Global Green USA holds annual pre-Oscars party

Eco-conscious celebrities gathered on the green carpet at the 11th annual Global Green USA party at the Avalon in Hollywood Wednesday night as one of the major events leading up to the 2014 Academy Awards this weekend. The party raised $20,000 for the nonprofit's ongoing programs.

Hollywood environmentalists Orlando Bloom, Ed Begley Jr., and Dylan McDermott helped host the zero-waste party, where guests feasted on a gourmet plant-based dinner by Akasha, a Culver City-based restaurant known for using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Event sponsor Cadillac also brought its newest plug-in ELR electric hybrid coupe to the event.

Vegan musician Moby and electronica duo The Crystal Method performed at the party while eco-friendly singer Michelle Branch modeled a conflict-free, lab-grown diamond ring by eco-jewelry company Gemesis, which sold at the event for $12,000.

The best fashions of the night included sleek gowns and midi-dresses, along with the color emerald fitting the theme of being green.

President and CEO Caren Brooks of the Brooks Family Foundation dazzles in a violet gown.

Actress Tehmina Sunny from FOX's The Following wore an Adrianna Papell Grecian-inspired silver gown.
 

Actress and eco-living expert Rainbeau Mars, also on the hosting committee, modeled a loose-fitting sparkly emerald pantsuit.

DJ Shy, who performed at the event, also decided on emerald with a chic party dress by Sue Wong.

Actress Malin Akerman, currently starring on ABC's Trophy Wife, wore a Wes Gordon light lemon midi-dress.

Actress Maggie Grace of Taken fame wore a vintage 1920s silk nightgown with a vintage beaded clutch and pendant necklace, according to Red Carpet Fashion Awards. Vintage fashion equals eco-fashion with the recycling or repurposing of old clothes and accessories.

From Global Green USA's Twitter timeline, there was more eco-fashion at the event.

Love this dress on the right made from bamboo! #ecofashion #domoregreen #GreenPreOscar pic.twitter.com/dGd3bPM0Qe
— Global Green USA (@globalgreen) February 27, 2014

 All images from Global Green USA's Flickr photostream. 

Goodwill hunting #8: bamboo pajamas

When I go to the Goodwill Outlet Store, I'm really stretching my level of thriftiness. It's literally dumpster diving inside a building, and all the enthusiasts looking for a bargain are there diving with you.

On my last super-thrifty shopping experience, I found a pair of adorably patterned pajamas with purple, black, and white---a fun combination. I found a brand new Victoria's Secret pair of pajamas a month before, so it was cool to find more sleepwear. 

Before I thoroughly washed it in the machine, I discovered it was mostly made from bamboo rayon, an eco-fashion fabric that's still rarely used in clothing, particularly the ones you find in a recycled place. 

It's a double take with shopping at the thrift store and finding an item of clothing made from an eco-fabric. It's exciting to see certain terms like 'organic,' 'recycled,' or 'bamboo' on clothing tags. Hope to find more.

Give bamboo print an eco-boost

Though bamboo is an eco-fabric, many embrace it in a different way---by using the trademark bamboo print design rather than using the material. 

To give a bamboo-printed outfit a touch of eco-consciousness, add eco-friendly accessories like a vegan purse or organic cotton bottoms.

1. Orange Bamboo Jersey Top, $45, debenhams.com.

2. Koco Fair Trade Organic Leggings, $40, rapanuiclothing.com.

3. Big Buddha Ivy Bag, $90, shoostore.com.

4.  Speed Limit 98 Quarry Black Cuffed Cone Heels, $30, lulus.com.

Step out in sparkly sequins

Since sequins seem to make a comeback every few fashion seasons, the eco-fashion world had to follow suit.

Sequin Organic Jersey Kimono Dress, $128.50, fashion-conscience.com.

Though sequins can be filed in an "eco-fashion dilemma" folder because they're usually made from plastic (hopefully recycled plastic is being used), they make the plainest clothes more exciting. And stitching sequins on an organic cotton or bamboo piece is still a good thing.

Adam Sequined Bamboo & Cashmere Blend Cardigan, $395, net-a-porter.com.

Finding sustainable clothes with sequins is still difficult, but the seamstress-savvy girl can put her own sequins on a plain piece like a shirt that can be found at almost any eco-fashion outlet. 

ADAM Embellished Cutout Sweater Dress, $235, outnet.com.

Casual, season-transitional tops

While enjoying a wintry heatwave out here in northern California, I couldn't help noticing the desire to wear my puff coats when the weather calls for just a sweater. 

Rebecca Beeson Striped Cowl Top, $68, revolveclothing.com.

The confusing weather patterns got me thinking about seasonal transitions that usually don't start in February, but that may be another conversation dealing with global climate change. 

Bamboo Scoop Top in Ivory, $38, shopnastygal.com.

The long-sleeved top, for example, is a perfect example since it can be made from thicker fabrics, but a thinner one is more appropriate now.

Organic leggings & jeggings

Leggings, and most recently jeggings, have become a main fixture in our wardrobe the past few years. They're comfortable all year round. They complete just about any outfit.

ecoKashmere Nadia Long Leggings, $60, jonano.com (organic cotton & bamboo)

My fave pair happen to be my black jeggings I bought for $3 off the clearance rack from Wal-Mart. They're from the Max Azria Miley Cyrus line (don't judge me!), but, unfortunately,  they can't be categorized under the eco-fashion label. The bright side: they were sold at an eco-fashion friendly store. I should get props for that.

Perfectly Imperfect Leggings, $75, thegreenloop.com (organic cotton)

Some of these eco-fashion choices are a bit pricey, but sometimes we tend to overwear our leggings or jeggings, and maybe a few extra bucks can buy us a few extra months or years to spend with our beloved pants. 

Kuyichi Desi Denim Jeggings, $75, equaclothing.com (organic cotton)

WARNING: Please don't buy see-through leggings or jeggings or any pants for that matter. Sorry, there are times when I still see pink undies through leggings even though the fashion offender wore a tunic that keeps rising up. Make sure the fabric is thick enough. Word to the wise.

Knee-length eco-skirts with a flow

Skirts are perfect to wear this time of year if it's not too cold with boots, especially skirts made from eco-fabrics such as bamboo, organic cotton, organic wool, and hemp. 

Sabra skirt, $56, faeriesdance.com

Plume Mid-Length Skirt, $65, xylemclothing.com

Long-sleeved bamboo dresses

Bamboo is the eco-fashion alternative to polyester, and it's frequenting an appearance in the more suave pieces of clothing.

ggo's Classic Wrap Dress, $135, ggoclothing.com

An organic bamboo dress is suitable for any occasion, and the long-sleeved version is flawless for the wintry season.  

  Cmarchuska Leslie Dress, $120, nimli.com

The better-looking bamboo dresses seem to be usually more expensive. Either a good end-of-the-month treat or credit card splurge, sometimes you can't put a price on eco-fashion.

Jabot Front Dress in Mauve, $144.96, turninglife.com