Redefining the Organic Tee

Most t-shirts today are throwaways and either loaded with logos or re-hashed iconic images or just plain-old-boring. And to find an organic tee that's not hard as cardboard and in an unsightly dull color is another issue. Luckily, there's the fresh new organic graphic tee line, Elodie, to the rescue. No more schlepping to the gym in your Nike/Adidas/Puma logo-loaded tee or that ratty Hanes. Now you can be kind to the environment and look stylish without promoting some one's brand on your chest. Hallelujah!

Elodie Design's graphic tees are like a piece of art - painterly and free-form with subtle hidden meanings for each graphic. The designer, Jacqueline Bendy, has cleverly created "definitions" for each of her tees. Each tee, like a painting, is christened a name and its definition inconspicuously printed at the bottom hem. Her current collection of Philosophy tees are titled "Fianza" (a guarantee that an obligation will be met), "Prudence" (practical wisdom), and Valor Real (actual or true value.) And the shapes and fabric of the tees are refreshingly chic and comfortable, especially for an organic tee which can sometimes be stiff and boxy in shape. These long, lean tees are cut for a real woman and look great dressed down with yoga pants or refined with a pair of sleek jeans. These fabulous tees can be had online at Elodiedesign.com or to see one up close and personal, pop over to Market in Brentwood.

I'm anxious to get a hold of the upcoming Elodie Flores collection of botanical- inspired tees that were adapted from the designer's friend and artist, Soraya Chemaly (see above.) These striking, contemporary images interpret florals in a new way with lush, over sized floral designs. The colors are rich and versatile featuring a palette of eggplant, persimmon, dove grey, and shots of neon. And yet again, Elodie cleverly pairs each tee with a signature definition - Iris/wisdom, Cosmos/harmony, and Chrysanthemum/optimism.

Finally a basic tee that's not so basic after all - whisper-light weight organic cotton in a long flattering fit, and with punches of color and free-form graphics made from low-impact dyes. Say goodbye to your athletic tees and say hello to Elodie!