The wonder of the Internet is no doubt linked to the freedom it affords us as we search and connect with like-minded organizations and individuals, and it probably goes without saying that forays in the online retail realm are bolstered by this activity. I am not a big shopper myself, so I am thankful that the e-boutiques of the web allow me to thoughtfully browse at my own discretion and comparison shop in ways that I have never before been able to. cont.

I could imagine wearing the same outfit every day, as long as I could accessorize it with amazing jewelry. Shadowplay by designer Heather Goldberg certainly fits that bill. No two pieces are alike, and all are hand-crafted using 100% natural fibers such as bamboo, cotton, silk, cashmere, mohair and organic and naturally dyed merino wool. Closures are certified fairtrade black silver and crystallized Swarowski elements add some bling. cont.

Launched in 2005 by husband and wife Bono and Ali Hewson, sustainably-minded fashion label EDUN has launched its first collection since being acquired by luxury group LVMH last year. The Pre-Fall Collection, created in honor of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, introduces a Special Edition “Grow to Sew” African produced tee shirt series, featuring bold black and white graphics inspired by the vibrancy of the continent. cont.

Opening today, May 5, at NYC’s Scandinavia House, Eco Chic – Towards Sustainable Swedish Fashion showcases Swedish fashion designers who take an environmentally-friendly and ethical approach to their work, without sacrificing style. The show, on view through August 21 (admission is free), kicked off with a symposium, where international eco fashion luminaries discussed the challenges and possibilities cont.

Looking good sits high on most people’s agendas, and we spend enough money on clothing and accoutrements to prove it. Although there is nothing wrong with wanting to express ourselves by the way we dress, the way that we consume clothing is extremely unsustainable. We buy something new and may only wear it a few times before disposing of it (responsibly, I hope). What if there is a better way to do this? cont.

On the final day of The GreenShows during New York Fashion Week, Ekovaruhuset / House of Organic showed their new collections. It is technically Fall/Winter, but the House of Organic does not really depend on the seasons the way the big fashion houses do; they don’t even depend on trends. The timeless, ethereal, fair made creations are as timeless as they are beautiful. cont.

The threads of cultural identity seem to find us no matter how far away from home we may wander, and though it may not be particularly fashionable to wear your place of origin on your sleeve, this might be finally changing with an upsurge in recycled textile and ethnic embroidery in eco fashion collections. A new wave of resourceful designers are re-invigorating native textiles by fashioning them into wearable and culturally chic garments. cont.

Sonja den Elzen wants to provide the means for us to steal back our sense of self and express our individuality through style, which is why she chose to name her line Thieves. Ethically committed to sustainability, Thieves uses eco friendly fabrics and organic textures, while masterfully integrating draping and tailoring with a very designed aesthetic. cont.