Special Thanks to Kelli Stebler, Kristie Stebler, Whittney Lovett, Heidi Wilhelm, Mary Sullivan, Chelsea Jones, Courtney VanSickle, Nicole Couch, and Amy Beody.

Sustainable Style Nicole Mueller

Sustainable Style Nicole Mueller

I never went looking for a way to be eco-conscious, and never thought of using fashion as a way to help the environment. Working at H&M, one of the largest conscious corporations in the world and interning at Crazy Hot Clothes, a vintage clothing company I was practically forced to become aware. Learning about organic materials, and recycled fabrics made me curious about other aspects of the fashion world that could play a part in keeping the environment clean. By

taking advantage of an open-topic research project, I took time to research as much as I could about the new “eco-friendly fashion movement”. I was excited to see that there were so many options arising to become more eco-conscious and that vintage clothing was actually part of this movement. At that point, there was no question that the things I was doing in every day life actually were sustainable and taking it a step further would not only make sense but would be enjoyable.

It slowly went from taking photographs of pretty dresses that just happened to be eco-friendly to actually making that conscious decision to make it a part of who I am. As a self-proclaimed shopaholic I quickly realized that my overly

stuffed walk-in closet was full of items that were more then wasteful. I have the habit of just buying things because they are a good price or because I am going to an event and just had to have a new outfit. So basically, I have way to much

stuff and no real need for it. I am now more conscious of the purchases that I make. Not only is this helping the environ-ment but it is helping my wallet. I try to reuse pieces from season to season and have also recently taken up thrifting my-self. Sharing clothing with friends is also something I have become very fond of, there is no reason to go buy a new pair of

black heels if your friend has the perfect pair in your size! Besides fashion, there are a few small things changes that I try to make to do my part in keeping our environment

safe. They’re silly things, but they really do add up. For instance, we have stopped using paper plates at our house, even though it is a lot easier to throw away your plate then do the dishes. It really is just unnecessary waste. Other changes I have made include making sure to unplug things when they are not in use, instead of just turning them off, and using reus-able bags when shopping instead of the plastic ones from the grocery store. The changes I have made take little or no ef-

fort and also end up saving me a lot of money.

Introduction

photo taken by myself for a class assignment H&M advertisement for their “Conscious Collection” Crazy Hot Clothes photograph by myself

Organic cotton t-shirt

Vintage skirt

Hemp necklace

The terms eco-friendly, conscious, and going green may seem foreign and maybe even scary to others. Usually when we think of these terms we think of extreme environmental-ists that strive to do things like use absolutely not plastic in their daily lives or even harder, create absolutely no waste in the environment. Now lets be realistic, although plastic is bad for the environment and we use way to much of it, and land-fills are overflowing cutting these things out completely is not something that is easy for the average human being. As a nation we have learned to live on convenience and well go-ing extreme is anything but convenient. You don’t have to be an extremist to make a few changes and contribute to help-ing out the planet. And the best part? You can do it while still looking good. So where to start? First it is important to know what is actually good for the environment and what claims to be but really isn’t. Since going-green is a popular new movement, many companies have slapped on an organic or green label but in reality their products are no better for the environment then others. When companies do this it is called “greenwashing”. There are no FDA regulations on what a product has to be to be considered organic. Therefore anything that has a label that reads “organic” could really only be 1% organic (Rogers, 37). Going completely natural and using your own homemade remedies is the always the safest way, but thats not very realistic. There are some good beauty companies out there that are not just trying to get your money. As a general rule you should stay away from products that contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, phthalates, surfactants and parabens. All of these chemical are harmful to both yourself and the envi-ronment. A few well known brands that carry environmentally friendly lines include Aveda, Bare Escentuals and Burt’s Bees (Green Living, 40-57). When it comes to fashion, it’s not only about the mate-rials that you use. Re-using and recycling clothing is also part of being eco-friendly. Choosing a vintage piece over a brand new item can reduce the amount of energy used by a large amount. In fact, “If one in every 10 Americans substituted his or her next purchase of a new garment for a vintage one, the energy saved could fly every resident of Hollywood to New York for fashion week”(Rogers, 73). Many current designers are also creating repurposed pieces. Repurposed pieces are garments that were once one thing and have been turned into something new. The original piece could be a pillow case or a curtain or something as simple as an old dress made into a new one. Shareen Mitchell of Shareen Vintage works will all vin-tage garments and modifies them according to current styles and the needs of her customers. While designer Aimee Beody also repurposes clothing she takes a slightly different angle then Shareen. Amy started creating her own re-used pieces

because she was too tall for most of the current trends found in store. She decided to take old t-shirts and mini dresses and turn them into longer maxi dresses that she could wear everyday. From there she evaluated her current clothing and continued to make new skirts, t-shirts, and pants from all of her old possessions (Beody). More often then not, when people think of new eco-friendly designs they think of dresses made out of twigs, leaves, and even garbage bags. And well lets face it, these things are just not practical in everyday situations. Nicole Bridger is a conscious designer that creates new pieces out of conscious materials like organic cotton (Bridger,1). Her designs are very simplistic and timeless. They fit into current trends, but also most likely will be current twenty years from now. Since she has chosen to use sustainable materials, not only will her designs be current in twenty years, they will also still be in good shape. You don’t have to go to an independent boutique and shell out tons of money to buy conscious clothing. Many main-stream retailers are starting to focus on more eco-friendly op-tions. H&M is the leading retailer for conscious materials. They focus on being conscious not only in the garments but also in their working environments. By 2012 they aim to have all of their cotton come from a more sustainable source. As or right now H&M creates many eco-friendly products while keeping them fashionable and affordable. “For H&M, sustainability is a natural part of doing business in a globalized world. Stable purchasing and sales markets, in which people are treated with respect and resources are used responsibly, are essential to our business model. Naturally, we have to play a role in making this business context a reality” Karl-Johan Persson, CEO H&M (H&M Conscious 2,) When looking for eco-friendly materials there are a few things to know. First off, what materials are you looking for? Organic cotton, recycled polyester, tensel, bamboo, silk, and hemp are just a few of the conscious materials that you may find. Although some are better for the environment then others each of these materials are eco-friendly in one way or another (Vartan, 37-39). Some labels can be hard to under-stand when deciding if something is eco-friendly or not. Some key words to look for include, locally sourced, alternative fi-bers, recycled, sweatshop free and ethically produced (Vartan, 46-47). It’s been said over and over again but making small changes is really simple and the images included in this book are just that simple. They were created to combine the love of fashion to catch the attention of non-traditional eco lovers. You don’t have to boycott showers and live without electricity to help out the planet and also yourself. Enjoy.

“Whats key is to care about yourself, care about your family, care about your

friends and care about the world. Everything comes full

circle.”-Tyra Banks

Recyled polyester dress Recycled plastic beltVintage hat

So what exactly is considered eco-friendly fashion?

Recycled fabrics: For larger companies this usually means recycling the scrap fabrics that they accumulate.

Organic fabrics: Organic products are grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals. Not only is the production of organic materials better for the environment, it is also better for the workers since they are not forced to to

be in the presence of chemicals or pesticides.

Repurposed items: These are items that were once something great and have been reworked to create something new and equally as great. For example A repurposed item could be a dress that was once a pillowcase or a pair of

shorts that use to be pants.

Vintage/ resale items: The average American purchases 48 articles of new clothing per year. That means as a coun-try we spend a lot of energy creating clothing, and most of that clothing ends up in landfills. By buying resale

items, we reduce waste and save energy.

Fashion Firsts

There is no FDA regulation in calling a health or beauty product organic. So how do you know what is good for the environment and what is just a marketing gimmick?

Ingredients to avoid: Fragrance, mercury, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, and sodium.

Be aware of packaging: The excessive amount of packaging on many products today is what makes them bad for the environment. Try to buy products with minimal packaging and remember to recycle! Some companies

even offer discounts if you turn in empty containers.

Create your own products out of natural ingredients. There are many recopies in books and on the internet on how to make at home beauty regiments. If you make them yourself you know exactly what is inside and a

lot of the time these home made products work better the the ones you would buy in the store.

Beauty Basics

Make your own toothpaste 1. Combine 2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil to 3 table-spoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of table salt.

2.Add 2 teaspoons of glycerin.

3.Mix it all together in a covered container.

You can also use cinnamon, clove or spearmint instead of peppermint.

At home face scrub 1.Squeeze 1/2 an orange into a bowl.

2.Add 4 tablespoons of cornmeal

3.Apply to face, scrub gently for 2-3 minutes.

4.Rinse

Scrub will tone and moisturize

Organic cotton tank topRecycled wool sweater

Organic cotton t-shirtOrganic cotton skirt Recycled canvas shoes

Eco-friendly shopping directory Just a few of the many options for sustainable materials

Loomstate (www.loomstate.org). Sells everything from jeans to t-shirts, they also have a special “green line” for Barneys of New York.

Prairie Underground (www.prairieunderground.com). Based out of Seattle, everything is excentric and fun!

Moo Shoes (www.mooshoes.com). Based out of New York, their entire line is vegan and the first in New York to do so.

Hanna Andersson (www.hannaandersson.com). Is A certified eco-friendly childrens line and donates a portion of every purchase to children in need.

Savy Shopping 6 easy changes you can make when it comes to shopping

1.Shop On-line: You won’t have to use energy to get to the store. However avoid next day air because it uses 5 times the fuel of things sent by ground.

2.Always bring reusables totes to the store: When shopping for food you can also bring reusable containers that can be used at the deli, to avoid extra packaging.

3.Choose organic: Whether its food or clothing, choosing organic is better for the environment, better for yourself, and better for everyone involved in the making of the product.

4.Share: Carpool when making a trip to the store, or get a list from friends on what they need. The less cars you take, the less fuel and energy you waste.

“The same patterns and styles that were made 50 years ago are just being remade my current designers today. In my opinion, it is wasteful to purchase these new rep-licas, especially when you can have original pieces full of character and history.”-Nicole Couch, Crazy Hot Clothes, Owner

Some simple tips on how to make your everyday make up routines good for the environment.

Eyeliner: Use an eyeliner pencil that can be sharpened instead of one that comes in a plastic tube. This saves on packaging and the pencil scarps are biodegradable.

Eyeshadow: Choose an eyeshadow that provides a reusable compact.

Foundation: Choose a foundation that comes in a glass container, that way you can recycle it when you are done with it.

Mascara: Choose a mascara that is made from plants and minerals instead of petroleum products.

Makeup Mysteries

Makeup Directory Bare Essentials (www.bareescentuals.com). Made completely of minerals, no

chemicals involved!

Burt’s Bees (www.burtsbees.com). Mainly consists of items made from bees wax, but as the company grows so does the product. Although everything may

not still be made from bees was, it is still natural and eco-friendly.

After Glow Cosmetics (www.afterglowcosmetics.com). This company bridges the gap between natural and high-fashion while still keeping a focus on certified

organic, and bio-active, botanicals.

Colorganics (www.colorganics.com). Strives to make the world a better place to live. Using all organic materials, but specializing in hemp.

Organic cotton tank top Silk scarf Hemp-organic lip stain

Tencel topVintage skirtRecycled plastic shoes Peace silk skirt

Before Basic top

Sandblasted Denim Skirt (Sandblasting takes a lot of water and energy and is

also very toxic to the workers)

Scarf

Plastic Flip Flops (Plastics take hundreds of years-or more- to biodegrade)

Large Leather Bag (leather tanning is super toxic to the workers who make

the bag)

After Tencel Top (Biodegradable and recyclable,

it is made from plant fiber)Vintage Skirt

Peace Silk Scarf (Peace silk does not harm silk worms. When producing silk there is no harm to the environment)

Recycled Plastic Shoes

Recycled Canvas Bag (Not pictured)

Take a regular summer outfit and turn it into an eco-friendly one. But remember, don’t just go and throw away all of your non-conscious items! Keep them until you no longer wear them then donate

them, or turn them into something new!

Wardrobe Wonders

Want to keep you hair looking shiny and fabulous without all of the toxic chemicals of hair dye and product?

Glamour Girl

Hair Products Tea tree oil, coconut oil, olive oil and soya protein moisturizers are all natural al-ternatives to shampoo. When shopping for products look for items that contain vitamin A, C, and E, citrus seed extract,

and natural fragrances (such as geranium, lavender and orange blossom).

Hair Color Look for dyes made from plants such as beets, walnuts, tea or marigolds. You can also opt to use henna to color your hair. Although many of these options may not completely change your hair color, they

will enhance it and keep it healthy.

Dry Scalp Remedies Boil a mixture of three bags of chamomile tea and about three sprigs of rosemary (chopped). Then, cool and

strain the mixture. Finally, rinse the hair with this solution to cure Itchy Scalp naturally at home. Alternatively, a combination of crushed rosemary leaves and chamomile oil can also be used.

Application of olive oil, margosa oil, coconut oil and tea tree oil is also beneficial in Itchy Scalp home treatment. In this regard, a combination of olive oil and almond is regarded as a therapeutic natural remedy for Itchy

Scalp caused by dandruff.

Hemp organic lip stick Vintage pearlsOrganic cotton shirt Vintage head scarf

“When you become aware of all the things you do,

and the effect those things have, you want to make

small changes.”-Jennifer Aniston

Repurposed dress

Repurposed ReasonsA short interview with conscious designer Amy Beody. Amy repurposes all of her items

to create new current pieces.

When did you decide to start designing?I talked with my spiritual coach because I felt like I needed to be doing something else with my life. I wanted to do something

creative. He suggested that I take all of my excess clothing and make something creative out them.

I hate the idea that most girls walk down the street showing off too much skin. I wanted to create pieces with longer hemlines that I could be comfortable in. I’m also really tall, so finding pieces that are appropriate for myself is almost impossible.

You didn’t go to school for fashion, where did you acquire the skills to create your pieces?

I never learned how to pattern, the only sewing class I ever took was in the 4th grade. I learned to make a t-shirt and a bag, I never sewed again until I was much older. About 4 years ago I was heavily into anime and found myself wanting to create cos-tumes that could not just be bought in the store. I would take different existing dresses for inspiration and create my own pat-

terns. I would just guess at where things needed to be to get the style that I wanted. Eventually I created my own way of designing, I still don’t really use patterns.

Why did you decide to design conscious materials?I am very much into the idea of reusing and recycling things. Fashion especially uses so much excess material every season. I

wanted people to understand that they can be fashionable and help reduce waste at the same time.

Besides creating conscious clothing, what other things do you do in your everyday life to be more conscious?I enjoy the idea of doing things from home, anything that can be simplified. I use glass containers instead of plastic, recycle

everything and try to re-use things as much as possible. The idea of gardening is perfect because you can create compost and pretty much have no waste at all. In an ideal world I would live on a farm and grow everything that I would need to live, sell the

surplus to create some type of income to provide for the things that couldn’t be homegrown.

What is your advice to people that want to begin leading a more conscious life style?Being wasteful is just silly. Reusing things and just being aware of your environment is the easiest way to live a happy life.

Artist Statment

There are very few times that I have experienced the same adrenalin rush that I get when I am behind a camera. The entire process to me is exhilarating as well as exhausting.

From the time that the idea hits to the time that is it printed, there are many different emotions both good and bad. In the end it is not specifically the photograph that I love, but the experi-

ence. I love sketching ideas, making lists of things that I will need and researching different top-ics depending on the intent of the photo shoot. I also thrive on the chance to work with different

people all of the time and learn things not only related to photographs, but also to life. I have always been a pretty simple person. I have never strived to stand out, make a scene or do anything absolutely ridiculous. Therefore, I favor fashion portraits that do not have

elaborate sets or dramatic make up, but still come across as strong and powerful. I strive to cre-ate photographs that give a sense of peace and beauty throughout. They are simplistic, yet put together. When it comes to retouching or photo manipulation, I tend to stay away. My subjects don’t have to be perfect, they don’t have to be a certain weight or a certain height. Their flaws

are what make them beautiful.

Resources Introduction: Beody, Amy. "Amy Beody Interview." Personal interview. 15 Aug. 2011.

Green Living: the E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the Earth. New York, NY: Plume, 2005. Print.

H&M Conscious. Rep. no. 1. 2011 ed. H&M. Print.

Nicole Bridger. Web. 08 Aug. 2011. <http://www.nicolebridger.com>.

Rogers, Elizabeth, and Thomas Kostigen. The Green Book: the Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time. New York: Three Rivers, 2007. Print.

Shareen Vintage - Vintage Clothing, Vintage Dresses. Web. 26 Aug. 2011. <http://www.shareenvintage.com/>.

Uliano, Sophie. Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-friendly Life. New York: Collins, 2008. Print.

Vartan, Starre. The Eco Chick Guide to Life: How to Be Fabulously Green. New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2008. Print.

Body: Beody, Amy. “Amy Beody Interview.” Personal interview. 15 Aug. 2011.

Couch, Nicole. “Why Vintage Interview.” Personal Interview. 26 Aug. 2011.

Green Living: the E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the Earth. New York, NY: Plume, 2005. Print.

Rogers, Elizabeth, and Thomas Kostigen. The Green Book: the Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time. NewY-ork: Three Rivers, 2007. Print.

Shareen Vintage - Vintage Clothing, Vintage Dresses. Web. 26 Aug. 2011. <http://www.shareenvintage.com/>.

Uliano, Sophie. Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-friendly Life. New York: Collins, 2008. Print.