Deborah Lindquist: Couture re-fashions, made in NoHo

Deborah Lindquist, the queen of recycled eco-couture, has a cute little boutique in North Hollywood, I found out. So a couple weeks ago I tried to drop by this stained-glass-decorated, sign-less store next to a tattoo parlor -- only to find that the front door was locked, despite the fact that the store was officially open. "The owner just went out and took the key," said the woman who let me in the back door.

One benefit to coming in the back: I got to see how Lindquist's fashions get made! Three women were working at their sewing machines in a big, cool back room. I wound around them to get into the store.

While many eco-fashion designers use virgin fabrics (albeit organic or eco-friendly in some manner), Lindquist made her name by reusing pre-loved fabrics, turning outdated clothes into fashionable new ones. She's dressed everyone from Gwen Stefani to Paris Hilton, according to her website.

Such detailed attention to metamorphosing dated duds into today's IT items doesn't come cheap. Get ready to fork over about $400 if you're dying to own that recycled cashmere sweater. The sticker price is the downside, though you'll walk away with your purchase knowing your new fashion item is truly eco-friendly AND locally made.

Well-heeled mamas can get their kids matching mini baby sweaters, modeled here by a ruddy, slightly petulant doll. Dog lovers with money to burn can get designer re-fashions for their pooch too. Cooler, summer-friendly fashions, from vintage fabric skirts to intricate corsets, also adorn the racks. Too bad the boutique isn't where the Rodeo Drive or Robertson Boulevard crowd can find it.

Deborah Lindquist. 10500 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood. (818) 762-7199