Green Cotton

Autumn has always been my favorite season, especially when it comes to shopping. Growing up, I actually looked forward to summer’s end; to me, dropping temperatures meant it was time for a new wardrobe! My yearly back-to-school shopping fest was a chance to completely reinvent myself.

Now that I’ve graduated, I no longer have school as my excuse to create a new wardrobe every autumn. Throw in the economic recession, and I know I’m not the only one scaling back my fall shopping plans. Budgeting can be tough, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay on top of fall trends— and be eco-chic!

The six following items are swoon-worthy finds: perfect for fall, eco-friendly, and priced under $99!

Del Forte Calla Jeans
These dark blue, organic cotton slim fit jeans will work for any season; they just happen to be on sale for $57 at shopenvi.com. Pair them with your favorite cardigan and chic ankle boots.

Terra Plana Bronte Bootie
You can count on sustainable shoe company Terra Plana for the perfect pair of eco-friendly shoes. They even have vegetable-tanned leather ankle boots—exactly on-trend for fall. Even better? They’re on sale for $69. Shopenvi to the rescue, again!

Red Angel Dress by Jonano
This irresistibly soft ecoKashmere Angel dress shirt is a marvel. Made with organic cotton and bamboo, you will not want to take this number off. Perfect with leggings,  denim or just “as is” (eg for all you lucky people in California), the dress or shirt, if you will has limitless uses. The avocado wrap top is also a deal at $72 (featured top). Both are available at juteandjackfruit.com for only $80 and in black too.

Urban Renewal Fair Isle Sweater Vest
Yes, you can shop vintage at Urban Outfitters! I’ve been a longtime fan of the Urban Renewal line: scraps of vintage fabrics are reworked into eco-chic masterpieces, assembled right in the U.S.A. The Fair Isle Sweater Vest would look beautiful over summer-light jersey dresses or turtlenecks. And for $58, it’s practically a steal!

Circle of the Sun Absolutely Alpaca Scarf
This handknit Bolivian scarf is fair trade, organic and chemical-free. It will only set you back $35, and the proceeds go back to the artisan family that crafted it.

Purple Candy Wrapper Bags
OK, so we know that purple is in this fall, so lets just get right down to it. The perfect way to pop that color into any outfit? You guessed it, accessories. The very hot (and eco) Nahui Ollin candy wrapper bags have a gorgeous purple collection—all of which are under $99. You might try the Itsy Bitsy coin/credit card purse (just $24) or the larger camera bag ($36) for outings, and for those dolled-up nights on the town, try the Grand Ball ($90).

Eco-fashionistas know that shopping for organic, fair trade and sustainable clothing can be pricier than settling for conventional clothing. But with a little savvy and a nose for sales, you can find gorgeous clothes and accessories that help protect the environment and support communities for reasonable prices. And if you want to splurge on investment pieces, like wool coats or sturdy leather bags, remember that you can find eco-luxe goods that are just as fancy as designer brands—but are actually committed to social and eco-consciousness. Have you found some other fabulous fall finds? Let us know if so, and stay tuned for next week’s sequel with more recession-proof, trendsetting items.

By Erin Dale