ECO STYLE Awamaki Lab

As the sister project to Awamaki, a Peruvian non-profit that works with Quechua women weavers to improve their quality of life, Awamaki Lab is doing some real good in the world while providing fashion forward types with some serious style.  Awamaki Lab is a four-month fashion residency program that places up-and-coming designers with Quechua weavers. The designers are mentored by fashion leaders, and collaborate with Peruvian artisans to incorporate hand-spun Andean textiles into contemporary designs. The program not only fosters burgeoning design talent, it also revitalizes an endangered weaving tradition and supports its weavers with a reliable source of income. Love that!

Xo,

The Chicological Chicks

ECO STYLE Jonäno

When you’re “chicological” and you care as much as we do about being chic and ecological, it can be tough to find outfits that fit the profile. That's why Jonäno's line of fashion-forward clothing for mom and baby caught our eye. Cut from luxurious, organic fibers like bamboo and hemp, Jonäno's simple silhouettes are cool and comfy.

No wonder we love Jonäno; its founder and chief designer, Pittsburgh native Bonnie Siefers, sounds a lot like a certain beauty brand founder who we happen to love. "I began the Jonäno brands at a point in my personal life," Bonnie says, "when I took pause to reevaluate what is really important to me in life. True happiness does not come from without but instead from within." Jonäno's mission: "Removing the guess work out of what is good for your family, saving you both time and headaches. Whether shopping for yourself, your family, or choosing baby gift, we want you to know that the natural products you are choosing are also items we are using in our home." Now that's a credo we can get down with.  

xo, The Chicological Chicks

Images via Jonäno

ECO STYLE Edun

From floral silk dresses to weightlessly cool mesh tanks, eco-brand Edun has captured our attention--and you might want to give them yours. We love their easy-to-wear styling, but what hits us where we live is the brand’s commitment to improving life for people in developing countries. Edun partners with small businesses like ‘Made’ jewelry in Nairobi, ‘Sawa Shoes’ in Cameroon, and ‘Wildlife Works’ in Kenya. Also, the brand was founded by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson—so we feel a bit like rockstars when we wear their wares. 

xo, The Chicological Chicks

ECO STYLE Lara Miller

Lately I've been searching for fun, vibrant clothes to wear this summer after I give birth to my second child. Lara Miller's eponymous line of easy-to-wear, beautiful clothing has caught my eye. Her fluid, architectural pieces are manufactured in Chicago and created with eco materials like organic cotton, hemp and vegan ahimsa peace silk. For Spring/Summer 12, the collection is a blend of wearable skirts, dresses and rompers in vibrant colors that have me ready to jump in a cool pond on a hot summer day. 

What are your favorite summer must-have clothing pieces? 

ECO STYLE: NewbarK

This week's Eco Style holds a very dear place in my heart. NewbarK, a collection of lovingly handcrafted shoes and accessories made here in Los Angeles, is the brainchild of my husband Ali's sisters, the beautiful Maryam and Marjan. These two are no strangers to the fashion world (they've been styling celebrities for years) and they knew that they had a market to fill the need for beautiful and durable pieces that are the perfect balance between chic and comfort. I can't tell you how many days I've spent in my NewbarK flats especially when on the go! I love them so much, in fact, that everyone in my office got a pair for the holidays. Needless to say, we've been rockin' our Love Heart Black and White shoes together ever since (and that's what we call "Sharing the Love!")

ECO STYLE: Stella McCartney

Ms. Stella McCartney, queen of eco fashion, truly understand luxury and conscience. Her empire has been built on innovative and gorgeous design that is cruelty-free. And since she's beautifully dressed many forward-minded celebs in her gowns, I'm excited to see what she comes up with for this year's Oscars! Her avant garde take on the fashion show for Fall 2012 only proves how unique she is and I'm sure her frocks will be festive and fabulous. Stay tuned!

ECO STYLE Oeuf

What do you get when you cross organic clothing, unusual toys and eco-friendly furniture? Oeuf. It's a charming and playful online shop that is perfect for your own little oeuf or to find a good gift for someone else's. I'm in love with these little Squeeze-me mittens! How adorable is it that they were designed for you to hold your little one's hand? And with all of their creations equally as clever, it's a sure bet that you're kiddo will be cozy and feel fun since it's like playing dress up every time they wear it!

ECO STYLE Label

Not only is LABEL a collection of simple eco pieces that you can wear during any season, their Fall/Winter Lookbook mixes up the soft colors of winter and a little twist of a tough girl philosophy.

Founders Shawna, a stylist and artist, and Natalie, a model, bring together a sensibility that comes from being on all sides of the fashion world. Only in their case, instead of sacrificing quality and sustainability in the name of clothing, these two seek out organic and renewable fibers, oversee creation under ethical standards and work hard to keep the process local in their native city—Toronto. In short, we're loving LABEL.

ECO STYLE Potipoti

With the chill in the air, we're always on the lookout for warm sweaters to bundle up in. Potipoti, the collaboration of Nando Cornejo and Silvia Salvador typically leans towards the punky, graphic-arts inspired vibe that can only come from two cool kids from Europe. But their Fall 2011 collection is chalk-full of cozy and comfortable knits for both men and women that are produced in small textile mills in Spain and Portugal.

We're loving the ruby hues and the oversized styles and cuts of the pieces. Makes you want to bundle up, grab your portable mug of coffee and face the day!

Speaking of cold, I'm off to New York. I'll be sending you love from the Big Apple!