Before we get started with this post, I want to give a little shout out to any Foxes in Boston or whose hearts are in Boston today. I lived in Washington, D.C., on 9/11 and know how scary it is when your home is affected by something like yesterday’s events. My heart goes out to you and I hope you and all of your family and friends are safe and sound. xo

This weekend, I hosted Eco-chic: Sustainable Fashion and Beauty with my friends at Cloud 9 Salon. I presented amazing looks from Amour Vert accessorized with sparkles from Chloe + Isabel, along with tips and tricks for making your wardrobe more eco-conscious. For those of you who weren’t there to enjoy all of the eco-chicness, here’s a little of what you missed.

It’s always smart to start with some context. Fashion is the second most polluting industry on earth (oil is no. 1). But, it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are simple things every one can do to lessen their personal impact on the planet and still look stylish. Here are three small changes you can start making today that, over time, will have a big impact:

Support Sustainable Brands

Gorgeous models (and my pals!) in Amour Vert & Chloe + Isabel

The primary reason behind fashion industry pollution is that apparel is largely produced in countries with few environmental regulations. You can help reduce pollution by purchasing clothes from labels like Amour Vert that are fashion-forward and committed to sustainable production. More and more brands with similar values hit the market every day. Browsing small boutiques and sites dedicated eco-fashion are a great places to discover them. Even major department stores like Nordstrom now highlight eco-friendly brands they carry because it’s something shoppers want.

To help get you started, Amour Vert is offering all Foxes 25% off their purchase through April 30. Use code STYLE25.

Consign & Recycle
I told you earlier this year about H&M’s global clothing recycling program. According to its documentation, up to 95% of the material that ends up in landfills can be recycled. Simply by recycling your clothes (any brand!) at a local H&M you can make an impact on the amount of fashion waste in the world. Bonus, when you do, H&M will give you a discount coupon for a future purchase of their eco-conscious apparel.

I wore recycled polyester trousers from H&M’s Conscious Collection

You can also make the decision to purchase some of your clothing used or swap with friends. Not only will you save money, you’ll help reduce demand for manufacturing of new apparel and eliminate the pollution it would create. Secondhand sites like Twice, Threadflip and Poshmark feature designer apparel along with on-trend styles. You can also find great designer duds at your local thrift shop. A pair of $500 Stella McCartney jeans we featured in Saturday’s fashion presentation were purchased at Goodwill for $10.99!! To be most successful when popping tags, know your local shop’s inventory, visit often and carefully examine clothing for tears and stains before purchasing.

Buy Local
With apparel made in far-off lands, shipping the clothes on your back (and almost every one else’s) to your local shop makes a big carbon footprint. Supporting local brands that don’t have far to travel reduces this impact. It’s fun to seek out ones you love in small, local boutiques. But, if you want a shortcut, most major cities have collectives of locally manufactured brands with directories. This is my hometown of San Francisco’s.