The cliche about "green clothing" is that it's one step removed from a burlap sack with armholes and a felt applique of a peace sign or a tree. There is a lot of that genre out there -- especially T-shirts that make their "green" statement by literally being green or brown and splashing a "recycle" icon across the front.
But every day there are more stylish and subtle approaches. We've rounded up a sampling of apparel and accessory lines that not only aspire to give back to the Earth or community, but also actually look good while doing it.
-- Melissa Magsaysay
The chain store
Banana Republic Heritage Collection: The 45 pieces in this eco line look as good or better than the "regular" offerings and are made from 90% sustainable fabrics and trims, and the pieces -- khaki button-down safari-style jackets, leopard-print tank tops and shimmery, champagne-colored cropped cargo pants -- work well mixed and matched. Look for the little green elephant on the tag. $19 to $150 at www.bananarepublic.com.
The knitwear
Leroy & Perry: Leroy & Perry uses green-certified dyes, recycled yarns and recycled packaging materials and hang tags, with 1% of the proceeds going to the Alliance for Climate Protection. The knitwear brand, the "green" little sister of Lutz & Patmos, includes similar shapes of casual cardigans, button-front dresses and drapey sweaters. $198 to $325 at www.barneys.com.
The bags and shoes
Ferragamo's "Eco bag" Collection: The 86-year-old Italian brand uses a metal- and pollutant-free tanning process to treat the skins used for the five-piece collection of totes and handbags. Dying is done using tannins from tree bark. But there's a drawback: Sometimes it costs to be eco-chic. $1,190 to $1,890 at Salvatore Ferragamo boutique, Beverly Hills.
Stella McCartney bags and shoes: The British designer and veteran vegetarian is known for eschewing fur and leather in her high-end collections -- and for creating some of the most coveted clothes and accessories in the designer realm. Her shoes and bags, in particular, are stylish standouts with quirky design details and neon colors. $395 to $1,495, www.stellamccartney.com.
The jewelry
Hey Lola Jewelry: Peoria, Ill.-based jewelry designer Jessica Benassi is a vintage collector who scours antique malls, rummage sales and Craigslist for odds and ends that she envisions as a new necklace, bracelet or brooch. Her handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces look sleek and fresh. $18 to $150 at www.shopheylola.com.
