by Johanna Björk


Most of us have come far enough in our lives to know that the nerds are really the cool ones. Embrace your own inner geek by stepping into fall wearing a hand-knit sweater vest, a recycled cotton backpack, high-waisted pleated pants, consciously chic glasses, fair-made booties and a friendship bracelet, while carrying a cleverly bookish iPad case. Smart is the new black.
Jamie Fair Isle Tank
This cute vest sports a colorful Fair Isle design and is hand knitted in 100% wool in Nepal.
approx. $120, peopletree.co.uk
Baggu Backpack
We’ve used their reusable shopping bags for years, why not upgrade to something a bit more interesting? This backpack with adjustable shoulder straps comes in nine different colors and is made from 100% recycled 16 oz. cotton duck.
$32, baggubag.com
Dace Kelp Pants
These pants feature classic, stylish nerd-attributes like a high waist, pleats and slouchy fit. All pieces by designer Dace Moore are made locally in Canada and adheres to socially responsible and environmentally sound manufacturing practices.
on sale for $88, futurestandard.com
DODOcase for iPad
DODOcase aims to help keep the art of book binding alive by adapting it to the world of iPads. It’s made locally in San Francisco using black Moroccan cloth with a solid bamboo core. It’ll look like you’re carrying a book, but the DODOcase is a clever little thing that also folds back as a stand for your iPad.
$59.95, dodocase.com
Begley frames from Warby Parker
This new take on a circular frame style first popular in the 1930s is not just the epitome of nerd-chic, Warby Parker also donates a pair of frames to someone in need. The company also works with non-profits to train low-income entrepreneurs to sell affordable glasses.
$95, warbyparker.com
Love Friendship Bracelet
What says eco-nerd more than swapping friendship bracelets with your sustainable friends? This one is by Etsy seller Marly D, but check out this simple tutorial on how you can make your own.
$4, etsy.com/shop/MarleeD
Osborn Red Suede Kinder Booties
These limited run booties are fairly hand-made by cobbler artisans using genuine Napa suede. To up the eco-factor, they also have laces made out of hand loomed cotton and a recycled tire heel cap.
$188, osborndesign.com
(Source: www.ecosalon.com )