or Fledgling…Still a Rock Star

Loomstate Buzz Off T-Shirt: $60 $45

You Rock Guirar Pick: $39

Matt and Nat Phoenix Pebbled Laptop Shoulder Bag: $265

Louie Skull Car Cigarette Lighter: $229