According to fashion power retailer Neiman Marcus, handbags for fall are all about jewel tones with deep purples, raspberry reds and rich pinks front and center. Prada, Dior and Gucci are all doing it in an haute designer, but non eco friendly, kind of way, but we're pleased to say, so are some of our favorite eco friendly handbag designers. Check it out!
Ashley Watson Small Junco bag in deep purple, made from vintage leather
jackets
- $320 at www.kaightnyc.com
Beth Springer Guinevere Rose velvet bag, hemp lined with reclaimed leather shoulder straps - $499 at www.bethspringer.com
Teich Limited Edition
Market
Satchel in black
vegetable
tanned leather
and purple
vintage lambskin
with organic
cotton lining -
$400 at www.teichdesign.com. Note: no e-commerce so email to info@teichdesign.com
Matt & Nat Moma
Japanese Paper vegan leather
handbag in magenta -
$250 at www.mattandnat.com
MAXING OUT
We all know that maxi dresses have been the fashion choice of the season, but one particular organic cotton maxi dress has seemingly taken the celebrity world by storm. Called the Organic Long Dress, it's the creation of Gypsy05. As you can see, Kate Hudson likes the Ombre version, while Christina Aguilera and Hayden Panettiere are fans of the purple and yellow versions, respectively. The eco friendly dresses have a deep V-shaped neckline, twisted straps and are unlined. Gypsy05 uses natural dyes and produces the dresses in a solar-powered factory. These comfy, resonably priced ($100 - $119), stylish frocks have become so popular that the company claims to be shipping every day and can't keep up with the demand. So, it can be a two to three week wait. Get in line now at www.gypsy05.com.
Make sure you check out our "Seriously?" feature, where we bring you eco products & stories that are (how can we say) crazy, nuts or "over the top."
BOHEMIAN CHIC
What do you get when you combine designer linen pants from Theory with moccasins and ethnic jewelry? You get great eco fashion, that's a little bit bohemian and a whole lot chic.
Top: Kate Henlietta organic
cotton tank in 
black with
button detailing - $40 at www.nimli.com
Pants: Theory organic linen Merno semi-sheer, wide
leg pant in
white - $235 at www.shopbop.com
Shoes: Manimal organic suede Moccasins with recycled tire soles in brown - $174 at www.beklina.com
Bag: Envirosax Flora Reusable Shopping
Bag - $8.50 at www.envirosax.com
Earrings: Hovey Lee Pinetop wood earrings - $28 at www.hoveylee.com
Bracelet: Wide Peyote fair trade
beadwork bracelet, handcrafted
by and benefiting the
Huichol people of Mexico - $70 at www.shopequita.com
Wristlet: Beau Soleil Reduce Recycle
Renew canvas
pouch with recycled leather
strap - $17 at www.revolveclothing.com
BREAKING THE BABASSUS
What is Babassu? It is a rich, moisturizing oil, obtained from the kernels of the Babassu palm, found in the southeastern Amazon region of Brazil. It is also the number one ingredient in a line of luxurious organic skin care from Inara.
For centuries, native women have been “breaking the Babassu” 
to harvest this magical oil, that draws heat from the skin to melt into the body, and offers superior moisturizing benefits. Inara purchases the oil via fair
trade practices from an indigenous woman’s cooperative in Brazil. The 100% certified organic and aromatheraputic skin care line includes a sugar rub, bath and body oil and bar soap. While all of the products are delightfully decadent, we are partial to the Babassu Body Crème that absorbs instantly, cools the skin and leaves behind a healthy glow. Order yours at www.inaraorganic.com.
Check out our Eco Friendly Fashion Exclusive
Offers page with discounts on clothes, handbags,
shoes, jewelry and more up to 70% off!!
SPINNING PAPER INTO A BETTER LIFE
They range in age from 21-60 and live in the refugee camps in Northern Uganda. Most have children of their own and frequently also those of relatives, who lost their lives to illness or the conflict of an internal war that has raged for 21 years. Nine or 10 children in a household is common. But, these women (and some men) have found hope in creating the most wonderful jewelry out of recycled paper, thanks to a program called "Paper to Pearls."
Sponsored by non-profit organization "Voices for Global Change," the sales of these colorful necklaces and bracelets bring both hope and income to these survivors, enabling them to buy food, medicine and school supplies, as well as offering education and training. And, we have to say, the jewelry looks nothing like paper and it's amazing to think that each bead is completely rolled and finished by hand. Cutting to the chase, the jewelry is so reasonably priced, ranging from $5 for a single strand bracelet up to $38 for a five strand necklace, and looks much more expensive. So, you get to make a fashion statement and help a very worthy cause. Go for it! www.papertopearls.org
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