FAVORITES IN FASHION - SUSTAINABLE + ETHICAL BRANDS
As long as I can remember I’ve loved to shop for clothes. Recently though, I had the realization that my meticulously sustainable, healthy, and eco-conscious lifestyle stopped at fashion choices for myself + my clients. I’ve since made a conscious effort to become more aware of the environmental and mind-body impact of the fabrics I choose and the processes they went through. I’d love to share what I know so far and my favorite brands with you here!
I’d like to preface that we’re always going to be making some impact on the environment and our bodies with these choices. My goal is to look at long-term wear, minimize the negative effects on the world around us whenever possible, and do the best I can to be more mindful in my wardrobe of present and future.
VINTAGE + CONSIGNMENT
Vintage and consignment are more sustainable options since they’re already made. I love re-homing previously loved pieces, but full disclosure they aren’t necessarily the most health conscious or ethically produced garments. I suggest wearing sparingly if so and here are a few faves.
— CHARLIE ROQUETTE - LA-based, pre-loved pieces for the subtle statement maker
— GIFT OF GARB - designer consignment with a brick + mortar in Silverlake, LA and an extensive selection online. Really wide range of styles.
— IMPARFAITE - shop-able online selection of French essentials
— SCOUT LA - unique, high-end and high-impact vintage. this is where you’ll find that really special addition to your wardrobe.
— SISTERWIFE - beautiful vintage + pre-owned high-fashion pieces
SUSTAINABLE
Sustainable is a spectrum. From environmentally friendly practices to recycled materials to natural-leaning fibers. The caveat with some sustainable brands is that it doesn’t always mean the fabrics are the best choice when it comes to considering what’s being absorbed into your skin. Recycled petroleum-based fabrics may still contain harmful chemicals and block the skin’s ability to eliminate effectively and should be worn sparingly. Though the effort towards decreasing the waste being put into the environment is definitely appreciated!
— AMOUR VERT - lovely selection of jewelry made from recycled metals, in-house brand clothing made from organic and sustainable fabrics with a wider selection of shapes + prints than some other boutique brands.
— ARTHUR APPAREL - this Ausi-based brand boasts natural fiber selections in classic silhouettes with a twist. They’re very transparent about factory conditions, use compost able + recycled packaging, the works! some is organic cotton, some isn’t, but the info is available on each garment.
— CHRISTY DAWN - dresses + select separates made from dead stock (never used, previously produced) fabrics by their own local employees. They’re also moving into the regenerative space + using plant-based dyes soon!
— GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE - chic activewear in stunning solids that champions up-cycling recycled goods away from landfills. The cuts and fabric feel are both excellent.
— GROCERIES APPAREL - soft basics in organic cotton, recycled + sustainable fabrics made in LA.
— JANESSA LEONE - sustainable sourced and cruelty-free would and natural straw hats made in an employee owned factory in the US. Also, they’re stunning!
— NATION LTD - your laid-back LA essentials made sustainable. Not-so-basic tees, dresses from striped to slip, in fabrics ranging from recycled cotton, silks, and responsibly sourced baby alpaca.
— SWEDISH STOCKINGS - sultry stockings + socks made from recycled nylon with amazing production transparency. Honestly, they’re the most durable, well-designed hosiery I’ve ever owned!
— VEJA - sustainable street sneakers can be hard to come by + these are not only cool, they also pay attention to consciousness in every detail from source to store.
HEALTH CONSCIOUS
Just like skincare, what you wear gets absorbed into your body through your skin. The synthetic fibers, pesticides sprayed on conventional cotton, and chemical laden dyes can all effect your health. These brands are beginning to turn the tide towards healthier garments not just for the environment, but our bodies too!
— ASTARA - slip-on sandals with built-in grounding technology to fuse wellness into your style. In an array of colors and materials, each topped with crystals that give deeper meaning to your footwear experience.
— AWAVE AWAKE - flowy, ethically-sourced slip dresses + accompanying layering pieces all plant-dyed in the most beautiful tones.— KNICKEY - organic cotton undies that are well-made and fit like the underwear you’re used to.
— KENT - organic cotton and silk lingerie from daily briefs to something more special in soft palettes to really dive into your feminine.
— MATE - organic cotton basics that don’t sacrifice style for substance.
— OZMA - known for their beautiful bandanas, this California brand offers a full range of vintage-inspired, sustainably sourced pieces.
— OLDER BROTHER - fashion-forward minimalist unisex line artfully dyed using plants + herbs. expect wide leg pants, button front jackets, hoodies + tees.
— PÉTALLA - simple, elegantly designed tops with unique shapes and beaded (or not) details represent this Portuguese brand whose creative producer also reiki energized all of her garments. You’re sure to feel the good vibes as soon as you put one of her pieces on!
— THE FOREST SAID - timeless silhouettes and lingerie in organic fibers, linens, silks, and even rose, designed and manufactured in LA.
— THE WYLDE - beautiful minimal comfort wear made sustainably in Australia from plant-dyed, organic fabrics. If coastal chill is your style, this brand is for you.
ETHICAL
— LIVE THE PROCESS - US-based, ethically made and consciously designed active + leisure apparel.
BE SURE TO CHECK BACK AS THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED AS BRANDS EVOLVE + EMERGE.
TANYA IN THE FOREST SAID CAPTURED BY TAYLOR MCKAY SMITH
