Today, we celebrate the 4th of July and the USA by highlighting some of the great design that is also made here on our home turf.

This week is all about celebrating the United States of America (and BBQs, of course), and we do that by highlighting some of the great design that is done here on our home turf. Manufacturing in the U.S. creates jobs and cuts carbon emissions from shipping, so be a patriot and support your local designers. Here are a few of our stars and stripes-themed favorites.

Amour Vert Paquerette Navy/White Stripes Tube Top
We never thought we’d wear tube tops again, but suddenly they feel kind of right, especially on a hot summer day, paired with a high-waisted skirt. This striped one, by Amour Vert is made in the USA from soft bamboo.
$34, Amour Vert

Amour Vert Audrey White Buttoned Skirt
This sailor-inspired mini skirt goes perfectly with a striped tube top (see above). The fun button-detailing in the front give it that slight nautical feel, while the side pockets and clean silhouette keep it classy. Made in the USA, from organic cotton.
$99, Amour Vert

Hovey Lee Stella Stars Necklace
If there are stripes, there must be stars. This dramatic statement necklace features large metal star charms hanging from a large brass chain, all made with reclaimed metal. The charms are hollow to make it easy to wear. You can make it work double-duty by wrapping it around your wrist as a bracelet. Hovey Lee jewelry is designed and made in Los Angeles, always from natural, reclaimed and fair trade materials.
$158, Hovey Lee

PACT Bikini Handpainted Stars Bikini
OK, so these star-spangled organic undies are not actually made in the USA, but in a fair trade factory in Turkey. PACT’s new stars and stripes-themed collection was, however, inspired by a hunky Texas farmer named Mason Arnold, with proceeds benefiting the Sustainable Food Center, which provides families in low-income communities with access to healthy local food. That just seems kind of patriotic to us.
$20, PACT

American Apparel Unisex Swim Trunk
American Apparel has been the mainstream poster child of bringing local manufacturing to downtown LA, which we think is pretty cool. We just wish they would commit to organic fabrics too. These mid-length unisex swim shorts have vented legs, a drawstring waist and come in a variety of different colors.
$34, American Apparel

Giant Dwarf Astral Crown
Celebrate independence day by channeling lady liberty with this headpiece made from German glass glitter (which is pure silver and real glass shards). There’s no way you can avoid having fun wearing this. Astral Crowns are an original Giant Dwarf design – each piece is carefully crafted and assembled by hand, with lots of love and sparkles.
$48, Olivine

Edith A. Miller Cotton Boatneck Striped 3/4 Tee
This classic boatneck tee is as timeless as it is all-American – a perfect summer wardrobe staple. The versatile knits by Edith A. Miller are all made in a 100-year-old mill in Reading, Pennsylvania, which originally specialized in making men’s undershirts. In late 2010, former investment banker Nancy Gibson and designer Jennifer Murray convinced the mill to start making women’s shirts, which have ever since been a favorite of stylish women everywhere.
$70, Bird

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Happy birthday America.

“O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.”

-Katharine Lee Bates

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Image: Abhinav Asokh

The post America the Beautiful appeared first on EcoSalon.

This week, we celebrate the USA by highlighting some of the great design that is also made here on our home turf.

This week is all about celebrating the United States of America, and we do that by highlighting some of the great design that is done here on our home turf. Manufacturing in the U.S. creates jobs and cuts carbon emissions from shipping, so be a patriot and support your local designers. Here are a few of our favorites, on the neutral color scale.

Modaspia Gia Knit
We all need a cozy knit to keep us warm through the summer. This one is made to order on a vintage knitting machine in Modaspia’s studio – a charming 19th Century masonic temple in Placerville, CA – from bunny soft Peruvian baby alpaca. The rolled neck and hem and crocheted seams give is a bit of a bohemian touch – perfect for summer.
$210, Modaspia

Kirsten Muenster Small Box Chain Bracelet
This bracelet is made from oxidized brass or bronze and made in California. Kirsten Muenster starts with a raw spool of wire, which is hand spun into a coil that is then hand cut into individual links. These are then woven into chain, one by one. It’s an old school technique, but this piece is decidedly modern and will give any look that slight edge that we like.
$280, Kirsten Muenster Jewelry

Form & Fauna Havana Open-toe Pump
Form & Fauna creates beautiful eco footwear made from sustainable materials that are vegan, chic, and green. The Havana open-toe pump is made in the U.S., from hemp, second generation alder wood, water-based glue, open cell rubber lining for comfort, and a rubber outsole. The slight curve in the heel is a great unexpected detail that sets these apart from the crowd.
$289.90, Ethical Ocean

Stewart + Brown Xcellent Tank Maxi
This easy-breezy piece is inspired by casual chic California lifestyle around Ventura, California, where the company is based. A maxi dress is a great piece to have in your summer wardrobe and this one is made (in the U.S., of course) from 100% organic pima cotton. It has a raw edge hemline and criss-cross detailing in the front.
$148, Stewart + Brown

CurleeBikini Twist Halter One Piece Swimsuit
A good swimsuit is a must-have for summer and can also double as a top. This slight retro-inspired one-piece has a flattering fit with adjustable peek-a-boo side seams. CurleeBikini suits are made to order in the company’s studio – located in suburban Las Vegas – and you can choose the combinations of fabrics and trimmings to suit your style.
From $270, CurleeBikini

The post Made in the USA: Neutrals appeared first on EcoSalon.

An exclusive EcoSalon playlist that’s all about freedom baby.

Don’t want that family barbecue turning disastrous? We’ve got you covered with this mix, which is 100% July 4th freedom themed. It’s not your average mix, which means it will keep you thinking, so if you need a distraction from those annoying cousins of yours and your uncle that just can’t stop eating baked beans, play it at maximum volume.

10 Songs to Distract Your Family From Realizing They Hate Each Other at the 4th of July Picnic from EcoSalon on 8tracks.

Catch this and all of our playlists on 8tracks.

FREE DOME (PG-13) by BehindTheWalk-In

Freedom – James Horner

Freedom Isn’t Free – Team America

Wasn’t Born To Follow – The Byrds

Go To The Mirror – Jack Nicholson & Ann-Margret

Porpoise Song – The Monkees

Hearts on Fire – John Cafferty

Rescue – Alan Silvestri

Commando – James Horner

The Marriage Of Figaro/”Duettino – Sull’Aria” – Deutsche Oper Berlin;Karl Böhm

End Credits – John Williams & The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

Like what you hear? Check out our entire 10 Songs series. 

Image: Beverly & Pack

The post 10 Songs to Distract Your Family From Realizing They Hate Each Other at the 4th of July Picnic appeared first on EcoSalon.

As you revel in 4th of July festivities this weekend, think twice about how eco-friendly your actions are. Keeping your daily habits in check when it comes to organic, sustainable and green will let others see you walk the talk this Independence Day.

(Especially those family members who think you’ve gone overboard with all your eco-efforts. Why let them catch you doing something wrong now?)

Here are some easy tips to keep in mind:

Toxic Fireworks?

Too late now but maybe next year, ask your local selectman if they can investigate a greener fireworks display. Fireworks use a nasty oxidizer called potassium perchlorate that provides the oxygen fireworks need to burn. Perchlorate, however, is an environmental pollutant with potential adverse effects on people and wildlife.

Fireworks in the backyard? Put them away and enjoy the big fireworks display with the rest of your town or city.

Buy Local

There are so many organic farms springing up all over you’re bound to have one nearby you. I’m lucky to live on a place like Cape Cod this weekend with lots of fresh seafood as well as veggies. Support your local farmers and fisherman by purchasing all locally grown and harvested foods for your 4th of July party or picnic.

Many of the same farms have beautiful flowers as well for decorating tables; nature’s décor at it’s best.
Doesn’t it feel good to know where your food comes from?

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Drinking and eating are all par for the course but make sure if the party you’ve gone to doesn’t have recycling you take your own home. Who cares if they see you? Let them feel ashamed that they couldn’t provide the easiest thing possible: A box for recycling.

Conversely, if having your own party, set up bins that are clearly marked where people can recycle bottles, cans, chipboard and whatever else you deem applicable.

Grilling

I’m not sure what the estimated poundage of hamburgers, chicken and hot dogs being grilled this weekend is but I bet it’s a lot. Consider buying all organic meats to support well, your sort of sustainable habit. You can always go for the Tofu Pups and meatless burgers for the veggie friends. Maybe you’ll even convert great Uncle John.

Tableware

Don’t be lazy. I know it’s easy to just grab the cheap pack of Styrofoam or paper plates but consider alternatives if you have the option. Many supermarkets and green stores offer biodegradable plates, cups and utensils made from corn and potato starch that actually compost themselves in the trash bag. Bamboo veneerware is another option, though pricier.

If you’re not wanting to throw so much away, ask people to bring their own plates, cups and utensils. Give small plants to those who remember and get back-up tableware for those who forget.

Decorations

Use nature to decorate. How many things can you find that are red, white and blue? Vibrant red strawberries, juicy blueberries, homemade whipped cream, geraniums and well, the possibilities are endless. Get creative!

Let the kids help, too, using cardboard and scrap paper and a bunch of crayons and see how patriotic they can be. Don’t let the big box stores dictate what your house is supposed to look like. You’re more creative than that!

Bug Spray

You’re sitting on a blanket wrapped tightly with the kids when you hear them approaching your ears and dive-bombing your eyes. They’ve found you – a whining posse of mosquitoes. Before you spray, pay attention to what you’re wearing. Studies have shown those pesky blood suckers like darker clothing better than light. And by now you’ve heard the dangers of DEET so opt for DEET-free sprays.

Mosquitoes are also not fans of wind so if possible, deck the family out in fan hats and rotate your heads clockwise and back as much as possible. (Now that was a joke).

Happy 4th!

Image: James Jordan

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