Posts Tagged: natural

featured item of the week! circus circles necklace by a.g. ambroult

every week i will be sharing with you on this blog what the featured item of the week is from my shop, the clothing menu boutique.

this week’s featured item is this unique and eye-catching necklace from Boston area designer, Amy, from a.g. ambroult.  the multiple circles on this silver necklace are subtle enough to go with any outfit and different enough to bring on some interest. read more about Amy here and purchase the necklace here. thanks! 

PS – don’t forget to sign-up for the clothing menu boutique newsletter to be the first to know when new designers are added to the shop or when sales start!

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indie clothing designer: alena hennessy

indie clothing designer, alena hennessy, is an artist who designs tees, scarves, totes, and prints. she is inspired by simplicity, stillness and a sense of little things relating to one another and you can definitely see that sense of calmness and softness in her clothes. plus a lot of her items are made of eco-friendly, organic materials!  please read more about alena hennessy in my interview with her below.

How did you get started creating your clothing line?

I have been a working visual artist for quite some time and started dabbling in prints and wanted to transfer that to clothing. It turned out to be an easy transition.

What three words would you use to describe your current collection?

Minimal, soft, sensual.

What do you think makes your designs different?

The balance of femininity with simplicity along with the fact that the prints on my designs are hand-drawn as I am firstly an artist and an illustrator.

What do you see in the future for your collection?

Keep continuing with eco-friendly wares as well as evolving with themes. I have been thinking of incorporating eastern feminine deities lately and taking some steps out in new directions with the line quality.

Why should people buy clothes from an independent designer over a mass-market store?

For so many reasons… supporting a working designer versus a mass-market store which may not hold ethical or environmental standards too high seems obvious to me. Also, it makes the purchase more personable and memorable because of the quality of supporting that designer and their individual vision.

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independent ethical clothing line: Nixxi

Nixxi is an independent ethical clothing line that carefully picks fabrics that are from fibers not treated from pesticides and works with a local production company to make sure the work environment is fair for employees.  on top of all that, the clothes from Nixxi work for any woman’s wardrobe.  they are versatile, comfortable, and work great as part of a layered outfit.  find out more from Jada-Lee, the designer behind Nixxi in this interview with the clothing menu.

How did you get started creating your clothing line?

I’ve always had an attraction to details and lines, both artistically and practically.  Combined with my love for fashion, designing clothing was a natural fit for me. I started by taking existing pieces and revamping them and then from there, I began designing original styles to sell at the local market. I co-created a previous line for three years and then started Nixxi independently in 2007.

What three words would you use to describe your current collection?

edgy, organic, flirty

What do you think makes your designs different?

Nixxi’s aesthetic is mixing contrasts: draped silhouettes with structured lines; soft knits with textured wovens; taking contemporary shapes and refining them into versatile classic designs.

What do you see in the future for your collection?

Textile prints, accessories, and artist collaborations.

Why should people buy clothes from an independent designer over a mass-market store?

Mass-produced styles can sometimes lack a certain essence and quality. When I buy something from an independent designer, I treasure it so much more knowing that it is unique and that their heart was put into creating it.

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clothes from independent designers – all under $50!

one rumor about clothes made by independent designers is that they are expensive.  however, just like clothes available at the mall, indie clothes come in a range of prices.  some are expensive because a lot of time and artistry was put into the clothes and/or the fabrics and materials are of a high-quality.  but most of the clothes from independent designers are very reasonable priced, along with being of good quality and unique.  here is a sampling of clothes all under $50 from some of my favorite indie designers:

every little counts makes tees and sweatshirts inspired by romance and love.

zelaya is a family business from el salvador that makes everinomentally sustainable clothes.

andwhatelseisthere handmakes and tailors fashion-forward clothes from bangkok.

lamixx makes wardrobe staples that are comfortable and made to fit well on a woman’s body.

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i have a new hobby

my man and i have gotten into hiking lately.  i used to hike with my family when i was a teenager, but i was a stubborn teenager and hated it.  now i appreciate the exercise and views and just being outside while the weather still makes it easy.  we just started picking up this hobby together, hiking in local spots near boston, but we want to go up to the new hampshire mountains for more of a challenge and prettier views.  so, inspired by our hike this weekend, i’ve picked out some nature-inspired clothes and accessories to share:

nature inspired fashion image

We Dream in Colour : Fluffy Co : native

Fly South Clothing : maryink : Via Nativa

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brighten up your day

inspired by the beauty of the ocean, PONO is a line of colorful jewelry designed in nyc, made in italy, and sold around the world.  the jewelry gets its vibrant color and texture from stones like amber and topaz and materials like wood and shell.  PONO just launched an online store where you could view and buy a selection of the necklaces and bracelets. 

and…PONO has been kind enough to offer the clothing menu readers a 10% discount on their already very reasonably priced jewelry!  just type in “clothingmen” at checkout – offer expires 1 week from today, 8/26.

PONO necklaces image
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you CAN wear these colors together!

i remember learning something back in art class in middle school about how red and purple are not complementary colors.  they are just 2 colors that you’re not to put together, especially in an outfit.   but..kate walsh has proved us wrong!  she is looking amazing in this stella mccartney purple blouse and red skirt.  i am in love with this bold mix of colors – check out some ways you could get this look for yourself:

kate walsh stella mccartneytops: Econica and Ureshii

skirts: Stewart + Brown and prizy sebastian

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love this ethical fashion line – Sinerji

i recently came across, Sinerji, an australian clothing line with a focus on ethical fashion.  all of its clothes are made from organic cotton and bamboo and the materials are colored with natural vegetable based dyes.  the clothes are light enough to wear on their own over the warmer months and as layered pieces when it gets a little cooler.  i really love the plum tank and pants – they look so comfortable, yet stylish!

sinerji sustainable fashion image
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