Sustainable Fashion from Elroy Apparel

We’ve just discovered a new line of sustainable clothing that we love. Elroy Apparel is created by indie fashion designer Leanne McElroy. Created especially for the sophisticated health-conscious woman, this Canadian line features simple clean shapes with a feminine fit.

Leanne McElroy, a native of Vancouver, says her fashion sense began at the young age of 13. She began sewing her own garments to create pieces she couldn’t buy, later enrolling in the Helen Lefeaux fashion design program.

As a strict vegan, McElroy was easily swayed towards sustainable fashion when “organic” and “apparel” began to appear together. Wishing to give women the choice to put something healthy on their skin, McElroy saw that organic fashion centered primarily in the areas of yoga clothes and loungewear.

She set out to create style conscious fashions made from organic materials that women could wear in all aspects of their lives, whether at home, work, or play.

Elroy Apparel combines elegant, sleek shapes with natural materials like organic cotton and bamboo. We love that the pieces look like and sophisticated - perfect for polished career wear – and yet are casual enough to thrown on with jeans for an easy weekend. Shop Elroy Apparel at Paper Doll Independent Clothing Boutique.

Avian Fashion Fever: Anunciação Winter 07 Collection

Anunciação is a charismatic Brazilian fashion label that mixes folklore with culture. Between color, fabric, and graphics, Anunciação combines sensual design and childhood nostalgia.

Designer Catalina Estrada mixes her Colombian heritage with Japanese mangas and European art. She creates illusive natural creatures to adorn her whimsical apparel.

This winter, the bird motif is making an appearance throughout her collection. Just as it is taking a turn in many jewelry designs, the bird motif has appeared on many fashion pieces. Catalina Estrada is only one example of an artist infusing her work with the feathered friends. As both delicate ornamental details and bold graphics, her fashions have captured this popular trend. If you’re not lucky enough to live in Brazil, check out the Winter 2007 collection at Anunciação online.

For more, check out Avian Fashion Fever: Handmade Jewelry.

Underwear Can Care

I just came across a post on the Alternative Consumer blog that is much more relevant to humanity than any fashion review or haute couture event. As someone with friends and mentors who work in Kenya and other parts of Africa to support women’s rights and education and to bring resources to AIDS orphans, I fully support the motivation behind Panty Line Productions. After spending time in Kenya to teach anti-violence and HIV/AIDS prevention, Jen is saving the world from the bottom up. Literally.
She hand screen prints underwear with quirky expressions and is sending 20% of the proceeds to Dolphin Anti-Rape and AIDS Control Outreach. Working through Dolphin, Jen’s mentors and other volunteers travel through Kenya to teach HIV prevention and non-violence techniques to different communities. Back in the U.S., Jen is screen printing American Apparel underwear and sending 20% of the profits to support Dolphin. Check out Jen’s blog to learn more about Dolphin’s work with children in Kenya. If you want to put your assets to good use, check out a pair of Panty Line Productions’ undies for $12. The American Apparel underwear styles tend to run small, so order a size larger than normal. For more, check out PLP online or at Etsy.

Sassy Finds from Solsis Designs

We have loved Solsis Designs ever since we first discovered the little fashion line several years ago. Since we’re forever envious of the bright colorful clothing, it seemed appropriate to highlight this unique designer while the weather’s still hot and the beaches are cool. Solsis Designs are inspired by the spirit, movement, and energy of life. Each item of clothing is unique and handcrafted for the woman with an active sexy lifestyle.

Solsis brings the Brazilian beat to her creations, incorporating the world of dance, rhythm, and laughter into her work. Each item is free flowing, perfect for hot nights in the dance club or long days at the oceanside. Colorful and creative, these pieces are surefire headturners.
Pictured here are the best-selling New Orleans Crescent Dress ($78) and the Yemanja Blouse ($62). The dress, shown in two different fabric swatches, is a limited edition and a very popular style. The high waist gives the dress a slimming effect and the fabric is stretchy enough to hug all your curves in just the right way. The blouse is a new design brought back from Brazil and inspired by the funky seaside culture. Check out other styles at Solsis Designs.

Remixed: Cassette Tape Tees for Guys

Move over iPod, the analog is back. Music never goes out of style, and in reverence to the classic 80s icon, guys everywhere have their tape on their chest. The original compact has become fodder for good design, as seen in these four shirts.

Designers at The Tee Party love their cassettes, but whoa is the day when "...your bleepin' ghettoblaster eats the bloody thing!! Be positive, find the potential, and RECYCLE!" Their guy t-shirts come in light blue, black, white, olive, and slate color variations.

The handful of "20-somethings" at Indie Shirts have their own insight into the mangled mess that was once a hit hi-fi. Lots of color options available for this American Apparel shirt.

Taking us back to the better forgotten days of the mix tape, Nerdy Shirts offers a not-so-subtle reminder that we all once had an ultimate mix tape on repeat. This American Apparel t-shirt features green comfy quality.



And finally, grab your Walkman and throw on the Rewind T-shirt by Otsutree on ELSEWARES. This stylish shirt looks great on any guy. Light blue silkscreen design done on a navy American Apparel tee.