Andrea Crews presents “Sisters of Mercy” for FW09. A “dark” version of SS09’s “Sunset Empire“, the Fall collection covers time and space spanning morning, day and night. Morning presents itself through androgynous styles that use minimal silhouettes and the use of ombre “sky blue voile”, the shading from dark to light is reminiscent of day to night. 

Day is representative of a active time dedicated to Andrea Crews “basics”. Basics in the world of Andrea Crews means conventional pieces worn in unconventional ways: overalls turned upside down and over-sized t-shirts. Wool and angora pullovers are printed with snowfall, clouds, woodland, animal skin and the eye of God, in earth colors. African block wax prints bring a bit of “earthy-ness” to the collection as well as the fringe and slashing create a plant-like feel.

Night is displayed through cocktail dresses and black woolen and leather pelisses with details in wax. Expect the unexpected though…cocktail dresses are fit for duel personalities. Can’t decide between the black or the blue? The jumpsuit or the dress? Not to worry, Andrea Crews has you covered. You can wear both, at the same time.

The accessories incorporate wood and plant life.  And as always, all pieces are hand-made and include recycling vintage fashions to create haute couture pieces. Merging nature and fashion in a tribalistic fashion, welcome to the future of a tribe called Andrea Crews.

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As the spring season nears, you might be wondering how to update your wardrobe in these times of hardship. Maybe you have your eye on something new, but it won’t be in your closet until it hits the clearance racks.  Yet, you are BORED with your clothes. How does a fashionista look fresh without breaking her wallet? By swapping, of course! Clothing swaps are becoming every season’s latest trend, ranging from a cozy swap at a friend’s house to posh events complete with champagne and facials.  Any way you do it, swapping clothes saves your budget and the environment.

Bay Area folks, you can green your wardrobe without much green in your pocket. This Saturday, February 28th, start your spring cleaning early and swap out your closet at  Swap! Not Shop! a clothing exchange hosted by Homeygrown.

Ready to swap?  Read the rest to get event info.

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The vintage devision of American Apparel, California Select, is up to more good. These cute tote bags are made of 100% recycled goods. Fashioned from old plaid shirts mixed with leather scraps, these re-make totes are part of their “Originals” collection. Available for purchase here, you can get yours for $40.

See more styles after the jump!

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Seems that people have been focusing a lot on eco friendly things as of late. And rightfully so…what you don’t take care of i.e. Mother Earth, won’t last forever. I had the pleasure of meeting Monkey of Wrecords a couple of weekends ago at The Designers Market in NOLITA here in NYC. First I was attracted to the designs and then found out all his items are made of old records, which was an added bonus…go eco-friendly! Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Off The Train Bracelet Collection

Off the Train

Off the Train is a record bracelet collection released in the summer of 2008. The images range from trains and cityscapes to dripping graffiti and spilling fire hydrants. The collection was inspired by New York City’s J-train, which is surrounded by a wide range of culture, on and off the train. WBM has found, both for work and play, that the J-train has been a stepping-stone in getting them from place to place. The series also features a glow in the dark color scheme that is great for the late night crowd.

Company Overview

WrecordsByMonkey is a Brooklyn-based design company that bridges the worlds of fashion, art and music.  Using reclaimed vinyl records, they create handmade accessories with a low carbon footprint that can be incorporated into anyone’s individual style. Their niche product, the Wrecord bracelet, comes in designs from silly to sophisticated.  WBM’s full line includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and t-shirts, all inspired by the idea of relating to music lovers of every generation.

Wrecords offers a full range of items and collections. See more, read more after the jump!

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