Sustainable Shopping in the Twin Cities Is More Attainable Than You Think
With “fast fashion” peaking in university settings, stores like Forever 21 and H&M are saturating the market due to trends and cheap prices. However, these brands are not only unethical but also incredibly damaging to our environment. In spite of that, local business owners in the Twin Cities are creating sustainable boutiques that offer eco-friendly and ethical clothing, accessories, furniture and more.
Hazel & Rose
Perhaps best known for its ethical and sustainable fashion, Hazel & Rose, an upscale boutique in North Loop, showcases one-of-a-kind pieces and independent brands. Owners Emma Olson and Bobbi Barron are committed to “quality, beauty, transparency,” according to the Hazel & Rose website.
The boutique, founded in 2016, follows three principles when it comes to their pieces: well made as well as sustainably and ethically made. The minimal and sleek store carries clothing, as well as cruelty-free and natural skin care and makeup products.
While prices may seem high, typically beginning at $150 per piece, the purpose of each item is to inspire and last. The specially curated shop is lessening the environmental impact, while bringing the Twin Cities
Hazel & Rose, 117 N. 8th Ave., Mpls; shophazelandrose.com
Arlee Park
Opened in 2017, Arlee Park is a new addition to the Twin Cities sustainable community. But twin sisters Jamie and Ashley have always been thrifters with a dream of opening a shop; when the dreaded winter slowed their photography business, Arlee Park was born. What started as an Etsy business has turned into a successful brick-and-mortar store that provides the Twin Cities with sustainable vintage goods.
From clothing to home decor, Arlee Park is a one stop shop for eco-friendly items. Among their most popular items are classic Levi’s denim, “we’re quite convinced that most will leave our store, jeans in hand,” said co-owners Jamie and Ashley. But unlike most sustainable shops, their focus is placed heavily on furniture and home goods.
With prices beginning at $20 for smaller furniture pieces, they range upwards of $1,000 for bigger pieces, such as their eco-conscious rugs. Clothing is a bit easier on the wallet, with vintage Levi’s ringing in around $60 and tops beginning at $30.
Arlee Park, 3000 E. 50th St, Mpls; arleepark.com
Spoils of Wear
The fight against “fast fashion” is just beginning for Jill Erickson, owner of Spoils of Wear. Entering its third year on Selby and Snelling Ave. in St. Paul, Spoils of Wear is stocked with hip, modern clothing doubling as sustainable products. With a blend of fair-trade goods and ethically-made products, Erickson’s boutique only stocks sustainable items and also is sure to pay workers a fair wage.
Clothing, made from sustainable fibers such as hemp, bamboo and organic cotton, grace the racks of Spoils of Wear. Erickson’s goal is to serve pieces from the best brands that “care about what their clothing is made of, where it’s being made, and who is making it,” according to the Spoils of Wear website. Accessories, including earrings, bracelets and necklaces, basic tees and business casual pieces are a few things that are offered. Though ethical fashion pieces tend to run high in price, Spoils of Wear starts prices at a reasonable $25 for a basic tee, but most pieces are priced around $70.
Spoils of Wear, 1566 Selby Ave., St. Paul; spoilsofwear.com
No Comments