Images: D&H Sustainable Jewelers. Stylish Valentines gift ideas for the start of  a timeless love affair.

Beyond the insidiously overdone sales pitches, Valentine’s Day is a day our modern culture has designated to exchange gifts to celebrate the values of love and caring. Whether you’re part of a couple or not, it’s a good opportunity to take the time and examine the most intimate relationship you have – the one you have with yourself. Like the airplane takeoff instruction to put your own oxygen mask on first before you assist others, until we really learn to love ourselves we can’t truly love another.

So, if you’re looking for true love this Valentine’s, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself: how do you really want your life to feel? If things need a little adjustment, take the opportunity to make the necessary changes. A certain amount of growth just comes down to intention and repetition. So get ready to experience self-love this Valentine’s by being open, willing and ready to show up for yourself in a big way. Forget about the cute and the chintzy this holiday, and opt for swoon-worthy gifts of love that say forever. As Oscar Wilde famously declared, “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”

Above: OXOX Black And White Diamond Stud Earrings. Reach out and touch someone with the simplest expression of love in these reclaimed 14k white gold stud earrings feature ethically sourced black and white diamonds. Available from D&H Sustainable Jewelers.

Images: Mina + Olya

Mina + Olya’s Claire Dress. Invest in the quintessential LBD. Made in California from 100% Organic Denim Cotton, this cap-sleeved peplum dress is a universally flattering and enduring design that will never let you down.

Images: Persephenie

Persephenie’s Neroli Infusion Body Oil.  Whether its just for you or to share, this luxury oil is handmade in Los Angeles and is said to have a soothing effect on the nervous system while acting as a natural aphrodisiac.

Images: Beklina

John Patrick Organic’s Cashmere Slim Sleeve Sweater. As soft as a caress, this luxurious throw-on anytime sweater is destined to become your favorite. Available at Beklina.

Images: Convert

Jeffrey Campbell for Convert’s In Love Strappy Flat. When a shoe is this good looking and comfortable, you can’t help but be in the mood for love. Vegan Leather, shown in Tan.

Images: ILIA

ILIA’s Wild Child Red Lipstick. Set your deepest desires free with this organic lipstick that nourishes, protects and has amazing staying power.

The post Remember to Love Yourself this Valentine’s Day (These Gifts for You can Help!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s West Coast Fashion Editor Rowena Ritchie shows us how a few key sustainable buys dresses up her $1 thrift store find jumpsuit and takes it from loungy to art deco-inspired 70s glamour.

Ever wondered how our editors channel this season’s trends to complement the favorite pieces in their own wardrobes? Well, look no further. Rowena Ritchie is EcoSalon’s West Coast Fashion Editor and her style is best described as “The Art of the Layer.” It’s starts with sleek basics like skinny pants and fitted tees in matching shades and builds from there. It’s an easy approach that allows her to accessorize with the vintage bits and bobs she’s collected for years – plus it suits the highly changeable San Francisco weather. “When I found this black crepe de chine jumpsuit in the $1 bin at my local thrift store, I knew it was a keeper,” she says. ” I’m drawn to the color black like a vampire to blood and despite my best efforts to lighten up, I’m invariably dressed head-to-toe in it. ”

While this jumpsuit is perfect for lounging, with a few key sustainable buys it will take her from day to night all year round.

Organic by John Patrick Perforated Cardigan Sweater
“I love the perforated detail, which reminds me of snappy golf wear from the 1930s.” It’s also the perfect way to channel summer’s big sportswear trend and still keep the look distinctly feminine. “100% merino wool never lets me down. It lasts forever and never pills or pulls.” It’s made in the USA, and the lemon yellow color is a great way to break away from black.
$280, Beklina

Celeste Printed Silk Peplum Bustier by CrOP by David Peck
“This top is a total splurge, but how cool would this be layered over my jumpsuit?” The peplum is also one of summer’s hottest silhouettes. Throw on some strappy heels and red lipstick and you’ve got a screen siren look with a modern edge.
$385, CrOp by David Peck 

Rachel Comey Macrame Belt
“This belt by Rachel Comey adds flattering definition to the waist and a relaxed 70s feel.” Hand knotted natural cotton macrame with leather worked ends. Belted around around the cardigan, it creates a look that’s smart and comfy at the same time. This is a good piece to keep an eye out for at thrift shops or, if you are the crafty sort, make yourself.
$240, Beklina

Alkemie Phoenix Fan Necklace 
“This Egyptian style Phoenix fan necklace is killer. I’m a big fan of the style of the 30s and 70s and all roads seem to return back to the decorative motifs of those times.” Classically inspired jewelry is definitely making a big comeback, and that one statement piece can really take an outfit to the next level. “The Phoenix is also a symbol of rebirth and the perseverance to rise out of challenging situations, I like that idea.” Handmade in Los Angeles, CA, from 100% reclaimed metal.
$209, Alkemie

Alexandre Herchcovitch X Melissa Patent Troupe Wedge Brogue
“Ever since my trip to Sao Paulo last year, I’ve started a bit of a collection of Melissa‘s rubber shoes. The Brazilian brand’s designer collaborations, like this one with Alexandre Herchcovitch are truly inspired. “They’re great for incorporating a silly pop edge to an otherwise moody look – they’re so wrong that they’re right, If you know what I mean.” We do.
$96.11, Asos 

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Classic and timeless, nautical stripes signal the arrival of warm summer days.

It seems like every year, when summer rolls around, stripes in all shapes and forms reappear. Maybe this is because of the summery nautical vibe they inspire or simply because they are timeless and never go out of style (just ask Jean Paul Gaultier). Nautical stripes also made their way back onto the runway for spring and summer, especially in classic red, white, blue and gray. Avoid the “ship ahoy” look by pairing your stripes with tougher garments like a biker jacket or be unexpected and dress them up with bright colors, floral patterns or animal prints.

TOMS Navy Stripe Nautical Women’s Biminis
These Nautical Biminis are designed for serious maritime adventures, at sea or perhaps your favorite nautically-inspired pool bar in the city. For every pair you buy, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need.
$69, TOMS

Lemlem Gama Woven Tee
Supermodel and former WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede started Lemlem as a way to preserve the ancient craft of traditional weavers in her native Ethiopia and provide jobs that could inspire economic independence. This handwoven top features bold sailor stripes, available in four different colorways. It looks great with white jeans, even if you’re not a supermodel.
$200, Lemlem

Black Stripe Henley Tank by Edith A. Miller
This simple striped tank by Edith A. Miller features button detailing in the front that makes it a highly versatile piece. Button it up and pair with a skirt for a sweet retro look or unbutton it all the way, pile on some necklaces and a leather jacket for a tougher vibe. Edith A. Miller works toward preserving the American knitwear industry by manufacturing in a sixth-generation knit factory in Pennsylvania.
$68, Juno & Jove

United By Blue Braided Sailing Bracelet
This black and white knotted bracelet sports some great sailing hardware and is an easy way to add a bit of nautical vibe to an outfit without being over the top. Designer Jill Kauffman is a medical student by day and draws inspiration from her favorite leisure activities: sailing, skiing, and kayaking. Many are even handcrafted onboard her 1967 Albacore. For every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from our worlds oceans and waterways.
$35, United By Blue

Organic by John Patrick Mini Dress
Practical, comfortable and highly wearable, this striped navy and white mini dress by Organic by John Patrick has all the ingredients for becoming a go-to summer wardrobe staple. The cotton sweater knit fabric makes it feel like you’re wearing your favorite sweater, and the vegetable tanned leather elbow patches add some unexpected attitude. It’s also made in the USA.
$345, Beklina

The post On Trend: Nautical Stripes appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s Managing Editor Amy DuFault shows us how she plans to accessorize her favorite red jeans and freshly thrifted top this spring.

Ever wondered how our editors channel this season’s trends to complement the favorite pieces in their own wardrobes? Well, look no further. Here’s how our managing editor Amy DuFault is planning to accessorize her favorite red jeans (thrifted!) and a top she found at a Goodwill in Maine last weekend for $5. Her style is simple, with a tough-girl vibe and she likes pieces she can play with and mix up with other pieces already in her wardrobe. Amy lives by a solid cocktail ring and always wears either stud earrings or plain hoops, like these stunners by Kyler by Joy O. She loves braids and you will probably see her pairing this outfit with a funky wrap braid of some kind.

Brilliant Minimal Hammered Hoops in Rose Gold
These handmade hammered hoop earrings by Kyler by Joy O are made of recycled rose gold fill and the shape is inspired by the outline of a brilliant-cut diamond. They’re simple, yet modern and I love that they have a handmade feel. If you’re going for only one pair of earrings this spring, these should be it.
$68, Kyler by Joy O

Seamed Pocket Tank by Stewart + Brown
When I don’t feel like rocking the monochrome red look, I’ll swap out the tank for this one, which is made in the U.S. from 100% organic lightweight jersey cotton. The asymmetric cut is universally flattering and works well with jeans. Despite what your grandmother may have told you, pink goes great with red.
$78, Stewart + Brown

Klucia Coat Heels by Coclico
Jeans require a good pair of heels. These peeptoe oxfords from Coclico have a great sculptural wooden platform heel that is not too high to actually be able to walk on, and the laces and ebony piping are great details that add a lot of interest. They’ll also be great for adding a tougher edge to a light summer dress.
$398, Coclico

Large Blue Bronze Crystal Rings
Nothing pulls an outfit together like a big show-stopping cocktail ring. The stone is naturally formed in Arkansas, and the colors are attained by the stones being bonded with titanium, which actually enhances the crystal’s healing properties, if that’s your thing. The bronze alloy is 100% reclaimed and comes from United metal. It is widely used by jewelers as a prototype for 14k gold, and is resistant to tarnish.
$295, Beklina

Octopus Sweater by Koch
Sometimes I think we take fashion too seriously. This crew neck sweater from Koch is the antidote to that. The funky octopus print is not only cool, it’s also hand painted in Texas.
$90, Future:Standard

The post EcoSalon Editor’s Picks: Amy DuFault appeared first on EcoSalon.

Liven up your monochromatic winter wardrobe with pops of mustard yellow.

Even though bright yellow seems to work best in summer, you can still sport some sunny color right now, if you just tone down the saturation a bit. Mustard-yellow hues happen to work very well with grays and blacks, which is good news for those of us who tend to buy our winter staples in dark monochromatic colors.

Stewart + Brown Knit Panel Zip Pant
These edgy pants are a take on the classic moto riding pant, but with Stewart+Brown’s signature feminine touch. They’ll become a wardrobe staple because they will go so well with all those neutrals you already have. I love the silver hardware and french terry-detail on the inside pant legs. Made in the USA from 100% organic cotton polished twill.
On sale for $122, Stewart + Brown

Envelope Cosmetic Bag by Apple & Bee
This charming envelope make-up bag by Australian company Apple & Bee is designed to fit in all your essentials and can also double as a cute mini-clutch. The outside is made from organic cotton and the inside is lined with hemp. Available in two additional patterns.
$28, Olivine

Amber Recycled Glass Earrings
These earrings are made from recycled glass bottles, individually selected and hand-cut into this circular design. Designed by Kathleen Plate from Atlanta, Georgiia, each one is hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind, which means they will vary slightly in size and shape.
$42, Jute & Jackfruit

Mischa Lampert Nolita Wool Hat
A great hat can work wonders for any outfit. Mischa Lampert‘s hand-knit wool hats are unique, stunning and warm. They’re made from organic merino wool that is naturally dyed and spun by hand in Lambert’s NYC studio (meaning she doesn’t use any electricity). Availability of styles vary.
$93.73 – $131.50, Kaight

Rickshaw Musette Bag
This medium-sized tote bag is made to fit your most important items, like a note book, newspaper, magazine and iPad. It is printed, cut and sewn in San Francisco, featuring made-in-USA fabric — Rickshaw’s signature Performance Tweed fabric made from recycled PET (plastic bottles).
$15, Rickshaw Bagworks

Julie Park Dolman T Dress & Yestadt Millinery Hat
This comfy, casual dress by Julie Park is made from tissue-weight Organic cotton grown in Australia. The diagonal seam along the front and the somewhat shorter back give a great textured, layered effect. It’s the perfect complement to this lemon-colored hat, handmade in NYC by Yestadt Millinery, using traditional, old-world millinery techniques. A high-quality hat like this is sure to last a lifetime.
Dress, on sale for $80 & hat, on sale for $190, both from Beklina.

El Naturalista Taiga Boot
These boots from Spanish shoe label El Naturalista are a freakish hybrid of styles that somehow just works. The lace-up detail on the bottom adds interest and ensures that they work with any kind of pants or skirts. The delicious mustardy hue is called “Leaves Mostaza,” which only makes me want them more.
On sale for approx. $238, El Naturalista

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Cocoon yourself in this ethically-made faux fur coat.

Pull on this amazing faux fur piece by Ivana Helsinki this wintertime. A modern interpretation of a sixties swing coat, its above-the-knees length adds classic après ski chic to your slim pants and turtleneck winter style.

Made by Ivana Helsinki, a family-owned company that is part of the Finnish slow design movement and well known for their ethically handmade, avant-garde prints. Utilizing local resources, such as employing skilled handiworkers, every garment is produced with great care and thought.

Made by hand in Finland and available at Beklina.com.

$510.00

The post Lustables: Ivana Helsinki’s Faux Fur Coat appeared first on EcoSalon.

Eight eco-friendly dresses, in flattering shades of red.

The holidays are here and that means a lot of parties. This year skip the standard LBD and put on a LRD (Little Red Dress) instead. Dressing in brighter colors just seems more festive, doesn’t it? But, instead of Santa-red, go for a darker shade, such as ruby, bordeaux, rust or maroon this year. Here are our top eight eco-friendly LRDs, in no particular order. Of course, you can also use them year-round.

1. Feral Childe’s Goldbird Shift
Elegant with personality, this shift dress by Feral Childe will take you through any day and night with great style. Made in New York, from 100% hammered silk, this lovely piece works just as well as a dress as it does a tunic.
$242, Embodies

2. Prairie Underground’s Fringe Tribe
This one is for those nights you know you’ll end up dancing to the wee hours. The three tiers of fringe in front (and two in the back) will move with you. Made in Seattle from 100% Organic cotton.
On sale for $185, Embodies

3. Prairie Underground’s Basque Dress
Sweet and flirty, this dress by Prairie Underground will carry you through the seasons in ethical style. Features a soft draped neckline and close fit. Made ethically in Seattle from 100% organic cotton.
On sale for $79, Equita

4. Clothes by Majestic’s Button Down Charlie Dress
For the more casual family gatherings, this comfy dress from Clothes by Majestic is a perfect fit. Made in Portugal from a fabric made up of 40% Linen, 40% Lyocell, and 20% Cashmere. The check pattern gives it a hint of that Lumberjack Girl style we talked to you about last week.
On sale for $185, Juno & Jove

5. H. Fredriksson’s Drip Dress
Featuring a great pattern and skillful draping, this dress can easily take you from a day at the office to a night of festivities. Designed by Helena Fredriksson of H. Fredriksson, it’s made in New York from 100% silk.
On sale for $260, Juno & Jove

6. Indigenous Designs’ Organic Cotton Little Knit Dress
Perfect for a holiday party, or a hot date, this pretty little dress is hand knit by a women’s weaving cooperative in Peru. Indigenous Designs has a longstanding commitment to the environment and to the communities in which they work, which means everything they make is Fair Trade. This dress is made from organic cotton and tencel and dyed using certified, eco-friendly dyes.
On sale for $89, Jute & Jackfruit

7. Suzabelle’s Alexandria Dress
Suzabelle creates timeless pieces that are guaranteed to make every woman feel a little bit more like a lady. Each piece is ethically crafted by hand and to help offset the impact of production and transportation, designer Suzanne Jaberg donates a portion of all profits to Conservation International.
$189, Olivine

8. Stewart + Brown’s Jersey Gown
The simple, elegant draping in front and back and a subtle side slit makes this maxi dress by Stewart + Brown a good choice for the most glamorous of holiday parties. Made from 96% hemp and 4% spandex jersey it’s also insanely comfortable. Stewart + Brown are members of the 1% for the Planet Foundation, which means that 1% of total sales is donated to charity.
$210, Beklina

The post On Trend: 8 Little Red Dresses for the Holidays appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s time to give peach a chance. This color complements most skin tones and goes really well with denim.

Fall is all about bright color. If you’re not into hot pink, fire-engine red or Kelly green, give peach a chance — it’s one of those hues that go well with most skin tones. It’s also a perfect complement to denim blues, which is what really makes it one of our current faves. Try a pretty tie-neck blouse or a highly versatile vest/dress as your base, then toughen up the look with a brightly patterned blazer, a sparkly stone, some deceivingly sweet moccasins and some peach-colored bamboo sunnies. If you’re just feeling like adding a touch of peachiness to the mix, try a patterned bag with peachy details.

Alea Duo Multi Boxes by Collina Strada
Handmade in New York using eco-conscious materials, Collina Strada‘s bags are a unique combination of architectural minimalism, street-savvy toughness and a sweet playfulness.
$250, junoandjove.com

Trin Blouse by David Peck
Stunning blouse with a very on-trend tie-collar that can be worn open or in a bow. Made in the David Peck factory in Houston, TX, from 100% crepe de chine. Ten percent of the profits from this collection benefit the Gulf Restoration Network.
$195, kaightshop.com

Recycled Silver Fire Citrine and Diamond Pendant
The combination of a Fire Citrine and a Canadian diamond dazzle in this classic double bail pendant style. Set in recycled sterling silver, it adds a subtle touch of sparkle to your neckline.
$160, brilliantearth.com

Manimal Suede Ribcage Flats
Designer Kristen Lombardi’s interest in traditional costumes and animal forms influence the design of each moccasin and accessory. Driven by a deep appreciation for artisan crafts and craftsmanship all pieces are handmade by a team of no more than three craftspeople in Brooklyn, New York.
$180, save-the-manimals.com

Rachel Comey Garon Blazer
This double-breasted Peach Flame Blazer will take any outfit from simple to spectacular in no time. Made in the USA from 100% silk, which is highly durable and feels delicious on your skin.
$620, beklina.com

Kayu Gaya Bamboo Sunglasses
Face the autumn sun in these stylish frames, handcrafted from bamboo. They come in natural or dark bamboo and feature 100% UV gradient lenses for protection.
$200, kayudesign.bigcartel.com

Vicarious by Nature Yerba Mate Vest
This slouchy vest, made from 100% organic cotton, is the perfect layering piece. It can be worn in infinite ways, so it’s time to get creative. Falling mid-thigh it could even work as a dress.
on sale for $66.95, shopfuturestandard.com

The post On Trend: Just Peachy appeared first on EcoSalon.

The scarf is a travel essential. Uniquely useful for transforming easy basics into a chic-looking outfit, keeping warm when temperatures drop or even for fashioning a makeshift mantilla.

This generously-sized silk scarf from cult-in-the-making German design label, Hui Hui is inspired by Julian Schnabel’s vivid and colorful work. And, as I discovered this week, it’s perfect for hiding a camera behind – making you look more stylista than turista.

Made from 100% silk, small production, hand crafted detailing. Available in 3 different color/print ways.

$240.00

The post Lustables: Hui Hui Scarf appeared first on EcoSalon.

Look lovely in lace in Indigenous Design’s summer wardrobe update piece.

Looking for an easy piece to keep the chill off at night but not quite ready to count summer out just yet? Plump for this season’s lace trend, which looks set to stay strong as a key detail through fall. Indigenous Design’s lacy Pullover Sweater is hand loomed in the highest quality, 100% organic cotton by fair-trade artisans in Peru. The chic, flattering boat neckline shrugs off cooler temperatures and helps resist the inevitable fall into Autumn.

Shown in Cashew, also available in Black.

$130.00

 Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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