Giovanni Amenta, Willowbrook Shopping Centre Stylist

Giovanni's Bio:  Giovanni (Gio) Amenta is Willowbrook’s stylist and one of Canada’s top style experts!  Gio started his career in New York where he was certified by three of the top image consultants in the world. Since then, Gio has been featured as a style expert on various TV shows including W Network’s Beauty Call and Breakfast Television.   He has worked with celebs such as Marie Osmond  and Miss America 2007 as well as several  major retail brands.   Gio also teaches fashion styling at Jon Casablancas in Vancouver as well as represents the Association of Image Consultants International.

The Top 5 Ways to be a Planet Friendly Fashionista!

I am a huge advocate of looking fabulous! However, I recently learned about some of the ferocious effects fashion has on our planet and its inhabitants. I know what you are thinking, because I thought the same thing -“Yikes”! I had no idea. I love my planet and my country, and I am ready to do my part in protecting both. But, how do I do that?” Well, knowledge is the first step to reversing the damage, which is why I am so excited that Willowbrook Shopping Centre has chosen to focus this spring on educating us on eco-positive and Canadian made fashion, products, and choices. The following tips are a great start for you to find out how you can be a planet- friendly fashionista.

1. Made in Where? - It is so important to look at where your fashions and accessories are made. The further away something is made, the larger the carbon footprint. Also, several countries have extremely poor working conditions for their employees including child labour. Your best bet is to look for the “Made in Canada” label. Not only do Canadian made products have a smaller carbon footprint, but you are also supporting our economy. This creates jobs for all those Canadians like you that want to help reverse our planets destruction. Willowbrook stores such as Plum, Aldila Boutique, Sears, Serena, and Access have several “Made in Canada” options.

2. Naturally divine fabric – Natural fibers such as organic cotton, bamboo, soy bean fibre, hemp, seacell, and sasawashi are no longer only available downtown, they are now readily available everywhere. Fabric dyes and manufactured fabrics are a huge creator of chemicals that seep into our planet and poison it. A simple fix is to look for natural fibres that have not been put through any kind of harsh dying process. Some amazing natural fiber products such as tops, socks, denim, and skirts can be found at Aldila, Extreme, Sears (bamboo socks are sooo comfy), Mantique (the 1921 jeans are fab) and Sport Chek at Willowbrook.

3. Reuse, reduce, recycle - Recycled fibres made from things such as plastic bottles, mill end surplus fabrics, cotton, wool and leather are a great way to stop our landfills from getting bigger. There are some beautiful items available which are made from recycled fibers such as your old water bottles. For example Access carries Matt & Nat bags, which are Made in Canada, vegan, cruelty-free, use no animal products, and all linings of the bags and wallets are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles (on average they recycle 21 water bottles to make the lining of each bag). Plus the bags have eco-friendly cork labelling inside the bags. As well, Sport Chek at Willowbrook has a great line of Nike 6.0 ladies casual fashions (trendy yoga pants, tops, etc.) that are almost all eco-friendly (organic cotton, made from recycled bottles, etc.) So as you can see there are options to that polyester/rayon blend, and trust me, these options breathe a lot better!

4. Pearls of wisdom – Jewellery is always my favorite part of an outfit, but sadly many gems and precious metals are mined using dangerous chemicals. As well, miners often work in these poor chemical conditions to mine these gems and metals. The good news is that ethical mining is becoming more popular, and does not partake in either of the above practices. Here are a few suggestions on how to stop poor mining practices:
1. Only buy metals and gems from companies that adhere to ethical mining practices.
2. Wear recycled treasures such as recycled glass, plastic, paper, etc. The great thing about this is that people will adore your creative jewels, and it’s a great conversation starter.
3. Choose cultured pearls as your gem of choice. All things ocean are very in this season, but aside from that pearls are classic and very versatile. Vivah at Willowbrook has an amazing selection of pearls to choose from.

5. Don’t pollute your planet or your pores – Chemicals are not good for our planet, nor are they good for our hair and faces. Why on earth would you put something on your body that is a pollutant? Think simple natural, organic and usually these things go hand in hand with eco-friendly beauty products. Not only are the factories polluting the earth as they make chemically filled products, but they are also packaging these products with even more planet destroying materials. There are products that you can buy that are eco-friendly and have reusable or recyclable packaging. Willowbrook stores such as The Body Shop, Escents Aromatherapy, Eccotique Spa & Salon, and Zennkai Salon carry a multitude of eco, human, and animal friendly hair, skin and body products.

If you follow these five tips you are a full-fledged soldier in the battle to save our planet. Every small positive choice you make is a step in the direction of saving our beautiful earth!

Products subject to availability. Prices subject to change.
Turqouise necklace & Earrings – $29.00 & $21.00 , Plum; Pearl necklace & earrings - $199.95 & $34.97, Vivah; Jackpot Organic t-shirt & scarf - $59.95 & $49.95, Aldila Boutique; Matt & Nat handbag, $72.49 Access; Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair, Restructuring Shampoo, Intensive Restructuring Treatment - $29.00, $32.00, $33.00, Eccotique Spa & Salon..