Recap: Portland's 2nd Annual Sustainable Fashion Forum

The 2nd Annual Sustainable Fashion Forum, produced by Brittany Sierra of Laptops and Smalltalk, took place on Saturday, April 21st in Portland. The forum explored the social and environmental impacts that fashion has on our world and challenged guests to consciously examine their current consumption habits when it comes to beauty, fashion, and even food.

The half-day event at Yale Union featured thoughtful panel discussions, an eco-friendly marketplace filled with local and sustainable vendors, and a fashion show. Speakers included Davora Linder of Seattle's Prairie Underground, Kelly Raynor of Modified Style, Whitney Bauck of Fashionista.com, Andrea Plell of Fashion Revolution, and Carly Mick of KEEN footwear.

Guests of the event learned timely information about the challenges facing the fashion industry when it comes to sustainability. Speakers also offered fashion fans tips on how on how to make a change as a consumer by being thoughtful about purchasing habits, choosing environmentally-friendly fabrics, shopping locally, and demanding more transparency within the supply chain when shopping from global brands.

The Sustainable Fashion Forum provided thought-provoking information about eco-friendly fashion and presented it in a way that was fun and digestible. I look forward to diving further into this topic in the months to come. We need to extend our conversation about eco-friendly fashion beyond Earth day/month and educate ourselves as consumers about the environmental impacts the fashion industry has on our planet.

If you're curious about this topic and want to learn more about what Seattle brand Prairie Underground is doing when it comes to sustainability, please check out their event this Saturday in Georgetown featuring talks with the founders and detailed tours of the warehouse and production process. RSVP now via Facebook.

Photo credit: Candace Molatore

The Stock List: Olivine

Seattle-based online boutique Olivine is a rare gem that regularly stocks labels like Prairie Underground, Suzabelle, Spun, SheShe and Kimberly Baker. Owner Julie Wray opened Olivine as a brick and mortar store back in 1997 and later took the business online. She now runs the e-commerce store in addition to running her secondary site Olivine's Charm School. Take a peek at what she's got in stock now.

 

This Happy Hour clutch is the perfect way to dip your toe into prints this season.  The colors are beautiful and the print makes this piece a home run. Need it tonight? If you live in Seattle, Olivine offers same-day delivery!

I'm a sucker for a knit dress and this one by Suzabelle has everything I look for when choosing a new piece. It's got a built in belt (with shiny hardware!), cool asymmetric detailing, short sleeves and simple stripes. I'd pair this with sandals and an armful of bracelets to hit the town.

Starting on July 1st the City of Seattle is banning plastic bags so you might as well stock up on stylish totes now.  I love this fuschia style by Baggu which features a feisty animal print.

Handmade in Portland by Marisa Howard for her line Seaworthy, these beautiful art deco earrings make a great gift for a friend or the perfect addition to your summer jewelry wardrobe. 

Speaking of local designers, check out this Apron dress by Sara Seumae of Spun.  Made of 100% organic cotton this dress features elbow length sleeves, two front pockets and a fun print. Super easy to wear and machine washable. Love.

If you like to customize your accessories check out these vintage brass banners than can be stamped with up to 15 letters. Your name, your boyfriends name, your nickname, you name it- and it's yours. The length of the chain can also be customized for the perfect fit. Such a great gift idea!

The packaging on these SHE BELONGS THERE solid perfumes is way too cute to pass up. With notes of gardenia, jasmine and smoky vanilla you're bound to get hooked on the scent.

www.ShopOlivine.com