Nation - Evolving The T-shirt

Sustainable clothing comes in many shapes and sizes these days, but what is more sustainable than eco-friendly made staples? We want to have clothing that isn’t just for a one or two time use, and that is what Nation is going for. Nation’s goal is to take the basic like a t-shirt but jazz it up into a beautiful fashion item that can be worn on many occasions. I had the pleasure to wear Nation’s Violet Long Sleeve top, and I can tell you that this Peruvian made 100% cotton top is so soft and light that it almost feels like you aren’t wearing anything at all. The design as a lovely cut and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the pants pairing. Please read on to learn more about the sustainable fashion brand Nation.

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 47Kira BuccaFebruary 24, 2023fashion, Sustainability, Sustainable Fashion, Peru, eco friendlyComment

Helpsy - The Growing Business of Circular Fashion

Helpsy is a B Corps clothing collection company that works with municipalities, retailers and brands for returns/overstock and liquidation. They are the largest collector of clothing in the Northeast. After sorting, most of the collected clothing items are sold and the damaged pieces are downcycled. Helpsy is working to radically change the way people think about recycling. Please read on to learn more!

The Holiday Gift Guide You Never Knew You Needed

The holidays are closer than you think! If you are one of those people that shop last minute and are usually in a frenzy, or simply want to gift their loved ones something different or unique this year, this holiday gift guide is definitely for you! Featuring brands from around the world that have something for everybody, Jejune Magazine is here to show you that gifting does not need to be stressful or complicated. Let’s spread some holiday cheer with the perfect sustainable gifts for your loved ones!

An Ode to American History Through Fashion

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we can’t ignore the impact of Native American fashion on the fashion industry. With more voices in fashion advocating for cultural awareness and speaking against the appropriation of Indigenous and Native American culture, the wave of the rise in the number of designers coming from these tribes has led to a new revolution. On this note, Jejune Magazine has culminated a list of Native American designers to be on the lookout for!

Fall-ing for Sustainability

With the onset of fall comes the beginning of our shopping hauls for something warmer. However, while scouring the stores, we might not be aware of where the fabric for our shoes and clothes are sourced from, and how they are produced. The current state of the world requires us to be more conscious while making purchases as every single one of our decisions has an impact on the environment. Jejune Magazine has put together a list of sustainable brands to shop from this fall!

Take a Step Towards Sustainability with Psudo Sneakers

Let's discuss footwear! Shoes are everywhere. With so many variations and pricing points, there must be one style of shoe that stands out above the rest, be it boots, heels, platforms, or sneakers. Additionally, as the fashion industry and businesses are impacted by climate change, finding economical solutions for both you and the earth is undoubtedly a plus while shoe shopping! Dive into Psudo Sneakers with us!

Stripe & Stare - Adorably Saving The Planet In Comfort

Being a woman is hard, first we are expected to be a boss and a mom and anything else the world needs, but then we have to be stunning while we do it. Fashion, especially lingerie, has been notoriously designed by men to make women sexy and very uncomfortable. But what if I could tell you that we actually can have the best of both worlds (plus help the environment at the same time), and, spoiler, women made it happen! Meet Stripe & Stare! Stripe & Stare focuses on sustainable lounge and underwear that is not only comfortable, but it is super cute. They celebrate their knicker/bikini design, which personally is my go to cut (very flattering!), but also use an array of fun fabric designs like tie-dye and colorful patterns. If the knicker isn’t your jam, they offer all the rest of the typical cuts in many of the same patterns. If this hasn’t convinced you, let me tell you about how soft and sustainable these fabrics are..

First, Stripe & Stare was kind enough to send me some samples to try out, so I personally know the level of softness. Now, I am typically a cotton girl, but I can honestly tell you that the TENCEL (which is 100% sustainable and made from trees) is one of the softest fabrics I have ever touched. Not only are the colorful panties silky smooth and very cute, but I now officially live in their Lightweight Jogger. These pants are comfortable enough to sleep in, but can be dressed up if you want to take them out to the beach or a park. They also come with pockets, just saying.

Anyway, enough from me, Jejune was lucky enough to dive deeper with Co-Founder Katie Lopes. Please check out our exclusive interview below.

Shop Sustainably With These American-Made Companies

The current climate crisis has consumers eager to shop sustainably with American-made brands committed to eco-friendly manufacturing and shipping. Sustainable companies use organic, nontoxic and environmentally friendly-sourced materials and ingredients in their products, while purchases from the United States help offset harmful transport emissions. Make a difference by shopping for sustainable clothing, beauty and furniture products with these 10 eco-conscious, American-based companies.

SWAC: Fashion, Articles, SWAC: BeautyCora GoldJuly 19, 2022Sustainability, USA, ethical brands, Shopping, american-made, companies, clothing brandComment

Learning That Less is More with Sustainable Fashion Brand KZ_K Studio

KZ_K Studio is a New York City based ready-to-wear luxury fashion brand that everyone should know about. This brand focuses on slow fashion, local production, limited quantities along with minimal and multifunctional designs. We spoke with Karolina Zmarlak, who is the co-founder, designer, and creative director of the brand. She immigrated from communist Poland in the 90's. With limited resources, she had only a few items, but they were made with the utmost quality by local craftspeople. This led to her appreciation for the less is more mentality which she instills in the KZ_K Studio brand. The newest Warm Cycle (or Spring Collection) incorporates various sustainable fabrics including cupro, plant dyed organic cotton, and recycled polyester. Continue reading below to learn more about KZ_K Studio and the beautiful multi-functional pieces they create through sustainable practices!

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 44Sophie LaSalaJuly 6, 2022fashion, fashion industry, designers, sustainable, ecofriendly, New York, new york cityComment

HAQ-NI- Paving the Way for Reinvention

On this Juneteenth long weekend we celebrate, Haqikah and Naima Abdullah — trendsetters, sisters, and entrepreneurs. These sisters are paving the way for reinvention. HAQ-NI, based in New York City, is transforming the traditional and simpler options for hijabs into something luxurious, high-quality, and fashionable. These hijabs are reimagining traditional scarves and empowering Muslim women by providing them with unique and stylish hijabs that allows them to feel both beautiful and confident. Their impact does not end there, as sustainability is an important aspect of their business, and making long-lasting scarves is a top priority. They are changing the game in fashion, and we can't wait to see what they do next. Please read our exclusive interview below with co-founders Haqikah and Naima Abdullah to learn more about HAQ-NI.

Sustainability in Italian Fashion

Since the post World War II era, Italy has created a fashion empire known for its craftsmanship and elegant sense of style. Subsequently, the ‘Made in Italy’ label has gained international recognition for products of the highest quality and authenticity. To compete with other countries in the global fashion supply chain, Italian fashion brands have implemented environmental and social sustainability into its practices. The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), also known as ‘The National Chamber for Italian Fashion,’ has a Sustainability Working Group Sector that sets disciplines, coordinates and promotes the development of responsible Italian fashion. Its manifesto has guidelines for manufacturing practices, sustainable retail, and eco-toxicological requirements for articles of clothing and industrial discharges; among others. The non-profit association is located in Milan and its members include the likes of Gucci, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Why People Should Switch to Vegan Shoes and Why We Are Seeing More Brands Going This Route - By Crystal Toledano

Veganism is a concept that most people rarely see beyond the context of food. However, the growing interest in veganism has also spurred a slow but steadily increasing attraction towards vegan clothing and shoes. The vegan footwear market is set to grow by an average annual rate of 6.8% throughout the next decade. This shows that, although vegan shoes are not mainstream, just yet, we’re seeing it trend towards that direction.

The simple truth is that there is plenty of value to be found in vegan footwear, a significant portion of which lies in heightened care for the planet and everything in it. The best part is that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for your values. There are now many vegan shoes that could easily hold up to their animal-based counterparts; some might even hold up better. That said, here are some of the best reasons why people should begin making the switch to vegan shoes.

Breaking Down Clothing Labels: Eco-Friendly Materials to Look For

The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, which is expected to increase by 50% by 2030. With climate change impacts on the rise, more people are starting to shift toward a sustainable lifestyle.

Recent surveys have indicated that 75% of millennials consider sustainable practices when purchasing products and aim to align themselves with brands that share their environmental values. An additional one-third of consumers are willing to spend more on products if they’re eco-friendly.

Some fashion brands have started to recognize the demand for eco-friendliness. If you’re interested in buying eco-friendly clothing but do not know where to start, here is a breakdown of how to read labels for sustainable fabrics.

Celebrating Black Owned Businesses This Black History Month

Small black-owned businesses rarely get the limelight that they deserve. Therefore, Jejune has compiled a list of environmentally and socially responsible black-owned businesses to celebrate this month and every month thereon. According to Black Owned Now, an online advertising and marketing platform featured within this article, due to national microaggressions and systemic racism, black-owned businesses are inhibited from reaching great amounts of success. Supporting these businesses has a direct correlation to the welfare of the economy and job market, as black purchasing power amounts to $1.4 trillion as of 2021. This list covers a variety of industries, such as: fashion, beauty, advertising, and accessories. Enrich your wardrobe or daily routine by supporting the businesses below!

Sustainable Winter Clothing For The New Year

2022 is officially here! With many New Year’s resolutions just beginning, one global resolution we should all continue to commit to is sustainability. In this article, you will find a variety of sustainable clothing brands that you should be sure to check out this winter. Whether you are looking for a new winter coat to start off the new year or cozy scarfs and hats for loved ones, this list of sustainable winter clothing brands is likely to have the winter essentials you are looking for!

The Super Power of Underclub

You know what they say, what really matters is on the inside, and boy does that ring true with underwear. I would wager a bet that all woman, and many men, have a special pair of underwear that they will wear on a day of an interview, big meeting, or performance. It is a boosting confidence super power! With this in mind, Katie Fritts founded Underclub — the monthly subscription service to receive adorable all female owned sustainable underwear brands. How awesome is that? There are selected stylists who choose surprise looks for each client according to their preferences; so, it is like Christmas comes every month. They even shared one of their designs with Jejune, which fits perfectly and is currently empowering me as I write this introduction. To learn more about the beautiful options available and how the whole process works, please read on.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids

Shopping for eco-friendly kids toys has proven to be a challenge. That is why we have compiled a list of environmentally and socially responsible kids toys just in time for the holiday season! Below you will find toys, books, and DIY kits for kids of all ages. Want to support wilderness preservation and give a plush toy while doing so? Check out The World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Symbolic Species Adoption Kits. Or get the whole family matching holiday pajamas for only $25 at Hanna Andersson’s sustainable clothing brand. The playtime possibilities are endless, read on to find the toys that are best fit for your child!

Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for the Whole Family

Shopping for gifts for the whole family? Look no farther than Jejune’s list of eco-friendly holiday gifts! Within this feature you can find the perfect gifts for mom, pop, grandma, and your crazy aunts and uncles. For your stocking stuffers make sure to check out the Conscious Step sock collection and Nailtopia, which sells environmentally responsible nail polish. Looking to profess your undying love this holiday season? We have collected a few responsible jewelry brands that are using recycled materials or finding new innovative ways to leave the world better than they found it. For instance, Nikki Reed’s Bayou With Love has the perfect collection of rings for a holiday proposal. Then, make sure to wrap up your each gifts in recycled wrapping paper from Wrappily! Under each brand is a specific gift idea, but feel free to shop around each website to find the perfect gift for you and your family. From our team here at Jejune, we want to wish you all a happy, safe, and ethical holiday season!

Black Friday Done Right

November is National Native American Heritage Month! Throughout the month of November, the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions of Native Americans are celebrated. Today is Native American Heritage Day, which falls on the same day as Black Friday. Sadly, the celebration of Native American heritage is overshadowed by the sales and shopping opportunities of Black Friday. This holiday season, it is important to be less focused on navigating Black Friday and more each other. However, if we are going to shop on this notoriously indulgent day, it is crucial to keep in mind that it is Native American Heritage Day and give back to Indigenous people of this country. In this feature, we have compiled a list of eleven incredible sustainable Native American and Canadian designers and brands that should be on everyone’s radar!

Empowering Women With Bigger Chest Sizes and Body Positivity

Alice Kim, founder and CEO of PerfectDD, wants all women to feel empowered in her clothing. The brand’s story started with her. As a 32DD bra size, Alice could not find comfortable and chic clothes that fit her properly. Through research she learned that the average bra size in the U.S. is a 34DD and that over 20 million women in the U.S. fall into this demographic of D+. With this in mind she set out to create her brand, PerfectDD, to empower herself and others. The brand is also socially and environmentally responsible, garments utilize natural fibers, are made in in local, family-owned factories that pay fair wages, and are produced in small batches to reduce excess inventory. Additionally, the styles are timeless and can be a staple in your closet for years to come. Read more about Alice Kim, her sustainable fashion brand, and body positive fashion below!