Katherine DalPra
PHOTO BY PR PHOTOS
This season, if you’re going to try Angelina’s signature leather look, only in an eco-conscious kind of way, like we covered in Part I, you have got to pair it with the right pieces. A boyish $5 tee, like the one Angelina is wearing from her more rebellious days, is NOT going to do it. If you want to crash and burn in leather, the fastest way to do it is by teaming it up with grungy accents that make the entire look just plain gaudy. Doing this ensures a drab, ultra masculine get-up that is anything but flattering. The key to pulling off an edgy leather-anchored ensemble is to balance it with feminine tones and cuts.
The good news? There is an entire micro industry of eco-chic fashion designers popping up all over the place and the selection of blouses, heels, sweaters, scarves, jackets and accessories is truly overwhelming. Long gone are the days of one-size-fits all hippie tees. Fashion has taken the environmental world by storm and you do not have to settle for anything less than fabulous! (As a side note: Angelina redeemed herself in 2007 at the Beowolf premiere by pairing her black leather pants with a black bateau sweater, bright red rose brooch in honor of Remembrance Day and gold strand of beads.)
PHOTO by Jute & Jackfruit
With a leather skirt, pants or dress, I highly recommend a decorative pair of stilettos and a bold print silk or satin scarf. Jute and Jackfruit has a fantastic selection of colorful Fair Trade scarves that are a must see. Nimli also has a number of natural, handmade scarves on sale currently (although they do not claim to be fair trade) as well as a number of different style heels. Use accent pieces, like pumps and scarves, to draw attention to your outfit and onlookers will be certain to notice the leather piece that pulls it all together. Each time you get a compliment, it becomes another opportunity to share your eco-fashion secrets about how to keep with the trends while remaining true to your ethics.
But you’re not done! There’s one more Angelina-inspired trick to making the most of your fall fashion choices. Be on the lookout for Part III, where I reveal Angelina’s top secret for drawing the eyes exactly where she wants them and how you can too, in the most environmentally-responsible way.
About the Author Katherine is an eco-enthusiast and owner of Green Diva, a socially-responsible jewelry boutique that uses ethical materials exclusively; such as recycled precious metals, Fair Trade gems and pearls, organic elements and reclaimed materials.
