organic cotton

The day we've been waiting for has arrived! It's officially Spring, and besides doing some spring cleaning, if you're like me, you are anticipating warmer breezes and sunny, if muddy days.

I'm so sick of all my winter layers upon layers, with their dark colors and oppressive knits (until next Fall, when I'll be all excited about them again). While I'm pulling my lighter clothes out of storage, I think I need to inject one or two new pieces into my spring wardrobe. Celebrate the new season with some new (or recycled) ecofashions that aren't hard on Mother Earth.

Ryann

Asymmetry makes sense in an uncertain, imperfect world; check out this one-shouldered organic cotton Grecian-inspired tunic from Ryann. And speaking of tunics, here's one with adorable gathered 3/4-length sleeves (and winter-belly hiding detail) on the front by Song, in a blend or organic cotton and linen.

Song

A long vest like this one made from a hemp and cotton blend by Tinctoria Designs can convert a casual sleeveless dress into something a bit more dressy come cooler evenings. Keep your core warm while still rocking a short skirt or shorts with the addition of a cozy vest, like this one of recycled cashmere by Deborah Lindquist.

Tinctoria Designs

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Chances are, you've heard about the environmental ills of the world since your first Earth Day in kindergarten. Since you already recycle your plastic bottles and turn off the bathroom faucet while you brush your teeth, you might be wondering what other easy, fun things you can do to show your love for your mother -- Earth that is.

One easy way is to follow the three R's -- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (just like the Jack Johnson song!). When you need something new, keep them in mind. Look for stuff made from recycled materials like rubber or PET plastic bottles, reused components like reworked leather or vintage fabrics, and reduce by choosing products with less packaging or ones that are made closer to your home. Here are some easy-to-find things to get you started:

H&M

Some of our favorite stores are going green this Spring. H&M has put together a collection of organic cotton dresses, tops and pants that come in the season's hottest colors. When cotton is grown it uses a lot of pesticides and other chemicals. In fact, cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world! Pesticides and herbicides can pollute local water and soil, so looking for organic cotton, which is grown without all the nasties, is a smart way to go.

Levi's

There's a lot of organic denim (jeans material is mostly cotton) out there too. Check out Levi's trendy light gray (such a cool alternative to white) low-rise jeans or cropped denim trucker jacket, which is mixed with a bit of spandex for comfort.

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It's officially cold in the northern parts of the country, and the best way to really enjoy late fall and winter is to be properly dressed. Layering knits is a comfortable and classy way to keep warm. Try a sustainable silk camisole under a slim cut cashmere sweater, topped with a loose-knit wool vest, and I promise you won't get chilly!

Natural, sustainable fibers, including organic cotton, bamboo, wool, alpaca, cashmere and hemp all blend well with each other, so go ahead and pull a sweater on under a dress, or a shawl over a sweater, or a combination of all four if you're a denizen of one of the close-to-frigid states that borders Canada (not to mention Canada itself!).

Ivana Helsinki

Ivana Helsinki is a Finnish designer well known in the Fennofolk tradition (which embraces imperfection and the weird). Her haute pioneer knit dress is a real charmer that's hand-knit from local wool.

Z.B.D. Designs at Wal-mart

Wal-Mart sells this Z.B.D. Designs sweater that's made in the U.S. from organic cotton and cashmere. An ideal layering piece that will look great open (as shown) and very chic closed at the waist with a sparkly extra-large brooch.

Scheroder-Falzone

This organic cotton large knit cowl neck from Scheroder-Falzone is a perfect layering piece that will work over a shimmery shirt and dark denims for dinner and drinks or over a long-sleeve knit turtleneck and a skirt for the office.

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