For this year’s spring fashion, green really is the new black. And no, we don’t mean that old green T-shirt you’ll be sporting on St. Patty’s Day. Designers are working towards greening the fashion industry by using sustainable textiles such as organic cotton and bamboo, by manufacturing their lines locally and by creating timeless, eco-friendly pieces. Not only will you look good, but you’ll feel good. Here are our local picks:
Heart on Your Sleeve: This online store, formerly a Kensington Market staple, is very eco-friendly (it even has a bicycle delivery service). We like this coconut shell ring in blue.
www.heartonyoursleeve.ca, 416-999-2197
Grassroots Environmental Products: When it opened in 1994, there were very few options for green products in Toronto. Two stores (plus an online store) later, Grassroots has been voted best eco-store in Canada. Its Horny Toad Accord Pant (pictured at left) is a comfy choice for spring and it’s on sale for $25.
408 Bloor Street West, 416-944-1993
Preloved: When you buy clothing from this store, you don’t have to worry about anyone wearing the same outfit as you. That’s because Preloved creates one-of-a-kind clothing from reclaimed vintage fabrics. Check out their classic Vi dress (pictured at right).
881 Queen Street West, 416-504-8704
Thieves Boutique: This fashion and eco-conscious boutique mixes edgy aesthetics with eco-sustainability. We love their high waist skirt for $207.
1156 Queen Street West; 647-435-4880
The Big Carrot: Not only is it the largest health food store in the city, but it also carries one of the largest green beauty sections in Canada with over 5,000 products. One of their newest products is Volcanic Ash Wash, an organic-based soap containing sterilized volcanic ash that gently exfoliates and draws toxins out of your skin, leaving it soft and radiant.
348 Danforth Avenue, 416-466-2129