renegade craft fair
Be there or be square:
People…this is an awesome fair in Brooklyn this weekend, I highly recommend it! Come out to support the talent and handiworks of these amazing indie artists & designers. I will be there reporting on the latest and greatest in crafting!
Check out the website for more details: renegadecraft.com
leaders of the pack
I was surprised to hear that Urban Outfitter’s exclusive brand, ‘Urban Renewal‘, has been around for a whopping 20 years. That’s practically a lifetime in the fickle world of fashion they preside over.
Basically UR marries two ideas…vintage clothing and current trends into a line of reworked clothing. Everything is reconstructed by hand using vintage, deadstock and surplus materials from around the world. Although the silhouettes are the same, no two garments are exactly alike, since they are working with recycled fabrics.
Here are a few of my favorite looks from their current line which is spot on:
To see the latest Urban Renewal line in all it’s glory go to urbanoutfitters.com
I’m super excited that I was also able to get in a quick interview with their reigning queen of transformation, Dayna Haley. According to her, “they have been quietly touting the green ‘thing’ to a devoted customer base for years.”
MH: What’s your best thrift score…and where was it?
DH: ”An original 60’s Jimi Hendrix concert tee – scored from a spot deep in the heart of central Pennsylvania. It was given as a gift to the President of Urban Outfitter’s son, so it’s still in good hands.”
MH: Do you have a favorite era or fashion designer?
DH: ”I love the sleek & modern mid- century design aesthetic, but presently I’m really into early 90’s floral dresses and mid 80’s arts & crafts jewelry. Fave designers are Vivienne Westwood & Betsey Johnson – especially punk-era looks. We’ve been amassing quite a collection of vintage Betsey over the years!”
MH: I’m fascinated by the life of a vintage picker…I know you used to do that for Urban Outfitters…could you explain a bit?
DH: ”It’s extremely dirty & physical! Lots of driving in cars to remote industrial locations. Imagine ceiling-high piles of dusty clothes – inspecting each one for that special treasure. It’s the thrill of the chase for sure, and quite a labor of love! Much more fun if you’re with a group of friends b/c it can get quite monotonous & strenuous, so some comic relief is essential. Every now and then you’ll come across something really gross or insane while searching for something exquisite.”
MH: How has the ‘Urban Renewal’ line evolved over the years?
DH: ”We started w/Halloween costumes composed of vintage finds in the 80’s – then in the early 90’s it was all about the ‘Wall of Denim.” This success turned to more vintage-like dresses, tops & skirts. The late 90’s was all about military surplus & vintage graphic tees; and about that time we also ramped up the redesigned & reconstructed aspect of Urban Renewal in order to keep up w/demand and the pace at which Urban Outfitters was opening new stores. We evolved this concept from remade tees to it’s current incarnation which is much more concept & trend driven and aims to look not vintage or remade, but instead like a unique “boutique” brand that just happens to be made from recycled materials. We have 6 collections per year – with about 60 pcs per collection. We still offer one of a kind vintage pieces – especially accessories & shoes – but 90% of the Urban Renewal collection is redesigned & completely original!”
They’ve also recently begun selling vintage finds on their ebay site called Urban Renewal Vintage. While they have offered these one-of-a-kind items in the stores for years, they are now saving the best for this new endeavor.
Here is a little number from their URV line.
Fyi, the UO blog is also stellar: blog.urbanoutfitters.com
eco icon – birkenstock
'yara' woven oiled leather sandal in habana, $140, birkenstockusa.com
I am in heaven after seeing the new styles & colors that Birkenstock just debuted in their Spring/Summer ‘09 line!
In high school, I bought my first pair of Birkenstock sandals – the Arizona – and have been hooked ever since. Over the years they have teamed up for many cool collaborations with designers like Phillip Lim and brands like A Bathing Ape & Stussy.
Birkenstock’s were earth-conscious before it was hip…carrying on their amazing tradition of German craftsmanship since 1774. They are considered trailblazers in this ‘throwaway’ industry because they promote repairing and recycling your old ‘Birks.’
Each shoe is made of sustainable & renewable materials like cork, natural latex and jute. In fact, the cork used to make the footbed is actually excess material from the wine industry – when making wine corks for the bottles.
Here’s my wish list below…they literally have all the trends covered from patent & metallic finishes to earthy embellishments + pale palettes!
Check out the line in it’s entirety @ birkenstockusa.com.
Happy Shopping!
'gizeh' patent birko-flor in striking purple, $79.95, birkenstockusa.com
'madrid' patent birko-flor in peridot green, $49.95, birkenstockusa.com
'kairo' woven oiled leather in antique grey, $130, birkenstockusa.com
'cozumel' silky suede in taupe, $120, birkenstockusa.com
sustainable sneakers
I practically live in sneakers, so if they are also good for the planet…that’s fantastic! I did my research and found 7 different styles, so I don’t want to hear that there’s nothing cool out there. 
Payless has just launched a new shoe & accessory line with super greenie, Summer Rayne Oakes. I had the pleasure of meeting her at their Spring press preview and found her to be really engaging & bright. The greatest thing about the new line, called Zoe & Zac, is the accessibility… since all styles are under $30. Check out her video on YouTube:
Sustainable Style: Talking Green with Summer Rayne Oakes
daisy frayed skimmer in multi, $19.99, payless.com
All-American brand, Keds, is also jumping on the bandwagon with their newly launched Green Label. The line boasts organic cotton, recycled rubber soles & non toxic dyes…even the shoe laces are made from old water bottles! They’ve also partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree for every pair sold in 2009.
meadow moc in khaki, $55, keds.com
I’m a total Van’s girl, and they just debuted a really big selection of eco-sneakers in their Spring/Summer line. The styles are a bit sleeker & updated while showcasing hemp-upper and bamboo foot bed liners. I just adore the sustainable jute wrap on this style below.
authentic lo pro sf, $50 , vans.com
If you are looking for a more retro-looking style, Ethletic makes one that is very reminiscent of an old-skool brand. Their shoes are totally Vegan and made with 100% Fair Trade-Certified organic cotton canvas. The rubber for the soles is actually tapped from a tree instead of being made from chemicals like other rubber products.
ethletic high-top sneakers in olive green, $56, autonomieproject.com
I cannot wait to buy these ditsy-print sneakers from Simple. The company started in 1991 and have been producing earth conscious shoes since 2005. Their fun & inspirational approach to marketing educates the consumer while also maintaining a sense of humor. Their less > more manifesto means their goal to produce 100% sustainable products might actually be realized.
pinwheel in black multi, $55, simpleshoes.com
Etnies and it’s parent company, Sole Technology, have been around for over 2o years. Their founder and CEO, Pierre Andre Senizergues, recently announced their commitment to becoming the action sports industry’s first carbon neutral company. After conducting an eco-audit of the business, they are looking at ways to improve their environmental practices …including solar panels, recycling efforts and water usage.
baby jane in purple, $40, etnies.com
Keep shoes is fairly new to the game, the line being only 3 years old, but they have been fashion forward from day one! Besides being a very unique & collaborative force, they only make cruelty- free products. Although they are made for the ladies, the styles are considered unisex….so you can both rock the crazy, bright patterns and colors.
the guerra in purple w/madras plaid, $95, keepcompany.com
trash talking
What I love most about recycling is when I see ordinary objects elevated into an art form. I’m in awe that people can be so resourceful & imaginative while making beautiful things out of trash.
Stephanie Huffaker from Garbage of Eden upcycles grocery bags to make her designs. This supercool link necklace is made by cutting strips out of plastic bags which she then weaves and twists to make her jewelry. She is also a member of Etsy’s Trashion Street Team and donates 10% of each purchase to charity.
For Paul Villinski, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. His butterfly sculptures are made from cast-off materials like old records or beer cans he stumbles upon in the street. Since butterflies symbolize transformation, he mimics that in his studio with these mundane objects coming full circle into a thing of beauty.
I found Anna Johansson in this great book my sister, Kerri, got me for x-mas called cool green stuff by Dave Evans. She handcrafts one of a kind bird sculptures out of everyday things like coffee cans, for her line AnnaBuilt. This labor intensive process involves cutting out shapes in metal with tin snips and riveting/soldering them together to create these fantastical animals.
In the spirit of DIY, British designer, David Stovell, creates stools and tables out of old newspapers. It truly is ‘found art’ as he breathes new life into something that is, in essence, old news. I think it’s fascinating and he even has a video on YouTube to explain how to do it!
Some other fun websites that also offer amazing products made out of trash and refuse.
skate study house
Skate Study House is my new favorite design concept. They perfectly blend skateboard culture & mid-century design with a dash of California lifestyle! Plus, they’re also conscious of the environment and use recycled + second hand products mixed with custom parts.
The name itself is a tribute to the famous Case Study House program, which many believe was the start of the “Birth of the Cool” modernist movement in California.
I am totally getting this chair when we buy a house this year! The Stax Chair is made out of 3 decks and incorporates molded pieces of plywood. It pays homage nicely to the most famous chair of 20th century, the ‘Eames Molded Plywood Chair.’
This is called the Jet Set Lounge Chair, and it was created for both indoor and outdoor use becuz it’s made of neoprene (wetsuit material). It’s such a simplistic and sleek concept; 8 decks wrapped with neoprene cushions on a metal frame.
For the Comet Coffee Table, they crossed 8 skate decks together for strength as well as a unique look. I love the use of color here with the branded decks intertwined like puzzle pieces.
A classic riff on the iconic ‘Nelson Slat Bench‘, the LKJ Bench is truly a work of art. In the tradition of California cool… this is made from a longboard skate deck. It’s perfect to use as a low table or bench.
Last, but not least! Featuring two of my favorite reality TV stars…Rob Dyrdek & Meaty standing in front of their Skate Wall. This folding screen is awesome and features the patterns of a real size deck.
For more information on the SSH collection, including pricing, please stop by their website skatestudyhouse.com
cool for cats
I came across this awesome eco-furniture for cats… and it’s so right up my alley, being the owner of two cats, Stinky & Leia. Let’s face it, cats & cool design never go hand in hand. The only offerings are usually covered in tapestry or a pastel rug material. Luckily, Square Cat Habitat came along, their motto being ‘modern furniture designed for cats and their owners.’ Hallelujah!
This wall perch below is called the Buddha and it’s the perfect retreat for your favorite feline. It’s also super practical for those of us that live in small apartments and need the precious floor space.
Here is the view from the bottom…love the chrome brackets, it’s almost like functional art! The perch easily mounts on walls or under window sills and can support up to 40lbs.
The best thing is that it’s available in two environmentally friendly ways: 100% renewable bamboo or LPL (low pressure laminate) that contains recycled wood fiber. Also, it’s made right here in the U.S.A in Portland, Oregon.
You can purchase these online at my new favorite web shop, Supemarkethq.com. Or, to view the line in it’s entirety (I highly recommend this) go to SquareCatHabitat.com.
the glass is always greener
This post kicks off a month of ‘eco’ & sustainable stories. It’s really quite easy to embrace things that are good for the environment…and there is no shortage of great products out there!
I love plants, we have quite alot of them in our apartment and when I saw this terrarium from VivaTerra, I couldn’t resist! You can order it with the air plants & sand or on its own to display found objects.
recycled glass terrarium, $79 with plants or $49 without, vivaterra.com
The Beach Glass series below from Rosanna is handmade in Mexico of 100% recycled glass. All the shades of blue remind me of the ocean…and each piece is beautiful and unique in it’s own way.
beach glass, set of 3 small bottles- $29.50, set of 2 large bottles- $39.50, rosannainc.com
aloha from ‘cameron hawaii’
What do you get when the fashion & surf worlds collide…Cameron Hawaii. This adorable beach-chic collection is based on “Cameron,” a fun & stylish surfer gal that lives anywhere the weather is warm and the waves break.
Cameron has Hawaiian soul & California love - as her heart will always be with her native island but after moving from Maui to Malibu, her spirit lives and breathes the Cali culture.
I love the simplicity of a good surf clothing line, it reminds me of endless summers spent at the Jersey shore. It doesn’t have to be about bells & whistles…just cool graphics, pop colors and a fun spirit!
The clothing makes me think of Spring Break in the 70’s….I have my sights set on this little romper.
While Cameron Hawaii is only in it’s second season, its already creating a bit of a buzz. What’s also cool is the fact that it’s totally wallet-friendly…almost everything in the line is under $50. These tank dresses below are utter perfection…great for those summer months ahead!
Their website: cameronhawaii.com, to purchase online go to thearchrival.com.
