The ten best stores for eco fashion

1. Kaight
“Half, if not more, of my customers don’t even realize the products are eco-friendly,” says Kate McGregor, owner of this seminal eco-chic LES boutique. McGregor’s goal was to focus on appearance and quality rather than solely the eco-sustainable aspect of the products she carries. Browsing through clothing and accessories in this elegant space, it’s easy to discern the emphasis on fashion with picks like their wildly popular Melissa shoes ($60–$120), naturally dyed organic cotton Ifugao romper by Eairth ($142.50) and knee-length denim Serfontaine Gaucho shorts ($50). 83 Orchard St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-680-5630, kaightshop.com)

2. Organic Avenue
A trek down Fashion Avenue in the summertime will leave you tuckered out (and far from fashionable). So journey to Organic Avenue instead, where you’re guaranteed to walk away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. True to its name, this store offers all-natural goods ranging from clothing made from hemp to health supplements. Try out their five-day L.O.V.E fast ($350, which consists of an entirely raw, vegan and organic menu, and rids the body of harmful toxins). After you’ve cleansed your insides, work on your outer beauty by applying Perfect Organics Lip and Cheek Shimmer ($19) or Butter Me Up body butter ($30). 101 Stanton St at Ludlow St (212-334-4593, organicavenue.com)

3. Camilla Boutique
Approaching its second year as Brooklyn’s one-stop shop for eco-friendly items, Camilla caters to a lot of young families, stocking items for men, women and children, and even sells home goods. “I try to keep up with sizes as the kids grow older,” owner Camilla MacLean says about her homey yet stylish store. Stop by for their best-selling Olsen Haus shoes like the Wit flats made from 100 percent vegan natural linen with a microfiber electric-pink heel ($175) or Del Forte Marina denim trousers ($75) made with organic cotton. When checking out, be sure to throw all your new items in their cotton canvas bag ($30) and strut out onto Atlantic Avenue promoting the bag’s “Reduce Recycle Renew” motto. 355 Atlantic Ave between Bond and Hoyt Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-422-0282, camillaboutique.com)

4. Patagonia
Nothing will get the sporty and environmentally ethical set motivated more than Patagonia’s clothing line made from recycled garments. Embrace summer heat with their light and breezy Morning Glory halter dress ($60), wrinkle-resistant Brushed Vitaliti skirt ($70) made from recycled polyester, or for a head start on breezy fall weather, pick up the Better Sweater fleece jacket ($120). You can simultaneously clean out your closet and do the earth good when you participate in Patagonia’s Common Threads Recycling Program; simply mail your used clothing to their service center (go to patagonia.com for info) and your old duds will be upcycled into new gear. 426 Columbus Ave between 80th and 81st Sts (917-441-0011) • 101 Wooster St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-343-1776)

5. Ekovaruhuset
Ekovaruhuset, a.k.a. House of Organic, rises to the challenge of providing desirable, eco-friendly fashions by choosing designers who use natural materials and sustainable practices. In addition to their selection of wood nymphlike clothing, look for unique accessories such as hand-crocheted hemp necklaces ($195–$240) and structured handmade wool hats colored with vegetable dyes (starting at $68). Recent best-sellers include Kuyichi jeans made with Peruvian organic cotton (starting at $145) and Veja organic sneakers with soles made from natural rubber plants from the Amazon ($120–$160). 123 Ludlow St between Delancey and Rivington Sts (212-673-1753, ekovaruhuset.se)

6. Terra Plana
This shoe brand has the goal of producing a 100 percent organic shoe, and it’s close: Recycled and sustainable materials feature prominently, as in the mustard-yellow peep-toe four-inch made from vegetable-tanned leathers and recycled memory foam ($195) and the men’s Astaire lace-up featuring a recycled rubber sole ($150). Terra Plana preaches the eco-fashion gospel in each of its thirty stores worldwide and each carefully crafted shoe—from flats to pumps and even men’s shoes—encompasses a simple yet elegant design that manages to balance comfort with style. For something more unusual, check out the colorful rubber Dopie sandal ($50) which has a bizarre design that’s meant to mimic the experience of walking barefoot ($50). 260 Elizabeth St between E Houston and Prince Sts (212-274-9000, terraplana.com)

7. Moo Shoes
This LES vegan-owned business offers more than its name implies: You’ll find bags, T-shirts, wallets, books and other accessories that’ll keep your green streak going. Although the store owners’ rescued cats curl up in the windows, there’s nary a “moo” in sight: Everything in-store, like Vegetarian Shoes’s black bomber jacket ($155) and Ally Maryjane’s electric-red flats ($90), is vegan. Not into fashion? There’s a great selection of vegan cookbooks available, all around $20. 78 Orchard St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-254-6512, mooshoes.com)

8. NY Artificial & NYA
This makeup and accessory store duo, one right next to the other, offers everything glittery and natural from bangles to bronzers. Owner Aaron Bond can help you achieve a fresh face with his natural-ingredient makeup products, including his yellow-based corrector concealer ($28) and antioxidant organic foundation primer ($48). NY Artificial is one of New York’s first vegan and cruelty-free boutiques (established in 2004) and it has more to offer than makeup and accessories. Don’t miss co-owner Alex Guzman’s selection of custom jeans that come in an array of colors ($160–$171) 13–15 Eighth Ave between Jane and W 12th Sts (646-340-0442, nyartificial.com)

9. Sodafine
So cool are the wares here, that you’d never even know they’re eco-friendly. Shop like a locavore by picking up quirky-cute designs from Brooklyn lines like Feral Childe, Mociun and Dear Birthday. For cheap and chic classics, turn to John Patrick’s silky organic Bamboo Scoop cardigan in soft yellow ($54) or the organic cotton cable-knit tights ($28). If recycling is more your thing, then check out the nicely edited selection of vintage clothing. 119 Grand St between Berry St and Wythe Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-230-3060, sodafine.com)

10. 3R Living
Named for the three Rs of environmentalism—reduce, reuse and recycle—this family-owned Park Slope shop carefully selects interesting eco items for the home, body and even baby. In addition to the ever-present Sigg water bottles (starting at $18), look for under-the-radar gems like the Voltaic Solar Messenger bag ($230) that charges your iPod or cell on the go, and recycled jewelry made from vinyl records ($54 for a bracelet) and rulers ($26 for earrings). 276L Fifth Ave between Garfield Pl and First St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-832-0951, 3rliving.com)

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