Itsy Eco Interview: FiftyRX3

What does a frustrated New York designer do when the search for cool, eco-friendly clothing turns up little to satisfy her discerning eye? Go thrift shopping and make her own of course!

So, Jill Danyelle decided to set herself a project: to wear 50% recycled and green fashion for 365 days, and to document every outfit in a blog called FiftyRX3.com. Several ensembles (including an umbrella dress) later and after 10 months of perusing the crossroads of style and sustainability, Jill agreed to give us a quickie

I was inspired to start my blog fiftyRX3.. to show people that with a little resourcefulness and creativity it is possible to be stylish and sustainable.

When I'm not writing my blog, I'm sleeping.

As a designer, sustainability means designing in a way that is least harmful to people and the environment. This can go beyond just working with eco-fibres. Are the factories recycling waste water and chemicals? Are the products being sewn by people making a living wage? What dyes are being used? Is the fibre made in one area, then shipped to another area to be woven and yet another area for cut and sew or is the whole process done locally? It is difficult to meet all factors, but I think a lot of companies score points for having transparency and a goal to continually improve.

When I was little, I wanted to be so many things, sometimes I still have trouble picking one.

My top vintage stores are. ebay, ebay, ebay, ebay and flea markets. I also go into vintage shops occasionally and I'll buy something if it really speaks to me... I like Local Clothing on E. 9th, La Reina on Ave. C and Daha on Orchard St. Some Odd Rubies does very cute reworked vintage and there is a beautiful little vintage shop next door Anyone shopping in NYC should visit Ludlow Street anyway - start at Houston and shop your way down
For those trekking out to Brooklyn, I'd check out Sodafine in it's new Williamsburg location on Grand St - they sell vintage, eco and handmade items.

My most treasured times are aside from the little moments in daily life, sailing, powered only by wind, heading through the night under an immense blanket of stars.

The best place to get yummy organic food in NY is Angelica's Kitchen and Caravan of Dreams.

The easiest way to be green is to be an educated consumer and make small changes slowly. Buy one new organic or locally produced item. Change your lightbulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Sign up for green power if your utility allows it. Don't berate yourself for being human, the little things start to add up eventually.

The coolest NY eco-friendly shop is Gomi on E. 6th St.

My guilty pleasures are Ice cream and shoes!

If I was President for the day, I would swap the defense ($419.3 billion) and education ($56 billion) budgets, then set about making education truly equal, support renewable energies and sign the Kyoto Treaty, legalize hemp and maybe even marijuana while I was at it and finally apologize to the world for our recent bad behaviour.

When FiftyRX3's 365 days are up I originally wanted to start a small environmentally friendly clothing line, so maybe I will do that. And fiftyRX3 may also continue, but in a somewhat different format. So, I really do not know what will happen!

(we say watch this space.. www.FiftyRX3.com )

1st Image: jacket made from silk scarves

2nd Image: vintage dress

3rd Image: organic Del Forte jeans

4th Image: vintage Missoni dress

(As well as a cocktail dress made from abandoned umbrelllas, Jill's monthly personally made garments inlcude a '30 minute dress' made from 2nd hand tshirts, a dress made out of 2nd hand cashmere jumpers and a dress made from a 2nd hand man's shirt...)