In the spirit of all things good for the planet and all things fun to wear, I felt compelled to introduce you LA-based fashion designer Amanda Shi and her creative label, Avita.

She developed the name Avita from the Italian word “vita,” meaning life. And it is obvious that her vision encompasses not only the richness that clothing brings to our lives, but in the case of eco friendly apparel – “vita” means making our planet a better place to live.

Her aesthetic designs blend classic with contemporary touches, and include sweaters, tanks, dresses and a variety of sheer over-lays with bold patches, asymmetrical lines and strategically placed cutouts. The result is unique, offbeat designs that can be worn for work or play.

Avita is committed to ethical and sustainable fashion, and championing the idea that luxury can be socially conscious. By utilizing recycled, organic and earth-friendly materials, Avita has crafted collections that are truly eco-friendly, indulging customers in high fashion and social awareness.

One of the coolest things about her collection is you can literally shop right off the runway (at very reasonable prices)!

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Of course I’m sure you all want to know about the contest. Urban Socialite is giving away the bag-a-kini!! Just in time for the summer!

The e-mail responses have been overwhelming, that being said, it’ll be hard to pick a winner!

Some highlights:

- A ghostly entry from Virgina has enlightened me about the state’s mythical “Fairystones.”

- Sydney, in Ohio, has to deal with those annoying cicadas every 17 years (we have them on the Cape too… ewww!!!)

- Shana, from Michigan, loves to camp in the “thumb” of the mitten every summer.

- Naomi, in Kansas, says that trees there grow at an angle because the winds are so strong.

- Anne says that everyone in Florida is from somewhere else, and she’s proud that her kids are 4th generation Floridians!

I love the pictures that some of you have been posting with your responses. Keep this up and I’ll have to do giveaways more often!
Sue, who organized the whole giveaway, and I are really excited about the fun responses we’ve been getting. Keep ‘em coming!
Just e-mail something cool or unique about your state to brooke@urbansocialite.com or use the form in the contact page and select option “contest entry.”

If you’re a designer and would like to set up a giveaway to UrbanSocialite readers, just drop me a line at designer@urbansocialite.com .

I love it when designers take unusual, discarded things and make them beautiful. Its like true artists can find the beauty in anything. Take for instance, jack & marjorie. jack & marjorie uses military surplus materials like wool blankets, ground sheets, parachutes and webbing, and combines them with more feminine elements including vintage lace, silk, brocade and buttons to create unique yet functional handbags and accessories.

The company was born in Tokyo in 2004 after designers Megan and Ryerson (cool name) came across an old box of family photographs taken in the 1940’s. In 2005 the pair moved to Toronto (Megan’s hometown) and relaunched jack & marjorie. Check out their cool bags all of which are made right there in chilly Toronto!

After a complicated day, there’s nothing like reviewing Mobius Lounge’s simply spectacular clothing line.

Mobius Lounge is all about crossroads. The brand focuses on creating gorgeous garments that soften the frenetic busy lifestyle (ugh, don’t I know it) and give a luxury feel to the casual side of life. In other words, Mobius Lounge is “life simplified.”

Mobius Lounge is a two-year old company that specializes in premium knitwear for men and women. They use the soft and comfortable fabrics in an effort to counteract the harshness of the day. Mobius means “infinite,” (the mathematical property of being non-orientable), a fitting word for a line that offers infinite possibilities for men and women who need and appreciate choices. Geared toward a city-casual lifestyle, the philosophy behind the line is a mix and match approach to fabrics and style, making dressing a snap for both business and pleasure.

Their motto? “Life can be complicated, but dressing for the moment has never been so simple.”

Simple is good. So is sleep. I’m about to crash.

I’ve written about Naketano in the past because I absolutely love the brand. I wear my Lari Grey Multi all the time… it’s seriously the most comfortable sweatshirt ever (plus I always get tons of compliments whenever I wear it). Anyway, Christina and Jozo are always great about updating us with their latest collections. This time they wanted you to be the first to know about their their new spring/summer collection (I got the e-mail a while ago, sorry I’m just posting about it now!) Anyway, I’m sure you’re going to adore their new line as much as I do. I especially love their dresses and tank tops!
From the site:
“In the eyes of Nicole Christensen, Naketano´s head designer, a fashion designer receives ultimate accolade when a piece of clothing becomes a favourite piece. When one buys and wears other garments solely to combine them with the one, the favourite piece. Whoever craves to wear one item constantly (if possible or hygienically bearable), on any occasion and in all possible and impossible combinations, awards that item´s designer to the max and, at the same time, defines the benchmark Naketano perpetually aims to reach.” Nicole has certainly achieved this benchmark with me! Definitely an Urban Socialite obsession!

I’m always looking for cool t-shirt companies and this one might be my favorite so far. T-Post is a Swedish based design company with a truly creative idea. It’s a subscription based t-shirt company… kinda like subscribing to a magazine, but instead of getting pages and pages of waste that will eventually find their way into the trash, you get an awesome t-shirt in the mail every six-weeks. Every shirt is based on a news item (they hand pick stories of importance that may or may not be in the mainstream media) and each comes with a colorful graphic and story inside! How cool is that?! The graphics are fabulous, the news stories are worth reading and the whole concept just makes me happy!

Also! Be sure to check out the widgetized version of Urban Socialite by clicking on the icon to your left. You can a mini-version of the blog to your google homepage, blog, or facebook page!

I love guilt free shopping. I love fabulous clothes. Therefore its only fitting that I love Kelly B Couture! From her site:

“Fact: Conventional cotton (non-organic cotton) production is responsible for 25% of the world’s insecticides and 10% of the world’s pesticides.

Organic cotton: cotton grown, processed, and produced without the use of pesticides and other toxic chemicals.

This definition along with her love for textiles and clothing design are the driving forces behind Kelly Marie Barry’s (owner and designer) first organic cotton line which debuted Spring of 2006. The intention behind Kelly B is to create unique and comfortable clothing for the conscious consumer. A consciousness that spans from fair labor practices to an environmentally friendly product. Kelly’s first two lines have been produced with all organic cotton and other natural fibers including bamboo and organic cotton.

While pursuing her passion for environmental science at CU Boulder, Kelly found her true calling in clothing design. After spending three years at CCAC (The California College of Arts and Crafts), Kelly graduated with a BFA in textiles. Upon graduation, she began a two year career as a production manager and designer for a supplier of organic cotton garments and fabric. Through this experience, Kelly observed a large demand for fashionable eco-friendly clothing. Kelly B is a response to this demand. Although Kelly’s consciousness is a large contributing factor in the creation of her all organic cotton line, her primary motivation is to create fashionable clothing. This is an obvious accomplishment as you scan the bright and bold colors of her first two lines. Kelly hopes for people to be first drawn to the design and audacity of her garments… and added bonus to these conscious consumers is the environmentally friendly nature of the clothing.

Kelly B is proud to be made in the USA!!!!!”

Find Kelly B at Green With Glamour and Devidoll, London.

As I’m sure you’re well aware, plastic bags are like, so 5-minutes ago (sorry, I watched Clueless today…). Anyway, not only do plastic bags look tacky, but each one, from production to destruction, is killing our planet! That’s why I love the new BYOB (bring your own bag) trend that’s taking over on the East and West Coasts. Not only is it an excuse to buy a new bag, it’s a statement to those in line with you that you care about the planet. Part of It has a cute selection of versatile canvas bags that are sure to turn heads.

Founded in 2007 by Christopher Sleboda and Kathleen Burns, Part of It works with artists to create products for causes they are passionate about. Sales from products benefit charities chosen by the artists. Part of It stems from Christopher and Katheleen’s belief that artists (and conscientious consumers) can make a positive difference in the world by supporting causes close to their heart. Expressions of protest, simple declarations, and moving graphics that encourage conversation and dialog are all ways to enter into and encourage civic discourse. Part of It believes activism can be fun, personal, beautiful and engaging. They believe that we can all play a part in making a better world for ourselves, for our communities, and for future generations.

The causes, charities, and nonprofits selected by artists are the heart of Part of It. Whether local, regional, or international, the work of these organizations targets issues that matter to the artists. Consumers are another part of this equation. When you purchase a product, your money goes to supporting the cause and to continuing the Part of It project. We encourage you to learn more about the organization that benefits from your purchase and support them directly.

Part of It currently supports these worthy causes:

• The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
• The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo
• The ASPCA (the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
  
• The Fresno Arts Council (FAC)
  
• The International Dyslexia Association
  
• NARSAD: The Mental Health Research Association
  
• The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
• The New York Public Library
• RightRides For Women’s Safety
• WWF

Seriously, how often can you: buy a new bag/ t-shirt, make a difference to a worthy organization and make a statement all the same time? The best part? You can do it all for around $20. Enjoy!

I was definitely right about this week… its been crazy. Its only Wednesday and I already have dreams of throwing on one of my favorite t-shirts, a pair of sweats and relaxing all weekend (for the first time in a long time I only have one event planned!!). If you’re lacking the “favorite t-shirt” category, be sure to check out indie deisgner 57thirtythree. Oakland based 57thirtythree makes silkscreened and embroidered hoodies and t-shirts. Drawing upon different sources for inspiration, including pop art and military clothing, 57thirtythree bases many of their designs on “images of people who were originals or broke through some pre-existing barrier or stereotype.” They print and spray with only solvent-free, water based paints and inks, which reduces their environmental impact. All of their apparel is American made and sweatshop free. They’re a small company so rest assured you’ll be treated as a valued customer!

Finally!!! All signs (or should I say, sites) point to UrbanSocialite.com! Thanks to my creative internet guru, Langston (I’m still not sure I know what an FTP client is, but I’m learning….) and site design by Sadish, I’m finally up and running again! This site has been a work in progress. Through law school, the bar, and now a real-world career, my love of fashion has remained, so I’m happy this site is finally where I want it to be!
Ok, ok, enough with the sentimental stuff, I know why you’re here so here you go:

I came across NaMoDA last year and really like the brand’s new Spring vs. Summer line. From the site:

Combining ecologically safe, organic, and recycled fabrics with the unique vision of a conscious confident individual, NaMoDA produces a distinctive clothing line that stands out from the masses. Confident Style Clothing that inspires people to forge together artistic and personal expression, organic technology, deep-rooted classics and modern individuality… Elegant Artistry High Quality handcrafted Limited Edition and One of a Kind pieces with exceptional attention to detail.

Be sure to check out their new collection!

I know you’re probably sick of me posting about how I’m going to fix this site… If only this was my full time job (closing my eyes and dreaming about independent, urban fashion…), I’d be set. My real full time job is wonderful but very very time consuming…. I’m hoping to grt a new phone this weekend so I can at least post on the fly. I was at a gala last night and I was kicking myself because there were some outfits I’m sure you would have loved.

I have to two designers I want to post about this morning… but only time for one. Since it’s Friday, I’ll go for the more fun/realxed of the two: minoritees. minortiees is the collective brainchild of founders collin spencer and austin green. Founded in 2004, the two sought to create a product that was both smart and stylish, geared at celebrating the minority and multi-cultural influences. The designs are not solely based on race, but inclusive of the individual in all of us. Simply put, minoritees offers conscious causal apparel geared toward an often over-looked market. It’s focus? strength. individuality. pride.

I love the afro sunburst tee (seen left).

Part of me is happy about daylight savings… it means we’re one step closer to spring! An other part of me was pretty displeased when my alarm went off at 6am this morning. Technically, my body still thinks its 5am …which is far too early to wake up.
Mornings like this make me wish I could restart the weekend all over again. Throw on a pair of jeans, curl up with a good book and relax. Looking for that perfect pair of jeans for your next weekend? Try Kuyichi (the name comes from the Peruvian god of the rainbow). Kuyichi was founded in 2001 with the goal of introducing organic cotton and fair trade to the jeans industry. Kuyichi manufactures pure, organic & fair trade jeans. Their designs are super sexy and very comfortable. This “Style Conscious” brand is sure to be an instant favorite!

Last night was quite the heart breaker!! I really wanted Moss to get a ring, he was such a great addition to the Pats. I have to hand it to the Giants though, they played really well…
Moving right along (best not to dwell on these things), as you all know, tomorrow is Super Tuesday. I know, I know, its also Fashion Week. I’m quite sure a quick click through the blogsphere will give you all you need to know about Fashion Week. Personally, I’m liking DVF and Lacoste. Anyway, I generally avoid covering this event so I’m going to move on…

Back to Super Tuesday. Fashion label Enstru-mental was one of the first companies to make an Obama shirt. Not only do I like the design, I like the fact that 8% of the shirt’s sales go to the Obama campaign. All of the t-shirt designs at Enstru-mental are great. The purpose of Entru-mental is to make clothing that reaches beyond the masses. Founders Dwamina Drew and Christopher Coutee-Bouyer, are driven by their “lust for creativity” as opposed to the brand itself. This has lead to a line of fresh, unique, thought provoking shirts.
Be sure to check out this great label and be sure to vote tomorrow!

I’ve had so many great site suggestions lately! (For those who have sent them in, I’m still weeding my way through December e-mails so I should be getting to all of them sometime soon).

Nicacelly is one of the most unique urban designers I’ve featured on this site. I adore her line!! Her clothes are fresh, colorful, and super creative. Each one-of-a-kind or limited edition garment contains handpicked fabrics from around the world. I love her “remix project” where she takes hip hop graphics and pairs them with one of kind appliqué and trim detail from exotic fabrics. Her line is truly “sneaker and stiletto friendly!”

The next few weeks are going to be crazy!! Anyway, I hope you had a great weekend. I have several thoughts about the past couple days that I hope to share with you this afternoon. Until then, enjoy Sacrick Marico Battee… a fabulous designer who’s very excited to share his line with Urban Socialite readers!

Throughout his years in the fashion design and merchandising industry, Sacrick Marico Battee seems to magically weave his impression and passage through the fashion industry from raw vision. “I’m not trying to make a difference as in changing the world. Instead, I want to display my gifts to the world, to my very best ability,” he said. “The types of designs I create capture the eternal grace and beautiful tastes in women…. that’s why I design.” said BATTEE. “His work is very interesting and unique. We look forward to publishing more of his work,” said Women’s Wear Daily.

Spelled “Sacrick Marico Battee” but pronounced “Cedric Mar-iCo Bat-TEE.” He started designing clothes his senior year in high school when he designed his prom suit as well as clothes for his friends. From there, he attended college majoring in design and merchandising, and was honored with the Designer of the Year Award.

Sacrick has worked in several sectors of the apparel industry. His fashion excursions have includes working as a merchandiser for manufacturers to contract designer. He has also participated in various fashion events and sponsoring internship with not-for-profit organizations and is apart of various fashion organizations.

“There is something for every woman in my collection,” said BATTEE. “There is something for the Oscars, the Grammy’s, and the everyday woman.” BATTEE’s signature collections include trendy high fashion sportswear separates and couture evening dresses. With cutting edge, eye-catching designs, his work has been compared to that of designers Thierry Mugler, Karl Largfield, and Versace.

No one can do everything. Everyone can do something. Such is the motto of We Add Up. From the site:

The climate crisis is real and happening right now. It’s easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. People are asking, “What difference will changing my light bulbs really make? The problem is so huge, and I’m just one person.”
WE ADD UP is a global campaign using organic cotton t-shirts that literally “counts you in” in the fight against global warming. Every shirt is printed by hand with a unique number. YOUR number represents your place in the sequential global count of all the people who are taking steps to help stop climate change. As the count grows, we demonstrate to the world that “WE ADD UP.” On the back of each shirt is a word or phrase that describes an action almost anyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint - the contribution their lifestyle makes to greenhouse gases - such as, Unplug, Lights Off, Carpool, Hybrid, Bike, Buy Local, and 18 others. You choose which action you are committed to doing and get counted in. No one can do everything. Everyone can do something. And, WE ADD UP.
Our goal is to get millions of people around the world counted in and committed to helping stop global warming. With our combined effort, we can create a healthy, thriving world for generations to come. So, get counted in. Because you + everyone else = change.

These tee’s make great gifts. They’re both personal and personalized!

You know what else adds up? SNOW!!! I would say I’m off to shovel the driveway, but I think I’d rather test the limits of my four wheel drive this morning… wish me luck!