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Why It's Good:
Shine need not be reserved for the red carpet. Mix it up with your favorite jeans or slim pencil skirt for a look we like to call "hi-lo"—dressed up, yet dressed down.
Why It's Green:
Linda Loudermilk's collection includes Oeko-Tex certified linen (from the flax plant, which requires little or no pesticides or fertilizers to grow) and organic cotton (pesticide- and fertilizer-free) jersey; Bahar Shahpar's pieces are made of Italian linen from family-owned mills using traditional growing methods; The Battalion's 100% certified organic bamboo (a rapidly renewable resource) jersey top features recyclable aluminum trim; Panda Snack's tunic is made of a bamboo/organic cotton blend; Tulula's dresses are made from 90% bamboo; and Ciel's pieces are made from a blend of organic hemp (a renewable resource requiring zero pesticides or fertilizers and less water to grow) and silk.
Where To Get It:
Click on the designer names for their websites. To purchase Tulula, call 213-471-2200 or email tiffanydalton7@gmail.com. For Panda Snack, call 212-860-6479 or email jennifero@pandasnack.com. For Bahar Shahpar, call 212-206-8319 or email bahar@showroomfourhundred.com. For Linda Loudermilk, call 323-233-8111 or email deana@lindaloudermilk.com. For Ciel, click here to purchase directly, or here for a list of US retailers; if you're in Arcata, California, visit Hempsown Eco-Boutique, which carries the Jasmine dress, at 1101 H Street, or call 707-826-0577.
Fashion That's Flash
What do duchesses and disco divas have in common? Whether you dine at the Ritz or get your groove on under a gleaming glass ball, there's one little fashion secret that never fails: sparkle. As in, all that glitters is wardrobe gold. No need to resurrect the Bedazzler, however—here, our picks for adding a subtle touch of glam to your closet:
Disco Heaven: The Battalion's scoop-neck, bamboo jersey with layered sleeves and dazzling center stripe (about $64) is screamin' with the retro-rock glam of Studio '54. Pair with skinny jeans and stiletto ankle boots; add oversized clutch, statement hair, crimson nails and lip gloss for full-frontal diva-liciousness.
Rhinestone Cowgirl: Scintillate this spring in Tulula's (see retail note for purchasing information) fluid, strappy bamboo dresses with rows of glinting rhinestone buttons and champagne silk trim (about $75; pictured, top right). Soft camel, hot pink, teal, and jet transition well into summer, when you'll want to pair this cool (literally, as bamboo is moisture-wicking) fave with gold gladiators or low-wedge flats.
Simply Sequins: Panda Snack's comfy-chic bamboo/organic cotton tunic (around $88) has delicate side gathers highlighted by a swath of sparkly bronze sequins. Wear over tailored trousers for the office; switch to boot-cut jeans for happy hour. Layer with vintage gold necklaces—a monogrammed disk would be perfect—or your mom's charm bracelet.
Golden Girl: Glide through the crowd on gilded wings at your next casually festive outing in Bahar Shahpar's shimmery linen, pleated cocktail dress (about $374; pictured, bottom right). Pair with round-toe ballerina flats in cream and gold.
Office Opulence: Show the boss you’re not just another flash in the pan: This slim-legged, sexy gold couture-level suit (jacket with shirt attached, $439; pants, $409; pictured, left) from Linda Loudermilk says you’ve got the Midas touch. Lightweight metallic linen gives you a crisp edge at meetings with top brass. If head-to-toe gold is too much, each piece individually can bring up the zing on any all-black-all-blah outfit.
The Duchess: Beam like a siren of the silver screen in Ciel's shiny white hemp/silk gown ($474; pictured, center). On a night at the opera, step out starlet style in lilac satin mary janes, a beaded clutch, spidery shawl, and a fresh camellia tucked behind one ear. Brava!—Elizabeth McMullen
