Women's Eco Fashion Men's Eco Fashion Sustainable Home & Garden Sustainable Lifestyle & Organic Living Vegan & Organic Bath Products

I’m completely immersed in my vintage-inspired summer wardrobe. Today a dainty white dress arrived – it was too big and I was so disappointed – and tomorrow yet another pair of oxfords will be at my doorstep, care of Lindsay, who is the best best friend ever. Of course, if you’re going to buy vintage, [...]

I hadn’t even thought to look for sunglasses in the Vintage section of Etsy. That was silly. There are so many sunglasses, at so many prices, in so many styles. Got a weird preference, or a hard-to-fit face shape? Psh, whatever, you’ll find something. This is what I found, first page, on a whim, for [...]

I don’t believe money buys happiness, but it does boost my serotonin levels, albeit briefly, from time to time. So if I seem a little too adamant, lately, about working a few extra hours at the office, or trading my latte for a cup of drip coffee, or not buying that cute, cheap top at [...]

To Covet: Going Direct

June 15, 2011

Feeling beautiful, today, in black, white and shades of gray. This black pom headband is handmade in London with satin, tulle and a 20″ black quill. Cold and deliberate, curved and delicate. Unisex, hand-etched, oxidized. This hammered ring makes me feel both strongly masculine and connected to nature. Each ring is handmade to order, so [...]

[starreviewmulti id=2 tpl=20 style='plain' size='16' average_stars='darkness' average_size='16'] Oh, Matt & Nat, it’s been too long. I can’t help but write this Ethical Designer Profile as a sort of unrequited love letter. I say sort of because I do own a gorgeous vegan wallet by Matt & Nat, but have yet to purchase one of their [...]

Lindsay and I get together to “work” every Saturday. I say “work” because our day mostly consists of drinking too much coffee, shopping and giggling. (More on that in The Ethical Rag, Awakened Aesthetic’s brand new newsletter.) During the “dear god, let’s try to focus for five minutes” part of our day, Lindsay hit the [...]

Some things for here, some things to go there…I find myself a little back and forth these days. Teal: $25 This reminds me of those rubber band balls I used to be so enthused with as a child. It also reminds me of time…time and chaos. I think an unassuming wall photo is a good [...]

When excrement hits the wind propelling ceiling apparatus with large corporate companies, you can typically expect a big, vague, saccharin statement from their HQ shortly after. The last few days have been rich with criticism of Urban Outfitters’ alleged snatching of Stevie Koerner’s design (dare I say, “obvious snatching” – but alas, read on), and [...]

Urban Outfitters Steals State Necklaces

It’s definitely not a surprise that Urban Outfitters has been stealing independent designers’ hard work for years. There have been many (hundreds?) of blog posts on it, news pieces published, and social media discussion held right out in the open, so you’d think that Urban Outfitters might ease up on the whole stealing thing… Nnnnnnnope. [...]

[starreviewmulti id=2 tpl=20 style='plain' size='16' average_stars='darkness' average_size='16'] Ethical fashion is kind of a like a new genre of music. First there’s just one amazing band, redefining beats and notes, reaching into us and pulling at our heartstrings. Then there are a few more bands, all with passion, all hoping to share their craft. Then some [...]

And the milliner sits down and passes a girl in nerdy glasses a piece of paper. It says “Trunk Show.” Do you know what the girl said? “OH MY GOSH, DO YOU MAKE HATS? TELL ME YES RIGHT NOW.” This is not a joke, unfortunately. I am simply recounting a series of events that took [...]

When I usually say things like “get back to your roots”, my head immediately goes to music. Growing up, I was surrounded by music as a development tool, and an imagination enhancement aid. When I get caught up in the Gaga and the BritStinaPerry of music and modern sounds, often “going back to my roots” [...]

Take Me To The Beach

April 27, 2011

And when you’re on your way to pick me up in your hybrid car, please stop by eBags.com and pick me up one of these amazing beach bags from Earth Axxessories. C’monnnnn. They’re all less than $40 (just skip a night at the bar) and are 100% vegan – mostly made with natural fibers like [...]

Though Earth Day doesn’t come until later this month – April 22, to be exact – many companies have adopted celebrating an “Earth Month,” with daily tips, deals and giveaways from the eco-world. (I can’t wait until Earth Month becomes Earth…Year? Earth Life!) Proxy Apparel, a socially-conscious and eco-friendly company throughout the year, is showing [...]

Plaid Doctrine Suzanne Park Interview 5

[starreviewmulti id=2 tpl=20 style='plain' size='16' average_stars='darkness' average_size='16'] On some mornings, I daydream.  I imagine myself not on a beach, or shopping in the city, but waiting in an airport, with oversize sunglasses resting on my head and bags under my eyes, looking intentionally disheveled (it’s totally not intentional) as I wait for a plane home. [...]

Femme

February 21, 2011

Now that Valentine’s Day is long over – by a whole week! – I’m back to pretty pink girly things. Cricket: $28 Lucky Elephant: $32.50 Vita Vase (4): $60 Fox Clutch: $70 Sweet Pea: $5 Coral Rose Chiffon Scarf: $10

Milk and Sunrise

February 17, 2011

Sometimes it has nothing to do with anything. Sometimes it’s just warmth, and life, and unlocked doors. golden fish: $18 down the rabbit hole: $28 fall textile ring: $39 milkweed pod print: $18 stay calm and inch along: $30 chinese longhorn beetle: $18 skeleton keys: $14

Recently, I asked all of you what posts you like most (and want to see more of) here at Awakened Aesthetic. (Side note: If you haven’t taken the poll, please do!) I was surprised and pleased at how many of you voted for me to post more of my Etsy finds – those little themed [...]

We Wood If You Would

January 26, 2011

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 [...]

Led to the Sea

December 23, 2010

Followed your bread crumbs… They led to the sea. Followed your bread crumbs, They led to the sea…sea…sea… Crochet Pearl Ring: $52 Blue Roses Project Bags: $39.98 Moonlight Blue Earrings: $26 Peacock Pom Clutch: $48 Song by Jenny Owen Youngs: Led to the Sea Don’t forget: you can still enter my holiday giveaway over at [...]