Eco-Online Fashion Meets High-End Department Stores

It was only a matter of time before the hype of the green fashion shows and green fashion events of New York's fall 2007 Fashion Week hit department stores around the country. In particular, Barneys has a brand working with them called Loomstate who only uses 100% organic cotton, according to their Web site. You can find Loomstate for Barneys Green either in the store itself or online. Their products include comfy-looking v-neck dresses, thermal tank tops, oversized zip-up sweatshirts, long cardigans (they would look cute over leggings or tights) and even high-waisted skinny jeans (very trendy) made out of purely organic cotton.

If you are shopping online, another option for going green with Barneys is the "it's organic" tab under beauty obsessions. This section of the Barneys online store houses products ranging from face wash to body scrub, candles to mineral bath soaks. What Barneys organic online store also carries is a brand I am very interested myself in trying: the new Stella McCartney Care beauty line.

According to Alicia Hentemann, a beauty advisor for Sephora, despite being a designer beauty brand, the price points on Stella's line are fairly reasonable. Care includes basic skincare items such as face washes, moisturizers, toners and products that help to keep up optimal skin care. If you are looking for a line that will help you maintain your already-clear skin, Care may be for you. It probably is not for someone with any major skin issues, as it is pretty mild, Hentemann said.

Most of the products in Care contain oils, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins a and e. The antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals, which cause damage to the skin. They also help protect against outside agents that could cause harm like pollution or cigarette smoke, said Hentemann.

For information about Stella McCartney's designer lines including her handbags and clothing, visit the Stella McCartney Web site.

Another popular department store joining the organic bandwagon is Saks Fifth Avenue. The organic items on their Web site are from popular designers who have recently gone green with special edition pieces. Some of these include the 7 For All Mankind jeans in organic stretch cotton denim in Yosemite, Eileen Fisher organic cotton t's and tunics, Alexis Bittar organic bangles and Majorica organic pearls.

7 For All Mankind has never before come out with an organic jean. They come in two styles: wide-leg which is extremely popular at the moment, or a more traditional bootcut style. The organic jeans also come in a slouchy style for men and are a traditional deep blue denim color.

Putting it all together:

1. Pair a longish organic tee--like the Loomstate for Barneys Band Scoop Tee with a dark pair of bootcut 7 For All Mankind organic jeans.

2. Place a fun, clunky, organic lucite necklace or bracelet around your neck or wrist for a touch of drama.

3. Check out Alternative Outfitters where you can find all kinds of vegan shoes--knee-high, faux-suede boots, faux-patent wedges and even slingbacks--all of which would look amazing with the bootcut style jeans.

Now you're ready to go with a green-approved, chic outfit!

Amy