Belva Bell

Belva Bell
The Eco-Chic Fashionista

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Mind altering fashion: Organic, inspirational, positive clothing by Ideologie






Inspired by nature, philosophy, spirituality, and the arts, Ideologie organic clothing arouses ones desire for eco-consciousness and self-expression through artistic fashion.  It’s about making an environmental, social, philanthropic and conscious statement that one can publicly share and visually wear. With their fashion-forward t-shirts, you can look and feel great while supporting the eco-chic social movement. With Ideologie clothing, you too can make a statement and create a fashion movement through this clothing collection. Ideologie is a fully organic clothing company founded on the beliefs of love, hope, awareness, education and art.  It believes that self-expression is a great route to self-empowerment and a building block of positive communication. 

Ideologie is environmentally conscious and uses 100% certified organic cotton (USDA & TDA certified), low-impact dyes on all fabrics, and prints with pvc-free recycled water- based inks. Sustainability is a huge concern for Ideologie and innovation is paramount to developing new technology and manufacturing efforts without sacrificing other values such as social responsibility, pricing and, most importantly, the quality of its products. 

Ideologie is proud to work as a platform for artists from different backgrounds such as: textile designers, graphic artists, photographers, fashion designers, sculptors, musicians, philosophers, athletes, as well as architects and industrial designers.  Recognition and exposure are key elements when collaborating with artists and Ideologie. Moy Romano, President of Ideologie, proclaims ‘A big part of the concept Ideologie is trying to create relies on art and the abilities of the artists. We see the artist as the loud speaker for the masses...giving an output to the feelings of a given community, society, movement, etc. So we try to work together to give them exposure. Most of the Ideologie pieces are signed by the artists themselves, and all of the artists that have worked with us have a profile on our website, get credit for their work, participate in Ideologies’ social events…’ Recently, Ideologie sponsored a mixed-media showcase where well-known artists like Monasita, and Jorge Tellaeche, a college student with great ideas, and a muralist from impoverished areas in rural Mexico were able to showcase their crafts. In many cases, Ideologie serves as a stepping stone into new and bigger projects for artists. Romano states, ‘For us, learning from them, sharing the message, and growing together is a beautiful experience.’

Ideologie is environmentally-conscious and shares through its philanthropic efforts. On occasion, Ideologie collaborates with other organizations and either donate products or give them away. It donates 2% of all sales to Acumen Fund (acumenfund.org) which is a non-profit organization that seeks to overcome challenges faced by over two-thirds of the world’s population living in poverty. Additionally, Ideologie has its own NGO in Mexico called Entiende mas Logra Mas (entiendemaslogramas.org) through which they help educate students in impoverished areas of rural Mexico where education is limited or under served.  2 of the 3 founders of Ideologie grew up in Mexico and have had intense, first-hand experience with poverty, a lack of educational structure, and economies in transition, so they are very passionate about helping others less fortunate. 

Closer to home,  Ideologie  participates in socially-conscious events like the Coachella Music Festival in California, along with Pirate Stereo (dj’s) and gave away organic t-shirts with Coachella/Ideologie/pirate stereo prints to whomever jumped on a stationary bike to help power the energy for the event.  Ideologie is a social movement and its products are often found in faraway countries like Japan and Scandinavia. When customers (family members) wear Ideologie they are indeed changing the world. The coolest part is that they are choosing clothing that is a fully organic form of communication that transcends geographical/social/racial/religious segmentation. 

Ideologie items are moderately priced, given the sustainability, philanthropy, limited production and differentiation of their products. Many items range from $40 to $70 retail. Its mission is “To embrace the POWER of SELF-EXPRESSION, promote AWARENESS of SELF and our IMPACT on the ENVIRONMENT, it is to RELISH on the powerful effects of ART, and MANIFEST the importance of EDUCATION around the world. Our ultimate goal is to INSPIRE YOU to take an ACTIVE ROLL and become a CATALYST of CHANGE in the RIGHT DIRECTION!” –Moy Romano, President. 

The guaranteed place to find Ideologie’s fabulously organic items is through their website: www.Ideologie-organic.com.  Fans can also follow along on Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, an array of retailers carries various lines, depending on the season, and collections and can be found in Boston, San Diego, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK

The chicest trend is to wear items that are eco-conscious. An great way to join the eco revolution is to shop for eco-chic clothing. Green is the new black. Many fashion designers are adding sustainable (hemp, organic cottons, silk, and banmboo) products to their collections. Trendsetters like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, and Rihanna are jumping in and wearing clothes from the eco-fashion movement.

So instead of shopping for that sequined black dress this holiday season, look online for an ethically sound, bamboo gown. You'll look great while helping the environment.

Event: 11/18/10 SF STYLE ECO-FASHION SHOW

San Francisco Style 2010 is lining up to be the premiere fashion event of the season. With a nod to Fashion Night Out NYC, San Francisco will debut its own version of this epic evening on Nov 18th. An event as unique as San Francisco, itself, SF Style will showcase up and coming designer brands and boutiques. The SF Style Bazaar will be held in the SPUR Center, 654 Mission Street and will incorporate a local designer trunk show, an exhibit, and an eco fashion show.

Local Designers will feature their Winter collections and wow audiences with fashion and art that speaks to San Francisco's unique style.

Fashion show featuring sustainable designers Oda Style, Ethos Paris, and Lorian Lindsay to name a few. Tickets are $15-$75 each. Show starts 7:30-11:00pm

Date and Time
301 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111 (Map)
cross street: Between Clay & California
district: Downtown/Financial District

Thu Nov 18 (7:30pm - 11:00pm

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Nov. 2010 “Green Fashion Event” – Sequels Consignment Boutique


Sacramento offers many eco-chic boutiques that offer haute fashion placed on consignment for trendy shoppers.   “Sequels Consignment Boutique” has designer clothing at ridiculously affordable prices. They carry seasonal items such as gowns, furs, chic handbags, brand-name shoes, and classy accessories. Savvy shoppers can find Armani, Betsey Johnson, Burberry, Christian LaCroix, Christian Loubutin, Escada and St. John designers, just to name a few.  The store is bright, inviting, and well-organized. The staff is always friendly, helpful, and charismatic.
Stop by anytime. Shopping hours are: Monday – Friday 11am – 6pm; Saturday 11am – 5pm. 

Check out the following sites for more details: http://consignmentatsequels.com and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_h37yBj-mM
Click the SUBSCRIBE button at the top and receive Eco-chic fashion instantly delivered to your inbox. If you own an "Eco-chic boutique" (boutique specializing in “green” fashion) or if you are an eco- friendly designer specializing in sustainable fashions, send me an email at: bjbell6@gmail.com to be featured in an upcoming article. 

Tags: Designer Spotlight, Fashion News, Green Fashion