Many fashion-conscious Seattle women are familiar with Pioneer Square boutique Violette [0], but they may not know that owner and clothing designer Beth Nielsen also sells environmentally conscious apparel online, at her Web-based shop, Eko Chic [1]. Currently, the Web site both sells Nielsen's own vintage-inspired designs and showcases other eco-friendly, independent designers.
"The concept is providing eco-friendly items from independent designers around the country," Nielsen says of her online boutique. "It is an avenue for customers who can't make it to my store in Seattle to shop for my line and others."
Among the highlights at Eko Chic is Nielsen's new-for-spring Vintage Creations bib dress ($198), airy as a slip and decidedly retro, with a closely fitted polka-dot bib neck bordered by a pleated ruffle. You'll also find the Alexis clutch ($78), crafted from turquoise leather and accented with a floral pleat around the flap. With its inconspicuous magnetic closure and clean trapezoidal outline, the charming bag is a reflection of Nielsen's simple yet whimsical style.
Nielsen's Vintage Creations recycled cashmere ruffle scarves ($68 each), available in a variety of color combinations, are giving way to items from her spring collection, so consider getting these while they're still around. The restrained "ruffle" is the result of a stitch that runs the length of the scarf, slightly bunching up the middle of each color patch and giving the scarf a tousled effect.
New to Eko Chic is the Prairie Underground cloak hoodie ($242), made of organic cotton. The hoodie's midthigh length and narrow sleeves elongate the body, and the ruffled hood billows over the neck in voluminous folds.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
