We women often wonder how to make sweaters sexy, but it’s all in the cut, drape and attitude. Check out all my sustainable knit-picks for the chilly season: They’re chunky, knitted, warm and woolly and all environmentally-sensible.  I’ve worn each and every one of these this winter and boy, have they come in handy. Nineteen degrees Farhenheit: You ain’t got nothing on me!

Chicago-based designer Lara Miller recycled cotton/bamboo knit FLIP sweater. I prefer to wear mine Yoda-style with the oversized cowl-neck over my head, but you can flip the sweater around and wear it as a long dress-with or without a belt. Totally versatile and totally sexy. Available at http://www.thegreenloop.com for $120 or check for Lara Miller store locations near you. Other items featured: Recycled quilt, vegetable-tanned leather boots by Terra Plana; leggings by American Apparel. Photo: Abdul Smith

Brooklyn-based mother-daughter duo from Carasan Designs hand-knit organic wool wrap top with oversized puff sleeves. Made to order. Other items shown here include organic cotton top by Lara Miller; necklace by Ombre Claire; and leggings by American Apparel. Photos: Abdul Smith

Reversible gray bamboo knit top by Lara Miller. Other pieces shown include jewelry by Ombre Claire; silk dress by Pinky Otto. Photo: Abdul Smith

Nothing is sexier than your BF’s oversized sweater. Pictured here is a Uniqlo cashmere V-neck. Uniqlo also has a recycling program that takes back old garments for reprocessing or ships off to refugee camps, so be sure to bring back your old duds once you’re through with them. Photos: Robert August

Lara Miller oversized long sleeve bamboo knit sweater top. Perfect for layering over dresses and shirts. Photos: Abdul Smith

And some other notables include: Fair trade Wool and Alpaca knits by People Tree; cowl necks by Covet available at Pivot Boutique; Femininely-lush cashmere tops by Uluru; Recycled cashmere creations by Deborah Lindquist; Yak-down sweater dress by Stewart + Brown.

Kicky Kicks: Colors rock the block in eco-friendly footwear

Eco-friendly shoe trends for Summer 2008: Part 1

Bright, contrasting colors are hot this summer season. Vivid hues like red, black, or navy are boldly paired with cool summer whites and modest creams, giving everything from sneaks to stilettos instant sportiness.

Jumping Jack Flash: Pair some of our selects with a blue jean or crisp summer dress and you’ll seriously be punching up your wardrobe’s flash factor. The best news is yet to come: There are cool shoes at every price, starting at $10.

About the shoes featured: No Sweats, Ethletic, and Veja shoes specialize in streetwise sweatshop-free shoes; Form & Fauna and Taryn Rose’s new collection –Taryn Rose Verde—focus on vegetable-tanned leather and water-based glues; Charmoné, Beyond Skin, and No Vacas combine feminine design with vegan principles and environmentally-conscious construction; Simple Shoes and Terra Plana take a look at environmentally-friendly preferred materials and minimal waste; whereas TOMS boasts the 1 for 1 principle: For every shoe you buy, they happily give one away to a child who doesn’t have shoes.

Kicky Kicks: Metallic hues don’t lose their luster this season

Eco-friendly shoe trends for Summer 2008: Part 2

Last season went bling, bling with a lot of glitz and glimmer in a myriad of metallic hues. This trend will continue to be a strong feature throughout the summer season and into the fall. Polish off any wardrobe with a dazzling shoe, but make sure it’s right for the occasion. Go with a muted metallic, like a pewter or bronze, for business attire, but by all means, don’t be afraid to razzle-dazzle with a glossy gold or silver for the evening. Shoes start at $40 but quickly skyrocket to triple digit numbers for fancier, hand-crafted heels.

About the shoes featured: Charmoné, Beyond Skin, Natalie Portman for Té Casan , Mink Shoes and Kitty Cooper combine feminine design, luxurious fibers, and vegan principles with environmentally-conscious construction; No Vacas and Neuaura also turn up their toes to animal-based products with some shining examples of microfiber alternatives; TOMS dazzles with some sequined slippers that keep on giving—for every pair of shoes you buy, they’ll hand deliver a pair to at-risk children in developing nations.

Kicky Kicks: Sneakers get a little freaky

Eco-friendly shoe trends for Summer 2008: Part 3

Sneaker freakers unite! Kick off those juteliscious Jesus sandals for some hot-to-trot modern options. Skate, hike, bike, or otherwise: Colors abound this summer. (Note from Author: Don’t be afraid to show your true colors and lace up with some brights too).

Attention to Details: Recycled materials and fancy recycled rubber tread will ensure that you’ll leave nothing but a cool imprint in your tracks. Sneakers start at $47 and are less than $100.

About the shoes featured: Adidas ups the hemp-factor with some sweet treads; J-41 – a division of Chrysler—joins the ranks as some of the coolest shoes out there. Their outsoles are partially recycled; they come in vegan alternatives; and use eco-friendly packaging. Moo Shoes sells these Ben Sherman sneakers to veganistas; and Simple, Timberland, and Worn Again boast eco-friendly fabrics and better construction.

Word on the street: Sources say a new, affordable line of eco-friendly shoes is slated for Spring 2009, so stay tuned here and planetgreen.com “Ask Summer Rayne” for more information.

Head over to planetgreen.com to find some answers to the latest questions. Thanks to everyone who has been sending stuff my way.

Are There Eco-Friendly Options for Hair Dye?

What Can I Do With Clothes I No Longer Want?

What Are Some All-Natural Acne Treatments?

Where Can I Find Affordable Organic Denim?

What is Fair Trade Fashion?

What Are Some Green Beauty Treatments for the Eyes?

What Are Some Great Valentine’s Day Gifts?