Spread the love this Valentine’s Day by dressing up in head-to-toe red, and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

However you feel about Valentine’s Day this year —  giddy writing love letters or turning up the volume on that breakup-tunes mixtape — it gives us a chance to break away from the ordinary. And when it comes to fashion, it’s a good excuse for dressing head-to-toe in red and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

Orla Kiely Prom Dress
This sweet little sleeveless dress by Orla Kiely has a gathered skirt and bow. The pattern, which is actually small coffee cups keeps it from being too cutesy. Made from 100% organic, Fair Trade certified cotton in India.
Approx. $94, People Tree

Tiny Heart Necklace
This tiny heart necklace is sweet and simple, a discreet way to whisper to the world that you still believe in love. Handcrafted in San Francisco, by designer Kris Nations, using recycled 14k or sterling overlay.
$35, BTC Elements

Erica Weiner Sweetheart Necklace
When Erica Weiner found a small quantity of these vintage heart necklaces from the 70s, she thought they seemed to just ache to be inscribed with a message. Make your perfect Valentine’s statement and write your message with teeny tiny letter stamps.
$65-80, Erica Weiner

Apple & Bee Hearts Tote
With inside pockets and lots of great compartments, this super practical organic cotton tote will make a great shopping companion, spreading the message of love wherever you go.
$37, Apple & Bee

Hovey Lee Allott Necklace
This elegant heart-shaped pendant is designed for everyday wear, yet the genuine pink peach shell, lends it a unique glowy sheen. Available with 14kt gold-filled  or sterling silver chain.
$76, Hovey Lee

Alkemie Single Rose Ring
Roses are the ultimate symbol for love, and unlike a dozen red ones this ring will not fade. Handmade in Los Angeles, using 100% reclaimed metal and Austrian Crystal. Available in silver patina as well.
$154, Alkemie

Pink/Red Heart Lady Dragon Shoes
These new Anglomania Lady Dragon shoes by Vivienne Westwood and Melissa brings a more glitzy side with gold edged mirrored hearts that make your feet ready to party. Made from Melissa’s signature earth-friendly rubber.
$230, Vivienne Westwood

A quick peak at EcoSalon’s celebration of Future:Standard’s 1st birthday.

We were thrilled to partner up with Future:Standard recently to celebrate the online eco boutique’s one-year anniversary. A clothing swap, photo booth and night of celebrating eco fashion is our kind of fun.

“I’m so honored to have celebrated my 1^st birthday party with EcoSalon! It’s been such an exciting year for Future:Standard and there couldn’t have been a better representation of what we are trying to accomplish, than with EcoSalon. I’m looking forward to a fabulous year with more amazing merchandise that respects the planet!” said Future Standard founder Jessica Althoff.

We couldn’t agree more – thanks to Jessica and her team for letting us take part. Here are some of our favorite shots from the photo booth that night.

The top stories of the week at EcoSalon.

As McDonalds unpacks its products in an attempt to come clean about how and where it gets its ingredients, we take a closer look (because yes, we like to raise a McEyebrow).

Amy DuFault unpacks rich, sad memories of her grandmother, Jeanne Julia Kerouac.

If you like unearthing bargains from the unlikeliest corners, check out our 40 photos from flea markets round the world.

And, if you’re packing too much into your life, ponder a few of these 50 quotes on meditation and yoga.

Finally, make sure you do not miss the return of the EcoSalon Box! This amazing, limited-edition curated collection of eco-goodies is available in 6 assortments, all priced at the rock-bottom steal of $99. Each assortment would originally retail at over $500, so this is an amazing deal. Check out our  Fashion, Conscious Eating, Travel, Health + Beauty, Mom + Baby and Entertainment assortments now. Go on, get!

VideoHave you really thought about what happens in those factories?

Who makes your clothes? This EcoSalon exclusive video by Ace Salisbury and designer Eliza Starbuck takes a look at that very question, and with the help of animated character Buttons the Cat, makes it clear that sometimes humor makes it easier to put things into perspective.

We love the art of storytelling, so every week we bring you a video that has been making the rounds at EcoSalon. Enjoy!

Your weekend bag for a stay at the Pantone Hotel — versatile basics in bright solid colors.

When packing for a weekend at the Pantone Hotel in Brussels, go with the theme and bring colorful basics that ensure that you blend well into the surroundings. It’s a bit chilly in Brussels right now, so versatile basics that will keep you warm is a must.

Organic Woven Scarf – Pantone 144
A big scarf is a must-have when you travel anywhere. This one, by fairtrade fashion company Indigenous Designs shines on a bright shade of orange (Pantone 144) and dyed using low-impact, eco-friendly dyes.
$19, Indigenous Designs

Organic Sweater with Tail – Pantone 3945
This lemon yellow (Pantone 3945) sweater by Organic by John Patrick is longer in the back and shorter in the front, perfect for matching with anything from your favorite travel tights to a fancy skirt.
$212, Otte

Braided Hat with Tassels – Pantone 290
With earflaps and fun braided tassels, this bright blue (Pantone 290) hat is a fun addition to your cold-weather wardrobe. It’s hand knit by formerly disadvantaged mothers in Njabini, Kenya.
$26, Njabini Apparel

Baggu Backpack – Pantone 184
This neon pink (Pantone 184) backpack is made from 100% recycled cotton duck. It’s great for carrying all those essentials with you while exploring Brussels. If pink is not your color, there are several more to choose from.
$34, Baggu

Olsenhaus Wedge Booties – Pantone 249
“Bring comfortable shoes” is one of the cardinal rules of traveling. But we think you should also pack something a little more suitable for evening pleasures, like these bright-purple (Pantone 249) vegan booties by Olsenhaus.
On sale for $150.50, Cow Jones Industrials

Merino Silkweight Crew – Pantone 570
This top from Patagonia combines the technical merits of merino wool with travel-savvy style. The lightweight fabric is designed to keep you dry, comfortable and odor-free — it’s a mix of chlorine-free merino wool from non-mulesed Australian merino sheep and 100% recycled polyester.
$65, Patagonia

Slim Color Pant – Pantone 172
Give those black pants you usually travel with a rest. This deep orange (Pantone 172) slim color pant is the perfect colorful travel companion. Each pair is handwoven in Romania and are absolutely unique (you can enter a special code located on the inside seam to find out how).
$145, Kaight

Steal Michelle Williams on-screen style and channel your inner Marilyn with these figure-flattering, eco-savvy classics.

While she initially seemed an unlikely choice, Michelle Williams morphed seamlessly into the role of silver screen icon Marilyn Monroe. A performance which has, so far, earned her a third Oscar-nomination and a Golden Globe Award. Never known for her sex appeal, Williams is now embracing it fully, showing us all just how versatile a great actress can be. We love her own understated pixie haircut and cool, casual Brooklyn-style but thinks she shines especially bright in this Vogue editoral, shot by Annie Leibovitz. With some figure-flattering, eco-savvy classics, we an all channel our inner Marilyn.

High-waisted Pencil Skirt
This “Secretary Skirt” by Study puts a slight spin on the classic high-waisted pencil skirt by adding some interesting details. Made in New York, from 50% cotton and 50% recycled polyester.
$198, Juno & Jove

Fitted White Shirt
Made from 100% organic cotton, this “Shrunken Shirt” by Organic by John Patrick features double button pleated cuffs and French seams. Tuck it into your skirt and leave a few buttons open at the top.
$198, Juno & Jove

Sexy Undies
Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. We’re pretty sure that Marilyn (or Michelle) would not have walked out the door without some hot-looking undies underneath that outfit. This set is by Clare Bare, a Brooklyn based designer specializing in eco-friendly lingerie made from bamboo jersey and vintage fabric. All of her pieces are made locally using sustainable design practices, and are structured to flatter your body in a natural way without the use of constrictive hardware.
Gigi Bralette, $52 & Gigi Garter Hot Short, $50, both Clare Bare

Black Eyeliner
Nothing is more crucial to re-creating than a good eyeliner. This matte, satin-finish liner by Alima is easy to apply and contains nothing but 100% pure, BDIH certified, luxurious mineral pigments.
$11, FutureNatural 

Versatile basics with edgy details, easy-to-walk-in wedges and an extra-roomy bag are a New York City girl’s best friends.

There’s no doubt that New York City girls have a certain edge to their style. It’s all about basics with unexpected details – and yes, black. Heels are a must and wedges keep things comfortable. And always carry a big, stylish bag – because who has time to go home before the night begins?

Alkemie Ruler Bangle
Although it’s handmade in Los Angeles, this bangle is cast from a vintage NYC-approved ruler (possibly made in Buffalo, NY). It’s made from 100% reclaimed metal and adds just the right amount of unexpected quirk to an outfit.
$154, Alkemie 

Alpaca Slouch Hat by Mayu
A hat is a must for New Yorkers in the winter — to protect ears from sub-zero chills. This slouchy hat is hand-knit with 100% Peruvian Alpaca fiber and made according to fair trade principles.
On sale for $50, Mayu

NYC Necklace
You know you’re proud to be a New Yorker. Show your love for the Big Apple by wearing this necklace, made in Brooklyn from old, recycled records.
$38, Teich 

Thieves Armour Skirt
This high-waist fitted skirt is made from hemp wool suiting (45% hemp, 40% wool & 15% tencel) and covered with beeswaxed organic cotton, which gives it a great “aged leather” look. Definitely not your average pencil skirt, this one brings a fresh supply of attitude.
On sale for $173.25, Thieves

Crewneck Sweater by Edun
This sweater by Ali Hewson’s Edun is a sexy, edgy alternative to the ol’ cashmere basic. The strategic pattern of the knits keep it from becoming too revealing. We all know we need to leave a little for the imagination, right? Wear it to work underneath a blazer and on it’s own for a night on the town.
$312, Juno & Jove 

Sabine Triangle Bag by The Sway
Every girl in NYC needs a big bag that can easily go from day to night and will hold anything from heels and workout clothes to lunch boxes and reading material for the subway. This bucket-style messenger bag is extra-roomy and has both double shoulder straps and a removable cross-body strap. It’s made from soft upcycled patchwork leather and lined with The Sway‘s signature Aboriginal-inspired organic fabric.
$490, The Sway 

Millenium Black Wedges by OlsenHaus
These 100% vegan wedges by OlsenHaus are made from ultra suede and faux leather and feature a blonde pine wooden wedge heel. The mix of materials keep things interesting and the wedge heels ensure that you can walk the entire length of Manhattan if need be.
$300, OlsenHaus 

How to knock off Charlize Theron’s effortlessly elegant outfit, in true eco-fashion. 

Charlize Theron is one of those girls we all want to be or be friends with. She chooses her roles well, often portraying strong women who blaze their own paths through life. Through the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, Theron’s also helping reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexual violence among African youth. She also happens to look gorgeous in just about anything, but we particularly like the effortless elegance of this outfit, worn to a talk at the Times Center in New York.

Simple Black Blazer
This velvet blazer by Lavuk is made in the USA entirely from deadstock fabric. The simple cut makes it highly versatile and elegant. Dress it up with black pants and heels like Theron, or create a more casual look by paring it with jeans and flats. Eco-bonus points: Lavuk plants a tree for every item you purchase.
$215, Green With Glamour 

Black Skinny Pants
Every girl needs to have a pair of simple skinny black pants in her closet. These, by Prairie Underground, feature cool pocket details and stitching in the front. Do like Charlize and dress them up with heels, or tuck them into your favorite pair of winter boots — the possibilities are endless.
$105, Juno & Jove 

Loose-fitting Patterned Top
A top with an eye-catching pattern livens up this otherwise all-black outfit and gives it more personality. This one, by Threads For Thought, is ethically made from 50% Organic cotton and 50% recycled poly. The loose fit is key to giving this look that perfect balance between elegance and effortlessness. Eco-bonus points: A portion of sales goes to an environmental charity.
$38, Future:Standard 

Cross-strap Sandals
These strappy wedges by Cri de Coeur are a great mix of easy and dressy. Wedges are always more comfortable to walk in, and the cork ones on this pair contrast really well with the criss-cross elastic straps. Like all Cri de Coeur shoes, they are completely animal-free.
On sale for $110, Cri de Coeur 

Celebrate ethical fashion with EcoSalon and Future:Standard in San Diego on Friday January 27, 2012.

“You do not have to choose between your passions. If you want to combine them, you should.” Those are the good words of Future:Standard owner/buyer Jessica Althoff. With her  desire to support the environment, promote fair labor practices, and spend her days looking at (and wearing), beautiful clothes, she launched Future:Standard, one of our favorite online eco fashion boutiques.

We are very excited to be co-hosting a celebration for Future:Standard’s 1^st Birthday party, and if you’re in the San Diego we hope you’ll come out to support ethical fashion!

WHAT: Enjoy a few savory cocktails and sweets while shopping 15% off our eco-chic styles at our pop-up shop! Bring in a few items you no longer wear and Swap n’ Shop with a few of San Diego’s top fashionistas! Any leftover items will benefit the Goodwill Foundation.

WHEN: Friday, January 27, 2012, 7pm-10pm

WHERE: at Blokhaus (1600 National Blvd., San Diego, CA).

We would love to see you there! Please RSVP at futurestandard@ellecomm.com.

Can’t make it? You can still take part of a special EcoSalon offer of 15% off at Future:Standard. Just use promo code “ecosalon” at checkout. Promo code is good through Friday January 27, 2012 at midnight PST.

Let your inner green girl shine through in delicious shades of olive.

Green is gorgeous, I think we all agree on that. For a shade that will look great on anyone and go with anything, try donning delicious hues of olive. Pair with other jewel-tones for a personal take on the color-blocking trend or with blacks, grays and browns for a more subtle look.

H Fredriksson Dolman Cardigan
This 100% Alpaca Hand knit Dolman Cardigan is Fairtrade and organic, made in Bolivia in a small mountain village women’s collective. It’s the warmest softest fiber around, and you can wash it in the machine.
$396, H Fredriksson 

Hearts of Darkness Possess Slit-back Bootie
The tonal mix of faux leather and suede bring distinction to these vegan booties. A slit detail in the back brings some added flair. Also available in black, gray and chocolate. Made in an ethical, sweat-shop free factory in China.
$130, Cri De Coeur 

San Isabel Necklace by Green Diva
This sweet little necklace is made with Fair Trade recycled glass, Fair Trade Tagua nut and 100% recycled sterling and fine silver chain and findings. Green Diva Jewelry is a member of 1% For The Planet, which means they donate 1% of their profit to environmental causes.
$95, Green With Glamour 

Begonia Clay Organic Cotton Tank Top by IDEO
This tank top is a great a wardrobe basic, but pretty subtle tone on tone sparkle details on shoulders make it a little more fun. Ethically made in India under fair labor standards using SKAL certified production processes using ECOCERT label Organic cotton and water-based, PVC-free dyes.
$23, Fairtribe

Mujus Piel Ring
This ring by Brooklyn and Lima – a Peru based earth-friendly company – uses the intricate patterns of the bark from the Tagua seed as a design element. Each ring has a unique shape making each of them one of a kind.
$25, Mujus 

Pendleton Portland Collection Shorts
These hot, little shorts from Pendleton’s Portland Collection will look great now with tights and by themselves as the weather gets warmer. Details like slanted pockets at the sides, zipper and button closure and belt loops make them even more gorgeous. Made in the USA from 100% virgin wool.
On sale for $89.60, Kaight