Green Chic

It’s official – green is the new black! This past Saturday night was spent at Café Metropolitan with Tarah and some of her girlfriends for the Green Chic – An Ethical / Eco fashion show. Put on by Fashion Ethic and En Mode Productions the proceeds went to The Adubon Society.

All the pieces on the runaway were from Fashion Ethic, an online boutique ran by eco-friendly supporter and entrepreneur - Candice Caldwell. Fashion Ethic’s mission is to be fashionably responsible and by that they mean: sweatshop free labor, fair wages for workers, sustainable fibers, organic cotton, and low impact dyes.

Log on to FashionEthic.com and use the code GREENCHIC to receive 20% off your entire purchase now through Wednesday, November 26th.

Seattle Goodwill’s Glitter Gala Sale

Call all recessionista (anyone who wants to look stylish but is on a tight budget due to the economy)! Seattle Goodwill’s Glitter Gala sale is the place you want to be this weekend. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Great fashion all in one place: This event only happens once a year bringing you quality vintage clothing / jewelry, glamorous formal wear for both men and women, designer wear, and one-of-a-kind deals!
2. Support your local community: All the proceeds will benefit the Goodwill’s free job training and education program.

The sale is located at Seattle Goodwill’s Dearborn street store: 1400 South Lane Street from Saturday, November 15th through Sunday, November 16th. Hours are 9am to 6pm both days.

Check out their blog for more stylish tips / finds and visit their website if you’d like to volunteer for next year or donate.

Happy Shopping!

Q&A with Eco-friendly Fashion Designer Lizzie Parker

I joined Tweed along with other supporters to welcome their newest designer – Lizzie Parker tonight. The celebration was held at Tweed Boutique in Greenwood from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Tweed (owned by Danielle Luartes) is now carrying Lizzie Parker’s full collection. I sat down with Lizzie Parker for a quick Q&A to get to know her a little better.

YK: Congrats Lizzie on your new home! Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

LP: Well, I worked at Microsoft for 5 years and got a business degree at Hope College. I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer but thought it was more of a fun activity. In the end I’m glad I did it that way because you will always be able to design if you have that ability naturally, it will never leave you but to be successfully you’ll have to know the business aspect.

YK: How did you get started in fashion?

LP: I started by helping out with trunk shows through Worth Corporation and eventually started Lizzie Parker which has been around for 2 and ½ years now.

YK: Lizzie Parker is well known for being eco-friendly and we’ve all heard about everyone else who is taking fashion towards sustainability. Why did you choose to make your line eco-friendly?

LP: For my kids. I don’t want to leave a mess for my children. I always try to make a difference. My signature fabric is organic bamboo jersey which is the first to be certified in the market and I also use organic cotton. 95% of my manufacturing is in Seattle.

YK: Tell me about your Spring 2009 collection? I saw it in PFW and absolutely love the fuchsia color you used.

LP: The fuchsia pieces were made at a lower price for the economy but season less is the way to go. I try to do classic pieces.


YK: I saw your collection in PFW and now you are partnering with Tweed Bountique. For a designer who has been around for 2 and ½ years, I would say you’ve been pretty darn successful. What are your words of wisdom for those designers who are beginning?

LP: (rolling eyes sarcastically with a smile) Find a mentor. I was lucky and had great mentors. Stay true to yourself and what you believe. Talk to people on the business side of things too.

YK: Ok, my last question. Why Tweed Boutique?

LP: My line has done very well here and Danielle and I click the moment we meet. Everything just worked out well so it felt like the right thing to do.

To see Lizzie Parker's Spring 2009 Collection, visit her website: www.lizzieparker.com. To purchase Lizzie Parker clothing visit Tweed Boutique.