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It wasn’t long ago that clothing made with eco-friendly fabrics brought up images of treehuggers in burlap. But with ever-growing demand for clothing made from sustainable fabrics, more top designers are embracing the environmental trend. So which fabrics are truly eco-friendly? So many manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon, we’ve asked a panel of fashion school experts to guide us through the choices. The fact is, even if a garment is marketed as eco-friendly, the label doesn’t necessarily tell you everything about what makes the fabric good - or bad - for the environment.

Organic cotton. Organically-grown cotton is produced without pesticides or artificial fertilizers. This sustainable farming practice not only results in cotton that is free of chemical pesticides, it creates a healthier workplace for farm workers. But just because a garment is made from organic cotton doesn’t mean it’s completely eco-friendly. If it’s been dyed, see if it was done with low-impact dyes that are better for the environment. Better yet, look for organic cotton in shades that it’s naturally grown in, like cream and light brown.

Bamboo. Bamboo is currently the superstar of eco-friendly fabrics, and on the surface, it appears to have everything going for it. More like a grass than a tree, bamboo grows rapidly, and after it’s cut, regenerates itself. And bamboo fabric feels as soft as cashmere. But the way it gets that soft is primarily through extensive chemical processing; in fact, the chemicals have been linked to health problems like headaches and nerve damage. And the news gets worse. As bamboo becomes more popular, environmentalists expect over-harvesting that will impact wildlife, as well as the clearing of forests to grow additional bamboo.

Wool. While some clothing manufacturers consider wool sustainable because it’s a renewable resource, it’s not a pretty picture for the sheep. They are subjected to toxic pesticides and handled roughly by handlers who, during the shearing process, slice off more than just wool. Wool that has been certified organic, however, comes from sheep that have been treated ethically and humanely.

Silk. Silk is a natural fabric that is renewable and biodegradable, so that’s a few check marks in the sustainability column. But silk is usually produced in China, India, or other Far East countries where where U.S. fair labor practices aren’t in place, and then transported across oceans to reach us - not great for fuel consumption. And then there’s the little matter of the moths that are boiled alive after they’ve finished spinning the silk. For a more humane choice, look for vegan, or “peace” silk, in which the moths are allowed to live.

Linen. True linen is considered eco-friendly because it’s made from flax, which isn’t usually farmed with pesticides. But as with organic cotton, linen is better for you and the environment when it’s in a natural shade, or dyed with low impact tints. Our fashion school experts also caution us to be wary of “faux linen,” which is actually just conventional cotton that’s textured to look like linen.

Hemp. Hemp is considered one of the good guys because it requires no pesticides or herbicides and requires no irrigation. It even improves the soil wherever it’s grown. It also has strong, naturally long fibers that can be spun with minimal processing. However, hemp is not well regulated, so there is little monitoring of chemicals that growers may or may not have used. You just have to take their word for it.

Recycled polyester. An increasingly popular textile marketed as eco-friendly is polyester that is recycled to make new polyester. Basically, it’s used clothing that’s been shredded and processed to produce new fabric. How eco-friendly it really is depends on one’s perspective. On one hand, it’s polyester, which is not a natural fiber, so that’s a minus. But it’s saving old clothing from being dumped in landfills, so that’s a plus. But it’s processed with chemicals, so that’s a minus again. Yet it takes less processing than if the fabric was made from scratch, so that’s another plus.

PET recycled fabric. It sounds like a miracle: polyester fabric made from recycled water bottles. What a great use for all those millions of plastic water bottles we throw away every day. Just be aware again of the toxic chemicals and processing necessary to turn that bottle into a fleece jacket.

Tencel. Another man-made fiber, Tencel is made from wood pulp from managed forests. Because it’s made from wood, Tencel is biodegradable. It’s produced using less energy and water than conventional fabrics, and processed with a non-toxic chemical that is continually recycled. The resulting fabric is breathable, with a hand that can feel like suede or silk. Just be sure to check the label to make sure that the Tencel was made from sustainable wood.

As you can see, sifting through all the organic and eco-friendly claims can be confusing. But while there probably is no one “perfect” sustainable fabric, at least environmental efforts in the textile and fashion design industries are heading in the right direction. We just need to be educated, and learn to distinguish truth from hype.

Author:

If you are interested in the newest developments in textiles, a career in textile or fashion design might be for you. Visit FIDM - Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising for more info.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Watch Marathi Music Album - Nakshatranche Gane By Sudhir Phadke - Dhundi Kalyanna. Music Director By Sudhir Phadke. Click www.rajshrimarathi.com to watch Marathi films, songs, stage plays and more.

Spend on Trend is a fashion event showcasing Canadian independent designers of clothing, accessories and jewellery. 

Source: Stefania Savluc

This is one of the lead songs from Erle Montaigue’s band, Moontagu, taken from their latest CD album, Written in Stone. Go to www.moontagu.org.uk to hear more songs from Erle’s.cd album The DVD was made up on Black Mountain in Wales and features the band members, Ben Montaigue, Eli Montaigue, Kathleen Montaigue, Aisha Chaouche and Erle Montaigue. To purchase the whole CD of 10 songs, see www.moontagu.org.uk

All music belongs to the the rightful owners, i do not own any of the music, no copyright infringement intended. all music used in the mix belongs to Brand-X Music, not me. This is a mix of Brand-X Music’s new album - Volume 12, in my opinion, one of Brand-X Music’s best albums like Vol 8,9, 10 & 11. mix made by Wesker109. ok, ive been asked before about the font style i use so here it is, i use “Resident Evil” font style for the song names & for the “Wesker109 HD” logo i use “Hitman” font style. songs in the mix: 1. - (00:00): Abacus 2. - (00:28): Termination 3. - (00:58): Equinox 4. - (01:19): Heretic 5. - (01:49): Painkiller 6. - (02:22): Buried Alive 7. - (02:56): Synchronicity 8. - (03:25): Eclipse 9. - (04:03): Dogs of War (No Vox) 10. - (04:44): Last Days (No Vox) 11. - (05:12): Free To Soar 12. - (05:37): Innocence of Youth (No Vox) 13. - (05:59): Innocence of Youth 14. - (06:33): Minds Eye 15. - (07:12): Illusions 16. - (07:56): Eternal Flame 17. - (08:34): Eventide 18. - (09:18): Last Days 19: - (09:57): Dogs of War theres some songs i didn’t include in the mix, but they were just “No Vox’s”, “Solo’s” & “Non Choir’s” etc, unfortuntaly i fan out of room on the vid to put those on coz u can only go upto a 11 mins on a YT vid well, i hope u enjoyed the mix i made.

Each year, on fashion runways from New York to Paris, Milan, and Toyko, sterling silver is “new again” as designers interpret it in new and exciting ways. What makes sterling silver a fashion perennial? The answer is clear: when it comes to beauty, versatility, durability, and affordability, sterling silver jewelry is unsurpassed.

In the hands of talented artists and designers, sterling silver is constantly “reinvented” to suit the evolving tastes of the women who wear it. But whether as a ring, a necklace, or bracelet, standing alone or presented in combination with gemstones and other precious metals…sterling silver is always in fashion.

Here’s a look at what’s “hot” this year:

Peace of Silver

In 2004, many Oscar presenters and recipients wore gracefully and simply designed “Dove of Peace.” pin. Embraced by such Hollywood luminaries as Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, Drew Barrymore, and Leonardo DiCaprio, it has also been seen on the Dali Lama and Nobel Peace Laureates Oscar Aria Sanchez, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, and former UN Assistant Secretary-General Gillian Sorrensom.

Now non-celebrities may purchase the pin in sterling silver pin to demonstrate both their commitment to peace and their fashion sense. The 2005 sterling silver interpretation was designed by award-winning American jewelry artist Henry Dunay to resonate the energy of Picasso’s “Dove Of Peace.”

Silver Screen

With the enormous popularity of the “Lord of the Rings” series, it comes as no surprise that designers have created jewelry based on the elaborately crafted pieces in the films. Based on the actual pendant worn in the Lord of the Rings film, the Arwen Evenstar Pendant is crafted in sterling silver and comes in a wooden gift box. Measuring 2-1/2 inches in length with a 18″ sterling silver chain and a Swarovski crystal stone, each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, adding long-term value to its other charms.

Works Like A Charm

Charm bracelets are both wonderfully retro and extremely cutting edge. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Avril Levigne, Hilary Duff, and other high-visibility high-fashion celebrities are wrapping their wrists in silver bracelets with the hip L.A. brand “Eldorado Club.”

The “Girlie Charm Bracelet” is adorned with charming femme-friendly charms including a cat, a cocktail glass, and a kitty.

Sterling Silver - Always In Style for Your 25th Anniversary

No matter what list you consult — traditional, modern or the now popular “ultra-modern” (which includes items like clocks and appliances) — silver is the 21st Century gift of choice for a 25th wedding anniversary. Whether it’s silver’s durability, its strength, its flexibility or its unparalleled beauty, sterling silver is an exquisite memento of 25 years of loving commitment between a couple.

Topping the list of this year’s “What’s Hot” in silver wedding anniversary gifts, women say they want charm bracelets, hoop earrings, and hair ornaments. For wives who would like to present their husbands with sterling silver tokens, the “top of the charts” picks are cufflinks, tie clips, money clips, neck chains, and I.D. bracelets.

But #1 for him AND her — a classic sterling silver Tiffany keyring.

Author:

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick-up your FREE copy of ?How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped-Off.? This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

All of us want to keep up with the changing fashionable trends and styles. Recently the burst of designer dressing has made the market purchase upscale. So most people are taking up to wholesale fashion that promises what you want in the price you want

From handbags, clothes, shoes to scarves- you can get the same branded design at a lesser rate in wholesale markets.

How is it better than Retail Shopping?

The best part about wholesale marketing is that the more you buy the lesser the price is.

The main advantage of buying in bulk is saving in small percentages.

A 10%off on Gucci bags can save you thousands of dollars. The dealers of wholesale fashion lower the price to increase sales and thereby increasing their own gross profit.

Where can you buy Wholesale?

Internet has opened a new platform to help surf for wholesale products. You can browse online and select and order. Most of the wholesale sellers can be reached by the internet.

Find yourself a wholesale internet site for wholesale dresses and place your selected orders. Most of these companies take a nominal shipment fee depending on the amount of your order and place to be delivered.

You can also find Wholesale sellers where you live. You can either ask some people or search the internet. This way you can directly survey your products and place the order.

The concept of Wholesale Fashion is catching up so fast that it has become the business in the glamour industry. With majority of people opting for economical branded stuff this market is going to stay for a long time.

Store your money, your credit cards and even your personal documents in style. Wallets are now an essential fashion item for both men and women and one can find designer wallets in the market. The new Aluminum hard-side wallet which was launched during the Valentine’s eve has become quite popular among men. The hard Aluminum case is painted in black and it has seven different compartments for storing your valuables. You can find plenty of designer wallets to match your dress during informal and formal occasions.

When you visit a bag store, you can find wallets in different attractive styles and design. Designer wallets are available in the combination of bold colors and soft. These wallets are of unique designs that make a style statement. Now, both men and women can be fashionable and own a wallet that will leave everyone around them in awe. From blues on blues, to pinks on pink, or even a more subtle brown wallet with splashes of color, this Designer wallet creates it all. There is a huge gamut of innovative styles, daring colors, quality and avant-garde wallets.

Credit cards are necessary items these days and you need to carry them all the time. Naturally, a good designer wallet should have a sufficient number of card slots as most of us have more than one credit card. The durability of your wallet is defined by its material. Leather is the most popular material which is highly durable. However, nowadays people are also going for other options like fabric, nylon and plastic. Designer wallets are durable and also add a pinch of style to your personality and persona surely.

These designer wallets are crafted from a selection of colored fine leathers which are grouped in similar colors or contrasting ones, to create one of a kind designs. In just few years these Designer Wallets has surely taken the edge out of conventionality without forgetting practicality. Thus, if your budget can afford it, go on and satisfy your craving, let yourself experience the joy attached to having designer leather wallets. This type may cost you a fortune but since they are built to last - and more importantly, to impress, then every penny spent will be gracefully justified.

Designer wallets are one of the most suitable with your need and style. All of them are very elegant and classy wallets for men to use in this latest fashion trend.

Watch Marathi Music Album - Nakshatranche Gane By Sudhir Phadke - Toch Chandrama Nabhat. Music Director By Sudhir Phadke. Click www.rajshrimarathi.com to watch Marathi films, songs, stage plays and more.