Ethical Fashion

90s Fashion Trends You Can Shop Consciously

updated on May 30, 2023 by Angela Hamilton

We don’t know how long the 90s will stick around, but they’re back in a big way right now… even when it comes to conscious fashion. My 90s themed birthday party this year was {obviously} canceled due to COVID-19, so I’ve had a lot of shiny, velvet-y, pastel, floral, grunge-y inspiration and no where to put it. One of my favorite ways to get behind 90s fashion trends is to purchase vintage and secondhand, or at least upcycled. I guess I can’t get into the idea of buying a *new* design based off an *old* design I wore as a kid. Unless it’s one of a kind, anyway. So naturally I gravitate toward shopping Etsy, thrifting, and indie brands when it comes to 90s inspired style with conscious fashion values. And it’s super easy to do! Here are five 90s fashion trends you can easily shop consciously–that is, while being mindful of your consumption habits + discerning about the brands you buy from. No fast fashion here!

Scrunchies

When I first started wearing scrunchies again, it was purely because I 🧡 the 90s. But you know what? I can’t put another naked elastic band in my hair. Instant headache. Scrunchies are the best for being gentle on your hair + head! It’s just practical.

Eloise Panetta hand-dyed silk scrunchies, handmade in Australia

Indie Corduroy Scrunchie by Jane Dottie, made of remnant fabric.

Scrap Scrunchies by Morning Siren

Bucket Hats

I used to own a tie-dye bucket hat in the prettiest orange-y peach. But now that bucket hats are making a comeback, I like the idea of going all out with a funky design:

Crochet Bucket Hats by Moon Child Crochet, best take ever on the granny square.

Chunky Headbands

I love satin on a headband. Ruffles too! Fun fact, I used to make chunky headbands myself out of colorful ribbon. Too bad I could never wear them, due to the aforementioned sensitive head. If you’re one of the luckies who can painlessly flaunt such beauties, do take advantage of this adorable conscious fashion revival!

As If Satin Scrunchie Headband by Jane Dottie, made of remnant fabric.

Patches

Patches aren’t the easiest thing to shop consciously. Best you can do is make sure it’s from an independent designer you support, and that they get them printed as sustainably as possible. (If you know more, please advise!) Lots of big brands like Zara, Urban Outfitters, etc., have been known to make trendy patches (among other things) that directly rip off designs from individual artists, so be conscious of the source!

Chin Up Butter Cup Patch by Inner Peach

You can also find patches that are hand-embroidered by artists like this charming VOTE patch by Maple and Orange Studio.

Tie Dye

The tie dye trend is so so fun and conscious fashion brands are having a BLAST with it. There’s no better way to jazz up a t-shirt! Tie dye t-shirts are usually pretty easy to come by in thrift shops, but there are other ways to shop consciously especially if you aren’t thrifting in-person at the moment. You can search vintage on Etsy to find original tie dye shirts or upcycled tops in trendy tie dye colors. There are also tons of sustainable clothing shops offering limited tie-dye editions of certain designs in their lines this year.

Vintage 90s Tie Dye Rainbow Graphic T-shirt from Florence May Vintage

Orenda Tribe has lots of beautiful limited edition + one of a kind, vintage and upcycled hand-dyed pieces.

Vintage Tie Dye Puppy Shirt from Love Me Forever Vintage

I also love searching Etsy for velvet, florals, grunge, and so many other 90s fashion trends. Where do you go to get the look?

Where to Buy Sustainable Joggers

updated on December 21, 2023 by Angela Hamilton

When I first drafted this post, it all seemed so simple. Joggers are everywhere right now. I’d seen a few of my favorite ethical clothing brands selling them, so I didn’t think I’d have a hard time rounding up a few more. Turns out, finding out where to buy sustainable joggers requires a bit of digging. So I’ve been adding to this list over the weeks whenever I come across a cozy new pair. Finally, I have a fairly solid list. Though I’m always on the lookout for more.

Where to Buy Sustainable Joggers

Not gonna lie, sustainable joggers ain’t cheap. But we knew that, right? Most of the mass-produced joggers out there are made with low-cost, low-quality, and environmentally harmful synthetic materials, or at best, conventional cotton. Buying joggers made from natural, eco-friendly materials, especially organic, does require more of an investment. Full disclosure I haven’t tried all of these myself (trust me, when I have a jogger budget of $1000+, you’ll be the first to know), but from my research investment truly is the correct term here. When you purchase clothing made with higher standards from higher quality materials, they’re going to last longer (provided you take care of it). Always think of that #costperwear, friends.

Sijo women’s bamboo joggers via Made Trade

Softwear women’s modal joggers, also from eco club member Made Trade.

MATE tops the list of sustainable joggers because they offer a few different kinds, which of course, are all so damn cozy (I own several). Plus they’re colorful. And they’ve got SETS! I’m personally all heart eyes over the organic thermal joggers, but you also have the option of thicker, fleece joggers.

Sunny, sunny colors!

Indigenous Jogger Pant

So far one of the more affordable sustainable joggers I’ve come across is the Bamone Jogger Pant from Ten Tree (photo by @kahliaanika), made of organic cotton and recycled polyester.

Pink Jogger Set from Plain Jane, which you can also buy for your littles!

Another new-to-me option for sustainable joggers is LA Relaxed, which are made from tencel, modal, and organic cotton.

Have you figured out where to buy sustainable joggers? Tell us what we should add to this list! We’re all WFH until further notice, after all.

Ethical Shopping: 16 Vibrant Sustainable Accessories From Independent Designers

updated on May 2, 2023 by Angela Hamilton

You might’ve seen our post on the best sustainable fashion brands for adding color to your wardrobe (read here if not) but I think it’s about time we talked accessories. To be honest, I’m pretty simple when it comes to accessories, but I like to make a statement with whatever bag or embellishment I do carry. It’s my way of elevating an otherwise lazy outfit which I’m pretty guilty of sporting on the reg (I mean, it’s a pandemic, we all are at this point).

I also love that accessories are a great way to get started with ethical shopping. It’s a nice way to support one of your favorite designers, and some of them are easier on the wallet than gifting a larger clothing item from those brands. Alright, onto the 16 sustainable accessories we’ve had our eyes on as of late. Do let us know in the comments if you have any to add!

Campora T Round Bag by Chila Bags, a fair trade brand in support of the Wayuu women in Northern Colombia.

Currents Earrings, handwoven by ukaome with orange and pink glass beads.

Hiptipico embroidered face masks handmade by artisans in Chichicastenango, Guatemala.

Pajaritos Pouch by Mama Tierra, crafted in Venezuela by Wayuu women.

Oversized scrunchies by Charlie & Paisley, made from vintage deadstock fabric.

Organic Cotton Naturally Dyed Scarf by printmaker Elyse DeLisle.

Large handmade Chila Bag with tassels.

Hemp High on Nature Bandana from member backbeat.co

LESH Miraj necklace via member & ethical shopping marketplace, Made Trade.

Girlfriend Please Recycle Sock

Kira Hoops by Sundara Mar designed by Vanessa Martinez in Houston.

Joséfa David linen scrunchies sustainably made in Mississauga, Ontario.

Baggu Organic Cotton Masks from The Yo Store.

19th Amendment 100th Anniversary Scarf via To The Market.

LATELIER Paloma Bag made with recycled plastic. I own one of these and it’s so darn cute! Read more about LATELIER’s founder Andrea Jaramillo on Voyage LA.

Which sustainable accessory designer is your fave?

Top Sustainable Loungewear Brands… Because Pajamas Are For Work Now

updated on May 30, 2023 by Angela Hamilton

Anyone here already worked from home when this whole quarantine situation came into play? I’ve been a freelancer since 2014 (and an introvert since forever) so I’m no stranger to staying home for long periods of time. For months I’d been thinking about how I really need to invest in some quality, sustainable loungewear. Actually the two of us (Jenn, who built our site, and I) had been talking about how we might as well have something nice if we’re going to be spending all this time sitting at home. (Big revelation after six years, right?) Honestly, I’m used to working in a chocolate-stained t-shirt. And I rarely bother with pants.

It’s been a few years since I began building an ethical wardrobe, but I guess I always thought of basics as something I’d thrift rather than invest in. Since ethically produced and sustainable clothing comes at a price, it can be hard to balance priorities. (And to be honest, I’ve been really into proving that sustainability is anything but basic these last few years, so I’ve been a huge advocate of more creative fashion in the space.) Well, folks, eco friendly loungewear is officially trendy, and now friends who couldn’t previously relate to my work life are in the same boat, so I guess it’s about time we thought about making the leap.

Hosbjerg Ola Lounge Set

So here are all the pretties on my ethical wishlist.

Mary Young Ferris Short

LoveAndConfuse Linen Shirt

Lilac is my current favorite color, so naturally I’m obsessing over this linen set.

Tatiana’s Threads Velvet Socks

And I’m always cold in the morning, so why not some fancy socks? I love Tatiana’s Etsy shop and have purchased from her before. Plus, there are more colors!

Blue Anemone Linen Dress

Everyone talks about the ‘benefit’ of getting fully dressed for your work from home day. I think this linen dress is the furthest I’d go.

At Land Linen Pajama Set

But seriously, this PJ top will do a fine job playing ‘blouse’ on the ol’ web cam.

Sijo Bamboo Modal Shorts

Girlfriend Sherbert Compressive High Rise Leggings

In all honestly, I can probably justify purchasing *one* of these dreamy pieces. I’m happy though because I do have two pairs of Girlfriend leggings and bras (gifted to me by dear friends), so I have those to wear. every. single. day. (Side note for those who haven’t caved: yes, they are in fact worth the hype.) I noticed that putting them on in the morning (rather than opening the laptop sans-pants, per use) motivates me to take a good walk or a do a stair workout at lunch. I suppose that’s the point of athleisure, yes?

Have you invested in sustainable loungewear before? Are you more inclined to now that, for better or worse, we have more time inside?

10 Instagram Accounts to Follow for Thrifted + Sustainable Fashion Inspiration

updated on February 16, 2024 by Angela Hamilton

Shopping secondhand is really what kicked off my love of sustainable style, years back. Of course, back then it was more about being wallet-friendly. But hey, whatever gets the ball rolling. We’ve been a lot more active on Instagram lately than here on the blog (but still, blogs forever.), and it’s seriously inspiring to see how stylish a proud outfit repeater can be with a collection of old used clothes. Basically, if you’re creative, you do not need fast fashion (or designer fashion) to elevate your look. you do that by being you.

All this street style takes me back to college days, when we’d thrift every weekend, take photos of each other on the porch, and blog about our finds. Nowadays, I’m A-OK with sitting back and simply being inspired, and I love that this whole vintage + thrift revival & slow fashion movement is shedding a light on the necessity for sustainable fashion… not to mention THRIFTING IS COOL AGAIN. Totally makes me wanna re-open the ol’ Etsy shop, one day.

Sustainable fashion imposes a restriction on how you create outfits, it shapes your wardrobe differently. So while minimalism and neutrals are totally in and beautiful in their own way, many of our favorite ethical fashion enthusiasts are just so daring with personal style, mixing prints and textures and colors and fits. It sure is fun to see them taking risks, going all out, and just being totally expressive with sustainable style. They pull from many sources, both secondhand and new, supporting the movement in different ways. Here’s just a tiny sample of those favorites, below!

@theflippside

@laviediviore

@thriftsandtangles

@whenthriftersthrift {featured above: @thatgirlkandice}

Who are your favorite accounts & bloggers to follow for sustainable fashion inspiration? What do you love about them?

Eco Club Approved: 19 Conscious Seattle Boutiques to Shop Small

updated on May 30, 2023 by Angela Hamilton

Updated 11/10/22 As promised, here are a few of our favorite Seattle boutiques featuring conscious goods from independent designers. When I set out to write, I knew that there were going to be so, so many shops to pull from. And then it took me weeks to put it up because I didn’t know where to stop. We’re so lucky that we have an abundance of options when it comes to shopping small in Seattle. (But if you’re not in Seattle, don’t click out! I’ve linked to each boutique’s website, which are all full of goods you can purchase online.) I tried to lean towards shops I’d personally visited so I could give a proper description, but I know there are so many more for me to explore this holiday season. Please feel free to leave links to your favorite boutiques in the comments so whoever finds it next sees an even bigger resource!

fruitsuper is a design-centric Seattle boutique featuring American made goods from over 80 independent designers. And isn’t it gorgeous? Plus, Pioneer Square is one of my favorite areas + while there you can visit several of the shops below, and be sure to grab a bite at one of the cute restaurants. And a fun note: I got to interview fruitsuper’s co-founder Sally-Ann Corn for a writing project, and she is all about embracing how brick & mortar can positively influence the local community. Photo by Krista Welch. fruitsuper.com

I strolled past Sfingiday in Fremont (and I don’t know how it took me so long!), and had to back up and take a peek. Yes. I walked backwards and then into the shop. I ended up with a handmade scrunchie + Palate polish (impulse buys from a girl on a budget) and a new favorite shop! Sfingiday stocks products from over 100 artists, from original art and design to dreamy ceramics (like sooo dreamy), fashion accessories and so very much more. They even have some basics for those of you going zero waste! All in a small, cozy space. Photo by Sfingiday. sfingiday.com

Update 2022: This shop has moved to online-only as well as offering photography + other creative services.

You don’t have to consider whether the products in Anders Shop are something you’d feel good about supporting, as owner Sally Honeycutt is committed to sustainable & ethically made artisan home goods. In her Seattle boutique, you’ll find home decor, gifts, accessories, beauty and more all in the most beautiful little space. Photo by Sally Honeycutt. andersshop.com

Update 2022: This shop has since moved to Georgetown and is available for private shopping appointments.

Clementines is a fashion boutique with women’s shoes, clothing, accessories, gifts, and more. While some of the designers featured here are a little more high end, they have lots of giftable goodies. Another reason they’re worth a visit? Vintage shop Swan Dive is just down the stairs inside the shop, and it’s a well curated little space full of affordable clothing. Stop by and shop the gifts that envelope brunch spot The London Plane next door too. Photo by Clementines. clementines.com

Formerly Tides & Pines, September is a Ballard boutique and a great place to go for a lot of designers you don’t often see on Seattle shelves, like Callahan, Cleobella, and Flynn Skye. They feature a selection of local goodies too. Photo by September. septembertheshop.com

If you know indie brick & mortar, you know Moorea Seal. Anyone else followed her journey since back in the early blog days? Moorea’s downtown shop is one of the prettiest you’ll find, and even stocks eco club members like Back Beat Co. Plus, Moorea Seal gives back—7% of all proceeds go to nonprofits. Photo by Moorea Seal. mooreaseal.com

Editor’s note: Moorea Seal has since closed.

I finally made it to Pipe & Row last week after curiously walking by on my way to get tacos in Fremont too many times to count. This shop is expertly curated. They’re another great shop if you’re looking for a mix of local and your favorite brands to follow on Instagram. And they do have fun little accessories and gifts to check out. Visit them in the same trip as Sfingiday, as they are right by each other. Photo by Sorelle Hardin. pipeandrow.com

Updated 2022: This shop is online-only with an extensive zero waste selection that ships plastic free!

Eco Collective is a one-stop shop for for sustainable alternatives to everyday essentials like toothbrushes, food wraps, package-free soaps, and basically any zero-waste staple you can think of. They also host events and workshops, so it’s a great spot if you’re just beginning your journey to zero waste. Photo by Eco Collective. ecocollectiveseattle.com

Looking for more zero-waste shops in Seattle? The Naked Grocer and A Public Shop are wonderful too.

Cura is an artful and ethical boutique in Seattle’s Central District. They highlight impact driven artists and designers and offer inspiration for more intentional living. Photo by The Cura Co. thecuraco.com

If you love plant shops, you’ve probably seen some version of this photo on Instagram in recent years. Glasswing is a rare haven for both plants and fashion, located on the Pike and Pine corridor next to some great shops and restaurants. They also have mens fashion and unique gifts. After the success of their boutique, they opened Glassing Greenhouse in Capitol Hill, so if you’re in the market for greenery, you’ll want to hit up both. Photo by Glasswing. glasswingshop.com

A popular spot in Ballard, Prism is an inspiring, colorful boutique full of beloved indie brands like Lisa Says Gah and Ali Golden. They also stock a selection of beautiful jewelry and lots of quirky, cool gifts. Some items are a little pricier, but you can guarantee it isn’t something everyone else has. Photo by Prism. prismseattle.com

I love to stop in Flora Henri while in Pioneer Square (and grab a coffee or doughnut at General Porpoise). It’s a luxury lifestyle boutique that also has a lovely heirloom baby/kids section. I spotted Veja sneakers there last time which are definitely on my wishlist. Photo by Flora Henri. florahenri.com

Eco club member Nightshade is Seattle’s first and only hybrid plant shop and tattoo parlor! It’s located in lively lower Queen Anne (my old neighborhood!) near the Seattle Center and some amazing restaurants. They specialize in custom black and grey fine-line tattoos, a curated selection of common and collector house plants, and magical curiosities.

When it comes to sustainability, Owner Aleisha Tilson explains, A great portion of my plants are sourced locally from farmers and greenhouses in the state of Washington. We don’t source outside of the west coast. It is very important to us to utilize the resources closest to us to lessen our carbon footprint. Along with creating these close relationships from our purveyors, I also have started propagating and cultivating some of our plants. It is my goal for the future to have a plot of land where I can build my own greenhouse. tattoosandplants.com

Be sure to check out blumenkinder, Drygoods Design, Liten, and Velouria, all local boutiques that you can shop online too. I know there are quite a few more Seattle boutiques that deserve a spot on this list, so be sure to add your favorites in the comments. Happy shopping (small)!