Chic Eco Citizen Boutique Opens

Calling all fashionistas and cool guys who care about the planet, your prayers have been answered. It is now easier to be a fashionable eco-chic citizen of the world without having to fly to NYC.

Open for ogling is the new higher-end Eco Citizen boutique situated in the Green Block of Russian Hill in San Francisco. Proceed to the corner of Polk and Vallejo Street and don’t pass go. Do stop by Eco Citizen for eco-conscious clothes, Spring for green homewares, Swallowtail for antiques, and Real Food for organic snacks.

Don’t let the seemingly small first impression of Eco Citizen fool you. After perusing the clothing racks, interrogating the owner, and of course buying some totally fabulous eco-finds, it was clear to me that each item in the store was hand-picked because it was high quality, high fashion, and high eco-purpose.

There was no gratuitous hemp in sight. Rather, there were adorable dresses and tops by local designer Kelly B, beautifully tailored eco-fashion from John Patrick Organic, feminine organic cotton pieces from Loyale, the newest from Stewart+Brown and Edun, Del Forte Denim, and vintage necklaces which are apparently blowing off the shelves. And the Zooey tees are a must for any green guy or gal. I bought one that said “Think Green” and really wanted to buy all three but figured I should leave some for you all.

Three new designers were the art-inspired Turk+Taylor shirts and dresses, made-to-order chic suits by talented up-and-coming designer Sara Shepherd, and the glamorous Ciel line including classy gold pants and hip black jackets in high-end hemp silk. Again we see how beautiful eco-fabrics make all the difference.

The bags on display were unique and inspired. Kim White clutches and Eco Citizen label bags from Germany that must be seen to be believed. 

And let’s not forget the shoes. Fair trade Veja sneakers from Amazonia and comfortable Toms Shoes, which donates one pair of shoes to a needy child every time a pair is sold. Read the Toms Shoes blog for uplifting stories about their mega 50,000 shoe drop. That is a lot of shoes!  Here is hoping that some eco-stilettos find their way to Eco Citizen too because a petite girl cannot live in flats alone.

The boutique itself is worth seeing for its green minimalist design. Nature meets technology. Sustainable wood meets antique. Reclaimed lights and materials mixed with photographs of actual customers wearing the clothes. Light colored wood to match the in-green-vogue clothes that tread lightly on the Earth.

Many of Eco Citizen’s goodies are not only eco but also sweatshop-free and ethically made. Coming soon are more brands, more sizes, more men’s, holiday, and even a few Linda Loudermilk pieces (the edgy mother of all luxury-eco fashion).

Look out for Eco Citizen this weekend at the sure-to-be-mobbed Green Festival, or wander over to Polk Street for the full stylish, sustainable, and welcoming eco-cosmopolitan experience. And pick up your free CFL light bulb while supplies last. A more efficient way to see your fabulous eco-chic self.

Eco Citizen Boutique, 1488 Vallejo Street, San Francisco, 415-614-0100