Oh hey, July.
As we kick off a brand new month, we want to highlight some of our current favorites in the sustainable fashion space.
You’ll recognize plenty of brands from our Sustainable Style Page or our Black-Owned Business Directory, but this roundup is especially fun because everyone’s picks here are FULL of personality — you can almost guess whose are whose based on their little curations.
Make It Sustainable: The Clothing, Shoes & Beauty We’re Obsessed With
We were all thrilled to learn that Oribe Apres Beach Wave & Shine Spray made the list (thanks for the find, Scotti) because that’s one of our looongtime favorites. Best. Smell. Ever. And as far as New-To-Us finds go, this Savanna Baskets straw tote is insanely cute and the perfect summer beach bag. I’ve had my eye on that for weeks now. OR, if we’re thinking fall season, Kat found this backpack by WANT Les Essentiels (a Black-owned Business) that — dare I say it — rivals the Tumi.
There are a ton of great pieces below, so be sure to scroll through each collage or use our jump links to shop by contributor. You can look forward to this post again next month, and in a few weeks, we’ll do this all over again with our latest Black-owned business favorites…yay!
Click On A Contributor’s Name To Be Taken Directly To Their Picks
Linzi | Danielle | Scotti | Laura | Em | Kat | Shana
Linzi’s Sustainable Fashion & Accessory Picks
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1/ Brass Earrings (**Black-Owned Business**) – Come summer I always have a big pair of brass earrings in my rotation, and Soko is my new favorite designer. They produce modern jewelry pieces using recycled brass, reclaimed bone and horn, as well as sustainable wood pieces.
2/ Lulu Maxi – Gah! I LOVE this dress. It’s made from my fav Voloshin cloud-soft gauze and produced by skilled artisans in India, with a focus on fair labor and ethics. I’ve been wearing the Lulu as my daily uniform since it arrived. For selfies and more details check out my full post here.
3/ Big Basket Bag (**Black-Owned Business**) – I’ve been searching for the perfect summer basket bag. Handmade in Ghana from sustainable materials. It holds all your yummy market goodies and looks pretty in the house too.
4/ Horn Hoops (**Black-Owned Business**) – I have a reclaimed horn pair of hoops similar to these and I love them! A great accessory to pop on with everything.
5/ Sandals (**Black-Owned Business**) – These gorgeous sandals should be arriving soon. Can’t wait to try them out in person. Shekudo’s whole collection is beautiful.The majority of the raw materials Shekudo uses can be found or produced locally where they are made, and they work to ensure minimal waist in their production.
6/ Pants – If I’m not wearing my Lulu Maxi, I’m most likely wearing these comfy cute pants these days. Soft, stretchy, fold over waist and made from Tencel Modal.
7/ Small Basket Bag (**Black-Owned Business**) – Several of us at TME have been pretty wowed by AAKS’ stunning collection of bags. Also pretty wowed with their commitment to ethical production practices and use of eco-friendly materials.
8/ Tank – Cute, simple, made from 60% recycled cotton, and available in five colors. AND $25!
9/ Flats – These flats are made from recycled rubber and recycled plastic bottles! They’re also pretty darn cute.
Danielle’s Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Picks
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1/ Citizens of Humanity Charlotte Crop Jeans – The perfect summer jean — light-wash and not too tight. Loving the cropped, raw hem, too!
2/ H&M Jacquard-Weave Kaftan – I’ve never been a big pink girl, but I thought this was too pretty to pass up. I’ve always found kaftans to be so elegant — this one in particular, because of the cut of the sleeves and neckline. And it doesn’t get much better (or more comfy) for a hot summer day. This one’s pretty, too.
3/ Kiya Tomlin Wrap Jogger (**Black-Owned Business**) – Kiya Tomlin is one of our recent finds, and, to say the least, I’m obsessed. Her line is minimal (which I love) but still so unique with its different cuts and silhouettes. These clothes are the perfect marriage of comfy + fancy. I picture these joggers all dressed up with fun heels for a night out OR paired with sneaks for everyday.
4/ NAADAM Cashmere Ribbed Shorts – Matching lounge sets are my jam and NAADAM just-so-happens to make some of the best. Comfortable AND high-quality. Done.
5/ Taylor Jay Anne Dress (**Black-Owned Business**) – I don’t know when I’ll need a floor-length dress next, but when I do, I’ve got my eye on this. Simple but so pretty. BIG fan of that shade of green and the neckline.
6 & 7/ Mara Hoffman Carla Bikini – I could look at Mara Hoffman suits all. day. long. She never fails to come out with the prettiest colors and prints. This one is in the running for my favorite right now.
8/ The Honey Pot Company Refreshing Jasmine Spray (**Black-Owned Business**) – Okay…I never knew this was really a thing. I’ve heard about hygiene wipes from other companies but was never too sure how I felt about them (especially the ones that aren’t all-natural and vegan.) BUT THIS. No disposing of anything, and it’s all-natural and vegan with no artificial fragrance or harsh chemicals. I’m gonna give it a go. (They also partner with Happy Period — an organization that gives menstrual hygiene kits to those who are homeless, low income, or living in poverty. Bravo.)
9/ Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil – TME has been loving Biossance products and when I found this… I knew I needed to try. It’s a brightening and firming hydrator that’s supposed to help with dullness and uneven texture, dryness and loss of firmness and elasticity. I may only be 23, but my pale skin will take all the firming, hydrating products it can get. Plus….. it’s pretty (and vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and has recycled packaging.)
10/ Ecoslay Jello Shot Bundle (**Black-Owned Business**) – I don’t have curly hair, but if I did…I’d try these products just for the names alone. I couldn’t help but crave a few desserts (and maybe a jello shot) after reading the descriptions on these fun bundles. This one comes with Jello Shot (hair gel), Banana Cream (moisturizing treatment), and Peppermint Schnapps (hair wash). Everything is vegan except the Peppermint Schnapps because it contains honey.
Scotti’s Sustainable Fashion & Accessory Picks
1/ ABLE Mini Tag Necklace – I LOVE this necklace. I have three tags (Greenlea, Ozzie, and Zack) and I love the way they hang together. It’s shiny and delicate and perfect. It also comes in silver and they have a bunch of symbols to choose from as well as initials. Hand-crafted in Nashville!
2/ AG Ex-Boyfriend Relaxed Slim Jeans – I love the fit of these jeans–slightly relaxed but not slouchy. They kind of lend that laid-back vibe to any outfit and I love pairing them with heels to dress them up a bit. (They come in a ton of washes, too.)
3/ ABLE the Merly Jacket – My favorite denim jacket. It’s slightly oversized and has just the right amount of distressing. If I had to choose one denim jacket, this would be it.
4/ ABLE The Naibi Cropped Jacket – I love the fit of this one. The cropped length shows off your waist and creates shape–it goes especially well with high-waisted pants and tighter dresses.
5/ Keys & Coins Straw Basket (**Black-Owned Business**) – The perfect size straw bag to throw in a few essentials (it looks like my phone, credit cards, keys, and lip gloss would all fit just fine). This one is handwoven exclusively by the indigenous women of a historical community in Northern Ghana, Africa. All of the baskets from Savanna Baskets are gorgeous, but I love the smaller shape of this one.
6/ Oribe Apres Beach Wave & Shine Spray – LOVE. This wave and shine spray works wonders on damp or dry hair and gives a similar texture to salt spray but without the dryness and crunch (it’s formulated with oils to moisturize your hair instead of drying it out). And the smell? Heaven. SO so good.
7/ AG The Prima Skinny Jeans – Every closet needs a good pair of skinnies and these are awesome. Mid-rise, dark wash, and with just enough stretch to hug your curves without stretching out as you wear them. Super sexy and flattering.
8/ Adidas Superstars – SO crazy comfortable. My heel kept slipping out when I first tried them and I thought they weren’t for me . . . until my husband gave me the ingenious tip of tightening the laces (duh!) and voila! Super crazy comfy shoes that feel like a dream to walk on. (I love all of the color options they have.)
Laura’s Sustainable Fashion & Shoe Picks
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1/ ASOS Recycled Fuller Bust One Piece – This print! ASOS has quite a few cute things in recycled fabrics. They usually sell quickly though. And this one is right now on sale for $17. Dang!
2/ Emerson Fry Kimono – I have and adore this kimono. I styled it with my Athleta joggers here in this post (coming soon!)
3/ H&M Vintage Slim High Ankle Jeans – I love that reasonably priced H&M has super-cute pieces in their Conscious line. A lovely light wash and an ankle crop are my favorite style jeans for summer and these look fab.
4/ AG Alexxis High Rise Straight Vintage Jeans – AG are some of our favorite jeans around here, and these also look like a great summer option. The fit of AG is just amazing, and they last so so well. It’s a fabulous bonus that they are also sustainable! These are on sale right now, too — marked down from $183 to $99! Gah, winning all around.
5/ Athleta Printed Brooklyn Jogger – I have this same fit jogger in the Olive Green textured version. LOVE love love the fit and this printed version is so rad. I’ve styled mine up 7 ways in this post.
6/ Nisolo Serena Sandal – A reader recommended these, and they are just lovely. They’d go with everything and have just the right feminine vibe I want in a strappy-yet-comfy sandal. Love these. They’re marked down right now, too.
7/ Nisolo Bee Paper – This stuff is so wonderful to have in the kitchen if you haven’t tried it. The warmth of your hands molds it to fit over dishes eliminating the need for cling wrap. This adorable pattern has me wanting to add these to my collection. Love! They easily wipe off with a damp cloth for cleaning and last a long time.
8/ Adidas Superstar sneakers – I mean, you’ve heard it a million times. These are the best. They work with everything from denim shorts to leopard skirts. I always pack mine when I travel. Always. I usually size down a 1/2 size. Certain sizes on decent sale here (women’s sizing) or here (men’s sizing.) Also in stock at Nordstrom.
9/ AG Jodi High Waist Crop Jeans – Sustainable white jeans that get good reviews AND are from one of our favorite jean brands? Okay…YES. I love a non-skinny white jean and the ankle crop just says, “wear me with cute sandals.” These are a great white jean to freshen up your collection for summer.
Em Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Picks
1 / J. Crew Belted Tunic Dress: You know I’ve been a bit suckered into the house dress craze, and this one feels appropriately whimsical and bohemian — and it’s made with organic cotton.
2 / Everlane Mesh Day Glove Flats: I have a previous version of these, and they are SO comfortable — easy on right out of the box. I love this version with the airy mesh for summer. Made with 88% recycled polyester from plastic bottles. TTS.
3 / Adidas Cloudfoam Sneakers: I snapped these up about a month ago, and the Cloudfoam name is truly spot-on. They’re so lightweight and comfy — and I wear them daily without socks for HIIT workouts, sweat like a banshee in them, and there’s zero stink factor. Size down a half-size.
4 / Levi’s 501 Crops: This has got to be my current favorite cut of denim, and yet the few pairs I own are in really obscure washes (which explains why I almost never share them here!). This wash, however, is so classic and wearable. I know S says to go up two sizes in 501s, but I wear mine TTS. All depends on how you want them to fit.
5 / ABLE Veda Midi Dress: Scotti and the gals have been raving about ABLE for months now, and this dress caught my eye as soon as I popped over to the site. I love the easy shape, the cropped sleeves and the interesting hem. With sneakers or those flats up there? Yes please.
6 / Aurate Gold Hoops Trio: This jewelry brand is new to me, and I’m a wee bit obsessed. Quality gold pieces with transparent pricing, designed for everyday wear and sustainably made (these hoops are recycled gold). Also love these striking ear jackets, which look so interesting on but are still simple enough for every day.
7 / ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner (Arabian Knights): I don’t wear color on my lips very often (very much a gloss and balm gal), but this buildable lip conditioner is so nourishing and pretty. A single swipe has the feeling of a slight berry stain, or you can layer it on a bit for a bit of a bolder look. It’s one of the few lip colors I’ll keep purchasing.
8 / Stasher Bags: I always gripe about how pricey these are, but we have six or so, and we use them all the time, so they really are worth their price tag. They’re dishwasher safe, too, and even when I use them to stash half an onion (which is often), there’s no residual smell. Genuinely SO handy for storing cut fruit or veggies in the fridge or for toting crackers or snacks.
Kat’s Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Picks
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
1 / RMS Beauty Hidden Desire Palette – RMS was one of the very first clean makeup brands I started using years ago when I switched over to safer products. I religiously use their “un-cover up” and have several of their palettes. RMS uses recyclable materials to package their products and their makeup lasts all day! I’m obsessed with this brand and can’t say enough good things about it. If you’re looking to give clean beauty a try, then test out this palette!
2 / WANT Les Essentiels Utility Crossbody (**Black-owned Business**) – WANT Les Essentiels is a Black-owned sustainable business and their shoes and bags are the shit! I just got these sandals in, and I’m in love with the fit and the style! I’m a little bag lover and go for bags that are as small as possible, but still big enough to fit my phone. This cutie fits the bill for me! I am definitely crushing on this crossbody!
3 & 4 / Adidas Cropped Hoodie & Short Set – I love a good lounge set, and this one is so me! Most of my lounge sets are more for fall and winter, and I love that this is a cropped hoodie and shorts set! Plus the neutral color is super in this season. Adidas is killing the sustainability game and their plus-size offerings are bomb dot com!
5 / EILEEN FISHER Notch Collar Blazer – I’m a sucker for a great white blazer and this one is stunning — it’s also on super-sale right now, which is rare for EILEEN FISHER. If you’re looking to build your collection of go-to layers, then this would be a great option! What I love about a blazer in general, is that it instantly elevates any outfit. Jeans and a basic tee instantly give off Boss Babe vibes when you throw on a chic blazer like this one!
6 / Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker – Adidas Stan Smiths are such a classic. They are extremely comfortable, and you can walk in them all day. Plus, they’re super-breathable and that iconic dot detailing with the gold trim is timeless! These are a must for ribbed-knit dresses and casual denim looks.
7 / EILEEN FISHER Lee Espadrille Flat – To me, espadrilles are SUCH a summer staple, and this EILEEN FISHER pair is on sale! They come in several different colors, and I’m all about that thin string detailing.
8 / RMS Beauty Wild Desire Mini Lipstick Set – If you like a variety of lippies, then this mini lipstick set is for you! These colors are all so fun for summer, and it’s a great way to introduce yourself to RMS and all things clean beauty! My personal favorite shade from the set is “Temptation” (the second color from the left in my collage above). It’s a gorg, pinky mauve. So classic.
9 / EILEEN FISHER Organic Linen Blend Boxy Top – A breathable sweater that you want to wear for those summer nights when you need a little extra layer. Available in a bunch of super-cute colors and currently on sale!
10 / Reformation Sigmund Midi Dress – Of everything I’ve tried from Reformation, their dresses remain my favorite. I’ve owned this particular dress for a while now and it’s still stocked! I love the Sigmund in Splatter print…it has such an effortlessly put-together vibe about it.
11 / WANT Les Essentiels Canvas Kastrup Backpack – I’ve had the Matt & Nat backpack for years, and it has been my absolute favorite (and it’s sustainable), but I am jonesing for something new! This WANT Les Essentiels backpack comes fully loaded with all the pockets and a secure space for your computer. I love how sleek it is and think it’s the perfect fall backpack for when I return back to the office!
12 / Reformation Rodin High Waist Pants – Remember when I did that huge Reformation try-on a while back?! Well, one thing I didn’t try on from their collection was their pants. When I recently saw these at Nordstrom, I knew I needed to give them a try! I just ordered and can’t wait to see how they fit.
Shana’s Sustainable Fashion & Accessory Picks
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1 / Grant BLVD Top & Mask (**Black-owned Business**) – I picked up one of these cute tops (and matching face mask) and am IN LOVE. It’s one of those off-the-shoulder tops that actually stays off of your shoulders, and it’s so lightweight and perfect for summer. A matching face mask feels extra, but in the best possible way. I ended up grabbing a medium (I didn’t want mine to be an actual cropped top), but the sizes are so forgiving I probably could’ve ended up with a small, too.
2 / Mara Hoffman Bikini Top – Mara Hoffman swimwear is one of my all-time favorite brands. I have a few pieces of hers, and they tend to last. I have one bikini in particular that is on it’s 6th year and still looks brand new. I picked up this set for something a little different — and this top is the one I throw on when I need to get rid of aggressive tan lines.
3 / Mara Hoffman High-Rise Bikini Bottoms – I don’t usually go for a high-rise bikini bottom, but these are really fun to wear. The vibe is very fancy lady and I love it for happy hours at the beach (or pool). Not too cheeky, either.
4 / Everlane’s ReCotton Racerback Tank – I keep looking for the perfectly slouchy tank…and am intrigued by Everlane’s ReCotton tank. I love that it’s made from 60% recycled cotton, and if I size up, it might exactly what I’m looking for.
5 / AGoldE Parker Cut-off Shorts – One of my very favorite pairs of denim cut-offs (sustainable or not) are AGoldE’s Parkers. I must not be the only one who loves them — they keep going out of stock. Happily, Revolve just re-stocked, but I wouldn’t wait…..
6 / Adidas Superstars (with embroidery) – We love that Adidas is one of the most sustainable fashion brands out there, thanks to their hard work along their manufacturing and supply chains. You’ll never (ever!!) go wrong with the basic Superstars (they are my most-worn shoe), but I recently picked up this embroidered pair and they feel a little extra special (on sale, too).
7 / Rothy’s Knot Slides – These cute knot slides come in a ton of colors, but I like either the denim or the white. Such a chic (and sustainable) flip-flop replacement.
8 / DL1961 Tie Waist Hepburn Flares – This is the pair of white jeans that Cam, Gwen and myself allllll swear by. We have a video we’ll be throwing up onto IGTV soon….fit is TTS.
9 / Savanna Baskets Straw Bag – Not to go all Jane Birken on ya…but I LOVE a straw bag. Now and forever. And this one is basically perfect. (Obviously, Linzi agrees.)
What’s your current sustainable obsession? Leave us a comment!
Xo,
Team TME
