GRN EVENTS

Eco Fashion Friday: Back to Basics for Men

By Marilee Movius

Spring is in full swing with hot days and cool nights. This weather is perfect for bike riding and it’s making my mental wheels start spinning; how can a man leave work and head straight to a fun outdoor activity without a Superman telephone booth change? I conducted a web search and found some great options.

On casual Fridays, head to work with a button up, collared shirt in preferably a season staple color of charcoal or beige. These shirts should have a hint of military and look relaxed, but refined. Chino slacks in khaki are great for the office, stylish enough for an evening out and comfortable enough to wear in many activities. While at work, top off this look with a vintage fitted blazer in rustic colors such as charcoal, army green, rusts or even crème.

Loomstate is a great place to shop for the collared shirt and chinos. Not only does the company offer wardrobe staples for men and women at an affordable price, the mission is to use social and environmental practices in production. Designers Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn launched Loomstate in 2004, founded on a respect ”for our environment’s ability to balance, shape and color itself…”

Loomstate uses 100% organic materials and directly manages all stages of manufacturing, from the fabric mills, to the cut & sew facilities and finally the laundries to ensure all partners are participating in responsible manufacturing processes. All factory partners use the highest environmental and labor standards, controlling factory pollution, and enforcing fair labor.

So while this look is great for casual Fridays, it can also be worn after work, grabbing a drink, going for a walk, or even riding a bike; all in style. Why purchase a brand new outfit for a night out or worry that there isn’t enough time to change, when you can save money, wash less and save time wearing the same clothes all day? Just a thought to keep…

Posted in Going Green

Back to Basics

By Kaitlin Childs, Interior Designer

Nope, its not just a tagline coined by Barefoot Contessa, it’s a real concept that applies to how we’ve had to adapt to the reality of today’s society. In the past couple of years there’s been a dramatic switch from overly extravagant to the stripped down basics, in regards to anything from the way we live, to the food we eat, to the environments we are to drawn to occupy. This change has been, in large part, due to people revaluating the way they live; whether it be for environmental reasons or pocket book savings, it has become evident that the overly glamorized, inadvertently abundant lifestyles are no longer appealing to the majority of everyday people. This brings me to a reactionary trend in the current design world. There has been an obvious change in the under-designed, yet well thought out spaces that hold a consistent stream of crowded businesses. It appears to be a direct reflection of what people want in today’s age and hopefully it will continue to carry on as a reoccurring theme due its environmental benefits and overall “no duh” approach. Our days of living in excess are over and the proof is in the pudding with these successful establishments:

Gjelina’s in Venice Beach is packed from afternoon until midnight. It has officially become one of my favorite design spots—not to mention the food is equally amazing. Make your reservations early because this place can easily have an hour wait during the weekday.

The Breslin may be located in a far, far land by the name of New York City, but it’s worthy to note for their approach on design and reused materials, along with a menu and drink list to die for.

Anthropologie has a long-standing history with changing environments on a weekly basis to keep their customers fascinated by indulging all five senses during their shopping experience. I can’t think of a single person that doesn’t love to explore what Anthropologie has to offer. They’ve seemed to find the perfect balance of redefined, old-world class and elegance that appeals to just about anyone who enters their doors.

Stone Brewery is part of the Slow Food Movement; which not only promotes a natural and old-world approach to food, but they continue to apply this concept to the design of their restaurant through refurbished buildings materials and natural, site-specific elements seen throughout the restaurant. Although it’s in the outskirts of Escondido, it’s worth the trip to experience the food, ambiance, and overall peaceful backyard retreat, which showcase weekly events and outdoor movie screenings. I highly recommend this place for any occasion.

Posted in Design, Going Green, Sustainability, Vintage