Green Your Holiday Fashion

In the spirit of giving this holiday season, don fashions made with a low carbon footprint. Thanks to a growing trend in eco-conscious consumerism in 2011, there are more options when it comes to your wardrobe to ring in the New Year. I have rounded up my favorite online and brick-and-mortar stores catering to eco-friendly and fair trade holiday attire.

Nana – A beloved source for sustainable fashion and accessories, the locally-owned boutique favors the likes of Preloved, Meg, and Dagg & Stacey. Jackie, Nana’s owner, has curated a beautiful collection of dresses and locally-made jewelry worthy of wearing to a performance of the Nutcracker to an office party. We especially love the Hollywood-esque satin side triangle dress by Meg, pair with strappy silver heels and a beaded clutch.

3068 Mt. Pleasant Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.nanadc.com (you can now shop online, too!)

Caramel – Sarah Watkins stocks her store with men’s and women’s apparel and accessories made with urban dweller in mind. Her collection of vegan and eco-friendly products proves that eco + fashion forward is an organic combination. For her, I recommend a little black dress by Theme. For him, go bold with a blue-plaid dress shirt by local menswear designer, Andrew Nowell.

1603 U Street NW
Washington, DC
www.caramelfashion.com

Ginger Root – When besties Erin and Kristin opened their alterations studio a year ago, you could hear a collective sigh of relief. Their creative spirit and determination to retrofit our wardrobe has received praise and admiration. The design duo recently added their own collection to the mix in addition to showcasing local eco-friendly designers. Update your go-to holiday dress with a vintage-inspired ascot or bolo necklace made from a computer circuit board! Guys, don’t fret there is an ascot and tie for you, too! I love the Preston, made from reclaimed materials.

1530 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.gingerrootdesign.com

Adolfo Dominguez – Exquisite doesn’t even begin to describe the Spanish designer’s custom-made cocktail and floor-length gowns. The luxe fabrics may not include 100% organic cotton but are produced in the slow fashion category. However, the store boasts eco-friendly ready-to-wear options for him and her. What also makes them an eco-shopping destination? The store’s organic feel is reflected in the recycled fixtures, reclaimed wood for shelving, and pledge to support the environment.

5310 Western Ave
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
www.adolfodominguez.com

VirtuArte – Debbie Miller scours the globe for unique, handmade crafts for her online fair-trade boutique, VirtuArte. Warning: Shopping the world with a click of the mouse can be dangerous. The temptation is great to want to support each designer whose story is as compelling as the product they make. What is on my wish list? A faux-leather, fabric shoulder bag by Yvette Floro from the Philippines and acai bead wrap bracelet by the Andean Collection from Ecuador.
www.virtuarte.com