Save the earth, look good doing it
If the terms “organic eco apparel” seem contradictory with “affordable,” Mars Hill-based Web store The oko Box (www.theokobox.com) is about to change that. Celebrating its grand opening, the online shop features clothing for men and women and offers a special section called “Under 50 Bucks.” Click that link for a wealth of stylish options, from clay-dyed tees ($18.90) and bamboo fiber tops ($49.50) to knit hemp caps ($8.90) and neckties ($12.15).
“This is where our modern lifestyle harmonizes with nature, to provide you a balanced alternative to the conventional fashion industry,” reports press for the Web site. Owner Leslie Richard started the oko Box because she wanted a health-centered business she could operate from home, though she says a retail store may be in the future.
While eco apparel used to mean hippie garb favored by Phish fans and clunky drawstring pants best paired with gardening clogs, fashion and environmental consciousness are finding common ground. Case in point: the oko Box’s wide-wale corduroy “Manzanita” skirt ($61) and mini trench-styled “Metro” jacket ($115). And best of all, Asheville customers receive a 10-percent discount: Just use promotional code “GOLOCAL.”
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This hemp A-line skirt ($47) comes in black and sage green.
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Perfect for those flamenco moods, a 100-percent organic cotton dress ($150) at the oko Box.
Shopping updates
Cute as a button (or two) and locally made: jumper by Meredith Law.
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• Rags Reborn Eco Chic Boutique (1 Walnut St., 253-4488) is carrying new styles from baum baum, including one-of-a-kind stitched-on and silk-screened patched wool skirts ($48-$62). The shop also offers comfy new dresses and jumpers (ranging $80-$140) and signature skirts ($35-$50) by designer Meredith Law.
• Local fashion maven Constance Ensner returns to Constance Boutique’s former downtown Asheville location with Context (62 Haywood St.). The small, minimalist shop offers similar items to Constance Boutique’s Biltmore Village store and may carry some of Ensner’s own designs in the future.
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