Avita Co-Op: Green fashions on West 3rd St.

Like to try on a pair of jeans before buying them? Enviro-fashionistas can do just that at Avita Co-Op, a newish eco-lifestyle store on West 3rd St.

I stopped by yesterday and met Amanda Shi, the L.A. designer behind all the gorgeous recycled cashmere pieces in the store. Here she is to the right, wearing one of her creations with cruelty-free Stella McCartney boots.

Much of the store-brand fashions are made from recycled cashmere and bamboo, but Avita -- being a co-op with a few dozen members, represents a wide variety of fashion styles -- all made with an eye to the environment.

There's clothing made from clothing,

cute panties,

Del Forte denim and a few other recognizable eco-brand names.

There's eco-friendly cosmetics and handmade and recycled jewelry too, including the Seven Wishes Bracelet made of recycled sterling silver and surplus string by Annatarian Eco-Couture.

Plus, there's art. I ended up leaving with a Catia Chien watercolor -- Now I just need an eco-frame.

The best time to visit Avita: Tomorrow! In conjunction with the West 3rd Street Holiday Party, Avita's going to have a trunk show of eco-fashion. It all happens Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. -- Drop by for free organic cocktails, music from DJ Exclusive, and a little holiday shopping.

Avita Co-Op. 8213 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. (323) 852-1716.

Photos by Siel