I’ve been hearing for years that “Made in the USA” products are going to drive the market and be the next big trend.  Well guess what, Ralph Lauren still made the US Olympic uniforms in China.  Like them, most larger fashion brands aren’t ready to give up the advantages of manufacturing overseas, but that doesn’t mean consumers aren’t ready.

Eco fashion in the fashion world is like organic food in the culinary world.  People like the idea of it and they get why it is good for them, but they are not always willing to shell out the extra dollars for it.  It is not cheap to be Made in the USA, but that is a sacrifice designers are willing to make for their products.

My assistant Cory thinks some fashion publications are starting to come around.

“The emergence of editorial efforts to cover eco fashion and provide readers with the knowledge of emerging eco fashion shows a change in perception.  From Marie Claire’s Amanda Hearst, who focuses on eco fashion in each issue, to the success of magazine’s like CocoEco, that are entirely dedicated to the movement; it is clear that there is an audience seeking ways to lead eco conscious lifestyles,” notes Cory.

Yet the ads and products in most publications are still made overseas.  The movement is starting, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.  I think it is going to take a little extra time for eco fashion to become actually mainstream.

With all of that being said, one of my past client’s, Austin Yarn Company, is doing a blogger series.  Austin Yarn Company is a handbag company that is 100% eco friendly and organic (hence today’s topic).  Cathie Hutchins, the designer, even knows the farm where the wool for her bags comes from.  How cool is that?  Cathie asked a number of bloggers to show how to style her bags and I thought, why not get in on the fun?  So today Cory and I grabbed our bags, an iphone and had a mini photo shoot.

What do you think of how we styled our Evelyn clutches?

Cory in a Zara cardigan, Cotton On top, Silence & Noise pants, vintage shoes and Austin Yarn Company bag

Tahari dress, Forever21 belt, Austin Yarn Company bag, Payless shoes

AND what is your general perception of eco fashion and accessories?