EcoVibe Style EcoFriendly Goods
You know, I thought I would hate bell sleeves when they reentered the sartorial space a few months ago.
But I actually love them, and not only because they look cool. I don’t like long sleeve shirts because it annoys me when things touch my wrists, so I’m always pushing up my sleeves. But bell sleeves are great because their wide profile “bells” away from the wrist and naturally falls toward the elbow if you’re trying to reach something. Much lass hassle than you’d expect.
This is the new Jacquelyn Tencel Bell Sleeve Top in Grey from ethical, affordable US-based brand, EcoVibe. Based in Portland, Oregon, EcoVibe is woman and minority owned by a husband and wife team who source both original and ethical brand goods for their physical and online store.
I’ve featured EcoVibe in several shopping roundups because I appreciate their focus on accessible, affordable goods that meet eco and ethical criteria. Their styles are also on trend without being avant garde, so they’re a good “gateway” into shopping ethically. EcoVibe prioritizes fabrics that are renewable and produced with a low impact, such as Modal, Bamboo, Recycled Polyester, and Cork, but some of their items are made with Rayon.
I chose to review a top made from Tencel because it’s one of the world’s most sustainable fabrics and the manufacturing process is closed loop and eco-friendly, as well. Tencel is produced from eucalyptus that is grown specifically for textiles processing and the end product is sturdy, soft, and wrinkle resistant, which means that it will hold up to repeated wear while still being comfortable. It has a very similar feel to rayon.
My Review of the Jacquelyn Top
I like the Jacquelyn Top because it has a more conservative cut and fit, which makes it suitable for basically any occasion, but the exaggerated bell sleeves make it fun. The tunic length means that it pairs just as well with leggings as it does with jeans. The bell sleeves don’t lay well under more form fitting sweaters, though, so this is more of a mild to warm weather piece. The Jacquelyn Top retails for $68.00.
Grade: A
Size: Small
My Measurements: 34″ bust, 28″ waist
EcoVibe also sent this stunning Natural Cork Clutch from brand, Cork Nature.
Cork Nature bags are produced ethically in Portugal. Cork is a wonder material because it’s water resistant, stain resistant, long wearing, and easy to shape with very minimal processing. Cork trees can only be harvested for materials every 9-12 years and the tree itself lives up to 200 years, which makes cork a highly renewable resource. Co-owner Dre at EcoVibe told me that these are ideal for Portland’s rainy climate, so they make sure to keep them in stock at both of their brick and mortar stores.
My Review of the Natural Cork Clutch
The clutch comes with a detachable strap for more versatility. Nine times of of ten, I’ll use the strap so I can go hands free. The size is just right for a small wallet, phone, lip balm, and a few other small items, and the beautifully textured cork makes it feel like a statement piece even though the color is neutral. The clutch is a bit of an investment at $116, but it should hold up to long term wear, which makes cost-per-wear quite reasonable.
As my lifestyle rarely calls for anything dressy, I have grown to appreciate small details that lend a sense of intentionality to my outfits. Both the Jacquelyn Top and the Cork Clutch fit the bill, and I look forward to wearing and using them for a long time.
Leah Wise
Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.