Top Stores for Vegan-Friendly Fashion: Etsy
There are plenty of great vegan brands out there that deliver fashion in an eco-friendly way with recycled packaging, donations back to charities, and chemical and animal-free processes. (See the rest of our series on the top stores for vegan-friendly fashion for some examples.) However, another great way to be eco-friendly while still shopping vegan is to shop for sustainable fashion. Sustainable fashion just means buying products that are made with sustainable processes.
Thrifting and eBay are great places to shop for sustainable wares, but another great option is Etsy, a global marketplace of artisans.
Despite what you may have heard, Etsy isn’t just for quirky accessories and stunning vintage; the sellers also stock their shops with everything from candles to cookies – you can get anything on there! It’s definitely a site that’s worth browsing.
Why is Etsy Awesome?
- Less waste – Most smaller artists’ products are made-to-order, meaning there is no waste. You don’t have to worry about scandals like what H&M was accused of last winter.
- You know where your money is going - When was the last time you had the opportunity to check out the bio of major store’s CEOs before you bought their products? Bet most people don’t know about American Apparel CEO Dov Charney’s history of sexual harrassment. However, Etsy sellers post a bio about themselves on the front page of their shop. It’s definitely interesting to know about the person you’re supporting and where in the world they are. For example, Augustina Fernandez Orfebre (featured below) is located in Buenos Aires, while Tattoo Socks (also below) are based in Tel Aviv.
- Cost vs. Quality – While all of the pieces featured below are absolutely gorgeous, (and high-quality – these artists know their stuff), none of the pieces are over $100, and most of them are under $50. Now that’s smart shopping.
- One-of-a-kind pieces - Etsy has some great, unique pieces that you won’t see on every other girl on campus. You can even place a custom order through their alchemy feature. What’s better than rocking a gorgeous piece? Knowing it’s one of a kind because you designed it yourself.
A Few of My Favorite Designers on Etsy
Here is a small sampling of the great accessories that Etsy has to offer, from a few of my most favorite Etsy designers.
Agustina Fernandez Orfebre
Twigs Earrings, Line and Point Pendant, Orbit Ring
Tattoo Socks
Butterfly Tights, Octopus Tights, Flora Tights
Celapiu
Long Foks Scarf, Cracked Mittens, Never Ending Scarf
Whichgoose
Drops of Jupiter Hair Clips, Monroe Veil Hat, Fly Away Crown
Shoogi
Tiny Locket with Rose Cameo, Long Key Necklace, Glass Pearl Drop Earrings
What do you think?
Do you like any of the featured designers? Have you ever bought something from Etsy? What are your favorite ways to sustainably shop? Let us know in the comments!
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Posted on on May 8, 2010 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: eco-fashion, Etsy, Shopping, Stores, Vegan, Vegetarian
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Emily
“. . . American Apparel CEO Dov Charney’s history of sexual harrassment, or the fact that Urban Outfitters CEO Richard Hayne is a right-wing conservative.”
Is being a right wing-conservative REALLY as bad as being a pervert? I think not!
Dominique
I don’t think she’s suggesting that, I think she’s just pointing out that most people don’t know that.
Thanks for the post! I love etsy. c:
<3 the dress darling
Dominique
Also, after reading the article, it seems the issue is less that he is conservative, but that he donates money to people who are that are in office, supporting causes such as stopping gay marriage.
Although, I still plan on shopping at Urban Outfitters. He is the head of the company, but the man has a right to spend his money on whatever he wants, and it is his money that he’s earned. My money also goes to the people that make the clothes, work in the store, do advertisements, et cetera. I am paying for clothes, not a political agenda. I honestly don’t see how the two connect. If he had a different job, he would still be donating the money.
<3 the dress darling
Zephyr - CF Editor
Emily – Obviously that’s not what we meant! And as Dominique said, both are just examples of things many people don’t know about and should. Urban Outfitters is a favorite store of many liberal students, many of whom are pro gay-rights and would probably be upset to know that their money is going to support a right-wing agenda. But obviously no one was saying that’s “as bad as being a pervert”. The two obviously aren’t even comparable.
Zephyr - CF Editor
Dominique – Right. And we’re NOT saying you should boycott UO. It’s a great store! But I think shoppers should know where their dollars are going, if possible, so they can weigh the decision and decide for themselves what they want to support and why.
Karissa
Wow this website looks really cool! Thanks for featuring it!
kat
OH, I LOVE ETSY.
i have an obsession with animal jewellry and etsy fuels that. also a great place to shop for vintage things and great handmade clothes. the quality is fantastic and you know that your goods were made by someone who puts time and dedication into their work.
Liz
I understand that you didn’t mean to equate supporting conservative politicians with sexual harassment, but the way it was worded made it seem that way. I am, as I’m sure Emily was, just bringing it to your attention that it came off that way so that perhaps in the future you could try to avoid sounding offensive.
Melissa
I LOVE Etsy! I’ve used Etsy to buy quite a few of my accessories (all of which have received lots of compliments). I have favorite sellers for everything from books to necklaces and cookies to soap. Etsy is my go-to place when I’m trying to find a gift or when I just want to look at stuff. My friend is an industrial design major, and last year I bought her a locket made from a small auto part and a magnet. She loved it! :) I encourage everyone to check out Etsy at least once. You can find your local sellers by clicking “shop local” from the “buy” tab. I am an Etsy fanatic, and again, I looveee Etsy. Thanks so much for posting this article and letting all the other readers know about Etsy!
Emily
Thank you Liz, you summed up my point exactly!
Zephyr - CF Editor
Liz – Totally understand. I reworded the article and I think/hope it’s clearer now. It can be tough online when you’re writing in an informal way to make sure things come off right. Definitely didn’t want to offend anyone.
Paula
I’ve always wanted to shop at Etsy, after reading this article I definitely will!
Jenni
I love when you guys feature vegan items and whatnot, it’s really nice to see options for my lifestyle promoted like this!
I’ve really noticed AA quality declining over the past few years in addition to the questionable morals of their CEO… and Etsy is a great alternative!
Ivy
I bought an amazing handpainted journal and I’m planning on buying a dress soon too. I love Etsy; I have a lot of friends who sell on there too.
Mandi
That Celapiu shop is a gem -thanks for sharing! Another great thing about Etsy is the ability to buy local. Its such a great feeling to support local artists and contribute to your local economy!
Jennifer Nicole
What a great article! Thanks for featuring Awakened Aesthetic – I can understand why you’d want to remove the link/wording about Urban Outfitters, based on the reaction some commenters had. I’m all for people giving their money to causes they support, including Richard Hayne, but when it’s a company’s money, and that company sells products that are against the agenda the company’s dollars are going to, I see a huge ethical dilemma.
I’m glad you mentioned American Apparel, as well…though after doing a ton of research, those suits don’t have a lot of backing to them. It’s frustrating, because I don’t shop at AA either due to their advertising and public scandal issues, but the concrete evidence just isn’t enough to convince a lot of people. (I got a lot of push-back on the article I wrote about American Apparel recently.)
In any case, keep up the awesome writing. The more we can get the word out about ethical purchases, the better off we’ll be!
Melissa
Etsy is a great place to find wonderful designs and cool clothing. I have purchased wallets to tee shirts and Love everything I have gotten.
I also sell my TummyToys on Etsy and they are doing really well. Everyone who finds us loves the jewelry and how easy they are to use.
Thanks for plugging Etsy and the hot styles.
Melissa