Happy Earth Day!! A Look Inside… The Sustainable Closet

If only an eco-couture gown made entirely of newspaper were the answer to all our sustainable fashion needs.

Referrals are the core of my business.  People seem to trust the idea more if someone they know has already taken the plunge.  Copy that.  In walks the challenge referral of the year.  Granted, I’ve done my fair share of vintage, thrifting, even consignment shopping and come out ahead, but never has a client asked me to help them create the ultimate in eco-conscious living: a completely sustainable wardrobe. In this incomparable green world, is budget an issue?  What about sizing? Anything secondhand is always a one-size shop and alterations can become even pricier than the items themselves.  Fortunately, my new client was up for the challenge and ready to become the greenest girl on the block.

LA has no shortage of resources when it comes to the greener side of the fence and I got down to business tracking down eco-friendly lines and boutiques, organic designers and a host of consignment/vintage shops.  Client style?  Edgy, minimal biker, with a touch of lace.  Of course, lacking sorely in the bottoms and shoes department, but if not something, what am I here for?  And all for a Los Angeles Times article about the perfectly sustainable wardrobe just in time for Earth Day.  Love.

Shopping Day 1 finally arrived and the adventure began at the beloved Wasteland on Melrose.  A-mazing finds!  2 leather jackets, a Martin Margiela dress, a lace insert top and cardigan, Marc Jacobs skinnies made just for her (first try-on, one size, unheard of!) and… all for under $500.  Wasteland really is a beautiful thing… Crossroads Trading Co. was a quick yet profitable stop, scoring a fab pair of Camilla Skovgaard hunter green leather wedges.  Barely-worn, butter soft leather and just the right amount  of edge for her style – a mere $71.  

Shopping Day 2 and a first date with H&M’s organic line.  Unfortunately…I don’t think we’ll be seeing each other again.  On to Reformation and their new Melrose address.  Such a unique store. Reworked classic-to-trend conscious pieces aka their ooh-la-la leather bum shorts and vintage fabrics made into slashed to the thigh minis and edgy draped tanks.  We walked out with two of the latter, one striped, one solid heather grey.  Perfect additions to her burgeoning closet. Genius right down to their post-modern recycled furniture.

Great reviews led us next to Ampersand on Larchmont.  It did not disappoint.  We walked out with 2 pairs of high-heeled sandals, both under $50 as well as salivating over a Chloe bag and Alexander Wang leather vest.  YES.