The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/25/08 Section: Variety

Media Credit: Courtesy Lylou, Nourish Boutique A model wears the Madras 641 tunic, an eco-friendly garment at Nourish Boutique. [Click to enlarge]

Now, food isn't the only way students can find nourishment in Athens. Nourish, a new boutique located at 1377 Prince Ave., offers sustainable and eco-friendly clothing that won't only nourish their fashion sense, but also the earth.

All clothing available in the small and kitsch boutique is manufactured from fabrics that are sustainable, renewable or organic materials.

The boutique's owner, who prefers to go by her nickname Lylou, previously worked in accounting for the Clarke County School System. Lylou said she changed careers in order to help teach other women her vision of "sustainable fashion" and her idea is catching on.

"When I first met Lylou, I just loved her concept and really wanted to be a part of it," said Melissa Steele, a designer whose scarves will be available at Nourish in the fall. "She has really inspired me to make my products out of renewable resources like organic cotton and now I use vinegar dyes instead of other dyes that may pollute the water and the environment."

The realization that clothing can be both sustainable and "sassy" did not hit Lylou until she was an adult and spending $300 at traditional retail stores every season.

"I just started realizing that the reason I had to buy so many clothes every season was because it was fast-production and the quality was just bad," Lylou said. "Now, I would rather spend $150 on something that is high quality and eco-friendly, and be able to wear it next season and next year instead of sending it to some landfill."

Because of this realization, Lylou strives to select a collection of clothes for her store that can be worn from work to downtown and season to season.

"I know I had a hard time when I moved to Athens from San Francisco," she said. "I wanted something that was urban enough for my tastes but also something I could wear to work three years from now."

Additionally, she believes good urban fashion is a desire that knows no age limit.

"I have had women come in and ask me 'Do you think this is too young for me?' she said. "Does it make them feel sexy, comfortable and happy is what is really important."

However, to Lylou, individuality is just as important when it comes to what she chooses to carry at Nourish.

"I like to have a personal relationship with my clients and I can assure them that only one or two women in Athens have the item they want to buy and then describe each person to them," she said. "I don't want them to have to worry if two other girls in their sorority or someone in their class will be wearing the same dress."

Lylou also regularly updates a Nourish boutique blog where customers can look at photos and read her personal feelings about the designs and why she chose them.

To view the blog visit www.nourishathens.blogspot.com.

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