Just in time for summer, Pure Thread is offering a free styling consultation with 50% off EVERYTHING! I stopped by the Upper Westside studio for an afternoon appointment last month and was introduced to an assortment of designers with eco credentials and beautiful designs, including Miguelina (pictured above, ethically made from natural fibers). Founder and lead stylist Jill Heller curates an upscale offering with pieces that range from corporate to resort. If you are ready to play dress up and discover some high end brands with eco commitments to boot, take advantage of their summer sale from June 10- 20th, 2014 (by appointment only).
Eco-Outfit: How to Wear a Chambray Shirt Dress
Chambray screams spring and summer, and always feels casual chic. It carries a laid back feel that has earned it a spot on the 'wardrobe basics' list of most women. Heck, the chambray shirt ranks right up there with a go-to white tee! Moving beyond the shirt, the chambray dress is a new style staple ready for action. I was lucky enough to play around with this season's chambray dress from Chinti & Parker, and styled it for a summer patio party.
Chinti & Parker has been on my radar for a long time, and I was able to call on the designing duo Rachel Wood and Anna Singh for a brand blurb in my book Wear No Evil. Most of us now know of Chinti & Parker. It is synonymous with classic cashmere jumpers with a quirky twist. They've also expanded into shorts, skirts, tops, dresses and trousers- offering a cornucopia of classic pieces to build a sustainable wardrobe. Beyond the great style that speaks for itself, they have ethics built into their DNA that flies under the alias of 'conscious cloth.'
"Conscious cloth is much more than a catchy tagline. It is an ever-present company watchword, reminding us to carefully consider our design choices (fabric, production, style of a garment), and for our shoppers to evaluate their clothing purchases similarly: Do I love this piece? Will it work for me in years to come? Am I okay with where and how it was made?"
Pulling this look together was totally effortless- which is a common theme when choosing from Chinti & Parker pieces. Of course, my leather jacket from The Sway is a standby piece that goes with just about everything and has earned its keep in my closet! I was excited to try out the fabulous vegan shoes from Mink. The quality behind Mink is the highest (they are made in Italy alongside some of the most luxury shoe brands), and offer crazy awesome height with 5-6 inches!
{CHAMBRAY TUNIC DRESS, Chinti & Parker, $245, ethically and locally made in the EU; BYRON JACKET, The Sway, $583, made from upcycled leather; VEGAN WEDGE, Mink, $255; 100% vegan}
special thanks to Chinti & Parker for sponsoring this post, photo credit: Natasha from WTF Magazine, shot outside The William Hotel, NYC
Studio Tour: Natalia Allen's 3D Printed Clothing Line
For such a young woman, Natalia Allen has a very impressive track record. She graduated Parsons in 2004 as Designer of the Year (a title shared with Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford). She then became a recognized Young Global Leader under the World Economic Forum, giving speeches across the globe with a focus on making fashion better. So, it came as no surprise when she upped the ante to combine her commitment to sustainability and design, with her technologically advanced geeky side to create a label of 3D printed clothing made by robots. Totally awesome, I know.
I stopped by her midtown studio in New York City to check out these 3D pieces and was amazed by their quality, subtle yet significant design details, and the thoughtfulness behind what Natalia has set out to do.
What inspired you to start your own label?
While designing for multi-national fashion companies I was exposed to – exploitative labor practices, the excessive waste of materials and natural resources and the widespread use of toxic chemicals. With all of the emerging technologies in fashion I thought there had to be a better way. After significant research, I spent several months in factories learning about advancements in apparel manufacturing. With the freedom to choose how my garments are made I designed beautiful minimalist clothing in the USA, using robots that conserve energy and textiles.
How did you come into the 3D printing model of production? Where do you think we are headed in that space?
I view technology as a tool. When applied intelligently it can help designers to solve problems or unlock creative potential. I think we will continue to see fashion companies adopt new technologies such as 3-d printing. The advancements will compliment, rather than eliminate, traditional and artisanal practices.
3. What do you wish to communicate most with your clothes?
Aesthetically? Primarily the pleasure and power of thoughtful simplicity.
4. Aside from the work that you do, what do you value in your life?
Relationships, learning and play.
5. What are you reading or listening to now?
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull, computer scientist and President of Pixar.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
I'm inspired when observing how cultures dress, live and eat. Also when I’m in the water; swimming, surfing or sailing.
Top Three Natural & Safe Sunscreens
We hear it from our dermatologists and just about every beauty or fashion magazine out there… ‘Don’t leave the house without putting on sunscreen!’ Yet, you may be struggling to satisfy that request while upholding your commitment to use cleaner products that are less toxic. Traditionally, sunscreen has been a pretty chemical- heavy concoction. Luckily, we’ve learned more about what ingredients to avoid (PABA and oxybenzone have long been on the no fly zone, with the addition of retinyl palimnate which studies are showing may increase risk of skin cancer when used on skin exposed to sun!). The jury is still out on the use us Titanium Dioxide, but the fact that we are still unclear of the long term risks after having it in personal care products for so long is enough evidence for me personally to move it to the ‘bad’ list and choose products without it.
So, with all of that said, which sunscreens are safe and effective to use? I’ve narrowed it down to three that all get a 1 (out of a scale of 1- 10) on toxic level rating by theEnvironmental Working Group.
1. SUN LOVE- NATURAL SUN PROTECTION, Annemarie Gianni Skincare, $40. A great everyday sunscreen to use on your face, neck and shoulders for light to medium sun exposure.
2. NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACE SUNSCREEN AND PRIMER, Suntegrity, $45. Allure’s 2013 Best of Beauty Award Winner! This non-greasy face sunscreen is the perfect layer to wear beneath makeup with the added benefit of acting as a primer which helps create a more even and long lasting look.
3. PROTECT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 ALL OVER SUNSCREEN, Beauty Counter, $26. This non-nano zinc oxide formula offers full spectrum protection for face and body. Additional antioxidants from green tea and blood orange extract offer natural protection from environmental pollutants.
Eco-Outfit: Black & White Dressed Down Dressed Up
The weather in New York has been so weird this spring, it has left me a little out of sorts with what to wear. Luckily, a hint of summer has arrived making it just warm enough to sport bare legs and a light jacket. Yesterday, I caught up with my fab designer friend Allison Parris (who is known for her playful and stunning party dresses). I pulled a few pieces for an upcoming shoot and felt inspired to put this playful number into action as a street style outfit. Normally, I reserve Allison Parris dresses for evening events or parties, but today I wanted to showcase the wearability of the party dress during the day.
To dress down a cocktail dress you need two things: flats and a blazer (or jean jacket). Layered necklaces helped finish the look and added a little more refinement. The black and white combo is clean and professional looking, while the pleated detail at the edge of the dress keeps it looking a bit lighter. Swap out the flats for strappy nude heels, add a red lip, and ditch the blazer for a seamless transition into after work attire.
If you aren’t familiar with Allison Parris- you should be! She is the queen of the party scene- fashionably speaking. Her line is made locally in the garment district and she uses discarded fabrics for her linings and designs. She leads with style and incorporates sustainability into her brand DNA. What can I say- she’s got it right… Girls just want to have fun. Look great. And save the world.