A friend of mine wants to keep it hush-hush when her daughter is gifted a hand-me-down dress, as if wearing used garb signifies poverty or shame that might not fly in her affluent social circle.

My friend is a European whose family often struggled to make ends meet. And although she keeps it all in the closet, she accepts these offerings for all of the right reasons: they are clean and usually in perfectly good condition; It’s wasteful to go out and buy a new outfit when you can recycle; people who snub second hand goods are snobs. She may aspire to the don’t ask, don’t tell policy, but she knows better.

In fact, there’s a entire culture of thrifty moms who surf newspaper classified ads, Craigslist and Ebay to locate gently-used clothing and objects for their children. Seizing on this trend, an emerging site called handmedowns provides a one-stop destination condensing all of the shopping sites into one.  It combines the listings from the top five classified sites with original postings from trusted hand-me-down users.

It’s a brilliant idea because recycling clothes is good for us and for the shaky economy. The credit goes to two Hollywood dynamos: Norah Weinstein, a lawyer and mom who also founded The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ, and Jane Buckingham, who authored the bestselling Modern Girls Guide to Life.

“The sites that were out there had some great listings, but were simply not designed with a parent in mind,”  remembers Weinstein, who tired of sifting through torn, stained cast-a-ways on the web. “Our goal is to raise the bar for children’s classifieds and create a more family-friendly atmosphere.”

Buckingham adds they are saving parents time and money by pulling together safe, user-friendly products. Safety, they say, is heavily promoted to stay on top of government product recalls.

When you visit the site, you can click on your location and what you are shopping for (clothing for girls, boys, toys) and the age range. In terms of clothing, from layette to child sizes, you will find everything from shoes to winter outerwear and cute little legging outfits. There also are categories for selling, donating or giving your items away for free.

As the founders put it: “Once you start shopping at handmedowns, it may be hard to buy at retail prices again.”

It’s great news for kids who don’t have older siblings or cousins. I never met a kid who didn’t smile when I handed them something one of my girls had worn, from party dresses to ski parkas. For some, it’s even more special knowing your new posession was loved so well.

Image: manuel

As the drops come down outside my window, I’m glad my girls have their new rainboots so we can venture outside to collect flowers to make our centerpieces before the holiday arrives. 

Unfortunately, their boots are the smelly, rubber variety that we bought on sale at Nordstrom last month because they were Lucky Brand with skeleton patterns and so darn cute. Not great criteria, I know.

Still, it’s not easy finding sustainable rain gear. I went looking for other brands that might be greener. The report indicates light showers of available styles, rather than a heavy downpour:

The mod Kamik rainboots are at least made of 100% recycled materials, even if they do contain PVC (phthalates). At least this company is trying. $189.95 at Zappos.

Retroactif makes their sustainable hats (including the waterproof blue, top left, and black print, bottom right) from discarded art banners. Check on the site to find a store that sells them near you.

More companies are letting us take cover with greener umbrellas, including the recycled PET collection from Peerless which lets you customize with your company name, soccer team, etc.

These were the first on the market as reported in EcoSalon earlier this year. Whether you go for the pink manual ($25) or green automatic ($30) you’re still covered with good stuff in these Eco Brellas from Totes. Made from recycled PET bottles and recycled aluminum and steel with a friendly bamboo handle.

Patagonia uses recycled polyester for these rain shells for men ($95) and women ($200). Keep an eye out for the sales at this site and other sites that sell the brand at discounted prices.

Image: silent shot

It’s early Sunday morning in late November and I don’t want to leave the cuddly warmth of my down duvet. If I had special powers I would wiggle my nose and a handsome prince would appear with a cup of hot coffee and the New YorkTimes. But since my nose doesn’t wiggle that way, I crawl out from under the covers and head toward the closet for a favorite pair of jeans, a tee and my heather grey sweater-coat.

Then I’m out the door and headed toward the Farmers’ Market. I can’t live without that sweater. Well, of course I can“¦but you know what I mean. It works with most outfits, dressed up or down, and keeps me toasty and looking presentable when I may not be (especially early Sunday mornings).

So if you’re in the market for the perfect fall to winter to spring cover up, the sweater-coat is the way to go. VivaTerra has two that tickle my fancy.

The Cashmere & Merino Wool Luxury Sweater Coat is versatile and tres chic. It has a large, sculpted collar – wear it open or use the kilt pin to close it and heighten the warm and cozy factor. Available in a gorgeous berry as well as black in sizes small through large. $339 at VivaTerra.

Also available to sharpen your wardrobe this winter is the eco-friendly Lambswool Sweater Jacket. Subtle and stylish in winter white with a fluffy collar, this piece is selling out fast and currently available in large and xtra large. It’s on sale at VivaTerra for $95.

Tweeds are a timeless look for the chilly season, but sometimes they can fall on the preppy side. When done right, the style will place you far from the pages of J. Crew. Here, a few eco picks to get you started.
Eloise Grey tweed coat: ideal for a crisp spring or fall day, this wool and organic cotton coat will look stunning over a slim pair of jeans or thick opaque tights. ($1,070)

Crystalyn Kae tweed clutch: this vegan-friendly purse is big enough to hold all your essentials and has a contrasting fabric pleat for a little kick. ($75)

Eloise Grey tweed skirt: bordering on preppy, you can add some edge to this classic tweed skirt by pairing it with an asymmetrical top and colorful eco booties. ($450)

It was late July when Allison told us in her post The New Nau, not to worry, the eco-clothing brand Nau would be back. And she was right. Having been rescued out of its pending demise by the Santa Barbara-based clothing company Horny Toad, the new Nau is ready to roll. The entire Fall ‘08 product line premiers this week on Nau’s newly designed website.

What we came to know and love about the old Nau has only gotten better. The company proudly remains true to its sustainable design philosophy and has successfully refined its “innovative blend of beauty, performance and sustainability.”

The recycled poly Profile Fleece Hoody (approx $200) actually gives fleece a sexy name. And speaking of sexy, this cashmere/angora Flourish Dress ($248) has a high collar, side pocket and ribbed trim that make it an essential part of any winter wardrobe. If a trench is on your list, the Modus ($425) is made from recycled post-consumer and post-industrial polyester waste. Hard to believe something so “trashy” could be so stylish and protect you from wind, rain and grime.

Plus, for the first time starting in November, Nau will be available at select retailers across the U.S. I can’t wait to see how the future unfolds for Nau…now.

Shown above: Scape jacket

I’m a California girl so I don’t talk much about wool coats or down jackets. Maybe 5/365 I’ll need more than a sweater, scarf and light jacket, so I’m set with my two timeless cold-weather coats. But sometimes it’s hard to resist all the hoodies and leather jackets and pea coats!

The eco-movement has inspired some seriously cool shapes and styles for the traditionally generic cover-up. Case in point, this Cloak Hoodie by Prairie Underground. It’s made with luscious 100% organic cotton fleece with a large lined hood and detailed front pockets. I want to curl up in this and take a nap – cozy and comfortable. Available (on backorder) in black, faded brown and peacock for $234 at Beklina.

I’m having green dreams about this Eco Leather Jacket by John Patrick Organic. Vegetable dyed black without hazardous chemicals or toxic solvents, this jacket was also fairly made. The contrast stitching and four front zippered pockets make this my pick for fall and winter…and forever. A classic piece for any eco-wardrobe. Find it at Beklina for $745 (medium and large back order only).

The pea coat never goes out of style and can transition from day to night with ease. Take this Grace & Cello Isabella Jacket in black recycled wool. Chic and refined with a traditional double breast, 3/4 length and large buttons. It also has a touch of edge with a motorcycle-style collar. Also by Grace & Cello and made with recycled wool, this Awnee Jacket makes a strong statement with a contrast of color – half gray and half black – and a slightly shorter length. Both coats are available at Not Just Pretty in sizes extra small through large for $250 and $240, respectively.

Grace & Cello are an ethical, humane design collective out of Montreal with a flair for unusual lines.

Their 100% organic cotton twill trench caused me to do a triple-take. This hybrid manages to magically blend sailor-buttons, pleats and bell sleeves into a light-hearted jacket that doesn’t take itself too seriously (not shown). Also a tease is the organic cotton ruffle-front shirt (above left), which again manages a possibly awkward trend with a gentle grace. And just when I thought I’d seen enough, I did a double take on this jersey-tee (above right) with adorable cap sleeves.

Grace & Cello playfully  incorporates diverse design trends by toning them down and greening them up.

Sara’s shameless plug: Hi, it’s your editor. De-lurk, dear reader, and leave this fabulous writer a comment. (We love chatting.) You can also share this post with friends ““ just click your favorite social bookmark listed below. New reader? Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to win free eco goodies! You can also subscribe to any RSS feed your heart desires.

I’m a huge devotee of using classic pieces to create a stunning wardrobe and reduce the need for incessant consumption – but from time to time we must all deviate from the classics in pursuit of something edgy and different.

Lately I’ve been following Prairie Underground’s avant-garde, structurally inspired styles and I’m especially drawn to their collection of outerwear. I like the Moth Coat for spring ““ its billowing collar is great for protecting your neckline from the occasional brisk breeze or you can toss it over your head if you catch yourself in a sprinkle. The versatile organic cotton jacket works well over leggings, skirts, dresses, and more. $252 on Modify.

Another look from one of our favorite eco-designers, Kelly B, this ruffle vest is great for late afternoon when the fog rolls in. Puffy vests are too sporty for my taste, making this a great pick if you’re looking for something a bit more refined and feminine. Made from organic wool, you’ll keep nice and toasty while maintaining a great sense of style.

And because it’s part of Kelly B’s Fall 2007 collection, this ruffle vest is on sale. Grab one now on Hip & Zen for $165 (originally $280).

Image/purchase: Hip & Zen

In my younger days, white was too pristine for my taste. Being my clumsy self, a small spill would send me running immediately to the dry cleaners. But now that I’m older and wiser and less accident-prone (perhaps mostly that last part), I think white is timeless  – perfect for almost any occasion, any time of year. Textured and muted for winter, buttery for spring and fall, crisp and bold for summer ““ there are so many variations.

This snow hare coat comes to us by one of our favorite eco-designers, Linda Loudermilk. The organic cotton jacket is made to resemble fur but is 100% cruelty-free. Lined with silk and tailored with billowing folds down the front, you’ll look effortlessly elegant every time you wear it. This style is gorgeous for winter but would also work well for a chilly spring morning. And if you buy now, you’ll be all set by the time the next snow season rolls around. It’s pricey ($1,875), so make it your special splurge for the year if you’re the type who likes to add signature, high-quality pieces to your wardrobe in limited fashion.

Image: Juno & Jove