Ever since I added the word “eco-fashion” to my vocabulary, I have wished for a brand like ULTRA to come along. One that is as cutting edge and inspired as it is sexy and badass. Organic cotton and muted colors are great, but sometimes a girl just wants to feel like a vixen. There’s a tech nerd factor in the innovative use of materials and cuts that mixes very well with a sexy coolness that could be compared to Alexander Wang or Celine. cont.

This holiday season, PACT and Architecture for Humanity have teamed up in support of the design and construction of a work-house for a cooperative of 15 fishermen in Shizugawa, a town nearly destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami in March. Goodlifer also joins the effort by lending a face (mine) to the campaign, and we are proud to be able to support such a noble cause. cont.

I often see something great from a conventional brand and find myself wishing there was a good eco-alternative. Well, chances are there is. At Stockholm Fashion Week, I fell seriously in love with V Ave Shoe Repair’s wooden statement necklaces, but was also disappointed that they’re not made from sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood. So, I found 7 statement wood jewelry pieces that share that same in-your-face quality but are made like we like them, sustainably. cont.

Sometimes inspiration strikes at the most unexpected moments. For Aimi Duong it happened while in Business School and spending a year abroad. She had visited rural villages in Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia and felt a strong desire to help out. That’s when she had the idea to start a company, Oi Mei, that employs these rural artisans to make fairtrade pillows that promote peace-building initiatives in developing communities. cont.

To me, the ultimate in casual stylishness is pairing a simple white tank top and a pair of jeans with some great jewelry and a hot pair of heels. It’s effortless elegance personified. This is why I get very excited when I come across a gorgeous jewelry line, and double excited when I find out that it is made from sustainable, recycled materials, like Kyler by Joy O. cont.

Swedish Hasbeens has been creating innovative takes on the traditional Swedish clog for five years now, using all natural materials (more on Designer and Creative Director Emy Blixt’s thoughts on inspiration and sustainability here). The brand showed its Spring/Summer 2012 collection during Stockholm Fashion Week last week, and it seems like Hasbeens fans have a lot to look forward to this coming spring. cont.

Even though it’s been a lovely summer here in Sweden, we scandis love our darker hues — it’s just in our blood. The brighter side of it all is that there are a lot of conscious choices out there for those who like to don the blacks. Eco doesn’t have to mean beige! Case in point: a bag that’ll last for life, a stylish clog, a figure-flattering LBD, black magic tea, silver affirmations to wear around your neck, black polish for your nails and lashes, and a book to get in the right mindset. cont.

ARZU, which means “hope” in Dari, is an innovative model of social entrepreneurship that helps Afghan women weavers and their families break the cycle of poverty by providing them steady income and access to education and healthcare by sourcing and selling the rugs they weave. Last month, we wrote about one of their projects, the Peace Cord bracelet, a great piece of statement jewelry that literally allows you to wear your beliefs right on (or by) your sleeve. cont.