Whether you're a Westsider, Eastsider or something in-between, if you live in the Los Angeles metro-area you're surrounded by ethical fashion. Shopping consciously is always at our fingertips through our smart phones, but call me old fashioned -- I'm partial to the in-person experience. I've participated in more than my fair share of retail therapy since moving to Southern California, and while this hasn't always been kind to my wallet, I've discovered the best alternatives to fast fashion across the county. Next time you're in the area, swing by one of the boutiques below to find clothing and accessories that are kind to people and the planet. This list is ever growing, so make sure to check back often and feel free to comment with your favorite spots and suggestions!
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Gingerly Witty Address: 1710 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Head to Echo Park to check out this ethical fashion HQ and rebel against fast fashion by building a capsule wardrobe from classic, consciously sourced pieces. Owner Erin Lally is a doll, and we were so grateful for her willingness to help style a recent photo shoot for The Tote Project using Gingerly Witty attire.
image via GingerlyWitty.com
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Junim Los Angeles Address: 4763 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Designer Haley Solar has been passionate about sewing since she was seven years old. The aesthetic of her brand Junim Los Angeles reflects her lifetime of creativity with bohemian, eclectic collections unlike anything you’ll find at the mall. 90% of her fabrics are reclaimed, and her signature washable silks are hand-dyed with a mixture of traditional and natural dyes such as vegetables and tea. Visit her storefront in Eagle Rock where she sews every piece with love.
image via JunimLA.com
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Playclothes Address: 3100 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
If you’re shopping for clothing, accessories or home goods that are strictly vintage, Playclothes should be first on your list. Each rack is organized by decade, reducing the chaos and making it easier to find the look you’re going for. The selection is a good combination of pieces you’d wear today, as well as wild options that could be used for Halloween costumes. I found a dress there for my 70’s themed bachelorette party, and when I wear it out people mistake it for Trina Turk.
image via VintagePlayclothes.com
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Wasteland Address: 12144 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604.
Wasteland is my favorite place to shop in all of Southern California. Whether I need a new pair of jeans, shoes or a cocktail dress, I head to their location in Studio City before looking anywhere else. Browse their curated selection of secondhand vintage and modern clothing and expect to find standout pieces, sometimes still with their tags on. One woman’s waste is another woman’s favorite retro, leather Prada shirt.
image via shopwasteland.com
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Great Labels Address: 1126 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
I stumbled into Great Labels after brunching at one of my favorite spots nearby and immediately picked up a pair of like new Jimmy Choo heels for 90% off. That’s what I call a happy accident! This secondhand consignment boutique carries high-end designers for a (tiny!) fraction of the price, and the staff is warm and friendly while not being pushy.
image via GreatLabels.com
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Reformation Address: 8000 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Reformation is the most well-known brand in the sustainable fashion game thanks to the many A-list celebrities and super models who are loyal customers. Most of their enviable outfits are out of my price range, but I love visiting the store to try on my favorite pieces and note my sizing for when their semi-annual online sale rolls around.
image via TheReformation.com
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Amour Vert Address: 327 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403
I discovered the newly-opened Santa Monica Amour Vert store the day I wrote this article and I’m so glad I stumbled upon it! For each t-shirt they sell they plant a tree, and many of these trees are planted in nearby San Bernardino, an area often severely affected by forest fires and drought. Even further, they adopted a zero-waste philosophy and only use sustainable fabrics. Amour Vert claims their tees are the softest in the world, and they just may be — stop by the store to see (and feel!) for yourself.
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Christy Dawn Address: 1930 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Head to Venice to try on Christy Dawn’s beautiful country-chic dress collection. Each piece is sustainably made in Los Angeles using deadstock fabric, and sometimes pieces you pick up are one-of-a-kind due to the limited nature of the sourced fabric.
image via Pinterest
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TOMS Address: 1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
The TOMS flagship store in Abbot Kinney is so much more than a boutique. Bring your laptop because after you try on their famous One For One slip ons, you can order a coffee, hang out and get some work done. There’s actually more seating and work space here than retail space, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get some quality shopping done.
image via TOMS.com